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Nigerians Demand Referendum On National Confab Decision
R-L Guest Speaker, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Guest of Honour, Dr Oby Ezekwesili and Representative of the Special Assistant To President Goodluck Jonathan on Documentation, Omolara Woods, at the Port Harcourt World Book Capital on Wednesday
A cross-section of Nigerians of all walks of life have urged the Federal Government to subject the outcome of the ongoing National Conference to a referendum.
A nationwide opinion survey of personalities conducted yesterday indicated that most respondents preferred ratification of conference decisions by referendum rather than the Presidential or National Assembly endorsement.
It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan said while inaugurating the conference that its outcome may be subjected to a referendum.
“If the outcome of the National Conference is to be binding on Nigerians, the people must have a say in the final outcome,’’ said a Sokoto-based lawyer, Mr Ferdinand Okotote.
According to him, such an action would legitimise the decisions of the conference.
Many respondents, however, were of the opinion that asking the National Assembly to ratify the conference decisions would be less expensive and bear no cost to the economy.
“The National Assembly is already an established institution; but conducting a referendum is like conducting a fresh general elections.
“So, conducting a referendum would be more expensive and more cumbersome.
“If we want the outcome of the National Conference to acquire legitimacy and respect, and used as an instrument to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there should be a referendum,’’ a respondent said.
However, Chairman of the Sokoto State chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Steve Nwoke, was of the view that the resolutions of the conference should be submitted to the National Assembly for ratification.
A senior lecturer at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amasoma, Bayelsa State, Mr Ebipado Sapere-Obi, expressed uncertainty about a referendum, “because of the absence of an enabling law for a referendum in Nigeria’’.
The Secretary, Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Abdallah El-Kurebe, expressed support for a referendum.
“Nigerians must have the final say on the outcome, and they can only do so through a referendum,’’ El-Kurebe, said.
Also in support for a referendum was the Chairman, Sokoto State chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Abba Sidi.
He was supported by Chairperson, Rivers chapter, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs Florence Itamunoala who also held the view that the conference deliberations be subjected to a national referendum.
Itamunoala said the referendum would give a large number of Nigerians the opportunity to make their input.
“At least, we can boldly say that the generality of Nigerians have contributed, or made their input to the conference,’’ Itamunoala said.
The National Secretary, Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr Rafiu Salau, also held that the outcome of National Conference should be subjected to a referendum.
He said that a referendum would not be seen as an imposition, but a collective decision and a democratic process.
A Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Mr. Edward Obiokor opined that a referendum was the best option rather than subjecting the outcome of the conference to presidential approval or ratification by the National Assembly.
Obiokor expressed fears that the National Assembly might not vote for a constitutional amendment to pave way for a referendum as its members may fear losing their seats.
“Nigerians have been advocating for the parliamentary system of government because it appears better and cheaper compared to the present presidential system.
“But for the country to move forward, our legislators should put aside their personal interests and allow for a constitutional amendment that will pave way for a referendum,” he said.
He urged the National Assembly to go ahead with the constitutional amendment process, saying it is only then that the ongoing national conference would have meaning and possibly change the fortune of the country for the better.
Director-General, Center for Research, Information Management and Media Development, Lagos, Dr. Raphael James also expressed the view that the conference resolutions be ratified by the National Assembly.
But a Benin-based legal practitioner, Mr Chris Ighoja, said that adoption of a referendum was the best option, adding: “the National Assembly makes laws, and the people make constitution’’.
Deputy Registrar, Information, University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Williams Wodi appealed to the leadership of the nation to subject the outcome of the conference to referendum.
“Every Nigerian entered the Nigerian federation as an individual and not as a group; and as such, power ought not to be left in the hands of a few Nigerians.
Dr Patrick Mbum of the University of Calabar, agreed that the outcome of the conference be subjected to a national referendum.
For Dr Emmanuel Ejere of the University of Uyo, subjecting the outcome of the conference to the National Assembly or the Presidency would amount to making the exercise a jamboree.
He said that the agitation for a national conference was actually a call for a sovereign national conference.
“This also means that whatever is the outcome of the conference shall be subjected to the will of the people and not the Presidency or the National Assembly.’’
A former National Secretary, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. John Ndukauba said a referendum would be possible after an amendment of the Nigerian Constitution.
According to him, the constitution as it exists presently, does not provide for a referendum.
He, therefore, advised President Goodluck Jonathan to “deploy his lobbying powers to get the National Assembly to fast-track the constitution amendment process to incorporate referendum’’.
Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara chapter, Rev. Cornelius Fawenu said that the only way the outcome of the conference could be acceptable to the people was to subject it to a referendum.
He said it was proper that Nigerians were given a chance to contribute to the conference by subjecting the outcome to a referendum.
He said that since the delegates to the conference were not elected, decisions by them would not carry any legal weight unless they went through a popular referendum.
And from Enugu State, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Anthony Ani, advised the conference delegates from the South-East zone to address issues relating to creation of more states in the area.
Secretary-General, Students Union Government, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia, Mr. Angel Nwokorie said government should ensure the implementation of the resolutions.
A community leader in Esit Eket, Akwa Ibom, Chief Ikemesit Ikot, said that the outcome of the conference should be made final, and described it as a step in the right direction.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle illicit substances concealed in carton walls, winter jackets, and body cream containers through Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a Lagos-based courier firm.
The agency said two consignments bound for Italy were intercepted at the Lagos airport, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to the shipments.
In a statement released yesterday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said one of the suspects, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted on Friday, March 20, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome, Italy.
The statement partly read, “Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested.
“One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was going to Rome, Italy on Friday, March 20, 2026, when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in containers of skin-lightening body cream, all packed in the suspect’s luggage.
“In his statement, Ehianuka, who is a resident of Milan, confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded in trafficking the consignment to Italy.”
In another operation on Wednesday, March 18, Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the departure hall intercepted another passenger, Christian Agbonhese, attempting to board a Lufthansa flight to Milan.
A search of his luggage uncovered 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg, 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg, and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg concealed in two large winter jackets.
“No fewer than 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg; 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg; and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg, all concealed in two large winter jackets, bringing the total number of opioids recovered from him to 28,470 pills. The 38-year-old Agbonhese is also a resident of Milan,” the statement added.
In a separate operation at a courier firm in Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA officers on Monday, March 16, intercepted two parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 1kg, hidden in a carton shipped from the United States.
“Also thwarted was an attempt to export 158 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the walls of a carton to New Zealand,” he said.
In Kano State, operatives arrested Abdulkadir Mamuda, 35, with 102.5kg of skunk at Dan-Tsalle, while another suspect, Uche Johnson Festus, 47, was nabbed at Naibawa Gabas with 95.5kg of the same substance.
Babafemi said the agency also recovered 21,737 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a raid at Otto, Ijora area of Lagos on Wednesday, March 18, adding that two suspects, Chidiebere Anigbogu and Paul Nwagbara, were arrested the same day on the Third Mainland Bridge while conveying 8,380 bottles of the syrup.
In Edo State, operatives recovered 97.5kg of skunk from the residence of Akeem Idde, 37, in Ojah, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area on March 16.
In the FCT, officers intercepted a commercial bus along the Gwagwalada Expressway on March 18, recovering 91,840 pills of tramadol hidden in body compartments of the vehicle. The driver, Aminu Ali, 27, was arrested.
In Oyo State, a suspect, Bankole Bari, was on Tuesday, March 17, arrested at Oke-Oyan, Ibarapa LGA, with 71.2kg of skunk, which he smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Oyan River.
In a similar development, “Not less than 586,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 were recovered by NDLEA operatives from Lawal Anas, 28, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Kaduna, on Tuesday, March 17, while 7,290 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 22, at the same location on Friday, March 20,” Babafemi said.
In Taraba State, officers intercepted Aliyu Adamu, 26, along the Takum-Jalingo Highway with 77,660 capsules of tramadol, while in Adamawa State, six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 82.8kg of tramadol in a truck in Yola.
The suspects include Ramatu Aliyu, Jungudo Abdullahi, Najid Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed, Usman Abdulrahim, and Musa Mohammed.
The agency said its commands across the country also intensified War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, and communities during the week.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, FCT, Taraba, and Adamawa commands for the arrests and seizures, urging them to sustain the balanced approach to drug control efforts.
News
RSG Applauds FRSC, NDLEA For Enhancing Security In Rivers …As NDLEA Pushes For Drug Tests In Schools, NYSC Camps
The Rivers State Government has commended the dedication and collaboration of federal government agencies in sustaining security in the State.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the State Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Bature Dawa, in Port Harcourt, last week, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara appreciates the strong synergy between the agencies in promoting his administration’s vision of peace, prosperity and progress in the State.
Wokoma urged residents to remain law-abiding, noting that respect for the law is essential for good governance and sustainable development in all parts of the state.
He stated that the governor has remained committed to initiatives that promote peace and social order, stressing that the administration will continue to support programmes of federal agencies aimed at strengthening security and public safety.
“Our governor is committed to peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State. I therefore encourage all residents, especially young people who are often targeted by those involved in drug abuse, to stay away from drugs, crime and reckless driving,” he said.
In his remarks, the State NDLEA boss, Dawa, disclosed that the agency has arrested 39 suspects in the state from December 2025 to date, including 16 new cases currently under investigation.
He explained that the NDLEA, through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
Dawa also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, while urging hotel owners and managers to remain vigilant and prevent their facilities from being used for drug-related activities.
He further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of measures to discourage drug abuse among young people.
In a related development, Dr Wokoma received the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Inyang Umoh, during a courtesy visit, and urged residents to abide by road safety laws and drive in consideration of other road users.
In his remarks, the FRSC boss expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the continuous support to the Corps.
Muslims in Rivers State have commended Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his dedication and commitment to the development of the state.
They also lauded the governor for promoting peaceful co-existence among various religious groups in the state.
Vice President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ,Alhaji Nasil Awhelegbe Uhor, gave the commendation last Friday during the Eid-el Fitri prayer to mark the end of Ramadan fasting period, at the Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Niger Street, Port Harcourt.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayer, Alhaji Uhor said Governor Fubara has shown exemplary leadership in the affairs of the state.
Uhor who is the leader of the South South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, called on Muslims to remain committed to the ideal of peace and fear of the Almighty Allah.
According to the Rivers State Islamic leader, the message is for Muslims to imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink into their lives and shape their ways of doing things.
He urged Muslims to imbibe the culture of love and respect for one another.
“My message is that all Muslims should imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink with them,” he advised.
Uhor stressed the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to remain patriotic, while avoiding all forms of anti-social behaviours.
He also called on the political leaders to put the country first, stressing that there is no need for Nigerians to continue to wallow in abject poverty when the country is so rich with natural resources.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Ibrahim S Yalo, urged Muslims to fear God, and speak the truth always.
According to him, time has come for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of peaceful coexistence, speak the truth and be each others keeper.
“Nigerians own a duty to ensure peace, live together in fear of God and speak the truth always,” he said.
By: John Bibor