Samuel Adesola, Abuja
House of Representatives, on Saturday, clarified that the widely reported ‘draft bill seeking Nigeria’s return to regional system of government’ is just a memo or proposal from a Nigerian citizen.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, who made this clarification, stated this in a statement titled: ‘Clarification of House position on “Draft ‘Bill’ for Regional System of Government’.
He affirmed that the ‘memo or proposal’ initiated by the citizen is not before the House contrary to the reports.
While enlightening Nigerians about the legislative processes and procedures, Hon. Rotimi explained that there are three ways a bill can be initiated.
“By Honourable members proposing a constitutional amendment bill. By individual Citizens and Groups submitting memoranda to the Constitution Review Committee. Note that memoranda submitted should eventually come by way of a bill sponsored by a member. By an executive bill from the executive arm of government,” he said.
While reiterating the House’s position on the subject matter, he underlined the need to educate the public that “there are three main routes to proposing constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives:
“Regarding the specific memo authored by Citizen Dr. Akin Fapohunda, the House maintains that his proposal has not come before the House Committee on Rules and Business for listing as a bill by any member, nor has it been submitted by way of memoranda to the House Committee on Constitution Review.
“To clarify the misinformation, the House states that contrary to inaccurate reports suggesting that the House ‘disowned the bill’ or ‘rejected the bill,’ the House has neither disowned nor owned the proposal. The position provided earlier was to inform the public that the proposal is not before the House for consideration at this material time.
“The House of Representatives encourages healthy and progressive debates on any subject and the exchange of ideas on how to improve our country.
“However, the constitution review process has clearly defined guidelines and limitations and involves a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that the collective will of the good people of Nigeria is reflected in the constitutional amendments underway.
“The legislative agenda of the 10th Assembly prioritises inclusion and engagement. We are committed to facilitating a constitution review process that ensures all voices are heard.
“For more information, individuals and groups can contact the House Committee on Constitution Review at info@hccr.gov.ng or visit the website at www.hccr.gov.ng.
“We encourage the media to accurately report and frame public discourse in a way that promotes national cohesion.
“The document being circulated is not a bill, as it is not before parliament, and is, at best, a memo or proposal by a citizen.”
