The Federal House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to abolish the death penalty for second reading.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by the Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker and some other lawmakers was among the 42 Constitutional amendment bills presented for second reading during the plenary on Wednesday.
It is entitled: “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Review the Penalties for Certain Capital Offences in Alignment with Relevant International Best Practices and for Related Matters (HB. 2120).”
The Bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to review the penalties for certain capital offences in alignment with relevant international best practices.
The proposed alteration aims to ensure that Nigeria’s criminal justice system reflects global standards of fairness, proportionality, and respect for human rights, while maintaining public safety and addressing serious crimes effectively.
The Bill promotes a balanced approach to justice by incorporating alternative sentencing options that emphasise rehabilitation and accountability.
The deputy speaker also sponsored a Citizenship by Investment Bill which seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap C23 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to introduce a new class of citizenship known as Citizenship by Investment.
The proposed alteration aims to attract foreign direct investment by granting Nigerian citizenship to individuals who invest in the Nigerian economy above a specified financial threshold or in strategic sectors critical to national development.
Kalu also co-sponsored Accountant-General of the Federation bill that seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) to establish the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation as well as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federal Government.
The bill, among others, proposes that the Accountant-General of the Federal Government shall hold office for a term of four years which may be renewed for a further term of four years by President.
Also, the Accountant-General of the Federal Government shall remain in office until he attains the age of sixty years or thirty-five years of public service, whichever is earlier.
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