De Renaissance Patriots Foundation reacts to withdrawal of Indigeneship Bill by Deputy Speaker, Kalu 

CITIZENS COMPASS—The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural group dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of Lagos State indigenes, has issued a strong reaction to the recent withdrawal of a controversial bill by House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

This bill sought to redefine indigeneship in Nigeria by establishing residency as a criterion, significantly deviating from the traditional principle of bloodline.

The bill’s withdrawal came after widespread public outcry and criticism from various stakeholders, including De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, prompting Deputy Speaker Kalu to reconsider the proposal before further legislative discussions.

De Renaissance said that despite his acknowledgement of its letter seeking the withdrawal of the bill with explanations given, not only that Deputy Speaker Kalu did not invite its leaders for talks but also that, when they came to the South West for what they called geopolitical meeting to engage in public hearing on the matter, the House Committee “nonchalantly” ignored and failed to invite the core stakeholders of which the group is vital even as the meeting was held in their Lagos State as venue.

In a media statement, Kalu had acknowledged the need for further engagement with stakeholders and cited the Bill Analysis Report from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) as a factor in his decision.

His statement emphasized that the intention behind the bill was to foster national unity and inclusiveness among Nigerian citizens, regardless of their state of origin.

He said, “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.”

But De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, according to its media office on Thursday July 31, 2025, disagreed saying that the bill lacks capacity to promote national unity and equity as claimed by the deputy speaker other than to set citizens against their fellow citizens in their non-indigenous land or States of residence.

The Foundation argued that the bill has the potential to disrupt social harmony and fuel ethnic tensions, accusing Kalu of failing to properly consult with relevant community representatives before advancing the bill.

Kalu, however, is not alone as Kogi State indigene occupying a Federal Constituency’s seat in Lagos State after serving as an LCDA chairman for many years, James Faleke, had been listed as one of the lawmakers that sponsored the bill.

He, among other co-sponsors of the legislation, was also criticized for his involvement, particularly in the light of accusations connecting him to efforts that undermine Lagos indigenes in favour of non-indigenous political elites. Faleke, after the bill became controversial, has denied involvement in the sponsorship.

“Faleke is currently the leader of.Justice Forum working hand in hand with some powerful elites of their party in the state, which include the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu. The Forum is seriously aligning on who may likely be the candidates, including the choice of their gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming 2027 election in Lagos State.

“The withdrawal of the indigeneship bill might be a setback to get a constitutional amendment in favour of residency. Faleke and Seyi are setting their sights on the forthcoming elections in Lagos State in 2027. They have formed a powerful political team to make indigeneship factors irrelevant for the Lagos State indigenes to contest on their party platform.

“Faleke had tried his luck as a gubernatorial candidate in his homestead of Kogi State and failed. He might want to try it in Lagos State as a resident again with Seyi within sight, too. Both of them are not from Lagos State. It will be a political mistake by any political party to deny the indigenes the right to be the next governor of the Lagos State in 2027,” said De Renaissance Patriots Foundation.