By TONY AKOWE, Abuja

The National Assembly is considering about 55 amendment to the 1999 constitution, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has said.

Speaking at a two- day retreat for the Joint Senate and House of Representatives adhoc committee on the constitution review, the Deputy Senate President said the 55 amendments being considered were drawn from the numerous positions presented to both the Senate and House of Representatives by Nigerians.

He said the various presentations have been reviewed by the consultants as well as both the Senate and House of Representatives committee with some recommendations rejected and new ones included.

He said the working plan of the Committees on constitution review was substantially affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, adding that inspite of that, the lawmakers were determine to deliver in their mandate.

He expressed gratitude to members of the joint committees for the progress so far recorded , pointing out that the task of considering the positions presented will not be an easy one.

He called for maximum cooperation from members of the committee to ensure smooth consideration and harmonisation of the positions of the two Chambers.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House adhoc committee, Idris Wase, appealed to members to cooperate with each other to ensure that the bill is transmitted to state Houses of Assembly for concurrence before the end of February.

Executive Director of the Policy Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, said areas of amendment recommended for consideration include local government reforms, judicial reforms, and special seat for women in both the National and State Houses of Assembly among others.

He said the 9rh Assembly should place their name in gold by allowing the bill in special seat to be contested by women only sake through.

Recommendations from the joint adhoc committees will be presented to both the Senate and House of Representatives plenary for adoption before it is transmitted to the state Houses of Assembly for concurrence in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended.

The 9th Assembly has decided to separate all the bills on constitution review to avoid a situation where the entire document is thrown away in the event the President with hold assent to any of the bills. (The Nation)

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