Politics
Tinubu Should Have Political Will To Get Nigeria New Constitution – Ozekhome
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has urged President Bola Tinubu to muster the political will to get Africa’s most populous nation what he described as a people-centred constitution.
The human rights lawyer was a guest on a Television show. He is a member of The Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku who met with the President on Friday at the State House in Abuja.
Asked whether the President has the political will to make a new constitution happen, the senior lawyer said, “Well, he should have the political will because these problems will not go away until we tackle it headlong”.
Further asked whether a new constitution is an antidote to poverty, insecurity, and other challenges confronting the Nigerian state, Ozekhome said, “It is. The killings you are seeing, the poverty, the corruption, they are all symptoms of a larger problem which is the basis of what we are talking about. When you solve it, other things will be in place.”
Ozekhome argued that the 1999 Constitution was military-imposed, and not subject to any referendum. He said Nigeria needs an indigenous and people-centric constitution to redirect the country’s “journey of no destination”.
According to him, Nigeria lacks nationhood. “Nigeria is a country still yearning for nationhood. We are not united,” he said. The brand new constitution must be subjected to the referendum of the people, he added.
Asked whether Nigeria must constitute a constituents’ assembly before a new constitution, the senior advocate said, “We have to have a constituents’ assembly and only the National Assembly can pass a law in that regard. Then, the draft constitution will now be signed by Mr President and we will have a constitution.”
He said if the people agree that they want a unicameral legislature, “that is how it is going to be” because democracy is decided by the people.
Ozekhome further stated that the engine (constitution) of the Nigerian state has knocked and should be replaced.
“The political elite has to agree. If you are driving a car and the car has a knocked engine. Is it not the engine you should look at? Do you begin to panel-beat the car, spray it with beautiful paint, and buy new tyres? Will that move the car?
“I am saying that the engine of the Nigerian state, for now, is knocked and it is giving rise to all these mutual suspicion, religious intolerance.”
He said economic reforms are good but must not be put before a people-centred constitution. He said the National Assembly must agree to a new constitution for the problems of Nigeria to vanish.
Ozekhome’s comments followed the 2014 National Conference Report which recommended constitutional, amendment, community policing, fiscal federalism, and restructuring, among others.
A decade ago, then President Goodluck Jonathan and other leaders organised the conference to proffer workable suggestions on how to move the country forward.
The national dialogue began on March 17, 2014, with the late respected Jurist, Justice Idris Kutigi (retd.), as its chairman.
494 Nigerians from all walks of life attended the conference for about five months. About N10bn was spent on the confab which produced over 600 recommendations including suggestions for the restructuring of Nigeria’s political, economic, social and security systems to quell agitations from different geopolitical sections and achieve long-lasting peace.
However, the recommendations of the confab have not been implemented by successive administrations.
As Gov Soludo Welcomes Moghalu with Warm Gesture at Public Event
In a lighthearted moment at a recent event, Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, spotted Labour Party governorship candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, in the audience. Soludo, known for his wit, took the opportunity to welcome Moghalu to the stage, saying, “My brother, you’re welcome. I heard you’re contesting for something, but it seems like there’s something you’re shying away from.”
The crowd erupted in laughter as Soludo continued, “Forget it, we know ourselves. After you finish your ‘rigmarole,’ you can come to me; we’re both brothers.” The comment was met with applause and chuckles from the audience.
What followed was even more telling of their relationship. After stepping down from the podium, Soludo walked over to Moghalu, and the two shared a warm moment, laughing and shaking hands. A photo of the encounter has since circulated, showcasing the cordial relationship between the two figures.
The exchange has sparked interest in the dynamics between Soludo and Moghalu, particularly given their political affiliations. While Soludo’s comments seemed lighthearted, they may also hint at a deeper connection or understanding between the two leaders.
May 21, 2019
Sahara Reporters, New York
News
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of February 2019.
Jamil Sarham, general officer commanding 6 division of the Nigerian army, has said Nyesom Wike Offered him billions of Naira in bribe to compromise the governorship elections in the state.
Aminu Iliyasu, the division’s spokesman, Sarham said governor Wike decided to witch hunt him when he turned down the offer.
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of Febuary 2019.
Denying the allegations, Sarham said: “Wike’s resentment against me is based on my choice of professionalism and integrity over the billions of naira offered me by the Rivers state governor to compromise the 2019 general election,” the statement read.
“My refusal to be bought over and the rejection of the hefty offer is the genesis of Wike’s hatred and vociferous criticisms of me.
“On the mischievous accusation against Maj. Gen. Sarham of leaking proceedings of State Security Council meetings to criminals in Rivers State, Mr. Wike knows well that Maj.-Gen. Sarham is not a member of the Rivers State Security Council, neither has he ever approached the gates of Rivers State Government House, since his assumption of office as the GOC, 6 Division.
“Mr. Wike only came face-to-face with Maj. Gen. Sarham on the 15th of January, 2019, during the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to challenge Wike to provide the public with any evidence of such meetings, with Maj. Gen. Sarham in attendance. Wike’s allegation against Maj.-Gen. Sarham’s selfish involvement in illegal oil bunkering is another reckless, spurious and mischievous accusation.
“Hence, Headquarters of 6 Division wishes to request the Rivers governor to take the most civilised way of putting up a petition to the relevant authorities, to make a point.”
Culled from Sahara reporters archive
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, holding in New York, United States of America.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), on Sunday in Abuja.
Ekwutosblog reports that the session will hold between Monday, September 22 and Sunday, September 28.
Nkwocha said Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu, at the global event, would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and join other dignitaries at the UN high-level general debates, among other side events.
He revealed that the vice-president would announce Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs, under the Paris Agreement at this year’s UN special event on climate.
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