By Comfort Olayinka
The Chairman, committee on Constitutional Review and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has inaugurated 9man committee of consultants, saddled with the responsibility to advise the Committee on the methodology to adopt in carrying out consultations with stakeholders and interest groups,sieve out germane issues that may arise there from amongst others.
The chairman of the Committee Rt Hon Kalu in his address urged the consultants to make necessary sacrifices for the nation by helping to birth an acceptable, more people-orientated constitution, Charge them to study it and make their inputs where necessarily.
Kalu made the plea at a meeting of the review panel with the 9 man team of consumer on Tuesday in Abuja.
The committee which issued appointment letters to the consultants also named Bar. Clement Nwankwo the coordinating consultant of the team.
Members of the team included Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN; Professor Nuhu Mohammed Jamo; Chief Chris Uche, SAN; Mr. Seni Adio, SAN; Hon. Samson Osagie; Barr. Clement Nwankwo; Prof. Ezeilo Joy and Prof. Ladi Hammalia.
It will be recalled that the constitutional review committee recently unveiled the action plan, targeting December 2025 as the period to conclude its assignment.
Amongst the responsibility of the consultants is to
Develop reliable and appropriate data collection techniques for adoption by the Committee; collate, study, analyze and asses all memoranda received from the public to bring out the issues raised in a structured manner and where applicable draft constitution amendment bills for the Committee’s consideration; analyze and present the data collected in a simple, concise and organized manner for the Committee’s deliberations and consideration to assist in ultimately taking critical and informed decisions and conduct research on bills/measures and policies referred to the Committee and advise on their viability and likely consequences on proposed constitutional alterations.
Other responsibilities are to advise the Committee to arrive at decisions that are fair to all and in accordance with the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy; attend all Committee meeting or events of the Committee as may be directed by the Committee or Chairman; produce a comprehensive report in liaison with the Committee Secretariat for adoption by the Committee.
The coordinating consultant was also asked to liaise with his fellow consultants and the Senate to achieve coordinated work and seamless implementation of activities. Any other duty as may be directed by the chairman/committee.
Speaking at the meeting, the deputy speaker charged the consultants to write their names in the annals of history by making necessary sacrifices for the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
He said: “Today marks a major milestone in the work plan of the Committee with the composition of a Technical Team.
In order to pass the Constitution amendments in record time, I am pleased to announce to you that a 9-man technical team of consultants has been appointed to provide expert input and insights to the Committee’s work.
It is pertinent to note that the selection of the technical team was purely based on merit, expertise and personal capacity.
“You are also enjoined to consider this assignment as a call to duty and your contribution to national development.
“Like I said when I stated that it is not a commercial outing for the consultants because we know we may not be able to afford to pay for your services knowing your status in the society in the work that you do and how well or highly rated that you are. It’s a call to serve your fathers land that when it is mentioned that the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria was amended with better attention given to pertinent issues affecting Nigerians that you played a role in pointing the touch light to the right directions, drive away the darkness, various inconsistencies and bottlenecks in our constitution as it is at the moment hindring the advancement of our democracy. We welcome you on board because we know that you have a lot to add to the work we want to do.
“I have no doubt that with the calibre of people seated here who have announced themselves in their chose professions, success is certain. We did not chose you because of your efficient career path, we chose you because of what you represent, a Nigeria that is fair, equitable, a country that believes in democracy.
He said: “Today marks a major milestone in the work plan of the Committee with the composition of a Technical Team.
In order to pass the Constitution amendments in record time, I am pleased to announce to you that a 9-man technical team of consultants has been appointed to provide expert input and insights to the Committee’s work.
It is pertinent to note that the selection of the technical team was purely based on merit, expertise and personal capacity.
“You are also enjoined to consider this assignment as a call to duty and your contribution to national development.
“Like I said when I stated that it is not a commercial outing for the consultants because we know we may not be able to afford to pay for your services knowing your status in the society in the work that you do and how well or highly rated that you are. It’s a call to serve your fathers land that when it is mentioned that the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria was amended with better attention given to pertinent issues affecting Nigerians that you played a role in pointing the touch light to the right directions, drive away the darkness, various inconsistencies and bottlenecks in our constitution as it is at the moment hindring the advancement of our democracy. We welcome you on board because we know that you have a lot to add to the work we want to do.
“I have no doubt that with the calibre of people seated here who have announced themselves in their chose professions, success is certain. We did not chose you because of your efficient career path, we chose you because of what you represent, a Nigeria that is fair, equitable, a country that believes in democracy.
