15th June, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The House of Representatives has denied reports that a “draft ‘bill’ seeking a return to a regional system of government for Nigeria has been submitted to it and rejected by the lawmakers.
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., the spokesperson for the House of Representatives said this in a statement on Saturday in reaction to reports in a section of the media that the bill has been thrown out by the chamber.
The House noted that the three main routes for proposing constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives include through members proposing a constitutional amendment bill, by individual citizens and groups submitting memoranda to the Constitution Review Committee which will eventually result in a bill sponsored by a member or by an executive bill from the executive arm of government.
But Rotimi, in the statement noted that the so-called memo on the return to regional government authored by one Dr. Akin Fapohunda has not been submitted to the House through any of the identified routes contrary to reports in some sections of the media.
“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 prioritizes 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 [email protected] 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,” Rotimi said in the statement.