It was supposed to be a retreat of the Joint Committee on Constitutional Review of both chambers of the National Assembly in Minna to reflect on process of reviewing the 1999 Constitution. But rather than Senators and Representatives achieving the purpose of their gathering, controversy ensued over chairman cum Co-chairman of the committee.

The alleged presidential ambition of the Kaduna State governor, Mohammed Namadi Sambo may have pitched him against President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Government activities at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, seat of the state government have virtually come to a halt since penultimate Monday when newspaper reports said that Sambo may succeed Yar’Adua in 2011.

WITH the judgment in the suit instituted by Dr. Andy Uba, now delivered, the coast is clear for 25 governorship candidates of different political parties vying for the February 6, 2010 election to move into the field.

Neither Ngige nor Gov Peter Obi knows how to stimulate the economy, to say nothing about our state becoming the Dubai or Taiwan of Africa. Can they tell us how many jobs they have created or big companies they have attracted to the state as governors? Gov Obi has a worse record. He has not employed even teachers in government –owned schools since he became the governor over almost four years ago.

This was one of the challenges which I faced. I said I must change it. I believe that if you want to do anything, you have to do it well. That I accepted to be the Chairman of the Council means that I have to change the institution for the better and which I am happy that I have done just that. People are already testifying that my coming into the office has really changed the traditional institution. I am happy that people are giving honour and respect to the traditional institution. That is what gladdens my heart.

It is absolutely impossible! Any report that says anything like that is either spreading rumour or is simply dishonest. Christians are more than Muslims. If I want to immodest, I will say that Christians comprising all the denominations in the country are more than 60 per cent, and I am saying that without any fear of contradiction. I am just being economical with the statistics. It just cannot be.

With two and half years into the life of the current administration and less than one and half years to 2011 general elections, stakeholders are still calling for restructuring of the country. This is in spite of the twin issue of constitution review and electoral reforms currently being addressed by the National Assembly.

Political heavy weights across the nation gathered in Benin City , Edo State capital last week Thursday, at the 1st anniversary celebration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration to stress the need for reforming the nation’s electoral process.

It was the third annual retreat of the Senate under Senator David Mark’s watch as Senate President. That indeed is a feat no other Senate President has been able to accomplish since the onset of the Fourth Republic.

Senator Joseph Akaagerger, a holder of doctorate degree in law easily combines his cerebral prowess with a devotion to the celestial.