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Constitution review: Senators endorse LG autonomy, divided over state police

The Senate Committee on Constitution Review has concluded its two-day retreat on the amendments to the 1999 constitution in Kano and agreed to include full autonomy for local governments in the country’s legal document.
The federal lawmakers, however, expressed divergent views on the issue of state police.
While those in support said insecurity would be nipped in the bud if state police is created, others said governors would use it to deal with their political opponents.
The retreat was organised by the Senate committee on constitution amendment led by the deputy Senate president, Senator Barau Jibrin, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).
Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central); former Chief Whip, Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South); Chairman Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa (APC, Niger); Senators Abdulfatai Buhari, Osita Izunaso and Ned Nwoko in their separate submissions insisted that full autonomy for local governments was long overdue.
On state police, Senator Musa who supported the idea said, “when we are talking about State Police, every state in this country is facing one insecurity or the other and I believe that if we look at the issue of State Police, it will be good for us.”
But Senator Ali Ndume said, “What we need is to increase the manpower of the police and improve their welfare for effective policing. State Police would be abused by the governors.”
On creation of additional state, Senator Izunaso said, “The most important agenda the South East Caucus in the National Assembly has is to push for equity and justice. We need an additional state in the South East so that we come to terms with other zones in the country that all have six each.”
Also, Senator Nwoko said, “The Anioma state creation for me is something that has to be done, if that is the only state that is created in this period, I will not be surprised. Agitation for Anioma state had been going on for almost 50 years, it is the oldest agitation for a state.”
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SAD! APC lawmaker dies while asleep

The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.
It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.
Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.
Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.
They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.
His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.
According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.
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Just in: Sam Olumekun takes over as INEC’s Acting Chairman

Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.
Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.
He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.
The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.
It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.
During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.
Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.
After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.
Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
News
Crude oil prices slide further, now selling below $57

Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.
This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.
A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.
The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.
Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.
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