Kalu Seeks EU Support for Nigeria's Constitutional Reforms

On a recent occasion in Abuja, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu engaged with Gautier Mignot, the Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria, to solicit support for constitutional reforms. Kalu proposed allowing states to establish their own police services, defining jurisdiction and ensuring independent oversight.

He addressed concerns about potential misuse of power and assured that there would be no abuse. Kalu highlighted the need for reforms, including local government autonomy, direct elections for councils, fiscal accountability, citizenship reform, and the removal of gender inequities.

He noted that women constitute 49.3% of Nigeria's population but hold only 19 out of 469 seats in the National Assembly. Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitutional Review, mentioned that the reform bill is at a critical stage, requiring ratification from at least 24 state houses of assembly to pass through the National Assembly.