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  • Proposal to create 12 new States in Nigeria draws mixed reactions

    Proposal to create 12 new States in Nigeria draws mixed reactions

    The proposed creation of 12 new States in Nigeria has stirred mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many advising caution, equity and consideration of the viability of such States.

    This is even as the Senate Committee on States Creation conducts public hearing on the subject in certain states in the six geo-political regions of the country.

    Respondents who spoke with NAN in Ibadan on Sunday called for caution and transparency in the proposed creation of new states.

    Prof. Abubakar Oladeji of the Political and Governance Policy Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), described the idea as a welcome development.

    Oladeji, however, said that the resolution for creation of more states must emanate from wide consultations with the citizens.

    According to him, after all, there are countries with more than 50 states, which are not as diverse in socio-cultural attributes as Nigeria.

    Oladeji, however, faulted the proposed equal distribution of two states per geopolitical zone, arguing that “the South-East will continue to be shortchanged with fewer number of states than other zones.”

    He said that viability, rather than political considerations, should be the most important criterion for creating new states.

    “How viable are the newly proposed states, or even the existing ones?

    “Or should states in Nigeria continue to go cap in hand to the Federal Government every month?,” Oladeji said.

    Prof. Adams Onuka, an Ibira man and an Education Evaluation expert, formerly of the University of Ibadan, welcomed the proposal, citing personal relief it could bring to his state, Kogi

    Onuka said that the creation of Okura State from Kogi in the North Central Zone would be a thing of joy.

    He, however, said “such moves could lead to fresh agitations just like in every aspect of human existence, there are always pros and cons.

    “It is going to bring relief to those who have felt marginalised and unhappiness to those who would become minorities in the new states.”

    Onuka also highlighted the economic implications, pointing out that the creation of new states would require filling positions such as governors, SSGs, and commissioners.

    “Members of the Senate will definitely increase by 36, and the concomitant costs will also increase,” he said.

    The retired don called for proper management and the implementation of fiscal federalism to make the exercise a functional and sustained one.

    Also, a financial expert, Mr Tunji Adepeju, dismissed the proposal, saying there was “no official proposal yet, only speculation.”

    He stated that new states are not feasible for now due to the economic realities and the financial strain it could place on the nation.

  • Constitution review: Ijaws demand for 2 additional States

    Constitution review: Ijaws demand for 2 additional States

    The Ijaw National Congress (INC) worldwide has proposed the creation of two additional Ijaw States. The proposed States, the INC said, should be carved out from Edo, Delta, Ondo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

    Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Global President, INC, made the proposal in his memorandum at the National Assembly Constitution Review Public hearing for South South Zone.

    Okaba proposed that the two states, Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers States be carved out of Edo, Delta Ondo as well as Rivers and Akwa Ibom, respectively.

    “We reaffirm our demand for the creation of two additional homogeneous Ijaw states; Toru-Ebe comprising Ijaws in Delta, Edo and Ondo and Oil Rivers State made up of Ijaws in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom

    “We also propose additional 33 local government areas for Bayelsa State, which currently has just eight.

    “The demand for the creation of the proposed Toru Ebe State is aimed at addressing the long-standing yearnings and aspirations of the people for justice, peace, stability, self-determination and development.

    “The territorial configuration of the proposed Toru Ebe state includes only ljaw clans in the present Delta, Edo and Ondo states.

    “These distinct yet culturally homogeneous clans of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and customary owners of all land living in a geographical contiguous territory of their own and have been deliberately balkanised into different political and administrative units in the country are the ones demanding for the creation of the proposed state,” he said.

    He noted that the oil revenue from the Ijaw areas in the three states accounted for the largest revenue accruing to the National Economy.

    According to him, in spite of the receipt of the 13 per cent Derivations Revenue by Edo, Delta, and Ondo, the Ijaw areas which are mineral producing have been denied any meaningful development.

    “Modern infrastructure social services such as schools, hospitals, portable water are near absent in Ijaw communities especially in Edo.

    “Ancient traditional tools are easily denigrated and denied office recognition and patronage. With the political fragmentation in place, it has been impossible for an ljaw man in Edo to become a mere ward councillor.

    “Because of the neglect there is a high level of rural- urban migration leading to the loss of indigenous cultural heritage.”

    The INC global president said that however, the Ijaw as inhabitants of this marshy and swampy terrain were blessed with abundant natural resources including oil and natural gas.

    He added that the proposed state with a population of about 2.7 million people have natural landscapes with beautiful beaches and lengthy coastline which could be annexed into a blue economy and tourism that would make it economically viable.

    “We also propose Oil Rivers State that comprises Ijaws in Rivers and Akwa Ibom. This area remains the most naturally blessed but environmentally degraded in the entire world, with massive oil explodes, gas flaring threatening the very survival of the people.

    “Just like our counterparts in Edo, the Ijaws especially in Akwa Ibom are left with no basic infrastructure, electricity, and healthcare services.There is no meaningful state and federal government infrastructure in these Ijaw communities.

    “Due to the long period of fragmentation many Ijaw communities face cultural extinction with some losing their native language and their traditions. With the creation of the Oil Rivers state, the rich heritage and environment of our people can be resuscitated.

    “The proposed Oil Rivers state with Isaka Town, located in the northern part of Okrika Local Government Area as capital is endowed with abundant natural and human resources such as vast mangrove forests, rich fishery and agricultural potentials, palm oil industry, tourism potentials, natural harbours and oil and gas resources (with over 30 major oil and gas fields, making it economically viable),” he stressed.

    Okaba further proposed an additional 33 local government areas for Bayelsa.

    According to him, Bayelsa’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP is significant, thanks to its rich human and natural resources. As one of the largest oil and gas producing states in Nigeria, the state accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s oil production, estimated to be around 35-45% as of 2022.

    “In terms of GDP, the state’s contribution stands at $4.3 billion, with a GDP per capital of $1,773, according to 2020 rankings.

    “The state’s economy is largely driven by the petroleum industry, with crude oil and natural gas being major contributors. The state therefore, has a critical role in the actualisation of Mr President’s projection to meet up with OPEC quota of 2.06 barrels per day.”

    He said that it was however, worthy to note that in spite of the state’s significant contribution to the nation’s GDP, land and river mass and huge potentials for steady growth and development, it currently had only eight local government areas, which include Brass, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/ Opokuma, Ogbia, Nembe, Sagbama Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa.

    “We all know that eight LGAs for Bayelsa is a case of injustice in many ramifications in terms of federal resource allocation and fair representation.

    “Our other concerns include protection and remediation of its environment, federal resource contribution through resource control and payment of tax, true federal constitution with no unitary coloration.

    “We also want the re-integration of Ijaws vide the wholesale prosecution of the Ijaw struggle for self-determination which has lasted centuries.
    Improve the quality and quantity of representation,” Okaba further said.

    He also called for the restoration of true federalism, including fiscal federalism, Resource Control (100 per cent derivation) and devolution of power.

    He further proposed the alteration of Section 3 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended); Establishment of Regions, and proposed 10 federating units (federating states) by way of readjustment of the well-known and accepted six geopolitical zones in the country.

    Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has disclosed that it received 46 formal requests for the creation of new States.

    This, the House said, is alongside 117 demands for new local government areas across Nigeria. The proposals, submitted by various interest groups, span all six geopolitical zones.

  • Agitators storm Maiduguri, push for creation of Amana, Savannah States

    Agitators storm Maiduguri, push for creation of Amana, Savannah States

    Agitators seeking the creation of Amana and Savannah States in Adamawa and Borno on Saturday stormed Maiduguri to push for their demand at the Public hearing on Constitutional Amendment by the House of Representatives.

    The public hearing which was organised by the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment had attracted people from various constituencies in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

    The event which was chaired by Representative Isa Ali, on behalf of the North-east Centre B, comprising Adamawa, Borno and Yobe was supported by traditional rulers from the region, who also unanimously called for the inclusion of traditional rulers’ role in the constitution alongside the provision for allocation of resources to their offices.

    Alhaji Sali Bello, the Dan Amar Mubi, who led agitators demanding for the creation of Amana State from Adamawa, urged the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment to look into the marginalised communities with a view to rectify the unjust treatment against them.

    He also expressed concern on how they were being treated unjustly after voting to join Nigeria during the Plebiscite of the 11th of February 1961, despite being promised that their area will remain autonomous with Mubi as capital.

    “What wrong have we done to Nigeria? Why have we been treated so unjustly? Why must we go through such rituals of demanding for the fulfilment of a solemn promise made to us,” Bello asked?

    He recalled how both the governments of the Republics Nigeria and that of Cameroons had assured them then that their areas will continue to enjoy their autonomy whichever country they vote to join and that their capitals of Mubi for the North and Buea for the South will continue to enjoy such status as capitals of autonomous entities.

    Bello said that the Republic of Cameroun had fulfilled its promise by creating two regions out of the former Trusteeship territory, while the Republic of Nigeria failed to comply with its promise.

    Similarly, Dr Usman Balama, member of the House of Reps., representing Hawul/Askira-Uba Federal Constituency of Borno, said that the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno was paramount in view of the current population and number of local government areas in Borno.

    “If you look at all the states in the North-east, Borno has the largest population; and it has 27 LGAs, which is the highest in the zone.

    “We want to ensure effective utilisation of resources in this country; and when we talk of that, the smaller the size of the component, the easier and more effective the management of the resources it has

    “So, for the people of Borno State, the creation of Savannah State is a win-win situation, because once Southern Borno has Savannah, Borno itself will have a population it can easily manage in terms of development, resource utilisation and even in terms of security,” the federal parliamentarian argued further.

    “I want to say today to all lovers of democracy and to all citizens of Borno State that the agitation and yearning for the creation of Savannah State is a clarion call for all to support, whether you are from Northern, Central or Southern Borno.

    “Because this is a constitution review, we must align with the yearnings and aspirations of our people, which is the creation of Savannah State,” ” Balama told newsmen on the sidelines.

    Declaring the hearing open, Gov. Babagana Zulum urge the resilient people of Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and all other Nigerians to seize the opportunity to express their voices, experiences and aspirations.

    “In the same vain, I would also like to call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups, professional bodies, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders to make meaningful contributions that will enrich the outcome of this process.

    “As leaders, we are duty bound to ensure that this constitution review process produces a more just, equitable and united Nigeria, a Nigeria that works for all, regardless of region, tribe, religion or background.

    “Therefore, we must ensure that any constitutional amendment should take into account the peculiar experiences and aspirations of our people,” Zulum, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Usman Kadafur said.

    State Creation: Agitators of Amana state urge Nigeria to redeem 64 years promise

    Communities in Adamawa and Borno states agitating for the creation of Amana state, have urged the Federal Government to fulfill its 64 years promise of a state to the people of former Northern Cameroon who chose to be Nigerians in 1961.

    The communities hitherto known as Trust Territories of the Northern Cameroon, chose to be part of Nigeria in a plebiscite organised by the United Nations on Feb. 11, 1961.

    However their counterpart in Southern Cameroon who are part of the plebiscite chose to remain in Cameroon.

    Speaking at the public hearing organised by the House of Representatives in Maiduguri on Saturday,  the Director General and Leader of the Amana State Movement, Alhaji Sali Bello, said they were promised a state status by Nigeria during the plebiscite.

    Sali said their counterparts who chose Cameroon are now having two of the 10 regions in Cameroon, while the promise to give them a state in Nigeria with Mubi as capital is yet to be fulfilled.

    “There are 36 states in Nigeria today with 36 state Capitals. Our land is not one of them and the city Mubi is not a State Capital as promised. We are just an unfulfilled promise. That is all.

    “In Contrast, our brothers in the Southern part of the Trust territory of Cameroons who voted to join the Republic of Cameroon had their promises fulfilled beyond the earlier pledge made.

    “Today there are 10 Regions in Cameroon Republic. The people of Southern Cameroons have two Regions – the South West with Buea as Capital and North West with Bamenda as Capital.

    “Out of 10, they have 2. Out of 36, we have zero. Haba! This is gross injustice. What wrong did we do to be so treated,” Sali lamented.

    He recalled how the late Saudauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello led t
    he Nigeria campaign to woo them into Nigeria promising them a lot of goodies.

    “Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto told us that we will continue to enjoy autonomy under the Nigerian State.

    “He went further to say your Capital City of Mubi will Continue to enjoy the same status with Kano, Katsina, Ilorin, and all other provincial Capitals such as Maiduguri, Bauchi and several others across the Country.

    “We were very happy. Little did we know that these will end up being unfulfilled promises. But we never gave up on our agitations for Nigeria to redeem their promises to our people.”

    Sali appealed for the creation of the proposed Amana state, adding that they have fulfilled all requirements outlined in the guidelines for the creation of the state.

    “We appeal to the Honourable House of Representatives to consider and recommend the Creation of Amana State with the Capital in Mubi.

    “This will not only redeem the promise made by past leaders but tow the path of honour.

    “Please Consider your titles of Honourables and restore Honour to our people and erase this grave injustice by creating a State out of the ‘Trust Territory’ of Northern Cameroons to be based on Trust or ‘Amana’, Sali pleaded.

  • Constitution Review: We have heard Nigerians very loud and clear – Senate

    Constitution Review: We have heard Nigerians very loud and clear – Senate

    The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution says it has heard Nigerians loud and clear after its public hearings  on the review of the 1999 constitution,and will take appropriate steps on all issues raised.

    Sen. Jubrin Barau, the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Constitution Review Committee, said this while speaking with newsmen  at the  close of the South West Public Hearing held in Ikeja Lagos.

    Barau, who was represented by his Vice Chairman and Senate Leaders, Sen Opeyemi Bamidele, said that the committee would report back to the Senate, which would deliberate on all submissions and propositions.

    According to him, the final draft of the ongoing constitutional amendment would be sent to the state House of Assembly for ratification before the end of 2025.

    When asked about the predominant demands of various groups and individuals in the zone, Barau highlighted issues of state creation, state police, electoral and judicial reforms, devolution of power, resource control, special seats for women, among others.

    Stating that the public hearing should not be considered as a jamboree, the deputy senate president, said that all issues would be given quality attention to redefine governance and move the nation forward.

    He added that the gains of the past constitutional amendments could also be seen with reforms in the electoral system.

    Jibrin assured that  the Senate would continue to give Nigerians the chance to participate in law making and governance.

    Barau said: “The whole essence is to ensure that the constitutionis not changed without the popular consensus of Nigerians.

    “I want to assure you that something meaningful will also come out of this just like it has been in the past.

    “We are looking to address lots of issues raised by the youth, the women, the traditional rulers, the professionals, and other stakeholders for good governance and a better Nigeria.

    “We have heard Nigerian very loud and clear, and we are going to Abuja to file our report and conclude this process.

    “Part of our timetable is that before the end of the year, a final notification as a proposal will be sent to the State House of Assembly so that we can round up the process without further delay.”

    Several organisations including youth, students and women groups, made presentations at the public hearing.

    Barau listed focus areas of the public hearing to include constitutional rights and freedom, electoral reforms, federalism and resource control, judicial reform, human rights and socio-justice.

    Others areas are: inclusive governance, security and policing and devolution of powers, institutional reforms, fiscal reforms, fundamental rights and state creation.

  • Constitution Review: MURIC demands Sharia Courts, Friday holiday

    Constitution Review: MURIC demands Sharia Courts, Friday holiday

    Islamic human rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called for constitutional amendments to establish Sharia Courts in all Southwest states of Nigeria.

    MURIC also demanded that Fridays be declared public holidays in recognition of Muslim worship practices across the country.

    The group’s Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, presented the proposal during the South West Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional review.

    Akintola, who was represented by Dr Jamiu Busari, a group leader, addressed the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

    He said the changes would enhance inclusiveness and protect the rights of Muslims in Nigeria’s Southwest region.

    “No Sharia Court currently exists in Southwestern Nigeria, where Muslims arguably form the majority. This contradicts the pre-colonial Yoruba experience before the advent of British rule,” Akintola said.

    He urged the establishment of Sharia Courts in all Southwestern states, including Edo, due to their Muslim populations.

    He also called for constitutional provisions mandating state governors to establish Sharia Courts of Appeal.

    “These courts will handle Muslim matters only, ensuring non-Muslims are not affected,” he added.

    Akintola also urged the National Assembly to declare Fridays as public holidays for Muslim worship.

    He said, “Thursdays and Fridays were traditional weekends for Muslims in the pre-colonial period.

    “Currently, Nigeria recognises Saturday and Sunday as weekends, both favouring Christians,” he said.

    He claimed the weekend structure was imposed by colonial authorities, with Saturday initially a half-day.

    “Saturday was later made a full day to benefit Seventh-Day Adventists under Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s regime,” he added.

    Akintola argued that the current weekend arrangement excludes Muslims and lacks religious balance.

    “We demand Friday be included as a recognised weekend day for Muslims,” he said.

    He noted Nigeria has eight national public holidays, five of which favour Christians and only three for Muslims.

    Holidays listed include Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid-Kabir, Eid Fitr, and Maulud.

    Akintola urged a constitutional amendment to make the Islamic New Year a public holiday.

    He said this was already recognised in some states and should be adopted nationally.

    He also called for the recognition of Islamic marriage certificates for official purposes.

    “Christian marriages conducted in churches or registries are officially accepted nationwide.

    “But Nikkah marriages are not recognised, creating problems for Muslim couples in formal settings,” he added.

    Akintola described this as discriminatory in a democratic society.

    He said, “A religious group’s marriage is officially accepted while another’s is ignored — this must change.”

    Akintola proposed that Islamic marriages be granted equal legal recognition as Christian marriages.

    The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) echoed the call for judicial reforms to create Sharia Courts.

    MUSWEN also proposed courts specialising in Islamic finance to support Muslim economic practices.

    In response, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jubrin Barau, gave assurances that all demands would be considered.

    Barau was represented by Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, at the Lagos public hearing.

    He said the Senate would review all submissions and report findings to the National Assembly.

    Other organisations, including youth, student, and women groups, also made presentations.

  • Different perspectives as Christian leaders disagree on modalities for Constitutional Review

    Different perspectives as Christian leaders disagree on modalities for Constitutional Review

    Some members of the National Christian Elders Forum, (NCEF) have disagreed on the modalities penciled down concerning the birthing of  a new Constitution ahead of another constitutional review by the National Assembly.

    The disagreement happened during the consultative meeting held Thursday via zoom, which was convened by NCEF on the new Constitution, could not agree on the modality to be adopted for the exercise.

    The consultative meeting was convened for Christian elders to deliberate on a new Constitution for Nigeria.

    The meeting was held to discuss the various perspectives in the proposals for a new Constitution before the NCEF with the ethnic nationalities.

    Speaking on the birthing of a fresh constitution, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self Determination, NINAS, Mr Tony Nnadi, said amending the Constitution would not berth equity and stability without suspending certain provisions stipulated by successive military regimes to foist a unitary Constitution.

    According to him, a constitution produced by indigenous nationalities would be the very best for the country.

    Nnadi cited Section 14, 2, of the Constitution, adding that what the current National Assembly wants to do is not different from the past attempts at tinkering with the country’s grundnorm.

    In a counter argument, the traditional Ruler of Daffo in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Jonathan Akuns, noted that Nigerian leaders missed the opportunity to review the Constitution.

    He argued that the 1963 Republican Constitution was not abrogated, saying all the House of Representatives needed to do was to amend it to preserve Nigeria’s democratic and structural foundation.

    He said: “Ethnic cohorts held a constitutional conference in Lagos on 25-26 July 1963 and mandated elected members of the House of Representatives to enact the Republican Constitution with effect from January 10, 1963.

    “The enthroned autochthonous 1963 CFRN was never abrogated by military juntas, but simply suspended. Therefore, we need to carefully stitch the democratic strands of Nigeria by reviewing the autochthonous 1963 CFRN.

    “As a result, the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) suffered a prolonged period of an interregnum that stifled and stunted the maturity of the tenets of republican governance in Nigeria. India is a global classic of republicanism in the nationhood strides of countries that also emerged by colonial creation.”

    Akuns maintained that the best route for the Constitution review process in the present circumstances is to tinker with the 1963 Republican Constitution, stressing that that is the best bet to preserve the democratic demands of Constitution making.

     

  • Reps engage experts to facilitate constitution review

    Reps engage experts to facilitate constitution review

    The House Committee on the Review of the Constitution has appointed nine consultants to provide expert input in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

    The Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who is also the chairman of the committee made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    “In order to pass the constitution amendments in record time, I am pleased to announce to you that a nine-man technical team of consultants has been appointed to provide expert input and insights to the committee’s work.

    “It is pertinent to note that the selection of the technical team was purely based on merit, expertise and personal capacity,” he said.

    Kalu said the team was vested with responsibilities that include to develop a reasonable time bound work-plan for the committee’s activities in liaison with the committee’s secretariat.

    He said that they were also expected to advise the committee on the methodology to adopt in carrying out consultations with stakeholders and interest groups and sieve out germane issues that may arise therefrom.

    The deputy speaker said that the consultants are to collate, study, analyse and asses all memoranda received from the public and to bring out the issues raised in a structured manner.

    “Among others, they are to analyze and present the data collected in a simple, concise and organized manner for the committee’s deliberations and consideration to assist in ultimately taking critical and informed decisions.

    “Conduct research on bills/measures and policies referred to the committee and advise on their viability and likely consequences on proposed constitutional alterations.

    “Advise the committee to arrive at decisions that are fair to all and in accordance with the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy,” he said. .

    The consultants led by the Coordinating Consultant, Mr Clement Nwankwo, are Mr Mamman  Osuman, Prof. Nuhu Jamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Chris Uche, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

    Others are  Mr Seni Adio, also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Samson Osagie, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, and Prof. Ladi Hammalia.

  • Why we have to review 1999 Constitution – Speaker Abbas

    Why we have to review 1999 Constitution – Speaker Abbas

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has opened up on the imperative to review the 1999 Constitution.

    The Speaker said the review of the constitution was imperative due to the changing nature of the nation’s population.

    “Nigeria’s population in 1999 was about 120 million but the figure rose above 220 million in the year 2023,” Abbas said.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Speaker said this on Monday when he inaugurated the Constitution Review Committee for the 10th house with his Deputy, Rep. Benjamin Kalu as chairman.

    Abbas also named the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere as deputy chairman of the committee, while the House Zonal Caucus Leaders are to serve as advisory members to the committee on issues relating to their respective zones.

    He went on to say the committee’s secretariat would include a representative of people living with disabilities to ensure that their concerns are properly accommodated.

    According to him, the mandate of the committee is to receive and consider proposals for alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and  create a forum for stakeholders and the public.

    This,  he said , was to make inputs into the review process and collaborate with the Senate and the State  Assemblies as required by law.

    He said since the inception of the fourth Republic, the Constitution had been subjected to five alterations with landmark changes that had strengthened the country’s democratic institutions, federalism and governance generally.

    He said the house had adopted a strategy of timely commencement, adding that the proactive approach was designed to ensure thorough engagement and deliberation.

    Abbas explained that the review was aimed at making the constitution a living and transformative document.

    The Speaker said since the inauguration of the 10th house, the lawmakers had  not hidden their commitment toward reform of the nation’s laws with a view to facing current realities in our society.

    He said the composition of the committee was representative, adding that the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT all had representatives.

    According to him,  to achieve more inclusiveness, the committee will also have six additional women, one from each of the six geo-political zones.

    Responding on behalf of the committee, Kalu said it was imperative to highlight the areas that would be looked into in the course of the review.

    “Some of them include the establishment of state police; state access to mines, and  increased participation of women in politics.

    “Others are clear specification of the taxes/levies to be collected by each tier of government and provision for the office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.”

    Kalu added that several bill proposals that were passed but could not make the President’s assent during the Fifth Constitution alterations would be given attention.

    “These include powers to the National  and State Assemblies to summon the President and State governors, and requirements of the government to direct policies toward ensuring the rights to food and food security,’’ he said.

  • Reps set December 2025 to deliver on new constitution

    Reps set December 2025 to deliver on new constitution

    The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, on Wednesday set December 2025 as the target day to deliver a new constitution for the country.

    Rep. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Committee said this at their pre-inaugural meeting in Abuja.

    Kalu said the committee would set up a realistic time, specifically December 2025, to complete the activities of the committee.

    He said that the review would be the sixth time that the National Assembly would embark on the amendment of the nation’s constitution.

    He said the committee was aware of the challenges of insecurity and economic difficulties confronting it, adding that since 2010, NASS had made landmark changes to the constitution since the military regime in 1999.

    He listed some of the amendments made to include judicial reform, electoral reforms and moving certain responsibilities of government from the exclusive to the constituent list.

    Kalu said that in the last amendment, some reviews were not passed, such as additional seats for women to be in the National Assembly and diaspora voting, among others.

    He added that such would be reintroduced in the current review committee, saying, “We hope we will get it right this time.”

    He urged the proponents of those laws to commence timely advocacy to get the matter right, adding that there was a need to constantly revisit the nation’s constitution considering the nature of the country.

    Kalu said that the committee was aware of Nigerians eagerness to conclude the review in record time, adding that the committee would be open to other areas of review to ensure a viable constitutional democracy.

    He urged members of the committee to prepare to work hard and deliver on citizen expectations, while encouraging members to bring forth bills on issues affecting their constituencies and national interests.

    The date for the inauguration of the committee has been fixed for Feb. 26.

  • Senate considers constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Senate considers constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    The Senate says it will consider assigning Constitutional roles to traditional rulers in the next Constitution amendment to give them a sense of belonging.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio said this when he received in audience, royal fathers from all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja on Monday.

    Akpabio said that the royal fathers had key roles to play in governance especially in the area of ensuring security of lives and property.

    “Your request for constitutional role in governance is not strange to us and in particular to me based on my background.

    “My late grandfather was a traditional ruler and in fact, one of the warrant officers used by the colonial masters for effective implementation of indirect rule.

    “During the period, traditional rulers effectively tackled issues of safety and security in their various domains.

    “It is my belief and the entire Senate leadership here that if traditional rulers are constitutionally engaged in governance at the grassroots, the myriad of security challenges facing the country would be a thing of the past,” he said.

    Earlier speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu of Nupe, said the traditional rulers had been playing crucial roles toward maintaining the unity of the country.

    Abubakar said however, that the 1999 Constitution failed to assign specific roles to the traditional rulers, in spite of the crucial roles they played in stabilising the society.

    He said that although the traditional rulers made several efforts to rectify the problem, the situation had remained the same.

    “The most recent of such efforts was the one made during the 9th National Assembly which didn’t scale through as a result of failure to get the required votes in the Senate in spite of its success in the House of Representatives,” he said.