Teamwork needed to produce great constitution – Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on government officials across the board to work diligently to give the nation a better constitution.

Kalu made the call on Monday in Abuja at a retreat organised for senior legislative aides attached to his office.

He noted that a great constitution would enable the effective practice of democracy in Nigeria.

According to him, the Office of the Deputy Speaker will act as a hub for resolving issues surrounding constitutional amendment by carrying out extensive research and needs assessment of the Nigerian people.

Kalu, who doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review, also pledged the readiness of the parliament to work with relevant stakeholders to amend the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution for the good of the country.

He said, “Let us all work hard to get a good constitution for our beloved country. This is a task for us all, government officials and indeed, all Nigerians.

 “As aides, you must continue to uphold our standards in administering the office. Efficiency, professionalism, and ethical considerations should guide our interactions and decision-making process. You are not only custodians of my office but also ambassadors of our nation’s democratic values.

“An essential aspect of your duties lies in economic advisory. We are tasked with dealing with complex issues surrounding projects and budgets. This duty requires an in-depth understanding of our national economy, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth.

“In the realm of politics, you interface with the political aspects of the office.

 “This role requires navigating the complex interplay of political interests and alliances while always keeping the nation’s best interest at heart.”

On his part, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal, harped on the importance of the relationship between the legislative aides and their principals, stressing that no organisation succeeded in attaining its set goals without teamwork.

Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker,  Toby Okechukwu, said the gathering marked a significant moment in the collective journey towards excellence, collaboration, and synergy.