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Constitution Review: Reps Will Engage Local Government, Devolution of Power – Kalu

Published

3 months ago

November 29, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and Chairman Committee on Constitution Review, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has stressed that enhancing the functionality of local governments, judiciary, electoral matters, and security is central to the ongoing constitutional review by the parliament.

The Deputy Speaker who stated this during a meeting of the House Committee on Constitution Review on Thursday, called attention to additional key issues such as the devolution of power, gender equality, revenue and fiscal reforms, and human rights.

According to him, these topics will receive significant attention from the parliament throughout the review process, and that parliament aims to “bolster the autonomy and effectiveness of local government administrations, ensuring they serve as the grassroots foundation of governance”.

Kalu emphasised the importance of promoting judicial independence, improving access to justice, and streamlining the administration of justice for all Nigerians, while maintaining the integrity, transparency, and inclusiveness of the electoral processes.

On security, he said the constitution review will address the urgent need for a more robust and localized security framework to safeguard lives and properties, promote a more equitable distribution of responsibilities between the federal, state, and local governments and advance gender equity, ensuring fair representation and inclusion of women in all spheres of governance.

The committee chairman further stated that the Committee will produce a constitution that will enhance fiscal responsibility, equity in revenue allocation, and economic development across all tiers of government and strengthen the protection and promotion of fundamental rights, reflecting the aspirations of all Nigerians.

Kalu said: “These areas are not just pillars of our constitutional review; they are the foundation for building a more equitable, just, and functional Nigeria.

“As we all know, constitution amendment is a complex process, requiring the input, consensus, and sacrifice of diverse stakeholders across our federation. This committee has made remarkable progress, but there is still much to be done. I implore you to continue to double your efforts, maintaining the momentum necessary for the success of this national endeavour”.

Rep. Kalu reeled out the successes so far recorded by the committee to include successful engagement with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and attendance of the southwest zonal Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures – Southwest Zone.

He explained that “these engagements are a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, dialogue, and consensus-building as the bedrock of this constitution review process”.

He further revealed that the House was organizing a National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment scheduled to be held on Monday, 2nd December 2024, in Abuja.

“This event is a vital platform to consolidate ideas and strategies for achieving a robust local government framework, which is critical to our constitutional review efforts.

“In addition, other engagements that we will be having include public engagement on tax reforms as it concerns the constitution amendment and a public engagement with political parties.”

“As we continue in this historic undertaking, let us remain guided by our shared commitment to strengthening our democracy, deepening our federal structure, and fostering unity and prosperity for all Nigerians.”

Related Topics:chairman Nigeria parliament Reps Stakeholders

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Painful! Former NBC DG ,Prof Tom Adaba is dead

Published

13 minutes ago

February 22, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The ex-Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Professor Tom Adaba is dead.

The veteran journalists died on Saturday peacefully in Abuja.

The late Adaba was born in July 2nd, 1941

According to Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa JP, Secretary Egbira Elders Forum Abuja on Saturday stated as follows, “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and Leader, Prof Tom A Adaba just answered the call of nature by giving up his ghost to the Lord this morning.

“Further details about his burial arrangements would be communicated later.

“We thank God for his life. May God have mercy on his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal peaceful rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, Amen.

He was the first Nigerian (between 1988 and 1992) to be honoured as president of the African Council for Communication Education.

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LP Withdraws from Osun LG Election Over Security Issues

Published

17 minutes ago

February 22, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Osun State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has pulled out from the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, citing concerns over inadequate security arrangements for the polls.

Adebayo Bello, the State Chairman of LP, made the announcement on Friday in Osogbo, explaining that the party could not participate in the election due to the lack of proper security measures put in place by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC). He further called for the postponement of the election for one to two months, urging the electoral body to address the security issues and resolve any legal complications before proceeding with the poll.

Bello stated, “We believe that postponing the election will give OSSIEC enough time to ensure proper preparations and guarantee a secure environment for the voters and candidates.”

In support of this position, one of the party’s chairmanship candidates, Oyebode Babalola, expressed deep concerns over the potential disruption of the election. Babalola emphasized that although the party was fully prepared for the election, it could not risk participating under the current security circumstances.

“We have seen troubling signs that the election might be disrupted, and we are not willing to put the lives of our supporters and citizens in danger,” Babalola explained. He echoed the call for the election to be postponed, stressing the need for sufficient security to safeguard the election process.

As the party withdraws from the election, it remains to be seen how the situation will affect the overall election planning and whether the authorities will heed the call for a postponement.

News

Gov Adeleke Votes As Osun’s LG Election Begins

Published

24 minutes ago

February 22, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has cast his vote at Unit 9, Ward 2, in Ede North Local Government Area, marking an early start to the election process at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

This comes amid growing concerns over potential unrest during the poll, which has been contentious.

Despite warnings from the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and calls from the Nigeria Police Force for the suspension of the election due to the anticipated security challenges, the election proceeded as planned.

The Labour Party also expressed its decision to pull out of the exercise, citing concerns over the safety of its agents.