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[PRESS RELEASE] NLC Rivers State Chapter Refuttal To Press Statement By Dr. George Nweke On March 28 2025
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] NLC Rivers State Chapter Refuttal To Press Statement By Dr. George Nweke On March 28 2025](/media/k2/items/cache/ae3946f5a4e5822bb920e6abdc81b2a7_L.jpg)
The attention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Chapter, has been drawn to the recent press statement by Dr. George Nweke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State. While we acknowledge his right to express his opinions, we must categorically reject the baseless and misleading allegations made against the leadership of the NLC and Labour in general.
1. Labour's Commitment to Impartiality and Workers’ Welfare
The NLC is a non-partisan organization that remains dedicated to defending the rights and interests of workers in Rivers State and across Nigeria. It is highly irresponsible and mischievous for Dr. Nweke to insinuate that the leadership of Labour in Rivers State has been compromised or is engaging in political partisanship. The NLC, under the leadership of its State Chairman, has at all times acted in the best interest of workers without undue political influence. The Labour movement is driven by principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability, and we will not allow our integrity to be tarnished by baseless accusations.
2. False Allegations Against the NLC Chairman
Dr. Nweke’s claim that the NLC Chairman has been holding private meetings with the Governor and receiving financial inducements is outright false and defamatory. Such allegations are nothing more than an attempt to discredit the Labour movement and divert attention from the real issues affecting the state. The NLC leadership in Rivers State operates in full compliance with ethical standards and has consistently engaged with the government on legitimate labour matters, including workers' welfare, salary payments, and improved working conditions.
3. The Role of Labour in Democratic Governance
The NLC is an advocate for good governance, stability, and the rule of law. It is, therefore, disheartening that Dr. Nweke has chosen to malign the Labour movement by suggesting that it is being used for political maneuvering. If he has any credible evidence of wrongdoing, we challenge him to present it to the appropriate authorities rather than resort to unsubstantiated public statements aimed at inciting discord.
4. Labour’s Stance on the State of Emergency
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is a matter of national discourse, and the NLC, like all stakeholders, has the right to express its position based on facts and the impact on workers. The Labour movement will always stand against any action that undermines the democratic rights of the people or leads to instability that affects workers and the general populace. Our position on this matter remains clear: the welfare of the workers and the citizens of Rivers State must be prioritized above political interests.
5. Call for Responsible Engagement
We urge Dr. Nweke and other political actors to refrain from dragging the NLC and its leadership into their political battles. The NLC will not be intimidated or coerced into taking sides in political disputes. Our primary responsibility is to the workers, and we will continue to champion their cause with integrity and accountability.
In conclusion, we advise the public to disregard the unfounded claims made by Dr. Nweke. The NLC remains committed to its mandate and will not be distracted by baseless accusations.
Long Live the Nigeria Labour Congress!
Long Live Rivers State!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Rivers State Council
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
[PRESS STATEMENT] Salute to Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, our cooperation against threats to national security is absolutely necessary - Nuhu Ribadu
Admin![[PRESS STATEMENT] Salute to Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, our cooperation against threats to national security is absolutely necessary - Nuhu Ribadu](/media/k2/items/cache/0bdbd0ffb5a3e35ba213ca4a820566a2_L.jpg)
On behalf of the management and staff of the Office of the National Security Adviser, I wish to extend heartfelt greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This sacred period embodies the virtues of resilience, discipline, and sacrifice. As we celebrate, I urge you to bring to bear these virtues in our collective efforts to strengthen national security.
Your cooperation in the fight against terrorism and other threats remains vital in ensuring peace and stability across our Nation, particularly in our commitment to a ‘whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.’ Therefore, the continued collaboration between the government, religious leaders, communities, and security agencies in combating terrorism and extremism remains paramount.
The celebration of Eid-el-Fitr serves as a moment for deep reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to peace and national unity. It is thus pertinent for Muslims and all Nigerians to come together in unity, embracing the core principles of love and togetherness that are essential for our national progress. Peace, unity, and compassion are the core values underpinning the true spirit of Eid-el-Fitr; therefore, Nigerians must continue to uphold the virtues of empathy, kindness, and tolerance during the festivities and beyond.
I appeal to all Nigerians to remain vigilant against any forces that threaten our peace, and together, we can build a Nigeria where all citizens, irrespective of their faith, can live in harmony and prosperity.
Our diversity is our strength, and despite the challenges we face as a Nation, we remain united by a shared commitment to peace and stability. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and this Office uphold these values, and under my leadership, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians regardless of background or faith. We remain steadfast in our mission to enhance Nigeria's resilience against terrorism and violent extremism while promoting peaceful coexistence and national security. I wish you all a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu mni
National Security Adviser
For two years, Jeannie Dillard has saved what she can on her fixed income to replace the vehicle that was stolen from her home and found totalled a few miles away.
She looked around a used car dealership in Virginia on Thursday, peering at sticker prices with a newfound worry: blanket tariffs on foreign cars and car parts that experts warn could drive up prices in the US, which kick in next week.
She'd like to buy a car now, she said, but "I have to wait until my finances improve".
Ms Dillard is among the plethora of Americans bracing for expected economic turbulence under President Donald Trump's sweeping auto tariffs - an unprecedented US trade policy manoeuvre.
"It took me a long time to save up for the last car," she said. "If prices get too high, I'm obviously not going to buy something that I can't afford."
She added: "We'll just have to wait and see."
On Wednesday, Trump announced new import taxes of 25% on cars and car parts entering the US from overseas, which go into effect on 2 April.
Charges on businesses importing vehicles are expected on 3 April, and taxes on parts are set to start in May or later.
Trump and members of his administration have argued that the tariffs will lead to "tremendous growth" and increase jobs in the US.
But experts and automakers have warned in dire terms that tariffs could raise prices for US consumers, amplifying the stress of an already sluggish economy.
Mohamad Husseini, co-owner of a used car dealership in Maryland, said that he expects the additional tariff costs to get passed on to the consumer.
"The prices in the wholesale market have skyrocketed already," he told the BBC.
"It's going to get worse."
A car that would sell for $13,000 (£10,000) might rise to $14,500 (£11,200) because of the tariffs, Mr Husseini said. He predicted that consumers will see prices increase in the next three to six weeks.
The auto tariffs will likely force car dealers like Mr Husseini to raise prices.
"We all still have bills to pay, mouths to feed and employees to pay," he said.
At another car dealership, Robin Sloan was hoping to get a deal before prices increased.
She said she probably would have waited until the summer to go car shopping, but "with the tariffs, I decided I should go out and look now".
She rejected the Trump administration's claim that tariffs will cause Americans to buy US cars instead of foreign ones.
"I don't think I would buy a car made in the United States just because of the tariffs, I think I would probably wait a few years until things settle down," Ms Sloan said.
From buyers to dealers, the effects of the tariffs will be widespread, for better or for worse, experts say.
In the US, there are 908 motor vehicles per 1,000 people. About 92% of households own a vehicle.
Car ownership is typically higher in the US than in Europe, surveys suggest, partly because, in the absence of extensive public transport, many Americans have no other choice of how to get around.
Cars are also more than just a means of transportation. As symbols of both freedom and success, cars have a unique place in the national identity, from the show Pimp My Ride to Janice Joplin singing "Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz".
John Heitmann, a University of Dayton professor and automobile historian, who in his free time likes to polish his 1982 Mercedes SL, said that tariffs will have an existential, as well as an economic, impact.
"New cars are really out of the reach of a good number of Americans to begin with," he told the BBC.
"Consumers will not benefit, prices will go up," particularly amongst more affordable vehicles made in Korea, like Hyundais, he said.
As a vintage-car enthusiast, he said tariffs have added a layer of uncertainty to his hobby.
"About 50 minutes ago, I got an email from a part supplier in the UK saying, 'Don't worry... they're not going to go up, probably'," he said.
"'We haven't seen anything in writing yet.' That's what they said."
Higher-end imported vehicles, such as Audis, BMWs and Mercedes, will increase in price, too, Prof Heitmann said, though many of those who buy from such brands might be able to absorb a heftier price tag.
A 2024 study by the US International Trade Commission predicted that a 25% tariff on imports would reduce imports by almost 75%, while increasing average prices in the US by about 5%.
The US imported about eight million cars last year - accounting for about $240bn (£186bn) in trade and roughly half of overall sales.
Despite efforts from some car makers - including Ford and General Motors - to discourage Trump enacting auto tariffs, the president is forging ahead.
Some car makers are embracing Trump's tariffs, however.
On Tuesday, Hyundai, the South Korean car-marker, announced it would invest $21bn (£16.3bn) in the US by building a new steel plant in Louisiana.
Trump said the move is a "clear demonstration that tariffs very strongly work".
But the tariffs are likely to impact the domestic car industry as well.
US auto manufacturing has been deeply intertwined with industries in Canada and Mexico for decades. Parts criss-cross the borders several times before they are assembled, which means that even a vehicle as iconically American as a Ford pickup truck could see a sticker price increase.
Ultimately, Trump's tariff strategy will thrust the US auto industry into uncharted territory, leaving uncertainty hanging over consumers, dealers and automakers until they go into effect on Wednesday.
"Everything's topsy turvy now, you know, and it's also terribly filled with uncertainty, because no one exactly knows what kind of game is really being played by the Trump administration related to all the bluster of these tariffs," Prof Heitmann said.
Some, like Mya Fountain-Bunch, just want to get through the unease. She took her car into a dealership this week to avoid needing a replacement after the tariffs hit.
"[I'm] making sure that my car is working and hopefully I won't have to buy another car in the next few years, or at least the next four years until this administration is done with."
[BBC]
I have decided to do something a bit unusual in wishing ‘happy birthday’ to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as he clocks 73 this Saturday, March 29, 2025.
For the incurable cynics and skeptics who are likely to be dismissive, it bears restating ab initio that this short tribute is not written only for consumption today, but also serves as a testament for generations unborn, especially after the mob mentality that some display today would have given way to some sober reflection.
From an insider perspective, I dare say it will take decades before Nigerians truly and fully understand and appreciate the value President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has brought into our democratic space in all ramifications and the audacity with which he has taken on some of our key systemic challenges as a nation, root and branch.
Doubtless, in post-colonial Nigeria, he has been a master at fostering progressive coalitions for the ultimate advancement of democracy. Firstly, he played a very pivotal role in the formation and sustenance of NADECO to oust the Military and restore democratic governance in Nigeria.
Little wonder that when democracy returned in 1999, there was a broad consensus in the progressive family in Lagos that he was the fit and proper person to be Governor of Lagos State.
As Lagos Governor, he easily became the rallying point for the pursuit and defence of the common purpose against the imperial excesses of the then ruling party. He initiated and spearheaded many legal and political battles against the then Federal Government in a bid to promote democratic ideals.
Secondly, he was at it again in 2015 when he inspired and rallied the biggest coalition of political parties in history to form the APC and oust the overly dominant PDP from power, thus re-balancing our democratic system.
Despite that, he still had to struggle hard to win the Presidential ticket of the same APC in 2022 and battled even harder to win the presidential polls in 2023 before becoming the President of this great country.
In all of these, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has laid a marker for us now and generations to come: do not be a passive participant in a struggle; do not be content with merely helping to remove a prevailing order without a strong commitment to be personally involved in ushering in real change. Otherwise, your struggle would be in vain, lost to the foibles of some charlatans in power.
It can now be seen that he has been motivated over the years by one clear vision: a Nigeria on a genuinely sustainable path of economic growth and development. From the courageous removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the Naira to other bold reforms the government has embarked upon in different sectors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has surely taken the bull by the horn. What previous governments shied away from for political expediency has become the defining characteristics of his government.
Now, we are clearly headed in the right direction as a country as developments in different sectors will be rapid in the few years to come because of the rise in our liquidity. Our macro-economic indicators are looking up, and these will eventually impact positively on jobs and ultimately ensure the revival and stability of the middle class.
Lest I get carried away, this is just a birthday tribute. There will be another day or the campaign season for us to answer the hard questions.
But for now, let us pay tribute to this enigmatic and bold reformer as he turns 73; this quintessential democrat; this master of political consensus; this consummate politician; this exemplary President, and this ‘Aare Ona Kankafo’ of all political and democratic struggles.
Happy Birthday, Mr. President.
- Keyamo is the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria
![[PRESS STATEMENT] Governor Soludo Congratulates President Bola Tinubu On His 73rd Birthday](/media/k2/items/cache/8bda72f68870e5f8563dff735742ebf8_M.jpg)
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has most heartily congratulated the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday today, Saturday, March 29, 2025.
In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo remarked that Mr. President’s birthday is yet another moment to celebrate a life dedicated to service, vision, and the pursuit of national unity and progress. According to the Governor, President Tinubu’s leadership, anchored on deep political experience, strategic thinking, patriotism and a commitment to democratic governance, continues to inspire a renewed hope for a better Nigeria.
Governor Soludo went further to express deep appreciation for the President's large-heartedness and support for Anambra State’s developmental aspirations, as his inclusive approach to governance and willingness to partner with subnational entities for national progress reflect his belief in a Nigeria that works for all.
Therefore, Governor Soludo wishes President Bola Tinubu a very pleasant birthday celebration, with prayers for his continued strength, wisdom, and good health to steer our nation toward greater stability, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
Signed:
Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Presidential Candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, has decried the gruesome murder of some Northern Nigerian travelers in Edo State.
The gruesome attack happened in Udune Efandion community in Uromi, Edo State, on March 27, 2025, has sparked outrage.
In a statement published on his personal Facebook page, Kwankwaso described the attack as a “harrowing display of mob injustice and a sad reminder of the barbarity of jungle justice.”
He emphasized that all Nigerians should be able to move around without harassment or intimidation.
“It is general perception that the citizens all over the country must be able to move about without intimidation or harassment,” he said.
Kwankwaso asked the authorities concerned to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“I appeal to the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic accident and prosecute the offenders,” he said.
The ex-governor also commiserated with the families of the victims, the government of Kano state, and the other states affected by this disaster, praying for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Pressure is mounting on the police and security agencies to ensure that justice is done.
[DailyTrust]
The Kaduna State chapter of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has denied that former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai is a registered member of the party.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently announced his departure from the ruling party, citing a misalignment with its current direction.
However, at a press conference on Friday, SDP’s Assistant National Secretary for the Northwest Zone, Idris Inuwa, clarified that El-Rufai’s membership remains a rumor since he has not followed due process.
Inuwa emphasized that neither the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward had any record of El-Rufai’s membership.
He advised the former governor to complete the necessary procedures if he intends to officially join the party.
Additionally, Inuwa rejected the purported dissolution of the Kaduna SDP State Working Committee, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of due process.
He stressed that the committee was elected through a valid State Congress and has a four-year mandate.
The Kaduna SDP leadership reaffirmed its openness to new members but insisted that all must adhere to proper registration procedures.
[DailyPost]
![[PRESS RELEASE] IMF Appoints Tony Elumelu to Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth](/media/k2/items/cache/7f56e9578ea37c1909139cbbe1fc0b88_S.jpg)
Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has been appointed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth, convened by IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva.
Elumelu, Africa’s leading advocate of entrepreneurship and whose Foundation has funded, mentored and trained over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, champions entrepreneurship as the engine for the economic transformation of Africa. A self-made entrepreneur, Elumelu’s embracing of entrepreneurship is fundamental to his concept of Africapitalism, his belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development, making long-term investments, that deliver social and economic value.
The Advisory Council comprises global business leaders, policymakers, and academics, dedicated to identifying and addressing regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship. Its mandate is to recommend policies that enhance resource allocation, stimulate innovation, and catalyse sustainable private sector-led economic growth. Elumelu will be instrumental in ensuring that Africa’s entrepreneurial potential is central to global economic policymaking.
Other members of the Council include: Harberger Professor of Economics, University of Chicago, Professor Ufuk Akcigit; Saudi Ambassador to the United States, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud; Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of Salesforce, Mr. Marc Benioff; Executive Chair, Banco Santander, Ms. Ana Botín; Chairman, Tata Group, Mr. Natarajan Chandrasekaran; Chief Executive, Vodafone Group, Ms. Margherita Della Valle; Founder, Chairman and CEO, Vista Equity Partners, Mr. Robert Smith and Argentine Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Mr. Federico Sturzenegger.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Council on Wednesday 26 March 2025, the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, noted: “The Council brings together a group of leading thinkers and practitioners in business, finance, academia, and policymaking to share their views and experiences on how macroeconomic and financial policies can provide a supportive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity—key ingredients for a thriving private sector and strong economic growth.”
The House of Representatives has passed through second reading, a bill seeking to return the country to a parliamentary system of government and replace the present presidential system being practised.
The proposed legislation is titled; “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for the Office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the Office of President as Head of State and to Provide for a Framework for the Mode of Election to the Said Offices and for Related Matters (HB.1115).”
Sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, and 59 others, the bill was amongst the 31 Constitution alterations pieces of legislations were read for the second time at the plenary on Thursday.
The proposed legislations seeks to replace the President with a Prime Minister to serve as the Head of Government and establish the office of the President as a ceremonial leader with the elective offices chosen from the elected members of the legislature.
It also intends to shift the process of electing Governors and Chairmen of Local Governments from general elections to voting within their respective legislative bodies, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and foster closer collaboration between the executive and legislative branches.
Another key bill which passed second reading is the one seeking to alter Sections 134 (1)(a), 2(a), (4)(a) and 179 (2)(a) and (3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution by changing the system of the simple majority of electing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the State Governors where there are more than two candidates to ensure the winner scores more than half of the total votes cast.
Sponsored by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante(PDP, Rivers) the bill seeks to correct the lacunae in the present system of the election where a run-off election would be conducted to ensure that the winners in the Presidential and Governorship elections score more than half of the total votes cast.
This is to ensure: ”a more legitimate outcome of election; more legitimate outcome of election; more popular candidates emerges; the majority wish prevails, and Consensus building.
Relatedly, the bill for an act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 to review the requirements that qualifies a persons to be elected as President and Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governors and Deputy Governors.
Sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere(PDP, Imo) the bills seeks to make Bachelor’s Degree mandatory qualification for the offices and barred those above 60 years from seeking election into these positions.
Equally passed is bill for an act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Set Time within which civil and criminal cases and matters are heard and determined at trial and appellate courts in order to eliminate unnecessary delay in justice administration and delivery.
Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers, the bill seeks to provide for the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Altered) to set time within which the matters are heard and determined at trial and appellate courts in order to eliminate unnecessary delays in justice administration and delivery.
According to the bill’s draft, “In any civil or criminal matter except in election petition, a trial superior court of record shall deliver its judgement in writing within 270 days from the date of the filing of civil or criminal matter. In any civil or criminal matter except in election petition, a trial inferior court of record or tribunal shall deliver its judgement in writing within 210 days from the date of the filing of the civil or criminal matter.
Other bills which scaled second reading include those for: the creation of Wan state in North-central and Gobir state in Northwest; Bende North Local Government Area Out of the Present Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, to Rename Bende Local Government Area as Bende South Local Government Area of Abia State, Ughievwen Local Government Area in Delta State, Additional Local Government Areas in Enugu State,
additional Local Government Area in Imo State to be known as Ideato West Local Government Area, Moriki Local Government Area from the present Zurmi Local Government, Zamfara State.
The House of Representatives on Thursday reversed its decision on the second reading of a bill which sought to strip the vice-president, governors and deputy governors of immunity.
The lower legislative chamber made the u-turn after the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, moved a motion.
The green chamber also rescinded its decision on the bill to abolish the death penalty.
Both bills passed second reading during plenary on Wednesday.
More to follow…
[DailyPost]
More...
Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, the eldest daughter of the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has passed away at the age of 42.
She reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday, March 27, in the United Kingdom.
Until her demise, Bisola served as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
A former aide to the late governor, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, it has been confirmed.”
Bisola, who was married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi, was known for her contributions to governance and public service.
Her death comes as another painful blow to the Ajimobi family, following the passing of her father in 2020.
[Punch]
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has conferred professorship on the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor.
Barikor, who was promoted to Professor of Political Economy and Development Studies, was among 46 staff members elevated by the university.
In a statement on Wednesday, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Onwunari Georgewill, said the promotions were approved during the 187th meeting of the Governing Council, chaired by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa.
According to him, 30 senior academics were promoted to the rank of professor, while 16 others were elevated to associate professor after undergoing the university’s rigorous assessment process.
Barikor, who assumed office as NESREA DG in May last year, has made significant strides in environmental sustainability. Under his leadership, the agency has aggressively implemented the Extended Producer Responsibility Programme across sectors such as food and beverage, battery, used tyres, and electrical/electronics.
He also spearheaded the development of key environmental legislation including the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and the National Guidelines for the Implementation of EPR for (Plastic) Packaging. Additionally, the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations are awaiting gazetting.
Barikor oversaw the review of environmental permitting and licensing regulations and the regulations governing international trade in endangered species of fauna and flora. Under his administration, NESREA conducted 1,671 compliance monitoring inspections, shutting down 96 facilities for environmental violations.
To enhance efficiency, he unbundled NESREA offices in key states, taking environmental governance closer to the grassroots.
With support from the Fleming Fund, funded by UKAid, and in collaboration with Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Barikor is equipping the National Reference Laboratory in Port Harcourt with state-of-the-art research equipment. A 30KVA solar power system has also been installed to provide 24-hour power supply to the laboratory.
In March, NESREA launched the National Industrial Decarbonisation Programme (NIDP) to curb emissions from the industrial sector.
The agency also hosted an international conference on upgrading the lead-battery recycling sector in Africa under the Partnership for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET).
Through his leadership, NESREA has attracted support from international partners, including the European Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the German and Japanese governments, the African Center for Protection and the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF).
[Vanguard]
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for not outrightly rejecting the petition seeking her recall, describing the commission’s response as an indication of bias.
INEC, in a statement on Tuesday signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed receiving the petition, which reportedly contains signatures from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in the senatorial district.
However, the electoral body noted that the petition failed to include essential details such as the contact addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the petitioners, as required under the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, in a letter dated March 26, accused INEC of compromising its neutrality by offering guidance to the petitioners instead of declaring the petition incompetent due to its procedural flaws.
The letter partly reads, “Your position as disclosed in your press release on March 25, 2025, signed by Sam Olumekun shows that the Commission has taken sides and has become partial in favour of the Petitioners in this case.
“The Commission has observed that the Petitioners’ Petition did not meet the threshold of the requirement of a Petition to recall a member, having not contained the required contact addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses in their covering letter forwarding the Petition as contained in Clause 1(f) of INEC Regulation and Guideline. The proper thing and step to have been taken is to declare the Petition as “incompetent” and subsequently disregard same.”
The embattled lawmaker said the proper step INEC should have taken to show it was unbiased in the matter was to declare the petition defective, which would have brought an end to the process.
She added, “Lawfully, the Commission is supposed to have declared the Petition as incompetent for being patently defective for the reasons stated above but surprisingly, the Commission, instead of disregarding the Petition for failure to meet the requirements, opted to take the role of an adviser to the Petitioners and so advised the Petitioners that once they provide the needed information that is not contained in the Petition by meeting the requirements, it shall commence the verification of the signatures in each polling units.
“We posit that the Commission has by this press release shown partisanship and partiality in favour of the Petitioner and has compromised the process.
“The proper step to take by the Commission, if the Commission will maintain its integrity and impartiality, is to declare the Petition as incompetent and defective and notify the Petitioners accordingly. Therefore, putting an end to this process at this stage.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also pointed out that the addresses provided in the petition were limited to Okene, Kogi State, suggesting that the alleged signatures did not represent the entire senatorial district.
“Secondly, the address disclosed and provided in the petition according to your press release was Okene Kogi State, meaning that the two hundred and fifty signatories as contained in the petition came only from Okene, Kogi state, which seems more probable, ” She said.
She insisted that INEC’s decision to allow the petitioners to correct their errors rather than disqualifying the petition outright was a breach of due process, urging the commission to “do the needful and rebuild the public trust that is fast declining.
We still believe that the Commission will act rightly”.
[PRESS RELEASE] INEC: Petition For The Recall Of The Senator Representing Kogi Central Senatorial District
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] INEC: Petition For The Recall Of The Senator Representing Kogi Central Senatorial District](/media/k2/items/cache/ac387f0e5d3de04529080d9051c318a0_XS.jpg)
The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Tuesday 25th March 2025. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.
The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene.
The Commission's immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is "Okene, Kogi State", which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of "the lead petitioner" is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners.
The Commission wishes to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only. The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation.
The Commission reassures the public that it will be guided by the legal framework for recall. The public should therefore discountenance any speculations and insinuations in the social media.
Sam Olumekun mni
National Commissioner & Chairman
Information and Voter Education Committee