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Constitution Review: Drama as Sen Adamu prevents NULGE rep from presentation
There was a mild drama on Wednesday in Jos Centre, Plateau State, venue for the North Central Zone public hearing on the proposed alteration of the provisions of the 1999 constitution as the Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu prevented the representative of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE from presenting their position.
It would be recalled that Jos is hosting Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa for the presentation of their memos stating the positions to be included in the expected constitution review.
Senator Adamu was calling different groups to present their memos when it was the turn of NULGE, an activist, Santos Ayuba mounted the podium and introduced himself as the consultant for NULGE to which the Chairman asked, “are you an employee of local government,” and he said no.
At that point, the Chairman refused to listen and as he stepped down, members of NULGE who contracted him to present on their behalf murmured loudly, interrupting the next person that was called.
The unionists marched forward with their spokesman but were still denied the opportunity for him to speak. Piqued by the development, the consultant doubted the sincerity of the process when the voices of the people were being muted.
He told journalists at the Crispan hotel venue of the event, “It is quite disappointing that when I was stepping in, the Governor of the State whispered to the Chairman of the Committee, I wasn’t the only one who saw it, and the first question was to ask me if I was the NULGE person, an employee.
“I have been a labour leader when I was in the University, I was the Secretary of ASUU, I served as a resource person to NLC, I also served and worked with NUJ Correspondents’ chapel, so labour is my field. I am sympathizer of labour activities.
NULGE consulted me, as a consultant, I do research, I do training and even the state government.
“We train the staff of state government with our consulting firm and now the governor was asking me who I was. I am the only person they asked that question. Those who presented on behalf of a non-profit organization, did they ask them, no.
“I was consulted, I was paid and if I was paid, I must deliver the job so now as it is, they got scared without knowing what was to be presented by NULGE. This is an infringement on the right of NULGE as an institution and as an organization. Denying them their own space.”
He pre-empted the process stating, “Considering what is happening, this process will not favour Nigerians, it has started. Others were given 8, 10 minutes but an institution like Human Rights Commission was given two minutes. The truth is that this is the process that will engineer again the rigging in 2023.
“When they talk about the security of Nigerians, they are budgeting billions for this process, is this the most important thing that we should be facing now or insecurity? They are undermining the red flags as we approach 2023, this for me is a wind. The early we begin to know that the country is standing on clear feet, the better for us.
“The demands of NULGE are simple, local government should be given autonomy, they want fiscal federalism, separation of joint account with state government…”
Before the interruption, the Houses of Assembly of the three States, the States Governors, the Traditional institution and others had presented their positions.
Among the issues which dominated their demands were the call for State/Community Police, devolution of power, active inclusion of a traditional institution in governance, judicial review, prohibition of open grazing local government among others.
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong who declared the even open said, “We hope that this particular exercise will not go the way of previous ones which failed to address some key issues affecting the governance of the nation and in some way even threatening the peace, security and unity of the country.”
Plateau State Deputy Governor, Sonni Tyoden who presented the State position harped on state/community policing, the Chairman of the State Traditional Council and Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba said the history of each ethnic nationality should not be overlooked.’
His words, “Who are we? The constitution must address the question. The different ethnic groups were in existence before Nigeria, that aspect of history should not be thrown away because if you don’t know where we are coming from, you won’t know where you are going to. Every land in Nigeria belongs to a community, a people…”
It was gathered that so far, over 200 memos have been submitted by the different groups across the three States.
News
UK deports 43 to Nigeria, Ghana over immigration offences
UK deports 43 to Nigeria, Ghana over immigration offences
The United Kingdom has deported 43 individuals to Nigeria and Ghana, citing immigration offences, including failed asylum applications and criminal convictions.
In a joint statement released by the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Friday, UK authorities confirmed the removal but did not specify the exact date of the deportations.
According to the statement, the deportees included 15 failed asylum seekers and 11 foreign nationals who had completed prison sentences. An additional seven individuals reportedly returned to their home countries voluntarily.
“Those removed had no right to be in the UK and included 15 failed asylum seekers and 11 foreign national offenders who had served their sentences. Seven people returned voluntarily,” the statement noted.
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However, the government did not clarify how many were sent to each country or confirm if all were nationals of Nigeria and Ghana.
Since Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office, the UK has organized two charter deportation flights to Nigeria and Ghana, removing a total of 87 people. In October, a record 44 individuals were deported in a single flight to both countries.
This shift comes after the collapse of the controversial UK-Rwanda migration deal, which was ruled unlawful by the UK Supreme Court in 2023. The deal aimed to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing and resettlement.
In response, the UK reportedly signed a deportation agreement with Nigeria to facilitate the return of undocumented migrants.
Following the latest flight, UK Border Security and Asylum Minister Angela Eagle expressed gratitude to the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments for their cooperation, calling the operation an example of strong international collaboration.
The UK government also noted that over 24,000 individuals have been removed from the country over the past year—an 11% increase compared to the previous year.
UK deports 43 to Nigeria, Ghana over immigration offences
News
Zamfara okays 100% increase in NYSC members’ state allowances
Zamfara okays 100% increase in NYSC members’ state allowances
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to Zamfara State are set to receive double their previous state allowances following a directive by Governor Dauda Lawal.
The governor made this known on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I orientation course in Gusau. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to corps members’ security and welfare.
“I am happy to inform you that I have directed the resumption of payment of state allowances to all corps members in the state.“I have also directed the upward increments of corps members’ allowances by 100 percent.“My administration is also willing to pay special allowances to the medical corps members serving in the state,” he stated.
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He also encouraged the 550 corps members deployed to Zamfara to embrace the state’s cultural heritage and traditions.
“I assure corps members of adequate security and warm hospitality throughout their year of service in the state.“I wish to reiterate that we will pay full attention to your security and welfare.“We will give you all the necessary support to carry out your duties and will provide everything necessary to make your stay here a memorable one,” the governor added.
In his remarks, NYSC State Coordinator Mohammad Ahmad expressed gratitude for the state government’s ongoing backing of the scheme.
“We appreciate the state government for adequate provision of additional facilities as well as approval for the payment of state allowances to corps members,” Ahmad said.
Zamfara okays 100% increase in NYSC members’ state allowances
News
Just in: Factional Zamfara assembly leaders want governor to represent budget
Just in: Factional Zamfara assembly leaders want governor to represent budget
A factional House of Assembly has emerged in Zamfara state with members demanding the re-presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Governor Dauda Lawal.
The group, made up of nine lawmakers who were suspended in February 2024 over allegations of misconduct, conspiracy, and illegal sitting, convened in Gusau, the state capital, and declared the formation of a parallel legislative body.
At the session, the lawmakers elected Hon. Bashir Aliyu Gummi as Speaker of the factional assembly.
During the sitting, the faction addressed several issues, including the state’s deteriorating security situation, economic challenges, and the recent reports of mass sackings within the state civil service allegedly carried out by the Lawal administration.
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The group further demanded that Governor Lawal re-present the 2025 budget, arguing that the process followed in its initial passage was flawed. The governor had originally submitted the N545 billion Appropriation Bill to the widely-known State House of Assembly led by Speaker Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki in December 2024. The bill was passed and signed into law that same month.
Present at Wednesday’s session were Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), Ibrahim Tudu Tukur (Bakura), Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), and Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun 1). Others included Bashar Aliyu (Gummi 1), Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Amiru Ahmed (Tsafe West), Basiru Bello (Bungudu West), and Mukhtaru Nasiru (Kaura Namoda North).
Just in: Factional Zamfara assembly leaders want governor to represent budget
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