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Constitutional Review: Kalu Inaugurates 9-man Team Of Consultants, Issues Appointment Letters

Published

8 months ago

March 19, 2024

Naijablitznews

…as he charged the team to sacrifice for Nigeria

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has charged the technical team of consultants for the ongoing constitutional review exercise to make necessary sacrifices for the nation by helping birth an acceptable, more people-orientated constitution.

The Chairman, Committee on Constitutional Review and Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu stated this at a meeting of the review panel with the 9 man team of consultants chosen to drive home its mandate on Tuesday in Abuja.

The committee also formally inaugurated and issued appointment letters to the consultants, and shared the timeline of its workplan with the consultants, urging them to study it and make their inputs where necessary.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that the constitutional review committee recently unveiled the action plan, targeting December 2025 as the period to conclude its assignment.

Members of the team included Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN; Professor Nuhu Mohammed Jamo; Chief Chris Uche, SAN; Mr. Seni Adio, SAN; Hon. Samson Osagie; Prof. Ezeilo Joy Prof. Ladi Hammalia and Barr. Clement Nwankwo who was also named coordinating consultant of the team.

The team has the mandate to develop a reasonable time bound work-plan for the Committee’s activities in liaison with the Committee Secretariat; advise the Committee on the methodology to adopt in carrying out consultations with stakeholders and interest groups and sieve out germane issues that may arise therefrom.

Develop reliable and appropriate data collection techniques for adoption by the Committee; collate, study, analyze and asses all memoranda received from the public to bring out the issues raised in a structured manner and where applicable draft constitution amendment bills for the Committee’s consideration; analyze and present the data collected in a simple, concise and organized manner for the Committee’s deliberations and consideration to assist in ultimately taking critical and informed decisions and conduct research on bills/measures and policies referred to the Committee and advise on their viability and likely consequences on proposed constitutional alterations.

Other responsibilities were to advise the Committee to arrive at decisions that are fair to all and in accordance with the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy; attend all Committee meeting or events of the Committee as may be directed by the Committee or Chairman; produce a comprehensive report in liaison with the Committee Secretariat for adoption by the Committee.

The coordinating consultant was also asked to liaise with his fellow consultants and the Senate to achieve coordinated work and seamless implementation of activities. Any other duty as may be directed by the chairman/committee.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Speaker charged the consultants to write their names in the annals of history by making necessary sacrifices for the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.

He said: “Today marks a major milestone in the work plan of the Committee with the composition of a Technical Team.
In order to pass the Constitution amendments in record time, I am pleased to announce to you that a 9-man technical team of consultants has been appointed to provide expert input and insights to the Committee’s work.

It is pertinent to note that the selection of the technical team was purely based on merit, expertise and personal capacity.

“You are also enjoined to consider this assignment as a call to duty and your contribution to national development.

“Like I said when I stated that it is not a commercial outing for the consultants because we know we may not be able to afford to pay for your services knowing your status in the society in the work that you do and how well or highly rated that you are. It’s a call to serve your fathers land that when it is mentioned that the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria was amended with better attention given to pertinent issues affecting Nigerians that you played a role in pointing the touch light to the right directions, drive away the darkness, various inconsistencies and bottlenecks in our constitution as it is at the moment hindring the advancement of our democracy. We welcome you on board because we know that you have a lot to add to the work we want to do.

“I have no doubt that with the calibre of people seated here who have announced themselves in their chose professions, success is certain. We did not chose you because of your efficient career path, we chose you because of what you represent, a Nigeria that is fair, equitable, a country that believes in democracy.

“Again, I solicit for your optimal commitment and dedication to this all important national call to duty. Write your names in gold with your contributions, sacrifice. Working for the nation, partnering with the parliament will come with a lot of challenges. The parliament will ask a lot of questions in the manner you conduct your duites but I want to assure you, it is only for the interest of the nation that those questions will come.

“We may not based on our resources and tax payers money be able to make you very comfortable in the course of doing this job. Be ready to sacrifice. We know you can and that was why we chose you”.

In their various responses, the consultants thanked the committee for finding them worthy of service.

Acknowledging that it is a national call of duty, they pledged to work effectively to justify the confidence reposed in them by the committee and Nigerians in general, assuring that the team will not fail Nigerians.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

2 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.

News

HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

Published

2 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.

According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”

Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*

1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.

3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.

*Details of the March:*

• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters

Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

News

Police rescue abducted Emirates Airlines Airport Services Manager

Published

2 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Ghana Police Service has announced that Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, who was kidnapped has been rescued.

The Police said the victim is currently reunited with her family.

“The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate, Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.” The Police said in a statement.

According to the Police, a team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family to ensure that everything is in a perfect condition and assured the family and the general public that the suspect will be arrested and face the law

“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.” Part of the statement read.

Transparent, Rewarding!
The victim was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown men on Thursday ,November 21, 2024 night.

Below is the full statement:

KIDNAPPED VICTIM, SYLVIA PATIENCE BAAH RESCUED

The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.

The Police are currently continuing the search for the suspects behind this incident and we want to assure the public that we will surely bring them to face justice.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who gave us pieces of information in the course of our rescue operations in particular and the public in general for their support and cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.