The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, has formally withdrawn the controversial Indigeneship Bill from the floor of the National Assembly to allow for further legislative consultations and engagements.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, Kalu explained that the decision was made in response to constructive feedback from a broad spectrum of stakeholders across the country. He noted that the Bill Analysis Report from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) played a pivotal role in his decision.
“Though the Bill seeks to achieve some commendable objectives, this can be better addressed through appropriate state legislation,” the NILDS report stated, warning that the Bill, if passed, could trigger future complications around the issue of dual or multiple indigeneship.
The Indigeneship Bill aimed to provide equal rights and privileges for settlers in any part of Nigeria, promoting national unity and reducing discrimination. However, critics argue that it could undermine local identity structures and strain the already sensitive issue of citizenship and resource allocation.
Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitutional Review, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that every legislative action is reflective of the people’s aspirations.
“The Constitution Review process remains an open, inclusive, and participatory exercise,” he said. “No provision or proposal will be pursued without adequate dialogue and consensus-building.”
He encouraged Nigerians to continue engaging with the Committee to ensure that the ongoing constitutional review process yields meaningful outcomes that promote justice, equity, and unity.
The decision to step down the Bill has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising Kalu's openness to public opinion, while others urge him to continue pushing for reforms that promote inclusivity at the state and federal levels.
