The House of Representatives at the plenary Thursday passed through second reading a bill seeking to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (As Amended) to provide for mandatory inclusion of youths and persons living with disabilities in political appointment.

The proposed legislation sponsored by member representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, was presented for second reading by the House leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.

According to the explanatory memorandum, “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (With Alterations) (in this Bill referred to as the “Principal Act”) is hereby amended as set out hereunder. Section 171 (5) of the Principal Act is amended by altering the factors to be considered by the President as follows: in exercising his powers of appointment under this section, the President shall have regard to the federal character of Nigeria, the need for youth inclusion in governance, need to include persons living with disabilities in governance and the need to promote national unity”.

“Section 208 (4) of the Principal Act is amended by altering the factors to be considered by the Governor as follows: “In exercising his powers of appointment under this section, the Governor shall have regard to the diversity of the people within the state, the need for youth inclusion in governance, need to include persons living with disabilities in governance and the need to promote national unity”.

When put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu who presided over the session, it was supported by the lawmakers and passed.