The 10th House of Representatives is ready to partner with the Senate and state assemblies to reach a common ground in the Nigerian constitutional amendment process.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Oluwole Oke, made this known in a phone interview with Sunday PUNCH in Abuja and said the legislature would continue to do its work in the advancement of democracy and the rule of law.
Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, noted that in collaboration with the Senate and state assemblies, relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution requiring amendments would be looked into in the interest of Nigerians.
“It is a requirement of law rules and procedure that both chambers must be on the same page for any constitutional amendment. So, there is no doubt that we will work together for the progress of our nation, Nigeria”, he said.
Similarly, the House’s spokesman and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, told PUNCH that the lower chamber led by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, established a committee on inter-parliamentary relations given the importance it attached to collaboration with both the Senate and state assemblies on any matter of legislation including a constitutional amendment.
He said, “To a great extent, we are very ready to work together in the advancement of the Nigerian cause. We understand the need for collaboration to achieve our set objectives, which is why we have a dedicated Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations”.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations, Mark Esset, told newsmen that the Speaker had directed him to open talks with Speakers of state houses of assemblies on the proposed amendment of some sections of the Constitution.
“One of the major goals of the 10th House of Representatives and the Senate is to ensure the amendment of the relevant sections of the Constitution.
“On this note, I have the mandate of the Speaker to commence an interface with the speakers of the state assemblies. This is to enhance good working relationships in matters of national interest, including the constitutional amendment”, he added.
