A bill proposing amendments to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to establish the office of the Prime Minister as head of government and the President as head of state, along with provisions for their election processes, has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
This is one of 32 constitutional amendment bills that cleared their second reading in the House on Thursday.
Among the proposed amendments is a bill to reserve specific seats for women in the National Assembly and state houses of assembly.
Additionally, a bill aimed at reducing the lengthy duration for resolving pre-election petitions, establishing pre-election tribunals, and regulating the suspension of National Assembly members from legislative duties also passed second reading.
Another bill seeks to revise the qualifications required for individuals to contest as President, Vice President, Governor, or Deputy Governor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Also included is a bill to reconsider the Federal Capital Territory’s status concerning presidential elections, alongside proposals for the creation of Wan State and Gobir State.
In total, 113 constitutional amendment bills have now advanced beyond the second reading stage.