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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that the constitution review committees of the 10th National Assembly have concluded plans for an international legislative dialogue for women.
Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, disclosed this on Saturday while delivering his remarks at a retreat for the consultants and secretariat of the Committee in Abuja.
He stated that the reason for the dialogue slated for October 28, in Abuja, is for the parliament to interface with women across the globe and other well-meaning Nigerians on ways to increase women’s political participation in the ongoing constitution amendment process.
Speaking on the ongoing review exercise, Kalu assured that the committees in both chambers were working hard and optimistic in achieving the first set of alterations by December 2025.
A statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Udora Orizu, quoted Kalu as urging the consultants to be diligent in the assignment given to them on behalf of Nigerians.
“I wish to emphasise that we should look at ways to increase the political participation of women. It’s very important.
“We have to find a way to make it easier for us to harvest their wealth of opinion on national policies and issues.
“In this regard, the committee is organising an international legislative dialogue for women in the constitution amendment and it’s coming up on October 28 at the Transcorp Hilton.
“We are reaching out to women who have made a major impact across the globe to come in and talk about ‘Why not Women, ‘ ‘Why we should increase the number?’ and so on,” Kalu said.
He commended the committee members for their hard work, saying, “I thank you for all that you do as members of this committee in this national assignment and urge that we analyse the issues before us objectively and critically, and reach a resolution that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.
“I commend you for the work you’re doing while putting your tireless efforts towards concluding this exercise. I enjoin you all to be resolute, to deliver on this great task as we cannot afford to fail Nigerians.
“As leaders of thoughts continue to make input into the structure and nature of the work we are doing here, the nature of our democracy, the local government system and the judiciary; we’re believing that the committee is in good hands and we’ll come back with what Nigerians can look at, and raise their confidence and trust on our justice system.
“The work is not easy; to make law for the judiciary is not easy. This is a sacrifice for nation-building. History will remember you and you will be remembered as those who crafted the new constitution.”
He expressed optimism that the goal of achieving the first set of alterations by December 2025, is feasible.
“I’m happy to inform you as well that the senate has keyed into our timeline in this regard. So it’s achievable,” he assured.
According to the Deputy Speaker, “Some of the activities in the work plan include national public hearings, follow-up retreats, joint retreat with the Senate, engagement with State Houses of Assembly and Governors Forum.”
