Four bills for new state creation advance to second reading in Nigeria’s House of Reps

Four bills for new state creation advance to second reading in Nigeria’s House of Reps

Four bills, New state creation, Second reading, Nigeria, House of Reps

Nigeria's House of Representatives

Four bills for new state creation advance to second reading in Nigeria’s House of Reps

Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Wednesday considered four bills seeking to create additional states across the country, as it passed second reading.

The House also passed 38 other bills seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and provide various amendments in the ongoing Constitution amendment exercise by the 10th Assembly.

The 42 bills categorised under various headings to reflect their focus, were passed after their presentation for second reading at the Plenary on Wednesday by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvre, and seconded by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda.

The four proposed bills seeking the creation of additional states were; “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) by amending Part 1 of the First Schedule and Creating Additional Three States Oke – Ogun State, Ijebu State and Ife – Ijesa State and for Related Matters (HB. 1098) sponsored by Rep. Oluwole Oke.

At 73yrs I can't be afraid of telling Tinubu truth He was born in 1952 and I was born in 1952— Ann Kio Briggs

At 73yrs I can't be afraid of telling Tinubu truth He was born in 1952 and I was born in 1952— Ann Kio Briggs

Ann Kio Briggs, a human rights activist has stated that there is no anarchy in Rivers State and President Tinubu should not have imposed a state of emergency in the state

Speaking in a video shared by Symfoni TV, Briggs stated that at her age, she has no fear of speaking the truth, even to the president. She said that both she and Tinubu were born in 1952, so she sees no reason to be afraid of telling him the truth.

In Briggs' words: "I cannot be afraid at my age now at 73, I cannot be afraid of telling even President Tinubu that he is wrong because the president was born in 1952 and I was born in 1952. So I cannot be afraid to tell the president the truth. If other people are afraid to tell him the truth because he has appointed them I can understand that, but he hasn't appointed me. I am speaking on behalf of my people, my region, myself and my family. So please there is no anarchy anywhere in Rivers State"

Bishop Kukah — Israel, Trump Set To Act On Petition “To Let Biafra Go”

Bishop Kukah — Israel, Trump Set To Act On Petition “To Let Biafra Go”

The debate over Nigeria’s unity and structure has once again taken center stage, with prominent political and religious figures calling for a reassessment of the country’s governance framework. Notable voices, including northern political elites and the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, have stressed the urgency of restructuring, either to allow for regional autonomy or to grant different regions the freedom to go their separate ways.

Bishop Kukah, a long-time advocate for justice and democratic governance, has been vocal about the need for a fair political system in Nigeria. He argued that the continuous cycle of violence, inequality and ethnic tensions makes it imperative for the country to either embrace true federalism or consider a peaceful separation of its diverse regions.

The growing insecurity across Nigeria, particularly in rural communities, has further fueled calls for restructuring. Many argue that certain groups have been given undue privileges, including unrestricted access to arms, while others face strict regulations. Concerns have also been raised about the perceived favoritism in law enforcement, with accusations that some groups operate above the law while others are subjected to severe crackdowns.

According to analysts, Nigeria’s current structure has led to imbalances, with some regions allegedly dominating political and economic power at the expense of others. The lingering marginalization, coupled with worsening security challenges, has strengthened the argument that the current governance system is unsustainable.

Proponents of restructuring insist that decentralizing power and granting more autonomy to states or regions would enable communities to manage their affairs effectively. They argue that such a move could help curb ethnic tensions, improve governance and address the longstanding grievances that have fueled separatist movements.

There is also an increasing push for self-determination among certain ethnic groups, who feel that their interests are not adequately represented in Nigeria’s political landscape. Advocates believe that gaining international support for their cause would accelerate their quest for sovereignty.

Nigeria's hopes of securing back-to-back victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers were dashed as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe.

Nigeria's hopes of securing back-to-back victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers were dashed as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe.

After a strong 2-0 win over Rwanda in new head coach Eric Chelle’s debut match on Friday, the Super Eagles were expected to cruise past a struggling Zimbabwe side. However, they faced stiff resistance, with Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi producing a series of impressive saves.

Despite their struggles, Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock when Victor Osimhen rose to head in Ola Aina’s cross, finally beating the in-form Arubi. The goal came after excellent hold-up play from Tolu Arokodare, who set up Aina for the decisive delivery.

Zimbabwe, sitting at the bottom of Group C following a 2-2 draw with Benin, were missing key players, including captain Marvelous Nakamba. Yet, they showed resilience and character. Michael Nees' side had already demonstrated their fighting spirit against Benin, and they proved it again with a late equalizer.

In stoppage time, Tawanda Chirewa weaved through Nigeria’s defense and slotted the ball under goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, snatching a crucial point for Zimbabwe.

Chelle fielded an unchanged XI, having dismissed injury concerns over Osimhen and Bright Osayi-Samuel. However, despite a full-strength squad, Nigeria was unable to close out the win, leaving them with work to do in their qualification campaign.

The result leaves Nigeria in a tricky position as they look to secure a spot in next summer’s finals.

FULL-TIME HND GRADUATES CLEARED FOR NYSC MOBILIZATION:

FULL-TIME HND GRADUATES CLEARED FOR NYSC MOBILIZATION: MINISTER OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES RESOLUTION The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, is pleased to announce the resolution of the long-standing issue regarding the mobilization of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Following a dialogue with the Director-General of NYSC, the Minister confirmed that only full-time HND graduates are eligible and can now proceed with their mobilization. This development marks a significant breakthrough for full-time HND graduates who were previously excluded from the NYSC program. It underscores the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusivity in the nation’s education system. However, those who did HND part-time are not eligible for mobilization at all. To facilitate a seamless mobilization process, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to expedite the collation of data for eligible HND graduates. In line with this, a circular has been sent to all Rectors of Polytechnics, instructing them to upload the necessary graduate data onto the newly created HND admission portal. Dr. Alausa emphasized that NYSC mobilization is strictly for those who completed a full-time HND program, stressing that only full-time HND graduates will be mobilized, while those who did HND part-time remain ineligible. He further disclosed that the newly created portal will ensure proper documentation of full-time HND graduates and serve as the official database for NYSC mobilization, addressing past challenges related to admission records. The Honourable Minister urges all eligible full-time HND graduates to take full advantage of this opportunity and proceed with their mobilization without delay. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all qualified Nigerian graduates and ensuring their contributions to national development through the NYSC scheme. 

PRESIDENT TINUBU SWEARS IN RIVERS STATE SOLE ADMINISTRATOR, IBOK-ETE IBAS

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU SWEARS IN RIVERS STATE SOLE ADMINISTRATOR, IBOK-ETE IBAS President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State. The Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other aides of the President witnessed the short ceremony at the State House on Wednesday. President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, to address the protracted political logjam between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly members, even after the Supreme Court's pronouncement. In proclaiming the six-month State of Emergency, President Tinubu said the state's security situation and political tension necessitated his intervention to forestall a total breakdown of law and order. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, born September 27, 1960, has a rich experience serving the nation. He was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy in 1983 and held various command positions until President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chief of Naval Staff in August 2015. He had the position until 2021. After Vice-admiral Ibas retired from service, President Buhari appointed him the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana. He served between 2021 and 2023. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) 

Concerning the truth or dare game with Baba Tee, I regret what I did and I have asked God for forgiveness, :Lande wife.

'I am always surprised whenever people say that I spent Lande's money and dumped him. Which money did Lande have? He has never been a wealthy guy. He is an addicted gambler who spends all the money he sees on gambling. This is the reason why he is broke and depressed today. I suffered a lot by borrowing money and food from neighbours. He is also very hot tempered and he hits me whenever he is angry. The major reason why I left him was when he h!t me because of the ajo money that Marygold was owing. He didn't want me to pester her for the money.

Concerning the truth or dare game with Baba Tee, I regret what I did and I have asked God for forgiveness. I don't know how Lande got to know because it was only the three of us in that house. I didn't know when and how any doggy happened. I know I gave Baba Tee a lap dance. The Makecash he is talking about, we are only business partners.

Lande said I have slept with 21 men in the movie industry. I challenge him to post any evidence he has against me. He came out to lie that I denied him s*x for 8 months. How can you deny someone you are sleeping on the same bed s* for 8 months? He knows I am a smoker and we used to smoke and drink together for fun. He just want to paint me bad. Lande, I am sorry for the truth and dare game l played while I was in your house and I apologize to everyone I disappointed too'-Lande's Ex Wife(Dara)