Faleke denies co-sponsoring bill
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has withdrawn the controversial indigeneship bill before the parliament for further legislative engagements.

In a statement on Tuesday night, Kalu said the withdrawal has become necessary in the light of the concerns and constructive feedback received from various stakeholders regarding the bill.

He added that the Bill Analysis Report, forwarded by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) also made it imperative for him to step down the bill at this time.

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.

Kalu, who is the also chairman of the Constitution Review Committee of the House, said he is committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the wishes of the people.

This is as the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House, James Abiodun Faleke, has denied co-sponsoring the proposed Indigenous Bill currently before the National Assembly.

In a statement on Tuesday, Faleke described suggestions to the contrary as “entirely false and misleading”.

He emphasised that he does not support the Bill and believes it stands no chance of being ratified by the states.

The lawmaker urged the public to disregard the unfounded claims and remain guided by verified facts.

He said: “Let me state categorically that I am not a co-sponsor of the Bill. Any suggestion to the contrary is entirely false and misleading. I do not support the Bill, and I believe it stands no chance of being ratified by the states. It is, therefore, unreasonable to suggest that I would align myself with such a proposal.”