The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has withdrawn the indigeneship bill he had earlier presented to the lawmakers.

He explained in a statement on Tuesday night, July 29, that he decided to withdraw the bill because many Nigerians had raised concerns and shared useful suggestions about it.

Kalu also said that a report from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), which analyzed the bill, made it clear that the proposal needs more work before it can move forward.

“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.

As the chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu said he is committed to making sure that all bills reflect what Nigerians truly want and need.

“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