The House of Representatives go today vote on 37 important bills wey fit change major parts of Nigeria constitution, including elections, security, judiciary, local government administration and human rights.
Among the key proposals na bill wey go allow independent candidates contest elections without political party platform, establishment of State Police, and creation of Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and prosecute election-related crimes.
Lawmakers also go consider bills wey seek to strengthen local government autonomy, give more powers to State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), and improve the speed of justice delivery by reducing the workload of the Supreme Court.
For gender inclusion, one of the proposed amendments seek to create additional special seats for women in the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.
Other major bills include citizenship rights for spouses, citizenship by investment, protection of children’s rights, right to a clean and healthy environment, public disclosure of Auditor-General reports, and stronger protection against torture and degrading treatment.
The House will also deliberate on bills aimed at granting financial independence to the Armed Forces, establishing a National Council of Traditional Rulers, and providing statutory funding for traditional institutions across the country.
If approved by the National Assembly and subsequently endorsed by state legislatures, the amendments could bring some of the biggest constitutional changes since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
Today’s voting is expected to attract significant public attention as many of the proposals directly affect governance, elections, security and citizens’ rights across the country.
