The House of Representatives and the Senate, yesterday, held a joint retreat with Speakers of the 36 state Houses of Assembly in Abuja as the ongoing constitution amendment process enters its defining phase.

The gathering brought together federal lawmakers, state assembly presiding officers, and members of the constitution review committees from both chambers, in what Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described as the “final stretch” before voting begins on the alteration bills.

Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, told the Speakers that the fate of the proposed amendments now rests significantly with their assemblies, in line with the requirements of Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.

“This is the final retreat before the historic voting on the constitution alteration bills. After today, we move from deliberation to decision. History is watching us,” he said.

“Over 200 million Nigerians expect this Assembly to give direction. Our citizens yearn for reforms that decentralise power and bring governance closer to the grassroots.”

He recalled that the review process had benefitted from extensive national engagements — including earlier committee retreats and six zonal public hearings — where citizens, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, women’s and youth groups, political parties, and professional bodies made far-reaching submissions.

Kalu noted that the Lagos retreat held in October produced broad agreement on priority issues such as strengthening the local government system, improving the electoral environment, deepening fiscal federalism, and enhancing gender inclusion.

However, he stressed that without the endorsement of at least 24 state assemblies, none of the amendments can take effect.

“No matter how brilliant, necessary, or popular our proposals may be, they cannot become law without state approval. State domestication is the constitutional gateway,” he said, urging the Speakers to champion the reform agenda when they return to their states.

Also speaking, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the retreat was organised to ensure that state legislatures — described as “critical and strategic partners” — were carried along as the amendment process reaches its home stretch.