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Ezekwesili slams N’Assembly’s constitutional amendment as charade

Published

8 months ago

July 31, 2025

A former Minister of Education and Chief Executive Officer of Human Capital Africa, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, on Thursday, knocked the National Assembly over its efforts on the ongoing constitutional amendment, describing it as a charade and a conduit pipe to waste public funds.

Ezekwesili equally lamented that hijack of the nation’s political space and, by extension, that of the continent by a set of criminal enterprise gangs who now sit at the table and slice governance in the direction that best suits them while the larger interest of the people suffers.

The former minister stated this on Wednesday while delivering her keynote address on “Reworking Nigeria’s Federalism: Perspectives on Restructuring and Fiscal Federalism” at the 7th Penpushing anniversary and annual lecture.

Ezekwesili said that rather than acceding to the people’s demand for a fresh constitution that will help address all the imbalances and the inequalities that defined the current constitution, the National Assembly decided to embark on a venture that will do little or nothing to help address the need to restructure the country along the practice of true federalism.

She explained that the agitation for secession by some part of the country, the problem of insecurity, the challenge of unemployment and poverty, and maladministration as a whole will only be resolved with a new constitution that prioritises devolution of powers, justice, equity, and fairness to all irrespective of tribes and ethnicity.

The former minister has equally called on the media to be at the vanguard of demanding a new constitution that is powered by the people and will ultimately serve the progress and development of the country.

Ezekwezili said, “The ongoing constitutional amendment cannot work, it cannot address our problem, it is a charade and sheer waste of resources. The demand for a new constitution is a matter of life and death

“For instance, when the engineer tells us that the foundation of a building is structurally defective, is it not to take the whole building down because it will continue to constitute an endangerment to the people.

“You won’t say, Oga, can we just do some little adjustment to the building, no, it won’t work, and this is same with nation building. So this expensive charade that the National Assembly is embarking on and spending money on won’t take us anywhere.

“The media should take the front seat and be at the vanguard of a demand for new constitution. We must have a constitutional conference that enables the people of this country to have honest conversation around things that will make us make progress and make Nigeria work for all of us.

“If there is anything that will come out of this annual lecture it must be that the media should be at the vanguard of a push for a constitutional conference, one that will enable the constituent part of this country, a constituent assembly elected by the people, they go, they sit, they have the discussion on the basis of the issues that makes fiscal federal system of government to work and come out with issues that are eligible for constitution which is put before the people to vote in form of referendum.

“This is what Kenya did after almost collapsing, and since then, you never hear them talking about break-up, they will talk about the need for good leaders”

Ezekwezili added that there is nothing mysterious about good governance, as it has been done in other parts of the world and could be replicated here too in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

She disclosed, “There is nothing that is mysterious about good governance, this thing has been done elsewhere and could be replicated here in the country.

“Unfortunately, today’s politics has been hijacked, what we now have is a criminal enterprise gang and this is not only in Nigeria but across the continent. A criminal enterprise gang has taken hold of politics and excluded the society and these people just sit at the table and just slice governance in the direction that suits them but that must not be made to continue.

Ezekwezili explained that there is a strong connection between the quality of African politics and its economic performance and prosperity, adding that this sad reality may, however, not change for a long time to come if nothing is done to improve the quality of its politics and the political leaders.

The activist said that the true practice of fiscal federalism will foster greater regional autonomy and collaboration, satisfy the demand for self-determination without breaking up the country, boost productivity and accountability, and improve leadership capabilities, among other things.

Also speaking at the annual lecture, the immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafadeen Ishola, said that the country’s current federalism is adopted in principle but suffers in practice and neither delivers the autonomy expected by the federating units nor promotes the developmental competition required for national growth.

Ishola, who chaired the occasion, said that true federalism is not only about devolution of power but about responsible governance, institutional clarity, fiscal equity, and citizen-driven accountability.

He added that Nigerians must therefore not behold restructuring as a sectional agenda but must embrace it as a national rebirth strategy to address some of the challenges hindering effective management of the country.

Speaking at the event, the founder of Penpushing Media, an online platform, Mr Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, said that the essence of the annual lecture is aimed at elevating conversation around issues that could further enhance the greatness of the country.

Kayode-Adedeji said the online news medium has continued to grow in leaps and bound, contributing significantly to changing the narrative of the country through qualitative reportage and dose of philanthropic gestures that are deliberately designed to uplift humanity.

He explained that as part of the focus of the online news medium to contribute to the growth of mass communication undergraduates, the news platform has helped to train over 80 students from various institutions, while it has also instituted an annual award honour for the best graduating mass communication students in the higher institutions.

There were also goodwill messages from former Presidential Spokesman to the Late Mohammadu Buhari, Mr Femi Adesina, the Chairman of Editorial Board of Penpushing Media and former Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, Deaconess Funke Fadugba; and the Chairman, Planning Committee, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, among others.

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Dele Momodu, Fani-Kayode, Omokri in war of words over Tinubu – See details

Published

11 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

A public disagreement has erupted between a media publisher and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri over President Bola Tinubu leadership.

The clash started after Momodu appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday and compared Tinubu’s leadership style to that of former military ruler, Sani Abacha, a remark that drew sharp criticism from Fani-Kayode.

Reacting on his social media pages on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode said he was disappointed in Momodu and urged him to step back from political commentary.

He described Momodu as “completely unhinged” and accused him of acting out of emotion rather than logic.

“Dele’s lies, duplicity, and shameless perfidy have finally been exposed,” Fani-Kayode said.

He added that Momodu was “badly diminished” and “a shadow of his former self.”

Fani-Kayode also defended his loyalty to Tinubu, saying, “Not only did I fight for Tinubu in 2023 during the presidential campaign, but I have remained loyal and committed to him and his cause since then, and I have no apology for that either.”

He accused Momodu of hypocrisy, saying that even after benefiting from a long-standing relationship, Momodu did not support Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

“Unlike Dele, I did not benefit from him for close to 40 years… and yet refuse to support him in achieving his dream of becoming President,” he stated.

Fani-Kayode warned Momodu to be careful, saying, “He should stay in his lane, otherwise I will give him plenty to write about,” adding that comparing Tinubu to Abacha was wrong.

“For him to compare Tinubu to Abacha was wrong, and if he was anything like the dictator that Dele claims he is, both Dele and those he speaks for today would either be dead or in jail. He should count himself lucky that our President is a democrat and not a monster,” he added.

Momodu, responding on Thursday via X, fired back at Fani-Kayode and questioned his suitability for a diplomatic role.

“He went to Cambridge University… but became an enfant terrible, fighting anyone and anything in sight. All supplications and intercessions by friends and family on his behalf have failed to cure his strange malady,” Momodu wrote.

“And this is the man President Bola Tinubu is about to unleash on Germany as an ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for God’s sake,” he said.

Momodu claimed Fani-Kayode had long expected a political appointment and had previously expressed frustration over delays. “Femi without power is like a fish out of water,” he added.

In a post on his X handle on Thursday, Fani-Kayode slammed Momodu for referencing his father and his educational background.

“Dele Momodu has got his knickers in a twist yet again. Poor soul. He is clearly tormented. He calls me a thug, speaks about my father and family, and claims that I wanted to work with Atiku even though I left PDP in 2021.

“No matter what you say about me, I have been active in the corridors of power for over 30 years,” he said.

He also criticised Momodu’s career and family background, saying, “All I know about you is that you were once a journalist, you followed Chief MKO Abiola around like a court jester and collected crumbs from him for much of your life.

“You became a hustler and a photographer after he was incarcerated, and you ran for President a number of years back and got only one vote, which came from your wife.

“Outside of this, I do not have your time. I have been called to serve my country once again, and that is where my focus lies. The only thing that matters is Nigeria.”

Earlier, Momodu had said that Fani-Kayode and Omokri had contacted him to reconcile after their past disagreements.

However, in a post via his X handle on Thursday, Omokri criticised Momodu, calling him “too immature for politics” and denying contacting him to reconcile.

“I have never reached out to you privately for reconciliation. NEVER. If you have evidence about that, please publicise it now.

“The last time you and I had an exchange, I did not reach out to you privately to arrange a settlement or ask for publicity, as you claimed. Rather, I called you to warn you to always travel with aspirin or any other blood thinner to avoid sudden death syndrome caused by frequent air flights.

“Dele, you should focus on hyping fading Big Brother contestants and leave politics to those with a thick enough skin to take barbs and give back in good measure,” Omokri wrote.

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I have no regrets over my actions as minister – Malami

Published

11 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said he has no regrets over his actions while in office, following his release from prison custody.

Malami, who is facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, maintained that he intends to vigorously defend himself against the allegations.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The former minister was rearrested on January 19 by operatives of the Department of State Services shortly after his initial release from Kuje Prison.

On January 21, he accused the DSS of denying him access to his family and legal team.

On February 27, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences.

He has since fulfilled the bail conditions and regained his freedom.

Malami, in an interview with DCL Hausa published on Wednesday, said that despite what he went through, he sees the experience as “God’s will” and pledged to vigorously defend himself against the allegations.

“I have spent time in EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and with the DSS. I believe it is all God’s will, and I accept it, but I will defend myself against the allegations,” he said.

Malami also alleged violations of his rights during the investigation, claiming that security agencies searched his homes and business premises without notifying him.

“They violated my rights by searching my houses and business premises without notifying me during the investigation.

“Constitutionally, I have the right to be present during a search to oversee the investigation of my property and to know exactly what is being looked for or taken.

Despite the ordeal, Malami said he remains resolute. “I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister,” he concluded.

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Naija no dey carry last, nine things King Charles said about Nigeria

Published

20 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

King Charles III on Wednesday hosted President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at a state banquet in Windsor Castle.

The event was part of activities marking Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, which is expected to boost bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The British monarch, delivering his speech in St George’s Hall, expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s rise, its people, and the nation’s influence in the UK.

He even closed with a flourish in Nigerian Pidgin that drew smiles from guests, saying, “Naija No Dey Carry Last!” (Nigerians Never Come Last), as he proposed a toast to the President and people of Nigeria.

Here are 10 highlights from his speech:

Nigeria has arrived

Reflecting on his 2018 visit and earlier trips, the King said Nigeria “hasn’t merely changed… it has arrived.”

He described Nigeria as a nation of over 230 million people, half under 18, full of “energy, ingenuity, ambition and resolve” to tackle global challenges.

Afrobeats, Nollywood, and Premier League stars

King Charles highlighted how Nigerian culture has enriched Britain, from Afrobeats in concert halls to Nollywood on screens.

He also mentioned Nigerian stars competing in the Premier League and adjudicating in courts.

The monarch said, “From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria.”

Nigeria as interfaith example and global leader

Praising Nigeria’s model of peaceful coexistence among faiths, he referenced support for Nigeria’s Quick Reaction Forces and aid in Northern Nigeria.

“This afternoon, I witnessed one such example of how we are learning from one another when we met leaders of the British Christian and Muslim communities.

“The gathering was a deeply meaningful symbol of what Nigeria has long shown: that people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another, in peace, in harmony and in shared purpose,” King Charles said.

He described Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice.”

Painful history between the two nations

The King addressed the “shadow” of shared colonial history.

“There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can.”

He, however, emphasised learning from history to build a better future.

Jollof rice

King Charles might have admitted Nigerians make the best Jollof rice in Africa, but he was diplomatic.

He shared a light-hearted anecdote about hosting a “rather lively group” of young Nigerians for a “Jollof and Tea” party at St. James’s Palace last week, joking diplomatically about the eternal Jollof debate.

“I was firmly assured that the Jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!”

Economic ties — Nigeria as UK’s biggest export market in Africa

The King highlighted growing investments, including Nigerian banks operating in the City of London, companies listing on the London Stock Exchange, and expanding tech partnerships.

He noted Nigeria became the UK’s biggest export market in Africa in January 2026, with mutual tourism spending hitting £178 million each way in 2024.

“I was pleased to see that visitors from Nigeria spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, and 251,000 people from Britain travelled to Nigeria and spent just as much, in return.

“In January of this year, Nigeria became the United Kingdom’s biggest export market in Africa and whilst I hear that in Nigeria the phrase ‘Made in U.K.’ has always symbolised the highest quality, it evidently now has a distinctively Nigerian flavour,” he said.

Commonwealth pride and Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo wisdom

Quoting Yoruba (“rain does not fall on one roof alone”), Hausa (“when the music changes, so does the dance”), and Igbo (“Knowledge is never complete; two heads are better than one”) proverbs, the King endorsed expanding intra-Commonwealth trade and Nigeria’s central role.

He agreed with President Tinubu that the Commonwealth’s time “has come.”

Partnership of equals with deep spiritual bonds

The King described UK-Nigeria relations as a “partnership of equals” and a “deeply spiritual connection, beyond churches and mosques.”

He said the ties strengthen shared security, prosperity, and hope for the future.

Living bridge of Nigerians in the UK

He celebrated over half a million Nigerians and people of Nigerian heritage thriving in Britain.

He described them as a “living bridge,” enriching UK culture across sectors including business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature, arts, and public service.