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Author: Williams Adekunle

  • Rotational presidency will promote equity, justice-Ohuabunwa 

    Rotational presidency will promote equity, justice  — Ohuabunwa
    Presidency
    By Adekunle Williams
    Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) A  former Chairman, National Economic Summit Group, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa ,says the proposed power rotation among the six-geopolitical zones will promote equity and justice.
    Ohuabunwa said  this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)on Saturday on Lagos .
    According to him, if the proposal eventually gains constitutional backing,it will deepen the country’s democracy and address claims of political marginalisation.
    NAN recalls that a bill seeking a rotation of the president and state governors was brought up on June 11 by 35 members of the House of Representatives.
    The 35 legislators, under the auspices of Reformed-Minded Legislators, said the proposition would lead to  reduction in the cost of governance.
    Speaking , Ohuabunwa said the antagonists of power rotation wanted Nigerians  to forget the “Federal Character Principle” in the constitution, which requires fair and equitable representation of different ethnic and regional groups in government.
    “For whatever it is worth, and for the sake of inclusiveness and sense of belonging, each of the six zones should have the experience of presidential power.
    “The rotation of power, is more or less a gentleman agreement, which is already more or less in practice since democracy was returned into the country in 1999..
    “The South-West had it through Olusegun  Obasanjo, the South-South had it through Goodluck Jonathan., the North-West had it through  Muhammadu Buhari.
    “The last time(2023) the South-East thought it would be their turn ,but it was denied as power went back to the South-West.
    “It is a painful reality that the agreement changed and that political leaders did not keep to it
    “It is in South-West now and it is believed that it will probably go back to the north in 2027, if the rotational presidency is not included in the constitution.”he said.
    Ohuabunwa,a former chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN),urged that rotational presidency be included in the constitution before 2027 to address unrest and agitations for power in some parts of the country.
    Speaking on money politics, Ohuabunwa said it was unfortunate that Nigerians put money above competence and integrity when  choosing leaders .
    He said  money politics was destroying the country’s democracy by throwing up bad leaders.
    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    WAC/BHB
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Recapitalisation: CSOs uncover counterplans to FG’s proposed banking reforms

     

    CBN

    By Adekunle Williams

    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has alerted the Federal Government and  CBN to an organised plot by some vested interests to orchestrate a diversionary campaign to stop the proposed banking sector reforms.

    The coalition is made up of the Constitutional Rights Advocate Initiative, Cadrell Advocacy Center, Movement for Nigeria Restructuring, Center for Social & Economic Rights, Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandates and Commonwealth Institute of Advanced & Professional Studies

    The spokesperson of the coalition, Mr Nelson Ekujumi, made this known at a news conference on Monday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on March 29, said it had directed commercial banks with international authorisation to increase their capital base to N500 billion and national banks to N200 billion.

    According to the acting CBN director, commercial banks with national licences must meet a N200 billion threshold, while those with regional authorisation are expected to achieve a N50 billion capital floor.

    The Banking Sector Recapitalisation Programme is a regulatory initiative of CBN that requires banks to increase their minimum paid-in common equity capital to a specified amount according to their licence category and authorisation within a specified period of time.

    According to Ekujumi, who is also the Convener, Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandate, some Nigerians were planning to use faceless civil society organisations because these people do not want the fresh injection of capital into the banks.

    The spokesperson alleged  the group intended to delay or force CBN to drop the ongoing reforms of the banking sector.

    This, he said, was to elongate the stay of their Pay Masters at the helm of affairs at some of the ”sick” banks that required the recapitalisation the most.

    Ekujumi noted that recapitalisation programmes required forensic audit of the loan books, saying that this was what they did not want.

    He said: “We are a coalition of civil society organisations. Our role is to act as watchdogs to government in overarching interest of the Nigerian people.

    “We have followed the various economic policy reform programmes of the present administration, we have at different times expressed our views on them.

    “These faceless groups were planning to use some faceless civil society organisations who will begin to make preposterous claims and allegations against some Nigerians who critical to the success of the planned banking recapitalisation programme.

    “We also have credible intelligence that they intend to make some unsubstantiated allegations against the current CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso; Mr Olawale Edun, the Finance Minister and some investors in the banking sector.

    “What is their goal?

    “It is to either delay or force the Central Bank of Nigeria to drop the ongoing reforms of the banking sector so as to elongate the stay of their Pay Masters at the helm of affairs at some of the sick banks which require the recapitalisation most.”

    He said: “It is germane to say that some of the banks which require the recapitalisation most are the very ones in need of the injection of capital off the back of the recapitalization programme.

    “However, these vested interests would rather leave the banks in their sick state so as to prevent the truth from being unearthed.”

    Ekujumi said: “If indeed they cared about the interest of the banks in question, why don’t they want new capital injected to save the banks?”.

    He likened the allegation to that of a parent of an anaemic child rejecting blood donation even when the doctors certified the blood to be clean.

    The spokesperson said one of the critical pillars upon which the economic reforms agenda of the Federal Government was anchored was the proposed banking sector reforms.

    He said Nigeria could not afford another banking sector crisis which would throw more Nigerians into the unemployment market.

    Ekujumi said this was why they were raising the alarm, adding that they had secured the services of some faceless civil society and online media to advance this gaslighting campaign.

    He said in the case of one of the banks, the ages of some of the Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) would shock the Nigerian public.

    According to him, they date back to the 1970s with interest capitalised running into decades.

    “But, thankfully, there has been a successful sale of the debt to a company as it is done the world over,” he said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

    WAC/VIV

    ===

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Nigeria needs decentralisation not “turn-by-turn” presidency — Don

    Nigeria needs decentralisation not “turn-by-turn” presidency — Don
    Decentralisation
    By Adekunle Williams
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A Professor of Strategy and Development, Prof. Anthony Kila ,says most of Nigeria’s problems will be surmounted if power devolves  from the centre to the states or regions.
    Kila, Director-General/Founder, Commonwealth Institute for Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS),said this   an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
    According to him ,power decentralisation will promote the country’s development and not the proposed  rotational presidency or “turn -by- turn” presidency.
    He said every region ,and even state, is desperate  to produce the president because the centre is too strong and attractive.
    The don said decentralisation would discourage agitations by regions to produce the president as it would empower units, such as states and regions, to deliver development.
    Kila said rotational presidency could  lead to what he called generational apathy and that it would not promote nation-building.
    “What we need to develop  is stronger states of the regions .When the states  of the regions are strong and the centre is weak,people will not think of that centre anymore.
    “The other thing we need to do is to diversify our aspirations. We need to let children grow up, not everyone wants to be a politician. Let us have journalists, judges, painters, teachers and manufacturers that are as important as the president.
    “Let us pursue other aspirations that  will earn  us enough money and enough authority , so that the push and attraction to become a politician or the president  will be less. Nobody talks about the rotational presidency of a company because it is  purely based on  merit.
    “Those who care about Nigeria need to work towards nation -building based on fairness, diversity of aspirations and decentralisation of power.
    “So rotational presidency is a good intention, but it is a dangerous consequence. It is also moved by good intention, but it can also lead to generational apathy,” he said.
    Kila noted that those calling for rotational presidency had ,sadly,come to the conclusion that  it was impossible to have a nation where everyone is one, regardless of tribe or ethnic background.
    The don said the proponents of the idea erroneously believed that the problems of the country could solved by “turn-by-turn” presidency.
    He said it was unfortunate that the political class had not been able to properly build a nation decades since 1960, adding rotational presidency would promote the triumph of ethnicity competence.
    “Nigeria has  six zones and and if each zone should have a single term of six-years, which is the proposal,  imagine children born on the same day and they grow up in life, only one would grow up to become the president of Nigeria.
    “The next one will have to wait for 36 years because of the rotational presidency. You see, people don’t think that way and that is why democracy tries to make everybody equal.
    “So ,someone from my region has gone for presidency, then my generation has lost it. I have to wait for another 36 years and people are not seeing that side.
    “That is why equality, merit and fairness are very crucial in democracy. Once you turn democracy into ethnicity and religion, you  have killed the essence of democracy itself in which anybody can strive for anything at anytime”,he said.
    NAN reports that a bill seeking a single term of six years for the President and state governors was brought up recently by 35 members of the House of Representatives.

    The bill also canvasses the rotation of the presidency among the six geo-political zones of the country.

     

    The 35 legislators, under the auspices of Reformed-minded Legislators, said both proposals  would lead to  reduction in the cost of governance.

     

    The spokesman for the group, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, added that the move would unite the country and ensure  seamless power transition and promote the development of  the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    WAC/BHB
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Okun-Ajah community urges minister to keep promise on Lagos-Calabar alignment

    Protest
    By Adekunle Williams
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Okun-Ajah community in Lagos State has appealed to the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, to keep to his promise on the implementation of gazetted Lagos-Calabar Coastal alignment.

    The Okun-Ajah community made the appeal during a peaceful protest in Lagos on Thursday in which they asked for the implementation of the original Lagos-Calabar Coastal alignment.

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the community lawyer, Mr Bolanle Olugbani, begged the President Bola Tinubu not to allow anybody to tamper with the original coastal road alignment.

    The protesters carried various placards with inscriptions “Mr Umahi, Keep to your words”, “Property owners along the gazetted coastal alignment should bear the consequences, do not encourage impunity”, “Illegal construction on the original coastal road should not be encouraged,” among others.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the counsel begged the government not to deviate from the original alignment the minister had agreed to follow.

    He said: “I am here to support the protest with regards to the coastal road alignment which we are hearing from reliable sources is about to be tampered with, after almost 30 years.

    “The coastal road alignment was passed into law by the Lagos State government in collaboration with the Federal Government almost 30 years ago. The alignment designated a particular corridor for the future which is now the present coastal road.

    “People who bought land in the Lekki axis, particularly the Okun-Ajah, Mokun, Akinlade and its environs, were advised to do their due diligence to avoid buying land in an area that is already committed for the coastal road.

    “Many people didn’t comply, they bought properties at a humongous amount, built estates and invested heavily only for the Federal Government to decide to begin the coastal road 26 years after.

    “So, those who do not conform with the original alignment deliberately bought lands in areas already designated for Coastal road,” he pointed out.

    Olugbani said the community also had equal rights and they had conformed with the original coastal road alignment by not infringing on the committed and designated coastal road corridor.

    He pleaded with the government not to change the gazetted alignment.

    The counsel urged the president not to allow the people who had conformed with the gazetted coastal alignment to be made victims.

    Responding, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Keisha, appreciated the protesters for not taking laws into their hands and opting for a peaceful protest

    “You have come as peaceful protesters to come and bare out your minds to the government and this government is a listening government.

    “The honourable minister has demonstrated in a number of occasions that he listens. I am sure as you are doing this, the information is going to get to him.

    “I have already informed him that people are complaining about the alignment and he asked me to let you come last Sunday but I couldn’t because it was on Sallah day. So he promised to come back in a week’s time.

    “I believe the minister does not look down on people. He listens. It is just that it is impossible to please everybody,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    WAC/IKU

    ========
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Forum backs Soludo on minimum wage for elected officials

    Forum backs Soludo on minimum wage for elected officials

    Wage

    By Adekunle Williams

    Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum says it supports the statement by  Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra that governors and other elected officials should earn only the minimum wage given  the country’s current economic realities .

    The National President of the forum, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, said this in an interview  with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday  in Lagos.

     

    NAN reports that Soludo had,while reacting to the rejection of the proposed  N62 ,000 minimum wage by the Nigeria Governor’s Forum,said governors and other elected officials too should earn  minimum wage to have a  feel what workers are going through in the face of economic challenges.

    ” Let’s come clean and straight with Nigerians. Nigeria is very poor and broke, but the lifestyle of government and government officials does not show it, especially with the obscene flamboyance in public display,

    “The poor are hungry and impatient, let us not annoy them more with our insensitivity. In this case, I agree with Reverend Father Mbaka, who said elected governors should also earn minimum wage. I agree that we should be paid that so that we can feel that as well.”,Soludo had said .

    Yerima told NAN that in a country where the disparity between the earnings of political leaders and the average citizen is staggering, such a stance is not only refreshing but also necessary in fostering a more equitable society.

    He said: “The statement made by Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra, regarding the need for governors and other elected officials to earn only the minimum wage in order to reflect the current economic reality of Nigeria is both bold and commendable.

    “For too long, Nigeria has been plagued by corruption and a lack of accountability among its political class. Elected officials often receive exorbitant salaries and allowances while the majority of the population struggles to make ends meet.

    “This imbalance not only breeds resentment among the populace but also perpetuates a culture of entitlement among those in power.

    “By advocating for governors and other elected officials to earn only the minimum wage, the governor is sending a strong message that public service should not be about personal enrichment but  about working towards the common good.”he said.

    Yerima said that Soludo’s statement  should be lauded and supported by all Nigerians, who ,he said ,were tired of the excesses and opulence of their leaders while the country continues to face  challenges.

    The forum ‘s president said it was improper for leaders not to identify with the people  in the face of  widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure and a struggling healthcare system.

    According to him, elected officials should be  willing to make sacrifices and tighten their belts in solidarity with the people they serve .

    “There is the nerd  for elected officials to be in touch with the realities faced by the average Nigerian, as it is only through shared experiences and empathy that true change can be achieved.

    “The call is a step in the right direction towards creating a more just and equitable society.

    “His bold stance should be supportjed and emulated by leaders at all levels of government, as it signifies a commitment to serving the people rather than exploiting their positions for personal gain.

    “As Nigerians, we must demand accountability and integrity from our political leaders,” he said.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    WAC/BHB

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Suspended ex-Lagos PDP chairman dumps party for APC

    Suspended ex-Lagos PDP Chairman says dumping party for APC
    Adewale
    By Adekunle Williams
    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain and former Chairman of the party   in Lagos  State ,Chief  Segun Adewale ,says he is dumping his party to join the All Progressives Congress(APC).
    Adewale ,popularly known as Aeroland, said this at a news conference on Saturday in Lagos.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP in Alimosho Local Government Area of the state had last week  suspended Adewale indefinitely.
    Adewale, whose political base is Alimosho, was suspended for allegedly causing disaffection in PDP and tarnishing the party’s image.
    The ex-PDP chairman, before his suspension, had earlier attributed the failure of the party to win elections in the state since 1999 to corruption and disunity among party members.
    Speaking at the news conference,Adewale said that he was not moving to APC  to contest election in  2027, but  contribute to  President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
    “I am not contesting election in 2027, but going to the ruling party to support the president. My next move is to go to Abuja and prostrate to Tinubu”,he said.
    Reacting to his suspension, Adewale said his reported suspension by PDP in Alimosho LGA was orchestrated by those fighting him  for exposing how they  mismanaged campaign funds during the  2023 election.
    Adewale said  his suspension had no effect as his ward had absolute confidence in him and had distanced itself from the reported suspension.
    Adewale said it was laughable that” these same elements being used would act unconstitutionally by suspending me  from the party when they do not have such powers”.
    He said: “Instead of my party LGA to take up Bode George and his gang, they  alleged  that I was the one that stole the money meant for electioneering,money that  was not given to me in the first place.
    “They said because of that, I should be suspended and I told them to come to my ward to suspend me so I can join the APC.
    “What am I even doing in the party?I spent millions during elections, but at the end of the day ,it isn’t worth it.
    “I am not even in PDP anymore because I have seen it all and I would not have stayed in PDP till now, but for Atiku Abubakar that begged me to contest in 2023.”he said.
    Adewale noted that he was going to APC to protect his business and  the political structure he had built over the years.
    He said a particular  bank called him that he was politically exposed ,adding  what that meant was that   he could not  even go to the bank to borrow money just because he was affiliated to PDP.
    Adewale said the people he supported during the last elections in PDP  had moved to the ruling party, becoming  commissioners and lawmakers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    WAC/BHB
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Lagos Assembly resolves to support vulnerable boy-child mentorship 

    Lagos Assembly resolves to support vulnerable boy-child mentorship
    Boy-child
    By Adekunle Williams
    Ikeja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a resolution to support the boy-child mentorship programme of the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibironke Sanwo-Olu.
    The assembly made this  known in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr Eromosele Ebhomele, in Lagos on Saturday.
    According to Ebhomele, the assembly made the resolution at a special plenary session  on Friday evening when the governor’s wife  led some boys to the assembly.
    He said that the governor’s wife came to the assembly with the Wife of the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, adding that they were received by the Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, and other legislators.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the boys, under the aegis of  Lagos State Boy Child Initiative, were selected from public and private schools as well as orphanages and correctional facilities in the state.
    Ebhomele quoted the speaker as saying that there was need to give attention to the well-being of vulnerable boy-children to make them happy, healthy and have a sense of belonging.
    “I want you to resolve to be true leaders of tomorrow. To do this, you must say no to crime. A criminal can never be a leader.
    “Try to be good children and students. You have learnt from my colleagues and I today. We all started as youths. All it takes is to be a good boy and a law-abiding citizen.
    “In the next 25 years, let us hear the impact of this visit from you,” Ebhomele quoted the speaker as saying.
    Ebhomele also quoted the speaker as saying that the Lagos State Child’s Right Law adequately protected children in the state.

    According to him, the speaker emphasised the importance of adequate equipment of  the boy-child by parents, guardians and teachers for maximum impact.

     

     

    Ebhomele also quoted the governor’s wife as saying that the initiative was aimed, among others things, to mentor boys and  raise awareness about their rights.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    WAC/OJI/IGO
    ============
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/
    Ijeoma Popoola

  • Hardship: Fashola urges Lagos Assembly to review tenancy law

    Hardship: Fashola urges Lagos Assembly to review tenancy law

     

    Review

    By Adekunle Williams

    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The former governor of Lagos State has urged the state House of Assembly to review the state’s tenancy law to compel landlords in the state to collect six months rents.

    Mr Babatunde Fashola made this known to newsmen at a Gala Night in commemoration of 25 years of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly in Lagos Wednesday night.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Tenancy Law was signed by Fashola in August 2011 to enable landlords in the state to collect one year rent from new tenants.

     

    Fashola, however, said that due to the present economic challenges, the assembly should review the tenancy law to protect tenants from shylock landlords.

     

    “We are using this law to protect landlords and citizens from shylock landlords.

     

    “I remembered that this House once started by reducing the tenancy agreement from three years to one year which had its impact.

     

    “At this time of economic challenges and cost of living issue, I think we can go back to the tenancy agreement where landlords should be compelled to collect three months to six months’ rent. This will help in no small way,” he said.

     

    Fashion noted that skits and videos abound where landlords knock at people’s doors and parents would hide and tell their children to tell the landlord that they are not at home.

     

    He urged the legislators to look into the tenancy rate issue.

     

    On the issue of Federation, Fashola, the former minister of works, said Nigeria has levels of government exercising different forms of responsibilities.

     

    “The National Assembly cannot make laws for landlords and tenants and on rent control because it is the jurisdiction of each state,” he said.(NAN)

    WAC/CEO/EAL

    =========

    Edited by Chidi Opara/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Lagos Assembly passed 300 bills, 2000 resolutions in 25 years- Speaker 

    [contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]

    Lagos Assembly passed 300 bills, 2000 resolutions in 25 years – Speaker

    Democracy
    By Adekunle Williams
    Ikeja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed 300 bills and 2,000 resolutions since the return of democratic dispensation in 1999.
    The Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, disclosed this at a programme to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democratic governance on Wednesday in Lagos.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly and had the theme: Building a Brighter Future: A journey of Hope and Aspirations.
    Obasa said  some of the   bills and resolutions were historic.
    The Speaker said  the bills were those that eventually became laws ,which  had impacted residents greatly as well as  people outside of the state.
    “Particularly worthy of mention are the Financial Autonomy law, Neighbourhood Safety Agency law, Regulation Approval law, and the Local Government Administration law, which created 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAS).
    “This is in addition to the existing 20 local government reas in the state for the purpose of bringing government closer to the teeming Lagosians.
    “The law also creates a four-year tenure for elected officials of the local government councils, making Lagos the first state in Nigeria to do so.
    “Also, there are the Traffic Sector Reform law which created the Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) system and the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) law.
    “Our BRT law became a prototype design for many other states in Nigeria and some West African countries like Ghana and the Gambia.
    “As a matter of fact, most of our laws, including our House Rules, have become models for other State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria,” he said.
    The Speaker added that in the area of education, the Assembly had enacted the Lagos State University of Science and Technology law, which converted the old Lagos State Polytechnic to a full university.
    He noted that one of the beauties of law was  that it would   eliminate the discrimination against polytechnic graduates in the labour market .
    Obasa explained that the Lagos State College of Education was upgraded to Lagos State University of Education through an enabling law, thereby increasing the number of universities established by the state to three.
    The Speaker said  in a bid to proffer solutions to  the security challenges facing tbe country,  the Assembly pioneered the agitation for the creation of state police .
    He said due to constitutional constraints, an abridged form of security outfits called the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency was created to assist the police in maintaining law and order and enhance community policing in the state.
    Obasa recalled that the very first session of the Assembly was headed by Mr Oladosu Osinowo (Ikorodu Urban II constituency) between October, 1979 and September, 1983.
    He said Osinowo laid the foundation for the vibrancy of the House as well as the brilliant leadership for which the Assembly was revered.
    The Speaker noted that at the time Osinowo was Speaker, Alhaji Lateef Jakande was the governor of the state  and that his administration built the  Assembly complex.
    He said the second Lagos Legislative Assembly was headed by Mr Oladimeji Longe (itire-Ikate constituency) between October, 1983 and December, 1983 while Mr Shakirudeen Kinyomi (Ojo I constituency) was the Speaker in the third Legislative Assembly .
    The speaker said since  Fourth Legislative Assembly, led by  Dr Olorunnibe Mamora (Kosofe I constituency) ,was inaugurated by the then governor of the state and now President Bola Tinubu on the  June 2, 1999.
    “The Assembly has enjoyed relative stability in its leadership with only four Presiding Officers in 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
    “This has, in no doubt, enhanced innovation, competence and capacity. Mamora led the House between June 1999 to June 2003, followed by Mr Jokotola Pelumi (Epe II), who led between June 2003 and December 2005.
    “Then, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji (Epe I) took the mantle and led between December 2005 and June 2015.
    “In addition, I am the current and longest serving legislator and Speaker in Nigeria, I was first elected Speaker in June 2015, I was re-elected in 2019 and again returned in 2023,” he said.
    The Speaker said the Assembly avowed commitment to excellence in all its ramifications had made the state the bride of all since 1999.
    Obasa said the Assembly had lived by its creed, reflecting positively on the constituents who had put their hopes on it as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for prompt, fair and effective dispensation of justice. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    WAC/BHB
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Democracy Day: Anyaoku, others reiterate call for new constitution

    Democracy Day: Anyaoku, others reiterate call for new  constitution

    Constitution

    By Adekunle Williams

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN)Former Commonwealth General Secretary, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and other prominent Nigerians have reiterated calls for a new democratic constitution that will  be determined by the Nigerian people.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anyaoku made this known at the June 12, 2024 Democracy Day Rally in Lagos on Wednesday.

    The  programme was organised by the June 12 Movement of Nigeria in conjunction with The Patriots,a group of eminent Nigerians.

    The theme of the event is: Ensuring the Future of Nigeria Through New Democratic People’s Constitution.

    Anyaoku said the present 1999 constitution was imposed on the country  by the  military.

    The former Commonwealth Secretary- General said the country needed a new  Constitution that would reflect true federalism and address the problems of the country.

     

    He charged the National Assembly to put a legal framework in place for the birth of a new constitution that would be determined by the Nigerian people.

    “If eminent Nigerians; people who have used better part of their time serving this country have a conversation and we cannot take it forward and make sure that we have a complete solution, then we are wasting our time.

    “Given the number of people that are here, we should make this conversation very effective. Many speakers have said that it is not the National Assembly that will make those amendments and it makes a lot of logical sense.

    “It is for the National Assembly to constitute a law where people will come together and make those amendments themselves,” he said.

    , t

    Speaking ,A former minister, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu ,said the country  needed a completely  new federal constitution that would give autonomy to the federating units ( States or Zones) as created and agreed.

    Nwachukwu noted that the new constitution must be subject to a referendum, adding that anything else would, pretty much, further estrange citizens  and deepen the pains Nigerians currently endure.

    According to him, the country is in need of a people’s constitution that would guarantee freedom of speech, movement and assembly.

    “(We are in a need of a constitution)that provides access to the mineral and human resources domiciled in the federating units with taxes paid to the central government.

    “That supports development in all spheres of human endeavours (education, science and technology, health and others).

    “That, provides security of life and property. That, promotes trust among its citizens. That forges a country which is sustainable and balanced to which its citizens can proudly belong and defend”,he said.

    Also speaking, Prof. Anthony Kila, said the present democratic dispensation had attempts to  produce a constitution to accommodate the wishes and aspirations of the people ,but had not succeeded.

    Kila said the reason for the failures, in his view, could be found primarily with those in authority at those times, wishing to force the citizenry to conform to their own personal ethos rather than those of the people who genuinely desire a better and more effective polity.

    The don said the 2014 National Conference attached a draft new constitution for a balanced and workable Nigeria.

    He said: “It firmly placed sovereignty and power in the people, with all citizens equal subjects under the law.

    “It made government and its officials accountable to the people. And unequivocally granted autonomy to states (the federating units) and for them to deal with matters concerning their local communities including policing and security.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    WAC/BHB

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji