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First draft constitution ready in August, final copy for presidential assent after NASS’ voting out in August, 2025-Kalu

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…as Committee calls for memoranda from Nigerians

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the first draft report of the ongoing review of the 1999 constitution would be ready in August 2025 just as the final clean copy for the presidential assent after the voting on the expected issues of concern by the two chambers of the national assembly would be out in August, 2025.

Kalu dropped the hints at a press conference by the House Committee on Constitution Review on Thursday.

It will be recalled that the committee on its inauguration, Monday, in Abuja gave a 24 month timeline for the conclusion of the exercise.

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At the press conference, Kalu who doubles as the chairman of the committee said: “We are pushing to ensure that in our activities, that in no distance time, the first draft of the work we are trying to do in the constitution will be ready.

“This will be subject to approval of the work done by the subcommittee. Let me mention that our target, the first draft of the constitution will be out in August 2024.

“Second draft will be out in October 2024, we will commence zonal inputs from October 2024, we’ll keep collecting inputs from citizens from 14th October 2024 as we prepare for the last version or that last draft copy of the constitution.

“We are hoping that there will be a harmonization of the issues, on the 27th, 28th February 2025.

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“We are hoping that during a technical working retreat that will take place in February 2025, the Senate and the House of Representatives documents will be harmonized.

“It is our desire that on the 17th of March 2025, we will have harmonized documents considered in the House. It is our believe that by April 2025, we will have the final copies of draft amendments produced.

“We are optimistic also that by 12th May 2025, we’ll have, the final clean copy of amendments bills agreed on.

“And we are looking at 22nd May 2025, as a time when we will have final report laid for consideration and voting.

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“This is to say that members will be voting on the work we have done on this important date of 22nd May 2025

“We are believing that around the 29th of May or 13th of June knowing fully well what these important dates mean to Nigerians, we will expect the final concurrence of state assemblies secured.

“If it delays more than that, it will not go beyond August of 2025 because we believe that by August 2025, the president will receive the bills that will be presented to him for presidential assent. So, our targets that transmission of bills to Mr President for assent will take place August 2025.

“And with this, we are sure that our target to get this job done in 24 months will be achieved if we send it Mr President by August 2025 and hoping that by December we will have a constitution that’s fully amended. Thank you very our guests and honorable colleagues”.

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The Deputy Speaker also called for submission of memoranda from different interest groups, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Labour Unions, relevant institutions of government and the members of the general public to aid the committee’s work.

He said that the thematic areas included Federal Structure and Power Devolution; Local Government/Local Government Autonomy; Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation; Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture; Comprehensive Judicial Reforms; Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections; Socio-economic and cultural rights as contained in Chapter 2 of the
constitution and Traditional Institutions.

Other were Issues of Gender; Strengthening the Independence of oversight institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an Act of the National Assembly; Residency and Indigene Provisions; Immunity; The National Assembly; Process of state creation and State access to mining.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Legislature by Sections 4, 8, and 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as
Amended) and Order 20, Rule 30 of the Standing Orders of the House of
Representatives (11th Edition) and the Legislative Agenda of the 10th
House of Representatives, I am pleased to invite the Executive and
Judicial bodies, State Governments, Women Groups, Academics, Civil
Society Organizations, Labour Unions, Professional bodies, Ethnic
Nationalities, Nigerians in the Diaspora, Diplomats and the general public,
to submit memoranda or proposals for further alteration(s) of the 1999
Constitution (as amended) on the following thematic areas: The Federal Structure and Power Devolution; Local Government/Local Government Autonomy; Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation; Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture; Comprehensive Judicial Reforms; Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections; Socio-economic and cultural rights as contained in Chapter 2 of the
constitution; Traditional Institutions; Issues of Gender; Strengthening the Independence of oversight institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an Act of the National Assembly; Residency and Indigene Provisions; Immunity; The National Assembly; Process of state creation; State access to mining”, he said.

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The committee however extended the call for memoranda to “any other matter that will promote good governance and the welfare of all persons in our country on the principles of freedom, equality, and justice”.

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Tinubu Honors Lives Lost In Anambra, Abuja Crises Cancels All Events

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President Bola Tinubu has called off all of his scheduled events in Lagos today in solidarity with the victims of stampedes in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The tragic incidents resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including children, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and at least 20 individuals from the Okija community in Anambra, during a rice distribution event on Saturday morning.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that despite dignitaries and senior officials being present at the event venue, the President made the decision to cancel his attendance after receiving updates on the tragedies.

Expressing his condolences, President Tinubu called for stricter crowd control measures by local authorities and organizations involved in public events. He emphasized that such tragedies, including similar incidents in Ibadan, Oyo State, were preventable if event planners adhered to safety protocols.

In his statement, President Tinubu extended his prayers for the souls of the victims, a swift recovery for the injured, and urged relevant authorities to ensure better operational standards for future events. He also wished the Lagos State government success in hosting the Boat Regatta, a major festival, which was set to take place in his absence.

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SEE Black Market Exchange Rate: USD to NGN

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As of Friday, December 20, 2024, the exchange rate for the US Dollar to the Nigerian Naira at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) stands at:

Buying Rate: ₦1,656
Selling Rate: ₦1,660
These rates reflect the prices at which players in the Bureau De Change (BDC) sector are buying and selling US dollars.

It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market, as the official directive encourages individuals wishing to engage in foreign exchange transactions to approach their respective banks for the official rates.

Official Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today:

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Highest Rate: ₦1,570
Lowest Rate: ₦1,532
Please bear in mind that the exchange rates at the black market or any other exchange point may vary based on market dynamics and fluctuations, so the rates you encounter might be different from those mentioned in this article.

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Tinubu condoles with NUJ , IPI over Rafat Salami’s passage

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) following the passing of Hajiya Rafat Onyeche Salami, the recently elected Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI).

Her loss has been deeply felt across the journalistic community and beyond.

Hajiya Salami also served as the Secretary of the NUJ, Abuja Council, dedicating her talents and passion to advancing journalism in Nigeria.

President Tinubu commiserates with the leadership and members of the IPI, the Voice of Nigeria (VON) staff, and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), acknowledging Salami’s unwavering commitment to her profession and nation.

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In her career as a reporter, broadcaster, and producer, Hajiya Salami tried to keep the public informed on crucial developmental issues.

Her advocacy for women’s and children’s rights was a testament to her strong voice and compassionate spirit.

President Tinubu calls upon her colleagues, friends, and family to honour her by continuing the impactful work she championed as they bid farewell to the multilingual and multitalented journalist.

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