Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the results of the recent governorship election in Edo State demonstrates that technology alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s electoral problems.

He emphasized that the root of the issue lies in the mindset of the people, not just the tools used.

 
 
 
 

Jonathan pointed out that while technology has its benefits, it can still be manipulated by individuals with corrupt intentions.

According to him, a shift in attitude is needed among Nigerians, as many approach politics with a negative mindset.

Speaking at an event organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja to mark the International Day of Peace, Jonathan discussed the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system.

He stressed that the quest for power is a significant driver of conflict across Africa, with technology being unable to fully address these deeper issues.

Jonathan, who was honored as a Fellow of the IPCR during the event, making him the second person to receive this recognition after former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, reiterated that a corrupted electoral process could not be rectified by technology alone.

Reflecting on the aftermath of the Edo election, Jonathan expressed concern that tensions had escalated rather than subsided due to suspicions that the process was mishandled.

As the only Nigerian president to have peacefully transferred power to an opposition party after losing an election, Jonathan drew attention to the widespread conflicts across Africa, many of which stem from power struggles.

Jonathan said, “Here in Nigeria, we talk about technology. Without the human mind ready to do what is right, if we bring the technology, they will manipulate it.

“Actually, 10 top countries are in conflict globally. Three of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. And quite a number of countries around us, including us, are in one form of conflict or the other.

“And when you look at what causes conflict in Africa, most cases are struggle for leadership, contestation for power. And that is the main cause of conflict.

“Sometimes when you go through a society, and you can tell all kinds of stories. But by the time you do proper analysis, and dig deep, you know that most cause of conflict is leadership struggle. That is why I’m only worried about my country Nigeria.”

Jonathan also challenged the belief that politics is inherently dirty, clarifying that it’s the participants, not the system, that tarnish its image.

He referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who similarly argued that politics only seems dirty because people bring their corrupt minds, hearts, and actions into the arena.

People say politics is a dirty game. The way we play our politics is the way we want to play it.

“Remember (Olusegun) Obasanjo, the former president, recently made a statement that politics is not dirty but the people that play politics, come to play politics with their dirty minds, dirty hearts and dirty character.

“And that is why people say politics is dirty. And in that case, we must all begin to think differently. We must cultivate the culture of peace,” Jonathan explained.

The former president emphasized the importance of peace becoming a central part of African and Nigerian society, arguing that without this shift, the continent will continue to face political turmoil.

Jonathan stated, “Until we get to that level where we develop the culture of peace in this country, we will always have political conflicts in our election.

“And without us strengthening that effort, without us developing that culture of testing a nation peacefully, we will always be in conflict in Africa and in Nigeria.”

The House of Representatives is set to reconvene on Tuesday, September 24, after its annual recess, with a legislative agenda that includes critical discussions on the 2025 Appropriation Bill proposed by President Bola Tinubu, constitutional review, and electoral reforms.

Following a break that commenced on July 23, 2024, lawmakers will return to address pressing national challenges, including insecurity, economic stability, and the ongoing petrol crisis.

 

In a statement released on Monday, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, indicated that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will deliver an agenda-setting speech to outline the priorities for the upcoming session.

The statement read in part, “With the 2024 fiscal year coming to a close, the House eagerly anticipates receiving the 2025 Appropriation bill soon. Timely submission from the executive is crucial, as it facilitates thorough scrutiny and public input through town hall meetings, a practice pioneered by the House during the 2024 budget review.

“The House is firmly committed to maintaining the January-December budget cycle and anticipates cooperation from the executive in this regard.

“Honourable members will actively debate and pursue legislative action on pressing challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly those related to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the spate of insecurity in the country, and the economy. These issues, among others of urgent national importance, will be prioritized as we respond to the needs of our constituencies.”

Rotimi, who represents Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, Ekiti State, also noted that proposed laws captured in the legislative agenda would be deliberated upon, given their significance to Nigerians’ quest for good governance.

“Bills and motions aligned with our commitments in the legislative agenda will receive prioritisation and fast-tracking, particularly because they will serve as indicators by which Nigerians assess the 10th Assembly at the upcoming mid-term in June 2025,” he added.

The statement further highlighted the importance of amending the 1999 constitution, saying, “The constitutional review process serves as the bedrock of our democracy, embodying our collective aspirations for a just society. The House reaffirms the December 2025 deadline to arrive at definitive outcomes for the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, will intensify efforts to address pressing issues and align our laws with the needs of the public.”

He added that the Committee received “About 305 memoranda from the public and about 150 constitution alteration bills from honourable members, reflecting significant public engagement and concern. These bills will be given accelerated consideration.”

Electoral reform

“Article 6.7 on Law Reform in our Legislative Agenda outlines that the 10th House will prioritise amending the Electoral Act 2022 to address gaps, including vague and contradictory provisions. In line with our agenda, we are also committed to establishing a mechanism for periodic reviews of electoral laws to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with global best practices,” the statement further read.

Local Government Autonomy

“In light of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 on local government autonomy, we anticipate bills aimed at ensuring the consequential alignment of various extant laws with this new reality. This issue is pivotal to our Legislative Agenda, particularly Article 6.3 on Law Reform (Agenda 3).

“The 10th Assembly proposed several reforms for Nigeria’s local government councils, including constitutional changes to grant them financial and operational independence. This shift is essential for clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of local governments and preventing overlaps and conflicts.

“Further reforms will address electoral processes within local councils and clarify their roles in maintaining security at the grassroots level. These initiatives are crucial for empowering local governments and ensuring they effectively serve their communities,” Rotimi stated.

Whistleblower Protection Bill

The House, according to the lawmaker, is anticipating an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection. “This initiative aligns with our 8-Point Legislative Agenda, particularly aspects focused on strengthening good governance and improving national security,” he said, stressing that “Efforts in this area promise to significantly boost the fight against corruption and improve Nigeria’s revenue streams.

Other areas of interest listed include oversight and legislative compliance, as well as constituency outreach.”

Last modified on Tuesday, 24 September 2024 15:58
 President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Naija News understands that the meeting is being held amidst plan to reshuffle is cabinet.

 

Before the commencement of the council meeting, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to democracy through “the conduct of free and fair election in Edo State.”

Akume also commended the leadership of Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the victory of Monday Okpebholo.

He said, “We want to use this opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to congratulate the people of Edo State, particularly the APC family, properly guided by the father of APC, in their fantastic outing, recording a huge victory, which had eluded the APC for over eight years.

“The election has been adjudged to be free and fair and that is what Mr. President has always stood for. We want to thank you, Mr. President, for being committed to the electoral process and ethos of democracy.

“Once again, we thank our family members of the APC from Edo state for this wonderful showing.”

The SGF also formally notified the council of the passing a former Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development, Mrs Salome Jankada.

Mrs Salome Jankada was a Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The council then observed a minute silence in honour of the late former council member, who died in August 27 this year.

Those in attendance at the meeting include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the National security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Majority of the Ministers were also in attendance.

[NaijaNews]

Some residents who infiltrated the Internally Displaced Persons camps for flood victims in Borno State have stated that they were forced to enter the camps due to the current hardship in the country.

The residents, mostly women, disclosed this during an interactive session with our correspondent in Maiduguri on Monday.

They expressed that the economic situation in the country is no longer bearable, and they cannot sit idly by while trucks of food items and cash enter the camps daily without being beneficiaries.

Speaking with one of the residents who infiltrated the camp at Ajilari Community Secondary School, Aisha Kuda, she said, “We are suffering from hunger; our children have started stealing due to poverty. Our girls are getting unwanted pregnancies because they are lured with money.

 

That is why we are going there to get something to eat.”
“We are pleading with the government to help us as they are helping the IDPs because we are in a critical condition too,” she pleaded.

Safiya Abdullahi stressed that it is unjust to overlook those affected by the flood who are residing with relatives instead of in the camps.

“We are hungry. Not everyone can stay in the camp because some have relatives who are not affected, just like myself. This does not mean we should be exempted. When the flood came, my family was displaced from Gwange, and we left to stay with my relative in Wulari. When we heard about the food and cash distribution in Bakassi camp, we went there.

 

“Upon getting there, they said we were not eligible to receive items. This happened the day the governor visited to share 10,000 Naira in the camp,” she stated.

On her part, Hannah Johnson, a Maiduguri resident, mentioned that she was aware of the different church denominations that have donated to the camp.

“I know some churches, including Dunamis and Apostle Suleiman’s church, have donated. Even though it was meant for those in the camp, some of us were affected by the flood, and we decided to stay out of the camp. How can you remove us from the list of beneficiaries?”

She continued, “I was in Yerwa camp a few days ago, and they said we wouldn’t benefit as long as we are not living in the camp. I went back home with nothing. This is uncalled-for.”

PUNCH reported that the governor of the state, Babagana Zulum, alleged the infiltration of camps by people not affected by the flood.

Following the allegation, he directed that only camps being operated in schools would be closed to allow learning activities to fully resume across the state.

[Punch]

A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the judgment delivered on Monday, Inyang Ekwo, presiding judge, held that the suit was premature and the issues raised were within the purview of the internal affairs of the political party.

Ekwo held that the group failed to show credible evidence that it was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and therefore lacked the locus to have instituted the suit.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, queried the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the chair of the party since he is not from any state in the north-central geopolitical zone.


​​They argued that the national executive committee (NEC) of the APC breached the party’s constitution when it appointed Ganduje, from Kano state in the north-west geopolitical zone, to replace Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa state in the north-central geopolitical zone.

It also argued that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi was contrary to Article 31.5(1F) of the APC constitution and ultra vires the powers of the NEC of the party, among other reliefs.

The plaintiff prayed the court to, among others, restrain Ganduje from further parading himself as chair of the APC.

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They also sought an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to accord recognition to all actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries and nominations — since Ganduje became APC chair on August 3, 2023.

Speaking with journalists after the court session, Ayuba Abdul, counsel to the plaintiff, said the judgment will be appealed.

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, Yiaga Africa deployed the Process and Results  Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology to observe the Edo State governorship election. This involved 300 stationary and 25 roving observers,  covering a representative sample of polling units across all 18 LGAs. The PRVT enables Yiaga Africa to independently assess the quality of election day processes  and verify the accuracy of the official election results as announced by INEC.

Yiaga Africa observers also deployed to the State and LGA results collation  centers to observe the process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of the election process. Yiaga Africa has successfully deployed this methodology in two Presidential elections and sixteen off-cycle governorship elections.

Yiaga Africa’s election day situation analysis statement highlighted logistical challenges that led to delays in the commencement of accreditation and voting at various polling units across the state. Inadequate planning in the supply of  vehicles for transporting ad hoc officials and election materials, along with the absence of accompanying security personnel, further exacerbated the delays.

Yiaga Africa also condemns acts of violence and disruption of voting and results collation process by political thugs and hoodlums, particularly violence directed at voters and election officials. These unwholesome acts undermine the integrity of the elections. Yiaga Africa extends its sympathies to citizens and polling officials who suffered severe injuries and loss of valuable properties due to these attacks and violence. Yiaga Africa calls on security agencies to thoroughly investigate these cases of attacks and intimidation against voters and polling officials.

Statement on INEC’s official results

Yiaga Africa’s estimates are based on official results announced at the polling unit, from a representative random sample of polling units. As highlighted in our pre-election report, Yiaga Africa will amongst other factors consider the quality of election day processes in assessing whether the 2024 Edo governorship satisfies the electoral integrity test. In this regard, Yiaga Africa considered the integrity of accreditation, voting, counting, and collation of results.

INEC consistently applied its guidelines in managing the accreditation and voting process in a significant number of polling units. Despite some isolated incidents of inadequate election materials, the BVAS machines functioned optimally, and all voters in the queue by 2:30pm were allowed to vote, despite the late opening of polls. The polling officials uploaded polling unit results on the IReV in a timely manner, making it possible for citizens to access polling unit level results.

However, the incidents of results manipulation and disruptions during ward and local government collation in Ikpoba/Okha, Etsako West, Egor and Oredo LGAs, including intimidation of INEC officials, observers and party agents and the collation of results contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, severely undermine the credibility of the election results.

Inconsistencies in the officially announced results

Based on reports received from the sampled polling units, Yiaga Africa can project the expected vote shares for each party within a narrow margin. However, Yiaga Africa is only able to verify the election outcome if it falls within its estimated margins. If the official results do not fall within Yiaga Africa’s estimated ranges, then the results may have been manipulated.

According to INEC, the All Progressive Congress (APC) received 51.1% of the votes, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 43.3% of the votes, and the Labor Party garnered 4.0% of the votes. Based on reports from 287 of 300 (96%) sampled polling units, Yiaga Africa’s statistical analysis shows inconsistencies in the official results announced by INEC. For instance, the official results announced by INEC for APC in Oredo and Egor, LGAs fall outside the PRVT estimate. In Esan West LGA, the official results for PDP fall outside the PRVT estimates. Also, in Oredo LGA, the official results as announced for LP fall outside the PRVT estimates.

These inconsistencies with Yiaga Africa’s PRVT estimates indicate that the results were altered at the level of collation.

The disparities between the official results released by INEC and Yiaga Africa’s PRVT estimates indicate manipulation of results during the collation process.

Yiaga Africa strongly condemns the actions of some biased INEC officials who altered figures during collation including the actions of some security officials who interfered with the collation process. Yiaga Africa notes that the cases of disruption in Ikpoba/Okha, Etsako West, Egor, and Oredo LGAs in the course of collation created opportunities for election manipulation, raising significant concerns about the credibility and integrity of the results collation process.

Turnout Estimates

INEC’s turnout and rejected ballots for the 18 LGA released are consistent with Yiaga Africa WTV PRVT estimates. Yiaga Africa is able to estimate that turnout is between 20.9% and 24.1% (22.5% ± 1.6%), while INEC’s official result is 22.4%. Similarly, Yiaga Africa estimates for rejected ballots are between 2.2% and 3.2% (2.7% ± 0.5%).

Yiaga Africa notes that in terms of turnout, voters did not meet the resilience test as voter turnout plummeted despite high PVC collection rates recorded for the governorship election. In this election, only 22.4% of the voters turned out to exercise their civic rights, lower than the 27% turnout observed in 2020.

Nevertheless, Yiaga Africa commends the resilience of the voters who turned out despite the rain and voting delays, staying back to fulfill their civic duties.

Recommendations

  1. Yiaga Africa calls for the immediate investigation and prosecution of polling officials and collation officers who are engaged in results manipulation and flagrant violations of the guidelines on results collation.
  1. Yiaga Africa calls on INEC to urgently clarify the inconsistencies in some of the results, especially election results from Oredo, Egor, Esan West and LGAs.
  1. INEC should issue detailed guidelines for exercising its powers to review declarations and returns made contrary to provisions of the Electoral Act and regulations and guidelines. This should include procedures for receiving complaints, timeframe, format and who is eligible to submit complaints.
  1. It is imperative to integrate the IReV and electronic transmission of results into the electoral legal framework to confer legality on polling unit level results uploaded on the portal. To this end, the National Assembly should expeditiously amend the Electoral Act to make electronic transmission of results mandatory.

Conclusion

As noted in our pre-election reports, Yiaga Africa emphasized that the 2024 Edo governorship election would be assessed against three key parameters: the resilience test, impartiality test, and integrity test.

On the resilience test, despite early warnings of potential violence and adverse  weather conditions, voter turnout was low. While voters were given the  opportunity to exercise their rights, many chose not to participate, resulting in a partial failure of the resilience test. Nevertheless, Yiaga Africa commends the resilience and patience of voters who did turn out, particularly in the face of logistical challenges and rainfall that caused late opening of polls.

On the impartiality test, Yiaga Africa monitored the role of security agencies and their engagement with the process. While there were isolated incidents of  intimidation, the security forces largely acted professionally, ensuring a peaceful  and secure environment on election day. However, reports of interference

during the results collation process, including the denial of access to accredited observers and party agents at collation centers, cast doubt on the neutrality of some security personnel. Additionally, the disruption of result collation raises concerns about the distribution and effectiveness of security deployment for the election.

Lastly, on the integrity test, Yiaga Africa concludes that the 2024 Edo governorship election fails the electoral integrity test due to the lack of transparency in the results collation process, which led to the manipulation of results. While key processes such as accreditation, voting, counting, and recording of results at the polling unit substantially complied with procedures, the results collation process was compromised by the actions of some baised INEC officials in connivance with other actors. This manipulation severely undermines the overall integrity of the election.

As Yiaga Africa stated after the 2023 general elections and the off-cycle governorship elections of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states in 2023, as well as the inconsistencies in the Edo state governorship election results, especially for the LGAs identified in the reports, it is abundantly clear that drastic steps are now needed for fundamental electoral reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral process, especially the urgent need for political actors to change their attitude towards politics.

 

The Watching The Vote project is “Driven by Data – For All Nigerians – Beholden to None!”

 

Signed.

Dr. Aisha Abdullahi

Chair of the 2024 Edo

Election Mission

 

Samson Itodo

Executive Director,

Yiaga Africa

 

For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Dafwat, Media Officer, Yiaga Africa. Tel. +234 (0) 806 899 5644, Email: jdfwat@yiaga.org. Learn more about

#WatchingTheVote at www.watchingthevote.org or on social media on Facebook at facebook.com/yiaga.org or on Twitter @YIAGA.

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has said the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu by Edo people.

Naija News reported that Senator Okebholo defeated the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) Asue Ighodalo and Olumide Akpata, respectively, during Saturday’s Edo governorship election.

In a statement on Monday, Senator Jibrin stated that the victory of Okpebholo was well deserved. He noted that it was a victory for democracy and the people of the state.

The Deputy Senate President said, “The victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress in last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State is well-deserved. I congratulate the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo and all our supporters for this victory. It is not just a victory for the APC but for our democracy and the people of Edo State.

“This victory is a further expression of the confidence of the people of the state in the exemplary leadership and performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since his assumption of office in May last year.

“It is also a result of the visionary leadership of our national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has made the party more cohesive and paved the way for its victory in this election.“

President Bola Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to combat cybercriminals and transnational car thieves operating within the country.

The president’s order follows the government’s commitment to curb organised crime networks that engage in illicit activities, particularly those targeting foreign nationals.

In a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, Tinubu commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent collaboration with Canadian authorities.

This partnership led to the recovery of $180,000 and 53 vehicles, which were handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two citizens the country.

The president acknowledged the significance of this cooperation and called for sustained efforts in tackling transnational crimes.

“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised that his administration will remain relentless in tackling financial crimes, cybercrime, and money laundering.

He stressed that the most effective way to weaken organised crime is by depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illegal activities.

The president also expressed concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in the export of stolen vehicles into Nigeria.

He urged law enforcement agencies, particularly the EFCC, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to step up their vigilance and work together to intercept these criminal networks.

He noted that seized and confiscated assets, especially moveable property like vehicles, should be preserved for the benefit of the state, society, and victims in accordance with existing legislation and international conventions.

“Criminals must not benefit from their illicit activities,” Tinubu said, adding that Nigeria is committed to maintaining strong relationships with international partners to ensure that criminals who operate across borders are brought to justice.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly investigate the spending of the billions of naira of Ecological Fund collected by Borno State since 2001, including the N816 million collected by the state between January 2024 and June 2024.”

SERAP said, “Suspected perpetrators of allegations of corruption and mismanagement of ecological funds should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any proceeds of corruption should be fully recovered.”

SERAP also urged him to “direct Mr Fagbemi and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to urgently identify and ensure access to justice and effective remedies to affected victims in Borno state.”

SERAP urged him to “direct Mr George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation to work with appropriate anticorruption agencies to track and monitor the spending of Ecological Fund by the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, 36 state governors, the 774 local government areas, as well as all emergency management agencies across the country funded through the Ecological Fund.”

In the letter dated 21 September 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Your government has a legal obligation to address the prevalence of flooding across the country and its effect on people, and to ensure that the money meant to stop the floods is not lost to corruption.”

SERAP said, “There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice for the victims of Borno’s flood victims, and accountability for the spending of the monthly ecological funds collected by the state through the Federal Account Allocation Committee [FAAC].”

The letter, read in part: “Although ecological funds are shared across the three tiers of government, and emergency management agencies, the funds are managed and supervised by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

“The devastation in Borno highlights your government’s obligation to promote and ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of ecological funds by all tiers of government and emergency management agencies.”

“SERAP notes that Borno state receives millions of naira monthly through the Federal Allocation Committee as shares from the Ecological Fund.”

“Other states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja also monthly receive funds from the Ecological Fund. According to reports, trillions of naira have over the years been budgeted through the Ecological Fund to tackle floods and other ecological problems.”

“SERAP is concerned that the ecological funds collected by Borno state over the years may have been diverted, mismanaged or unaccounted.”

“SERAP is also concerned about reports that the funds released to the states for ecological projects are characterised by mismanagement, diversion of funds, substandard and abandoned projects fully paid for.”

“Ecological funds have also been allegedly spent for other purposes such as election campaigns and political patronage.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“Your government has legal obligations to ensure protection of the rights of flood victims in Borno and elsewhere in the country, including the obligation to ensure they receive adequate food, shelter, safe drinking water, access to sanitation and other basic aid.”

“Your government must use all means available to it to prevent and address the threats to human rights that result from climate change and to provide access to remedies when these rights are violated.”

“According to reports, the recent floods in Borno started when a dam [the Alau Dam in Maiduguri] burst its walls following heavy rainfall. More than 30 people have reportedly been killed by the floods.”

“About one million people have been affected, most of whom are housed in camps without food and clean water. The According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 229 people have been killed by floods in Nigeria since the start of the year. The worst flooding in recent times killed 600 people in 2022.”

“According to a four-year audit of the Ecological Fund Office carried out by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, the total amount allocated and received by the fund from December 2011 to November 2016 was N277 billion.”

“The operations of the Fund from 2012 to 2016 reportedly showed that some of the disbursements were not utilised for the purpose for which it was established. During these periods, N74,170,932,645.20 was released to State Governments to solve ecological problems in their States.”

“SERAP notes that the Ecological Fund was established in 1981 to respond to and address serious ecological problems such as soil erosion, flooding, drought, desertification, oil spillage, general environmental pollution, and related issues, as well as prevent suffering and possible death from these natural disasters.”

“As the floods in Borno state have shown, the lack of transparency and accountability in the management of ecological funds by states and the resulting human costs directly threaten fundamental human rights – rights to life, to food, to a place to live and work – rights that your government has an obligation to protect.”

“Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the human rights and anti-corruption treaties to which the country is a state party impose obligations on your government to probe and prosecute allegations of corruption in the spending of Ecological Fund, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims of flooding.”

“Corruption and mismanagement of the fund have caused negative human health impacts, and rendered already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival.”

“The failure of successive governments and high-ranking government officials to prevent corruption in the spending of Ecological Fund has hugely contributed to the inability of authorities at all levels to address ecological challenges, and the impact of flooding across the country.”

“We note that while a governor may enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution, he does not enjoy immunity from investigation. Any criminal allegation against a sitting governor can and should be investigated pending the time the governor leaves office and loses immunity.”

“The findings of such an investigation can also be the basis for initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor.”

It’s been over a year that Nigeria has not named ambassadors in over a hundred diplomatic missions, which has raised concerns about the country’s position in the comity of nations, writes GIFT HABIB

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, has now spent over 13 months without ambassadors in 109 diplomatic missions worldwide.

The diplomatic vacuum has raised serious concerns about the country’s standing in the global arena and its capacity to navigate the increasingly complex international relations.

For more than a year, Nigeria has lacked formal representation at the highest levels of diplomacy, leaving the country at a disadvantage in engaging with global partners.

 

Following President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, a reassessment of foreign policy led to the recall of 83 ambassadors; both career and non-career from their posts in September 2023, but the subsequent appointment of replacements has yet to occur.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, had said the ambassadors served at the president’s behest in their host nations and that it was the President’s “prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”

The envoys were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, marking a shift in diplomatic strategy and suggesting that the government was looking to realign its foreign engagements to better serve national interests.

 

However, more than a year later, the anticipated appointments of new ambassadors have yet to materialise, creating a diplomatic vacuum that has left the country’s missions leaderless and its voice on the global stage weakened.

This prolonged diplomatic vacuum echoes the delays seen during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which took 17 to 20 months to establish ambassadorial positions.

The implications of this prolonged absence are far-reaching. At a time when global diplomacy is becoming more intricate, Nigeria finds itself without the ability to fully engage with other nations or participate in critical trade and security negotiations.

Ambassadors play an indispensable role in representing their country’s interests abroad, managing bilateral relations, and serving as key players in multilateral organisations. Their absence means missed opportunities and a weakening of Nigeria’s influence in global affairs.

While the Federal Government has made some progress by appointing 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to represent the country in 14 countries in April 2024, these appointments fall short of filling the gap.

Consuls-general and chargés d’affaires can handle routine administrative duties and oversee the day-to-day operations of an embassy, but they do not possess the authority or diplomatic weight to engage at the highest levels, such as with heads of state or critical international negotiations.

The absence of full ambassadors is a glaring omission at a time when Nigeria needs strong representation more than ever.

 

This diplomatic void is not just a procedural issue; it has real consequences for the nation’s global influence, its ability to secure international investments, and its role in shaping policies that affect the African continent and beyond.

On May 28, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs  acknowledged the situation, citing a lack of funds as the primary reason for the delay in appointing new ambassadors.

Few days later, the MFA’s spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, said any new ambassadorial appointments will depend on budget allocations. “I guess the funds may be included in the supplementary budget, but for now, there is no clear way forward without funds,” Abu-Ode stated.

The admission highlights a troubling intersection between diplomacy and economics, with financial constraints halting Nigeria’s global engagement.

The issue of funding underscores deeper problems within Nigeria’s diplomatic apparatus. With no clear timeline for when the budgetary issues will be resolved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is left in a holding pattern.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s international partners may interpret this prolonged inaction as a sign of instability or disinterest in global affairs.

This perception can be damaging, particularly for a country that relies on foreign investments and international partnerships to fuel its economic growth.

 

A senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke anonymously, voiced concern over the lack of communication and direction from the government. “There is silence on the issue. Nobody knows what’s going on,” the official remarked.

Diplomats and foreign policy experts warn that Nigeria’s absence from the international stage could have long-term consequences for its reputation.

In diplomacy, perception is often as important as reality. A prolonged lack of ambassadors can signal disorganisation or instability in the global community. Such a perception risks alienating potential investors and partners, who may view the absence of leadership as a sign that Nigeria is disengaging from international affairs.

In a world where nations are vying for influence and economic partnerships, Nigeria’s inability to project its voice and defend its interests could result in missed opportunities for collaboration, trade, and investment. Each day that passes without ambassadors in place represents another lost opportunity to advance Nigeria’s national interests on the global stage.

Many within Nigeria’s diplomatic community are calling for immediate reforms to address the country’s diplomatic challenges.

A retired Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, voiced his concerns over the prolonged absence of ambassadors.

“That diplomatic missions are without substantive heads for a short period is widely acceptable. But their absence over a year leaves so much to be desired, especially against the backdrop of the Ministry’s funding challenges,” he said.

 

Amedu-Obe’s concerns reflect the broader sentiment within the country’s foreign service, where the lack of principal envoys is seen as damaging to the country’s international reputation.

Similarly, a retired Consul to Cameroon and Delegate to the World Expo and Economic Development Centre in Paris, Amb. Rasheed Akinkuolie echoed the need for reform.

“It is not the best option not to have resident ambassadors at post. Chargés d’affaires may not be able to relate with host governments at the highest level, which includes heads of state. A chargé d’affaires can generally only relate with foreign ministries and other officials,” Akinkuolie explained.

He also expressed concern that host governments might begin to question why Nigeria has not replaced its recalled ambassadors, potentially seeing the prolonged absence as a sign of instability.

He noted that diplomatic missions should be funded from dedicated dollar accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure steady financial support for operations abroad. He also emphasised the need for a more streamlined process in deploying ambassadors, suggesting that the MFA could benefit from a Minister of State, drawn from among retired diplomats, to help manage the workload.

He urged the government to prioritise ambassadorial appointments and ensure that Nigeria’s missions abroad are properly funded and staffed.

“The minister is overburdened and overworked. The MFA urgently needs a Minister of State, who should be drawn from among retired Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry or Ambassadors. This will help sort out the grey areas, which may be preventing the swift posting of Ambassadors.

“Diplomatic missions should be funded from a dollar account, dedicated for the purpose at the CBN while running the ministry at home should be in the local currency,” the retired ambassador noted.

An economist, Shadrach Israel stressed the importance of ambassadors not just in diplomatic but also in economic matters.

“A lot of people see the ambassadorial position as political rather than economical. The truth is that if there are no ambassadors in a country, the area of economic gains might be affected.

“For instance, looking at the trade negotiations, if there is no ambassador in a particular country, the president or elected officials in that country might not have who to negotiate with which is a disadvantage to the ambassador’s country.

“For Nigerians who have businesses in other countries, they need the Nigerian ambassadors to protect them as well,” the economist stated.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for robust diplomatic representation has never been more critical. Nigeria’s prolonged absence from the global diplomatic scene is now threatening to undermine its standing in international organisations, its ability to influence global policy, and its attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment.

Tinubu’s foreign policy overhaul may have been well-intentioned, aimed at realigning Nigeria’s diplomatic focus and strengthening its global position. However, the government’s failure to swiftly appoint new ambassadors has left the country in a diplomatic vacuum that it can no longer afford. The longer Nigeria remains without ambassadors, the more it risks being sidelined in key international discussions and negotiations.

 

Restoring the country’s diplomatic presence must now be a top priority for the government.

Each day that passes without ambassadors represents another missed opportunity to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.

With the clock ticking, the FG must act decisively to restore its ambassadors and reclaim its voice in international diplomacy.