News

Reps Shoot Down Bill Seeking Rotational Presidency

Published

1 year 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

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.