Governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the upcoming Anambra State election, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has called on fellow contenders to uphold the ethics of political engagement and refrain from blackmail or personal attacks in their quest for power.

Addressing journalists during a weekend press conference in Awka, Nweke urged all candidates to engage the electorate constructively and focus their campaigns on policies and development plans rather than character assassination or mudslinging.

“The essence of political campaigns should not be to malign opponents or engage in needless altercations, but to present our vision and programmes to the people,” Nweke stated.

“We must shift our focus to real issues, security, education, economy, job creation, and governance not name-calling or personal vendettas.”

He emphasised that Anambra citizens deserve mature, issue-based discourse, particularly in a state grappling with rising insecurity, economic strain, and youth unemployment.

“How do you intend to tackle the kidnappings and killings that have become rampant? What’s your strategy for addressing the suffocating multiple taxation affecting our people and businesses? What is your plan for revitalizing education, attracting investors, creating jobs, and growing the revenue base?” Nweke queried.

He warned that any deviation from such constructive engagement amounts to “politics of bitterness” and “playing to the gallery”—a style he believes Anambra has outgrown.

The AA flag bearer also condemned recent online criticisms aimed at Governor Chukwuma Soludo over a viral video showing the governor dancing with his son to a song produced by the latter. Some commentators had accused Soludo of indulging in frivolities amid serious state matters.

Describing the backlash as “distasteful and unnecessary,” Nweke defended the governor’s right to personal expression and family time.

“Governor Soludo is a father and a human being. Dancing with his son is neither immoral nor wrong,” he said. “It is both condemnable and detestable to ridicule the First Family over such a harmless act. We must move away from dirty politics and focus on what truly matters to the people.”

Nweke also outlined the Action Alliance’s commitment to a solution-driven, people-focused campaign. He said his party is presenting a clear roadmap to “rescue Anambra from years of misgovernance” and place the state on a sustainable development trajectory.

“We have mapped out robust programmes to address the core challenges confronting our state. These plans continue to unfold as we meet with communities across Anambra. Our approach is inclusive, practical, and grounded in the needs of our people,” he said.

While acknowledging that no administration is without flaws, Nweke said political criticism should be constructive.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu has called on Nigerians to actively participate in the constitution review process, demanding transparency and accountability from lawmakers and other public office holders.

Speaking at the Constitution Review Public Hearing in Owerri, the centre serving Imo and Abia State, Kalu emphasised the importance of citizens’ engagement.

The public hearing is a part of the ongoing efforts to review and amend the 1999 Constitution, with stakeholders and citizens contributing their ideas and suggestions to shape the country’s future.

The public hearing is also taking place simultaneously across the southern region of the country, recalling that the the same event held in northern part of the country last week to elicit citizens’ inputs to the proposed constitution amendment.

Kalu urged Nigerians to ask tough questions, demand transparency, and insist on fairness, stressing that the future of democracy depends on it.

The Deputy Speaker who also chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review emphasisied that constitutional reform is a process and not an event, stressing that citizens’ continued engagement is crucial for ensuring that reforms are implemented in letter and spirit.

” Today, I make a heartfelt appeal to every son and daughter of Abia and Imo: This is your Constitution. This is your moment. You are not just observers; you are stakeholders and co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter. Do not hold back your ideas, your criticisms, or your aspirations.

“Your memoranda, your petitions, your passionate speeches, your questions: they all matter. They will shape the amendments that will be presented to the National Assembly, to the President, and, ultimately, to the Nigerian people.
Let me be clear: We are listening.

“The strength of our democracy lies not in the pronouncements of lawmakers alone, but in the active participation of the people. Your robust contributions will ensure that the Constitution we produce is not just a legal document, but a social contract: one that reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.

“As we look ahead, let us remember: Constitutional reform is not an event,
but a process. The bills we debate today will be debated in plenary, harmonized with the Senate, and transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly for final approval. Only with your continued engagement, your vigilance, and your advocacy can we ensure that these reforms are not just passed, but implemented in letter and spirit.
I urge you to hold us accountable. Ask the tough questions. Demand transparency. Insist on fairness. The future of our democracy depends on it.

“Nigeria’s greatness lies in its ability to have difficult conversations, to listen, to debate, and to find common ground. Today, in Owerri, we continue that noble tradition. To the people of Abia and Imo: Your ideas matter. Your voices matter. Your future matters

“Let us rise above division, embrace our shared destiny, and build a Nigeria where justice, equity, and progress are not just ideals, but everyday realities.” Mr. Kalu said.

Recalling that the Committee since its inauguration in February 2024 has held many retreats, sectoral engagements with the judiciary, high-level dialogues on security and international collaborations to advance gender equality as well as local government summit to address the urgent need for grassroots autonomy, following the landmark Supreme Court decision on local government elections, the Deputy Speaker also revealed that the panel is currently reviewing 87 bills, prioritizing judicial independent, electoral reforms, state policing, gender bills and inclusivity, fiscal reforms, devolution of powers and local government autonomy.

“This Committee is currently considering 87 prioritized constitutional amendment bills, each touching on the most pressing issues facing our nation. I urge you, the people of Abia and Imo, to engage robustly on all thematic areas, especially those close to your hearts”, he said.

The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in driving constitutional reform and institutional strengthening.

He expressed gratitude for the President’s support and commitment to working with the legislature to deliver a constitution that serves all Nigerians.

“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Under his stewardship,
Nigeria has embraced a reform-heavy agenda: one that recognizes the
urgent need for constitutional renewal, institutional strengthening, and
inclusive growth. President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, his
respect for the legislature’s constitutional role, and his bold strides in
governance reform have created an enabling environment for this historic
review. We are grateful for his support and leadership, and we remain committed to working with the executive to deliver a constitution that serves all Nigerians”, Kalu said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker upon arrival in Owerri led a delegation of the members of the Constitution Review Committee to pay a courtesy call on Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, formally briefing him on their mission to Imo State.

The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has strongly condemned recent comments made by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing them as an open and dangerous threat to the life and security of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

In a statement released recently and signed by the caucus leader, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, the lawmakers said they were “shocked and outraged” by Governor Okpebholo’s remarks at a public event held on Friday, July 18, during which he warned that Peter Obi should not visit Edo State without obtaining prior permission and security clearance.

“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N1.5 million—₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” the governor was quoted as saying.

The LP lawmakers condemned the governor’s remarks as “uncivil, unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unbecoming” of a public servant occupying such a high office.

“Mr. Peter Obi, like any other Nigerian, has the constitutional right to move freely and visit any part of the country without fear of molestation, intimidation, or harm. No one should be subjected to threats on account of political affiliation,” the statement said.

Describing Obi as a “champion of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development,” the lawmakers highlighted his nationwide philanthropic initiatives, which they said transcend political, ethnic, and religious divides.

“Rather than being vilified, Mr. Obi deserves commendation for his commitment to human capital development and national unity. Threats to his safety represent a direct affront to democratic principles and the rule of law,” the statement added.

The caucus expressed dismay that such inflammatory rhetoric could come from a sitting governor and former senator, calling it “a poor example of leadership and a dangerous precedent in a democratic society.”

“It is bewildering that a state governor would make such reckless statements in public. If this is what is said in the open, one wonders what is being plotted behind closed doors. This kind of incitement poses a real risk to political stability,” the lawmakers said.

They also drew attention to the context in which the governor made the remarks, during the defection ceremony of Marcus Onobun, a House of Representatives member whom the governor had earlier reportedly threatened with the demolition of his home for allegedly harboring cultists.

“Now that Onobun has defected to the governor’s party, one may ask if the planned demolition will still go ahead or whether it was merely a tool of political coercion,” the caucus noted.

The lawmakers urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Governor Okpebholo to order, warning that any harm that comes to Peter Obi would have grave implications.

“The other day, it was Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; today it is Governor Okpebholo of Edo. If the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) believes that scaremongering and political intimidation will halt the rising popularity of Mr. Obi, they are sorely mistaken,” the statement declared.

They concluded with a reminder that “ensuring the security of lives and property is a fundamental duty of government” and that Nigeria’s democracy must not be undermined by threats, intolerance, or political violence.