Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR has given reasons for withdrawing the indigeneship bill before the parliament, reports Business Today NG.
Kalu, who said the withdrawal of the bill is to give room for further legislative engagements, also added that the withdrawal has become necessary in the light of the concerns and constructive feedback received from various stakeholders regarding the bill.
The Deputy Speaker, who made this disclosure in a statement issued on the night on Tuesday , 29 July, 2025, added that the Bill Analysis Report, forwarded by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) also made it imperative for him to step down the bill at this time.
“States should make laws that would allow settlers to benefit same rights and privileges enjoyed by indigenes without any form of discrimination as rightly provided for in the constitution.
“Though the Bill seeks to achieve some commendable objectives, however, this can be achieved through enactment of law. If this Bill is passed, it would pose challenges with time especially on the issue of double or multiple indigenship,” the report stated.
Kalu, who is the also chairman of the Constitution Review Committee of the House, said that he is committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the wishes of the people.
“As leaders and Representatives, we remain committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the aspirations of the people we serve.
“The Constitution Review process remains an open, inclusive, and participatory exercise, and no provision or proposal will be pursued without adequate dialogue and consensus-building.
“I therefore call on citizens to continue engaging constructively with the House Committee on Constitutional Review as we work together to build a more just, united, and prosperous Nigeria”, he said.
