Politics

Between Amendment And A New Constitution

Published

4 years ago

June 4, 2021

A nation’s Constitution is the foundation of its existence. It is supposed to set the terms of our nationhood and define who we are in a manner that reflects both our common truths and highest aspirations. Our constitution falls short of this standard because the 1999 Constitution is the product of a hurried national compromise that we entered into two decades ago in order to ensure that the military returned to the barracks and that we returned to democratic government”, Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives said as he addressed participants at the zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution by the National Assembly, earlier in the week.
While acknowledging that the same exercise had been undertaken a couple of times in the past, the Speaker said this one by the 9th National Assembly might be the most important constitutional amendment process in the nation’s recent history because the decisions that would be taken will have far-reaching consequences for the future of Nigeria.
“It was always the intention that we, will one day, as one people and one nation, return to amend this document so that it gives voice to the yearnings of the Nigerian people and sets out in clear details how we intend to achieve the shared ambitions of our nationhood.
“Providence has cast upon the 9th National Assembly the responsibility to write such a constitution for the Nigerian people”, he said.
However, as the public hearing (the zonal hearings have been concluded while the exercise at the national level has been scheduled to hold in Abuja between Thursday and Friday this week) draws to a close, it has become quite hazy as regards what Nigerians exactly want between a constitutional amendment and the writing of a brand new constitution.
Those who see nothing wrong in amending the constitution say that nothing will be lost in reviewing the document as many times as possible as far as it is impossible to get a perfect constitution at any given time, anywhere in the world. They say, therefore, irrespective of how many times this same route had been taken in the past without substantial result, the current exercise is still worth the while and deserves the full engagement of all Nigerians as long as it addresses the challenges that necessitated it in the first place.
While announcing the two-day National Public Hearing on proposals to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 at plenary last Tuesday, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise across the six geo-political zones of the country and urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to freely express themselves with a view to refurbishing the document to serve them better. “(And) in fact, the report we received has shown that, in all the centres, the public hearings were quite successful.
“I want to also appeal to Nigerians to take the opportunity of the national public hearing that will start on Thursday (yesterday).
“This is an effort that the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, is attached to. “we believe that we must do whatever is necessary to provide a platform for Nigerians to air their views, give their positions and canvass for whatever they feel would make our country better, and make governance more efficient and successful.
“We have no pre-conceived positions on anything and, therefore, this is the time for our citizens to take the opportunity”, Lawan said.
Addressing the Public Hearing by the Senate in the South-South zone in Port Harcourt last week, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike spoke in favour of the effort at amending the constitution but pointed out that the success of the exercise was dependent on sincerity of purpose ad commitment to correcting the fundamental challenges that have caused deep cracks to the foundation of the country.
Speaking through Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, his deputy, Chief Wike said even though some others believe otherwise, he was of the opinion that the exercise was a welcome one “since we already have a constitution that we have practised for over 20 years, which shortcomings can be corrected through amendments”.
According to him, “The truth is that whether new or old, what Nigerians need is a constitution that approximates the collective aspirations of all Nigerians to live in a country that is free, fair and just to all component parts. Nigerians need a constitution that will give them a true sense of belonging, secure and advance their well-being and enable their children to aspire to actualize their potentials for any office without discrimination”.
He emphasised that “No one is deceived that the present constitution alienates minority societies, justifies the provocative expropriation of the people’s resources and gives greater resources to a gluttonous Federal Government to the detriment of the states and local government areas.
“There is no way ordinary Nigerians will strive and prosper under a constitution that overburdens a nebulous Federal Government with too many socio-economic tasks and responsibilities beyond its capacity and competence to deliver”.
Conversely, groups like the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum are of the view that what the country needs at this point in time is a brand new constitution, that will issue from a fresh National Dialogue involving all ethnic nationalities and stakeholder groups in the Nigerian project.
In a communique issued at the end of its meeting jointly signed by Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Ayo Adobanjo of Afenifere, Prof George Obiozor, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Pogu Bitrus, National President of Middle Belt Forum and Senator Emmanuel Essien, National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta forum (PANDEF), the group urged the Federal Government to heed the nationwide call for a transparent National Dialogue, “And take urgent steps towards restructuring and birthing a new constitution to bring back equitable harmony to the country”.
They said “We insist that it is imperative to immediately restructure the country considering the precarious prevailing atmosphere before any further elections”, beginning with the forthcoming 2023 general polls.
Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Wednesday, this week, the Civil Rights Council (CRC), a civil society organisation, described the ongoing constitution review exercise as a jamboree and a waste of tax payer’s money and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to implement previous amendments instead.\
The National Coordinator of the group, Barr Arochukwu Paul Ogbonna said since the return of democracy in 1999, successive governments had convened various constitutional conferences and constitution amendment exercises that had come out with recommendations but had lacked the political will to implement them.
The CRC insisted that the solution to the problems of the country laid in a referendum and the making of a totally new constitution initiated by Nigerians and acceptable to all the socio-political, religious and cultural constituents but in the interim, challenged the present administration to muster the requisite “political will and courage to implement already preferred solutions contained in previous conference reports instead of allowing the nation to go round in circles in a journey to nowhere of seasonal constitutional amendments. that way, we must have solved one problem and also tackled the culture of constitutional amendments, corruption and bad politics that goes with it”.
Notwithstanding the arguments for amendment of the 1999 Constitution or the working of a fresh document, what is of utmost importance to Nigerians is the fundamental alteration of the present consitution to give the people a new lease of life and a fresh and sustainable outlook to the structure of the country that all Nigerians will be proud to belong to in peace, prosperity and contentment.
As Governor Wike noted: “It is only the blind that may not see that Nigeria is headed for a dangerous precipice, (and) unless something urgent and drastic is done to correct the identified flaws in both our constitution and the nature of federal system that has been foisted on this country for so long.
“The contending issues are not new, they have been raised, identified and debated at several fora and platforms over and over by almost every social group, association and ethnicity in this country”.
The onus is now on the National Assembly to save this country by endsuring that this exercise is thorough, comprehensive and far reaching enough to inspire hope in Nigerians for a more inclusive, just, fair and equitable country.
There can be no greater service for Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila to render to Nigeria and Nigerians.

By: Opaka Dokubo

Politics

Kano Gov Approves N15.6bn To Settle Ex-APC Councillors’ Entitlements

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the release of N15.6 billion for the payment of outstanding severance gratuities, accommodation, and leave allowances owed to over N3,000 former councillors across the State’s 44 local government areas.
The approved payment covers councillors who served during the periods of 2014–2017, 2018–2020, and 2021–2024 under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The entitlements, which remained unpaid for years, will now be disbursed in three installments between April and June 2025.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information to the Governor, Ibrahim Adam, the administration described the move as a corrective measure to address the neglect of past leadership and fulfil a promise to ensure fairness to public office holders.
“The approval of N15.6 billion is in fulfilment of Governor Abba K. Yusuf’s commitment to ensuring that all outstanding entitlements owed to our dedicated public servants are fully paid. It is a matter of principle and justice to uphold the dignity of those who have served in elected positions”, Mr Adam said.
He noted that the financial intervention reflects the governor’s broader vision of governance rooted in fairness, accountability, and public trust.
“His Excellency recognises the sacrifices and dedication of these former councillors. This action is part of a larger effort to right the wrongs of the past and restore faith in public administration,” he added.
Local government officials and affected former councillors have welcomed the decision, describing it as long overdue and a step toward healing the financial frustrations of many grassroots leaders.
Governor Yusuf’s administration, elected on a different political platform than his predecessor, continues to draw commendation for its proactive efforts to resolve inherited liabilities and improve the welfare of public servants.
As the payment schedule begins, it is expected that this intervention will offer financial relief to thousands and stimulate local economic activity across the state.

Politics

Gunmen Disrupt Political Rally In Bayelsa ….As Turnah, Others Emerge New Associates’Leaders

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Scores of spectators and political faithful were hospitalised after a yet to be identified gunmen invaded a rally organised by a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Part of the activities scheduled to hold at the occasion was the inauguration ceremony of the Bayelsa State chapter of the ‘New Associates’, a pro-Wike political forum.
The Tide which monitored the event reports that trouble started just at the preparatory stages of the event, when the unidentified gunmen launched sporadic gunshots from a farm close to the venue of the event, injuring unsuspecting spectators and party faithful across party lines.
However, calm was restored after a swift intervention by men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other security formations which enabled the event to go on as planned.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after restoration of calm, factional South-South zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the State’s chapter of the party, Barrister George Turnah, commended security operatives for their timely response.
He noted that the plan of detractors had been defeated as forces loyal to certain individuals in the State never wanted the rally to hold as scheduled.
Turnah, who doubles as Convener of the ‘New Associates’ in the State, commended President Tinubu and Chief Wike for the appointment and facilitating the same for Ijaws across the Niger Delta region.
He said, but for the love of the duo for the Ijaw people of various extractions, the Presidency would not have given preferential political portfolios in the Federal Government’s Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to Ijaws even though the ethnic nationality produces bulk of the natural resources for the economic mainstay of the nation.
The PDP chieftain reiterated that the reason for the event which was attended across party lines was to say ‘thank you’ to the two political leaders, stressing that to ‘whom much is given, much was expected’.
“For me, I’m of the larger opposition party, PDP. But I’ve decided to support and work for President Tinubu for what he is doing for the Ijaw nation, Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.
“President Tinubu has given Bayelsans and other Ijaws across the Niger Delta region several juicy political appointments. He appointed our brother and son, Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of Petroleum even though former President Muhammadu Buhari had previously appointed a Bayelsan as Petroleum Minister in his government.
“Apart from the Petroleum Minister, Tinubu has also appointed Ijaw sons, Chief Boma Iyaye as Executive- Director, Finance, and Dr Samuel Ogbuku as Managing-Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“Though former President Buhari had appointed Ogbuku initially in Acting capacity, when President Tinubu came, even after sacking all board members of the Commission, he still kept our brother, the MD and upon the completion of his tenure in Acting capacity, the President again reappointed him as substantive MD/CEO.
“But there’s one man who has made all these appointments for Ijaws possible. He is the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Ijaw people, Bayelsans are we not enjoying these appointments?
“Has the NDDC not lit up the entire Niger Delta region? Are you not feeling the impact of the Ogbuku-led NDDC? So for me and all the members of the New Associates we’ve decided to support President Tinubu for a second tenure so that our state and region can benefit more from his government”, he said.
“We want Governor Douye Diri to tell us his stand on the forthcoming 2027 general election. He should tell us whether he is supporting the President or not. If he’s supporting the President, we’ll work with him. After all, Diri was the first Governor from the South-South zone that benefitted from the President’s magnanimity during the 2023 elections and even in terms of infrastructure projects and appointments of Bayelsans at the Federal level”, Barr Turnah added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, and leader, Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO), Senator George Sekibo, lauded President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their love and friendship with the Ijaw people.
Represented by former Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Roland Sekibo, Senator Sekibo said the ‘New Associates’ political forum was to galvanize support for the President for his 2027 election.
He said while President Tinubu had performed well as Nigeria’s leader, the FCT Minister had continued to show leadership from the federal level after showing the same in Rivers State while serving as governor.
“I like to thank the convener of the ‘New Associates’ political forum in Bayelsa State, Barr. George Turnah (MON) and the Coordinators for standing firm in spite of threats from highly placed political leaders not to hold this event.
“Love is not theoretically, but must be expressed, which explains why they have gathered to celebrate their Excellencies, President Tinubu and Barr. Ezewon Nyesom Wike for the various roles they have played and have continued to play to ensure the appointment of Ijaw sons and daughters to positions of trust and authority at the federal level.
“The ‘New Associates’ is in synergy with President Tinubu and will continue to follow directives from the FCT Minister who has openly declared support for Mr. President”, he said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Politics

Enugu LP Loses Pub Sec To PDP

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

The Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Mr Titus Odo, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Odo defected to the PDP on Wednesday alongside the former Commissioner for Chieftancy Affairs in the State, Emeka Mamah, who was the state Coordinator of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign in the 2023 presidential election.
The duo dumped the PDP during the 2023 general elections for the Labour Party.
Receiving the defectors at the party’s state secretariat, the state PDP Chairman, Martin Chukwunwike, expressed happiness over their decision to return to their former party.
He explained that Governor Peter Mbah gave them the directive to do everything possible to bring back aggrieved party members who left the party.
“We are happy to have them in our midst, and God has set this party on a good footing, as 2027 is already assured,” he said.
The PDP chairman, however, called for unity within the party to package themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during their presentation to the party state chairman, Mr Odo expressed joy for returning to his former party, revealing that Mr Mbah’s massive development in the State informed his decision.
“I am happy to tell you that I am back to my home. I came back because of the giant development strides of Governor Mbah and I say kudos to him.
“The second reason is the defection of my immediate boss, the LP governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Enugu State, Dr Chijioke Edeoga.
“Another reason is that the council chairman in Igboeze North, Mr Uchenna Ogara, is turning the council area into a township,” he said.
Mr Mamah also thanked the PDP leadership in Igboeze North, Enugu North Senatorial zone and the state chapter of the party for receiving him back to the party.
He extolled Mr Mbah for extending hands of fellowship to those who had left the party, saying, “Personally, I am pleased with the performances of our governor.”