The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has withdrawn the indigeneship bill from consideration, citing the need for further legislative engagement and feedback from stakeholders.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu explained that the withdrawal was necessary due to concerns and constructive feedback received from various stakeholders, as well as a Bill Analysis Report from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
The report highlighted potential challenges with the bill, including the possibility of double or multiple indigeneship, and suggested that the objectives of the bill could be achieved through the enactment of laws at the state level.
“Although the intention of the bill was to promote national unity, equity, and inclusiveness among all Nigerians, regardless of where they reside, part of the report stated that the State Houses of Assembly should make laws that will make settlers in different states enjoy the same rights and privileges by the indigenes.”
“States should make laws that would allow settlers to benefit same rights and privileges enjoyed by indigenes without any form of discrimination as rightly provided for in the constitution”.
Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitutional Review, emphasized the importance of ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the aspirations of the people. He called on citizens to continue engaging with the committee as they work towards building a more just, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
The withdrawal of the bill is seen as a step towards a more inclusive and participatory constitutional review process, with Kalu assuring that no provision or proposal will be pursued without adequate dialogue and consensus-building.
