News
Constitution Review: We ‘ll meet needs of Nigerians-Deputy Speaker, Kalu assures
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has assured that the 10th National Assembly is committed to meeting the demands of Nigerians in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Delivery his address at the Retreat of the the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in Enugu on Friday, Kalu who is the chairman of the panel said that Nigerians want a more functional Constitution that will empower the local governments to deliver services, streamline electoral justice, strengthen fiscal federalism, guarantee women’s full participation in governance, and enhance accountability at all levels.
He emphasized that the gathering is a critical convergence of minds committed to the singular purpose of perfecting the country’s democracy as well as strengthening its constitutional foundation.
He said: “The outcome of this extensive consultative process is clear: Nigerians want a Constitution that works for them. Nigerians want a Constitution that empowers local governments to deliver services, streamlines electoral justice, strengthens fiscal federalism, guarantees women’s full participation in governance, and enhances accountability at all levels.
“Distinguished colleagues, it is in this vein that we have assembled a distinguished panel of constitutional lawyers, scholars, and policy analysts who will guide our deliberations, provide comparative perspectives, and help us navigate complex legal and political terrain.
“The work we do here in Enugu over the next few days will define the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy for the next generation.
“Will we be remembered as the Assembly that empowered local governments, thereby bringing governance closer to the people?
“Will we be remembered as the Assembly that shattered the glass ceiling and guaranteed women’s full participation in public life?
“Will we be remembered as the Assembly that restored public confidence in our electoral system?
“These are not rhetorical questions. They are moral and political imperatives that demand our immediate and decisive action.”
Kalu called on the members of the committee to speak with one voice and focus on issues that unite the people.
He added that national interest must be placed higher and above every other consideration in the realization of the noble objectives of the committee in particular and the parliament in general.
“As we commence our deliberations, I urge us all to be guided by three principles: First, unity of purpose. We represent different constituencies, different parties, and different ideologies. But on the issue of constitutional reform, we must speak with one voice. The amendments we propose must command broad, bipartisan support if they are to succeed. Let us focus on what unites us, not what divides us.
“Second, legislative discipline. Constitutional amendments are not
ordinary bills. They require meticulous drafting, rigorous scrutiny, and
careful sequencing. We must resist the temptation to overload the amendment agenda with contentious or politically divisive proposals. Our focus must be on achievable, high-impact reforms that enjoy widespread public support.
“Third, the national interest. Every decision we make here must be guided
by one question: What is best for Nigeria? Not what is best for our party,
our region, or our personal ambitions, but what is best for the over 200
million Nigerians we were elected to serve.
“Distinguished colleagues, as we begin this retreat, let us remember that we
are not just legislators; we are nation-builders. The Constitution we are
reviewing is the social contract that binds us together as a people. It is the
promise we make to each other about the kind of country we want to build.
Let the work we do here in Enugu reflect our commitment to that promise. Let us leave Enugu with a clear, actionable roadmap for constitutional reform: one that empowers local governments, guarantees women’s representation, strengthens electoral integrity, and deepens our federal democracy.
“Let us leave Enugu ready to build the consensus necessary to secure
passage of these amendments in the National Assembly and in State
Houses of Assembly across the Federation. And let us leave Enugu inspired by the knowledge that we are engaged in a historic endeavour: one that will shape Nigeria’s destiny for generations to come”, Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker also expressed his profound gratitude to the lawmakers for their presence, dedication, and staunch commitment to the progress of the nation.
This is Chukuku, along Kuje – Gwagwalada road, Kuje Area Council of the FCT.
Wike don reach here.
Watch:
The husband of a woman accused of killing their two-year-old son stood by her in court on Thursday as she pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge.
Corie Walsh, 40, appeared briefly before a judge on September 24 during a preliminary hearing in the case involving the death of her son, Barrett Walsh.
Walsh appeared in a bright red jail uniform with her hair tied back during the roughly three-minute hearing. She stood beside her attorney, who told the court that the defence had subpoenaed her treatment records from the jail.
The records, attorney Andrea Lyon later said, were requested to determine whether Walsh was receiving the mental-health treatment she needs.
The defence is also seeking to have Walsh released before trial to a hospital for treatment, despite a judge rejecting an earlier request this month.
Walsh’s husband, Michael Walsh, sat in the public gallery during Thursday’s hearing alongside an elderly couple who appeared visibly emotional.
As Walsh was led from the courtroom after the hearing, she made eye contact with her husband.
Outside the courthouse, friends comforted Michael, with one supporter telling him, “She will get through this, she’s strong.”
Michael was later heard telling another supporter that he had been “packing up” the family home.
Speaking to reporters outside court, Lyon said Walsh’s family remained firmly behind her.
“Her whole family is here today — her husband, mother, mother’s best friend,” the attorney said.
“They love her and this is not — she’s never been violent… she was psychotic. They all know that and want her to get better. This is not who she is,” Lyon added.
According to court documents, Walsh’s two older children discovered Barrett with a rope around his neck and his feet off the ground in the basement of the family’s home in Frankfort, a suburb about 30 miles southwest of Chicago.
The children reportedly ran to a neighbour’s house for help.
The neighbour called 911 and attempted CPR on the toddler, but he had no pulse and was cold to the touch. Barrett was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy determined that the child, affectionately known as “Bear,” died from “asphyxia due to ligature compression of the neck,” according to court records.
Police later found Walsh fully clothed in a bathtub containing bloodied water. Investigators allege that she had attempted to kill herself by cutting her wrists and thighs with a dull kitchen knife.
Court documents further allege that Walsh confessed to killing her son and described him as the “anti-Christ” and “devil.”
The case has drawn particular attention because prosecutors allege Walsh had become intensely focused on the high-profile case of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children.
Clancy’s defence argued that she suffered from postpartum psychosis and was legally insane when she fatally strangled her children with exercise bands. Her trial ended in a hung jury and mistrial.
According to Walsh’s defence team, she had discussed the Clancy case with neighbourhood friends shortly before Barrett was found.
During an earlier hearing, defence attorney Robert Kerr said Walsh had sent several “confusing” and “out of character” messages about the Clancy case.
Kerr told the court that Walsh had initially expressed one view about Clancy’s case before suddenly changing her position.
A witness reportedly described Walsh as abruptly saying that Clancy was “100% not guilty”, prompting friends to question whether she was okay and whether someone should check on her.
Walsh’s lawyers have argued that she was “severely mentally ill” and experiencing a psychotic episode when Barrett died.
The defence has also rejected suggestions that Walsh deliberately copied Clancy.
“Describing Corie to have copied Lindsay is to take an easy bait,” Kerr said during a previous hearing, according to a transcript.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has raised concerns about his personal safety ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying he is not certain he will be alive when Nigerians go to the polls.
Obi made the remarks during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, where he discussed the political environment ahead of the election and called for a peaceful and democratic process.
The former Anambra State governor said he had been subjected to petitions and investigations in different places, adding that he remained uncertain about what could happen to him before the election.
“As I speak to you, I have also petitioned, I’ve been investigated everywhere. I still hear that I’m not even sure whether I’ll still be alive at the end of this,” Obi said.
He said he was relying on God for protection, while expressing uncertainty over the circumstances surrounding him.
“I’m praying to God for His protection because at this stage, I’m not sure what is happening,” he added.
Obi also appealed to political actors, particularly state governors, to create an environment where presidential candidates and other contestants can campaign freely ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to him, governors have the right to support candidates of their choice, but should not prevent candidates from opposing parties from carrying out their campaigns.
“Some of them will be campaigning for presidency tomorrow. They will be campaigning for other offices tomorrow. Let’s have peace,” he said.
The NDC candidate recalled his tenure as governor of Anambra State, saying he allowed politicians from other parties to campaign in the state, including those supporting candidates who were opposed to him.
Obi’s comments come amid increasing political activity and debate over the conduct and security of the 2027 elections. He has repeatedly called for a peaceful, credible and issue-based electoral process, while urging political actors to avoid actions that could undermine democratic participation.
FCT minister Wike spreads devt as he visits Chukuku in Kuje(Video)
Husband Stands by Mum Accused of Hanging 2-Year-Old Son as She Faces Murder Trial
2027: Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Safety, Says He May Not Be Alive for Election
-
News23 hours agoVideo: Apo-Karshi road getting required finishing touches
-
News23 hours agoSAD! Four Teenage Girls Die As Boat Carrying Eight Capsizes In Jigawa
-
News23 hours agoUS firm declares America won’t allow Tinubu rig 2027 polls in Nigeria
-
Opinion23 hours agoOF TEEJAY YUSUF, KOGI WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT, AND RESPONSIVE SERVANTHOOD
-
News22 hours agoFG Cuts Late Tax Payment Interest as New Rate Takes Effect October 1
-
Sports23 hours agoFCT emerges winner of Abuja zone, book ticket to 1st Bank/Okwaraji U-16 finals