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Constitution Review: Kalu Urges Adherence to National Interest

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Constitution Review: Kalu Urges Adherence to National Interest

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on the need for the constitution review process to be guided by national interest, rather than individual or party interests.

According to the Deputy Speaker, every article, clause, and decision made during the review process should be evaluated based on what is best for Nigeria and its over 200 million citizens.

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Kalu stated this while delivering his address at the Joint Retreat of the Senate and House Committees on Constitution Review in Lagos on Friday.

He emphasised that the constitution review should not also be driven by regional agendas, but a collective desire to evolve a document that will positively impact the lives of Nigerians.

Kalu further urged the lawmakers to prioritise the nation’s interests above any other consideration to ensure that the review process delivers a constitution that truly reflects the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

He said: “As we deliberate, let us stay anchored on three guiding principles: Unity of Purpose: Our political differences must dissolve here. On constitutional reform, Nigeria must speak with one voice. Only through joint resolve can we deliver amendments that command national legitimacy and bipartisan support.

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“Legislative Discipline: Constitutional reform is no ordinary law-making process. It requires technical precision, sober judgment, and prioritization. Let us focus on practical, impactful amendments that enjoy broad public endorsement.

“National Interest: Every article, every clause, every decision we take must answer one question: Is this what is best for Nigeria? Not for our parties, regions, or political ambitions, but for the over 200 million Nigerians whose hopes our actions will shape.”

Kalu said that the collective aspiration of Nigerians is for the parliament to deliver a people-oriented Constitution that will guarantee justice, equity, progress and generally impact the people.

“We have listened to Nigerians from every walk of life, traditional rulers, state executives, political parties, civil society, women’s groups, youth leaders, and the
security community and faith based organizations. At every turn, the message has been clear: Nigeria
desires a people-driven Constitution that works for all.

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“Let us remember that history is watching. The Constitution we seek to refine is more than a legal instrument; it is the soul of our Republic, the expression of our common destiny.

“Let the work we do here in Lagos reflect our shared commitment to a Nigeria that works for all. Let this retreat produce a clear, achievable roadmap: one that strengthens local governance, enhances gender balance, ensures credible elections, and secures our federation against future instability.

“As the Senate and House stand united in this constitutional review process, let us leave Lagos with the resolve to transform our deliberations into enduring constitutional milestones.

“Together, we can build a Constitution that guarantees justice, equity, and
progress for every Nigerian: today and for generations to come”, Kalu added.

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NNPC slashes petrol price twice within four days

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has slashed its fuel pump price for the second time within four days.

A market survey on Saturday by DAILY POST showed that NNPCL retail outlets around Airport Junction and Wuse Zone 6 (Berger) in Abuja have reduced their petrol price to N1210 per litre, down from N1260.

This means that the state-owned oil firm slashed the petrol price by N50 per litre.

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This comes barely two days after Dangote Refinery reduced its petrol gantry price by N50 to N1,125 per litre.

Recall that four days ago, NNPCL had adjusted its fuel price pump by N75 per litre to N1260.

With the latest drop by NNPCL retail outlets, petrol prices stand between N1210 per litre and N1305 per litre in Abuja and its environs.

The reduction in domestic fuel comes amid falling crude oil prices, which stand at $69 per barrel and $71 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude, respectively, following the easing of the conflict in the Middle East.

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Recall that President Bola Tinubu has kept mum amid the clamour by Nigerians for a commensurate drop in domestic fuel pump prices due to the significant reduction in crude oil prices.

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Lokoja Court order: INEC speaks on NDC, says it’s yet to receive CTC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the Federal High Court judgment that set aside an earlier order directing it to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as a political party.

INEC revealed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola.

According to the commission, although it is aware of media reports on the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on June 26, it cannot comment on the ruling until it obtains and reviews the certified copy.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is aware of reports circulating in the media regarding the judgment delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier order concerning the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

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“However, as of this moment, the Commission has not yet received the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court’s order,” the statement said.

INEC stated that its legal department would study the judgment upon receipt of the CTC before advising the commission on the next course of action.

“Once the Commission’s legal department receives and thoroughly studies the CTC of the judgment, INEC will take an informed, lawful decision in line with the court’s directives.

“Until then, we cannot comment on the specifics of the ruling, and the public is urged to await the Commission’s formal position on the matter,” Oketola added.

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Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja had on Friday set aside the court’s December 10, 2025, judgment directing INEC to register the NDC as a political party.

The court held that the rights of the Peace Movement Party were affected by the earlier judgment because it was not joined in the suit despite claiming ownership of the logo relied upon in securing the registration order.

Justice Dashen consequently ordered that all parties be restored to the positions they occupied before the December 2025 judgment and directed that the substantive suit be heard afresh with all necessary parties joined.

The NDC has rejected the ruling and announced plans to appeal the decision. Its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, maintained that the party had not been deregistered and argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to revisit a matter on which it had already delivered a final judgment.

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The ruling has also attracted reactions from opposition figures, including the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Dickson, and other stakeholders, who described the decision as a threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and vowed to challenge it through all available legal channels.

INEC, however, maintained that it would reserve its position on the judgment until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy.

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Just in: Police rescue five abductees in Ogun

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A joint police operation rescued five victims abducted near Ogbere Forest in Ogun state on Wednesday.

They were rescued within 25 hours by the Lagos and Ogun Police Commands, which were part of a joint operation codenamed KOSAYE, meaning “No Space” in Yoruba.

The woman was among the victims who were shot in the incident. Her daughter and sister were among those rescued by the police on Thursday.

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