Politics
Constitution review should reflect views of the people – Ndarani
Constitution review should reflect views of the people – Ndarani
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, July 11, 2025 (NAN) A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani, SAN has advised the National Assembly to ensure that the current constitution review reflects the views of the people.
Ndarani gave the advice during a press conference on Friday in Abuja.
He noted that developments in the country today justify the complete overhaul and comprehensive amendment to the 1999 constitution, which was only made as an annexure to a military decree.
He said that the current constitution has gone through five amendments and yet, it is generally believed that it could be much better.
“My stand has always been to draft a totally new constitution but if we must continue to tinker with the same document over and over again, it has to be thorough this time around.
“There have been many efforts to knock it into shape, but with very little success.
“The truth, however is that the constitution has to be fundamentally solid and take into account the special characteristics of the entity for which the document is being drafted’’.
He advised that the process must draw from the peculiarities of Nigeria, the demographics, ethnicity, economic structure as well as the many other variables that make up this complex society called Nigeria.
“There is therefore a great need for the National Assembly to make provision for a proper referendum prior to amendments to those critical areas of the constitution.
“This is what will give the said constitution or act the touch of the people, imbue it with much-needed legitimacy and bring the laws closer to the people and vice versa.
“Considering that the Zonal public hearings are already underway, the voice of the people should be heard to ensure a greater relevance and acceptability of the outcome.
“The world over, constitutions are amended to respond to socio-economic, cultural and political changes, so the amendment process must entail the mass participation of the people’’.
The senior lawyer said that no constitution is entirely good or completely bad. It is believed that it all depends on the people who apply and implement the provisions.
“It must be transparent, credible and rigorous enough to ensure that it is done in the interest of the people, and not to protect the personal interests of some individuals.
“In many instances amendments are seen as a means of protecting vested interests as power blocs see the process as a political poker game, rather than a democratic rearrangement to benefit all’’.
Ndarani noted that Nigeria is a state founded on the principles of democracy and social justice, emphasizing that sovereignty belongs to the people.
“It also mandates the participation of the people in their government as enshrined in Chapter II, Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“It explicitly states that the people of Nigeria hold sovereignty, and the government’s powers and authority are derived from them.
“It equally ensures the participation of the people in their government through various means, as outlined in other sections and chapters’’.
He, therefore, wondered why the National Assembly removed some submissions of the people especially the one calling for a removal of the immunity clause.
“We are talking about fighting corruption at the highest places and they are refusing to allow debate on the removal of the immunity clause.
“Who told them to remove those submissions, was it the people? Removal of the mmunity clause is part of what the people want.
“The people want to be able to hold their leaders accountable and the removal of the immunity clause will help them gather evidence and prosecute erring leaders.
“We need naked justice. So, why did the National Assembly not allow the views of all the people who have submitted memoranda to be considered?”
He called on the National Assembly members to resist the urge to simply go, sit down in their houses and begin to handpick bills and memoranda according to their whims.
“They should allow whatever is the opinion of people on the people’s constitution to prevail.
“The drafters should listen more to the people and ensure that it is a national dialogue indeed, and a participatory constitutional reform process that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.
“The review should result in a responsive and efficient constitution that will address structural, fundamental and emerging issues within the Nigerian Federation.
“With the right constitution to guide the Nigerian nation, this country has the wherewithal to be one of the leading nations on earth,’’ he added.
“Let us put our heads and hands together to realize that greatness.”
The learned silk aligned himself with the indigeneship bill tabled by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Kalu had proposed a bill to grant indigene status to individuals who have resided in a state for 10 years or married a native, which has ignited deep controversy across Nigeria.
“I see it as a progressive move for national unity. Nigerian citizenship is primarily defined in Chapter 3 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“It outlines three ways to acquire citizenship as long as you meet certain requirement by law, one of which is that a person born in Nigeria is a citizen by birth if either of their parents or any of their grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria.
“Nigeria should be operating along global standards by now.
“For example, in the UK or USA once you are a citizen, you have the right to contest for an elective position in any part of the country where you reside.
“Nobody should be prevented from contesting for a position because his parents were not from a particular city, state or locale. Citizenship should take precedence over other mundane considerations’’.
He reiterated that the preamble to the constitution says that `we are one indivisible nation, once we are citizens of Nigeria.
“That means that you take a position based on citizenship in the state, not on indigeneship. And there should be no discrimination.
“This citizenship provision is saying that Nigeria is one indivisible nation. It is Nigeria first, before individuals.
“That bill is very, very good and I also lend my voice to it, because that should be the ideal situation.
“The constitution should have state citizenship: that is you know where you come from, but once you have your citizenship, like in the UK, nobody will ask you where you are from.
Politics
Third Term Resumption: Ajadi Launches Back-to-School Support for 200 Pupils in Ibadan
Third Term Resumption: Ajadi Launches Back-to-School Support for 200 Pupils in Ibadan
A leading governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the education sector as part of efforts to build a better future for the next generation.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Ajadi said his administration, if elected in 2027, would focus on harnessing grassroots talents while providing support for vulnerable and underprivileged children.
He announced plans to launch a “Back-to-School Initiative” on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, across the seven geopolitical zones of the state, in commemoration of the 2025/2026 third term resumption.
According to him, the programme aims to support over 200 vulnerable pupils with school uniforms, socks, sandals, and other educational materials.
He noted that the initiative would complement ongoing efforts by the administration of Seyi Makinde in addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.
The initiative, he added, is being implemented in partnership with the Catch Them Young Campaign Initiative to ensure that support reaches pupils in government-owned primary schools across the state.
In Ibadan, the first phase of the programme will cover selected schools, including Ode Aje Primary School, Kumapayi Primary School, Olodo; IDC Primary School, Odo-Ona; L. A Special School, Gate; and St. Luke’s Demonstration Basic School, Molete.
Ajadi further disclosed that the initiative would be extended to other zones of the state in the coming weeks.
Politics
Zamfara APC Stakeholders Unanimously Endorse Tinubu, Lawal for Second Term
Zamfara APC Stakeholders Unanimously Endorse Tinubu, Lawal for Second Term
Stakeholders of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have thrown their full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Government House in Gusau. The gathering drew all four former governors of the state, elected officials, elders, and representatives of youth and women from all 14 local government areas.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal described the meeting as timely, noting that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are about to intensify.
He explained that his decision to join the APC was not merely political but a strategic move to reposition Zamfara, strengthen collaboration with the federal government, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda. He thanked stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the transition process.
Lawal urged party leaders to manage public expectations with maturity and fairness, acknowledging that not all political aspirations can be met immediately. He stressed that leadership goes beyond positions and that political relevance comes from service and contribution to development.
He further assured that fairness, equity, and justice would guide his administration’s decisions, and called for discipline and loyalty to the party.
In a communiqué read by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Bello Matawalle, himself a former governor, the stakeholders declared their full support for President Tinubu and Governor Lawal. The communiqué also covered discussions on party unity, governance coordination, security challenges, and preparations for the 2027 elections.
All four former governors of Zamfara Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, Abdul’aziz Yari, and Bello Mohammed Matawalle were present and made clear commitments to the APC and the re-election bid of the president and the governor.
Politics
Ajadi Gains Fresh Support from PDP Stakeholders Across 11 Ibadan LGAs yesterday
Ajadi Gains Fresh Support from PDP Stakeholders Across 11 Ibadan LGAs yesterday
The leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reiterated his commitment to sustaining the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde, stated that his ambition is driven by a desire to consolidate good governance as he believes that humans are not animals and need to be governed well rather than pursuing personal gain.
Ajadi made this known on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during a strategic meeting with PDP stakeholders drawn from all 11 local government areas in Ibadan, where he formally sought their support ahead of the party’s gubernatorial primary election.
Addressing the gathering, Ajadi commended the Makinde administration for what he described as impactful governance across critical sectors, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in continuity of good governance, emphasizing that the promised Omituntun 3.0 is sacrosanct and he remains the initiator of Omituntun 3.0, the continuity of Governor Seyi Makinde’s legacy.
“If Omituntun reaches 40.0 in the future, nobody should be surprised that what started from 1.0 got to that level because good governance needs to be in continuity till eternity,” he said.
“The government of Governor Seyi Makinde has done well in all ramifications. That is why I have come forward to sustain his good governance for the benefit of our people,” he said.
He dismissed insinuations that his ambition was financially motivated, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to humanitarian service.
“I am not in this race to loot public funds. I have always been a philanthropist, and I intend to replicate that character through people-oriented governance that will uplift lives across Oyo State,” Ajadi added.
Earlier, the PDP Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Dayo Opatokun, described Ajadi as a stabilizing force within the party, noting that his engagements have contributed significantly to unity among members.
“Ambassador Ajadi is one of the aspirants who have kept the party united. His approach to leadership and inclusiveness is commendable,” Opatokun said.
Also speaking, Hon. Mufutau Ogunremi, Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to Governor Makinde, insisted that Ajadi should not be regarded as a political outsider within government circles.
“Ajadi should not be seen as a visitor in any government parastatal. He is a key stakeholder who has strengthened the PDP in Oyo State through consistent engagement with party executives at ward, local government, and state levels,” Ogunremi stated.
He further praised Governor Makinde’s leadership style, adding that Ajadi possesses similar qualities.
“Governor Makinde has shown exemplary leadership, and Ajadi has demonstrated the capacity to replicate that model. His relationship with party members is built on trust, loyalty, and sincerity,” he said.
The PDP Party Chairman in Lagelu Local Government Area, and Chairman of Local Government PDP Chairmen in the state, Femi Falowo, commended Ajadi’s humanitarian efforts and leadership qualities, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed Makinde.
“Many may be afraid to speak, but I will say it—Ajadi has done well in emulating humanitarian service. He understands governance and has what it takes to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde,” Falowo declared.
He urged the aspirant to remain steadfast in his philanthropic engagements and party unification efforts.
“I encourage you to continue your good work and never stop uniting members of the party,” he added.
On her part, the Senatorial Women Leader, Hon. Aduke Okewusi, called for greater inclusion and empowerment of women in Ajadi’s political structure.
“Women play crucial roles during elections, yet they are often relegated to the background. We want to be actively involved and empowered beyond mere political mobilization,” she said.
Okewusi urged Ajadi to honour his commitment to gender inclusion if elected.
“You have promised to carry women along. We expect that this promise will be fulfilled,” she added.
Similarly, the Youth Leader of Ona-Ara Local Government, Nureni Morakinyo Azeez, emphasized the need for youth empowerment, noting the critical role young people play during elections.
“Youths are always at the forefront during campaigns. We are appealing to you to prioritize youth empowerment and create opportunities that will secure our future,” Azeez said.
The meeting, which drew party leaders and grassroots mobilizers from across Ibadan, is seen as part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations aimed at consolidating support within the PDP as the race for the 2027 governorship election gathers momentum.
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