The House of Representatives has again postponed the commencement of debate on the Constitution review for further research and consultation.

The decision was reached at plenary on Thursday after some members argued that some of the proposed alterations required further research and consultation with constituents.

While some lawmakers were ready to commence debate, insisting that time was of the essence, others objected, saying the report had not been circulated to all members and that some needed more time to read and digest the proposals before the debate.

It could be recalled that the house had earlier scheduled the debate for December 3, but it was shifted due to similar complaints.

Top of the agenda for debate includes the creation of states and local government areas, electoral reforms, inclusive governance for citizens, security and state police, legislative and judicial reforms, human rights, devolution of power, fiscal reforms, and traditional institutions.

In his ruling, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided at the plenary, said that the Committee on Review of the Constitution kept its promise by ensuring that the report was ready for debate within the first week of December.

He directed the clerk to ensure that all members of the house were given copies of the report on the proposed legislation, saying that the house would not entertain complaints when next it sat to debate the report.

Mr Kalu said that the leadership of the house would announce the next date for the commencement of the debate, urging members to take advantage of the extension to conclude consultation and further research.

(NAN)