Reps Disown Regional Government Bill 

The House of Representatives has disowned a ‘draft bill’ trending online, purportedly for discussion, seeking a return to the regional system of government. Titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with new governance model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, the draft seeks among others, new extant laws to be cited as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.” The document which has been trending on social media is said to have been drafted by one Dr Akin Fapohunda, who is neither a lawmaker in the Senate or the House of Representatives; an indication that the said draft legislation is a private bill. The preliminaries of the bill read in part, “Whereas Nigeria, its peoples and government have been governed under Decree 24 of 1999 that was handed down by the then military government without the express consent of the people despite the preamble of ‘We, the people.’ “Whereas the said Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is not autochthonous as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian People; “Whereas the peoples of Nigeria now desire and effectively demand for a change to a constitution based on federal/regional system of government. “Whereas the federal and regional governments are to operate within the provisions of this Constitution, it is within the discretion of the ethnic blocs within the states that constitutes a given region to aggregate or disaggregate as provinces, divisions and districts, while being in control of their affairs without let or hindrance at whatever level of governance.” Dismissing the draft bill in a telephone conversation with Saturday PUNCH, the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, said, “The Committees on Rules and Business and Constitution Review have confirmed that there is no such bill before them.”

FG Reacts As Labour Begins Indefinite Nationwide Strike 

The Federal Government has appealed to Organised Labour to reconsider its decision to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, June 3, 2024. The Nigeria Labour Congress president, Joe Ajaero yesterday announced that the industrial action which would begin by Monday midnight is in protest against the government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000. Reacting to the development, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed in an interview with Punch stated that the interest of the masses should be the top priority of Organised Labour, saying strike was not the solution to the ongoing negotiation for a new minimum wage for workers. His words: “The government is pleading with Labour to reconsider its position. The FG has already made an offer of N60,000, and whatever the government does is in the interest of Nigerians. “We won’t like to do something that will throw the country into another problem. “Even as we do that, we are pleading with Labour. They are partners in this project called ‘Nigeria’ and we expect them to join hands with the FG as it strives to look for solutions that will take Nigeria to the desired prosperity. “Our message is that of an appeal and the need for Labour to see reason with the government. That was even the basis for setting up the tripartite committee that was made up of Organised Labour, the sub-nationals and the FG. This was because the government just didn’t want to make unilateral decisions. In any case, the position on the wage regime is not a one-sided thing. “We expect that they will see reason with the government. That is why we are calling on them to show understanding by not embarking on the strike because we don’t want that at this point. A strike is not the solution to our problem. We are continuing our negotiation with them. The minister and other stakeholders are still talking to them and we believe that we will find a common ground,” he stated.

National Assembly to Consider Bill Proposing Nigeria’s Return To Regional Government

In a landmark move, the National Assembly is speculated to be planning for a debate and, most likely, pass into into law before October 1, 2024, a bill proposing a return to regional government. Part of the draft bill circulating on social media, seen by SaharaReporters is titled: “A Bill for an Act to Substitute the Annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”  Although the identities of the sponsors of the bill were yet to be ascertained, the Bill, when passed, would be cited as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024. The sponsors of the Bill explained that the current Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) is not “autochthonous” as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian people. According to the advocates, the constitution amendment would be subject to a “yes or no” vote in a referendum by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  The sponsors of the Bill explained that the current Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) is not “autochthonous” as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian people. According to the advocates, the constitutional amendment would be subject to a “yes or no” vote in a referendum by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Part of the draft Bill seen by SaharaReporters on Friday partly read:  “PART I – Preliminaries: WHEREAS Nigeria, its Peoples and Government have been governed under Decree 24 of 1999 that was handed down by the then Military Government without the express consent of the people despite the preamble of “We the people.”  “WHEREAS the said Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) is not autochthonous as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian People. “WHEREAS the Peoples of Nigeria now desire and effectively demand for a change to a Constitution based on Federal/Regional System of Government.  “WHEREAS the Federal and Regional governments are to operate within the provisions of this Constitution, it is within the discretion of the ethnic blocs within the States that constitutes a given region to aggregate or disaggregate as Provinces, Divisions and Districts, while being in control of their affairs without let or hindrance at whatever level of governance. “Whereas the 1999 Constitution as amended is a schedule of a military decree now deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly for which the National Assembly have the powers to amend and/or abrogate as expedient. Whereas the National Assembly where so necessary and expedient can invoke the doctrine of necessity to resolve any point of law for the good governance of the country Nigeria.” On PART 11 – Substitution Clause, the drafters proposed that the National Assembly shall invoke its inherent powers to expunge the schedule attached to decree 24 of 1999 often referred to as 1999 Constitution as amended from the decree, which “is now deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly to which the National Assembly have the powers to so do and replace same with a new governance model for Nigeria effective not later than October 1, 2024.” “This amendment is subject to a yes or no vote in a Referendum by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it proposed. On governance structure under PART III – Stipulations for Federal Administration, the sponsors proposed that: “(1) Nigeria shall be a Federation comprising of Regional Territories and a Federal Capital Territory and shall be a Republic to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  “(2) The territorial jurisdiction of Nigeria shall comprise the territory of the Regional members of the Federation and its bound.

Nigeria’s Name, Flag Should Also Be Changed – Mike Ozekhome Tells Tinubu

Popular rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has admonished the incumbent government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to also change Nigeria’s name and national flag. This is as he commended the administration for reverting to the old national anthem, describing it as a welcome development. According to Ozekhome, the change of the national anthem was long overdue. Ozekhome stated this during a press conference on Wednesday where he expressed that he was elated by Nigeria’s return to the old national anthem, 10 years after he moved a motion for it at the 2014 National Conference. The SAN said: “Bringing the old National Anthem back is well overdue. It has better lyrics in content and context like the Senate President said. It is better than the other one. “The name Nigeria and the flag should also be changed.”

Tinubu To Present 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill To NASS

President Bola Tinubu will soon present the 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly (NASS).  “I submitted the last budget to you,” the President said when he addressed a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday. “You expeditiously passed it. We are walking the talk. I will soon bring the Year 2024 (Supplementary) Appropriation Bill. That is just for your information,” the President said at the joint sitting to mark the Silver Jubilee Of Nigeria’s 4th Republic. In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said, “Thank you, Mr President, we will be expecting the Supplementary Appropriation Bill of 2024 as soon as possible.” Also, at the joint sitting which coincided with the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration, the President confirmed ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’ as the “latest national anthem”. Tinubu said, “You rang out the latest national anthem, ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’. This is our diversity, representing all characters and how we blend to be brothers and sisters.” The President pleaded with both the Senate and the House of Representatives to continue to collaborate and work together with the administration to build the country on the path of sustained progress and development. “We have no other choice; it is our nation. No other institution or personality will help us unless we do it ourselves. No amount of aid from foreign countries or any other nation (will fix us), they take care of themselves first. Let us work together as we are doing to build our nation, not only for us but for generations unborn. Tinubu had on January 1, 2024, assented to the N28.7 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill passed by the Senate. The 2024 budget was N1.2 trillion higher than the budget originally proposed by the President to a joint NASS session on November 29, 2023.

Kano State Governor Announces Ban On Public Protests

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has imposed restrictions on public gatherings intended for protests, aiming to curb potential unrest within the state. This announcement was made through a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday. Under the new directive, Governor Yusuf has authorized the Police, the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to take robust measures against anyone engaging in public demonstrations. According to the governor’s spokesperson, these security agencies are instructed to “apprehend, detain, and prosecute any individual or group partaking in demonstrations on the streets of Kano.” The governor’s office described this measure as a preemptive strategy designed to prevent any breakdown of law and order that might be incited by state adversaries. The move comes amid concerns that protests could escalate into violence, potentially disturbing peace and public safety. This decision has stirred various reactions among the citizens and groups within Kano, with some viewing it as a necessary step towards maintaining stability, while others criticize it as an infringement on democratic rights to free speech and assembly. The statement reads: “We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. “The state government has explicitly outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind, and individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities will be promptly apprehended. “Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano.” The governor urged all citizens of the state to carry on with their normal activities as the state retains its tranquility, and the government will persist in vigilant oversight of the situation to promptly address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace that state presently enjoys.Kano State Governor Announces Ban On Public Protests The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has imposed restrictions on public gatherings intended for protests, aiming to curb potential unrest within the state. This announcement was made through a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday. Under the new directive, Governor Yusuf has authorized the Police, the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to take robust measures against anyone engaging in public demonstrations. According to the governor’s spokesperson, these security agencies are instructed to “apprehend, detain, and prosecute any individual or group partaking in demonstrations on the streets of Kano.” The governor’s office described this measure as a preemptive strategy designed to prevent any breakdown of law and order that might be incited by state adversaries. The move comes amid concerns that protests could escalate into violence, potentially disturbing peace and public safety. This decision has stirred various reactions among the citizens and groups within Kano, with some viewing it as a necessary step towards maintaining stability, while others criticize it as an infringement on democratic rights to free speech and assembly. The statement reads: “We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. “The state government has explicitly outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind, and individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities will be promptly apprehended. “Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano.” The governor urged all citizens of the state to carry on with their normal activities as the state retains its tranquility, and the government will persist in vigilant oversight of the situation to promptly address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace that state presently enjoys.

The Tinubu Presidency:Renewed Hope or Reincarnation of Controversy

Just as I reflected on a theme to anchor my thoughts on the first anniversary of the Tinubu Presidency, I received two electronic messages from the same source, expressing two diametrically opposed views on the same subject matter. What is even more perplexing is the fact that the two messages were official communications purporting to convey a message from the highest office in the land and signed off by two individuals that should have been speaking from the same script. The first message, an official communication from the office of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale read: “STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT IN COMMEMORATION OF MAY 29 AND THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE PRESIDENT TINUBU ADMINISTRATION In furtherance of his commitment to delivering good governance, President Bola Tinubu has embarked on the inauguration of strategic projects across the country. More transformative projects will be inaugurated by President Tinubu’s administration for the benefit of all Nigerians. In view of public commentary concerning the President delivering a speech before a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly tomorrow, May 29, 2024, it is important to state that this information is false and unauthorized as the Office of the President was not involved in the planning of the event.” This message was dated My 28, 2024. In the same breath, another communication from the presidency and signed by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information & Strategy to Mr. President was released, and it read: “STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ADDRESS JOINT SITTING OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TOMORROW President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not make a broadcast to the nation on Wednesday to celebrate his first anniversary as the leader of Nigeria. Instead, the President will address a joint session of the National Assembly, which has lined up a programme to commemorate 25 years of the nation’s democratic journey at both the executive and legislative levels. President Tinubu’s speech will dwell on the achievements of his administration and Nigeria’s democracy since the military ceded power in 1999. Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, former speaker of the House of Representatives and now President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila are all lined up to address the parliament. Also lined up to speak is the former military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who handed over power to civilian administration in 1999. At the end of the speeches, President Tinubu will commission the National Assembly Library and Resource Center, now to be known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building.” This one too, was dated May 28, 2024. While we await the stage appearance of President Tinubu, the lead character in this dramaturgy about heroic failures, I can hear some mischief makers murmuring déjà vu. Certainly. It is the reincarnation of controversy, which has become the hallmark of this president. Even more controversial is the record of performance of the first twelve months of the Tinubu presidency. From last May 29, twelve months ago, when on inauguration day, President Tinubu, looking forlorn but turbo-charged by the excitement of new office pronounced, “subsidy is gone” until this day, cheerleaders and advocates of his policy choices have mastered the art of double-speak. They often argue, ‘even though the policies shall visit pain and hardship on the people, the tough decisions have to be made for the good of the country.’ Yet, what we see are somersaults and policy reversals that reveal the poor quality of work that was put into these policies. From the withdrawal of subsidy on petrol to the merger of the forex windows through to recent withdrawal of subsidy on power, Nigerians have been served a menu of completely strange dishes that give them no option of choice. Unfortunately, this is coming after eight cruel years of nepotistic, corrupt and clueless reign of Gen Muhammad Buhari when virtually every index of misery took an upward swing. President Buhari represented the worst case of dashed hope since the return of civil rule in 1999. At ascendancy in 2015, he promised to wrestle corruption to a manageable level, grow the economy and tackle insecurity. Eight years after, he handed Nigeria to his successor and party mate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the poverty capital of the world where about 113million, out of a population of 200million, was classified as multidimensionally poor with out-of-school population brimming at 20.2million children. President Tinubu, during his numerous electioneering campaign stumps, promised to continue from where President Buhari stopped. It can be assumed that the import of that message was lost on many Nigerians until what some now say was a thoughtless “subsidy is gone” pronouncement. From inauguration day till date, it will seem like the President was determined to act like the young king Rehoboam who spoke roughly to his subjects and said in 1 Kings 12.11: “And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!” What is however, very clear to a discerning Nigerians is the fact that as many compatriots lay prostrate and distraught due to the excruciating burden of “Tinubunomics” his alleged puppeteers, the Bretton Woods institutions, infamous deities of the market-driven economy, may celebrate President Tinubu’s zero-subsidy regimes and the foreign exchange liberalization; two policies that created the current storm in the economy. President Tinubu’s leadership mantra is christened, “Renewed Hope.” This contradicts sharply with the reality on ground as many Nigerians and their businesses have been crowded out of the emerging economic landscape. With the naira now a shadow of its old self, since it now exchanges for less than half of its value as at less than a year ago, while the rate of inflation has doubled and unemployment nearing 50 per cent, and with a cabinet that is an unwieldy crowd of round pegs fitted into square holes, it is most doubtful how President Tinubu can turn the corner and restore hope and life to many

BREAKING! Court restrains SSS, Police From Evicting Emir Sanusi 

A Kano High Court presided by Justice Amina Aliyu has restrained the police, the State Security Service, SSS and Nigerian military from evicting the reinstated Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II. The case was filed by the emir alongside the four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta. Granting the order, Justice Aliyu also retrained the security agencies from arresting or harassing the emir and his kingmakers.

Senate Unanimously Votes for Recall of Senator Abdul Ningi

In a unanimous decision, the Nigerian Senate has voted to recall Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, back to the Senate following a period of suspension. The motion for his recall, titled “Unconditional Recall of Senator Abdul Ningi,” was introduced by Senator Abba Moro, the Minority Leader and senator representing Benue South Senatorial District. Senator Ningi was suspended on March 12, 2024, for a duration of three months due to his involvement in making unverified allegations concerning the 2024 budget. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service on March 9, Senator Ningi alleged that the budget had been padded to the tune of N3.7 trillion. The motion for his suspension was initially presented by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, citing infractions of legislative rules, misconduct, and unethical behavior. Senator Moro’s motion, tabled on Tuesday, sought the reconsideration of the resolution from the Votes and Proceedings of March 13, 2024, to recall Senator Abdul Ningi and reinstate him for his legislative duties. Notably, the Senate Minority Leadership, under Senator Moro’s guidance, assumed full responsibility for Senator Ningi’s actions and extended apologies on his behalf. The prayer set forth by Senator Moro garnered unanimous approval from the Senate, leading to the immediate recall of Senator Abdul Ningi. This decision underscores the Senate’s dedication to upholding legislative standards and fostering accountability among its members.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Withdraws Lawsuit Against APC, Aiyedatiwa …says President Tinubu intervened

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has made a surprising announcement, withdrawing his lawsuit against the APC, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The lawsuit, originally filed in response to alleged irregularities during the governorship primary election, has been withdrawn by Senator Ibrahim as a gesture of respect for President Bola Tinubu. At a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator Ibrahim disclosed that his decision to withdraw the lawsuit came after President Tinubu’s intervention, which involved both telephone conversations and a lengthy physical meeting at the Villa lasting over an hour. He stressed that the withdrawal was not a personal matter but a pursuit to safeguard internal party democracy, which he believed was compromised during the primary election. The primary election, conducted on April 20, 2024, across Ondo State’s 18 local government councils, saw Governor Aiyedatiwa declared as the winner. However, Senator Ibrahim contested the outcome, leading to legal action against the APC, Governor Aiyedatiwa, and INEC. Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his guidance and assurance during their meeting, Senator Ibrahim highlighted the president’s commitment to enhancing internal party democracy. He also acknowledged Governor Aiyedatiwa’s prior visit to his residence in Asokoro before the withdrawal of the lawsuit. “I cannot disobey the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the issue I am fighting for is not personal. It is simply to improve internal democracy, to which the President has pledged commitment. My respect for the President is unwavering,” the Lawmaker affirmed.