The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has solicited the partnership of editors and media executives in the ongoing constitution review process.
Speaking during a parley with top media managers under the auspices of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Abuja on Wednesday, Kalu, who recognized the pivotal role of the media in shaping public discourse and ensuring transparency, emphasized the importance of working together to facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive review that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.
He stated that the engagement with media chiefs aims to create a platform for open dialogue, constructive feedback, and informed public participation in the review process.
He said the constitution review process is expected to address emerging national challenges and align laws with citizens’ aspirations.
Key areas of focus, Kalu said, include electoral reforms, judicial reforms, devolution of powers, state policing, economic development, gender issues, and inclusivity, among others.
The Deputy Speaker, who is also the chairman of the House’s Constitution Review Committee, urged media executives to intensify their efforts in the panel at every level, while also calling on Nigerians to participate actively in the forthcoming zonal public hearings and provide their input.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of delivering the keynote address at the Media Parley with Media Executives organized by the House Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre @PLACNG with support from @EUinNigeria pic.twitter.com/NAZbDGMHEV
— Benjamin Kalu (@OfficialBenKalu) July 10, 2025
He said that together, the lawmakers, media executives, and Nigerians can create a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for all through a people-oriented government.
“As the fourth estate, you are our partners in progress, and your role in shaping public discourse towards transparency, good governance, and holding us accountable is deeply acknowledged and essential to our nation’s progress.
“As we move forward with the constitution review process, I urge you all to amplify our efforts in the committee. And to Nigerians, you are the reason we are here. I urge you all to please participate actively in the zonal public hearings and provide your inputs.”
“We truly, truly need your partnership. And let me also appeal, please cover the public hearings well, all the zonal public hearings. Inform the people working under you to pay special attention to covering it across the nation. That’s very important to us. And then, also prepare for the national public hearing, which is coming up on the 21st of July,” Mr. Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker, who also received a copy of a proposal from the NGE, on amendment to the media laws in Nigeria to enable the practitioners hold government to account, assured that the committee will look into the issues raised in the document.
“We will want this engagement to go beyond the constitutional amendment period. You are a sector that is key. You market this country both to Nigerians and those who are outside the country. Your narrative is important. Tailor the narrative to reflect the dignity of this nation, to embrace investors and other key stakeholders. I am promising that my committee will look at issues raised in this document critically,” Kalu said.
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The Deputy President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Sabastine Abu, assured the Deputy Speaker that the guild would work with the constitutional review committee.
He also called for the amendment to the media laws in Nigeria to enable the practitioners to hold the government to account.
The Executive Director of the Policy Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Mr. Clement Nwankwo, explained the importance of the media to the success of the constitutional review.
He also pointed out the need to amend the constitution to create special seats for women in the parliament.
In their contributions, other stakeholders lauded the media parley.