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*Constitutional Amendment: How Constitution Empower Police To Kill Nigerians

Ref: Intersociety/NG/002/012/HOR/NA/ABJ/FRN

The Clerk/Secretary, House of Reps Committee on Constitution Review
Thro
Honourable Victor Afam Ogene, Member, Representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency
Room 0.28, House of Reps New Building Extension, National Assembly Complex
The Three-Arms-Zone, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

Dear Clerk/Secretary,

Ousting The Ouster Clauses In The Chapter Four Of The Constitution Of Nigeria 1999

Above subject refers.

(Onitsha-Nigeria, Sunday, November 18, 2012)-In furtherance of our contributions towards the attempts to give Nigeria and Nigerians a people-oriented Constitution, the leadership of International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law, again, wishes to bring to the attention of your public committee the existing ouster clauses in the Chapter Four of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 for immediate amendment so as to bring them in conformity with regional and international standards. As you may know, ouster clauses are those immunity and impunity oriented sections, subsections and paragraphs deliberately inserted into the constitution or statutes either to frustrate the application and enforcement of their mother provisions or to provide an escape route under the law for their violators usually the State actors.

Ouster clauses are inherent in the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 especially in her Chapters Two and Four. Those in the Chapter Four have been responsible for high incidences of police killings/ torture, long pretrial detentions or detention without trials, long detentions arising from committal proceedings, abandonment/death of gunshot victims and abandonment/ non-State compensation of the victims of violent crimes in Nigeria, etc. The notorious Order 237 of the Nigeria Police Force, under which it kills Nigerians mindlessly for sheer reasons of crime fighting and prevention, is constitutionally backed by relevant subsections of Sections 33 and 35 of the Constitution. These subsections are in conflict with their mother sections and inconsistent with the African Charter on Human & Peoples’ Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights, the UN Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime & Abuse of Power, the Basic UN Principles for the Use of Firearms by the Law Enforcement Personnel and the UN Code of Conducts for the Law Enforcement Officers, all of which Nigeria has either signed, ratified or domesticated.

The US Constitution, proclaimed in 1776 and enacted for American public in 1789 has undergone various amendments including her 14th amendment of July 28, 1968 so as to be brought in tune with the yearnings and aspirations of Americans taking into account modern realities. Her libertarian concept (rights of US citizens first) and eminence over other indigenous and foreign laws is still well pronounced all over the world. In a like manner, the egalitarian concept of the EU Rights Convention (recognition of the rights of Europeans side by side with the rights of the non-Europeans) is also traditionalized. The prominence and eminence of the Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution over other indigenous and foreign laws is clearly stated in the case of Gani v IGP/FGN. Practically speaking, the country’s Constitution must at all times be the worthy mother of all laws under her midwifery by way of periodic credible and popular amendments otherwise she runs the risk of being a mother without breasts. The Constitution under reference must at all times be brought in conformity with the regional and international standards. The yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians to be captured in periodic Constitutional amendments such as the ongoing are local contents that must be purified so as not to be repugnant to the international standards. It is, therefore, fundamentally incontestable that some subsections and paragraphs of the 14 sections of the Chapter Four are repugnant to the regional and international rights and jurisprudential norms. As a result, we dutifully recommend for the re-working of the following subsections and paragraphs under the Chapter Four:

1. Under Section 33(1): Right to Life, its subsection 2 contains ouster clause to wit: A person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life in contravention of this section if he dies as a result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law of such force as is reasonably necessary:

33(2) (a) for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or the defence of property;

33(2)(b) in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; or 2(c) for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny

Our Observations: Within the contemplation of the 1999 Constitution; our questions are: what is 1. Reasonably necessary permitted by law? 2. What constitutes unlawful violence under which a Nigerian can be killed extra-judicially? 3. What is riot or insurrection?

Answers to these questions are not provided by Part IV of the 1999 Constitution under Interpretation, Citation & Commencement (definition section). Unlike reasonable time which is defined by Section 35(5), none of them is constitutionally defined, thereby creating room for their abuse and misinterpretations by relevant State-actors, particularly police officers. For instance, among many war and crime experts, it is agreed that war is an act of violence with more than 999 casualties. Also, empirically speaking, conflict is different from dispute.

Therefore, we recommend that those undefined terms should be constitutionally and unambiguously defined. Also, in the modern riot control trends, live bullets are no longer in use, but rubber bullets and other non-lethal human body control kits. Insurrection as an act of war with its globally defined weapons of war and insurrection as an act of non-violent protest with instruments of civil protest should be constitutionally differentiated and stated. Under Section 33(2)(b) the death of a citizen in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; it should be constitutionally stated that the use of lethal weapons and maximum force (guns and other deadly weapons) in the course of any State arrest particularly with respect to non-violent crimes is forbidden. The only global exception or defence to this is the invocation of the right to self defence if under deadly attack with the application of force proportionate to one applied against those State-actors under attack.

Under the foregoing circumstances, the doctrine of Intervening Force should no longer be made a blanket defence for State and non-State actors. For instance, if a passerby gets killed by a bullet fired by a State-actor in the course of exchanging fire with his or her violent attacker, he or she should be sanctioned for unprofessional conduct and tried for manslaughter, because he or she is not trained and armed to miss his or her professional targets. These are in line with the spirit and letters of the UN Code of Conducts for Law Enforcement Officers and the UN Basic Principles for Use of Firearms by the Law Enforcement Personnel. The victim if alive should be treated promptly and unconditionally by the State. If the victim dies, the State should adequately compensate his or her family with public apologies for misuse of public procured weapons. Specifically, the use of guns and other deadly weapons to carry out the arrests of suspects suspected of committing non-violent offences or offences carrying the penalties of fines, one day to six months imprisonment and six months to three years imprisonment, that is to say strict and statutory liability offences, simple offences and misdemeanors, should be constitutionally forbidden.

Further, for the Constitution to sanction the death of innocent citizens in the name of effecting lawful arrest is socially disastrous because by its present implication, citizens can be killed by State-actors while effecting arrests arising from commission or suspected commission of simple offences which carry minimum judicial penalty of an hour and maximum of six months. Offenders of strict and statutory liability offences like traffic and sanitation misconducts which can result in lawful arrest can also get killed extra judicially by State-actors under the guise of resisting arrest or intervening force, likewise in the course of arresting suspects suspected of committing the offences of misdemeanor, which can attract maximum judicial sanction of three years and minimum of one year. Killings of this nature including roadblock/check point killings as well as house raids killings should constitutionally be treated as murder with adequate compensations and proper public apologies paid to, and tendered to the victims’ families by the State.

It is also socially and globally abominable for the Federal Republic of Nigeria to sanction the killing of an escapee or escapees from barrack or prisons detentions. Such right to kill should be abolished in the Constitution except where such custodies especially prisons are violently revolted against with revoltees and/ or their external conspirators attacking same with deadly weapons such as guns and machetes. In such situations, it is globally recommended that the force to be applied must be proportionate with that of the attacking felons. Excessive and disproportionate use of force in criminal justice system is globally forbidden. Instead of the Nigeria police officers killing their detainees within this constitutional levity, the escaping suspects can be prevented by applying force that will make it difficult for them to escape. Any injuries sustained by the escapees in the process should be promptly and unconditionally treated by the State and if they escaped, technological tracking devices including biometrics technology can be deployed to re-arrest them. Such escapees should be declared wanted as well. These are the global trends and Nigeria must not be exception. The present case whereby gunshot victims are refused medical treatments by private and public hospitals and clinics in Nigeria should be constitutionally forbidden. Wounds arising from gunshots or machete cuts inflicted on both violent crimes’ suspects and victims should be treated by the State unconditionally because Nigeria has inherited criminal justice system that makes the State the sole protector, compensator, arbiter and punisher of victims and perpetrators of violent crimes. Therefore, it is our recommendation that the entire Section 33(2) and its paragraphs should be amended.

Under Section 34: Right to Dignity of Human Person (right against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatments), its subsection 2 and paragraphs under forced and compulsory labour should be amended to include where in the course of performing State sanctioned forced or compulsory labour, death or injuries occur, the families of the dead victims should be adequately compensated by the State and the injured expressly and unconditionally treated by same. The State here should mean the authority responsible for the forced or compulsory labour such as the Federal Government of Nigeria in respect of the National Youth Service Corps. It should also be constitutionally stated that forced or compulsory service shall not be used in obtaining any confessional statements from criminal investigations. Subsection 2(a) under any labour required in consequence of the sentence or order of a court should be amended to remove…or order of a court.

To cure Nigerian Judiciary of its awaiting trial sickness, Section 35(1)(f)(i) under Right to Personal Liberty, which reads provided that a person who is charged with an offence and who has been detained in lawful custody awaiting trial shall not continue to be kept in such detention for a period longer than the maximum period of imprisonment prescribed for the offence, should be deleted because it utterly contradicts the principle of fair hearing to jail the accused/defendant before his or her conviction/sentencing. Speedy trial is the hallmark of the fair hearing doctrine.

Section 35(4)(1)(a) which reads any person who is arrested or detained in accordance with subsection (1)(c) of Section 35(for the purpose of bringing him or her to court for trial) shall be brought before a court within a reasonable time, and if he is not tried within a period of –two –months from the date of his arrest or detention in the case of a person who is in custody or is not entitled to bail; in the case of a person who has been released on bail, he shall without prejudice to any other proceedings that may be brought against him, be released either unconditionally or upon such conditions as are reasonably necessary to ensure that he appears for trial at a later date. It is our recommendation that this subsection should be amended to read any person who is arrested for committing or on suspicion of committing any offence with capital punishment prescribed in a written law including life imprisonment and detained by the State for two months without trial should be released unconditionally. In accordance with the foregoing, subsections 7(a) and 7(b () should be amended.

The secularity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in matters of Right to Conscience, Thought & Religion should be strengthened. To this effect, Sections 38 and 10 of the Constitution should be reworked.

Section 42(3) of the Constitution under Right to Freedom from Discrimination should be amended to lift the restrictions imposed on persons of disability especially the physically challenged persons from being appointed or elected into public offices. Even in the army and police, they can be trained and deployed in administrative and non-combat departments.

The enemy property under Section 44(1)(g) should be constitutionally defined.

There is need to also amend Section 45 of the Constitution so as to bring it in conformity with the areas recommended for amendments.

Extra: Like we recommended in our first submissions of November 12, 2012, there shall be a constitutional provision for adequate compensation and protection of the victims and witnesses of the violent crimes in Nigeria. A provision should also be provided in the Constitution for prompt and unconditional medical treatments by the State of the victims of gunshot wounds whether they are State-actors, suspected violent criminals or innocent victims. After these amendments have been effected, it is our further recommendation that related enforcement and penalty Acts of the Federation should legislatively be revisited so as to bring them in conformity with the said sections of the Constitution. A Bill of Rights for violent crimes’ victims & witnesses should also be created. A provision should be created in the Constitution for the establishment of Nigerian Civil Society Endowment Fund , whereby a percentage of the country’s annual earnings will be allocated into same for the growth and development of Nigerian Civil Society Organizations especially those working for the promotion and protection of democracy, public security, civil liberties, rule of law, gender justice, children’s rights and public health issues. An Act for the establishment of its Commission shall be enacted.

For: Intersociety- Nigeria

Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman, Board of Trustees
08033601078, 08180103912
umeagbalasi@yahoo.com, info@intersociety-ng.org

Photo Above: Citizen Nwamaghinna shot at roadblock by the NPF later amputated
CLICK FOR ENLARGED PHOTO.

Photo Above: Citizen Uchenna Anthony killed at roadblock by the NPF in 2010
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Photo Above: Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Intersociety, 41, Miss Elems Street, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria.
- CLICK FOR ENLARGED PHOTO.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Intersociety, Council, Police, Service, Commission. Sack, Ringim, Africa, Masterweb

*Next Governor of Anambra State: Obi Assures Anambra North of Support

[ News Roundup ]

Gov. Obi has once again assured Anambra North Senatorial Zone of his Support for them to produce the next Governor. He said this yesterday during his tour of the Senatorial Zone yesterday. He said his commitment to support them was because of the promise he made to them while he was contesting. "beyond the promise, it is fair and equitable that you produce the next Governor going by the fact that since Anambra State was created, over 20 years ago, the zone is yet to produce the Governor as if they are not part of the State," Obi submitted.

Speaking further, he charged them to bring out their best for the Job, those. According to him, have enviable pedigree and requisite character to deliver quality service to the people of the State. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Map of Anambra State

The visit which took the Governor to all the 7 Local Government areas of the Zone- Oyi, Anambra East and West, Ayamelum, Onitsha North and South and Ogbaru- according to him, was a routine visit designed to allow him interact directly with the people of the State."I always feel fulfilled each time I am with you and talk directly to you and get feed back from you. This is one of the ways through which I am opportune to let you know that in spite of the office, that I am still one of you, care for you, and want the best for you," Obi said.

Obi who flagged off four roads in the State on Saturday took the opportunity of the visit to re-assure the people that he would double his efforts at execution of projects contrary to the widely held views that a Governor preparing to leave office does less job. He said he had the financial war chest to execute all the projects lined up by his Government, some of which are roads, Onitsha Hotel and Convention Centre as well as similar facility at Awka and Nnewi, shopping malls for Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi , Anambra's Three Arms zone comprising Government House, State Assembly Complex and High Court, among many other projects. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Governor Peter Obi

The Governor tasked the people to take possession of any project sited at their places and monitor their execution closely.

At Anambra West, the Transition Committee Chairman, Mr. Augustine Chukwurah commended the Governor for being the father of the State in fact and in words. He said that the way he handled the flood crisis which affected all the Local Government in Anambra North ensued that casualties were reduced to barest minimum even as he took care of the displaced probably as no other Governor did in the flood affected communities in Nigeria.

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*CISA To Hold Igbo Retreat In Igbo Village In U.S.

-Masterweb Reports

Masterweb Reports – Friday, November 16, 2012: Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA) in collaboration with WACHET (a non-profit based in the US) and support of Ohaneze and Igbo World Assembly (IWA), will in March 2013 hold an International retreat on Igbo Global Agenda. The retreat is to be held in Igbo Farm Village in Staunton, Virginia, USA, March 22 - 23rd, 2013. This will be the first such retreat (of its kind) by CISA and also first of its kind anywhere in the world outside Igboland. Important dignitaries from Nigeria and all over the world are expected to participate in this maiden event. The programme of events, speakers/keynote speaker and event brochure advertisement rates will be announced shortly on this Medium.

This is an event everybody, not only Igbos should plan to attend. It is an event in a typical African village atmosphere, a rare occurrence outside the shores of Africa. It is African of Igbo of Nigeria taste – if you are also thinking of food and hospitality at the village, only your attendance will confirm it. There will be a variety of African dishes that will be served at the retreat and in addition music and cultural dances would package the atmosphere into a typical African village as in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”. Mark your calendars so you do not miss the event and stay tuned for more information on the retreat.

Photo Above: Children on tour of Igbo Farm Village, Staunton, Virginia, USA.

Article Source: Masterweb Reports

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*The Race For Ohanaeze Ndigbo Positions Hots Up

-Masterweb Reports

Masterweb Reports – Thursday, November 15, 2012: The race for various positions in Ohanaeze Ndigbo from local government to National levels has commenced.

The election will hold between late November and December 2012. Already an electoral committee has been set up to midwife the election. The constitution of the body zones the offices of the President-General, Secretary-General, Deputy President-General and Deputy Secretary-General. Among the top contenders for the Office of President-General are Chief Iga Igariwey, the present Deputy President-General, Dr Sam Egwu - a former governor of Ebonyi state, Dr Offiah Nwali, Chief Nweke Anyigor and Dr Aja Nwachukwu. The position is zoned to Ebonyi state and all the contenders are from the state.

The office of Secretary-General is zoned to Imo state; former Ohanaeze Deputy Secretary-General Dr Joe Chigoziem Nwaorgu is gunning for it. Other less visible candidates for the position include Dr Chidi Osuagwu - a lecturer in FUTO, Owerri, Prof Ezeadi and Chief Levi Oguakwa.

For the Publicity secretary, an old dogged horse, Ohanaeze activist/organiser and well known writer Comrade Chuks Ibegbu is gunning for the position which is however yet to be zoned. Ibegbu hails from Abia State and has been a tested hand in the Apex Igbo body. Other candidates for the postion may emerge as the contest gathers momentum.

The candidates for other positions will be known in the near future.

Photo Above: Map of Igboland (homeland of Ndigbo of Nigeria)

Photo Above: President-General Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue

Igbo Information Network (IIN) reports.
08056741425

Article Source: Masterweb Reports

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*Ohanaeze Ndigbo Holds Election November or December
..As Ohanaeze Holds It’s Election, A Call For All Igbos In The Diaspora & Home To Participate Directly or Indirectly

By Chuks Ibegbu

The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will hold its General Elections between late November and December this year. The Amb Raph Uwechue regime is expected to hand over to a new Executive Committee by the end of January 2013. Uwechue's regime witnessed a flurry of activities such as the settlement of the Ezigbo issue in the Diaspora, the stronger political understanding between the South East and South South which paved the way for the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, the detachment of Ohanaeze Ndigbo from the whims and caprices of political actors , the successful hosting of IGBO DAYS , the building of bridges of understanding with other power blocs and socio-cultural organisations in Nigeria such as AFENIFERE , AREWA AND SSPA, the contribution to the emergence of the SGF, the design of a modern secretariat for Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other visible and invisible achievements. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President-General Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue

Like in all human activities there may have also been some areas he could have improved on such as the regularity of IMEOBI and General Assembly meetings . However National Executive meetings were regular and lively. Also the issue of the OHANAEZE FOUNDATION nearly created some sore notes but the facts and realities have been adumbrated and hopefully resolved. . Any other outstanding issues will expectedly be handled by the incoming Executive Committee.Ndigbo like to know and ask questions on how they are ruled or led and its part of our democratic culture which is of course a good attribute.

Some Igbos think that Goodluck Jonathan has not fulfilled his promises to Ndigbo considering the enormous support given to him by Ndigbo. This Author is challenging Goodluck Jonathan to prove those that hold this view wrong . Am from Umuahia and I know that moving from Umuahia to Enugu where I reside is a nightmare. The day International flight begin to land in Enugu is the day I will believe that Enugu Airport is international indeed,

Coming back to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo election, the critical issues the incoming National Executive will address include funding of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, state creation in the south east, ensuring that the federal governent include oil producing states of the south east, which now includes Anambra and even Enugu, in the Amnesty program( There is no reason why MASSOB ACTIVITSTS) should not also be considered for the AMNESTY PROGRAMME, federal presence in Igboland, a credible census in Nigeria, the 2015 political contest , the MASSOB QUESTION etc

It is therefore imperative that only tested and patriotic Igbos are elected for various Ohanaeze positions in the oncoming election..

We shall keep You posted on the election and the possible candidates.

Chuks Ibegbu
A Chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo & Writer On National And International Issues.
08035410176

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*Intersociety's Submissions On Constitution Review

Ref: intersociety/NG/001/012/HOR/NA/ABJ/FRN

The Clerk/Secretary
House of Reps Constitution Review Committee
Thro
Honourable Victor Afam Ogene
Ogbaru Federal Constituency
Room 0.28, House of Reps New Building Extension
National Assembly Complex
Three-Arms-Zone
FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

Dear Clerk/Secretary,

Our Submissions In Respect Of Your Committee’s Template & Related Issues

(Onitsha-Nigeria, November 12th 2012)-Based on your Committee’s template for voting on key constitutional issues needing amendment or retention, we, the International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law wish to make the following submissions following your Committee’s template items:

Yes, Section 8 of the Constitution should be amended to rob it of ambiguities inherent in the creation of more States. The processes should be devoid of parochialism and sectionalism, but predicated on demographical, geographical and geopolitical equity. Section 8(1)(c) that requires all the States in the country to approve the result of the referendum for the creation of new State(s) by simple majority supported by simple majority of their Houses of Assembly should be amended to include simple majority reflecting federal character principle.

1. Yes, six new States should be created to bring the total number of States in the country to 42. In creating the six new States, the Southeast geopolitical zone that presently has five States should be given two more States, while others apart from the Northwest zone that already has seven States, should be given one more State each.

2. Yes, the six geopolitical zones in the country should be constitutionally recognized for administrative and political purposes.

3. No, the six geopolitical zones should not be included in the Constitution as a tier of government because that will be utterly wasteful and expensive, except Nigeria adopts religionalism and abolishes statism.

4. Yes, indigene-ship of an area within Nigeria should be defined to include persons who have resided in an area for a continuous long period and should be entitled to accruing rights, duties and privileges.

5. Yes, the Chapter Two (Fundamental Objectives & Directive Principles of the State Policy) should be made justiciable akin to Chapter Four of the Constitution (Fundamental Human Rights) by expunging Section 6(6) (c).

6. Yes, the laying before the National Assembly of the annual budget estimates should be done at least three months before the end of a fiscal year. To this effect, Section 81 should be amended.

7. Yes, Section 121 should be amended in a like manner for a Governor to do same before his or her House of Assembly.

8. No, the State House of Assembly does not need any financial autonomy to be independently administered and assertive. That given to itself by the National Assembly was a fatal blunder and a mistake. Financial autonomy in Nigerian context means immunity for fiscal roguery.

10. Yes, if the 774 LGAs are to be granted full autonomy as an independent third tier of government in Nigeria, then Section 162(6) should be expunged to eliminate State/LGA Joint Account so as to ensure direct allocations to the LGAs from Federation Account.

11. Yes, only on condition that the LGAs’ autonomy is discarded and all the 774 LGAs removed from the Constitution and disqualified from receiving allocations from the Federation Account, then States should be allowed to create LGAs and assume their administrative and financial responsibilities.

12. Yes, the LGAs should be accorded the status of a third tier of government with designation of a residual legislative list for their independent legislative jurisdiction. If this is to be the case, then there should be equal number of LGAs for each of the six geopolitical zones. The present case whereby Southeast has 95 LGAs as against Northwest’s 186 is demographically, geographically and geo-politically criminal and grossly lopsided.

13. No, because the issue of un-elected LGA officials would be taken care of once the LGAs’ autonomy is ensured and the seizure of LGAs’ revenues will no longer arise.

14. Yes, there should be a defined tenure for chairmen/councilors of the LGAs akin to the tenures of presidents and governors.

15. Yes, some contents of the Exclusive Legislative List like prisons and railways should be duplicated into concurrent list.

16. Yes, let Section 197(1) (b) be amended to expunge the States Independent Electoral Commissions and replaced with Independent National Electoral Commission, which will conduct elections into the country’s approximately 14,483 elective offices at federal, State and LGA levels.

17. Yes, Section 315 (5) (a) of the Constitution should be amended to remove, not abolish the National Youth Service Corps Act, the Land Use Act, the Public Complaints Commission Act and the National Security Agencies Act from the Constitution. This will enhance their amendment processes by lowering stringencies inherent in their amendments owing to their direct attachment to the Constitution.

18. Yes, Section 308 should be amended to confer civil responsibility on serving presidents, their deputies, governors and their deputies. For criminal aspect, indictment clause following credible and conclusive criminal investigations should be incorporated and entrenched in the Constitution with indictment bodies clearly mentioned. Once such indictment is certified judicially, impeachment follows and arrest and prosecution commence immediately after the impeachment.

19. No, instead, Section 215 (4) that requires the Commissioner of Police under a governor’s directive to request or refer such directive to the president or minister for approval, and Section 215(5) which forbids such development from being inquired in a court of law, should be expunged, and replaced with a provision empowering the governor and the House of Assembly to remove any disloyal or incompetent commissioner of police by way of two-thirds votes and executive proclamation. Once such legislative approval is obtained and proclamation made, such CP stands removed and posted out of the State, to be sanctioned further by the PSC.

20. No, instead, a provision should be inserted in the Constitution for the rotation of the office of the president among the six geopolitical zones, not between North and South.

21. Yes, our position in item 20 has answered this question.

22. Yes, it should be filled both on merit and by zoning. Every geopolitical zone has eminently qualified sons and daughters to govern Nigeria and no zone is born to rule.

23. Yes, Section 135 should be amended to provide for a single term of six years for the office of the president because it is the most controversial seat in Nigeria and its occupation has been very lopsided over the years.

24. Our position in item 23 has also answered this question.

25. Yes, the office of the governor should rotate among the State’s three Senatorial districts with a single tenure of six years.

26. Yes, office of the governor should be filled both on merit and by zoning because there is no Senatorial zone in Nigeria that is wholly peopled by morons and political buccaneers.

27. Yes, Section 221 should be amended to allow for independent candidacy in Nigerian elections.

28. Yes, in line with the international best practices, certain percentage of elective and appointive public offices should be reserved for women.

29. No, the current qualifying age for elective offices in Nigeria is in line with the international best practices.

30. Yes, there should be specific constitutional provisions to take care of the interests of persons with disability with the inception of mentally deformed in matters of elective and appointive public offices.

31. Yes, Section 77 (2) should be amended to allow Diaspora Nigerians voting rights to ensure demographic justice, provided it will not be used as an instrument of election rigging.

32. No, the existing bi-cameral legislature should be allowed but its individual and corporate fiscal allowances and overheads should be drastically trimmed down.

33. No, let Sections 4 & 5 on presidential system stay. But let them be clothed with local contents that are not repugnant to the international democratic standards such as fiscal prudence and minimized corruption or profligacy.

34. No, instead, Nigeria should implement the practice of Federalism that allows States more percentage of nationally accrued revenues than federal and local governments.

35. No, instead, the 13% derivation component of revenue should be extended to States with natural and non-natural resources, which generate revenues for the country.

36. No, the traditional rulers need not be made members or having representation at the National Council of State. They should be confined to their States and LGAs of origin.

37. No, the new amendment to the Constitution, setting time limit for the determination of election petitions should stay.

38. Yes, since such powers are no longer exercised by the President or Governor but by the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly with respect to modifying or amending existing laws under the transitional provisions of Section 315 (2) and the definition section related thereto, the relevant section should be expunged. The National Assembly and the State House of Assembly as new exercising powers should be constitutionally stated.

39. Yes, the Constitution should further be amended to address issues of electoral reforms including incorporation of salient provisions of the Uwais reports and times for conducting bye-elections and determination of electoral petitions into same.

40. Yes, the Constitutional provisions on judiciary should be amended to achieve reforms of judicial institutions and processes in order to ensure quicker dispensation of justice.

41. Yes, the Constitution should be amended to separate the office of the Accountant General of the Federation from the office of the Accountant General of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

42. Yes, the Constitution should be amended to separate the office of the Attorney General of the Federation from the office of the Attorney General of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

43. Yes, the Constitution should be amended to enable the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to send proposals for revenue allocations directly to the National Assembly in order to avoid undue delays in preparation of the revenue allocation formulae.

44. Yes, Nigeria should have one police organization which shall be constituted in such manner as to give the State Governors reasonable control over the Commissioners of Police in charge of their States. The Governors’ disciplinary powers over their CPs should be exercised in conjunction with two-thirds votes of their State Assemblies so as to avoid abuse.

45. Yes, Nigeria should maintain the present police structure and system with some modifications as recommended above.

Extra:
1. Section 12 (3) of the Constitution, which requires the ratification by a majority of the Houses of Assembly of States in matters of a bill for domestication of international treaty by the National Assembly before the president’s assent, should be expunged. This has substantially been responsible for the stagnancy of outstanding international treaties, which are yet to be domesticated years after they were signed and ratified by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Once the National Assembly passes a bill for the domestication of an international treaty and the president signs it, let it be binding on all authorities and persons in Nigeria.

2. A provision should be inserted into the Constitution conferring Nigeria’s courts of superior records powers to assume international jurisdiction in matters of special public interests (i.e. heinous rights abuse and economic crimes). A typical example of a country with this noble modern justice administration is the Republic of Belgium.

3. A new constitutional provision for the award of ex gratia compensations for victims of crimes including victims of inter-personal violence/crimes should be created.

4. Section 174(1)(c) of the Constitution and its sister section should be amended to make the powers of the Attorneys-General of the Federation and the States to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or any other authority or person very stringent to exercise so as to further strengthen the public interest, the interest of justice and further forestall the abuse of legal process, in accordance with Section 174(3) of the Constitution.

5. The Constitution of Nigeria should be gender oriented and depart from traditional and archaic law language of he/him and adopt modern norm of he/she and the like.

Special Notice:
The attention of the National Assembly is also drawn to the existing anachronistic Acts of the Federation needing fundamental amendments. Many, if not most of these Acts have outlived their social usefulness to Nigeria and Nigerians, thereby begging to be upgraded to modern standards. Examples are Police Act, Prisons Act, Evidence Act, Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Private Guards Act, Land Use Act, Companies & Allied Matters Act, to mention but very few.

For: Intersociety Nigeria

Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman, Board of Trustees
+234(0) 8033601078, +234(0) 8180103912
umeagbalasi@yahoo.com, info@intersociety-ng.org

Comrade Justus Ijeoma, Head, Publicity Desk
08037114869

Submitted At The Public Forum On Constitution Review Organized By Honourable Victor Afam Ogene, Member, Representing The Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Held On Monday, November 12, 2012, At The Ogbaru LGA Secretariat, Atani, Ogbaru, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Note: Intersociety-Nigeria Headed The Steering Committee’s Secretariat.

Photo Above: Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Intersociety, 41, Miss Elems Street, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria.
- CLICK FOR ENLARGED PHOTO.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Intersociety, Council, Police, Service, Commission. Sack, Ringim, Africa, Masterweb

*Catholic Sisters Need Contact With Abused Nigerian Child

-Masterweb Reports

Masterweb Reports – Monday, November 12, 2012: An article published in Sun Newspaper of November 8, 2012 titled “Woman boils two-year-old stepdaughter’s hands” has drawn tears in the eyes of The Holy Family Sisters of the Needy who need immediate information to enable them make contact with the abused child to render help (both medical and otherwise) to her.

Please contact The Holy Family Sisters of the Needy immediately with any enabling information. In the U.S., they can be reached at +1 3479814758 or +1 9734897448, in Nigeria at Nekede, Owerri, Imo State; and by email at marykatebest@yahoo.com

______________________

Below is a copy of the email that was sent to Masterweb News Desk by The Holy Family Sisters of the Needy -

We are The Holy Family Sisters of the Needy, a Roman Catholic Religious order founded in Owerri Archdiocese, in Imo State Nigeria. We are working in different part of the world which includes: The Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Nigeria, France, Italy, England, Sierra Leone, United States and so on

OUR APOSTOLATE INCLUDES:
-Taking care of under privilege ones.
-Care of Infants especially those infected with HIV/ AIDS and are abandoned. We live with these children in some of our communities designated for this apostolate. We provide them with the basic need such as health, education, food, clothing, shelter etc.
-We also care for the elderly men and women who have no one to take care of them.

Pro-Life

Our main and specific apostolate is the care of unmarried pregnant teens that have been abandoned or disowned by their families. We provide them with accommodation, rehabilitating and with the necessary counseling and spiritual guidance. We also provide counseling for the sexually abused and those with post abortion trauma.

In the case of Esther, we would like to establish a contact with her parents or the caregiver So that we can arrange how to rescue her in this inhuman condition and difficulty as soon as possible. We beckon on people of good will who are touch by Esther’s situation to support us financially in the course of giving this child an optimum healthcare requires in restoring her two hands in Nigeria hospital or abroad. We accept any gift, no donation is little

Thanks for your cooperation and assistance
May God Bless you

Below is our contact

USA Contact
526 orange street
Newark NJ 07107
Phone: 3479814758 / 9734897448

Nigeria Contact
Holy Family Sisters of the Needy
P O Box 3967
Nekede, Owerri, Imo State.

______________________

*Follow the link below to read Sun’s “Woman boils two-year-old stepdaughter’s hands” article.
Here is the link:- http://sunnewsonline.com/new/cover/heartless-woman-boils-two-year-old-stepdaughters-hands/

Photo Above: Abused Esther and abuser-stepmother Kehinde (insert)

Article Source: Masterweb Reports

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*We Admire Your Godly Style of Politics, Bishop to Obi

-Masterweb Reports

Masterweb Reports – Sunday, November 11, 2012: The Anglican Bisho of the Diocese of Niger West, Rt Revd Prof Anthony Nkwoka has called on the people of Anambra State to remain prayerful to God to give the State a Governor that will be like Gov. Peter Obi when his tenure expires. He said this yesterday while receiving a brand new 18-seater bus and 10 computers donated to Archbishop Patterson's Seminary, Igbariam as well as the donation of 1 Million Naira for the provision of infrastructure to the school, yesterday.

He said he had followed the Governor's politics over the years and see in him essential godliness that is absent among Nigerian politicians. "Your Excellency, we admire your godly style of politics which made it possible for you to be here today to fulfill your promises to us. Given your engagements and commitments to the flood issues and national assignment, a typical Nigerian politician has gotten more than enough reason to waive us aside"' the bishop said. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Gov. Peter Obi presenting computers and a brand new bus to Archbishop Patterson's Seminary, Igbariam. On his left is the Anglican Bisho of the Diocese of Niger West, Rt Revd Prof Anthony Nkwoka

The Bishop assured that the bus and computers will be deployed for the greater glory of God commended Obi for return of schools to the missionaries, saying : "by returning schools to the missions with sincere apologies and providing funds for their rehabilitation, you have left an indelible good legacy for generations unborn."

In his own remarks, the Governor said he would not relent in pursuing what is good for the society, such as education and called on the Church to always remember the State in prayers.

He assured of his commitment to partnership not just with the Church, but with other organizations that are genuinely committed to the good of the people.

In his reaction, the traditional ruler of Igbariam, Igwe Kelly Okaragwu who described Obi as a man of his words thanked him for his goodness to his Kingdom, referring to the massive infrastructure at the State University, construction of roads, among others.

Article Source: Masterweb Reports

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*The Private Jets and the Chariots of Fire!

By Ikechukwu Enyiagu

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but not one of my words will be left unfulfilled." The word of God, as the ultimate illuminant, reveals Truth in its perfection. It reveals man and his weaknesses and insufficiency; then it reveals the old serpent and all his ways. Above all, it reveals the stand of God, the father and creator of all, in and regarding all things. It's the mind, passion, and desire of God that all men know Him in Spirit and in Truth, for then, He stands assured that man has been given all he needs to stand shoulder above all the whiles of the devil. But, wait! That very God of love has everything within Him to consume as with fire; this very God who's given all things freely to man keeps closest account like no other and is sure to demand from each of us what we have done with the grace He’s also freely given. Man must fear and honor God in the way he relates with his fellow...or ‘die!’ The days of divine accountability surely draw near and we must choose how to meet our maker: by the wings of the system of the world, or by the speed of His Spirit. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Holy Bible

For us, Christians, the lives of those men and women of God who handed us their acts and the results of their faith through the Holy Bible are enough revelations to all that we are the generation St. Paul warned Brother Timothy against. And with the speed at which the word of God fulfills itself in our days, man has little or no time left to decide, let alone sitting on the fence. For those "men of God" in Nigeria whose "guiding spirits" draw even closer to baseness and vanity - causing them to choose flying on the wings of this world (at the expense of God's truths) rather than incubating for that Chariot of witness which crowned prophet Elijah's ministry, I have these to say:

1. The days of Paul's advice to Timothy is come upon us.
2. The clock of final separation ticks even faster.
3. God is all-knowing and there will be no hiding place to say, "it was not my idea; it was that of my flock which loves me and gave it to me as a gift.".

Although Jesus knew who it was in Judas Iscariot, He did not stop from letting him control the purse of the Master's ministry nor did He send him away empty; everyone has something to take from the presence of that Chief-corner-Stone. Evidently, my dear Lord allowed Judas for many purposes, amongst which are these:

1. He wouldn't let the devil stop Him from sharing his love to mankind; He wouldn't let His mind and mission stray.
2. He already knew who would betray Him and He already knew it was he who loves money and the false-safety it offers. He knew Judas would be made to say "yes" to the many yes of the world, as long as he was paid. And, in order not to let his ministry of the stomach and of betrayal permeate other disciples; He had to let him become the Central Bank Governor. Some would have wondered why He didn’t reject his discipleship outright; the answer is that He does not reject anyone except he who has rejected Him.

And, as for the betrayer, we all know his eventual destiny. What more can the Spirit reveal through "little me" which He's not made known to them in whose hands lay the lives of God’s many great flock? Yet, it's only to whosoever that has ear that the hearing will come. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Bishop David Oyedepo in his private jet

Abraham left his father's house because the Lord bid him come; Jacob persevered for yet another 7 years in the house of his crooked uncle, Laban, because he knew his God and the promises He's made; Joseph rejected the enticing spirit of betrayal and death personified in Potiphar’s wife, because he had a better promise in keeping to the precepts handed to him by his father; Moses, on realizing himself, became aware that true wealth lies in the salvation of his people, God’s people, and he sold himself to that cause. What more can we say? Prophet Elijah became as a vagabond as he diligently followed the voice of his master...and he was rewarded with a far greater glory: he was taken to heaven, far beyond the horizon of man's telescope, let alone the transcending ability of speed-jets. Elisha was so fired-up, even deep down in his marrow that, when he died, even his bones still contained the fire of his spirit's presence. It was that same presence, revelation and consciousness which moved Brother Elijah (without any private jets) ahead of the weak Ahab and his chariot; that very Spirit moved Saint Philip suddenly away from the Ethiopian eunuch of great authority after he had revealed to him the scriptures and got him baptized. One thing we can boldly affirm of the Spirit of God is that He's equally able to be our flight as He is our peace. He's so able that it would be as lying against Him for any of His servants to claim that the sufficiency of God's kingdom lies in the help that the wisdom of this world can provide/substitute. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Bishop David Oyedepo

I longingly look up to that day when my spirit will catch enough fire and revelation so as to give that Sweet Spirit the room He deserves in me to be both my jet of this age and my chariot of fire. But, until then, one thing I should do is allowing God to reveal more of His love through me to those in Him, especially those whom He's entrusted to my care. But pushing them/suggesting to them by any body language to get me a jet while my flock gradually moves from lukewarm state to becoming "the devils of Christ" so as to keep up with the “ministerial pressure” of my mundane, baseless and vain preaching, these will keep my body, soul and spirit at the very limit where the jets of the rich of this world can go, and not farther. No! I seek that Chariot of fire! I look to experience that speed with which the angels come to our ministration. Those whose comfort and wealth in Zion have turned into “competing fathers” with the Father should always look at where they were hewn from because there's a limit to God's tolerance towards abominations in Zion. Let those who can still hear even the seeming “faint voice” of the Spirit stand and testify to His truths, even as He testifies before us before our father in heaven. Build the Church! Build your flock, for in building them are you expanding your share of glory which the Father will be much willing to crown you with on that day when you have learnt to depend on the speed of the Spirit rather than that of man.

Ikechukwu Enyiagu can be reached at ike.enyiagu@gmail.com

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*The Glory of the Award and the Awardee: Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan

By Dr. Lewis Akpogena

Glory from the Greek “doza” speaks of the honour, beauty, character and perfection of the divine nature of God in manifestation or being displayed or demonstrated. At NDDC Estate, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on 8th November 2012, the International Association of World Peace Advocates under leadership of Prof. Long John Smithman of United States of America honoured Pastor Power Z. Aginighan with appointment of Director General, Nigeria Chapter of the Association. The Association was represented by Comrade Emmanuel Nkweke (Spokesperson), Dr. Lewis Akpogena (National Secretary), Chaplain Chief Willie-Ido Utip (Director of Protocol/Programmes), Chaplain David Willie-Ido (Director of Research and Training) among others. The presentation was witnessed by a cream of selected persons of high standing, the media and other relatives and political associates/friends of the awardee.

About International Association of World Peace Advocates: The Association is an assemblage of accredited United Nations Peace Volunteers with designated rosters code numbers that are certified as Volunteers (International, Natural or Online) with uncommon determination to promoting peace and mutual co-existence of persons at different locations and habitations. The Association came to Nigeria in the year 2010 following the re-election of Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of United Nations second term in office, who in his inaugural speech rolled out his five points agenda, a mission that has become our vision to propagate at all the grassroots levels of the 193 member countries of the United Nations with a view to enthroning lasting peace all over the world

The body specializes in promoting the United Nations International Observance Day ranging from January of each year to December, often time in collaboration with government agencies, departments and ministries whose vested interest are anchored in making peace a household affair. Since the birth of the organization at Heritage University of Southern California, USA, the Association have partnered and sponsored various programmes in Nigeria, example of sort are the Niger Delta Amnesty Group, South West Local Government Assessment Group, and The Movement for &Unity of the Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, alongside the promotion of the just concluded United Nations International Day of Peace. The day-to-day work plan of the Association is primarily centered in providing platforms for community participation in peace building and at the same ensuring that community leaders and followers become an active player in making peace an outr9ight necessity for our perpetual existence. This is because global peace cannot be achieved without community participation. In Accordance to our peace mission in Nigeria, we as agents of change do engage the stakeholders of each local society with dialogue as a means to achieving our set goals, such as youth leaders, traditional/royal fathers, religious leaders, women organizations and to a large extent involve students for various competition as to inculcate in their mind-set the gains of becoming peace maker. The Association also honour outstanding personalities with extra-ordinary accomplishments whose lifestyle exemplifies the purpose and uniqueness of peace and by their function as rural dwellers within built consciousness of reconciling airing and aggrieved persons at their place of domicile.

On criteria for the appointment cum award to Pastor Power Z. Aginighan: His relationship with God, contribution to development to society, contribution to his immediate environment/community, his academic achievement, and co9ntibution on peace building. This is attested to in the citation as presented by the National Secretary, Dr. Lewis Akpogena. Citation on the Awardee: Who is Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan? Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan fondly called PZ, sometimes you find it a complex task to introduce a towering personality that is already known to all. Pastor Power Aginighan in my judgment needs no introduction because the name is on most lips in the Niger Delta region. The name rings a bell in the whole of the Niger Delta region and the nation at large. Some call him Odudu a nickname derived from his zeal and passion to transform his own corner of humanity. He is a peace broker, a bridge builder and a goal getter any day. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan

Aginighan demonstrated his passion for peace brokering when he was called upon to be the moderator of the cease-fire peace conference by the Warri Ijaw Itsekiri Grassroot Peace Front at the Warri Club in June 2004 held under the auspices of the Joint Military Task Force. Earlier in 2003, Aginighan initiated the peace process that led to the end of the bloody conflict between Ogodobri Community in Delta State and Ekeremor Community in Bayelsa State. He is an Ijaw with a strong passion for development in the Niger Delta region. He is a completely detribalized Nigerian. This explains why as Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, he appointed an Itsekiri, Mr Dan Sagay as one of his closest aides. It was difficult to expect this from an Ijaw particularly in view of the fact that the Itsekiri and the Ijaw had just come out from seven years of hostilities. As acting Managing Director, NDDC, he was among prominent men from the region that persuaded the erstwhile militants to lay down their arms and embrace the olive branch of presidential amnesty offered by the YarAdua/Jonathan presidency. He openly condemned the military option in addressing the Niger Delta crisis. He maintained several times that the crisis in the region was a response to the paradox of doom in the midst of boom. When the Isoko Development Union paid him a courtesy visit during his tenure as acting MD in July 2009, I still recall his words, “we need neither the blood of Niger Delta youths nor Nigerian soldiers to develop the Niger Delta region.” When Gbaramatu came under military bombardment leaving behind thousands of internally displaced persons, Aginighan was there to provide succour in form relief materials on behalf of the NDDC to the displaced.

He is a true concept of the nation’s unity. It would be recalled that as Executive Director Finance and Administration of the NDDC his aides were drawn from different ethnic groups in the Niger Delta. Probably, his passion for national development and tolerance for other ethnic groups informed why Mr. Dafe Onojovwo, Chairman, Editorial Board of National Mirror newspaper described him as “a rare patriot committed to a life of multi-faceted service to the society and the world at large”. The event was the public presentation of a book, Junior Secondary School Mathematics, authored by Aginighan on July 14th 1990 when he was a 31 year old Senior Accountant at the College of Education, Warri, Delta State. Mr Onojovwo was a lecturer in the English department of the College then. When recently reminded of these words, Mr Onojovwo said his views had not changed on Aginighan. His passion for service to humanity knows no bound. He holds an MBA degree from the Rivers state University of Science and Technology and a BSC in Accounting from the same university. He also holds a Higher National Diploma, Accountancy from the same institution. He is an Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management, Fellow Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria, Fellow Institute of Public Management of Nigeria and Fellow, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria. He was born on 9th January, 1959 at Ezebri in the then Western Ijaw Division of the former Western Region of Nigeria ,joined the College of Education Warri on the 9th August, 1982 after completing the National Youth Service Corps scheme with the Society for Aid to the Disabled, Enugu.

Aginighan was one of the frontline and most vocal student union activists during his days at the Rivers state University of Science and Technology. He was returned unopposed as General Secretary of the Students Union of the College (later University) of Science and Technology, PH (1979/80). He was a founding member of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS. In recognition of his role in the growth of students’ unionism in Nigeria, the RSUST Students Union parliament made him a life member of the University Students Union in 1984. At the College of Education, Warri where Aginighan worked from 9th August, 1982 to 31st March, 1993, through an election in which ethnicity was set aside he emerged President of the Senior Staff Association of the institution. Again when provision was made for the Congregation to be represented in the Governing Council, he was elected the 1st Representative of the Congregation. During the same period, Aginighan taught Accounting and Mathematics courses for students preparing for various professional examinations. From 1984 to 1991, Aginighan also served as Secretary of the Izon Community Warri. He also served as Secretary of the Delta State Izon Consultative Committee headed by the late Chief F H E Brisibe, OFR AIG rtd. He is dear to his people. On the 23rd November, 1991 he moderated the All-Ijaw National Convention that was held at the palace of the Pere of Kabowei at Patani which was presided over by Chief F H E Brisibe, OFR, with Chief Dr Harold Dappa Biriye, Chief George Albert Weikezi (all of blessed memory) and other prominent Izons across Nigeria in attendance and was appointed Secretary of Prof (Rev) C.A. Dime-led Ijaw National Coordinating Committee (INCC) which mid-wifed the Ijaw National Congress. He served as the 1st Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress upon the ratification of the Constitution of the Congress on 15th May 1993.

In the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) where he was enlisted as one of the pioneer Assistant Directors, Aginighan had an impactful service. From November 1996 to March 1999, he represented the Commission in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings during which period, he twice challenged the allocation to OMPADEC and had a ruling from the then Minister of State for Finance in his favour. This provided more funds for OMPADEC. When President Olusegun Obasanjo set up the Senator Liyel Imoke-led OMPADEC Winding-up Committee, Aginighan provided the inputs that assisted the Committee in discharging its assignment. Chief Dr Jasper Jumbo, a frontline Niger Delta Environmentalist and rights crusader stated during a reception held in honour of Aginighan by The Apostolic Church, Maritime Field in 2008 that Aginighan was the technocrat amongst the OMPADEC staff that was asked to calculate the financial provisions of the NDDC Draft bill first sent by President Obasanjo to the National Assembly. This enabled him, Senators Melford Okilo, Fred Brume, Emmanuel Diffa and others to press for improved funding provision for the NDDC.

During a Reception after a Thanksgiving Service to mark Aginighan’s 50th Birthday held on the 10th January, 2009 at the NDDC Estate, Port Harcourt, Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall, OFR who as Executive Chairman of OMPADEC recruited Aginighan in 1993 attested to Aginighan’s versatility, resilience, accessibility and sense of duty: His words: ‘When you talk of PZ Aginighan, he symbolises the Niger Delta. ….Today he is 50 and has justified every year of his existence. This is just the beginning. He has faced so many challenges but has always come out with resilience. When the Ijaw and the Itsekiri were fighting he was a peace broker and was accepted by the two parties. Imagine that he is an Ijaw but the Itsekiri trusted him enough to allow him be the moderator of the cease-fire’

Of a truth, Aginighan’s story in the NDDC is a lesson in the triumph of humility and selfless service. When NDDC commenced operations in PH in January 2001, Aginighan who was absorbed from OMPADEC as an Assistant Director, Finance and Supply made himself available in dousing tension created by rampaging youths who besieged the Commission at will. Aginighan ventured into the rough waters of gubernatorial politics in his own Delta State from 2004 to 2006. In terms of coverage, Aginighan ran the most comprehensive governorship campaign. For almost two weeks, he went through the creeks of Delta State with his multi-ethnic campaign team, a feat that no other Deltan has achieved in the history of electioneering campaign in the State. On 8th April 2006, he was formally admitted into membership of the G3, a political pressure group for the Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri ethnic groups in the Delta South Senatorial district. Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan who was the then Secretary to the Government of Delta State and Chairman of G3 had this to say about Aginighan on that day: ‘A respected gentleman from one of the ethnic groups in the G3, a well-known Nigerian who has made his mark in his work place’ Aginighan was screened out of the Delta State PDP gubernatorial primary that was held at Ogwashikwu on the 10th of December, 2006.

By the divine hand of God, the position of Executive Director, Finance and administration, NDDC became vacant for Delta State following the upliftment of the former occupant of the office (a Bayelsan) to the position of Managing Director. President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Aginighan Ag Executive Director, Finance and Administration on 28th May 2007 and handed over power to President Umar Yar’Adua on 29th May 2007. Aginighan celebrated this upliftment with Thanksgiving Services in the Apostolic Church at Warri and Port Harcourt and an interdenominational Thanksgiving Service at Bomadi. When the 2nd Governing Board was dissolved on the 12th April, 2009, he was appointed Ag Managing Director/CEO by President Umaru Yar’Adua on the 17th April 2009. It is on record that he inherited N45billion from the 2nd Board and handed over N66billion to the 3rd Board. His 111 days as Ag MD/CEO was characterized by transparent and efficient administration that endeared NDDC to a large spectrum of its stakeholders. Again President Umaru Yar’Adua did not have any difficulty in appointing him as substantive Executive Director, Finance and Administration in the 3rd Board of the NDDC that was inaugurated on the 6th August, 2009.

At the 1st South South Economic Summit which held at Tinapa, Calabar, being Aginighan's first official outing as Ag Managing Director of NDDC, he courageously drew attention to the underfunding of the NDDC by the Federal Government. He stated that the underfunding was due to under-appropriation by the National Assembly. When he was screened by the Senate Committee on Niger Delta for confirmation as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Aginighan still maintained the position he held at Calabar. Shortly after bowing out of career public service upon the dissolution of the 3rd NDDC Board, Aginighan congratulated the new Board of the NDDC and demanded the immediate release of over N500billion due to the NDDC from the Federal Government to enable the current Board deliver on its mandate.

In Nigeria, people hardly gather to celebrate retirees but his story was different. Aginighan was given a heroic civic reception by the entire Izon of Delta State on the 18th November 2011 at BB Hotel Warri. The occasion which was chaired by Elder Statesman, former Senator and former Federal Information Minister Chief Dr Edwin Kiagodo Clark, OFR, CON attracted the who is who among the Izon of Delta State and friends from sister ethnic groups. It turned out to be a day of tribute and celebration of Aginighan’s vindication, his meritorious service in various top management positions in the NDDC and his glorious retirement after 29 years of unblemished career public service. On that day, Chief Clark congratulated Aginighan on his meritorious service in various top management positions in the NDDC. He said: ‘Government set up Orosanye Committee to look into the activities of the NDDC. At the end of the day, our son PZ Aginighan was exonerated. If he was not exonerated, we would not have been here for a Thanksgiving Service. Our son is now at home, a happily retired man, no anti-corruption agency is looking for him’

His Royal Majesty, Pere Charles Ayemi Botu, JP, OFR and Brig-Gen Cletus Emein (rtd) who respectively spoke on behalf of the Delta State Izon royal fathers and Delta State Izon Elders Forum paid glowing tributes to Aginighan’s hard work, selflessness and patriotism. Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Senator James Manager, CON who was Special Guest at the occasion described Aginighan as a worthy son of the region. Hear him: “In him you find forthrightness, in him you find commitment and a man that can be trusted. Unfortunately PZ Aginighan did not complete his tenure as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NDDC. When you look at the records of the NDDC, particularly the finances today, I want to say that PZ Aginighan was not found to be reckless in the management of the resources of the NDDC.

Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan said the State was proud of him. The governor who spoke through his Commissioner for Works, Hon Solomon Funkekeme said thus, “On behalf of the people and government of Delta State, I congratulate our brother Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan for meritoriously quitting, retiring from active career public service. We like to note that because he is a son of Delta State, any indictment on him would have been an indictment on Delta State. Our brother, we are proud of you and ask God to continue to give you the wisdom and rectitude of character that have earned you eulogies from everywhere in Nigeria.” Aginighan, an ordained Pastor with the Apostolic Church, Nigeria, happily married to Deaconess Amerikaere Aginighan for over 29 years and blessed with children; currently a member of the Governing Council of the Apostolic Church owned Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State.

Award/Appointment as Ambassador of Peace: United Nations POLAC Peace Programme also presented Pastor Power Aginighan with award cum appointment as Ambassador of Peace. The award was in 2010 but was presented formally on 8th November 2012. This award is in appreciation of his selfless service to God and humanity. UN POLAC is also in cognizant of his effort in maintaining peace and promoting mutual co-existence of Nigeria Citizens within and outside Delta State. In the year 2001, which was declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Peace and Non-violence, FUCN began the “Ambassador of Peace Award” which is the highest calling and recognition to those individuals like him whose lives exemplify the ideals of living for the sake of others and who dedicate themselves to promote universal moral values, and establishment of a cultural peace. With this Award he has joined a group of prominent Nigerians who have made the list of United Nations Peace Advocates. The Award is in consonance with the United Nations General Assembly Declaration of the Year 2001 -2010 as International Decade for Peace and Non-violence. Congratulations Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan, these double appointment cum award are honours well deserved. Have question you may call: 08033399821 or write; akpogena@yahoo.com. Stay blessed.

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