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

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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.”

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SAD! APC lawmaker dies while asleep

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Crude oil prices slide further, now selling below $57

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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.

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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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