News
Reps Defer Debate On Constitution Amendment Report; As Senate Rejects 6yr Single Term …Grants States Power On Aviation, Railway
A cross section of participants at the Civil Service week in Port Harcourt, yesterday
The House of Representatives yesterday in Abuja deferred the consideration of the 1999 Constitution amendment report today.
This resolution followed complaints by some members that they did not have copies of the report to be considered.
The ad hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution presented their report to the House on July 4.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, advised members to avoid propagating their own interest against that of their constituents while considering the report.
Tambuwal said, “My advice is that we proceed with the wishes of the people. When it is time to vote, we should not vote against the wishes of our people.
“We should proceed with the wishes of the people and not that of some political leaders in our constituencies.”
He said that some Nigerians had advocated subjecting the amended constitution to a referendum, whereas the constitution had clearly spelt out ways it could be amended.
“The constitution has prescribed the procedure for amendment and we cannot go outside it.
The Senate by its voting on the alteration of some clauses in the Constitution of the Federal Republic, yesterday finally laid to rest the recommendation for a 6 -year single term for President, vice president and Governors and their deputies and voted massively against the clause.
Contrary to expectations the clause for autonomy for local governments, in spite of the support it enjoyed during the debate also failed to scale through as most senators voted against the alteration.
The change of the name from Nigeria police force to Nigeria Police Service also was scuttled by the senators just as their votes succeeded in saving NYSC from being scrapped.
Alteration of section 195 of the Constitution which provides for Separation of the office of the Attorney General, from the Minister of Justice’s position and same for the state attorney-general and the commissioner for Justice was also voted against.
However, the Senate by its voting was able to grant states legislative jurisdiction in the area of aviation, environment, healthcare, railways, and labour issues. As they were removed from Exclusive list to concurrents Prisons, public complaints, road safety and arbitration were retained in the Exclusive list.
The voting on the clauses which lasted for about five hours was a true indication of complexities in the exercise as it became very difficult for most of the clauses even those perceived as worthy of alteration (and could have scaled through by simple majority) to get the required two-third majority for any alteration.
The Senate session had 101 senators in attendance including the Senate President who is the presiding officer and who votes when only one vote is required to attain a particular decision
Amongst the recommended alterations, which failed to fly as the senators voted, were section 29. which sought to delete its subsection (4)(b) making marriage status enough qualification for renunciation of citizenship instead of only age of 18.
This clause, however stirred up drama as Senator Sani Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara) was quick to kick against it on the note that if altered it would go against dictates of Islam as Islamic marriage can be conducted at any age. Yerima, it would be recalled has been in the news and public discuss as the Senator who married a 13+year old girl (adjudged under-aged by civil society groups).
However, Yerima had it in his favour as those for the deletion of the claude got only 60 votes against the required 73 votes (2-3rd majority)
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe briefing Journalists after plenary explained that the Senate had only those clauses to vote on as those were the 30 clauses recommended by the Senate Committee on Constitution chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeremmadu.
Senator Abaribe noted that some of the popular issues as states creation could meet up with the requirements to be slated for voting.
On the recommendation for removal of immunity clause, Abaribe said the clause was not part of the senate debate and therefore, not amongst issues for voting.
The Senate is to hold a valedictory section for their late colleague.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi (Abuja)
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo