Kalu: State Governors to Receive Key Updates as Constitutional Reform Reaches Final Stage

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has revealed that the 36 state governors will on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, receive a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing constitution amendment process.

Speaking at the opening of the 2nd Joint Retreat of the House and Senate Committees on Constitutional Review in Abuja, Kalu framed the moment as a pivotal juncture in Nigeria’s constitutional evolution, one that could redefine federalism, governance, and democratic accountability.

According to him, the retreat marks the final collective deliberation before lawmakers cast their votes on a series of constitutional alteration bills, signalling a transition “from deliberation to decision, from consultation to legislative action.”

Kalu emphasised that the committee’s work sits at the heart of Nigeria’s constitutional order. He noted that the reforms under consideration are aimed at strengthening the federal structure by devolving powers, enabling state policing, guaranteeing local government autonomy, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and protecting the rights of every citizen regardless of origin or gender.

“These amendments,” he said, “will shape Nigeria’s democracy for generations to come. The Constitution we seek to refine is the soul of our Republic, our shared destiny expressed in law.”

In a statement made available by Levinus Nwabughiogu, the
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Kalu stressed that briefing the governors is not merely procedural but essential to cooperative federalism, clarifying that the reforms seek to reinforce not diminish, the constitutional roles of state executives.

“To the Governors, be assured this is not an attempt to undermine executive authority; it is an effort to strengthen federalism and improve governance,” he said.

Turning to the Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, Kalu underscored their indispensable constitutional role. Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), any alteration must be approved by at least 24 of the 36 State Assemblies, a requirement that places state legislatures at the heart of constitutional change.

“You are the gatekeepers of constitutional reform,” Kalu declared, reminding them that “state domestication is the constitutional gateway through which every amendment must pass.”

He urged them to champion the will of the people by ensuring that critical reforms receive the necessary ratification at the state level.

Kalu called on federal lawmakers to seize the moment with unity and purpose, affirming that the constitutional review process must produce a roadmap capable of strengthening governance, enhancing gender inclusion, securing local governments, and safeguarding Nigeria’s federal integrity.

“As the Senate and House stand united in this constitutional review process, let us resolve to transform our deliberations into enduring constitutional milestones,” he said.