Category: News

The House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to amend Nigeria’s constitution to provide for a single six-year term for the President, state governors, and local government chairpersons, as well as rotational presidency among the country’s geopolitical zones. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) and 33 other lawmakers, was debated on the floor of the House on November 21, 2024. It failed to scale through second reading following strong opposition during a voice vote. Key provisions of the bill included: However, the proposal was met with resistance from several lawmakers who argued that enforcing a rotational presidency through the constitution could fuel regional division, undermine democratic rights, and trigger political instability. Critics warned that the amendment could also infringe on the right of every Nigerian to contest elective offices and might complicate leadership selection based on merit. Despite the setback, the bill’s proponents have vowed to continue pushing for the reforms. Ugochinyere described the rejection as a temporary roadblock and expressed the intention to reintroduce the bill after further consultations and legislative engagement. He maintained that the proposed reforms are aimed at promoting inclusion, cutting governance costs, and ensuring that leaders focus on service delivery rather than re-election campaigns. The debate underscores the broader national conversation about constitutional restructuring, power rotation, and equitable representation in Nigeria’s complex multi-ethnic and multi-regional political landscape.

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has expressed commitment to partner the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council on infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This was disclosed when the NUJ FCT Chairperson, Ms Grace Ike, led her executive team on a courtesy visit to the AMMC Coordinator, Chief Felix Amechi Obuah, on Tuesday. Chief Obuah while welcoming members of the NUJ FCT, expressed his readiness to collaborate with the council having recognised the vital role the media play in informing the public in activities of the AMMC which is helping the agency to ensure full compliance of the FCT master plan. “I welcome you and your team to our corporate office today. I have listened to you and I just have to say that, I am indeed very happy to partner with the NUJ FCT. We need to partner together to be able to achieve our core and corporate mandate. And in partnering together we support each other and grow together and educate the public so as to attain infrastructural development in the FCT in line with the master plan of the nation’s capital city,” he said. While expressing his willingness to support the NUJ FCT Council, Chief Obuah explained that current financial constraints make it difficult to make any immediate commitment but hope to accommodate the unions needs in the next budget “Even though I am a bit handicapped to make any promises because of budgetary constraints. But in the subsequent budget, I assure you that whatever we can do to help your dream come true for NUJ and your members, the agency will do everything humanly possible to contribute their quota to the growth of the union in line with the FCT master plan He also added, “You can write my office on what you feel we can do officially. I will also present it in the next budget and I will go to my superior, the Honourable Minister of FCT, and say these people visited me and came with a very solid, verified programme—how do we assist? Because whatever we are doing, with the media, the public would not know and be able to key into it. He said the media play a very vital role in the growth and development of any organisation.” Dr Obuah used the occasion to congratulate the first female chairperson of the union after four years of its existence and pray for a successful tenure. Earlier, Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Ms Ike thanked Chief Obuah for receiving her team and commended the AMMC Coordinator for the effective management and coordination of municipal services as well as infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She used the occasion to commend his support for workers welfare which earned him the employee’s advocate award of the year award She said “ I must commend your leadership efforts in ensuring proper maintenance and sustainable management of the city’s infrastructure, utilities, and services” She highlighted major infrastructural challenges currently facing the NUJ FCT Council and requested support to improve their facilities such as the completion of the pentagon building, and a hall that cannot house more than 2, 000 journalists during her monthly congress. She also made a strong case for the NUJ FCT “Journalists’ Village”, which would offer journalists affordable housing and a suitable environment to carry out their work. She said, “On behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Council, I express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers, including media professionals. Your kind gestures and support have not gone unnoticed and have greatly encouraged us in our mission. “Today, we come with a sincere appeal for your support towards the establishment of a Journalists’ Village here in the FCT. This initiative is vital for providing affordable housing, professional facilities, and a conducive environment that will enhance the welfare and productivity of journalists who play a critical role in our democracy. “We believe that with the AMMC’s collaboration, we can secure the necessary resources, land, and policy backing to bring this vision to fruition. Such a village will not only improve the living standards of journalists but also serve as a hub for capacity building, relaxation, and professional growth. “We appreciate your past efforts and hope to count on your continued partnership to make this project a reality, thereby restoring dignity and stability to journajlists who tirelessly serve the public interest” she added

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Fatima Nyako, has set June 27, 2025, for the delivery of judgment in the case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.  The Kogi Central Senator is challenging her suspension by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition, which she claims was due to allegations of gross misconduct. In her suit, Akpoti-Uduaghan has named the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Senator Nedamwen Imasuen as defendants. After listening to the arguments from both sides, Justice Nyako announced that judgment will be delivered on the stated date. Additionally, the judge will rule on the contempt applications filed against Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. Counsel for the Senate, Paul Daudu, SAN, had accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of acting in breach of an order of the court by posting a satirical apology on her Facebook page. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team also alleged that Akpabio did same with comments by Olisah Agbakogba and Monday Ubani (both senior lawyers), in his favour, during media appearances. The actual order of 4th April by Justice Nyako stopped Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and Imasuen from granting media interviews or making social media posts relating to the case while it remained pending before the court. While adopting the documents that contain the closing arguments, counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, Michael Numan, urged the court to grant his client’s relief by reversing the Senate Committee’s decision. He also countered the allegations of contempt of court. In their arguments, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics Privileges and Public Petitions, all challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter. They further urged the court to dismiss the case instituted by the suspended Kogi Central senator. The dispute between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan started from a disagreement over seating arrangements during a Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan subsequently made allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio during a programme on ARISE News. She then approached the Federal High Court seeking an order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from investigating her, an action that led to her six-month suspension, following the recommendation of the Senate Committee. Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, who was initially assigned the suit, withdrew from presiding over the case after allegations by Akpabio’s camp.