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National Assembly Targets Inclusive, Timely Constitutional Amendments-Barau

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1 year ago

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Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, has reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering people-centred and timely amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

Setting the tone for the two-day joint retreat of the Senate and the House of Representatives’ Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos, he appealed to the lawmakers to work towards attaining the promise made to transmit the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly this year.

The retreat was organised to allow members of the joint committees to review the proposed amendments “clause-by-clause.”

A total of 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests will be considered during the retreat.

” It has been a long journey to bring the Senate and the House of Representatives Constitution Amendment proposals that cut across several sections and dealing with different subject matters.

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” We have been in this process for the past two years, engaging our constituents, critical stakeholders, institutions, civil society organizations and interest groups; in town hall meetings, interactive sessions and public hearings, harvesting and synthesizing views and perspectives which has ultimately culminated to what we have here today – 69 bills, 55 state creations requests, two boundary adjustment and 278 Local Government creation requests,” Senator Barau was quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau emphasised that they are expected to resolve these issues and make recommendations to their colleagues in both chambers.

” It is not going to be a simple task to achieve within two days, but I believe we can do it, especially as we have promised Nigerians that we will deliver the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of this year.

” I believe we can deliver on this promise if we engage the bills and the issues with open minds. I acknowledge we represent constituents with diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic cleavages through different political platforms, but the Constitution is the grundnorm for Nigerian citizens and nationhood which we must approach with patriotism and nationalism as higher shared goals,” said.

Senator Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged lawmakers to focus on what best serves the citizens of Nigeria and avoid competitive debates.

” We are seated here as one Committee. There should be no “we” and “them”; we should be guided by the interests of Nigerians. I wish all of us a very fruitful deliberation and hope for recommendations that will meet the approval threshold of the provisions of section 9 of the Constitution,” he said.

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Kano Governor Nominates Ex- Speaker, Spokesperson as Commissioners

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2 hours ago

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November 2, 2026

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has nominated his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Balarabe Sa’idu Gani, for appointment as commissioners.

The governor has forwarded their names to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The Assembly is expected to screen the nominees on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, said the legislature had received a formal communication from Governor Yusuf requesting the screening of the two nominees.

He added that the exercise would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gani served as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2007, while Bature currently serves as the governor’s spokesperson.

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2027: Rep Abubakar Kabir Bichi holds strategic meeting with Kano lawmakers

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4 hours ago

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November 2, 2026

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The Chairman, House of representatives committee on appropriations Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has convened a meeting of all APC State Assembly Members and 40 Candidates in the upcoming 2027 General elections, led by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore.

Crucial issues were discussed on how best to coordinate their campaigns programs to deliver the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

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The meeting was held at his Bichi office, Sunday evening 1st November 2026.

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Waiya’s Removal: Veteran Journalist Urges Yusuf to Appoint Professional as Information Commissioner

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7 hours ago

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November 2, 2026

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A veteran journalist, Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta, has commended Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for removing Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya from his position as Commissioner for Information in the state’s recent cabinet reshuffle.

Danbatta, who has more than 30 years of experience in journalism, made the commendation in a statement issued to the press, arguing that Waiya’s approach to managing the Ministry of Information was more reflective of civil society activism and advocacy than professional journalism.

According to the veteran journalist, the former commissioner’s activities did little to strengthen professional journalism standards and improve the reputation of the media industry in Kano State.

“As someone who has spent over 30 years in the field of journalism, I commend Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his decision to remove the former Commissioner for Information. His approach was not that of a journalist; rather, he operated like an activist, an approach that essentially distorted the profession because it conflicted with the established ethics and standards of journalism,” Danbatta said.

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He further alleged that Waiya’s activities had created a negative perception of Kano State among organisations monitoring media freedom, professional standards and the rights of journalists.

“His actions created a negative perception of Kano State among organisations that monitor the media industry and the rights of journalists. It is truly regrettable,” he added.

Danbatta expressed hope that Governor Yusuf would appoint a suitably qualified and experienced professional to head the Ministry of Information, stressing the importance of appointing someone with a solid background in journalism and a cordial working relationship with media practitioners.

He said the next commissioner should prioritise the development of the media industry, promote professional ethics and work towards restoring the reputation of journalism in Kano State.

The veteran journalist also expressed his readiness to offer professional advice and support to the state government towards improving the media sector.

“If the Governor of Kano State takes this step, we, for our part, are prepared to continue offering our full support and advice to help improve the profession and elevate its standing in Kano State in the eyes of the world,” he stated.

Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta has over three decades of experience in journalism, having worked with several media organisations in Nigeria and abroad.

His professional career includes service with the Hausa Service of Deutsche Welle (DW) in Bonn, Germany; the Hausa section of Daily Trust newspaper; and as Deputy Editor of Rariya newspaper.

He also served as an editor at Hamada Radio in Abuja and Head of the Hausa Service at Kiss FM, Abuja, before joining Radio Nigeria in a managerial capacity.

Waiya was recently reassigned from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youth as part of Governor Yusuf’s cabinet reshuffle.

 

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