The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has withdrawn the controversial indigeneship bill before the parliament for further legislative engagements.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Kalu said that the withdrawal had become necessary in light of the concerns and constructive feedback received from various stakeholders regarding the bill.
He added that the Bill Analysis Report, forwarded by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), also made it imperative for him to step down the bill at this time.
Although the intention of the bill was to promote national unity, equity, and inclusiveness among all Nigerians, regardless of where they reside, part of the report stated that the State Houses of Assembly should make laws that will allow settlers in different states to enjoy the same rights and privileges as the indigenes.
“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 the enactment of law. If this bill is passed, it would pose challenges over time, especially on the issue of double or multiple indigeneship,” the report stated.
Kalu, who is also the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee of the House, said that 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.
