By Michael Peter, The Sight News
Abuja:The Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly has assured Nigerians that their interests will be paramount, when the various State Houses of Assembly meet to adopt the constitution amendment bills passed by the National Assembly.
Speaking at an interactive forum organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) for State Assemblies Speakers, the Chairman of the Conference, Ismaila Kamba, said the State lawmakers cannot afford to fail Nigerians at this crucial time.
While commending National Assembly Members for their commitment on the constitutional review, Alhaji Kamba urged them to expedite action on the transmission of the amended bills to the State Assemblies for adoption.
Kamba also commended PLAC for setting up the meeting and for its roles in ensuring that the constitution amendment process runs smoothly.
On his part, the Executive Director of PLAC, Clement Nwankwo wants the State Governors to realise that allowing the constitutional alteration process run without any self seeking interferences, is important in deepening democracy in the country.
Also speaking at the meeting, a former House of Reps Member from Edo State, Samson Osagie expressed optimism that the bills will successfully scale through the State Assemblies, describing the bills as having serious benefits for the country’s governance.
He however stated that “some of the bills didn’t survive because they were mixed up.
“Obviously the drafting of some of the bills did not quite give the clear understanding to lawmakers when they brought before them, including that of the devolution of power; had to suffer defeat during the votes and proceedings”.
The meeting was organised with support from the British Department for International Development (DFID)
