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The Speaker of the
House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, yesterday said the current
review of the 1999 Constitution is not a self-serving exercise aimed at
benefiting the sitting members of the National Assembly.

Mr. Bankole, who
stated this before the House commenced voting on the amendment of the
constitution, said it is a joint effort by Nigerians to achieve a
people’s constitution because of the inadequacies of the document,
which has been in operation for nearly 11 years.

“Let me be clear:
this important project of constitution amendment is not a self-serving
exercise for the benefit of this National Assembly. No. It is a
conscious and concerted effort by Nigerians to achieve a people’s
constitution in view of the observed inadequacies in the procedure of
promulgation and vital contents of the 1999 Constitution,” he said.

The Speaker, who
alongside his deputy, Usman Nafada, did not vote on the amendments,
urged the lawmakers to conduct themselves in such a way that they would
be remembered as members of the 6th National Assembly who allowed
patriotism, sincerity, and conscience to guide them in doing the right
thing for the nation.

Recalling that
Nigeria is operating its 10th Constitution since 1914, he reminded them
that the exercise was a rare opportunity to deepen, broaden, and
consolidate those key institutions needed for the growth and sustenance
of our democracy.

More responsive House

“This is our chance with history. Let us use it well to bequeath lasting legacies to our nation,” the Speaker stated.

Mr. Bankole said
members would continue to work towards building a more responsive and
people-oriented House of Representatives, which every member would be
proud of.

“We will also continue to support the executive arm towards the
realisation of our full potential as a blessed nation, rooted in the
ideals of sustainable democracy, even as we all know that governance is
a social contract between the government and the governed,” the Speaker
said.