News
Harmonise Constitution, Senate Tells AG, NJC
The Senate, yesterday, expressed concern over different versions and copies of the Nigerian Constitution in circulation.
The move was based on a motion by Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP/Enugu North) at the plenary yesterday, titled, ‘Harmonising the Different Versions and Copies of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Circulation into One Authentic Whole.’
He said the different versions of the 1999 Constitution currently in circulation makes it look counterfeit and unreliable as a source of law.
“I am concerned that these alterations are printed as separate provisions and there has not been an attempt to embed and graft them into the Constitution as one whole living document,” Utazi submitted.
Utazi, said the Senate recognised the fact that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria came into force on May 29, 1999, with eight Chapters, 320 Sections and Seven Schedules.
He pointed out that the Constitution of any country was the ‘ground norm’ from which all other laws, instruments and institutions derive their authority, legitimacy and powers.
He said, “The Senate is aware that since 1999, the Constitution has successfully gone through three alterations – in July 2010, November 2010 and March 2011, respectively – and in each case, amending various provisions to bring them in conformity with contemporary democratic practice and realities.
“The Senate is worried that there are different versions of the original 1999 Constitution and of the three alterations, with various copies in circulation.
“We are also worried that the Constitution is the heartbeat of the nation and its provisions should not be subjected to the caprices of printers or allowed to have different words and structure.”
The lawmaker cited the instance of Section 84 where a version ends with Subsection 6, while other versions of the same end with Subsection 7, despite that the first alteration provided for Subsection 8.
After contributions from various lawmakers, the Senate mandated its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to liaise with the National Judicial Council and the Attorney-General and other relevant agencies to withdraw the different versions of the Constitution in circulation.
The committee together with all the other government agencies is to also authorize the printing and distribution of an authentic and consolidated version which should reflect the different alterations in the Constitution since 1999.
Similarly, the Senate, yesterday, rejected the report on the Southern Kaduna crisis.
The upper legislative arm said it turned down the report for “lack of depth “ .
The Senate had in January set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the causes of the crisis which killed hundreds of people and displaced millions in Southern Kaduna.
The Senate had condemned the incident that led to the death of many, and the destruction of 53 villages; injuring of 57 people, where farm produce worth about N5.5 billion destroyed and 1,422 houses and 16 churches allegedly razed by herdsmen.
The Senate set up the committee following a motion sponsored by Senator Danjuma La’ah (PDP, Kaduna South).
In his presentation, La’ah said: “The Senate notes that since 2011, various communities in Southern Kaduna senatorial district of Kaduna State have been consistently attacked by herdsmen, resulting in deaths, injuries, loss of property and displacement of the communities.”
According to him, since December 23, 2016, communities of Ambam, Gaska, Dangoma, Tsonje, Pasankori, Gidan Waya and Farin Gada of Iama’a and Kaura councils have been under attack by the herdsmen.
“In the last one year, we have witnessed a harvest of killings by these marauding herdsmen with several cases of massacre in Agatu, Benue State; Uzo Uwani, Enugu State, with several attacks in Taraba, Delta and Edo states, to mention a few.”
Following a recommendation by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, that the motion should not be debated so as to avoid bad blood, additional contributions were not accommodated.
Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said: “We condemn in totality the depravity being exhibited on the streets of Kafanchan.
“This Senate will not pay lip service to it, neither will it sit idly by and watch innocent Nigerians being slaughtered on the basis of their religion, ethnic group or political persuasion.”
Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, called on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN); and the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency stop to stop threatening the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Buruji Kashamu, with extradition to the United States over alleged drug related offences.
The decision was made at the plenary yesterday based on the recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, submitted the panel’s report on a petition filed by Kashamu’s lawyers, TRLP Law, to the legislature.
The lawmakers unanimously granted the recommendations of the report at the plenary presided over by President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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