Anambra: Deputy Speaker Kalu Lauded for Garnering State Support in Constitution Review

In an effort to foster a collaborative approach to constitutional reforms, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has garnered praise for his initiative to involve State House Assemblies in Nigeria's 1999 Constitution review. This commendation came from Anambra State House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, during a recent courtesy visit by Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha, the Deputy Speaker's Special Assistant on State Legislative Affairs, to Awka, Anambra State.

[caption id="attachment_184307" align="alignnone" width="741"] From left: Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha, SA to the Deputy Speaker, Fed. House of Rep., on State Legislative Affairs, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, and Hon. Paul Obu, Minority Whip, ANHA, during the visit.[/caption]

Udeze expressed appreciation for Kalu's efforts to bridge the National Assembly and state legislatures, strengthening synergy on the constitutional review process. Key areas slated for amendment include gender representation, state policing, electoral reforms, local government autonomy, and judicial reforms, aligning with national priorities.

Hon. Dr. Ukoha highlighted that Kalu's approach reflects a commitment to gaining state-level support ahead of voting on the amendments. He emphasized that the reforms address pressing issues, such as creating special seats for women in Parliament to boost their political participation and establishing State Police for better community security.

The consultation, beginning with states in the southeast, demonstrates Kalu's dedication to inclusive governance. His outreach is set to expand across other geopolitical zones, ensuring a broad-based approach to constitutional amendments that address key governance challenges.

[caption id="attachment_184308" align="alignnone" width="794"] Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha, in a hand shake with the Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, during the visit.[/caption]