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Nigerians Need A Better Constitution That Will Address Anomalies In The System–Chief Umenzekwe

You said some Nigerians are calling for new a constitution, while others are calling for a review of the existing constitution. All of them are patriotic Nigerians calling for a better working document for Nigeria.

Published

10 months ago

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Chief Modestus Umenzekwe in his recent interview with New Telegraph, said that Nigerians need a better constitution that will address anomalies the system of the country.

Umenzekwe is an Igbo man based in Lagos State of Nigeria and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He calls for a new constitution, addressed the need for Lagos State to be accorded priority in the nation’s budget, and other developments in the Nigerian polity.

Below is the full read of the interview:

You are an advocate of a special status in the federal budget for Lagos State; do you still insist that Lagos should be accorded a special status?

My answer to that question is yes and if you ask me the same question tomorrow I will still say yes as I told you yes many years back.

You see, I am from Anambra State, a very lovely state, but that will not stop me from saying the truth. Lagos State set the pace for economic and infrastructural advancement of this country.

In the 7th Assembly, I made a publication advising the then National Assembly, led by most respected senator, David Mark, to give support to a bill sponsored by our now First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, requesting that Lagos should be given special status in the budget.

In 2018, I repeated my call that the National Assembly should revisit the Lagos State special status bill, but all those things were turned down. I was like a lone voice crying in the wilderness. But bear in mind that most of the members of the National Assembly and big men in this country emanated from Lagos.

When we were in secondary school, if we were going on holiday during the long vacation, we would be asking ourselves where are you going to spend your holidays and you would find out that 80 percent of our school mates then would say they are going to Lagos. Look at the heavy trucks on the streets of Lagos, the vehicular pressure on the roads of Lagos, the waterways. Look at the Third Mainland Bridge; every day there is work going on there because of pressure.

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And you know water in Lagos is salty, it is not friendly water, so it takes the state a chunk of money from the budget to maintain Lagos. I don’t see it as what the state can carry alone. Now, they are talking about the Fourth Mainland Bridge, which is still aimed at also trying to decongest and open up channels for vehicular movements and transportation issues.

They are filling some parts of the ocean, to accommodate Nigerians, not only Lagosians, so I don’t see the reason why that bill did not see the light of the day. About 80 percent of National Assembly members, directly or indirectly are in Lagos, they have property here, they have their families here, so we shouldn’t play politics with the clamour for a special status for Lagos.

Are you advocating that the bill be reintroduced or that the old bill should be dusted up since Senator Oluremi Tinubu is no longer in the Senate?

Either way; they should revisit it because the papers are there. So, the three senators representing Lagos should rise to the occasion as members of the public are ready to support that Lagos be accorded a special status in the constitution to be amended or the new constitution to be drafted.

Some Nigerians are calling for a review of the constitution, while others are calling for an entirely new constitution or even many are advocating that the 2014 National Conference report should be dusted up. Where do you stand in all these?

You said some Nigerians are calling for new a constitution, while others are calling for a review of the existing constitution. All of them are patriotic Nigerians calling for a better working document for Nigeria.

That is the way l look at it. There is no way we can be living without change. There are so many things that are not in the constitution that are supposed to be there, and there are so many things that are lopsided that are supposed to be adjusted.

For instance, the South-East don’t have equal states like other geopolitical zones, and I think it is the constitutional review that will take care of all these things for us to get one or two additional states like others.

So, whether you call it new constitution or constitution review, the most important thing is that there is the need for us to have a better working document to better the lives of Nigerians. It might lead us to devolution of power, which will be a modification of the 1963 Constitution.

If it is done; some of these crises here and there will calm down. You know that late constitutional lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze advocated for this despite the fact that he was part of those who drafted what we are using now during the military era.

So, let the debate continue, let the conversation go on, let Nigerians say their mind, let everybody talk. The National Assembly will now harmonise the whole thing and marry it with the 2014 National Conference report.

For me, it is a matter of nomenclature, whether you call it confab or whatever; the most important thing is that we are talking about a better working document for Nigerians. Some of the recommendation of the 2014 National conference must have been obsolete, so the National Assembly has a responsibility.

It is a very serious task; either reviewing the existing constitution or drafting a new one, or reviewing the 2024 national confab report, or marrying the three documents to bring the best. In fact, I encourage them to go into eclectic fashion of points and ideas to give us a better working document.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently paid a courtesy call to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and several meanings have been read to the visit. What do you make of the visit; do you think it is about the politics of 2027?

I have not discussed with Atiku or former President Buhari, so I can’t give you any cogent answer. I don’t know what was in Atiku’s mind; whether he went on the invitation of Buhari or on his own volition.

But we must eschew bitterness in politics after all Buhari are Atiku are northerners and they are Nigerians, so nothing stops two Nigerians from meeting.

If there is any other political undertone, I don’t know and I don’t see it as a serious issue. The other day I read in the papers that former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. What is bad about it? Having different political inclination should not bring enmity.

That is the way I look at all these things. So, whether Atiku has any political motive for visiting Buhari, I don’t know because I can’t speak for him.

Are you not worried over the visit given the speculation that some Northern political leaders are plotting to stop President Bola Tinubu in 2027?

Before 2015, I granted an interview and said that APC will spring surprises, and it did. We also did it again in 2023. In 2027, we will still spring surprises. And I have said it time without number that APC will rule for 16 years as PDP did.

There is a move by some lawmakers to reach out to the President for a possible release of leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. What do you take of it?

I am an Igbo man and Nnamdi Kanu is our son. All these court cases will not help out. Let him be released through a political arrangement and we will take him home, discuss with him and correct him on areas where he misfired.

Where he has gotten it right, we will support him. So, my position is whether some lawmakers are signing for his release or not, let the Federal Government adopt a political approach and release him.

What is your advice to Nigerians given the state of the nation?

My advice to Nigerians is to be prayerful and look on to God and also try to show changes wherever we feel we are getting it wrong, right from our families to the seat of power. Then, let us criticise constructively.

When you come out and talk with a mindset, you are bound to make mistakes. Also, let us at all times protect the image of this country. We don’t have any other country.

I don’t see any sense when some people keep running Nigeria down and they are a Nigerians. So, let us at all times try to protect the image of this country and criticize those in public offices constructively because nobody is Mr. know all.

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Global Affairs

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls. Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.

Published

4 hours ago

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June 17, 2025

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Iran–Israel War Escalates in today’s Attacks

Latest Developments

  • Israel’s Operation Rising Lion launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), key IRGC commanders, and missile infrastructure—including in Tehran—claiming “total air superiority” (theguardian.com).
  • Iran retaliated with over 300 missiles and drones, landing in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other regions (apnews.com).

Current Casualties & Damage

  • Iran: Health Ministry reports 224 killed, ~1,277 injured; independent sources suggest up to 400+ deaths, many civilians, with extensive damage to city infrastructures—water, power, hospitals (theguardian.com).
  • Israel: Official sources confirm 24 civilian deaths, ~60–500 injured from Iranian strikes (apnews.com).

Official Statements

President Donald Trump

  • Urged all Tehran residents to vacate right away; left G7 early to address crisis (reuters.com).
  • Pushed for a “real deal” nuclear agreement with Iran, denying ceasefire claims (reuters.com).

Israeli Government (PM & IDF)

  • PM Netanyahu stated the operation will persist “as many days as needed to neutralize the threat”—emphasizing hits on nuclear/scientific and missile facilities (understandingwar.org).
  • The military claims destruction of 120 missile launchers (~1/3 of Iran’s stockpile) and “total air superiority” over Tehran (theguardian.com).

Iranian Response

Humanitarian Impact & Civilian Exodus

  • Over 100,000 Tehran residents have fled northwards to Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz provinces (en.wikipedia.org).
  • Reports of fuel shortages, hospital strain, internet blackouts, and psychological distress are emerging (en.wikipedia.org).

🔮 What’s Next?

  1. Further military escalation — Iran may strike U.S. or allies if intervention continues (understandingwar.org).
  2. Nuclear diplomacy in limbo — Iran paused talks pending Israeli ceasefire; Trump supports negotiation .
  3. Broader regional ripple effects — Proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, could escalate (en.wikipedia.org).
  4. Global economic disruptions — Oil prices spiked after Tehran warnings; airlines diverted flights (en.wikipedia.org).

Biblical Perspective

  • Operation Rising Lion invokes Isaiah 31:4 (“As a lion… roars!”), reinforcing Israel’s belief in its God-given resolve (newarab.com).
  • Some Christian prophecy scholars see this as part of eschatological build-up (Ezekiel 38, Isaiah 17)—though cautioned by others to avoid hasty conclusions (forums.crosswalk.com).
  • Biblical themes abound: calls for justice, divine defense, and the lament over cities under siege echo Psalms and prophets (e.g., Lamentations 2:1; Joel 3:2). Prayer for peace and wisdom is urged.

Key Takeaways

  • The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls.
  • Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.
  • Expect continued conflict, potential negotiations, and regional escalation.
  • Many believers are interpreting the events through biblical lenses—prayers for peace are critical.
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Global Affairs

Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes

This opposition has led to covert operations and battlefield skirmishes across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

Published

1 day ago

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June 16, 2025

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Trackingtimes News & Politics

Historical Background

Since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, tensions with Israel have grown over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for proxy militias like Hezbollah. Israel has consistently opposed any perceived existential threat. This opposition has led to covert operations and battlefield skirmishes across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. These conflicts are mostly orchestrated from the shadows. This rivalry has rarely escalated into full-scale war.

Most Recent Updates & Casualties

🛑 Israeli “Operation Rising Lion” (Started June 13)

  • Targets hit: Over 100 Iranian sites—including Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, IRGC bases, missile production plants, Tehran’s Ministry of Defense HQ, and oil/fuel depots near Tehran (english.mathrubhumi.com, theguardian.com, en.wikipedia.org, wsj.com).
  • Casualties in Iran: At least 78–224 killed (including 20+ senior commanders such as Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, Gen Hossein Salami, Gen Gholam Ali Rashid, Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh); 6–14 nuclear scientists killed; hundreds wounded; many civilians among victims (theguardian.com).
  • Notable death: Brigadier Gen Mehdi Rabbani and his family were killed in one strike (en.wikipedia.org).

🇮🇷 Iranian Retaliation

  • Missile & drone attacks: Waves launched at Tel Aviv and Haifa; 65 ballistic missiles and scores of drones fired (theguardian.com).
  • Casualties in Israel: At least 14–24 killed and ~390 injured; critical infrastructure—including a power plant and U.S. Embassy wing—was damaged (theguardian.com).

Official Statements

Iran – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

“Israel opened its wicked and blood‑stained hand… will receive a bitter and painful fate… severe punishment awaits.” (thedailyguardian.com)

Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“We acted pre‑emptively to prevent Iran’s nuclear bomb… we’ll do what we need to do. Regime change is possible.” (ft.com)

USA – President Donald Trump

“We were aware of the impending Israeli operation… working behind the scenes on a deal… vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader… unprecedented retaliation if Iran targets the U.S.” (theguardian.com)

🌍 Regional & Global Impacts

Middle East

  • New proxy wars erupt across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
  • Oil markets surged, then stabilized—global energy remains vulnerable .
  • Gulf and NATO countries deploy military to deter escalation amid high tensions (theguardian.com).

USA

  • Supports Israel’s missile defenses and may deploy naval vessels.
  • Oil price fluctuations could worsen inflation.
  • Diplomatic pressure mounts with vetoes and summit-level interventions .

Africa

  • Rising oil prices strain developing economies.
  • Cargo and shipping risks impact African trade.
  • Diaspora populations in Africa may intensify local debates or protests via spiritual and cultural channels.

📖 Historical & Biblical Lens

  • Biblical parallels: Books like Ezekiel (chapters 38–39) discuss invasions from the North targeting Israel. Some interpret modern Iranian threats through this prophetic narrative.
  • Spiritual implications: Maxwell Nnawuihe’s teachings on justice, fearlessness, and faith echo strongly amid this crisis.
  • Economic ties: Faith & Fortune Finance’s messages on biblical stewardship and fiscal resilience are directly relevant as nations and individuals face uncertainty.

🕊️ Pathways to Peace

  1. U.N.-mediated ceasefire with verified arms monitoring to halt further strikes.
  2. Inclusive regional security framework involving Gulf states, Iraq, and Syria to reduce proxy aggression.
  3. Faith-driven diplomacy: Interfaith councils (Christian-Muslim-Jewish) promoting reconciliation, trust-building, and shared economic ventures.
  4. Economic resilience programs: Channel resources into reconstruction and economic stability—aligning with themes from Faith & Fortune Finance’s “Kingdom Wealth” strategy.
  • Faith & Fortune Finance’s content tied to economic resilience:
  • “Biblical Wealth Under Crisis”
  • “Kingdom Finances When Markets Shake”

Maxwell Nnawuihe’s video on prophetic motivation and fearless leadership:

“Courageous Voices Precede Peace”

Conclusion

This Israel–Iran conflict marks a historic escalation, with devastating strikes, high-profile casualties, and global political impact. Blending historical, biblical, and economic insight provides deeper understanding—and grounds your YouTube channels in relevance.

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Biafra

Tinubu Refused To Honour Our Agreement To Release Nnamdi Kanu After Election– Kanu’s Brother

Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.

Published

5 months ago

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January 3, 2025

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Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has said they had an agreement with President Bola Tinubu for the release of his elder brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Emmanuel disclosed that he had the pact with Tinubu’s son, Seyi, in Abuja before the 2023 presidential election.

Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.

According to him, it was agreed that IPOB would not bycott the polls on the condition that Tinubu would release Kanu if elected President.

Prince Emmanuel expressed disappointment that nearly two years after the emergence of Tinubu as President, his brother (Kanu), has continued to languish in detention despite the fact that the presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, had since recused herself from the matter.

He said it was disappointing that those who claimed to be honourable, failed to keep their words.

The statement read:”Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi the son of President Tinubu wanted to see me. I agreed to meet with him on the condition that the overriding priority and hence the fulcrum of our discussion will be the release of my brother. The meeting was held in Abuja in the presence of another individual whom I asked along to witness the deliberations and if need be provide independent verification should the need arise.

“Seyi confirmed to me that his father sanctioned the meeting and that I should consider any agreement we reach as binding on the then candidate Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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“In good faith we agreed that I shall relay the outcome to my brother to reinforce the long held tradition of IPOB not interfering with the conduct of elections, either through boycott or any other form of civil disobedience. This understanding was duly communicated to my brother and he reaffirmed his commitment not to stop the elections or order any boycott.

“When President Tinubu as a candidate visited Owerri during his campaign, he too reiterated his commitment to facilitate the release of my brother if elected. We took his public statement as a tacit reaffirmation of the understanding I reached with his son Seyi.

“At the end, IPOB did not call for election boycott despite having the capacity to do so. IPOB also made sure that discordant voices urging election boycott were overcome because election boycotts would not reflect well on the reputation of a global movement that prides itself on adherence to democratic tenets.

“It therefore, defies logic that nearly two years after President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, my brother is still in detention despite not having any charge against him. It’s been over three months now that Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case yet no new judge has been assigned the case.

“This is on top of the fact that Appeal Court had earlier discharged him of the sham charges and ordered his release which the previous regime of Buhari declined to obey.

“Supreme Court determination that his bail ought not to have been revoked has been ignored by the courts and the government. The latest insult is that Abuja courts of all persuasion are no longer willing to determine the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on merit but are rather relying on ludicrous and inapplicable technicalities to stall the timely determination of his cases.

“The truth is that Nigerian courts cannot, will not and do not have both the substantive and procedural jurisdiction to try him. His detention is without the backing of any known law in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world.”

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