Spokesperson for the Federal House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, Jr. has made it clear that the Sponsor of a proposal for Nigeria to return to regional system of government, Akin Fapohunda had not presented the proposal as a draft bill to the House.
“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.”
In a statement today, June 16, clarifying media report that the House rejected the proposal, the spokesperson said that there are three main routes to proposing constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives.
He said that one of them is done by members proposing a constitutional amendment bill and the second is by individual citizens and groups submitting memoranda to the Constitution Review Committee.
“Note that memoranda submitted should eventually come by way of a bill sponsored by a member.”
He said that the third one is done through an executive bill from the executive arm of government.
Akin Rotimi Jr. said that contrary to 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.”
He said that the House of Representatives encourages healthy and progressive debates on any subject and the exchange of ideas on how to improve the country, sayingthat 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 info@hccr.gov.ng or visit the website at www.hccr.gov.ng.”
The sponsor of the proposal for the return of Nigeria to the regional system of government had told newsmen that he would present the draft bill on it to President Bola Tinubu yesterday, June 15, instead of the House of Representatives.
