Governors, State Legislature’ Support Crucial to Successful Constitution Review Process -Deputy Speaker, Kalu

By Emma Nwokonna On Oct 12, 2025

…as Enugu Gov, Mbah Commends Efforts of Lawmakers

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR has emphasised that the support of the Nigerian Governors is crucial to the success of the constitutional review process.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah at the Government House on the sidelines of the Retreat of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, Friday night, Kalu who is the chairman of the Committee
expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) for their support and engagement in the ongoing constitution review exercise so far.

He also acknowledged the interest and input of the Conference of Speakers, appealing to them to help fast track the process when the document arrives in their respective States.

Kalu said that the committee has almost concluded the process for the parliament to vote on the alteration bills.

He said: “We are making an appeal to you because we need you. Please, help us thank your brother governors for supporting the initiative of the Constitution review. The Governors Forum has in one way or the other shown us support. From the chairman to the any other person in the Forum. Please, express our gratitude when you meet with them. One or two more engagements, we will be done this. Please, appreciate them.

“Also, please, let them know that without them we cannot make this Constitution. It is not possible because of the Houses of Assembly that will need to go through this document. We will not coerce the Houses of Assembly. But we know you can liaise with them to help get this document back to us as quickly as possible. If the governors are not in support, we will be running in circles. But with progressively minded governors like you, I am sure you will speak to your colleagues to keep backing us up for them to know that we need them and for them to partner with us.

“The Conference of Speakers has shown interest and the chairman participated in one way or the other. He has been giving us support but we should not end our relationship only in engaging with them. We need you who are the major stakeholders help us push this through”.

Highlighting the critical issues in the Constitution amendment process, Kalu who led members of the committee on the courtesy call said that Nigerians want a more functional Constitution that will empower the local governments to deliver services, streamline electoral justice, strengthen fiscal federalism, guarantee women’s full participation in governance, and enhance accountability at all levels.

Earlier In his remarks, Governors Peter Mbah lauded the Deputy Speaker for simplifying the process and making it participatory through the zonal public hearings.

“Let me once again, welcome you to this historic city. Thank you so much for honoring us with your presence. Thank you Mr. Deputy Speaker, once again, for choosing Enugu as a venue for this retreat.

“I want to commend your leadership and diligence over the period of the public hearing. You have come out to demonstrate such commitment in this process and I think for the first time, we are now taking it even to the granular, getting to the details, looking at the clauses, line by line. This is what this retreat is all about. So, I want to thank you and commend you. Welcome l to Enugu State”, he said.

Signed:

Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speakers, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.