Following intense backlash and widespread public criticism, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has officially withdrawn his proposed bill on indigeneship rights.
Kalu made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that the decision was necessary in light of “constructive feedback” from Nigerians and stakeholders across the country. The bill had sought to redefine indigeneship by granting such status based on birth, continuous residence of at least 10 years, or marriage, rather than solely ancestral origin.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker noted that while the bill aimed to promote national unity, inclusiveness, and equity, it had also sparked valid concerns that warranted deeper legislative review and wider consultations.
“Although the intention of the bill was to promote national unity, equity, and inclusiveness among all Nigerians, regardless of where they reside, part of the report stated that the State Houses of Assembly should make laws that will make settlers in different states enjoy the same rights and privileges by the indigenes,”** the statement read.
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He referenced a Bill Analysis Report by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), which raised potential complications if the legislation was passed in its current form.
According to the report, “Though the Bill seeks to achieve some commendable objectives, however, this can be achieved through enactment of law. If this Bill is passed, it would pose challenges with time especially on the issue of double or multiple indigenship.”
Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitutional Review, emphasized that the legislative process must be people-driven, and no proposal would be forced through without consensus.
“The Constitution Review process remains an open, inclusive, and participatory exercise, and no provision or proposal will be pursued without adequate dialogue and consensus-building.”
He further called on Nigerians to continue engaging with the House Constitution Review Committee: “I therefore call on citizens to continue engaging constructively with the House Committee on Constitutional Review as we work together to build a more just, united, and prosperous Nigeria.”
The proposed bill stirred heated debates online, with many Nigerians accusing it of potentially eroding ethnic identities or causing legal confusion over state benefits and privileges.
In the wake of the controversy, two House members—James Abiodun Faleke and Blessing Amadi of Rivers State—publicly dissociated themselves from the bill.
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