Barring last-minute changes, the House of Representatives is expected to hold the National Public Hearing in September 2025, during which various stakeholders across the country are expected to make inputs into various proposed thematic areas.

Tribune Online gathered that the national public hearing, which was earlier scheduled for 21st July 2025, was postponed due to the delay in the conduct of the zonal public hearing centre held in Sokoto State on 26th July 2025.

While giving an update on the proposed legislation on Special Seats for Women and People Living With Disability, Hon. Benjamin Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to the bill on reserved seats for women, which will be voted upon when the House resumes plenary in October.

?As the sponsor of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, I want to make this abundantly clear: this bill is not borne out of sentiment. It is born out of reason, evidence, and the stubborn facts of our current reality,? Hon. Kalu said.

He, however, decried the poor representation of women in politics, pointing out that: ?In the 10th National Assembly, only 19 out of 469 legislators are women?just 3.8 per cent. We must correct this democratic imbalance.?

In a significant development, Hon. Kalu announced his decision to withdraw the controversial Indigeneship Bill, citing constructive criticism from stakeholders and recommendations from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

?Though the bill sought to promote unity and equity, concerns around dual or multiple indigeneship and legal overlaps made it prudent to step it down for now,? he explained.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen recently inaugurated a joint Working and Strategy Advocacy Committee to mobilise support for the gender-related bills, engaging governors, party leaders, and traditional rulers nationwide.

?The Committee will serve as our mobilisation engine, developing clear messaging, translating the bill into accessible language, and coordinating stakeholder engagement,? said Hon. Tajudeen.

Meanwhile, during the North-West Zonal Public Hearing held in Kaduna, state governors and civil society groups overwhelmingly backed the Special Seats for Women Bill.

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, represented by Attorney General Hajia Fadila Dikko, said: ?We support a minimum of 35% of elective positions for women. The Katsina State Executive Council has already approved this in all empowerment programmes.?

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, represented by the State Assembly Speaker, Hon. Haruna Dutse, also emphasised inclusiveness:

?The voices of our traditional rulers, civil society groups, youth, and women must be heard and respected in this review process.?

While urging the lawmakers to act courageously and responsibly, Governor Namadi said: ?Leadership is a sacred responsibility. This constitutional review is an opportunity to inscribe our names in the chronicles of justice and national unity.?

In response to Nigeria?s growing security challenges, a bill to create state police forces is under consideration. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu at the South-East Zonal Public Hearing in Owerri, said: ?The current exclusive federal policing system is largely inadequate. I would vote for the creation of state police, but standards must be clearly defined?on leadership, accountability, recruitment, and human rights.?

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State also expressed strong support, stating that: ?As Chairman of the Progressive Governors? Forum, I can confirm that we support decentralization of the police for greater effectiveness. The fear that governors will misuse such a force is outdated and unfounded.?

Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki, echoed these sentiments during a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State:

?We are here to listen to the wishes of the Nigerian people. The Constitution Review is not an easy task?it requires support from two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.?

As the process moves towards harmonization of all collected inputs, the House leadership has assured Nigerians that the final proposals will reflect their aspirations and realities. (Nigerian Tribune)

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