Reps Constitution Committee to consider 44 bills

Ahead of the inauguration of the Constitutional Review Committee of the House of Representatives on Monday the 26th of February 2024, a total of 44 bills seeking alterations of relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) has been received by the 37-member committee chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu.

The committee which has 44 bills to be considered, has top of its list “a bill for an act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (with alteration) in order to grant to the two chambers of the National Assembly and the States’ Houses of Assembly powers to summon the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and governors of states respectively, to answer questions of national security or any other matter whatsoever.”

Sponsored by the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, the bill is seeking to alter Sections 67 and 107 to introduce sub-section 3 which reads, “Nothing in the section shall preclude any chamber from summoning the President of the Federal Republic to attend a joint session of the National Assembly to answer questions on national security or any issue whatsoever, over which the National Assembly has powers to make laws.”

Also before the committee to be considered is a Bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the establishment of State Police; and for Related Matters.

Also the committee is to consider a bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, to Provide for the Office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Abuja; and for Related Matters.

The Bill which seeks to create the Office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory Administration is sponsored by Hon Dachung Bago.

The committee is also to be considered is a bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to enhance quick dispensation of criminal cases in courts by authorising the Justices of the Federal High Court, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and state High Courts to sit as Justices of the Federal High Court, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and State High Courts respectively only for the purpose of concluding any part-heard criminal matter pending before them upon their elevation to the Court of Appeal which was sponsored by Hon. Sagir Koki.

The committee also has before it a bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to set time within which civil and criminal cases and matters are heard and determined at trial and Appellate courts in Order to eliminate unnecessary delay in Justice administration and delivery; and for Related Matters.

The bill which is sponsored by Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu seeks to alter the constitution by inserting section 287A to set time within which Civil and Criminal Cases and Matters are Heard and Determined at Trial and Appellate Court.