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Reps Shoot Down Bill Seeking Rotational Presidency

Published

2 months ago

May 14, 2025

The House of Representatives on Tuesday rejected a constitutional amendment bill seeking to mandate the rotation of the offices of the President and Vice President among the six geopolitical zones.

The bill was one of seven proposed constitutional amendments listed for consideration during the plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu. All seven bills were ultimately rejected.

However, the House resolved to reconsider the bills individually on their merits during Wednesday’s sitting.

To facilitate a more efficient debate, the House had earlier suspended its rules to allow simultaneous discussion of the constitutional amendment bills, permitting members to focus on any of the seven proposals.

The rotational presidency bill attracted the most attention, sparking a contentious debate.

Leading the opposition to the proposal was Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, who argued that the principle of equitable representation was already covered by the Federal Character Commission.

“Rotation of the presidency should not be a constitutional matter,” Madaki said.

“Existing political parties already have internal mechanisms to ensure fair and equitable representation in the distribution of offices during elections.”

Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) criticised the bill as “disingenuous,” warning that it could compromise the quality of leadership.

“Adopting a rotational principle for the presidency will not serve the country’s best interests,” he said. “It will fuel regional and ethnic rivalry.”

In contrast, Shina Oyedeji (PDP, Oyo) supported the principle, arguing that it would address the longstanding agitation for fairness among Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities.

However, he cautioned that zoning could also create new challenges.

“If you adopt zoning and it comes to the South-West, for instance, which state will take the slot—Ogun or Oyo?” he asked.

Bello El-Rufai (APC, Kaduna) raised a constitutional concern about unforeseen circumstances, such as the death of a sitting president.

“What happens if the President dies in office, as happened in 2010 with President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua? Will the Vice President be forced to vacate office to maintain the zoning arrangement?” he asked.

El-Rufai further argued that a constitutional rotation clause would infringe on Nigerians’ rights to freely contest for any office, and that mistrust would persist regardless of legal provisions.

“No matter what you do in Nigeria, there will always be cries of marginalisation,” he said. “We should not set a dangerous precedent by entrenching this in the Constitution.”

The rotational presidency bill attracted the most attention, sparking a contentious debate.

Leading the opposition to the proposal was Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, who argued that the principle of equitable representation was already covered by the Federal Character Commission.

“Rotation of the presidency should not be a constitutional matter,” Madaki said. “Existing political parties already have internal mechanisms to ensure fair and equitable representation in the distribution of offices during elections.”

Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) also expressed concerns about the potential infringement on political party autonomy.

“While the amendment is unique, it would be out of place to constitutionally dictate to political parties how to select their candidates,” he said.

However, Minority Whip, Ali Isa, supported the proposal, stating that all six geopolitical zones deserve a fair chance to occupy the presidency.

He also advocated the principle to be extended to the state level, with governorship positions rotating among senatorial districts.

“There are competent individuals in all regions who can govern not just Nigeria, but the West African subregion,” he said. “Even the Federal Character principle supports fairness across all states.”

He praised the Deputy Speaker’s openness to the issue and added, “In 2027, we should allow the Presidency to go to the North-East, for the sake of fairness.”

Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) echoed this sentiment, stating that the bill aimed to address historical injustices against minority groups.

He proposed including a sunset clause to end the rotation principle once all zones have had their turn.

The House also rejected a bill seeking to remove the power to register and regulate political parties from the Independent National Electoral Commission and transfer it to the Office of the Registrar-General of Political Parties.

Another rejected proposal sought to increase the minimum number of Federal High Court judges to 100, or such number as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

Also turned down was a bill to expand the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to include admiralty matters such as shipping and navigation on the River Niger, River Benue, and other designated inland waterways, federal ports, and sea carriage.

A proposed amendment seeking to establish and grant independence to the Offices of State Auditors-General for Local Governments and the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils was similarly rejected.

It was aimed at improving fiscal oversight and promoting good governance at the grassroots level.

Another bill sought to create Ughelli East Local Government Area in Delta State.

Finally, the House rejected a bill to empower the National Judicial Council, in collaboration with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to determine and review the salaries and allowances of judicial officers and judiciary staff.

News

Step Aside If You Won’t Accept, Practice Tradition, Olowo Tells Monarchs

Published

3 hours ago

July 18, 2025

Editor

Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, has kicked against traditional rulers who abandon traditional practices after ascending the throne.

Oba Ogunoye declared that they should either uphold the institution’s customs or vacate their positions.

He said in Akure, the state capital, during a colloquium held to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

The monarch was responding to a critique by one of the discussants during the event, Dr. Festus Adedayo, who submitted that the traditional institution had lost many of its defining myths and cultural values.

Dr Adedayo, a journalist and scholar, had traced the historical significance of traditional institutions from the pre-colonial era to modern times.

He said that the current generation of monarchs has, in many cases, diluted the institution’s sacredness and public perception.

According to him “The traditional institution must redeem itself if it wants to be taken seriously. It can do this by upholding the myths and comportment passed down from ancient times, including burial rites, sacred appearances, and dignified conduct.”

Reacting, Oba Ogunoye, urged that there must not be a sweeping categorization of kings but specific references to the ones that go out of the bounds of the institution.

He said that “You must identify specific individuals who have violated traditional norms rather than make sweeping generalizations.

“Personally, I am a traditionalist to the core. Before becoming Olowo of Owo, I lived in the palace with my father for 25 years and fully understood the requirements.

“Tradition is not repugnant, it is a sacred heritage that must be preserved.”

Oba Ogunoye added “that taking up the role of a monarch is a matter of choice, not by compulsion.

“If you want to be an Oba, be prepared to abide by the customs. If you cannot, then don’t accept the position. It is not by force. Let us embrace our traditions, they are not in conflict with dignity or modernity.”

Oba Ogunoye however, lauded the Oyo State Government for preserving tradition in the recent selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who delivered the keynote address titled “Role of Nigeria’s Traditional Institution in Nation Building: Impediments and Prospects,” described the monarchy as a fundamental part of Nigeria’s heritage, older than oil discovery and even colonial rule.

Makinde maintained that traditional rulers remain pillars of identity, legitimacy, and social cohesion, and called on governments to invest in cultural institutions as part of strategic governance

The colloquium also had in attendance the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Oba of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, who was chairman of the event; Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his SSG, Dr. Taiye Fasoranti; representative of the Vice President, Dr. Tope Fasua; Ondo State Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Professor Adedayo Afe, the celebrant, Deji of Akure, among others.

News

Bayelsa Warns LG Officials Against Pension Payment Delays

Published

16 hours ago

July 17, 2025

Editor

The Bayelsa State Government has warned principal officers of local government councils in the state to desist from delay in presentation of names of prospective retirees in good time for processing and payment of pension benefits.

The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, handed down the warning on Wednesday at a meeting with the chairmen and principal officers of the eight local government councils in Government House, Yenagoa.

Ewhrudjakpo directed that the names of retiring workers should be submitted at the latest by the 18th of every month to the office of the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Treasury and Accounts, Mr Timipre Seipulou, for processing.

According to him, anyone found culpable of sabotaging the policy which is aimed at achieving seamless payment of retirees’ benefits, would be sanctioned.

He said he was desirous of bequeathing an effective and efficient local government system where his successor would not grapple with the issue of delayed payment of pensions and gratuities.

Ewhrudjakpo, who decried the backlog of unpaid pensions, said the government will work out modalities to ensure that retirees receive their pensions a month after retirement from service.

He specifically directed the chairmen to work closely with the technical adviser on treasury and accounts to come up with a model for the payment, as available funds cannot be used to clear all outstanding gratuities amounting to about five billion naira at once.

The Deputy Governor equally advised local government administrators to make provisions for annual leave for employees to serve as motivation.

He used the opportunity to thank all eight local government chairmen for their cooperation and suggestions that have so far contributed towards the achievements recorded in the various councils.

Hw said, “Our reason for calling this meeting is to give information, a directive, and a warning. One thing that I have is that I don’t know how to spare indolence, docility, laziness, incompetence, and deliberate obstruction of the wheel of progress.

“We have taken a decision that all those who are retiring every month must be paid their pensions. That decision has come to stay. But the report I am having is that some of you in the local government system are trying to frustrate it by not volunteering the necessary information.

“You were told to timely furnish the Technical Adviser on Treasury and Accounts, Mr Seipulou’s office, with your monthly reports concerning retirees.

“I am not happy that local government officers are frustrating the process.

“Chairmen, take note: every local government must submit its report by the 18th of every month, provided it is not a Sunday or Saturday. Even if it is a Saturday or Sunday, we will give you the benefit of submitting on the 20th.

“Any local government that does not do that, next month, I will transfer the treasurer and anybody that is involved in the process.

“Our brothers and sisters who have been on the queue are complaining that those who are going out now are being paid. So, every hand must be on deck to ensure we pay up the backlog.

“We are desirous of paying up pensions. We believe that by the end of this month, as we work round the clock, we are going to see the best way to put it behind us.

“What I want to do, by the grace of God, before I step out of this place, is that I don’t want to leave behind liabilities such as a backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities for anybody.”

In their separate remarks, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Local Government Chapter, Mr Noel Itade, and the Head of Brass Local Government Council, Comrade Clement Etifa, commended Ewhrudjakpo for his effective supervision and initiatives that have repositioned the local councils for efficient service and project delivery.

News

Access To Sexual, Reproductive Health, Key To Sustainable Societies – UNFPA

Published

16 hours ago

July 17, 2025

Editor

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has said that ensuring access to sexual, reproductive health and rights is a cornerstone for sustainable, inclusive societies.

Dr. Natalia Kanem, the UNFPA Executive Director, stated this in Bauchi on Thursday during the commemoration of the 2025 World Population Day organised by the state government.

According to her, it is imperative for governments at all levels to also create an avenue where people who wanted to experience the joys and rewards of parenting could meet their fertility goals.

This, she said, would give them the hope for a better tomorrow supportive of their choices and protective of their rights and where they, and their children would thrive.

Represented by Deborah Tabara, the Gender, Reproductive Health Analyst of UNFPA in Bauchi, Kanem reiterated the commitment of the fund in partnering with the state government.

She said the partnership would harness the dividend of the state’s youthful population in developing programmes, strategies, plans, and budgets that promote inclusivity and equality.

“UNFPA remains an agency for reproductive Health and our mission is to deliver a world where all pregnancy is wanted, all maternal birth safe and all young persons achieve their potentials.

“Family-friendly policies including affordable and accessible childcare, generous and flexible parental leave, and promotion of fathers’ participation in care-giving can help prospective parents balance career and family goals.

“Investing in comprehensive sexuality education is another imperative that supports informed choices.

“Intergenerational understanding is crucial to build trust and strengthen solidarity and fairness across generations,” she said.

Also speaking, Hajiya Amina Katagum, Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, said this year’s theme called for considerations on the crucial role young people play globally, in Nigeria and in Bauchi state.

Represented by Barr. Abubakar Bununu, Special Adviser to Gov. Bala Mohammed on multilateral coordination, Katagum added that it recommended that government and stakeholders listen to young people and respond to their needs and desires.

She explained that this would contribute positively to the development of their societies and create the families they want.

“It is our responsibility as governments, the Private Sector and other key stakeholders to build a more equitable, sustainable and caring world where young people are empowered to pursue the lives they want for themselves and their families,” she said.

The theme of the 2025 world population day is ‘empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world’.