Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has solicited the partnership of editors and media executives in the ongoing constitution review process.
Speaking during a parley with top media managers under the auspices of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Abuja Wednesday night, Kalu who recognized the pivotal role of the media in shaping public discourse and ensuring transparency, emphasized the importance of working together to facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive review that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.
He said that the engagement with the media chiefs aims to foster a platform for open dialogue, constructive feedback, and informed public participation in the review process.
He said that the constitution review process is expected to address emerging national challenges and align laws with citizens’ aspirations.
Key areas of focus, Kalu said, include electoral reforms, judicial reforms, devolution of powers, state policing, economic development, gender issues and inclusivity among others.
The Deputy Speaker who is also the chairman of the Constitution Review Committee of the House urged the media executives to amplify efforts in the panel at every level while also calling on Nigerians to participate actively in the forthcoming zonal public hearings and provide their inputs.
He said that together, the lawmakers, media executives, and Nigerians can create a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for all through a people-oriented government.
He said: “As the fourth estate, you are our partners in progress, and your role in
shaping public discourse towards transparency, good governance and
holding us accountable is deeply acknowledged and essential to our
nation’s progress.
“As we move forward with the constitution review process, I urge you all to amplify our efforts in the committee. And to Nigerians, you are the reason we are here. I urge you all to please participate actively in the zonal public hearings and provide your inputs.
“We cannot do this by ourselves, we need to hear from you all, to specifically know where the shoe hurts, in order to achieve a comprehensive constitutional reform that truly reflects our values and
aspirations. I believe that together, we can create a more just, equitable,
and prosperous society for all.
“We need your partnership. We truly, truly need your partnership. And let me also appeal, please cover the public hearings well, all the zonal public hearings. Inform the people working under you to pay special attention in covering it across the nation. That’s very important to us. And then, also prepare for the national public hearing, which is coming up on the 21st of July”.
The Deputy Speaker who also received a copy of a proposal from the NGE, proposing an amendment to the media laws in Nigeria to enable the practitioners hold government to account, assured that the committee will look into the issues raised in the document.
“We will want this engagement to go beyond constitutional amendment period. You are a sector that is key. You market this country both to Nigerians and those who are outside the country. Your narrative is important. Tailor the narrative to reflect the dignity of this nation, to embrace investors and other very key others. I am promising that my committee will look at issues raised in this document critically”, Kalu said.
Signed:
Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria
