Category: Politics

Ebonyi, NBC partnering to resolve boundary disputes with neighbouring states – Nwifuru

Disputes
By Douglas Okoro
Isiaka (Ebonyi), June 29, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has said that the State Government is doing everything possible to ensure that all inter-state boundary disputes affecting communities in the state were permanently resolved.

Nwifuru said this on Saturday during a campaign rally for the re-election of the Chairman of the council, Chief Emmanuel Aja, held at Isiaka, the Headquarters of Ivo Local Government Area .

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, said that the government was collaborating with the National Boundaries Commission (NBC) and other relevant bodies to ensure that border communities in the state enjoyed permanent peace.

He regretted that some communities in Ivo had been embroiled in boundary disputes with their neighbouring communities in Abia.

He expressed optimism that all the boundary-related disputes in the state would soon be a thing of past.

Nwifuru said: “Our duty as a government is to ensure that there is peace in every part of the state.

“I’m aware that Ivo people have some problems in some areas, let me assure you that we are not sleeping.

“We have contacted the NBC and other relevant bodies involved in boundary matters.

“Soon, they will be here in Ebonyi to give you that very peace that you demand.”

The governor thanked the youths for being very peaceful and not engaging in fighting with their neighbours.

He also thanked the people of the area for being peaceful during the nomination of APC candidates for the upcoming council polls.

He implored them to sustain the peace during and after the exercise.

He also called on those who were aggrieved to close ranks with the party and its candidate to usher the party to victory at the election.

“We couldn’t have come this far without your cooperation had it been that we had some rancour during the primary election.

“It wouldn’t have been easy. I want to thank you for your understanding and assure you that government will always be there for you,” Nwifuru said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s  commitment to deepening good governance at the grassroots and emphasised the importance of credible and democratic elections in selecting leaders for grassroots administration.

In a speech, Aja lauded the governor for his people-oriented government and ensuring that peace and security prevailed in every part of the state.

He pledge to follow in the footsteps of the governor, if elected, promising to provide genuine and credible leadership for the people of the area.

“I’m appealing to everyone who feels agrieved to forgive since peace is the only prerequisite for development and there cannot be development without peace.

“I’m certain that with peace and collective effort, we will surely achieve victory at the poll,” Aja said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the well-attended rally, attracted party chieftains and supporters, including the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Moses Odanwu, and state party Chairman, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ODO/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

Election

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Asaba, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Delta Obidient Elders Council have tasked Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori on the need to ensure that the scheduled July 13  Local Government Elections in the state were transparent, free, fair and credible.

The group gave the charge while briefing newsmen after its meeting on Saturday in Asaba.

The Council Chairman, Mr Chris Biose, said the Obidient movement did not belong to the Labour Party (LP).

According to him, the Obidient Movement constitutes a category of Nigerians from all walks of life, home and in diaspora; it  has no place in the organogram of the LP.

“Obidients found Mr Peter Obi as a vehicle for the realisation of their mission of good governance for Nigeria and therefore embraced him, and LP massively supported him in the Feb. 25, 2023 Presidential election.

“This informed why some Obidients withdrew their support for LP in subsequent elections where Obi was not the candidate.

“In Delta, the leadership of LP failed to express appreciation to Obidient Youths across political party lines who engaged in self-sponsorship and political self mobilisation to work for it in the state during the presidential election.

“In this regard, Delta Obidient Elders’ Council believe that it has a duty to first of all, thank and appreciate youths of Delta and encourage them to rebuild the patriotic zeal which they displayed on Feb. 25, 2023.”

Biose assured that the elders’ council would continue to support the youths, while blaming the LP national leadership for abandoning the youths and engaging in intra party power struggle.

He regretted that the party failed to harness the political energy generated by the youths during the presidential election.
He congratulating Oborevwori on his administration’s efforts in providing quality physical infrastructure and his recent birthday anniversary celebration.

According to Obidient Elder, the litmus test of democratic governance were credible elections, while rigged election is worse than a military coup.

“In this regard, the Delta State LG polls scheduled to hold on July 13, presents the most significant test of the credibility of Gov. Oborevwori’s administration.

“We sincerely appeal to the Delta Political class to shun violence and fraud at the forthcoming LG election.

“The younger generation are watching; if political leaders continue to sow seeds of violence and fraud by their actions during elections, it will be impossible to build a sane society or a great nation from such a sordid foundation.

“That history and posterity may remember Your Excellency, Gov. Oborevwori for good; we urge you to ensure free, and fair LG elections on July 13,” he said.

He, however, lamented the present hardship in the country, adding that Obidients were irrevocably committed to the building of a new Nigeria.

The chairman, while appreciating the roles played by the media and youths, urged them not to relent in their commitment towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections in the country.

Also, Chief Solomon Akeni, Proterm Secretary of the Council, said that to ensure free, fair and credible at the local government levels, it would require the amendment of the relevant laws to grant autonomy to the third tier of government.

According to him, it is only when the Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC) takes charge of the LG elections, that it will be free from the clutches of the governors.

On her part, Dr Lizy Onyemah, a member of the Council, said that outside the roles played by INEC and Judiciary in an electioneering process, citizens must change their orientation and stop collecting money from politicians during elections.

Onyemah said that accepting money during elections meant that citizens had already sold their future.

“So, to enable free, fair and credible elections, citizens have a great role to play by not accepting any form of inducement from politicians.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IO/OJI/EMAF
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Emmanuel Afonne

Poll

By Ibrahim Bello

Birnin Kebbi, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), in Kebbi, has called on the State Independent Electoral Commission (KESIEC) to release election guidelines preparatory to the Local Government Elections scheduled for the Aug. 31.

The Chairman of IPAC in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, made the call while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He said that the council had confidence in the ability of the commission to conduct the elections.

”We are equally satisfied with the time frame for preparations and conduct of the polls beginning from July 7 to Sept. 9, 2024.

“However, political parties are in need of elections guidelines to enable them meet the challenges of the exercise.

“We want KESIEC to release the guidelines before the commencement of the electoral processes on July 7.

“Eighteen political parties that made up IPAC held fruitful discussions with the commission a fortnight ago on the forthcoming local government elections.

”The main issues for discussion was the timetable, campaigning and the elections proper.

“Based on imminent developments, the political parties came together to review the timetable to chart the best way forward for the polls; we are satisfied with the ongoing preparations.

“Our concern is the non release of elections guidelines to serve as shining beam for the political parties ahead of the polls and the mode for declaration of results,” he said.

Mohammad further requested KESIEC to wave or reduce to the barest minimum, fees for nomination forms and appoint only educated persons of neutrality, integrity and competence to serve as electoral officers for the local government elections. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IBI/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

We need more people with disabilities in Lagos politics– Centre

Disabilities
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 29, 2024( NAN) The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and other stakeholders have advocated the active involvement of individuals with special needs in political activities in Lagos State.

They made the call at a “Stakeholders Dialogue on Way Forward in Enhancing the Participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)in Political and Electoral Process in Lagos State”, calling for inclusive political participation focusing on disability rights and policy changes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by CCD with support from Voice Nigeria.

They emphasised the importance of inclusive political participation and highlighted the need to remove barriers, such as societal norms and perceptions, to ensure equal political representation.

Mrs Florence Chima-Austin,  Head of Finance and Administrative, CCD, outlined some challenges faced by persons with disabilities in participating in politics, including the need to review political party policies and sensitise members of political parties and the general public on the rights of PWDs.

She also emphasised the need for inclusive policy for communities in different parties to be involved, sensitising people on their rights.

Ms Christiana Njoku, Programme Manager, CCD, explained that the project was targeted at engaging stakeholders and advocating political participation as in the Disability Act.

According to her, the project focuses on enhancing access to justice, political participation, and democratic governance for youths, elderly women and PWDs.

She said that so far, key achievements recorded in engagements included establishing contacts within the Nigerian Police Force,  NSCDC  and others, to address disability rights issues among others.

She emphasised the importance of political participation and encouraged the audience to join a political party to get involved in governance.

Speaking on the theme, Mr Kayode Afolabi, the Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Alimosho Chapter, in his presentation, educated aspiring politicians with disabilities about the procedures involved in the political system and how to go about it.

Highlighting types of disabilities to include physical, sensory, mental health and learning difficulties, Afolabi affirmed that PWDs faced a lot of challenges.

According to him, general challenges facing the PWDs include societal and structural barriers, physical barriers communication barriers, attitudinal barriers, legal and policy barriers.

He listed other challenges to also include stigma and discrimination, saying “negative attitudes lead to social exclusion”.

Speaking on accessibility issues, the chairman said that inadequate infrastructure always limits mobility of PWDs.

On economic barriers, Afolabi said that limited access to education and jobs increase poverty rates among PWDs.

He also said that PWDs had challenges with health care accessibility as well as in political participation.

On political participation of PWDs, Afolabi said: “Inaccessible polling stations and party offices prevents full participation.

“Lack of accessible information formats (braille, sign language) excludes many PWDs.

“Lack of awareness and sensitivity among political parties and the public marginalises.

“Outdated or poorly enforced laws fail to protect political rights,” he said.

On way forward to enhance political participation of PWDs in Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, Afolabi advocated improving accessibility to ensure all public buildings, including polling stations were fully accessible to them.

Calling for inclusive communication, the chairman urged the political stakeholders to always provide political information in multiple accessible formats.

On education and sensitisation, Afolabi said there was the need to raise awareness about the rights and capabilities of PWDs.

Speaking on strengthening legal frameworks, he called for an update and enforce laws protecting political rights.

Afolabi called for an enhanced access to education and employment for PWDs for the economic empowerment of the special people.

“Addressing the challenges faced by PWDs in political and electoral processes is vital for creating an inclusive society.

“By breaking down barriers and promoting accessibility, we can ensure that the voices of PWDs are heard and valued in our democratic systems.

“This dialogue is a significant step towards achieving these goals, and I look forward to our discussions today.

Various speakers advised PWDs on how to get involved in politics whenever they choose to do so.

Hon. Richard Echiabu, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Surulere, said the importance of political organisation membership could not be overemphasised.

He said that transparency and accountability,  inclusivity and diversity, should be key drivers in political parties.

“There is  the need for a balance between transparency and inclusivity in political organisations to ensure their effectiveness and legitimacy”.

Hon. Temitope Agbabiaka, (APC) , Councilor representing Apena Ward, Isolo LCDA, shared their personal experience of near  assassination and joining a political party.

Also a PWD, he emphasised the importance of aligning with a party that supports disability rights and the significance of embracing a political party that aligned with one’s values and goals.

Adeola Adeyemi of Action Peoples Party (APP) highlighted the party’s potential to bring about positive change in Nigeria.

The Lagos State Chairman of Zenith Labour Party emphasised the importance of the party’s ideology and the welfare of all Nigerians.

He highlighted the need for disability insurance and stressed the need for inclusivity and the importance of addressing the needs of marginalised groups, including PWDs.

PWDs in attendance were given opportunity to register in some available political parties present at the programmes to foster their effective participation political practices. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Speaker
By Leonard Okachie
Umuahia, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Ngwa Rangers Condemn has condemned the action of the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, who ejected a journalist from a press briefing without any justification.

The group in a statement issued to newsmen on Friday, by the Publicity Secretary Mr Kingsley Ihesiaba, described his action as outrageous and autocratic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Kingsley Chibuike, the Umuahia Correspondent with Enyimba TV and Radio Limited, Aba, was walked out of the briefing at the Assembly complex on Thursday, without any explanation.

Enyimba TV and Radio Limited is the operator of Enyimba 94.3FM, Legend 98.3FM and Rose 101.9FM.

The group claimed that no speaker of the Abia Assembly had ever sent a journalist out of a news conference.

According to the statement, we will not allow a few individuals paid with taxpayers money to turn into tyrants.

The statement read in part: “We are appalled that a sitting Speaker would resort to such dictatorial behavior, silencing the very people who are meant to hold him accountable.

“This action is a clear indication of Hon. Emeruwa’s disdain for the fundamental rights of citizens and his utter disregard for the principles of democracy.

“As enshrined in Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

“We have noted that Emeruwa’s action is a result of the bold and courageous questions the correspondent had asked in the past.

“We condemn this action in its entirety and reject this blatant attempt to intimidate and silence the press.

“We demand an immediate apology to Kingsley Chibuike, the Press, and the people of Abia State from the Speaker for his actions and a commitment to respect the rights of journalists to report without fear of intimidation or harassment.

“We also demand that the Speaker takes concrete steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LEO/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Tenure of FCT area council chairmen, councillors expires June 2026, says INEC

Tenure

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Abuja, June 28, 2022 (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday said that the tenure of the incumbent chairmen and councillors of the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will expire in June 2026.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood  Yakubu made the clarification in Abuja at a meeting of the commission with the leaders of  Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) FCT chapter, led by the council’s National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle.

The delegation was at INEC with the sole purpose of seeking the commission’s clarification on the tenure of the current officers of the six area councils as well as the 62 councillors in the FCT.

He said that based on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), the current elected executives of FCT area councils have a four-year tenure.

Yakubu said that INEC had earlier received inquiries from some law firms, an individual, a political party and one FCT Chairmanship Aspirants’ Forum regarding the tenure of FCT area councils and demands for the Commission to release timetable for the elections.

He said that the inquiries were based on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which was the subsisting law at the time the area council elections were held on Feb. 12 2022.

“The Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides for a three-year tenure for Chairmen and Councillors which, in their opinion, expires 2025.

“However, Nigerians are aware that the National Assembly has since repealed and re-enacted the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) as the Electoral Act 2022.

“In particular, in the exercise of its powers as the law-making body for the FCT, the National Assembly extended the tenure of the Area Councils from three to four years, thereby aligning it with executive and legislative elections nationwide.

“This is one of the important provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. The Act came into force on Friday Feb. 25 2022, two weeks after the last Area Council elections in the FCT.

“By the time the elected Chairmen and Councillors were sworn-in four months later on June 14, 2022, they took their oath of allegiance and oath of office on the basis of the new electoral Act (i.e. the Electoral Act 2022) which provides for a four-year tenure.

“Consequently, their tenure therefore expires in June 2026,’’ Yakubu said.

The INEC chairman said tenure was not defined by the date of election but the date of the oath of office for executive elections or the date of inauguration for legislative houses.

Yakubu said that an officer-elect (president/vice, governor, senator, house member, chairman or councillor) cannot exercise the powers of office and draw from the remunerations attached to it until such a person is sworn-in or the legislative house is inaugurated.

“The Constitution empowers INEC to hold elections not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the end of tenure of incumbent officers.

“In the case of the FCT, Section 108(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 under which the current Chairmen and Councillors were sworn-in on 14th June 2022 is clear and therefore unambiguous:

“(1) An Area Council shall stand dissolved at the expiration of 4 years commencing from the date –

(a)          When the Chairman took the oath of office; or (b) when the legislative arm of the Council was inaugurated whichever is earlier”.

Yakubu added that there were several judicial authorities; including the judgement of the Supreme Court that tenure begins from the date of oath of office and not the date of election.

“The Law Firms that have written INEC on behalf of their clients ought to have drawn their attention to both the law and judicial pronouncements on the matter.

“You may also wish to note that when the Electoral Act 2022 was signed into law two weeks after the commission conducted the last area council elections in the FCT, the incumbent holders (chairmen and councillors) challenged us;

“That we conducted the election too early, claiming that the new Electoral Act extended their tenure from three to four years.

“We reminded them that they took their oath of office under the old law before the coming into force of the new Electoral Act. Therefore, their tenure will expire in June 2022,’’ Yakubu said.

He reassured IPAC that INEC was aware of its responsibilities under the law, hence would release the timetable and schedule of activities for the election at appropriate time.

He said that the FCT area council election conducted by INEC remained a model for local government elections in the country.

He pledged that INEC would continue to uphold the sanctity of tenure and improve the credibility of those elections.

Yakubu appealed to all persons with ambition to contest for the positions of chairmen and councillors in the FCT to be guided by the provisions of the law and judicial pronouncements on the issue of tenure.

He also appealed to political parties to enlighten their members accordingly

Speaking earlier, Dantalle they were at INEC for the commission to clarify the tenure of the FCT area council.

“ There have been issues about if they are meant to spend three or four years in office.

“I recall that in the previous meeting, the national leadership of political parties have with the commission, this issue has been clarified.

“But I feel it will be necessary to invite IPAC general assembly of the FCT to come with me to the commission for first-hand information about the status of the tenor of the elected officers in FCT,’’ Dantalle said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OBE/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

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Reps committee suspends sales of Kaduna Poly property

Suspension

By Femi Ogunshola

Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has suspended the allocation of land and houses in Kaduna Polytechnic to non-staff of the institution.

The suspension followed consideration of the petition by the committee in Abuja.

The serving and retired staff of the Polytechnic had petitioned against the management of the school over the indiscriminate allocations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee had summoned the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Suleiman Umar.

Also invited for investigation were Perm Sec., the Ministry of Education, and the Head of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC), as well as the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).

Others are the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), Kaduna Polytechnic branch.

Kuye, however, said that the specific date, time, and venue for their appearance would be communicated to them later.

Kuye said the suspension became necessary because most of the plots of land and houses at the school were sold to non-staff.

He added that, as such, future lecturers and non-teaching staff would not find it easy to operate.

NAN reports that the petitioners had lamented over how the authorities of the Kaduna Polytechnic were carrying out illegal sales by carving out parts of their plots of land and selling them to non-staff of the institution.

This was without remitting the money to the government account.

Two leaders of the petitioners, Dr Omale Apochi and Isiaka Bankole, alleged that most of the teaching and non-teaching staff were not aware of the sale of the houses and plots of land belonging to the institution.

Mr Bala Sanusi, Head of the Presidential Implementation Committee, said in his submission that the issue of leasing the polytechnic plots of land and houses had resulted in a legal battle.

This, he said, lasted for over 10 years, but the issue was later resolved through an out-of-court settlement.

According to Sanusi, the agreement reached by the parties led to the resolution, which was approved by the Kaduna Polytechnic Board, PIC, and Secretary to the Federal Government.

According to the resolution, the non-staff of Kaduna Polytechnic shall not be beneficiaries of the allocations of plots of land and houses. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
ODF/NNO/SH

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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Sadiya Hamza

Tunure

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Dutse, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Jigawa Government has directed all the Directors, Administration and General Service (DAGS) in the 27 local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to take over the affairs of their respective LGAs.

This is contained in a statement in Dutse on Friday by Mr Najib Umar, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ministry for Local Government and Community Development.

Umar noted that the directive followed the expiration of the tenure of the local government elected officials.

He added that all other appointed officials including; secretaries, supervisory councillors, special advisers and assistants of all the 27 LGAs, are equally relieved of their appointments.

“Following the expiration of the tenure of Local Government elected officials, the Jigawa State Ministry for Local Government and Community Development has directed the Directors Administration and General Services (DAGs) of all the 27 LGAs to take over the affairs of administration of the Local Government from today, June 28, 2024.

“Therefore, all appointed officials, including Secretaries, Supervisory Councillors, Special Advisers and Assistants of all the Local Government Councils are equally relieved of their appointments,” Umar said.

He quoted the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Mr Ahmad Garba, who spoke on behalf of Gov. Umar Namadi as congratulating the outgoing officials on the successful conduct of their tenures.

The PRO added that the commissioner also thanked them for their immense contributions to the development of their respective areas and the state in general.

According to him, the commissioner has directed them to hand over all governments’ belongings in their possession immediately.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission (JISIEC), had announced the postponement of the local government elections in the state earlier scheduled to hold in June 2024 to June 2025. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MNB/ADA

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab