Latest News
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has maintained its ultimatum to state governors to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage by December 1, 2024, warning that no extension will be granted.
Confirming the stance, the NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, told Saturday PUNCH in Abuja, “Yes, the ultimatum still stands. Nothing has changed.”
The deadline, issued earlier this month, has prompted several state governments to hasten their negotiations with labour unions in a bid to meet the requirements.
In Sokoto State, Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Gobir assured the state chapter of the NLC that the government is committed to implementing the wage adjustment.
“Go and bring your proposal for the new minimum wage implementation, and I assure you that I will facilitate the process of quick harmonization,” Gobir said during a meeting with labour representatives.
The Sokoto NLC Chairman, Abdullahi Jungul, commended the government’s willingness to engage, urging workers to remain calm as the union promptly submitted its proposal.
Similarly, Zamfara State announced plans to commence payment of the new minimum wage once an ongoing verification of workers aimed at eliminating ghost workers is completed.
The state previously failed to implement the 2019 ₦30,000 minimum wage under former Governor Bello Matawalle.
In Taraba State, the government has approved the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage with effect from November 2024.
The state’s Head of Service, Paul Maigida, said, “His Excellency, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, has approved the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers in Taraba State.”
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also approved the immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage following an agreement with the Committee on Consequential Adjustment on Salaries.
In Cross River State, negotiations between the government and workers are ongoing, with no resolution yet in sight.
In Imo State, the government has remained silent on the issue, while in Osun State, the committee on minimum wage has yet to finalize any package for workers.
The National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tommy Etim, said the union is closely observing developments across states to ensure compliance.
“State governments must act swiftly to avoid industrial action. The rising inflation leaves no room for delays in implementing the new wage,” Etim said.
The president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has called on the federal government to build trauma centres across the country to give victims of road crashes a chance of survival.
Justice Dongban-Mensem made the appeal at the Kwapda’s Road Safety Demand (KRSD) Foundation’s 13th annual conference and World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Abuja.
In a heartbreaking story, she narrated how she lost her son thirteen years ago in a ‘hit and run’ accident in Jos, Plateau State, which led to the birth of the Foundation.
According to her, her son’s life might have been saved if there was a quick intervention to attend to his wounds from which he bled to death.
She said, “Thirteen years ago my son was lowered into the ground after which I asked myself, Is that all’? Is this the end?
“In my pain, I ran to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and that was how KRSD Foundation was formed.
“We have advocated for a quick response unit on our roads. I know it has been established in Abuja but we appeal that they should be established on our highways.
“My son bled to death because there was no quick intervention. Maybe if there were, he would have been saved.”
The jurist charged the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Special Marshall Unit of KRSD Foundation to commit more to the sanity of roads.
Citing the WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, she noted that Africa is the most affected by road crashes, with a traffic fatality rate of 19.5 deaths per 100,000 people compared to 6.5 deaths per 100,000 in Europe.
Justice Dongban-Mensem said, “This day calls us to support, to stand with families who bear the scars of road traffic crashes, to provide care and resources to survivors and to empower communities to champion road safety.
“A clarion call is for the support for the building of a Trauma Centre. Our aspiration in this regard is yet to be realised. We appeal to the Federal Government to build a Trauma Centre for us to serve as a first point of respite for victims of road crashes”.
She thanked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike for the road infrastructure development within the FCT which she said has significantly improved road safety in the nation’s capital.
[Leadership]
President Bola Tinubu says his administration’s renewed focus in driving international and local investments into livestock sector of the agricultural value-chain will end the crisis of farmer-herder clashes and promote economic prosperity.
The President also agreed that there is hunger in the land, but said hope is on the way with his administration’s commitment in developing the sector.
Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Nigerian Government and the JBS S.A, one of the top three largest meat processing companies globally, President Tinubu said the livestock investment opportunities in Nigeria is worth over $2.5billion.
He said the agreement will be solving a “problem that afflicted humanity in that part of Africa, clashes between farmers and migrating cows that have caused some life and bloodshed when there is a modern, civilized way to solve the problem and even bring a successful economy out of it.
“We are trying to turn a situation of tragedy, hopelessness into economic opportunity, see through problems and see the opportunity that is involved in it.
“Food security is extremely important. As we talk right now, there is hunger. However, there is huge hope. And you are one of those hopes that we are looking at.”
President Tinubu told the JBS top executives that Nigeria is ready to do business with them, assuring them of a good return on their investment.
Wesley Batista, founder and President of the JBS group, said the company is the largest employer of labour in Brazil with over $79 billion dollars revenue already in year 2024.
“We are glad to work with Nigeria to work together to develop the livestock industry there. We think it’s a good opportunity for our business in Nigeria and Africa as we believe Nigeria can be the center of supply of protein to many countries in Africa. We look forward to working with you.”
Prior to the visit to Brazil, President had commissioned a team of Nigerian officials and private sector players to take the advantage of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio to conduct a study tour of Sao Paulo, Brazil and explore the opportunities in livestock development, meat processing, seed development and multiplication for key grains.
In his remarks, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muhktar Mahia, who led the delegation, reported to the President that the team embarked on guided tours of companies on the scale of their global reach, the integrated nature of their operations as well as the deployment of advanced technology.
He added that from their interactions with various companies, JBS S.A. was chosen being the second largest meat processing company in the world with the capacity to process 33,000 cattle daily and over eight million birds daily, using advanced zero-waste practices.
The company employs over 200,000 people across its subsidiaries in more than 50 countries in the world including United States, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia among others.
[Dailytrust]
Famous Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo has revealed why he supported his daughter to pierce her navel.
The actor made the disclosure while speaking about his bond with his daughter, Aliyah.
Ninalowo in an interview with VJ Adams, said his 18-year-old daughter, Aliyah had asked to pierce her tongue but he felt uneasy about the tongue choice.
In a now-viral video, the actor explained that he allowed her to pierce her navel because he wanted to bond with her. Noting that a navel ring can be taken out at any time.
Demonstrating his support, Ninalowo stated that he personally drove her to get her navel pierced and also paid for the procedure.
[DailyPost]
The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted by the National Assembly because it was made in violation of the powers donated by the Constitution to the federal Legislature.
In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a seven-member panel of the apex court held that the National Assembly lacked the powers to legislate on issues relating to lottery and games of chance.
The court held that such powers only reside with the state Houses of Assembly, which possess exclusive jurisdiction over lottery and related issues.
The lead judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris resolved the two issues, identified for determination, against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and one other, listed as defendants.
He granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.
The judgment was on the suit, marked: SC/1/2008 filed by Lagos and some other states.
Justice Idris ordered that the National Lottery Act 2005 should no longer applied in all states, except the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in respect of which the National Assembly is empowered to make laws.
He declared that lottery or games of chance are not one of the items on the Exclusive Legislative List contained in the Constitution in respect of which the National Assembly has the powers to make laws for the whole of the country.
The judge also declared that, having regard to the clear provisions of Section 4(2) & (3) of the Constitution, the National Assembly lacks the powers to make any legislation for the control and regulation of lottery in Nigeria.
He equally declared that, having regard to the provisions of Section 4(4)(a) & (b) and Part 2 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution, matters relating to the lottery are not issues on which the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly have concurrent powers to make laws.
Justice Idris also declared that, having regard to the provisions of section 4(7)(a) & (c) of the First Schedule to the Constitution the House of Assembly of Lagos State and other states have the powers, to the exclusion of the National Assembly, to make laws for the regulation and control of lottery within their states.
He further declared that, having regard to the provisions of sections 4(4)(b), 7(a) and 39, 29(9)(a) of the Constitution, the power of the National Assembly to make laws for the regulation and control of lottery is limited by the Constitution.
The judge also declared that sections 17, 18, 19 20 and 21 of the National Lottery Act 2005 made by the National Assembly are inconsistent with the Constitution, adding that the National Lottery Act is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
He proceeded to issue an order that was made nullifying the entirety of the National Lottery Act.
Justice Idris also issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the first defendant (AGF), either by himself or his agents or any other agency of the Federal Government from implementing the provisions of the National Lottery Act within the territories of the plaintiff states.
He further issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the first defendant, its agents, or agencies of the federal government from continuing to implement or enforce the provisions of the National Lottery Act within the territories of the plaintiff states
The judge made no orders to cost.
Other members of the panel – Justice Uwani Abba-Aji (who presided), Justices Mohammed Lawal Garba, Emmanuel Agim, Simon Tsammani, Stephen Adah, and Jamilu Tukur agreed with the lead judgment.
[TheNation]
The Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, has cleared a female student, Ramota Olahanloye, to graduate following the re-marking of her final-year examination scripts.
Olahanloye had alleged that a lecturer, Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia, demanded sexual favours from her, and when she declined, he deliberately failed her in two final-year courses.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Wole Balogun, the university confirmed that Olahanloye’s allegations were investigated, and her scripts were re-marked.
“The young lady’s scripts were re-marked, and she performed fairly better than the scores initially awarded by Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia,” the statement read.
According to Balogun, the university management approved Olahanloye’s revised results, which qualified her for graduation.
“The university management has given executive approval for her results to be processed. She has since commenced her final clearance from relevant units of the university,” the statement added.
Balogun also disclosed that Agbegbedia had been sanctioned by the institution for his misconduct.
Olahanloye expressed her joy over the resolution of the case, saying, “I am happy that I have gotten justice, and I really appreciate the university Vice-Chancellor for setting up the committee that investigated the matter.
“I was shown my entire results, including the graduation list with my name on it. I have started my clearance as a graduating student of the university, and I am truly happy.”
Her father, Rasaki Olahanloye, also lauded the university for its commitment to justice.
“I can confirm to the world that FUOYE has served justice to my daughter. I was shown her upgraded results after her scripts were re-marked, and it is clear that she passed.
“The university fulfilled its promise to ensure fairness, and I appreciate the VC, Prof. Sunday Fasina, and the committee members for ensuring my daughter gets justice,” he said.
[Punch]
As Bitcoin hits $100,000: cloud mining has released a signal of change in the global economic and financial system
Admin
The price of Bitcoin has climbed to around $97,000, officially signaling its intention to hit $100,000. This historic moment not only symbolizes the rise of the crypto economy, but also indicates that the global economic and financial system is undergoing profound changes.
What is cloud mining
Cloud mining is a form of cryptocurrency mining that allows individuals to rent computing power from remote data centers. In the process, users do not have to invest in expensive mining equipment or perform maintenance. Cloud mining providers take care of equipment, electricity and maintenance costs, and users can earn cryptocurrency by renting this computing power.
How to start cloud mining
Here are the basic steps you need to take before getting started.
Step 1: Choose a Cloud Mining Provider
ION Mining is a powerful cryptocurrency mining platform that allows you to earn Bitcoin passively, with no strings attached, regardless of technical knowledge or financial resources. Once $100 worth of Bitcoins are mined, they can be transferred to your account and traded. Any profits are yours and you can withdraw them to your personal wallet.
Step 2. Register an account
ION Mining offers a simple registration process: all you need to do is enter your email address. Sign up now and get $15 for free to start mining Bitcoin.
Step 3. Purchase a Mining Contract
ION Mining provides a variety of efficient mining contract options: contract prices range from US$100 to US$5,000, and each package has its own return on investment and a certain contract validity period. For example:
| Contract Price | Contract Duration | Daily Interest Rate | Total Income(Principal+tProfit) |
| $15 | 1day | 5% | $15+$0.75 |
| $100 | 2day | 3.5% | $100+$7 |
| $1000 | 3day | 2.03% | $1000+$60.9 |
| $2000 | 18day | 2.21% | $2000+$795.6 |
| $5000 | 10day | 2.33% | $5000+$1165 |
Step Four: Earn Passive Income
Cloud mining is a great way to increase your passive income. Earn passive income the day after purchasing a contract. Passive income is the goal of every investor and trader, and ION mining is the best option to achieve this goal.
Platform advantages:
- Get $15 for free immediately after signing up,
- You can get 0.75 USD by signing in every day.
- High level of profitability, making $5,000 a day is not a problem.
- No additional service fees are required.
- Cloudflare® security protection.
- 24/7 technical support.
In short
If you are looking for ways to increase your passive income, IONmining is a great option. ION Mining can help you grow your cryptocurrency wealth in “autopilot” mode with minimal time investment. Passive income is the goal of every investor and trader, and with ION mining you can maximize your passive income potential easier than ever
For more information about ION mining, please visit the official website: https://ionmining.com/
[Vanguard]
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and a factional leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the ministry’s acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, revealed that Ekpa was detained on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish politician and Biafran activist, declared a Biafran government-in-exile in 2022 and subsequently proclaimed himself as its leader in 2023.
According to the statement, Finnish authorities alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to disseminate separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage unlawful acts that have significantly destabilized Nigeria’s southeast region.
The Ministry highlighted that Ekpa’s arrest followed diplomatic pressure from the Nigerian government, which had consistently urged Finland to take decisive action against his destabilizing activities.
The statement read: “The ministry wishes to confirm the arrest of Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed IPOB, by Finnish authorities on Thursday, Nov. 21.
“He was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.
“The Finnish authorities alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage illegal actions, which had caused significant disruptions in the southeast of Nigeria.
“Finnish investigators had also linked him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to have been fuelled by his online activities.
“The arrest of Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland to take action against his activities, linked to violence and instability in the southeast of Nigeria.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as a crucial step toward curbing IPOB’s activities and reducing the influence of transnational actors undermining Nigeria’s security.
Dangote refinery: Naira-based crude sale scheme faltering | NNPC not keeping to supply commitment
Admin
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says the federal government’s initiative to sell crude priced in the local currency is faltering, as the plant is still unable to secure adequate supplies.
Edwin Devakumar, the vice-president of Dangote Industries Limited, spoke to Reuters on Friday.
“We need 650,000 barrels per day, (state oil firm NNPC Ltd) agreed to give a minimum of 385,000 bpd but they are not even delivering that,” Devakumar said.
He described the deliveries from Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited under the scheme as “peanuts”.
Also speaking, Mathins Obaze, an acting executive director of the Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), said only the Dangote refinery, one of eight refineries in operation in Nigeria, has benefited from the naira-denominated crude sales arrangement.
“Members are still unable to access crude in naira and are currently engaging the government for a resolution,” Obaze said.
On October 5, the federal government said Nigeria officially commenced the sale of crude oil and refined petroleum products in naira — with Dangote refinery focusing on local supply.
A few weeks later, the refinery received four cargoes of crude oil from the NNPC under the naira-for-crude sale agreement.
On November 21, the Lekki-based refinery purchased its first shipment of US oil after a three-month break as the firm sought to increase production.
[TheCable]
Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.
Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels for electoral integrity.
The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.
Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.
“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.
Obasanjo pointed out that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.
“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail.
“INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.
However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”
“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote
DAILY POST reports that the call is a renewal of the controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo and Edo states.
DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.
Although Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.
The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.
However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.
“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku.
Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reasons for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.
Amadi had earlier in a post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.
“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.
Also speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.
“There were allegations that election results were manipulated.
“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.
“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.
“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.
“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.
“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.
Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials were serious concerns that needed to be addressed.
Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness were unconvincing.
He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.
“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures.
“Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.
“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.
“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.
“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task.
“Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.
“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.
“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.
“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”
On his part, Onyebuchi Igboke, the Project Manager of Advocacy Partnership for Good Governance and Convener, Office of the Citizens, told DAILY POST that the electoral commission should be for persons of integrity.
Igboke particularly noted that the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of many Nigerians contrary to his promise to transmit presidential election results in real time.
According to him, the electoral system in Nigeria should be reformed, suggesting that the power of the President to appoint the INEC chairman be removed.
He said: “INEC as an institution should be manned only by persons who have integrity. From what was observed from the last election, the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of Nigerians, especially young Nigerians.
“He made a promise severally before the 2023 presidential election to transmit results electronically, not just the transmission of results but in real time.
“However, everyone was disappointed how the results for the presidential election weren’t transmitted as he promised.
“I totally agree with what the former President Olusegun Obasanjo said about the institution lacking in integrity. In a sane clime, the INEC chairman should have resigned after the event of the 2022 general election.
“In the recent off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo, Ondo, and Edo states, we saw what happened. Is that what we wish to have as an election?
“Election is a serious business because it gives people the opportunity to recruit individuals who will manage their resources, lead them into prosperity, and solve their problems.
“Electioneering in Nigeria should be reformed. This should begin by removing the power of the President to even appoint the INEC chairman.”
Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.
Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at all levels for electoral integrity.
The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.
Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.
“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.
Obasanjo pointed that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.
“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail. INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.
However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”
“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote
DAILY POST reports that the call comes fresh from the divided opinions and controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off cycle elections in Kogi and Edo states.
DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.
Athough Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, respectively, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.
The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not prescribing and deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.
However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.
“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate Atiku.
Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reason for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.
Amadi had earlier in post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.
Amadi’s statement comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared the All Progressives Congress, APC’s Monday Okpebholo as winner of the Edo State governorship election last September.
“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.
But speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.
“There were allegations election results were manipulated.
“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.
“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.
“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.
“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.
“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.
Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing.
He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.
“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures. Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.
“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.
“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.
“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task. Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.
“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.
“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.
“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”
More...
The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has ordered a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises carried out by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May 2024 and November 2024.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, also ordered the suspension of recruitment into the state’s civil service until further notice.
Okpebholo, however, accused heads of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of carrying out clandestine recruitment exercises into the state’s civil service. The statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Benin City stated that preliminary investigations revealed that backed-dated employment letters were issued without due process.
According to the statement, “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is in receipt of the report of the clandestine activities being perpetuated by some Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government in the State.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that these bodies have continued to issue back-dated letters of employment to their cronies without due process. “For the avoidance of doubt, this administration believes in the principle of fairness and equity which expects that all employment exercise should be merit-based, competitive and accessible to all Edo indigenes.
“In light of the foregoing and in order to arrest this ugly trend, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes as well as the review of all appointments carried out since May 2024 by Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government.
“Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to note and comply with the above directive”, the statement added.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC Joe Igbokwe has said that President Bola Tinubu’s son Seyi Tinubu does not possess the required capacity to be the governor of Lagos State.
This comes amid reports urging the president’s son to run for governor in 2027.
Reacting to this development, Igbokwe in a Facebook post criticized those advocating for Seyi to be Lagos governor.
The APC chieftain described the calls as a distraction and an attempt to pull Tinubu down.
He further noted that to govern a state like Lagos is not a job for “boys.”
“Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor? This is a needless distraction.
“To pull PBAT down is their target. Please allow PBAT to do his very engaging and tasking job. Ruling Lagos is not the job of boys? ” he wrote.
A mystery fire on Thursday night broke out at the College of Health Sciences of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, gutting a building in the institution.
A source said the building which is in the physiology department of the institution was totally razed by fire.
It was, however, gathered that the fire was stopped from extending to other buildings as it was immediately attacked and put off.
So far, there has been no explanation as to the cause of the fire.
A senior official of the institution who confirmed the incident said an investigation was still on to unravel the mystery.
Though the fire destroyed the building and some properties within it, no life was reported lost in the incident.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the remand of 109 foreigners, charged over allegations bordering on cybercrime, in Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres.
Justice Ekerete Akpan gave the order following an application by one of the defence counsel, James Onoja, SAN, for an adjournment to allow the prosecution to reflect the defendants’ names correctly on the charge sheet.
The foreigners, who are said to be citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia and Myanmar, were recently arrested by the police.
They were apprehended in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”
In a six-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024 filed in the name of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, Onoja informed the court that while conducting Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures for his clients, he discovered that their actual names were not reflected on the charge sheet.
“This information came to light when we were discussing the possible terms of bail for the defendants.
“We told them that the court would ask for their travel documents, and they said the names on the charge sheet were not their names,” he said.
The senior lawyer said he had discussed the matter with the prosecution lawyer, A.A. Egwu.
He said they requested the defendants’ travel documents so that their proper names could be reflected on the charge sheet.
He emphasised that it was the defendant’s responsibility to provide their correct travel documents for the plea and trial to proceed smoothly.
Onoja, therefore, proposed that the arraignment be adjourned in the interest of justice.
Egwu, who appeared for the police, responded that the court could make an order for the defendants’ respective embassies to provide their travel documents.
“We do not oppose the request for an adjournment,” he said.