Connect with us

News

Reps Say 44 Constitution Amendment Bills Ready for Voting as Review Enters Crucial Stage

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has moved into a critical stage of the ongoing constitution review, with 44 harmonised amendment bills now prepared for joint voting by both chambers of the National Assembly.

Speaking during a briefing at the National Assembly on Thursday, House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi explained that this phase marks a major step forward, though not the end of the wider reform process, which will continue throughout the tenure of the 10th Assembly.

Rep. Rotimi, who also chairs the House Committee on Media and Publicity, was accompanied at the briefing by the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Constitutional Review Secretariat, who are supporting the coordination of the amendment process.

Advertisement

He said the review committee deliberately began work early to prevent the usual end-of-tenure rush. With more than half of the Assembly’s lifespan still ahead, he noted that lawmakers have enough time to pursue deeper constitutional reforms.

He disclosed that the committee had received more than 350 amendment proposals from citizens, civil society organisations, legislators, and other stakeholders. These were reviewed in stages, gradually reduced to 80, then 60, before arriving at the final set of 44 bills following joint retreats and technical sessions with the Senate.
Rotimi

He said: “We run a bicameral legislature. So we reached out to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review chaired by Senator Jibrin Barau to ensure we are working with the same versions of each bill”.

The 44 bills span several major reform areas, including local government autonomy, devolution of powers, electoral improvements, state policing, as well as judicial and legislative adjustments.

Advertisement

They also address the strengthening of key national institutions, human rights matters, the role of traditional authorities, and broader fiscal governance issues.

He added that the voting scheduled for last week was delayed after members sought more time to review the proposals and engage with their constituents before taking a position.

“As you know, not every member sits on the Constitution Review Committee. The motion for more time was valid because these are sensitive national amendments. We want every member to vote from a position of full knowledge,” he added.

According to Rotimi, the report has already been laid before the House and the chamber still has few legislative days left before recess, although it would not preempt leadership on when voting will be scheduled.

Advertisement

Responding to a question on a viral social media report alleging the existence of an executive bill to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria,” the Committee debunked the claim.

“We don’t have any such executive bill before the House. None whatsoever,” the Committee clarified.

It also addressed reports surrounding recent engagements between the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and federal lawmakers. The Committee explained that the meeting focused on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, which is one of the proposals in the current constitution review package.

Addressing concerns that the Committee may miss its target timeline due to the approaching 2025 election cycle, Rotimi insisted it has met its major milestones.

Advertisement

“In January 2024, we promised Nigerians that by December 2025, we would reach key milestones. Those milestones have been met,” he said.

They acknowledged the concern that constitutional work should not clash with early political activities ahead of the 2026 primaries but maintained that the House is still on schedule.

Rotimi further speaking, reminded Nigerians that the National Assembly’s voting is only one step in a complex constitutional process.

“After the federal vote, the amendments must secure approval from two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent.

Advertisement

“So we still have a long journey ahead,” the Committee noted, adding that another wave of amendments may still follow before the end of the 10th Assembly.

He urged Nigerians to visit the constitution review website, review the proposed amendments, and engage their lawmakers.

“This is the essence of inclusive governance. Citizens should reach out to their representatives and express their views on the ongoing proposals,” He added.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

*PIGD Calls For United Response To Plateau Violence*

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

 

 

The National Coordinator of the Plateau Initiative for Growth and Development (PIGD), Nengak David, has appealed to residents to remain vigilant and help prevent further violence following renewed attacks in the state.
David urged people with credible information about threats, armed movements or plans for reprisals to alert the police or trusted community leaders promptly, without putting themselves in danger.
“Vigilance means recognising a threat and reporting it early. Tell the authorities where and when you saw it, and give only what you know firsthand. Do not approach armed people or attempt to confront them,” he said.
The appeal follows attacks in Barkin Ladi and Mangu. Plateau police confirmed the deaths of a senior officer and three civilians in separate incidents in Barkin Ladi, while a community group reported the killing of three men in Mangu.
David called on residents to reject reprisals and resist attempts to blame entire ethnic or religious communities for crimes committed by individuals.
“Every killing must be investigated, and those responsible must answer for it. Another innocent family must not suffer because someone chooses revenge or blames a whole community,” he said.
He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth representatives to bring emerging disputes to trusted mediators before tensions escalate. The United Nations Development Programme has identified local mediation and early warning as ways communities can help prevent conflict.
The PIGD coordinator also cautioned against circulating old videos, unverified casualty figures and inflammatory claims. “Before forwarding a frightening message, check when and where it was recorded. A false claim can spread fear and provoke harm long after the truth catches up,” he said.
David asked residents of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu to observe the state’s 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and motorcycle ban, announced to remain in effect until further notice. He also appealed for food, shelter and other assistance to reach affected neighbours through trusted local groups, regardless of their background.
“Residents can share information and refuse provocation. Government, in turn, must act on credible reports, protect those who come forward and investigate every killing fairly,” David said.

Continue Reading

News

2027: Tinubu’s good governance ‘ll secure FCT victory – Wike

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the visible achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration will secure victory for the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) in the FCT during the 2027 general elections.

Wike, who stated this after inspecting the ongoing Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa road projects, stressed that good governance remains the most reliable metric for political success.

He said that the administration’s performance in infrastructure delivery, particularly in long-neglected satellite towns, leaves the opposition with nothing to offer voters beyond empty stories.

Advertisement

He argued that the tangible results on the ground make an unassailable case for President Tinubu’s re-election, including Sen. Philip Aduda (FCT) and House of Representatives candidate John Gabaya (Bwari Federal Constituency).

He said; “If good governance is a barometer to measure whether a government has succeeded or not, then we have nothing to fear.

“Now, the Tinubu administration has come and it’s not only listening to you, it’s not only caring for you, it’s solving your problems. Why will they want to change their mind?”

Dismissing opposition rhetoric, the minister said; “This is the campaign. The people who will come, what will they come with?

Advertisement

“They will tell them stories. But we have not come with stories, we have come with facts, verifiable facts. I can beat my chest, I can close my eyes and go home and sleep with my two eyes closed, that Tinubu will emerge. I have no fear at all.”

The minister pointed out that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has shifted development priorities beyond the city centre to directly touch satellite communities.

“The Renewed Hope administration has redefined infrastructure delivery as far as FCT is concerned, not just within the city, but also within the satellite towns.

“We thank God Almighty that has given us a President who has come to listen and to change the narrative that development must not only be concentrated within the city centers, but also spread in the satellite towns,” he said.

Advertisement

Speaking on the projects, Wike said the long-delayed Apo-Karshi road project was on course for completion in November.

He also said that the dualisation of the Bwari-Kubwa road, where residents turned out in large numbers to welcome his delegation, would also be delivered in December.

“Work on site is set to intensify by the first week of October as seasonal heavy rains abate,” he said.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

NDLEA busts Nigerian-Mexican meth cartel, docks kingpins over Enugu clandestine lab(Photos)

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

. Dismantling the syndicate is another proof transnational drug networks won’t have any space to operate in Nigeria, says Marwa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has once again struck a decisive blow against transnational organised crime with the dismantling of a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community in Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Two kingpins: 45-year-old Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Georginus Monday, alias George, were arrested in connection with the operation of the meth lab in partnership with a notorious Mexican drug cartel member, Rodriguez Villanueva, based in Mexico City, Mexico, after several months of intelligence and surveillance on the syndicate.
As a result, they were arraigned before Hon. Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, the organisation, management and financing of a Drug Trafficking Organization, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production, contrary to the NDLEA Act. After their plea, Justice Segun-Bello has now scheduled their trial for 21st October 2026, following an application by the Agency for an accelerated hearing.

Also named in the charge, and currently at large, are Uchenna, alias Uche; Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu; and Rodriguez Villanueva, who is a notorious member of a Mexican drug cartel.

Investigations by a Special Operations Unit (SOU) of NDLEA revealed a sophisticated, transnational operation by the Nigerian-Mexican cartel. Surveillance activities by NDLEA between 1st and 4th December, 2025, tracked Brown’s movements between Lagos, Enugu and Anambra States, ultimately leading operatives to a compound in Obeagu where a clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities was uncovered. The lab, fitted with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus, mirrored similar facilities recently dismantled in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of vast quantities of precursor chemicals, including 690 litres of methylamine, 1,000 litres of isopropyl alcohol, 300 litres of hydrochloric acid, 290 litres each of toluene and acetone, 400 litres of liquid sodium hydroxide, 125 kilograms of N-phenylacetamide, 414 kilograms of lead acetate, and 769.6 kilograms of tartaric acid, among other controlled substances, a haul consistent with a high-potency, P2P-based methamphetamine manufacturing operation.

A related search of George’s family residence yielded eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators, and 11 kilograms of ephedrine, further underscoring the scale of the cartel’s operations.
Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering resolve to track down every fleeing suspect connected to the cartel, and ensure that they all face the full weight of the law.

He
commended all NDLEA officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and doggedness in cracking yet another international drug syndicate. He described the Enugu lab bust as further proof that Nigeria will not be allowed to become a haven for transnational drug cartels, warning that the Agency’s intelligence-driven operations and international partnerships would continue to close every loophole exploited by drug barons, whether local or foreign. He reiterated his charge to all NDLEA personnel to sustain the momentum of relentless enforcement until the nation is rid of the scourge of illicit drug production and trafficking.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News