Politics
ADC Faults Reps Over Alleged WhatsApp Votes on State Police Bill -Party says process lacks transparency and inclusion
By George Mgbeleke
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the House of Representatives of undermining the Constitution in its handling of the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill, calling for the legislation to be recommitted to a fresh and transparent legislative process.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party questioned reports that the constitutional threshold for passage was only met through votes transmitted via WhatsApp and by counting members who were not present in the Chamber.
The ADC also argued that the current version of the Bill had not been subjected to adequate public scrutiny, warning that legislation of such national importance should not be driven by political expediency or shielded from rigorous public debate, particularly in the face of overwhelming concern over political abuse despite widespread desire for state police.
The full statement read:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) supports the establishment of policing that meets the demands of Nigeria’s security challenges, but cannot support a process that undermines the very Constitution it seeks to amend.
According to accounts publicly given by members who participated in the proceedings of the House of Representatives on 23 July 2026, the constitutional threshold for the amendments was achieved by recognising votes transmitted through WhatsApp from members who were absent from the Chamber and by counting members who had signed the attendance register but were no longer present when the question was put.
These allegations raise profound legal and constitutional concerns. The Constitution is not amended by convenience. It is amended through strict procedures that leave no room for improvisation. Therefore, regardless of the noble intentions behind the amendment, the constitutional process for amendment must not be circumvented.
The ADC is indeed concerned by reports that meaningful clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill was curtailed and that constitutional objections raised during the proceedings were not given proper consideration. Constitutional alteration demands openness, robust debate and strict fidelity to both the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House. This appears not to be the case in respect of this particular amendment.
It is of equal concern to us that the current version of the State Police Bill has not undergone the level of public scrutiny that a constitutional reform of this magnitude deserves. While the idea of State Police has featured in previous constitutional review exercises, this latest effort contains significant policy reform that Nigerians have not had the opportunity to interrogate through a dedicated public process.
It is one thing to pass a Bill for political expediency. It is another thing to ensure that it actually solves the problem it was intended to solve. The objective is not merely to establish another police institution. It is to reduce the insecurity that has devastated communities across the country. This is why this new proposal for the establishment of State Police demands careful scrutiny, not legislative manipulation.
Unless this Bill is subjected to rigorous public examination, we risk enacting legislation that has survived only the echo chamber of the ruling party rather than the searching questions of the Nigerian people.
Nigeria has witnessed too many major laws and policies that required amendments, reversals or somersaults because they were insufficiently interrogated before passage. We cannot afford to make the same mistake with a constitutional amendment that will fundamentally reshape the nation’s security architecture.
The ADC therefore calls on the House of Representatives to recommit the Bill to a process that is constitutional, transparent and inclusive. Nigeria deserves a State Police framework that commands public confidence because it has been properly debated, strengthened to guarantee the required outcome and protect against abuse before becoming part of our Constitution.
Politics
Gov Gov Fubara Pledges Administration’s Commitment To Enhancing NYSC Scheme In Rivers
By Our Correspondent
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme in the state through deliberate support and improved welfare for corps members.
Fubara gave the assurance on Friday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members.
The Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Promise Oguzie, said the state government would remain intentional in providing the necessary support to enhance the scheme and the overall experience of corps members deployed to Rivers State.
He charged the corps members to be exemplary, dedicated, and committed in their service, and to serve as role models and nation-builders in their host communities.
“I charge you to be exemplary, dedicated and committed in all you do. Take full advantage of all the camp programmes and activities to enrich yourselves,” he said.
Governor Fubara further urged the Corp members to uphold the ideals of the NYSC by promoting unity, discipline, and national integration during their service year.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, described the deployment of corps members to the state as “a veritable opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the growth of the state in particular and Nigeria at large.”
He charged them to serve with integrity, discipline, and the fear of God, especially as some of them will be engaged as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the 2027 general elections.
A total of 3,584 corps members, comprising 1,421 males and 2,163 females, were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, represented by Justice Godspower Aguma, in the ceremony attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. Fubara Pledges Administration’s Commitment To Enhancing NYSC Scheme In Rivers
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Politics
*NDC Sets Up National Reconciliation C’ttee to Strengthen Party Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections*
By Our Correspondent
Ahead of 2027 general elections and following the successful conclusion of its party primaries, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee to address concerns and disputes arising from the primary elections.
The inauguration took place at the party’s National Headquarters in Wuse II, Abuja.
Addressing members during the ceremony, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, stated that the committee was established to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation among party members across the country. He stressed that a united party is essential for electoral success and urged members of the committee to carry out their assignment with integrity, fairness, transparency, and diligence.
National Reconciliation Committee
1. Prof. Pat Utomi – Chairman
2. Engr. Buba Galadima – Co-Chairman
3. Barr. Mohammed Sani Takori, MNI – Vice Chairman
4. Comrade Babatunde Ali – Secretary
5. Mrs. Dudu Mamman Manuga – Member
6. Hon. Salvador Adegoke Moshood – Member
7. Alhaji Haruna Pai – Member
Northern Sub-Committee
8. Mainasara Sani Abubakar – Chairman
9. Barr. Fatima Musa Abba – Secretary
10. Comrade Solomon Ndah – Member
11. Dr. Tanko Yusufu – Member
12. Arc. Dr. Toma Audu Gana – Member
South East Sub-Committee
13. Senator Victor Umeh – Chairman
14. Sir Patrick Akwara – Secretary
15. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo – Member
16. Dr. Patrick Eziechukwudi – Member
17. Chief (Barr.) Isaac Chinaka Anumudu – Member
18. Stefiny Amaka Eugene – Member
South South Sub-Committee
19. Senator Ben Birabi – Chairman
20. Senator Clever M. Ikisikpo – Secretary
21. Bishop Isaac Idahosa – Member
22. Esther Archibong – Member
23. Apostle David Stephen Okon – Member
In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee, Prof. Pat Utomi, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party for the trust placed in him. He assured members that the committee would work tirelessly to promote harmony, strengthen internal unity, and advance the collective vision of the party.
Also speaking, the Co-Chairman, Engr. Buba Galadima, applauded the leadership for establishing the committee and pledged his unwavering commitment to ensuring genuine reconciliation among members at all levels of the party.
Speaking on behalf of the South-South Sub-Committee, Bishop Isaac Idahosa outlined practical measures for resolving post-primary disagreements. He called on party members, leaders, and stakeholders to put aside personal interests and embrace unity in order to secure victory for the NDC in the forthcoming general elections.
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, fairness, inclusiveness, and party cohesion as it continues preparations to present credible candidates and a strong alternative platform to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics
Osun Election: CP Samuel Erale Etaifo Brokers Peace Between Accord , APC Over Final Campaign Schedule
By Our Corredpondent
As part of proactive measures to ensure a peaceful, credible, and violence-free environment ahead of the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, the Commissioner of Police (Elections), CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, psc, mnips, convened a strategic meeting with the leadership and representatives of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to address the clash in the dates and venues of their respective final campaign rallies.
This was disclosed in a statement issued to newsmen by the Police Public Relations Officer Osun State Command DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on Friday in Osogbo
The meeting, he siad held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation, was aimed at preventing any situation that could lead to a breakdown of law and order or unnecessary confrontation between supporters of the two political parties.
Following fruitful deliberations, both parties reached an amicable resolution. It was mutually agreed that the Accord Party will hold its final campaign rally on Wednesday, 12th August, 2026, at Fakunle, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) will conduct its final campaign rally on Thursday, 13th August, 2026, at Freedom Park.
The Commissioner of Police commended the leadership of both political parties for demonstrating maturity, patriotism, and a commitment to peaceful democratic engagement by embracing dialogue over conflict.
CP Etaifo further urged all political actors to caution their supporters, loyalists, and foot soldiers to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the campaigns. He emphasized that while the Nigeria Police Force remains neutral and committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities, the Command will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the existing relative peace in the state.
He warned that anyone found engaging in violence, intimidation, thuggery, incitement, or any other act capable of causing a breach of the peace will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Osun State Police Command reassures residents and all stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure environment throughout the electioneering period and calls on members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
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