Constitution Amendment: Reps pass 39 bills for second reading

39 bills seeking to alter the constitution of Nigeria passed second reading in the House of Representatives today

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the second reading of 39 bills seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The bills, which cover judicial reforms, legislative, inclusive governance, security and policing, electoral matters, and other constitutional issues, were taken in bulk after House Leader Rep. Julius Ihonbvere (APC Edo), suspended the House rules to facilitate their collective consideration.

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Judicial Reforms

Among the bills under judicial reforms are:

• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to make the Recommendation of the National Judicial Council Mandatory for the Removal from Office of Heads of Nigeria Courts and for Related Matters (HB.2203)  was sponsored by Rep.Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Marcus Onobun.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024 to Provide for the Establishment of the Ecclesiastical Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja and the Ecclesiastical Court of Appeal of the States; and for Related Matters (HB. 79) was sponsored by Rep. Francis Ejiroghene Waive
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Make the Court of Appeal the Final Appeal Court in Governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions and for Related Matters (HB. 1212) was sponsored by Rep. Nnamdi Ezechi.
• A Bill for An Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Cap. C23 LFN 2004 to Confer Jurisdiction on the Federal High Court to try Offences arising from Violations of the Provisions of the Electoral Act and any other Related Act of the National Assembly and for Related Matters (HB.115) was sponsored by Rep. Muktar Shagaya
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) to Provide for Transition of Substantive Heads of Courts in Nigeria and Strengthen the Procedure for Removal of Judicial Officers in Order to Guaranteed the Independence of the Judiciary; and for Related Matters (HBs. 1230 and 1354) was sponsored by Rep. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori and Rep. Patrick Umoh.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 to Provide for Appointment of Chairman of the State Judiciary Service Commission among the Retired Chief Judges of the State, Grand Khadis of Sharia Court of Appeal, Presidents of the Customary Court of Appeal and Judges of the State High Court, to bring the Procedure for Such Appointment to be in Conformity with the Global Best Practices, Curb Duplication of Duties and Over-Concentration of Powers in the Office of the Chief Judges of a State and Provide for the Appointment of Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission among the Retired Chief Justices of Nigeria, President of the Court of Appeal and Justices of the Supreme Court; to Bring Procedure for such Appointment to be in Conformity with the Global Best Practices; to Curb Duplication of Duties and Over-Concentration of Powers in the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HBs.1729 and 1730), sponsored by Rep. Mansur Manu Soro
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Expand the Number of Justices of the Supreme Court, enhance Service efficiency and timely dispensation of Justices, Improve Citizens’ Access to Justice and Conform with Federal Character Principles and for Related Matters (HBs.1569, 1345, 1346 and 1877)  was sponsored by Rep. Patrick Umoh, Rep. Mansur Manu Soro, Rep. Wole Busayo Oke and Rep. Ishaya David Lalu.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Provide for the Presumed Resignation from Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justices and Judges of Certain Courts in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1886) was sponsored by Rep. Afam Ogene.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Confer Original Jurisdiction on the Court of Appeal on Matters Relating to the Office of a Governor or Deputy Governor of a State; and for Related Matters (HB. 1341) was sponsored by Rep. Patrick Umoh.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, 1999 to Raise the Composition of the Code of Conduct Tribunal From Three to Seven; to Provide for Representation From Each Geo-Political Zones Of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1924) was sponsored Rep. Shehu Dalhatu)

Legislative Reforms

The proposed legislative amendments include:

• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1999 (Power of proclamation of New Assembly by Clerk or NASS/Clerk of House Assembly) and to make provision for the Chief Justice of Nigeria to make Proclamation on the Inauguration of National Assembly and for Related Matters (HBs. 33, 69 and 1309), sponsored by Rep. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, Rep. Oluwole Oke and Rep. Ghali Mustapha Tijani
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Specify the Time Within Which the Executive Shall Present to the National Assembly any Treaty Between the Federation and any Other Country for Enactment; and for Related Matters (HB. 619), sponsored by the deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Alter the Oath Taking of the Members of the National Assembly and Members of Assembly in Sections 52, and 94 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1320), sponsored by Rep. Sada Soli
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Remove Transitional Law-Making Powers from the Executive Arm of Government; and for Related Matters (HB. 2175), sponsored by Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Establish the FCT House of Assembly and for Related Matters (HB. 1783), sponsored by Rep. Sesoo Ikpagher.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Regulate the Application of Regional and International Human Rights Treaties Ratified by Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1197), sponsored by Rep. Daniel Asama Ago
• A Bill for an Act to Alter Section 91 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for Uniform Standards and remove ambiguity, and for Related Matters, 2025 (HB. 2170), sponsored by Rep. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun

Inclusive Governance

To promote broader representation, the House considered:

• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered) to Provide for Special Seats for the Physically Challenged Persons in Nigeria’s Federal, State and Local Government Areas, and Legislative Houses and for Related Matters (HB.1931), sponsored by the speaker  Rep. Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Marcus Onobun
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as (amended) to provide for Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups in the House of Representatives and for Related Matters (HB1811), sponsored by the Spokesperson of the House, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Ensure Gender Equality in the Composition of the Federal Character Commission and for Related Matters (HB. 1419), sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara

Security and Policing Reforms

The House approved the second reading of

• A Bill for An Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police and Local Government Police and For Related Matters (HBs. 1305 & 1807), sponsored by Rep. Francis Ejiroghene Waive and Rep. Akintunde Rotimi

Electoral Matters

Bills that seek to alter the constitution to on electoral matters include:

• A Bill for an Act to Alter Section 143(2) (a) and 188(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and for Related Matters (HB.994), sponsored by Rep. Sada Soli
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 Cap. C23 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish and Empower the Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission to Register, Regulate, and Monitor the Organization and Operation of Political Parties; and for Related Matters (HHB. 1217), sponsored by Rep. Aminu Jamo Daura
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Provide that General Elections to the Office of the President, State Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Area Councils shall be conducted simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission in consultation with the National Assembly and for Related Matters (HBs. 1306 & 1514), sponsored by Rep. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, Rep. Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere & 34 Others
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) to Provide for Compulsory Resignation of National and State Executive Members of Political Parties Seeking Elective Government Positions (HB. 1381) sponsored by, sponsored by Rep. Mansur Manu Soro.
• A Bill for an Act to Further Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Determination of All Appeals Arising from Election Petition Tribunals Prior to Swearing-in of President-Elect, Vice-President-Elect, Governor-Elect, Deputy Governor-Elect, Members-Elect of the National and State Assemblies and for Related Matters (HB. 1154), sponsored by Rep. Mansur Manu Soro & five others
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) to Vest the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the Power to Conduct Local Government Area Council Elections and for Related Matters (HB. 1649), sponsored by Rep.  Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere & 24 Others
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as mended), to Provide for Regulation of Election Timelines by the Electoral Act and for Related Matters (HB. 2166), sponsored by Rep. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter Sections 68(1) (g) &109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Require the Official Resignation from Political Party before Defection by Members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly and for Related Matters (HBs. 2167 and 2183), sponsored by Rep. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun
• A Bill for an Act to Alter Section 239 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to Extend the Original Jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to include Election Petitions arising from Governorship and Deputy Governorship Elections, Tenure of Governors and Deputy Governors of States and for Related Matters (HB. 2168), sponsored by Rep. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to grant the National Assembly Power to Alter Timelines for Election Tribunals and for Related Matters(HB. 2169), sponsored by Rep (Hon. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun
• A Bill for an Act to Alter Section 285 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), by deleting Subsection (2) and amending Subsection (3) to remove references to the Governorship Election Tribunal, and for Related Matters (HB. 2173), sponsored by Rep. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Establish the National Local Government Electoral Commission as an Independent Body Responsible for Organising, Conducting, and Supervising Elections into the Offices of Chairmen and Councilors of all the Local Governments Across the Federation, Including the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, ensure the Credibility, Transparency, and Fairness of Local Government Elections and Promote Democratic Governance at the Grassroots Level; and for Related Matters (HB. 2122) sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu & 6 others
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to relieve the State Independent Electoral Commissions of the powers to conduct Local Government Council elections and bestow same on the Independent National Electoral Commission and for Related Matters (HB.1761), sponsored by Rep. (Hon. Akin Alabi.

Other Constitutional Amendments

Additional proposals include:

• A Bill an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Permit Public Servants to engage in Healthcare Education, Production and Services beyond Farming and for Related Matters (HB. 2176), sponsored by Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Cap. C23 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for the Recognition and Development of the Geo-Political Zones in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1850), Rep. Abbas Tajudeen and Rep. Marcus Onobun
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Change the Name of the Auditor-General of the Federation to Auditor-General of the Federal Government; and for Related Matters (HB. 1700), sponsored by Rep.  Mansur Manu Soro.
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Remove the Restriction Placed on Power and Duties of the Auditor-General of the Federation and States by Sections 85(2) and 125(2) Respectively and to Insert New Sections in the Constitution that Shall Provide for the Financial Autonomy of the Offices of the Auditor-General of the Federation and of the States and for Related Matters (HB. 1404), sponsored by Rep. Babajimi Benson
• A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to strengthen the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and the Auditor-General of a State, and for Related Matters (HB.260), sponsored by Rep. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo

Following their passage at the second reading, the bills were referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration.