Sokoto House of Assembly ratifies 9 Constitution Amendment Bills

Danjuma James, Sokoto

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has considered 9 Constitutional Amendment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 fourth alteration Bills 2017 sent to it by the National Assembly.

This followed a motion moved by the House leader Alhaji Garba Bello (APC- Yabo) to that effect at the plenary session of the Assembly.

Bello had requested the House to debate and consider the Constitutional amendment of the 1999 Constitution fourth alteration Bills 2017.

He said the alteration Bills to be considered includes, “A Bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to further strengthen the Judiciary for speedy dispensation of justice.

“A Bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to reduce the period within which the President or the state Governor may authorize the withdrawal of monies from the consolidated revenue fund.

“A Bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to provide for the funding of the House of Assembly of states directly from the consolidated revenue fund of the state.

“A Bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to provide immunity for members of the legislature in respect of words spoken or written at plenary session or committee proceedings and institutionalise legislative bureaucracy in the Constitution.

“A Bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to provide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with sufficient time to conduct bye-elections and provide ground for the registration of political parties.

“A Bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to disqualify a person who was sworn-in as President or Governor to complete the term of the elected President or Governor from being elected to the same office for more than a single term.

“A Bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to reduce the age for qualification for the office of the President, membership of the House of Representative and the state House of Assembly.

“A Bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to provide time for the determination of pre-election matters.

“A Bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to reflect the establishment and core functions of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps,” the leader stated.

The Speaker Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, said that the alterations are considered to be part of the Constitution of the Federal Republic 1999 as amended just as the members unanimously accepted it in a voice vote.