AMENDED CONSTITUTION READY BY DECEMBER—EKWEREMADU

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Senate President has assured Nigerians on conclusion of the current constitution review exercise by December 2016 to insulate the process from partisan politics and other narrow interests. Ekweremadu who chairs the committee on constitutional review of the 1999 constitution speaking at the opening of the retreat of the Senate Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos.

He maintained that “No constitution anywhere in the world was cast in iron, for constitutions are made for the good of the citizens, not citizens for the constitution, hence the tradition to retouch or overhaul or even change a constitution entirely to reflect new imperatives and serve the nation better”

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NDA: MILITANCY: I WILL BE PART OF NEGOTIATION TEAM IF CREDIBLE NIGERIANS ARE INVOLVED – ITA-GIWA

Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, a former presidential adviser, says she will be on the negotiation table for peace between the Federal Government and Niger Delta militants only if credible Nigerians are involved.

The former Senator was reacting to reports that she had agreed to negotiate with the government on behalf of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, for peace to return to the region. Speaking through a statement released on yesterday, Senator Florence said that for the benefit of the Niger Delta people, she will be willing to be a

part of the dialogue, but would only be a part of negotiations that would bring lasting peace to the Niger Delta region.

Her statement read, “Recently, my attention has been drawn to a widespread report in the national dailies that I have agreed to serve in dialogue team with the Federal Government.

“I was, however, contacted by a representative of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta asking if I will be part of an initiative to find ways to end the ongoing attacks through dialogue towards restoring peace in the

region.

“In my response, I said that I will consider serving if the Federal Government is willing to engage in discussions with credible Nigerians that have genuine interest and sympathy for the people of the region.”

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NDA DISPUTES POLICE, CLAIMS ATTACK ON NNPC PIPELINE

The Niger Delta Avengers on Thursday claimed its members blew up a pipeline owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), although the police have disputed such claims saying the explosion was as a result of gas leaks.

However, the Niger Delta Avengers wrote on Twitter, “At 4:00am (0300 GMT) @NDAvengers blow up NNPC Pipeline in Oruk Anam Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom."

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14- DAY EVICTION NOTICE: LEAVE OR FACE MASSIVE VANDALIZATION- EX-MILITANTS

A 14-day ultimatum has been given to oil companies operating in Ekpeyeland by a group of former Niger Delta militants, they have been asked to leave the area or face massive vandalisation of their assets.

According to the group, the eviction notice was due to the oil companies’ refusal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Ekpeye communities.

The ex-agitators known as Ekpeye Liberation Group, who claimed to be behind the attack on Well 5 in Akara Olu, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, explained that they are utterly disappointed with the conduct of the oil multinational companies operating in the area.

“The Ekpeye Liberation Group, a forum of ex-militants and freedom agitators from the Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State (Part of the Niger Delta), is

utterly disappointed with the conduct of the oil multinational companies operating in the area.

“In the light of their nonchalant, including lukewarm attitude to the massive killings and kidnappings of our people in recent times, the Ekpeye Liberation Group has been forced to issue a notice of eviction to all oil companies operating in Ekpeye territory and its waters.

“They (oil companies) are required to pack out of Ekpeyeland within 14 days, from Thursday 16 of June or face massive vandalisation of their assets. A stitch in time saves nine,” the group said.

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WAR: NEW MILITANT GROUP THREATENS TO ATTACK UTOROGU GAS PLANT

A new militant group called Utorogu Liberation Movement on Thursday announced its birth, they also threatened to attack West Africa's biggest gas plant, Otorogu Gas Plant in Udu and Ughelli South council Areas of Delta State amongst others.

Gen. K. Omovudu alongside others issued a banner message which was erected near the motor park in Out-Jeremi, headquarters of Ughelli South council, the group used the opportunity to declare their support for the Niger Delta Avengers.

The group in a statement said, “My good people of Utorogun community, Otu-Jeremi, Otor-Udu, Iwkrekan, Ekakpamre and all oil and pipeline communities within this region, this is the voice of ULM in collaboration with outgas force.

“It is a secessionist move. The awareness of things happening in our environment is a means to outline our course of action. The awareness is an agitation for economic balance. We have a common enemy, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC and ND Western who hate your progress and wish you die in poverty."

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SENATE BEGINS AMENDMENT OF 1999 CONSTITUTION

The Senate kick-started the process of amending Nigeria’s 1999 constitution as it entertained thirteen bills to amend certain provisions of the constitution.The bills are said to have passed second reading, after which they were referred to the committee on constitution review headed by the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu for legislative treatment. The present constitution review committee was inaugurated on January 13.

 While the current details of the bills are still vague, they are expected to be made public when hearing starts.

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