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Constitution Needs Constant Review – Omo-Agege

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The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, says Nigerian constitution needed to be constantly reviewed for the benefit of the citizens.

Omo-Agege, Chairman, Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, said this at the opening of a two-day public hearing on the review of the Constitution in Bauchi.

He said that the Nigeria C0onstitution had to be looked into from time to time “just like we take stock of the past and plan for the future.

 “As a living document, the Constitution to a large extent in a constitutional democracy, need to be reviewed from time to time just as in our day-to-day lives we take stock of the past and plan for the future.

’’ 

Represented by Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Chairman, Public Hearing Committee on 1999 Constitution Review, Bauchi Centre, Omo-Agege said the review would provide a platform for Nigerians to their express opinions on fundamental laws governing their lives.

He said that the focus of the committee was to manage the exercise in a fair, inclusive, credible and transparent manner.

He said that the hearing was organised ahead of the national public hearing because the National Assembly adopted a bottom-up approach by listening to Nigerians first at the geo-political levels.

Omo-Agege said the approach underscored the critical importance the Constitution review committee placed on the sub-national levels of governance in the country.

The chairman, however, appealed to the participants, irrespective of their political affiliations to support the National Assembly to towards positive transformation in the country.

“I, therefore, invite you all to participate actively in this public hearing so that together, we can bequeath to our nation a peoples centred Constitution,’’ he said.

Gov. Bala Mohammed  said that the numerous military intervention in the nation’s politics led to a democracy with military dictatorship.

The governor also said that the military introduced a system where powers were concentrated at the centre with the regions becoming appendages of the centre.

He said it was not surprising that the 1999 Constitution did not holistically encapsulate the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians as an autocratic command structure was adopted.

The governor, however, said that it was gratifying that the National Assembly set machinery in motion for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Mohammed gave a pass mark to the current three tiers of government – federal, state and local in the country and called for their retention in the reviewed constitution.

“It is therefore my contention that more powers be devolved to states and local governments because the two tiers are closer to the people.

“To this end, I wish to further suggest that some of the items in the exclusive legislative lists should be transferred to the concurrent legislative lists.

“With devolution of power to the states, I wish to also recommend the review of the revenue allocation formula so that states will have more resources to discharge the additional responsibilities devolved to them,’’ Mohammed said.

He called for the establishment of state police, adding that it would be more ideal for the states to have their law enforcement agencies rather than depend on federal enforcement agencies.

“You will agree with me that this arrangement does not augur well for an effective security administration of the state, hence, the need for the state police that will be fully controlled by the states government,’’ he said.

Mohammed said that in order to address the fear that state police could be abused by state governors for political gains, appropriate legal instruments must be put in place by the reviewers of the Constitution.

“By this, there won’t be arbitrariness, subjectivity and political persecution,’’ he said,

 The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the public hearing was being held simultaneously in the six geo-political zones of the country.(NAN)

POLITICS

Youth Leader Urges Stakeholders to Rally behind Dickson for 2027

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Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson
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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

A Youth Leader from Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Alhaji Letugbene has called on stakeholders in Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State to close ranks and work together to return the Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson to the National Assembly come 2027.

Letugbene, who made the call recently said, Senator Dickson has performed creditably since he was elected and should be supported by all to continue his good work in the Senate, as there is no doubt in his political experience and leadership abilities and competence.
He particularly, appealed to the stakeholders and people of Ekeremor to rally round Senator Dickson because he remains the only and best option for the people of Bayelsa West who are clamouring for true representation.
”I want to call on my people in Ekeremor to join us to work together to return Senator Seriake Dickson back to the Senate in 2027.He has done well since he was elected and I’m convinced he will even do better for us” he said.According to him, Senator Dickson deserves the support of Ekeremor because he has impacted every community, noting that as a two-term governor, he cited several key projects in the LGA and appointed sons and daughters into key positions of trust, while as a federal lawmaker, he continues to impact the people positively.Letugbene, who is the National Vice Chairman of the Third Phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), also asserted, that Senator Dickson has taken the gauntlet left by the late Ijaw leader, Pa Edwin Clark, to face fire for the Ijaw Nation when it mattered most, noting that he stood his ground against intimidation and oppression to speak truth to power when issues affecting his people are on the front burner in the Red Chamber.He said Senator Dickson has remained vocal, courageous and fearless in the National Assembly, condemning the marginalization and oppression of the Ijaw Nation as well as other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, while demanding equity, fairness and justice for the people.Letugbene, however, bemoaned the actions of a few misguided stakeholders from Ekeremor who are whipping up sentiments against Senator Dickson through propaganda and claims that Sagbama is marginalizing Ekeremor over the Senate seat, urging them not to spread falsehood as the zoning formula in the area no longer existed and that anyone is free from either LGAs to contest the Senate and House of Representatives election in 2027.The ex-agitator, who passed a ‘vote of confidence’ on Senator Dickson, also enjoined beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme from Ekeremor LGA to support the federal lawmaker because of his assertive and unwavering commitment to the upliftment and betterment of Bayelsa West, the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta in the Nigerian Federation.

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Ribadu, Mustapha’s Strategic Leadership Drive APC Reconciliation Success in Adamawa

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From Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State has recorded a major breakthrough in its quest for internal cohesion and electoral strength with the formal submission of a comprehensive reconciliation report by the committee led by elder statesman, Senator Mohammed Mana.

The peace initiative, which has been widely applauded by stakeholders, is the outcome of a coordinated effort spearheaded by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu.
The reconciliation committee was constituted after wide consultations among key political actors in the state, and with strategic input from the NSA, who is widely regarded as a stabilizing figure in Adamawa politics.
His role, sources said, was pivotal in setting the tone for an inclusive and credible reconciliation process.Working in close alignment with the NSA, Comrade Mustapha Salihu provided administrative coordination, strategic direction, and political leadership that anchored the peace-building effort and culminated in the successful submission of the report.Speaking at the event, Salihu described the development as a “New dawn” for the APC in Adamawa and a critical step toward repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.“This report marks a turning point in our collective efforts to strengthen the APC in Adamawa. It is the product of genuine dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and a shared commitment to unity. I sincerely thank all those who played a role in making this happen, particularly our National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his guidance and fatherly support throughout this process,” Salihu said.He emphasized that the reconciliation is not just about settling disputes but about laying a solid foundation for future electoral success by fostering inclusivity and rebuilding trust among party members.In recognition of these efforts, the Adamawa APC Unity Forum, led by Abubakar Hamma, issued a statement commending the leadership of both NSA Ribadu and Comrade Salihu.“The roles played by the NSA and our Zonal Vice Chairman were instrumental. Their guidance, commitment, and strategic oversight gave the committee the credibility and confidence it needed to deliver this crucial mandate. Their patriotism has rekindled hope in the APC project in Adamawa,” the statement read.Similarly, the Coalition of APC Youths Forum in Adamawa, led by Hon. Khalil Sajo, expressed optimism about the party’s future in the state, declaring that the reconciliation efforts had repositioned the party for victory.“We now have a united front. The distractions are over, and thanks to leaders like NSA Ribadu and Comrade Salihu, we are entering the 2027 race from a position of strength,” the youth leader added.It will be recalled that Comrade Mustapha Salihu recently donated a newly acquired 20-room duplex complex equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to serve as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Adamawa State APC Secretariat. This, among several other gestures, reflects his unwavering commitment to the party’s growth and organizational readiness.Political observers believe that with this successful reconciliation and the backing of respected national figures like Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Comrade Salihu, the APC in Adamawa is now better positioned to challenge for electoral dominance in the coming years.

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Why Northwest Governors Root for Tinubu as 2027 Sole Candidate

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From Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North West Zone has boldly declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on a clear path to victory in the 2027 presidential elections, citing the disarray in the opposition and the party’s growing unity and strength across the region.

This assertive position was contained in a communiqué read by the Coordinating Governor of the North West and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, following a high-level stakeholders meeting of the APC held on Saturday in Kaduna.
The well-attended meeting brought together key political heavyweights including the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.
Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Governors of Kebbi and Jigawa States, Deputy Governor of Katsina, Ministers, National and State Assembly members, and other top presidential aides from the zone.Governor Uba Sani noted that the stakeholders extensively assessed the state of the party and the performance of elected and appointed officials, and resolved to consolidate on the party’s political dominance across the zone.“One of the key takeaways from our robust deliberation is the undeniable fact that the opposition is in disarray,” he said. “But we must not be complacent. We must continue to deliver on our mandates and deepen the trust of our people. If we remain focused, the opposition stands no chance of recovering.”The stakeholders unanimously passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu, applauding what they described as his “progressive governance, inclusive leadership, and unwavering support to the North West.” Speaker Abbas moved the motion, which was seconded by Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, and greeted with thunderous approval.Governor Sani further highlighted the President’s “uncommon support” for the North West, including the appointment of 12 ministers from the zone, two service chiefs, and major investments in security, infrastructure and agriculture.The communique concluded with a rallying call for unity and proactive grassroots mobilization as the APC prepares to extend its winning streak into the next election cycle.“The North West is firmly behind President Tinubu. With our collective commitment and strategic planning, 2027 will be another resounding victory for the APC,” Uba Sani affirmed.

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