Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu withdrew the indigeneship bill that was currently before parliament for further legislative consideration.
In a statement issued Tuesday night by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu stated that the decision to remove the proposed legislation was made in response to the concerns and constructive responses it has received thus far.
He also stated that the Bill Analysis Report, which was transmitted by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, made the bill’s withdrawal possible.
Although the bill aimed to promote national unity, equity, and inclusiveness among all Nigerians, regardless of where they live, a section of the report stated that the State Houses of Assembly should enact legislation that would allow settlers in different states to enjoy the same rights and privileges as indigenous people.
“States should make laws that would allow settlers to benefit from the 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, this can be achieved through the enactment of a 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 chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, committed to leading a people-centred amendment process.
