- When asked what the forum’s view was on tax reform, Kalu said that the governors “did not dwell on tax reform but spoke generally on the constitution and local government reforms.
- On the creation of state police, the deputy speaker said that as nationalists and leaders, the governors were also open-minded and professional.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that the House Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution received 161 proposals for constitutional amendments.
The deputy speaker briefed journalists in Abuja after presenting to state governors at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum meeting.
Kalu, chairman of the constitution review committee, characterized the meeting as ‘productive’, emphasising the importance of engaging governors in the ongoing amendment process.
According to NAN, Kalu stated, “We consider it important to come and engage the governors to bring them up to speed, taking them through our work plan, what we have achieved so far and where we are heading to.”
Kalu noted that the governors actively participated in the discussion and expressed support for the constitutional review.
The deputy speaker informed governors that the committee would visit their states and geo-political zones to gather public opinions on the thematic areas of the constitution.
Kalu also informed them that the committee had received 161 proposed amendments and would provide a breakdown during the next engagement.
The deputy speaker requested governors to nominate a liaison officer to facilitate communication between states and the committee.
Kalu stated, “This will make things easier when we get to the states; it won’t be difficult having the state Houses of Assembly to perform the constitutional role which is two-third voting.”
Kalu emphasized that the committee would continue engaging governors for constitutional amendment inputs.
On tax reforms, Kalu said governors focused on constitution and local government reforms instead.
Kalu added that they had informed the governors that the issue was before parliament for scrutiny and decision-making aligned with the people’s desires.
Regarding state police, the deputy speaker noted that governors displayed open-mindedness and professionalism.
Kalu stated, “The governors did not dwell on state police as well. They are interested in what will make the nation move forward.”
Kalu noted that the governors were not specific on any particular thematic area due to the various thematic areas presented.