Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has withdrawn the proposed indigeneship bill from the floor of the National Assembly to allow for further legislative consultations.
In a statement released Tuesday night, Kalu cited concerns and constructive feedback from stakeholders across the country as the primary reason for halting the bill’s progression. He also referenced a Bill Analysis Report submitted by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), which advised that the legislation could create complications, particularly regarding cases of dual or multiple indigeneship.
The NILDS report emphasized that while the bill aimed to eliminate discrimination against settlers by granting them equal rights and privileges as indigenes, such objectives could be better achieved through targeted state-level legislation aligned with constitutional provisions.
Kalu, who also chairs the House Constitution Review Committee, reiterated his commitment to an inclusive and participatory law-making process. He assured Nigerians that no constitutional amendment would be pursued without broad-based dialogue and consensus.
“As leaders and Representatives, we remain committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the aspirations of the people we serve,” he said. “The Constitution Review process remains open and participatory, and I encourage continued constructive engagement with the committee as we strive to build a more just, united, and prosperous Nigeria.”
