Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has officially withdrawn the indigeneship bill from parliamentary consideration to allow for further legislative discussions.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday night.
Kalu noted that the withdrawal was prompted by the concerns and constructive feedback received from various stakeholders regarding the bill.
He also highlighted that the Bill Analysis Report, prepared by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), underscored the necessity of stepping down the bill at this time.
“States should make laws that would allow settlers to benefit from the 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 enactment of law. If this Bill is passed, it would pose challenges with time especially on the issue of double or multiple indigenship,” the report stated.
Kalu, who is also chairman of the Constitution Review Committee of the House, said he is committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the wishes 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.
“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,” he said.
