Reps Conclude Constitution Amendment

The House of Representatives has concluded its review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as it yesterday released the report of its earlier votes to amend 71 sections of the constitution.

Deputy speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on constitution review, while briefing reporters yesterday said the committee would harmonise areas of differences with the Senate in the ongoing constitution amendment process.

Ihedioha said the harmonisation committee would be appointed as soon as the lawmakers return from their current budget defence break.

He said, “We believe that before the political atmosphere hots up, we would have concluded the work. We have finished our work, as soon as we resume plenary we shall name our harmonisation committee. The Senate is expected to do the same”.

He said that lawmakers voted in all the clauses based on the desires of their constituents and that his committee had done its best to ensure a smooth exercise.

He said, “The House Committee on Constitution Amendment and indeed the entire House of Representatives has carried out its assignment objectively with the interest of the Nigerian people at heart.
“The House carried out alterations on 71 Sections of the Constitution. It has done its best as representatives of the people. Because we operate a bicameral legislature, the House will have to meet with the Senate to harmonise the two versions of the reports of the two chambers.

“To this end, the House will name a harmonisation committee as soon as we resume plenary. The harmonised report will be subjected to further legislative action before being forwarded to the 36 States Houses of Assembly for their concurrence,” he said.

- Leadership

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