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Governor Otti Calls for Collective Action in Ongoing Constitution Review

Published

1 year ago

July 20, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

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…say 31 additional states is a burden, warn on LG autonomy viability

By Gloria Ikibah

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has described the ongoing 2025 Constitution Review as a rare chance for Nigerians to critically examine the system and decide on reforms that can place the nation on the right path.

Speaking at the South-East Zonal Constitution Review for Abia and Imo States, held in Owerri on Saturday, Otti who was represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu stressed that building a better Nigeria is a shared responsibility.

According to the Governor, no matter our political affiliations or personal beliefs, this country belongs to all everyone and Nigeria cannot outsource the task of nation-building to others; as “it is ours to do.”

While admitting that Nigeria may not yet reflect the dreams of its citizens, Otti maintained that history has shown that no situation is beyond change. He urged Nigerians to shun cynicism, apathy, and distrust, insisting that meaningful transformation can only happen when people believe in the nation’s potential.

He said: “We must begin to see ourselves as a great people with a proud national heritage.

“I would share my thoughts on some of the key agenda for debates and considerations in the 2025 constitutional review process. As many in this auditorium may know, the positions I would be sharing today have since been documented in my writings and public engagements from the last decade so they are not entirely new ideas.

“I have to, however, add that my personal views should not override the legitimate concerns of other stakeholders who also have a right to disagree or present alternative viewpoints. The most important thing is that all of us deserve to have a say in the process. Thankfully, the platform for that broad engagement has been presented to us through these public hearings.

“My first interest is the clamour for the creation of additional states. I am aware that proposals for the creation of 31 new states were received by the National Assembly prior to this time. While I respect the rights of those who believe that the creation of new states would address concerns of marginalisation and exclusion of some ethnic and religious groups in the current structure in some parts of the country.

“I am more concerned about the additional burden these proposals, if adopted, would add to the lean resources of the nation through the multiplication of administrative costs and further bloating of an oversized bureaucracy. Except we can magically find independent sources of financing the new states outside what currently exists, I do not share the optimism of those promoting the idea of adding new states to the current 36-state structure.

“My recommendation would be the development of an inclusive governance model in the states, one that gives every major clan a say in the allocation of resources, a seat at the decision-making table and the structural leverage to advance their political and economic interests”.

Governor Otti urged Nigerians to be more concerned about improving the economic structure of the states, creating jobs for the young people outside the civil service and make the welfare of the common man a priority.

According to him, the current system is too elite driven to be functional and that, it is high time ordinary people are placed at the centre of decision making.

On the creation of state police and related matters, Otti argue that the present realities in the land have made it a matter of urgent national priority.

“The current exclusive federal policing system is largely inadequate and has exposed our people to a litany of vulnerabilities over the years. So, I would vote for the creation of State police but with a proviso that standards be clearly defined as it relates to leadership, relationship with federal and other sub-national policing structures, recruitments, accountability and respect for human rights”, he added.

The Governor also supported the creation of additional seats for women in the national and state assemblies saying that, his endorsement is total.

He noted that, while it would guarantee the inclusion of women in the political process and giving them a say in shaping the character of the Nigerian governance architecture, Otti however said, just having women in our legislative assemblies would not achieve the desired impact unless a number of fundamental issues are holistically addressed.

“the internal processes within the political parties have to be strengthened to make for the active participation of women in decision making. The ordinary women, not persons related or affiliated to powerful male party leaders, must be at the centre of the process.

“If we are not careful, we may be creating new opening for men with vested interests to further entrench themselves in the system using proxies. If that happens, nothing in the real sense of it would change in the political fortunes of average Nigerian women”, he stated.

Speaking on the proposal to alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution to establish the local government councils as a separate tier of government, he called for caution and a holistic appreciation of the broad implications of the proposal.

“Like I argued with the creation of additional states, we must be mindful of further bloating an already-overfed bureaucracy. I may not be very correct but if I understand this proposal correctly, we may be looking at creating hundreds of new bureaucratic structures for the autonomous administration of the local councils.

“The local government system as we know is statutorily responsible for the provision of primary healthcare; basic, adult and vocational education and similar functions that impact directly on the lives of the population at the grassroots.

“Like I asked at the 18th Community of Practice Meeting of the Honourable Commissioners of Budget and Economic Planning in Umuahia last May, would it be financially prudent to have 774 or more universal basic education commissions and similar number of agencies managing primary health and human services for LGAs in the country? What are the implications for cost of governance, corruption and systemic abuses?

“There may be need to think this through and make a choice between having new layers of administrative structures that further drain public resources through inflated overheads and creating a system that cuts down bureaucratic bottlenecks — guaranteeing that the larger chunk of public resources is channelled into the provision of social services”, Otti asserted.

The Governor also supported the proposal to make free and compulsory basic education a fundamental right of all citizens, saying that, it should not be debatable but to be adopted without much ado.

“The proposal aligns perfectly with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the 1989 International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child; the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 1990 African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child amongst other international conventions and agreements.

“Beyond just making the right to basic education a fundamental right for our people and enshrining same in the Constitution, I think we need to pay more attention to education financing. Quality education does not come cheap and it is not just enough to ask everyone to go to school. Deliberate efforts must be made to fund education across the entire value chain.

“We need to invest in teacher education with particular emphasis on training and retraining especially in the relevant fields of sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics. Our teachers must be trained and motivated to acquire relevant skills to be able to teach the pupils and students effectively and prepare them for the competition of the new global environment.

“These teachers have to be well remunerated, their welfare prioritised and the environment where they work made conducive for the very important work that they do. So, in addition to making education compulsory and a fundamental right of citizens, we also have to make effective provisions for the statutory funding of the educational system, especially basic education.

“Our target should not be to create a perfect constitution. While perfection would be the ideal thing to aspire to, the truth remains that we will do better by focusing on what is practical within the context of our democratic evolution, economic realities and social dynamics. What I think we should rather seek at this point is to build on the gains that have been made over the past 26 years since the present Constitution came into effect”, he stated.

He also acknowledged that, there are too many gaps and ambiguities in the 1999 Constitution that are being exploited by different stakeholder groups to advance interests that are not entirely altruistic in scope.

“Even then, I am also cautious when blaming those who left the scene almost 30 years ago for the problems of today. My view is that we now have sufficient governance experience to determine what is not working and make changes as may be relevant from time to time.

“I am aware that since 2010, the 1999 Constitution has undergone 5 epochs of alterations in response to demands for structural changes by Nigerians. Going through the whole 9 yards of constitution amendment at 5 times over a 15-year period speaks to our evolving desire to change our national experience by periodically tinkering with the Supreme Laws of the land. We must congratulate ourselves for not being afraid to test the system and brave the odds to make some much-needed changes”, otti said.

News

Troops rescue 31 abductees, neutralize terrorist kingpin in Katsina, Kebbi

Published

8 hours ago

September 16, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 31 abductees and neutralized two terrorists, including a suspected kingpin, during separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.

The military also arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered ammunition, a motorcycle, camouflage clothing and other items during the operations conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 16.

According to the statement, troops in Katsina rescued 10 kidnap victims, comprising three males and seven females, after responding to distress reports from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area.

The troops reportedly launched a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the victims.

Among those rescued was an infant.

The victims were subsequently taken into military custody for necessary assistance and further action.

21 Victims Rescued in Kebbi

Also on September 14, troops operating in Kebbi State responded to a distress call following the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.

Acting on intelligence, the troops launched a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they reportedly engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of gunfire.

The terrorists were forced to withdraw from the area, allowing the troops to continue their operation and rescue 21 kidnapped victims.

The rescued civilians were later reunited with their families.

Terrorist Kingpin Killed in Katsina

The following day, September 15, troops in Katsina reportedly foiled an attempted terrorist attack on communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas.

Acting on intelligence, the troops moved towards a suspected terrorist hideout and engaged the group with superior firepower.

The military said two terrorists were killed during the encounter, including Abbah Alhassan, whom it identified as a known terrorist kingpin.

Other terrorists reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush.

Troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and suspected Indian hemp from the area.

Two Suspects Arrested

In another operation on September 15, troops arrested two suspected terrorists around the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspects were associated with a suspected terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.

The suspects remain in military custody while investigations continue.

The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate its continued efforts to rescue kidnapped civilians, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the movement and operational freedom of armed groups across its area of responsibility.

The task force also commended residents for providing security-related information and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency.

News

NASS Transmits 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill to 36 State Assemblies

Published

8 hours ago

September 16, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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By Gloria Ikibah

The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states for consideration and approval.

The transmission, carried out on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, marks the next stage in the ongoing constitutional alteration process and was undertaken pursuant to a directive from the leadership of the National Assembly.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., said the Bill was transmitted to the state legislatures in compliance with the provisions of Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Under Section 9, a bill seeking to alter the Constitution cannot be passed by either chamber of the National Assembly unless it is approved by resolutions of not less than two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states.

The state legislatures are therefore required to consider the proposed constitutional amendments in accordance with their respective legislative procedures and communicate their resolutions to the National Assembly after completing their deliberations.

Although the Constitution does not stipulate a specific timeframe within which state Houses of Assembly must respond to a constitutional alteration bill, the National Assembly said the state legislatures are expected to communicate their decisions within 30 days of receiving the Bill.

The National Assembly, however, stressed that the 30-day period is an administrative timeframe and not a constitutional deadline.

According to the Clerk, the timeframe is intended to promote an orderly, coordinated and timely conclusion of the constitutional amendment process while respecting the constitutional independence of the state legislatures.

What the Constitution Requires

Nigeria’s Constitution sets a deliberately high threshold for constitutional amendments because changes to the country’s supreme law require approval beyond the National Assembly alone.

In addition to the required approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly, Section 9 prescribes other legislative requirements depending on the particular constitutional provisions being altered.

The process generally involves the introduction and passage of the alteration Bill by the National Assembly before it is transmitted to the state legislatures for consideration. The resolutions of the state assemblies are subsequently communicated to the National Assembly for the next stage of the process.

The requirement for state-level approval gives the 36 Houses of Assembly a constitutionally recognised role in determining whether proposed amendments can proceed.

The National Assembly said it recognises this responsibility and respects the independence of the state legislatures in considering the Bill.

National Assembly Seeks Coordinated Process

In the statement, the Clerk said the transmission was intended to facilitate the orderly discharge of the state assemblies’ constitutional responsibilities rather than interfere with their legislative processes.

“The National Assembly remains committed to ensuring that the constitutional alteration process is conducted in strict compliance with the Constitution,” the statement said.

It added that the process would be guided by due process, institutional cooperation and respect for the legislative responsibilities of all tiers of the legislature.

The National Assembly will await the resolutions of the 36 state Houses of Assembly before taking the subsequent steps required under the Constitution.

The transmission of the Sixth Alteration Bill comes amid continued efforts to amend aspects of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, a process that requires cooperation between the federal and state legislatures because of the constitutional threshold for altering the nation’s supreme law.

The statement was signed by Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., Clerk to the National Assembly.

News

REVEALED: 11 Nigerian-Born Lawyers Hit by U.S. Disciplinary Actions Over Professional Violations

Published

9 hours ago

September 16, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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At least 11 Nigerian-born lawyers practising or based in the United States have faced suspension or other disciplinary measures over alleged or established professional violations, according to disciplinary records cited in a report by The Peoples Gazette.

The cases span several years and involve different jurisdictions and regulatory bodies, including state bar authorities, U.S. immigration authorities and the Board of Immigration Appeals.

The disciplinary matters range from unauthorised practice of law and failure to meet professional obligations to alleged misrepresentation, neglect of clients’ cases and mishandling of client funds.

The sanctions are not identical, and the grounds for disciplinary action vary from one case to another. Some of the lawyers have also reportedly been reinstated, while others remain suspended or have not been reinstated.

Below is a summary of the lawyers and the disciplinary actions reported against them.

1. Aloysius O. Ejimakor

Aloysius O. Ejimakor was suspended from practising law in New York for nine months in 2004 following disciplinary proceedings over alleged false claims concerning his professional qualifications.

According to a U.S. Department of Justice document, the Office of General Counsel for the Executive Office for Immigration Review commenced proceedings against him in July 2003.

The proceedings alleged that Ejimakor violated federal regulations by making false statements concerning his qualifications.

The report states that he had not been reinstated following the suspension.

2. Abiola O. Adesioye

Abiola O. Adesioye, based in the District of Columbia, was suspended in July 2025 by the Board of Immigration Appeals from practising before the board, U.S. immigration courts and the Department of Homeland Security.

The suspension followed an order issued by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals on March 25, 2025.

According to the report, disciplinary counsel for the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Department of Homeland Security jointly petitioned for her immediate suspension under applicable federal regulations.

The Board of Immigration Appeals granted the petition pending the final resolution of the disciplinary proceedings.

3. Emelike Nwosuocha

Emelike Nwosuocha, who died on July 21, 2024, aged 64, faced disciplinary proceedings before his death.

According to the report, he was posthumously suspended for three years in 2024 over professional misconduct.

The disciplinary matter included an alleged failure to provide an affidavit required under an earlier suspension and failure to pay attorney fees owed to a defendant in a medical negligence lawsuit.

In 2023, Nwosuocha had reportedly received a six-month suspension after failing to respond to a disciplinary grievance.

The relevant disciplinary authorities subsequently affirmed the suspension.

4. Michael Ozulumba

Michael Ozulumba, who is based in Massachusetts, was reportedly suspended from practising before the Internal Revenue Service and the Executive Office for Immigration Review for two years.

The reported disciplinary findings involved professional misconduct, neglect of client cases and misrepresentations.

However, the supplied material contains a reference to a 2027 board decision. Since that date is still in the future as of September 16, 2026, that portion requires independent verification and has therefore not been treated here as an established past event.

5. Michael Imevbore Ojo

Michael Imevbore Ojo, based in Houston, Texas, was suspended from practising law for 12 months by the Evidentiary Panel of the District 4C05 Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas.

The disciplinary action reportedly involved alleged violations of Texas professional conduct rules, including neglect, failure to communicate with clients and failure to cooperate with a State Bar investigation.