Delta State: Lawmakers commence review of 1999 Constitution
The Delta State House of Assembly on Monday commenced legislative action on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Fifth Alteration Bill.
To commence the process, the Speaker, Sheriff Oborevwori in Asaba, the state’s capital led the Lawmakers and some management staff of the assembly on a two-day retreat to examine the bill ahead of deliberations on the floor of the House.
Oborevwori said that the retreat was to set in motion the legislative process that would culminate in the resolution of the House towards the Fifth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution.
“My honourable colleagues, it is indeed a great pleasure for the leadership of the Seventh Assembly and me to be part of history in the Fifth Alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
“It is also my pleasure to welcome you all to this very vital retreat put together by the leadership of the House to enable us to set in motion the legislative process that will culminate in the resolution of the House towards the Fifth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution.”
He explained that the two chambers of the National Assembly had in the review considered 68 amendments in the Fifth Alteration Bill, and adopted 44 of them, which were transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for further legislative action.
”The National Assembly, that is, the Senate and the House of Representatives, had in review of the 1999 Constitution, considered 68 (Fifth Alteration) Bills, but passed only 44 of them.
”These 44 bills have been transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for further legislative action.”
According to him, the exercise is in compliance with Section 9, subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.
Oborevwori said that the 44 amendments passed by both chambers of the National Assembly dealt specifically with issues of development, governance, politics and the economy.
He added that more powers would be devolved to the states in the journey to true federalism.
The Speaker stressed that the assignment deserved diligence and commitment, and urged members to use the opportunity to showcase the vibrancy of the Delta State House of Assembly.
Oborevwori said there was a strong need to build consensus on constitutional issues, adding that they must get it right for the benefit of the people and for the unity of the country.
He disclosed that seasoned and time-tested resource persons were assembled to take them through the course of the retreat and urged members to see it as an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and expand their horizons.
NAN/PIAK
