We Want Flexible Constitution – Rep Agbese

The House of Representatives has said it was committed to giving Nigeria a flexible constitution that would strengthen the nation’s institutions.

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, said Nigerians would get the flexible constitution through Benjamin Kalu, chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Review, whom he described as capable and dedicated to democracy.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Reps member for Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu constituency, Benue, said this in an interview with Arise TV.

“As the Chairman of the House of Reps Constitution Review Committee, Rep. Kalu has proven to be a blessing to our great nation, demonstrating unwavering dedication and a passion for democratic growth.

“He has come up with innovative approaches and extensive engagement to help us get it right this time. What we have done is to identify some thematic areas that Nigerians are yearning for changes to the constitution as it concerns good governance,” he said on Benjamin Kalu.

Philip Agbese said the wide consultation carried out by the Consitution Review Committee was to carry every Nigerian along and stakeholders.

He said the committee looked at critical national issues including state creation, state police, local government autonomy and judiciary independence.

“We consequently identified critical stakeholders in various sectors to interface with us and provide their insight and guide us through the process. These efforts have not only enhanced the review process but also fostered a sense of ownership and inclusivity among Nigerians.

“We looked at state creation, state police, local government autonomy and contradictions in local government elections. We also touched on autonomy and funding for the judiciary,” Agbese said.

The Reps Deputy Spokesman said the Green Chamber is trying to amend the constitution to be as flexible as possible to strengthen institutions.

“We are trying to amend the constitution and not create further problems for the nation.

“We want a constitution that would be as flexible as possible that would strengthen our institutions.

“We strongly believe that we can have a constitution that would not only unite us but will also give a sense of nationhood to citizens,” he added.