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SENATE IS SET TO PASS CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT BILLS IN TWO MONTH TIME – OMO-AGEGE

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…. SAYS OUR ACTIVITIES NOT HAMPERED BY FUNDS

 

The Senate has given assurance that it would pass the Constitution Alteration Bills before it proceeds on annual recess by July this year.

This is even as it clarified that the ongoing amendment to the 1999 Constitution is not hampered by paucity of funds.

Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, made the revelation in Abuja on Monday, at the press conference heralding the zonal public hearing on alteration of the Constitution, billed for May 26 and 27, 2021.

“We are working with the timetable. Time is no longer on our side. Nigerians who are clamouring for this expect that we will come up with a finished product in no time. The calendar we have set for ourselves is that we are going to have a vote on each of the bills before we proceed on the long recess in July.

“I can tell you that we have enough resources. We are not in any way hampered by finances. Before we proceed on July recess, you can take it to the bank that we will take the votes. The schedule is tight but once we conclude the national public hearing on June 3rd and 4th of June, we will go into a retreat to consider the report and do clause-by-clause consideration on each of the bills. And determine what to take to the floor. We have already our work cut out for us. We are hopeful and confident that before we go on recess, we will take the votes on each of the thematic areas,” he said.

The Deputy President of the Senate also disclosed that the national public hearing is scheduled to hold on June 3rd and 4th in Abuja.

This, he added, is to give opportunity to government agencies and other stakeholders who could not attend the zonal public hearing.

The lawmaker said the public hearing would avail Nigerians the opportunity to make submissions on any issue of interest, adding that the National Assembly on its part, would prioritize such issues to enhance the welfare and security of citizens.

While disclosing that the committee received over 250 memoranda from Nigerians along the 13 thematic areas, Senator Omo-Agege enjoined those yet to submit memoranda to use the opportunity of the zonal public hearing to do so.

He assured that Nigerians will be happy with the final outcome of the exercise, adding that “This constitution amendment process is an attempt by the National Assembly to respond to these demands within the context of the powers conferred on it by the Constitution in a manner that will further strengthen our democracy.

“We are using this opportunity to call on Nigerians to effectively engage the process and present their demands or recommendations for consideration by the National Assembly. Democracy is a process of consultation and constructive engagement, so let us all leverage on this platform to build the country of our dream”.

The Delta Central lawmaker listed the 13 thematic areas to include: gender equality for women and girls; federal structure and power devolution; local government and its autonomy; public revenue, fiscal federation and revenue allocation; Nigerian Police and Nigerian security architecture as well as comprehensive judicial reforms.

Others are: electoral reforms; socio-economic and cultural rights as contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution; strengthening the Independence of oversight institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an act of the National Assembly; residency and indigene provisions; immunity; National Assembly and state creation.

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Defence and Security

Insecurity: CDS Orders Troops to Intensify Offensive Against Bandits in North-West

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CDS, Olufemi Oluyede
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The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has directed troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensify operations against bandits and other criminal groups in Nigeria’s North-West region.

The directive was given during his operational visit to the Joint Task Force Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, where he assessed troop readiness and ongoing efforts to restore peace in the area.

Addressing the soldiers, Oluyede praised their courage and sacrifices, urging them to remain disciplined and relentless. He stressed that the safety of citizens depends on their commitment, calling on them to pursue criminal elements until they are eliminated.

He also assured troops of continued support in welfare, training, and provision of necessary equipment to enhance their effectiveness in the field. The CDS highlighted the importance of improved air support and better coordination across operations.

During the visit, Oluyede paid a courtesy call to the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, commending his support for military operations and encouraging stronger collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing.

Governor Lawal, in his response, appreciated the efforts of the Armed Forces and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security operations in the state.

The visit included operational briefings, troop interactions, and an assessment of deployments as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the region.

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Defence and Security

Tinubu Approves ₦15bn Take-Off Grant for New Police Academy Campus in Ogun

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new campus of the Nigeria Police Academy in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The President also approved a ₦15 billion take-off grant for the institution. According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the move aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, which allows for expansion into multiple campuses nationwide.

The take-off fund will be sourced from the TetFund 2026 allocation and will support key infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and essential training equipment.

The decision followed a high-level meeting involving the Minister of Police Affairs, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.

The meeting considered factors such as student capacity, funding, academic standards, and the long-term needs of the Nigerian Police Force. The expansion is expected to enhance policing education, institutional governance, and national security.

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Defence and Security

NSCDC Deploys Drones, Body Cameras to Strengthen Security Nationwide

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NSCDC Personnel
NSCDC Personnel
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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has begun deploying drones, body cameras, and other modern equipment across all states to improve security operations.

The Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, approved the rollout during the corps’ annual strategic meeting in Abuja, attended by state commanders from across the country.

He said the move is part of efforts to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, and quick response to security threats.

The new equipment includes drones, GPS trackers, situation room kits, bulletproof vests, helmets, night-vision goggles, and body cameras. Officers also received backpacks with solar chargers and mini tablets.

Abubakar explained that the tools will help tackle issues like banditry, illegal mining, and infrastructure vandalism.

He warned officers to use the equipment strictly for official duties, adding that misuse would lead to serious punishment.

The NSCDC boss also noted that the corps has recently destroyed over 400 illegal refineries and arrested suspects involved in illegal activities.

He added that the new tools will support special units like Agro Rangers and improve cooperation with other security agencies.

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