Delta Assembly commences review of 1999 Constitution

The Delta State House of Assembly has commenced legislative action on reviewing the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Fifth Alteration Bill.

To commence the process in Asaba, Speaker Sheriff Oborevwori led members and management staff of the assembly on a two-day retreat to examine the bill ahead of deliberations on the floor of the House.

In his opening remarks, Mr Oborevwori said the retreat was to set in motion the legislative process that would culminate in the resolution of the House towards the Fifth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution.

Mr Oborevwori explained that the two chambers of the National Assembly had in the review considered 68 amendments in the Fifth Alteration Bill and adopted 44 of them, which were transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for further legislative action.

According to him, the exercise is in compliance with Section 9, subsection 2 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution as amended.

Mr Oborevwori said the 44 amendments passed by both chambers of the National Assembly dealt specifically with issues of development, governance, politics and the economy.

He added that more powers would be devolved to the states in the journey to true federalism.

Mr Oborevwori said there was a strong need to build consensus on constitutional issues, adding that they must get it right for the benefit of the people and the unity of the country.

On her part, the Clerk of the House Lyna Ocholor recalled when the leadership of the National Assembly invited Clerks of the 36 State Houses of Assembly in the country to a discourse on the bill and directed immediate attention to it in their various states.

Ms Ocholor said that they were advised to look into the 44 amendments for further legislative actions.

(NAN)