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Ex-Senate President blames governors for Legislative turnover

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By John Akubo, Abuja

Former senate president, Ameh Ebute has blamed governors for high turnover of legislators, which he said is not good for the advancement of democracy.

He, however, advocated for review of the 1999 Constitution to checkmate the “unlimited powers” of the governors.

Speaking in Abuja at the 2022 edition of the National Legislative Conference with the theme: “Reflections on Legislative Turnover, Institution-building and Governmental Accountability” organised by the Hallowmace foundation, Ebute advocated for the amendment of the sections of the 1999 Constitution dealing with the elections of senators and members of the House of Representatives, as well as the State Assemblies.

He said: “The impunities and the criminal breaches of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution are being committed by the governors and to which the State Legislators close their eyes.

“The USA whose presidential system we copied from 1979 has no state assembly or state congress. The states only have state senates. I therefore summon the courage and audacity to advocate for the complete abolition of the state legislatures and the offices of the state chief executives, so as to have only two tiers of government in Nigeria namely federal and local governments.

“What we have in Nigeria today is the unjustified conspiracy of the state executives against the Federal Government to block any proposed amendment of the provisions of the Constitution or any federal government policies that do not favour them through their unchallenged control of the state legislatures whose speakers and other principal officers are immediately impeached if they dare raise their eyebrows against state executives.

“Assuming the office of the state executive is retained, state legislatures should be replaced by state senate as it is in the US whose system we copied.”

He said under the new normal the state senators will be appointed or selected by traditional rulers who have been clamouring for participation in the governance of their country.

He said, “The state senators appointed by the traditional rulers will be able to call the state executives to order. In fact, for now there is no end to poverty in Nigeria, indeed poverty will get to dying points because the people’s money is being squandered uncontrollably by the state executives who do not have the fear of God or compassion for the rural teachers, pensioners and their families who die of any minor illnesses because they have no money/salaries to go to hospitals.

“Again end to poverty in Nigeria is not in sight as the Federal Government allocation to the local governments are arrogantly and shamelessly captured and added to their own allocation all of which are expended on frivolities to contest election to the senate.

“As the money for the local government councils does not go there because the state executives had conspired to stop the proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution granting autonomy to the local councils, poverty will increase and more citizens will rapidly pass on.

“By this method it becomes much easier for the governors either at the national or state level to decide and determine which legislators return and which do not return to the Assembly.

“The party officials in collaboration with the chief executives, for one reason or another, deny the re-contesting legislators who were vocal and offered constructive criticism of government policies, nomination to return to the legislatures.
This makes the rapidity and ease with which our legislators are unconventionally turned over in Nigeria ridiculous and unprecedented in the practice of representative democracy in the world.

“This ridiculous method of legislative turnover in Nigeria applies to the election of the leaderships of the legislatures by regular impeachment.

“Within the period of 8 years of the practice of our democracy from 1999 to 2007, we had five Senate Presidents due to interference by the chief executive of the federation.

“In the State House of Assembly impeachment of the speaker and other principal officers is as easy as ABC. This paints a very ugly picture in the legislative turnover in Nigeria.

“This is not so in America, whose Presidential System of Government we copied in 1979. In America, their Constitution provides for staggered elections to the congress whereby one third or half of the legislators go for re-election at every end of the legislative period, leaving the seats of the remaining legislators to wait for another election period.

“By this method, legislators who had acquired experience are preserved in the congress and those who succeed in their re-election bids return to meet their colleagues in the congress thereby paving a smooth way for the consolidation and concretisation of the legislature as an institution.

Culled from the Guardian

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Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity

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Following a successful Advisory and Directorate Committees meeting held recently, the Obidient Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to a united, strategic, and value-driven political future.

The meeting, described as a milestone gathering, brought together key stakeholders and leaders within the movement to solidify strategies for the 2027 general elections.
Central to the discussions was the vision of ensuring competent, value-based leadership, with a strong emphasis on supporting Peter Obi and like-minded leaders who embody the movement’s ideals of integrity, good governance, and accountability.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of organisation, coordination, and active participation in driving the movement’s objectives.
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the need for structure, outreach, and grassroots mobilisation to sustain the momentum ahead of the next election cycle.

Following the deliberations, members left with a renewed sense of purpose, fully aware of the responsibilities ahead.
National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko
expressed confidence in the movement’s direction, thanking those who have taken up leadership roles in various directorates and advisory councils.

“We deeply appreciate all those who have accepted appointments to serve in different capacities. Their contributions will be critical in shaping the movement’s future. We also salute the millions of Obidients across Nigeria and beyond who tirelessly advocate and mobilise for a better country. Your dedication is the heartbeat of this movement,” Dr. Tanko stated.
Continuing, he said eith renewed energy and focus, the Obidient Movement is set to expand its structures nationwide, ensuring greater coordination and effectiveness.
According to him, the movement will also empower supporters with the tools needed to actively participate in governance and political processes as well as sustained mobilization at all levels, to reinforce the push for transformative leadership in Nigeria.

Dr. Tanko urged all supporters to stay engaged, participate actively, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement’s cause.
He emphasized that a new Nigeria is within reach, but only through collective action and perseverance.
Finally, Tanko encouraged all Obidients to stay informed, join local chapters, and contribute to the shared vision of a better Nigeria.
For further updates and participation, he urged supporters to reach out via Obidient.unification@gmail.com.

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2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs

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Olu Agunloye

National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olu Agunloye, has warned that alliances must go beyond mere power-seeking and instead be rooted in principles, ideology, and national development.
This is coming as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections with political coalitions and realignments taking center stage once again.
In a thought-provoking paper titled “The Tikanga for Alliances and Coalitions for Good Governance and Life More Abundant,” released in Abuja on Monday, Agunloye examined Nigeria’s history of political coalitions—highlighting their successes, failures, and the urgent need for a new approach.
Dr. Agunloye traced the failures of past alliances, including, the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) of 1964, formed out of political expediency, lacking a unifying ideology.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 successfully unseated the ruling party in 2015 but failed to deliver long-term national development, leaving Nigeria struggling with insecurity, poor infrastructure, and economic challenges.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP 2018) despite signing a memorandum to support a joint candidate, it lacked a clear roadmap before the 2019 elections.

The National Consultative Front (NCF 2021) aimed to form a mega-party for the 2023 elections failed to implement its strategy within INEC’s timeframe.
Looking ahead to 2027, Agunloye urged political stakeholders to move beyond short-term electoral victories and instead adopt a structured, principle-based approach to coalition-building.
He emphasized that alliances should prioritize national security, social justice, and economic prosperity over personal ambition.
“Political partnerships must be built well in advance of elections, with clear strategies for leadership, policies, and campaign execution.
“Coalitions should not be a dumping ground for defecting politicians but a platform for individuals and groups genuinely committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“A blueprint for governance must be established before seeking electoral victory to prevent post-election chaos.”

Dr. Agunloye suggested that the SDP, under its current leadership, has the necessary structure to support a well-planned alliance.
However, he stressed that other political platforms could also contribute to building a coalition focused on national transformation.

“Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel,” he stated, urging stakeholders to learn from past coalition mistakes and work towards a grand alliance that prioritizes governance over politics.

As the 2027 elections approach, the critical question remains, will political leaders embrace a new, ideology-driven alliance or repeat the cycle of failed coalitions?

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Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership

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Oluchi Oparah

A former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has distanced herself from the position of the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, on the path to an Igbo presidency, insisting that Ndigbo must secure the presidency through merit, not ethnic sentiment.
Oparah’s reaction follows Abure’s recent statement at a South-East Labour Party rally in Abuja, where he reiterated the party’s commitment to supporting the Igbo for the presidency in 2027. According to Abure, the LP had zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East to “wipe the tears” of the region, urging Igbo leaders to realign and consolidate their political strength ahead of the next election.
However, Oparah, in a statement issued on Sunday, strongly disagreed with Abure’s approach, warning that framing the presidency as an ethnic entitlement rather than a merit-based contest could hurt Ndigbo’s chances.
“The notion that Ndigbo can only achieve the presidency by exploiting tribal and regional sentiments is not only misguided but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” she said.
She pointed to the performance of Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections as evidence that an Igbo candidate can gain nationwide support based on competence, integrity, and vision, rather than ethnic affiliation.
“Obi’s success was not built on ethnic sentiment but on his impressive credentials and performance record, which still speak for him today. If not for certain electoral irregularities, he could have secured the seat for the betterment of all Nigerians,” Oparah argued.

She further criticized Abure’s rhetoric, stating that it undermines the principle of national unity and meritocracy.
“Rather than promoting an ethnic-based campaign strategy, Ndigbo must focus on building a coalition of support across different ethnic and political groups. The presidency of Nigeria should be won based on competence, vision, and leadership, not sentiment,” she said.
Oparah urged political leaders to prioritize a unifying national agenda over ethnic considerations, warning that emphasizing tribal politics could alienate potential allies and weaken support for an Igbo candidate.
As the race for 2027 begins to take shape, her remarks signal a growing debate within the Labour Party and the wider political landscape over the best approach for the South-East to attain national leadership.

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