Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, withdrew the indigeneship Bill that was pending in the legislature on Tuesday in order to conduct more parliamentary consultation. In an announcement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, on Tuesday evening, Kalu stated that the planned law was withdrawn because of worries it had already sparked.
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies‘ Bill Analysis Report, he added, rendered the bill’s withdrawal tenable.
According to a portion of the report, the State Houses of Assembly should enact laws that will allow settlers in various states to enjoy the same rights and privileges as the indigenous people, even though the bill aimed to foster national unity, equity, and inclusivity among all Nigerians, regardless of where they live.
The report stated, “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
“Though the bill seeks to achieve some commendable objectives, however, this can be achieved through the enactment of a law. If this bill is passed, it would pose challenges with time, especially on the issue of double or multiple indigenship,”
As the head of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu promised to promote an amendment process that is focused on the needs of the people. “As leaders and representatives, we remain committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the aspirations of the people we serve.
“The Constitution Review process remains an open, inclusive, and participatory exercise, and no provision or proposal will be pursued without adequate dialogue and consensus-building, the statement went on to say, “I therefore call on citizens to continue engaging constructively with the House Committee on Constitutional Review as we work together to build a more just, united, and prosperous Nigeria”
