Reps Adopt Procedure For Constitutional Review

By KASSIM OMOMIA

Like its Senate counterpart the House of Representatives on Thursday commenced the process of amending the 1999 constitution following which it adopted the procedures that will guide members during debate and consideration of the proposed review.

Yesterday’s approval of the procedures was sequel to the adoption of a motion brought before the House by Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Mr. Ita Enang and 18 others.

Following the new development it will henceforth during debate on the proposed amendments apply these procedures thus; “The first and second reading of any Bill for altering the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 shall be considered and proceeded with in accordance with procedure on Bills in the House Standing orders;

“Upon the second reading, the Bill shall be committed to the Special Committee of the House on Constitution alteration; “In the clause by clause consideration in Committee of the Whole, a clause or question shall be deemed passed if it be supported by positive vote of two-third [240 members], personally present and voting in a roll call;

“If the question be to amend sections 8 and 9 of the Constitution [state creation and boundary adjustment or mode of altering provisions of the constitution] required four-fifth majority of members present and voting, the question shall only be resolved upon the affirmative vote of 288 members.