₦airaland Forum

[size=14pt]LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE REPAIRS AND DAILY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC DIVERSION PLAN.[/size]

Diversion Points;

1. University of Lagos Waterfront (towards Lagos)

2. Oworonshoki Interchange (towards Lagos)

3. Adeniji Adele Interchange (towards Oworonshoki/Toll Gate)

Daily Diversion Periods;

A. 12 Midnight to 12 noon

1. Vehicles approaching from Oworonshoki and Ikeja/Toll gate/Ikorodu Road end of the Bridge will have unhindered access to the bridge towards Lagos Island.


2. Vehicles from the Lagos end to the bridge (from Obalende, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, etc.) will be diverted from the Third Mainland Bridge at Adeniji Adele Interchange towards Carter Bridge to link Iddo interchange.


From Iddo to connect Ikeja, Ojota, Ketu, Ikorodu, Agege, Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Agege, Alimosho, Oshodi, Abule Egba etc. via;


a. Herbert Macaulay Road to Jibowu to Ikorodu Road and on....

b. Herbert Macaulay Road to Jibowu to Agege Motor Road to Oshodi and on....

c. Eko Bridge to Funsho Williams Avenue to Ikorodu Road and on....

d. Eko Bridge to Funsho Williams Avenue to Agege Motor Road to Oshodi and on....

e. Ijora to Apapa to Apapa Oshodi Express Way to Oshodi and on....


B. 12 noon to 12 Midnight

1. Vehicles approaching from Oworonshoki and Ikeja/Toll gate/Ikorodu Road end of the Bridge will be diverted at Oworonshoki Interchange.

Through the Oworonshoki Expressway to

a. Ikorodu Road (via Anthony interchange) to Funsho Williams Avenue to Eko Bridge and on...

b. Agege Motor Road (via Oshodi Interchange) to Moshalasi to Jibowu to Muritala Mohamed's way to Iddo and on...

c. Agege Motor Road (via Oshodi Interchange) to Moshalasi to Funsho Williams Avenue to Eko Bridge and on....

d. Apapa Oshodi Express road to Mile 2 and on........


2. Vehicles approaching from the Lagos Island end to the bridge (from Obalende, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, etc.) will have unhindered access to use the Third Mainland bridge



KAYODE OPEIFA, HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER

Bump

Bump

Cake

Beautiful!

Traffic jam on 3rd Mainland Bridge @ 5:30 am.

[size=14pt]LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE REPAIRS AND DAILY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC DIVERSION PLAN.[/size]

Diversion Points;

1. University of Lagos Waterfront (towards Lagos)

2. Oworonshoki Interchange (towards Lagos)

3. Adeniji Adele Interchange (towards Oworonshoki/Toll Gate)

Daily Diversion Periods;

A. 12 Midnight to 12 noon

1. Vehicles approaching from Oworonshoki and Ikeja/Toll gate/Ikorodu Road end of the Bridge will have unhindered access to the bridge towards Lagos Island.


2. Vehicles from the Lagos end to the bridge (from Obalende, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, etc.) will be diverted from the Third Mainland Bridge at Adeniji Adele Interchange towards Carter Bridge to link Iddo interchange.


From Iddo to connect Ikeja, Ojota, Ketu, Ikorodu, Agege, Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Agege, Alimosho, Oshodi, Abule Egba etc. via;


a. Herbert Macaulay Road to Jibowu to Ikorodu Road and on....

b. Herbert Macaulay Road to Jibowu to Agege Motor Road to Oshodi and on....

c. Eko Bridge to Funsho Williams Avenue to Ikorodu Road and on....

d. Eko Bridge to Funsho Williams Avenue to Agege Motor Road to Oshodi and on....

e. Ijora to Apapa to Apapa Oshodi Express Way to Oshodi and on....


B. 12 noon to 12 Midnight

1. Vehicles approaching from Oworonshoki and Ikeja/Toll gate/Ikorodu Road end of the Bridge will be diverted at Oworonshoki Interchange.

Through the Oworonshoki Expressway to

a. Ikorodu Road (via Anthony interchange) to Funsho Williams Avenue to Eko Bridge and on...

b. Agege Motor Road (via Oshodi Interchange) to Moshalasi to Jibowu to Muritala Mohamed's way to Iddo and on...

c. Agege Motor Road (via Oshodi Interchange) to Moshalasi to Funsho Williams Avenue to Eko Bridge and on....

d. Apapa Oshodi Express road to Mile 2 and on........


2. Vehicles approaching from the Lagos Island end to the bridge (from Obalende, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, etc.) will have unhindered access to use the Third Mainland bridge



KAYODE OPEIFA, HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER

Who remembers the terror alert of 2004, when saxon armoured cars were deployed @ Mega Plaza, Eleke Crescent and other potential targets?

http://news.biafranigeriaworld.com/archive/2004/mar/20/062.html

I'm still searching for transcript of the 2nd tape, where he mentioned killing of muslims by christians in Nigeria.

[size=14pt]Osama Bin Ladin's message to Nigeria, which was published by the BBC on
Wednesday, 12 February, 2003, 00:56 GMT[/size]

The following is the full text of an audio message purported to be by al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, broadcast on Arab television station al-Jazeera on 11 February.

In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate.

A message to our Muslim brothers in Iraq, may God's peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.

O you who believe fear Allah, by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden as He should be feared.

Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always, and die not except in a state of Islam [as Muslims] with complete submission to Allah.

We are following up with great interest and extreme concern the crusaders' preparations for war to occupy a former capital of Islam, loot Muslims' wealth, and install an agent government, which would be a satellite for its masters in Washington and Tel Aviv, just like all the other treasonous and agent Arab governments.

This would be in preparation for establishing the Greater Israel.

Allah is sufficient for us and He is the best disposer of affairs.

'Unjust war'

Amid this unjust war, the war of infidels and debauchees led by America along with its allies and agents, we would like to stress a number of important values:

First, showing good intentions. This means fighting should be for the sake of the one God.

It should not be for championing ethnic groups, or for championing the non-Islamic regimes in all Arab countries, including Iraq.

God Almighty says: "Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject faith fight in the cause of evil."

So fight ye against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.

Second, we remind that victory comes only from God and all we have to do is prepare and motivate for jihad.

God Almighty says: "Oh ye who believe! If ye will help the cause of Allah, He will help you and plant your feet firmly."

We must rush to seek God Almighty's forgiveness from sins, particularly the grave sins.

Prophet Muhammad, God's peace be upon him, said: "Avoid the seven grave sins; polytheism, sorcery, killing, unless permitted by God, usury, taking the money of orphans, fleeing from combat, and slandering innocent faithful women."

Also, all grave sins, such as consuming alcohol, committing adultery, disobeying parents, and committing perjury. We must obey God in general, and should in particular mention the name of God more before combat.

'Media machine'

Abu-al-Darda, may God be pleased with him, said: "Perform a good deed before an attack, because you are fighting with your deeds."

Third, we realized from our defence and fighting against the American enemy that, in combat, they mainly depend on psychological warfare.

This is in light of the huge media machine they have.

They also depend on massive air strikes so as to conceal their most prominent point of weakness, which is the fear, cowardliness, and the absence of combat spirit among US soldiers.

Those soldiers are completely convinced of the injustice and lying of their government.

They also lack a fair cause to defend. They only fight for capitalists, usury takers, and the merchants of arms and oil, including the gang of crime at the White House.

This is in addition to crusader and personal grudges by Bush the father.

Trench warfare

We also realized that one of the most effective and available methods of rendering the air force of the crusader enemy ineffective is by setting up roofed and disguised trenches in large numbers.

I had referred to that in a previous statement during the Tora Bora battle last year.

In that great battle, faith triumphed over all the materialistic forces of the people of evil, for principles were adhered to, thanks to God Almighty.

I will narrate to you part of that great battle, to show how cowardly they are on the one hand, and how effective trenches are in exhausting them on the other.

We were about 300 mujahideen [Islamic militants].We dug 100 trenches that were spread in an area that does not exceed one square mile, one trench for every three brothers, so as to avoid the huge human losses resulting from the bombardment.

Since the first hour of the US campaign on 20 Rajab 1422, corresponding to 7 October 2001, our centres were exposed to a concentrated bombardment.

And this bombardment continued until mid-Ramadan.

On 17 Ramadan, a very fierce bombardment began, particularly after the US command was certain that some of al-Qaeda leaders were still in Tora Bora, including the humble servant to God [referring to himself] and the brother mujahid Dr Ayman al-Zawahiri.

The bombardment was round-the-clock and the warplanes continued to fly over us day and night.

War in Afghanistan

The US Pentagon, together with its allies, worked full time on blowing up and destroying this small spot, as well as on removing it entirely.

Planes poured their lava on us, particularly after accomplishing their main missions in Afghanistan.

The US forces attacked us with smart bombs, bombs that weigh thousands of pounds, cluster bombs, and bunker busters.

Bombers, like the B-52, used to fly over head for more than two hours and drop between 20 to 30 bombs at a time.

The modified C-130 aircraft kept carpet-bombing us at night, using modern types of bombs.

The US forces dared not break into our positions, despite the unprecedented massive bombing and terrible propaganda targeting this completely besieged small area.

This is in addition to the forces of hypocrites, whom they prodded to fight us for 15 days non-stop.

Every time the latter attacked us, we forced them out of our area carrying their dead and wounded.

'Alliance of evil'

Is there any clearer evidence of their cowardice, fear, and lies regarding their legends about their alleged power.

To sum it up, the battle resulted in the complete failure of the international alliance of evil, with all its forces, [to overcome] a small number of mujahideen - 300 mujahideen hunkered down in trenches spread over an area of one square mile under a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius.

The battle resulted in the injury of 6% of personnel - we hope God will accept them as martyrs - and the damage of two percent of the trenches, praise be to God.

If all the world forces of evil could not achieve their goals on a one square mile of area against a small number of mujahideen with very limited capabilities, how can these evil forces triumph over the Muslim world?

This is impossible, God willing, if people adhere to their religion and insist on jihad for its sake.

Iraqi 'brothers'

O mujahideen brothers in Iraq, do not be afraid of what the United States is propagating in terms of their lies about their power and their smart, laser-guided missiles.

The smart bombs will have no effect worth mentioning in the hills and in the trenches, on plains, and in forests.

They must have apparent targets. The well-camouflaged trenches and targets will not be reached by either the smart or the stupid missiles.

There will only be haphazard strikes that dissipate the enemy ammunition and waste its money. Dig many trenches.

The [early Muslim caliph] Umar, may God be pleased with him, stated: "Take the ground as a shield because this will ensure the exhaustion of all the stored enemy missiles within months."

Their daily production is too little and can be dealt with, God willing.

We also recommend luring the enemy forces into a protracted, close, and exhausting fight, using the camouflaged defensive positions in plains, farms, mountains, and cities.

The enemy fears city and street wars most, a war in which the enemy expects grave human losses.

Martyrdom operations

We stress the importance of the martyrdom operations against the enemy - operations that inflicted harm on the United States and Israel that have been unprecedented in their history, thanks to Almighty God.

We also point out that whoever supported the United States, including the hypocrites of Iraq or the rulers of Arab countries, those who approved their actions and followed them in this crusade war by fighting with them or providing bases and administrative support, or any form of support, even by words, to kill the Muslims in Iraq, should know that they are apostates and outside the community of Muslims.

It is permissible to spill their blood and take their property.

God says: "O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other."

And he amongst you that turns to them [for friendship] is of them.

Verily, Allah guideth not a people unjust.

Mobilizing the 'Islamic nation'

We also stress to honest Muslims that they should move, incite, and mobilize the [Islamic] nation, amid such grave events and hot atmosphere so as to liberate themselves from those unjust and renegade ruling regimes, which are enslaved by the United States.

They should also do so to establish the rule of God on earth.

The most qualified regions for liberation are Jordan, Morocco, [size=14pt]Nigeria[/size], Pakistan, the land of the two holy mosques [Saudi Arabia], and Yemen.

Needless to say, this crusade war is primarily targeted against the people of Islam.

Regardless of the removal or the survival of the socialist party or Saddam, Muslims in general and the Iraqis in particular must brace themselves for jihad against this unjust campaign and acquire ammunition and weapons.

This is a prescribed duty. God says: "[And let them pray with thee] taking all precautions and bearing arms: the unbelievers wish if ye were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush."

Fighting in support of the non-Islamic banners is forbidden.

Muslims' doctrine and banner should be clear in fighting for the sake of God. He who fights to raise the word of God will fight for God's sake.

Under these circumstances, there will be no harm if the interests of Muslims converge with the interests of the socialists in the fight against the crusaders, despite our belief in the infidelity of socialists.

The jurisdiction of the socialists and those rulers has fallen a long time ago.

Socialists are infidels wherever they are, whether they are in Baghdad or Aden.

'High morale'

The fighting, which is waging and which will be waged these days, is very much like the fighting of Muslims against the Byzantine in the past.

And the convergence of interests is not detrimental. The Muslims' fighting against the Byzantine converged with the interests of the Persians.

And this was not detrimental to the companions of the prophet.

Before concluding, we reiterate the importance of high morale and caution against false rumours, defeatism, uncertainty, and discouragement.

The prophet said: "Bring good omens and do not discourage people."

He also said: "The voice of Abu-Talhah [one of the prophet's companions] in the army is better than 100 men."

During the Al-Yarmuk Battle, a man told Khalid bin-al-Walid [an Islamic commander]: "The Byzantine soldiers are too many and the Muslims are few."

So, Khalid told him: "Shame on you. Armies do not triumph with large numbers but are defeated if the spirit of defeatism prevails."

Keep this saying before your eyes: "It is not fitting for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he hath thoroughly subdued the land."

"Therefore, when ye meet the unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks."

Your wish to the crusaders should be as came in this verse of poetry: "The only language between you and us is the sword that will strike your necks."

In the end, I advise myself and you to fear God covertly and openly and to be patient in the jihad.

Victory will be achieved with patience. I also advise myself and you to say more prayers.

O ye who believe! When ye meet a force, be firm, and call Allah in remembrance much (and often); That ye may prosper.

God, who sent the book unto the prophet, who drives the clouds, and who defeated the enemy parties, defeat them and make us victorious over them.

Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the Fire! [Koranic verse].

May God's peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad and his household.

BBC Monitoring , based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/2751019.stm

berem: Pls how do I check my messages on nairaland? Its just so confusing I dunno where to click! "Angry"

Your messages should be in your e-mail inbox.

[size=14pt]National Intelligence Agency (Nigeria)[/size]

National Intelligence Agency

Agency overview

Formed

June 5, 1986

Jurisdiction

Government of Nigeria

Headquarters

Abuja, Nigeria

Agency executive

Olaniyi Oladeji, Director General

Website

www.nationalintelligenceagency.gov.ng⁠

The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is a Nigerian government division tasked with overseeing foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations

History

ShowHide

Fulfilling one of the promises made in his first national address as president, in June 1986 Ibrahim Babangida issued Decree Number 19, dissolving the National Security Organization (NSO) and restructuring Nigeria's security services into three separate entities under the Office of the Co-ordinator of National Security[1][2]

State Security Service (SSS) - Responsible for domestic intelligence

National Intelligence Agency (NIA) - Responsible for Foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations

Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) - Responsible for military intelligence.

↑Jump back a section

Directors General of the NIA

ShowHide

Directors General of the NIA

Term of Service

Albert K. Horsfall

1986–1990

Brigadier-General Haliru Akilu (Rtd)

1990–1993

Zakari Y. Ibrahim

1993–1998

Godfrey B. Preware

1998–1999

Uche O. Okeke

1999–2007

Emmanuel E. Imohe

2007 - 2009 (September, 2009)

Olaniyi Oladeji

2007 - 2009 (September, 2010)





What has this agency ever done for Nigeria?

dasparrow: Yes he is! I don't know why most Nigerians act like they have fish brains! It is common knowledge here in the states that in order to excel in politics, entertainment, and sports in america, you have to be a member of this satanic sect. However, because Nigerians like to worship american politicians and everything american, you cannot think with your brains. Go to youtube and see videos of the clintons, the bush family, Obama and all the others flashing the "devil's horn" hand sign. Nigerians will never learn even when you try to teach them and that is why boko haram is dealing with you people in Nigeria today. A people who have stubbornly refused to use their brains will learn the hard way.

@Post

She probably was used as blood sacrifice so he could win the coming presidential elections. Who knows? If that is not the case, why would they not conduct an autopsy? How can they just determine she died from natural causes by mere looking at the corpse? God is watching. Sign of the end times.

I can't thank you enough. I really needed some humour this morning.

I've said this before and I'll say it again, we need to be wary of wrong diagnosis. If a man has typhoid and you administer malaria treatment on him, he could die before you know what's going on.


Boko Haram has splintered into many factions. You have the political element (thugs used by politicians to carry out their dirty deeds), you have the common criminals, you have the Yusuf faction and you have the Al-Qaeda faction.

To be fair, Shehu Sanni may mean well, but his claims are exaggerated. He may be in touch with one faction, but it is certainly not the Al-Qaeda faction, which is the most dangerous faction.

The Al-Qaeda faction is not interested in negotiation. They did not spring up because of President Jonathan, neither are they interested in petty politics. They have just one aim, which is to spread their brand of Islam across Nigeria.

Let me make this clear, they are not just interested in taking over Northern Nigeria, they want to take over the whole country and then spread across West Africa and they will kill anyone who opposes them, including Buhari, the Sultan, Babangida or whoever.

The sooner we put aside our differences and realise that Boko Haram is a threat to all Nigerians, the better for us.

We need to reactivate Ecomog and incorporate Cameroun into the group. We need to have troops in Niger, Chad and northern Cameroun, to prevent those places being used as safe havens by Al-Qaeda affiliated groups. The NIA must be more active. Why haven't they arrested the former Mauritanian president that is backing Boko Haram? We need NIA agents across West Africa to monitor and deal with Boko Haram sympathisers.

If we keep going on about our domestic problems and are not united in confronting this problem, then we might just be administering quinine to a typhoid patient and you know what the result will be.

Kobojunkie: Thank you o'jare!!! This is what the international world already KNOWS and BOKO HARAM has tried over and over to tell us. Just last week, we saw what some of these elements can do, in places like Mali. Na for Naija we want "negotiate" and sing "Kumbaya" with radical elements who have been indiscriminately blowing people up left and right for at least the last 2 years.

+1000

acetee: No! We have BROILERS and COCKRELS :d

Shehu Sanni is a Northern human rights activist who was deeply involved in the June 12 struggle (my memory is fading, but I believe he was arrested and tortured by the Abacha regime).

Name:Mr. Shehu SANI

Country:Nigeria

Position:Executive Director and President,
Civil Rights Congress, Kaduna

Previous Positions:Deputy National Chairman, Campaign for Democracy

Education:Kaduna Polytechnic

Languages:English, Hausa

Mailing Address:Civil Rights Congress
No. 5 Katsina Road
opposite Pilgrims Welfare Board
Kaduna, Kaduna State
Nigeria
Phone: 234-62-249-415
Fax: 234-62-249-415
crcu@inet-global.com.ng

Personal Data:Born October 29, 1967 in Kaduna

http://www.shehusani..co.uk/


In recent times, his colleague in the human rights community, especially in the south, have challenged him to do something about the security situation in the north. He facilitated the meeting between Olusegun Obasanjo and Babakura, but went into hiding when Babakura was assassinated.

These laws have been in existence since colonial times. They were used by the colonial and military governments to oppress Nigerians.

The judge did his duty in applying the law as it is in the statutes. It is the duty of the National and State Assemblies to repeal those laws. It is also the duty of human rights lawyers and citizens to campaign that such laws should be repealed (petition your senator and assembly member).


I miss Chief Fawehinmi. I remember how he campaigned against the "Wandering" law and "Holden Charge".

http://www.placng.org/lawsofnigeria/node/192

May she rest in peace.

By the way, Olusegun Obasanjo on at least two occasions, ate at Mr Biggs when he was president. On one of those occasions he was accompanied by the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

He stood in line to order his food and joked with a little girl who was also waiting to order her food.


http://www.nigeriansinamerica.com/forum/threads/finally-obj-kicks-off-his-campaign.4856/

If we had anti-trust laws, Multichoice would not have been able to buy up ABG's assets in the early '90s. That was the beginning of their monopoly. We need the kind of anti-trust laws that took care of Standard Oil and the Bell Company.

We had the 1979 constitution (drafted by the 1977-79 constituent assembly) which was operated during th 2nd Republic (1979-1983), the 1989 constitution (drafted by the 1988 constituent assembly) which was operated by the 3rd republic (1991-1993), the 1995 constitution which was never used and the 1999 constitution, which is an updated version of the '79 and '89 constitutions.

The 1995 constitution was never used, although some of its provisions (eg 6 geo-political zones) are used as guiding principles today.

Right, so after thrashing out this story in a third and hopefully, final thread, let us turn our attention to something more interesting; a little story from Irrua (part of the Bini Empire).


Eromosele The Great (1876-1921). Onojie of Irrua (picture from a photograph recovered at the ancestral shrine).


Eromosele could be disarmingly nice while planning a ruthless demonstration of his power. Once he took unto himself a wife. He became so fond of this new acquisition that he forgot the one hundred and one other women pinning away unseen in the harem. He could give anything to please this bride. They spent practically the whole day together.

One afternoon, as they sat together on the main throne, the girl lay across his lap and stroked his white beard. Gleefully she said, “Unbelievable! To think this is the Eromosele that all Irrua dread!” “M-h’m!” Eromosele smiled bitterly without ever opening his mouth.

He gave his bride an extra caress, called his chief steward and whispered into his ears. The romance continued until a few hours after which the steward returned, bowed deeply and murmured, “Thy will has been done my lord!”

Eromosele gave one deep yawn and told the bride that it was time they went in for a nap. They arose and the Onojie, anxious to please his beauty, stepped back for her to lead. At the door to the inner quadrangle, the wife discovered that what she nearly stepped upon was a human head. She jumped back, inviting the husband to take a look. With “What’s that?” he made the young woman take a closer look. She screamed, for the head was that of her father! “Go on”, commanded the unruffled monarch. She stepped across and again, she nearly put her delicate foot on something on the other side; she looked, then she fainted. Her mother’s body lay across the other side of the gate! The Onojie fondly put his arm around the girl’s waist and smiled, this time with the beard spread from ear to ear: “That is THE EROMOSELE Irrua knows!”.

Are we in a democracy or a dictatorship

2gbasky22: I thought this mater was already dead and forgoten after the news briefing from the royal palace.
It simply obviouse that the reason omo N'edo uku akporkporlor oba erediauwa did not see the presido was due to some tradition issues taking place in the palace..........or do u think the omo N'oba will decend so low to the extent of being partisan?
HELL NO

Simple.

In his write up - Igue Festival, Ademola Iyi-eweka explains that, Igue Festival is also the time the Oba and some chiefs are involved in AGWE (fasting). The Oba goes into seclusion, not to be seen by visitors. When the Oba and his chiefs break the fast, they are ready to perform UGIE ERHA OBA- a ceremony honouring the Oba's ancestors. The Edos believe in ancestral worship and everybody joins the Oba in Ugie Erha Oba.

http://www.edostate.org/oba.php

Palace Press Statement: I didn't shun Jonathan - Oba of Benin⁠

OBA of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, has denied what he described as “certain mischievous publications in some national newspapers”  that he shunned President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during their visit to Benin, weekend.

It had been widely reported that Oba Erediauwa did not come out to
receive the President when Jonathan had come calling at his palace in Benin. This had in turn fueled suggestions that the Benin monarch shunned the President and members of his entourage.

Reacting on Monday, the Benin Traditional Council in a statement issued in Benin by Mr. Frank Irabor, Secretary to the council, explained that “in fact, it is the respect and love the Oba has for Mr. President, that made him see our President in his private chamber in the Palace despite a complicated situation on that day. 

“The public is reminded that three weeks ago, the Oba waited for over two hours in his open office, where he received the Vice – President, Dr. Namadi Sambo and PDP chieftains that were in Benin for their political rally.” 

The Benin monarch advised politicians to avoid violence in the forth coming governorship election in the state, saying that political office occupation should not be seen as a do or die affair.

It will be recalled that the President and PDP leadership were in Edo State to attend a campaign rally in support of Major-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), the party’s governorship candidate for the July 14, 2012 election and were at the palace of the Benin monarch for the customary courtesy call on him.

http://elombah.com/index.php/write-for-us/11768-palace-press-statement-i-didn-t-shun-jonathan-oba-of-benin

(5) A person shall not hold office at the same time both as a
Minister of the Government of the Federation and as a Minister of
the Government of a Region.
(6) Subject to the provisions of subsection (11) of this section, a
person who holds office as a Minister of the Government of the
Federation for any period of four consecutive months without also
being a Senator or a member of the House of Representatives shall
cease to be a Minister at the expiration of that period or, if that
period expires at a time when Parliament is dissolved and he does
not in the meantime become a Senator or a member of the House
of Representatives, at the date on which Parliament first meets after
that dissolution.
(7) Subject to the provisions of subsection (11) of this section, a
person who holds office as a Minister of the Government of the
Federation and who is at no time while holding that office also a
Senator or a member of the House of Representatives shall not be
qualified for reappointment as such a Minister before Parliament is
next dissolved after he ceases to hold that office, unless in the
meantime he has become a Senator or a member of the House of
Representatives.
( The office of the Prime Minister shall become vacant -
(a) when, after any dissolution of the House of Representatives,
the Prime Minister is informed by the Governor-General that
the Governor-General is about to reappoint him as Prime
Minister or to appoint another person as Prime Minister; or
(b) if he ceases to be a member of the House of Representatives
otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of Parliament.
(9) The office of a Minister of the Government of the Federation
other than the Prime Minister shall become vacant if the office of
Prime Minister becomes vacant.
(10) Subject to the provisions of subsections ( and (9) of this
section, the Ministers of the Government of the Federation shall
hold office during the Governor-General's pleasure:
Provided that -
(a) the Governor-General shall not remove the Prime Minister
from office unless it appears to him that the Prime Minister
no longer commands the support of a majority of the members
of the House of Representatives; and
(b) the Governor-General shall not remove a Minister other than
the Prime Minister from office except in accordance with the
advice of the Prime Minister.
(11) The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation shall
be that of a Minister of the Government of the Federation:
Provided that--

Page 51

(a) the provisions of subsections (6) and (7) of this section shall
not apply in relation to a person holding that office;
(b) if the person holding that office is for any reason unable to
perform the functions conferred upon him by this Constitution
or any other law, those functions may be performed by such
other person (whether or not that person is a Minister) as
may from time to time be designated in that behalf by the
Governor-General acting in accordance with the advice of the
Prime Minister; and
(c) a person shall not be qualified to hold that office or to
perform the functions conferred upon the person holding that
office by this Constitution or any other law unless he is qualified
for admission as an advocate in Nigeria and has been so qualified
for at least ten years.
Establishment of Council of Ministers
82. – (1) There shall be a Council of Ministers for the Federation, whose function
shall be to advise the Governor-General in the government of the Federation and
which shall consist of the Prime Minister and such other persons, being Ministers of
the Government of the Federation, as the Governor-General, acting in accordance
with the advice of the Prime Minister, may from time to time appoint.
(2) A person appointed as a member of the Council of Ministers shall vacate his seat
in the Council if he ceases to be a Minister of the Government of the Federation or if
the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister,
so directs.
Collective responsibility
83. – (1) The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to Parliament for
any advice given to the Governor-General by or under the general authority of the
Council and for all things done by or under the authority of any Minister of the
Government of the Federation in the execution of his office.
(2) The provisions of this section shall not apply in relation to –
(a) the appointment and removal from office of Ministers of the Government of
the Federation members of the Council of Ministers and Parliamentary
Secretaries to Ministers, the assignment of portfolios to Ministers of the
authorization of another member of the Council of Ministers to perform the
functions of the Prime Minister during absence or illness;
(b) the dissolution of Parliament; or
(c) the matters referred to in section 94 of this Constitution (which relates to the
prerogative of mercy)

Page 52

Allocation of portfolios to Ministers
84. The Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime
Minister, may assign to the Prime Minister or any other Minister of the
Government of the Federation responsibility for any business of the Government
of the Federation, including the administration of any department of
government.
Performance of functions of Prime Minister during absence or illness
85. – (1) Whenever the Prime Minister is absent from Nigeria or is by reason of
illness unable to perform the functions conferred upon him by his Constitution, the
Governor-General may authorize some other member of the Council of Ministers of
the Federation to perform those functions (other than the functions conferred by
this section) and that member may perform those functions until his authority is
revoked by the Governor-General.
(2) The powers of the Governor-General under this section shall
be exercised by him in accordance with the advice of the Prime
Minister:
Provided that if the Governor-General considers that it is imprac-
ticable to obtain the advice of the Prime Minister owing to his
absence or illness he may exercise those powers without that advice.
Exercise of Governor-General’s powers
86. - (1) In the exercise of his functions under this Constitution
or any other law the Governor-General shall act in accordance with
the advice of the Council of Ministers or a Minister of the Govern-
ment of the Federation acting under the general authority of the
Council of Ministers except in cases where by this Constitution he is
required to act in accordance with the advice of any person or
authority other than the Council of Ministers:
Provided that the Governor-General shall act in accordance with
his own deliberate judgment in the performance of the following
(a) in the exercise of the powers relating to the dissolution of
Parliament conferred upon him by the proviso to subsection
(4) of section 63 of this Constitution;
(b) in the exercise of the power to appoint the Prime Minister
conferred upon him by subsection (2) of section 81 of this
Constitution;
(c) in the exercise of the powers conferred upon him by section
85 of this Constitution (which relates to the performance of
the functions of the Prime Minister during absence or illness)
in the circumstances described in the proviso to subsection (2)
of that section; and

Page 53

(d) in signifying his approval for the purposes of section 141 of
this Constitution of an appointment to an office on his
personal staff.
(2) Where by this Constitution the Governor-General is required
to act in accordance with the advice of any person or authority, the
question whether he has in any case received, or acted in accordance
with, such advice shall not be enquired into in any court of law.
Governor-General to be informed concerning matters of government
87. The Prime Minister shall keep the Governor-General fully
informed concerning the general conduct of the government of the
Federation and shall furnish the Governor-General with such infor-
mation as he may request with respect to any particular matter
relating to the government of the Federation.
Parliamentary Secretaries
88. - (1) The Governor-General, acting in accordance with the
advice of the Prime Minister, may appoint Parliamentary Secretaries
from among .the Senators and the members of the House of Repre-
sentatives to assist Ministers of the Government of the Federation
in the performance of their duties.
(2) The office of a Parliamentary Secretary shall become vacant-
(a) if he ceases to be a member of one or other House of
Parliament otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of
Parliament;
(b) if the office of Prime Minister becomes vacant; or
(c) if the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice
of the Prime Minister, so directs.
Oaths to be taken by Ministers, etc.
89. A member of the Council of Ministers, Minister of the
Government of the Federation or Parliamentary Secretary to such a
Minister shall not enter upon the duties of his office unless he has
taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and such oath for the
due execution of his office as may be prescribed by Parliament.
Permanent Secretaries
90. Where any Minister of the Government of the Federation has
been charged with responsibility for any department of government,
he shall exercise general direction and control over that department;
and, subject to such direction and control, the department shall be
under the supervision of a permanent secretary, whose office shah be
an office in the public service of the Federation:
Provided that two or more government departments may be placed
under the supervision of one permanent secretary.

Page 54

Constitution of offices for Federation, etc.
91. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and of any Act
of Parliament, the Governor-General, in Her Majesty's name and
on Her Majesty's behalf, may constitute offices for the Federation,
make appointments to any such office and terminate any such
appointment.
Delegation of executive authority of Federation
9.2. - (1) The Governor-General may, with the consent of the
Governor of a Region, entrust either conditionally or unconditionally
to the Governor or to any officer or authority of that Region func-
tions in relation to any matter to which the executive authority of the
Federation extends falling to be performed within that Region:
Provided that the consent of the Governor shall not be required
during any such period as is referred to in section 65 or 66 of this
Constitution.
(2) An Act of Parliament may include provision conferring powers
or imposing duties, or authorising the conferring of powers or the
imposition of duties, upon the Governor of a Region or any officer
or authority of a Region:
Provided that, save during any such period as is referred to in
section 65 or 66 of this Constitution, no provision made in pursuance
of this section shall have effect in relation to any Region unless the
Governor has consented to its having effect.
Delegation of executive authority of Region
93. - (1) The Governor of a Region may, with the consent of the
Governor-General, entrust either conditionally or unconditionally to
the Governor-General or to any officer or authority of the Federation
functions in relation to any matter to which the executive authority
of the Region extends.
(2) A law enacted by the legislature of a Region may include
provision conferring powers or imposing duties, or authorising the
conferring of powers or the imposition of duties, upon the Governor-
General or any officer or authority of the Federation:
Provided that no provision made in pursuance of this subsection
shall have effect unless the Governor-General has consented to its
having effect.
Prerogative of mercy
94. - (1) The Governor-General may, in Her Majesty's name and
on Her Majesty's behalf -
(a) grant to any person concerned in or convicted of any offence

Page 55

created by or under an Act of Parliament a pardon, either
free or subject to lawful conditions;
(b) grant to any person a respite, either indefinite or for a specified
period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that
person for such an offence;
(c) substitute a less severe form of punishment for any punish-
ment imposed on that person for such an offence; or
(d) remit the whole or any part of any punishment imposed on
that person for such an offence or of any penalty or forfeiture
otherwise due to the Crown on account of such an offence.
(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, the
powers of the Governor-General under subsection (1) of this section
shall be exercised by him in accordance with the advice of such
member of the Council of Ministers as may from time to time be
designated in that behalf by the Governor-General, acting in
accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister.
(3) In relation to persons concerned in offences against naval,
military or air-force law or convicted or sentenced by courts-martial,
the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the
Prime Minister, may designate a member of the Council of Ministers
other than the member designated for the purposes of subsection (2)
of this section and at any time when there is another member so
designated the powers of the Governor-General under subsection (1)
of this section shall, in relation to such persons, be exercised in
accordance with the advice of that other member.
(4) The provisions of this section shall apply -
(a) in relation to any offence created by or under any law in
force in the Federal territory, not being an offence created by
or under an Act of Parliament; and'
(b) in relation to any offence created by or under any law in
force in a Region relating to any matter included in the
Exclusive Legislative List or the Concurrent Legislative List,
not being an offence created by or under an Act of Parliament
or a law made by the Legislature of that Region,
as they apply in relation to an offence created by or under an Act of
Parliament.
Establishment of Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy
95. - (1) There shall be for the Federation an Advisory Council
on the Prerogative of Mercy, which shall consist of -
(a) such member of the Council of Ministers of the Federation
as may for the time being be designated under subsection (2)
of section 94 of this Constitution, who shall be chairman;
(b) where the chairman is a Minister other than the Attorney-
General of the Federation, the Attorney-General; and
(c) not less than five and not more than seven other members,

Page 56

who shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in
accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, of whom
at least one shall be a person who is qualified to practise as a
medical practitioner in Nigeria.

(2) For the purposes of this section, Parliament may-
(a) confer on any person or authority exclusive power to acquire
from a purchasing authority established for a Region by the
legislature of that Region any commodity for export from
Nigeria, to export any commodity from Nigeria or to sell any
commodity outside Nigeria; or
(b) make provision for the inspection of commodities to be
exported from Nigeria at the port of shipment from Nigeria
and for the enforcement of grades and standards of quality
in respect of commodities so inspected.
(3) The powers conferred upon Parliament by this section shall
not include powers-
(a) to establish a purchasing authority for a Region;
(b) to confer on any person or authority power to acquire in a
Region any commodity for export from Nigeria from any
person or authority in that Region other than a purchasing
authority established for that Region by the legislature of a
Region;
(c) to regulate the prices to be paid by a purchasing authority

Page 47

established by the legislature of a Region for commodities
for export;
(d) to regulate or prohibit in a Region any processing of a
commodity to be exported or any dealing with such a com-
modity other than its export from Nigeria; or
(e) to make provision for the enforcement in a Region of any
grades or standards of quality for commodities to be exported
from Nigeria that may be established by Parliament.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed as precluding the
legislature of a Region-
(a) from making provision for any of the matters referred to in
subsection (3) of this section; or
(b) from conferring upon any purchasing authority of the Region
power to acquire any commodity in the Region for purposes
other than export from Nigeria.
(5) In this section "purchasing authority' means, in relation to a
Region, any person or authority empowered to purchase commodities
for export in that Region.
Banks and banking
72. - (1) Parliament may make laws for Nigeria or any part thereof
with respect to banks and banking.
(2) Nothing in this section shall preclude the legislature of a
Region from establishing an authority for the purpose of carrying on
(subject to and in compliance with any Act of Parliament for the
time being in force and in particular any Act relating to banks and
banking) the business of banking in Nigeria or elsewhere or from
making such provision for the constitution of that authority and
regulating the performance by that authority of its functions as is
consistent with any Act of Parliament.
Electricity and gas
73. - (I) Parliament may make laws for Nigeria or any part
thereof with respect to electricity or gas:
Provided that nothing in this subsection shall preclude the legis-
lature of a Region from making laws for that Region with respect
to those matters.
(2) The powers conferred on Parliament by this section shall not
include powers -
(a) to prohibit or restrict the establishment by or on behalf of the
Government of a Region of an agency for the manufacture,
distribution or supply of electricity or gas in that Region; or
(b) to regulate the production, distribution or supply of electricity
or gas by the Government of a Region or any such agency.
(3) In this section "gas" does not include natural gas.

Page 48

Authorities empowered to administer trusts and estates
74. Parliament may make laws for Nigeria or any part thereof
establishing and regulating authorities for the Federation with
power -
(a) to administer trusts; or
(b) to apply for grants of representation in respect of the estates
of deceased persons and to administer such estates:
Provided that nothing in this section shall preclude the legislature
of a Region from making provision for similar authorities for that
Region.
Exhibition of cinematograph films
75. Parliament may make laws for Nigeria or any part thereof
establishing and regulating authorities for the Federation with power
to carry out censorship of cinematograph films and to prohibit or
restrict the exhibition of such films:
Provided that nothing in this section shall preclude the legislature
of a Region from making provision for similar authorities for that
Region.
Exemption from Regional taxes with respect to mining
76. Parliament may, for the purpose of implementing any agree-
ment between the Government of the Federation and any person
relating to mining or matters connected therewith, provide for
exempting that person in whole or in part from liability for any tax
or rate imposed by or under a law enacted by the legislature of a
Region with respect to any matter not included in the Legislative
Lists:
Provided that no person shall be granted any exemption in pursu.
ance of this section without prior consultation between the Govern-
ment of the Federation and the Government of the Region concerned.
Evidence
77. Parliament may make laws for Nigeria or any part thereof
with respect to evidence in regard to matters not included in the
Legislative Lists:
Provided that an Act of Parliament enacted in pursuance of this
section shall have effect in relation to any Region only to the extent
that provision in that behalf is not made by the legislature of that
Region.

Page 49

CHAPTER VI
EXECUTIVE POWERS
Exercise of executive authority of Federation
78. - (1) The executive authority of the Federation shall be vested
in Her Majesty.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive
authority of the Federation may be exercised on behalf of Her
Majesty by the Governor-General, either directly or through officers
subordinate to him.
(3) Nothing in this section shall prevent Parliament from confer-
ring functions on persons or authorities other than the Governor-
General.
Extent of executive authority of Federation
79. The executive authority of the Federation shall extend to the
execution and maintenance of this Constitution and to all matters
with respect to which Parliament has for the time being power to
make laws.
Executive authority of Regions
80. The executive authority of a Region shall extend to the
execution and maintenance of the constitution of the Region and to
all matters with respect to which the legislature of the Region has
for the time being power to make laws but shall be so exercised as
not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive authority
of the Federation or to endanger the continuance of federal govern-
ment in Nigeria.
Ministers of Government of Federation
81. - (1) There shall be a Prime Minister of the Federation, who
shall be appointed by the Governor-General.
(2) Whenever the Governor-General has occasion to appoint a
Prime Minister he shall appoint a member of the House of Repre-
sentatives who appears to him likely to command the support of the
majority of the members of the House.
(3) There shall be, in addition to the office of Prime Minister,
such other offices of Minister of the Government of the Federation
as may be established by Parliament or, subject to the provisions of
any Act of Parliament, by the Governor-General, acting in accordance
with the advice of the Prime Minister.
(4) Appointments to the office of Minister of the Government of
the Federation other than the office of Prime Minister shall be made

Page 50

by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of
the Prime Minister.

(3) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall vacate
his office-

(a) if, having been elected from among the members of the
House, he ceases to be a member otherwise than by reason
of a dissolution of Parliament;

(b) if, having been elected from outside the House, any circum-
stances arise (other than a dissolution of Parliament) that if
he were a member of the House would cause him to vacate
his seat as such;

(c) when the House first sits after any dissolution of Parliament;

(d) if he becomes a Minister of the Government of the Federation
or a Parliamentary Secretary to such a Minister; or

(e) if he is removed from office by a resolution of the House
supported by the votes of two-thirds of all the members of
the House.

(4) No business shall be transacted in the House of Representatives
(other than an election to the office of Speaker) at any time when
the office of Speaker is vacant.


43. --(1) A Minister of the Government of the Federation may
attend and take part in the proceedings of either House of Parliament
notwithstanding that he is not a member of that House.

(2) Nothing in this section shall entitle any person who is not a
member of a House of Parliament to vote in that House or any of
its committees.
Tenure of seats of members of Parliament


44. ---(1) A Senator (other than the Oba of Lagos) or
of the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in
of which he is a member-

(a) if he becomes a member of the other House of Parliament
or a legislative house of a Region;

Page 33

(b) if any other circumstances arise that, if he were not a member
of that House, would came him to be disqualified for selection
or election as such under subsection (1) or (2) of section 40
of this Constitution;

(c) if he ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria;

(d) if he becomes a Minister of the Government of a Region;

(e) save as otherwise provided by Parliament, if he becomes a
member of any statutory corporation; or
(f) if he is absent from two consecutive meetings of the House
and the President or Speaker of the House does not, by writing
under his hand, excuse his absence within one month after
the end of the second meeting.


(2) Parliament may, in order to permit any Senator or member of
the House of Representatives who has been adjudged to be a lunatic,
declared to be of unsound mind,, sentenced to death or imprisonment
or adjudged or declared bankrupt to appeal against the decision in
accordance with any law in force in Nigeria, provide that, subject to
such conditions as may be prescribed, the decision shall not have effect
for the purposes of this section until such time as may be prescribed.

(3) In this section the expression "statutory corporation" has
the meaning assigned to it for the purposes of section 40 of this
Constitution.



Establishment of Electoral Commission

4. --(1) There shall be an Electoral Commission for the Federation.

(2) The members of the Electoral Commission of the Federation
shall be-

(a) a Chief Electoral Commissioner, who shall be chairman; and

(b) a member representing each territory.

(3) The members of the Electoral Commission of the Federation
shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance
with the advice of the Prime Minister.

(4) Before tendering any advice for the purposes Of this section
in relation to the appointment of the member of the Electoral
Commission of the Federation representing a Region, the Prime
Minister shall consult the Premier of that Region.

(5) A person shall not be qualified to hold the office of a member
of the Electoral Commission of the Federation if he is a member of
either House of Parliament, a member of a legislative house of a
Region, a Minister of the Government of the Federation, a Minister
of the Government of a Region or a member of the public service
of the Federation or the public service of a Region.

(6) Subject to the provisions of this section, a member of the
Electoral Commission of the Federation shall vacate his office-

Page 34

(a) at the expiration of five years from the date of his appoint-
ment; or

(b) if any circumstances arise that, if he were not a member of
the Commission, would came him to be disqualified for
appointment as such.

(7) A member of the Electoral Commission of the Federation may
be removed from office by the Governor-General, acting in accor-
dance with the advice of the Prime Minister, for inability to discharge
the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of mind
or body or any other cause) or for misbehaviour.

( A member of the Electoral Commission of the Federation
shall not be removed from office except in accordance with the
provisions of this section.

(9) In the exercise of its functions under this Constitution the
Electoral Commission of the Federation shall not be subject to the
direction or control of any other person or authority.


46. --(1) Nigeria shall be divided into as many constituencies as
there are members of the House of Representatives in such manner
as the competent authority, acting with the approval of each House
of Parliament signified by resolution, may prescribe.

(2) No constituency shall form part of more than one territory
and the boundaries of each constituency shall be such that the
number of inhabitants thereof is as nearly equal to the Population
quota as is reasonably practicable:
Provided that the number of inhabitants of a constituency may be
greater or less than the population quota in order to take account
of means of communication, geographical features, the distribution
of different communities and the boundaries of the territories.

(3) The competent authority shall review the division of Nigeria
into constituencies 'at intervals of not less than eight and not more
than ten years and may alter the constituencies in accordance with
the provisions of this section to such extent as it may consider
desirable in the light of the review:
Provided that that authority may at any time carry out such a
review and alter the constituencies in accordance with the provisions
of this section to such extent as it considers necessary in consequence
of any amendment to section 3 or 38 of this Constitution or any
provision replacing either of those sections or by reason of the
holding of a census of the population of Nigeria in pursuance of an
Act of Parliament.

(4) Where the boundaries of any constituency established under
this section are altered in accordance with the provisions of this
section, that alteration shall come into effect upon the next dissolution
of Parliament after the alteration has been approved by both Houses
of Parliament.

Page 35

(5) In this section "population quota" means the number obtained
by dividing the number of the inhabitants of Nigeria by the number
of constituencies into which Nigeria is divided under this section.


(6) For the purposes of this section the number of inhabitants of
Nigeria or any part thereof shall be ascertained by reference to
the latest census of the population of Nigeria held in pursuance of
an Act of Parliament.

(7) In this section "the competent authority" means the Electoral
Commission of the Federation or such other authority consisting of
a chairman appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance
with the advice of the Prime Minister, and of members appointed in
like manner to represent the territories (each territory being equally
represented) as may be established in that behalf by Parliament.


47. --(1) Every constituency established under section 46 of this
Constitution shall return to the House of Representatives one member
who shall be directly elected in such manner as may be prescribed
by Parliament.

(2) The registration of voters and the conduct of elections shall
be subject to the direction and supervision of the Electoral Commis-
sion of the Federation.
Determination of questions respecting membership of Parliament


48. --(1) Subject to the provisions of section 108 of this Constitu-
tion, the competent High Court shall have original jurisdiction to
hear and determine any question whether-

(a) any person has been validly selected as a Senator or elected
as a member of the House of Representatives; or

(b) the seat in the Senate of a Senator or the seat in the House
of Representatives of a member of that House has become
vacant.

(2) Parliament may make provision with respect to--

(a) the persons who may apply to the competent High Court
for the determination of any question under this section;

(b) the circumstances and manner in which, and the conditions
upon which, any such application may be made; and

(c) the powers, practice and procedure of the competent High
Court in relation to any such application.

(3) In this section" the competent High Court" means, in
relation to a person who has been selected as a Senator to represent
a Region or elected a member of the House of Representatives in a
Region, the High Court of that Region and, in relation to any other
person, the High Court of the Federal territory.
Clerks to Houses of Parliament and their staffs

Page 36

49. - (1) There shall be a Clerk to the Senate and a Clerk to the
House of Representatives:
Provided that the offices of Clerk to the Senate and Clerk to the
House of Representatives may be held by the same person.


(2) Subject to the provisions of any Act of Parliament, the office
of the Clerk of each House of Parliament and the members of his
staff shall be offices in the public service of the Federation.


Part 2

Procedure in Parliament

Oaths to be taken by members of Parliament

50. --(1) Every member of either House of Parliament shall, before
taking his seat in that House, take and subscribe before the House
the oath of allegiance but a member may before taking that oath
take part in the election of a President of the Senate or a Speaker
of the House of Representatives, as the case may be:

Provided that if a House of Parliament is not sitting a member
of that House may take and subscribe the oath of allegiance before
a judge of the High Court of a territory.


(2) Any person elected to the office of President of the Senate who
is not a Senator and any person elected to the office of Speaker of
the House of Representatives who is not a member of that House
shall, before entering upon the duties of his office, take and subscribe
the oath of allegiance before the Senate or the House of Representa-
tives, as the case may be.

51. - (1) There shall preside at any sitting of the Senate-

(a) the President; or

(b) in the absence of the President, the Deputy President; or

(c) in the absence of the President and the Deputy President,
such Senator as the Senate may elect for that purpose.


(2) The Senate may from time to time elect a Senator to be
Deputy President and any person so elected shall hold office as
such until he ceases to be a Senator or is removed from office by
the Senate.


Presiding in House of Representatives

52. --(1) There shall preside at any sitting of the House of
Representatives

(a) the Speaker; or

(b) in the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker; or

(c) in the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, such
member of the House 'as the House may elect for that purpose.

(2) The House of Representatives may from time to time elect

Page 37

a member of the House to be Deputy Speaker and any person so
elected shah hold office as such until he ceases to be a member of
the House or is removed from office by the House.


Quorum in Houses of Parliament

53. If objection is taken by any member of a House of Parliament
present that there are present in that House (besides the person
presiding) fewer than one-sixth of all the members of that House
and, after such interval as may be prescribed in the rules of procedure
of the House, the person presiding ascertains that the number of
members present is still less than one-sixth of all the members of the
House, he shall thereupon adjourn the House.


Use of English in Parliament

54. The business of Parliament shall be conducted in English.
Voting in Parliament

55. --(1) Any question proposed for decision in a House of
Parliament shall be determined by the required majority of the
members present and voting; and the person presiding shall cast
a vote whenever necessary to avoid an equality of votes but shall
not vote in any other case.

(2) Save as otherwise provided in this Constitution, the required
majority for the purposes of determining any question shall be a
simple majority.

(3) The rules of procedure of a House of Parliament may provide
that the vote of a member upon a question in which he has a direct
pecuniary interest shall be disallowed.

Unqualified persons sitting or voting

56. Any person who sits or votes in either House of Parliament
knowing or having reasonable ground for knowing that he is not
entitled to do so shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding twenty
pounds or such other sum as may be prescribed by Parliament for
each day on which he sits or votes in that House, which shall be
recoverable by action in the High Court of Lagos at the suit of the
Attorney-General of the Federation.
Mode of exercising legislative power


57. - (1) The power of Parliament to make laws shall be exercised
by bills passed by both Houses (or in the cases mentioned in section
59 of this Constitution the House of Representatives) and assented
to by the Governor-General on behalf of Her Majesty.

Page 38

(2) A bill other than a money bill may originate in either House
of Parliament but a money bill may originate only in the House of
Representatives.

(3) When a bill has been passed by the House of Parliament in
which it originated, it shall be sent to the other House; and it shall
be presented to the Governor-General for assent--

(a) when it has been passed by the other House and agreement
has been reached between the two Houses on any amendments
made in it; or

(b) when it is required to be so presented under section 59 of this
Constitution.

(4) When a bill is presented to the Governor-General for assent,
he shall signify that he assents or that he withholds assent.

(5) A bill shall not become law unless it has been duly passed
and assented to in accordance with this Constitution.
Restrictions with regard to certain financial measures

58.--(1) The Senate shall not-

(a) proceed upon any bill, other than a bill sent from the House
of Representatives, that, in the opinion of the person presiding,
makes provision for any of the following purposes-

(i) for the imposition, repeal or alteration of taxation;

(ii) for the imposition of any charge upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the
Federation;

(iii) for the payment, issue or withdrawal from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of
the Federation of any moneys not charged thereon or
any alteration in the amount of such a payment, issue
or withdrawal; or

(iv) for the composition or remission of any debt due to
the Federation;

(b) proceed upon any amendment to any bill that in the opinion
of the person presiding makes provision for any of those
purposes;

(c) proceed upon any motion (including any amendment to a
motion), the effect of which, in the opinion of the person
presiding, would be to make provision for any of those
purposes; or

(d) receive any petition that, in the opinion of the person presiding,
requests that provision be made for any of those purposes.

(2) Except upon the recommendation of the Governor-General
signified by a Minister of the Government of the Federation, the
House of Representatives shall not-

(a) proceed upon any bill (including any amendment to a bill)

Page 39

that, in the opinion of the person presiding, makes provision
for any of the following purposes--

(i) for the imposition of taxation or the alteration of
taxation otherwise than by reduction;

(ii) for the imposition of any charge upon the Consolidated
Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation or the alteration of any such charge otherwise
than by reduction;

(iii) for the payment, issue or withdrawal from the Con-
solidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of
the Federation of any moneys not charged thereon or
any increase in the amount of such a payment, issue
or withdrawal; or

(iv) for the composition or remission of any debt due to
the Federation;

(b) proceed upon any motion (including any amendment to a
motion) the effect of which, in the opinion of the person
presiding, would be to make provision for any of those
purposes; or

(c) receive any petition that, in the opinion of the person presiding,
requests that provision be made for any of those purposes.
Limitation of powers of Senate


59.---(1) Where a money bill is passed by the House of Repre-
sentatives and, having been sent to the Senate at least one month
before the end of the session, is not passed by the Senate without
amendment within one month after it .is so sent, the bill shall, unless
the House of Representatives otherwise resolves, be presented to the
Governor-General for his assent.

(2) Where-

(a) a bill that is not a money bill is passed by the House of
Representatives and, having been sent to the Senate at least
one month before the end of the session, is not passed by
the Senate before the end of the session or is passed by the
Senate with amendments to which the Home of Representa-
tives does not before the end of the session agree; and

(b) in the following session (whether of the same Parliament or
not) but not earlier than six months after it was first passed
by the Home of Representatives the same bill, with no other
alterations than those mentioned in subsection (4) of this
section, is passed again by the House of Representatives and
sent to the Senate at least one month before the end of the
session and is not passed by the Senate before the end of
the session or is passed by the Senate with amendments to
which the House of Representatives does not before the end

Page 40

of the session agree,
the bill shall, unless the House of Representatives otherwise resolves,
be presented to the Governor-General for his assent with such
amendments, if any, as may have been agreed to by both Homes.

(3) The House of Representatives may, on the passage of a bill
for the purposes of paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of this section,
suggest any amendments without inserting the amendments in the
bill and any such suggested amendments shall be considered by the
Senate and, if agreed to by the Senate, shall be treated as amend-
ments agreed to by both Houses; but the exercise of this power by
the House of Representatives shall not affect the operation of this
section if the bill is not passed by the Senate or is passed by the
Senate with amendments to which the House of Representatives does
not agree.


(4) The alterations referred to in subsection (2) of this section
are alterations certified by the Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives to be necessary owing to the time that has elapsed since the bill
was passed in the earlier session or to represent amendments made
in that session by the Senate.

(5) When a money bill is sent to the Senate from the House of
Representatives it shall bear a certificate of the Speaker of the
House of Representatives that it is a money bill.

(6) When a bill is presented to the Governor-General in pursuance
of this section it shall bear a certificate of the Speaker of the House
of Representatives that this section has been complied with and that
certificate shall be conclusive for all purposes and shall not be
questioned in any court of law.

(7) This section does not apply to any bill for the purposes of
section 4 of this Constitution.
Regulation of procedure in Houses of Parliament


60. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, each House
of Parliament may regulate its own procedure.

(2) Each House of Parliament may act notwithstanding any
vacancy in its membership (including any vacancy not filled when the
House first meets after any dissolution of Parliament) and the
presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present at
or to participate in the proceedings of the House shall not invalidate
those proceedings.
Interpretation

61. In this Part of this Chapter "money bill" means a bill that
in the opinion of the Speaker of the House of Representatives con-

Page 41

tains only provisions dealing with

(a) the imposition, repeal, remission, alteration or regulation of
taxation;

(b) the imposition for the payment of debt or other financial
purposes of charges on the Consolidated Revenue Fund or
any other public fund of the Federation or the variation Or
repeal of any such charges;

(c) the grant of money to the Crown or to any other person or
authority or the variation or revocation of any such grant;

(d) the appropriation, receipt, custody, investment, issue or audit
of accounts of public money;

(e) the raising or guarantee of any loan or the repayment
thereof; or

(f) subordinate matters incidental to any of those matters:
Provided that the expressions "taxation," "public money" and
"loan" do not include any taxation, money or loan raised by local
authorities or bodies for public purposes.


Part 3

Summoning, prorogation and dissolution
Sessions of Parliament


62. Each session of Parliament shall be held at such place within
Nigeria and shall begin at such time (not being later than twelve
months from the end of the preceding session if Parliament has been
prorogued or three months from the end of that session if Parliament
has been dissolved) as the Governor-General shall appoint.
Prorogation and dissolution of Parliament

63.---(1) The Governor-General may at any time prorogue or
dissolve Parliament.

(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of this section,
Parliament, unless sooner dissolved, shall continue for five years
from the date of its first sitting after any dissolution and shall then
stand dissolved.

(3) At any time when the Federation is at war, Parliament may
from time to time extend the period of five years specified in sub-
section (2) of this section for not more than twelve months at a time:
Provided that the life of Parliament shall not be extended under
this subsection for more than five years.

(4) In the exercise of his powers to dissolve Parliament, the
Governor-General shall act in accordance with the advice of the
Prime Minister:
Provided that--

(a) if the Prime Minister recommends a dissolution and the
Governor-General considers that the government of the Feder-

Page 42

ation can be carried on without a dissolution and that a
dissolution would not be in the interests of the Federation he
may refuse to dissolve Parliament;

(b) if the House of Representatives passes a resolution that it has
no confidence in the Government of the Federation and the
Prime Minister does not within three days either resign or
advise a dissolution, the Governor-General may dissolve
Parliament; and

(c) if the office of Prime Minister is vacant and the Governor-
General considers that there is no prospect of his being able
to appoint a person who can command the support of the
majority of the members of the House of Representatives to
that office within a reasonable time, the Governor-General
may dissolve Parliament.


Part 4

Legislative powers
Powers of Parliament to make laws

64. - (1) Parliament shall have power to make laws-

(a) for the peace, order and good government of Nigeria (other
than the Federal territory) or any part thereof with respect
to any matter included in the Legislative Lists; and

(b) for the peace, order and good government of the Federal
territory with respect to any matter, whether or not it is
included in the Legislative Lists.

(2) The power of Parliament to make laws for the peace, order
and good government of the Regions with respect to any matter
included in the Exclusive Legislative List shall (save as provided in
section 72 of this Constitution) be to the exclusion of the legislatures
of the Regions:
Provided that nothing in this subsection shall preclude the legisla-
ture of a Region from making provision for grants or loans from
or the imposition of charges upon any of the public funds of that
Region or the imposition of charges upon the revenues and assets
of that Region for any purpose notwithstanding that it relates to a
matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List.

(3) In addition and without prejudice to the powers conferred by
subsection (1) of this section, Parliament shall have the powers to
make laws conferred by sections 5, 65 to 69, 74 to 77 and 119 of this
Constitution (which relate to matters not included in the Legislative
Lists).

(4) If any law enacted by the legislature of a Region is inconsistent with any law validly made by Parliament, the law made by Parliament
shall prevail and the Regional law shall, to the extent of the incon-
sistency, be void.

Page 43

(5) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4) of this section,
nothing in this section shall preclude the legislature of a Region
from making laws with respect to any matter that is not included in
the Exclusive Legislative List.
Special powers of Parliament in relation to emergencies

65. - (1) Parliament may at any time make such laws for Nigeria
or any part thereof with respect to matters not included in the
Legislative Lists as may appear to Parliament to be necessary or
expedient for the purpose of maintaining or securing peace, order
and good government during any period of emergency.

(2) Any provision of law enacted in pursuance of this section
shall have effect only during a period of emergency:
Provided that the termination of a period of emergency shall not
affect the operation of such a provision of law during that period,
the validity of any action taken thereunder during that period, any
penalty or punishment incurred in respect of any contravention
thereof or failure to comply therewith during that period or any
proceeding or remedy in respect of any such penalty or punishment.

(3) In this section "period of emergency" means any period
during which-

(a) the Federation is at war;

(b) there is in force a resolution passed by each House of
Parliament declaring that a state of public emergency exists;
or

(c) there is in force a resolution of each House of Parliament
supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the
members of the House declaring that democratic institutions
in Nigeria are threatened by subversion.


(4) A resolution passed by a House of Parliament for the purposes
of this section shall remain in force for twelve months or such
shorter period as may be specified therein:
Provided that any such resolution may be revoked at any time
or may be extended from time to time for a further period not
exceeding twelve months By resolution passed in like manner.
Special powers of Parliament when section 80 of this Constitution
Has been contravened

66. - (1) During any period in which there is in force a resolution
of each House of Parliament supported by the votes of not less than
two-thirds of all the members of that House declaring that the
executive authority of a Region is being exercised in contravention
of section 80 of this Constitution, Parliament may make laws for
that Region with respect to matters not included in the Legislative

Page 44

Lists to such extent as may appear to Parliament to be necessary
for securing compliance with the provisions of that section.

(2) A resolution passed by a House of Parliament for the purposes
of this section shall remain in force for twelve months or such
shorter period as may be specified therein:
Provided that any such resolution may be revoked at any time
or may be extended from time to time for a further period not
exceeding twelve months by resolution passed in like manner.

(3) Upon the expiration of any period during which there were
in force resolutions of both Houses of Parliament passed for the
purposes of this section, any provision of law enacted in pursuance
of this section shall cease to have effect:
Provided that the termination of any such period shall not affect
the operation of such a provision of law during that period, the
validity of any action taken thereunder during that period, any
penalty or punishment incurred in respect of any contravention
thereof or failure to comply therewith during that period or any
proceeding or remedy in respect of any such penalty or punishment.
Powers of Parliament conferred by Regional law

67. - (1) Parliament may at any time when there is in force a law
enacted by the legislature of a Region conferring authority upon
Parliament to do so make laws for that Region with respect to a
matter not included in the Legislative Lists.

(2) If any law enacted by the legislature of a Region conferring
authority upon Parliament for the purposes of this section ceases to
have effect, then any provision of law enacted by Parliament, to the
extent to which it was enacted in pursuance of that authority, shall
thereafter have effect as if it had been enacted by the legislature of
that Region and may be amended or repealed accordingly.
Power to make grants of money, etc., for any purpose

68. Parliament may make provision for grants and loans from
and the imposition of charges upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund
or any other public fund of the Federation or for the imposition of
charges upon the revenues and assets of the Federation for any
purpose, notwithstanding that it relates to a matter not included in
the Legislative Lists.
Implementation of treaties, etc.

69. Parliament may make laws for Nigeria or any part thereof
with respect to matters not included in the Legislative Lists for the
purpose of implementing any treaty, convention or agreement between
the Federation and any other country or any arrangement with or

Page 45

decision of an international organisation of which the Federation
is a member:
Provided that any provision of law enacted in pursuance of this
section shall not come into operation in a Region unless the Governor
of that Region has consented to its having effect.
Income tax and estate duty

70.--(1) Parliament may make laws for Nigeria or any part
thereof with respect to taxes on the income and profits of companies.

(2) Parliament may make laws for Nigeria or any part thereof
with respect to taxes on income and profits other than the income and
profits of companies for the purpose of-

(a) implementing any treaty, convention or agreement between the
Federation and any other country or any arrangement with or
decision of an international organisation of which the
Federation is a member with respect to taxes on income
and profits;

(b) securing uniform principles for the taxation of income and
profits accruing to persons in Nigeria from countries other

Page 46

the Eastern Region Local Government Law, 1960, of Eastern
Nigeria, as amended, or any law replacing any of those laws;

(b) to the income and profits of any purchasing authority estab-
lished by the legislature of a Region and empowered to acquire
any commodity in that Region for export from Nigeria derived
from the purchase and sale (whether for purposes of export
or otherwise) of that commodity; or
© to the income or profits of any corporation established by
the legislature of a Region for the purpose of fostering the
economic development of that Region, not being income or
profits derived from a trade or business carried on by that
corporation or from any share or other interest possessed by
that corporation in a trade or business in Nigeria carried on
by some other person or authority.
Trade and commerce


71 - (1) Parliament may make laws for Nigeria or any part
thereof with respect to trade and commerce between Nigeria and
other countries and trade and commerce among the territories, includ-
ing (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power)the
export of commodities from Nigeria, the import of commodities into
Nigeria, the establishment and enforcement of grades and standards
of quality for commodities to be exported from Nigeria and the
preservation of freedom of trade and commerce among the territories.

(2) For the purposes of this section, Parliament may-

(a) confer on any person or authority exclusive power to acquire
from a purchasing authority established for a Region by the

In his write up - Igue Festival, Ademola Iyi-eweka explains that, Igue Festival is also the time the Oba and some chiefs are involved in AGWE (fasting). The Oba goes into seclusion, not to be seen by visitors. When the Oba and his chiefs break the fast, they are ready to perform UGIE ERHA OBA- a ceremony honouring the Oba's ancestors. The Edos believe in ancestral worship and everybody joins the Oba in Ugie Erha Oba.

http://www.edostate.org/oba.php

Palace Press Statement: I didn't shun Jonathan - Oba of Benin⁠

OBA of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, has denied what he described as “certain mischievous publications in some national newspapers”  that he shunned President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during their visit to Benin, weekend.

It had been widely reported that Oba Erediauwa did not come out to
receive the President when Jonathan had come calling at his palace in Benin. This had in turn fueled suggestions that the Benin monarch shunned the President and members of his entourage.

Reacting on Monday, the Benin Traditional Council in a statement issued in Benin by Mr. Frank Irabor, Secretary to the council, explained that “in fact, it is the respect and love the Oba has for Mr. President, that made him see our President in his private chamber in the Palace despite a complicated situation on that day. 

“The public is reminded that three weeks ago, the Oba waited for over two hours in his open office, where he received the Vice – President, Dr. Namadi Sambo and PDP chieftains that were in Benin for their political rally.” 

The Benin monarch advised politicians to avoid violence in the forth coming governorship election in the state, saying that political office occupation should not be seen as a do or die affair.

It will be recalled that the President and PDP leadership were in Edo State to attend a campaign rally in support of Major-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), the party’s governorship candidate for the July 14, 2012 election and were at the palace of the Benin monarch for the customary courtesy call on him.

http://elombah.com/index.php/write-for-us/11768-palace-press-statement-i-didn-t-shun-jonathan-oba-of-benin

I can't get a pic of Shagari (or Shonekan), but you saw Dr Omoigui's quote, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Olusegun Obasanjo (I can also get you James Robertson) = there's a precedent.

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