Constitutional amendment: Reps to vote March 3

By Christiana Ekpa 

The House of Representatives yesterday disclosed that it’s will begin the process of voting on the constitutional amendment on March 3, 2022.

The Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, who announced this on the floor of the House on Tuesday, said all members are expected to vote for the relevant clauses under consideration.

The Speaker stressed the need for vmember of the House to present on the said day, adding that, no member is permitted to embark on oversight or committee assignment on the two days assigned for the constitution amendment process.

It was gathered that the report of the ad hoc committee on the Constitution review will be laid before the House at plenary on Wednesday, February 23.

The Speaker said: “Honourable members we will be voting on the first set of Constitution amendment on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th of March, 2022.

“Every member is expected to be on the floor to cast their votes. There will be no committee meetings and no oversight.”

Some areas the Representatives will vote on include: Local Government Autonomy, Judicial reforms, additional legislative seats for women and constitutional roles for traditional rulers among others.

The ad hoc committees of the House and the Senate have harmonised their positions on the constitution and areas passed by the House is expected to be transmitted to 36 Houses of Assembly for concurrence.