SERAP writes INEC, seeks details of safeguards on privacy and security of election data

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “widely publish the details of safeguards and mechanisms put in place to protect the privacy and security of election information and data in the custody of INEC, including in its servers, databases and other electronic formats.”

SERAP urged him to “clarify whether any third-party is involved in the collection, control and use of election information and data, the legal rules and processes guiding the choice of any such third party.”

SERAP also urged him to “clarify the other location or locations where election information is stored apart from Abuja, and the details of any third-party who has access to such a database, the safeguards and contingency plans put in place by INEC to address any threats to the privacy and security of election information.”

In a Freedom of Information request dated 26 March, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Ensuring adequate safeguards and mechanisms to protect the privacy and security of election information and data would improve the ability of INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional and statutory duties.”

SERAP said: “This would also help to remove risks of attack and unlawful interference by any unauthorised person with election information and data.”

According to SERAP, “Widely publishing the details of safeguards and mechanisms of election information and data would also contribute to improving the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process, and public trust and confidence in the process.”

The letter, read in part: “Putting in place adequate technological security measures to prevent unauthorized access to election information and data would improve the credibility of the electoral process and the enjoyment of people’s right to participate in their own government.”

“As an institution, which collects, controls and uses election-related information and data in the discharge of its constitutional and statutory duties, INEC has a legal responsibility to ensure adequate protection of such information and data from threats and vulnerabilities to attack or interference.”

“Any interference by unauthorised third-party in election information and data may be used for corrupt, political and other unlawful purposes, and would expose election systems to fraud and meddling, as well undermine the right to participation and the country’s democratic system.”

“The right of people to participate in their government is a fundamental feature of any democratic society, and any infringement of privacy and security of election information and data would strike at the heart of representative government.”

“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 INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“SERAP notes that voter registration systems and voting systems are the most vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation by corrupt politicians and other actors.”

“As the experiences in other countries have shown, election information is often susceptible to unlawful interference by corrupt politicians and other actors, which can be damaging to the integrity of the electoral process and democratic practices.”

“The experiences of other countries demonstrate the need for INEC to take effective and transparent measures to ensure and protect the privacy and security of election information and data, which would protect the integrity of the country’s democracy.”

“Any privacy or security weakness in any component of any of the election systems can be easily exploited to cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.”

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s international obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.”

“SERAP notes that Section 9(2)(a) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that INEC ‘shall keep the Register of Voters in its National Headquarters and other locations as the Commission may determine.’ The provision also states that INEC ‘shall keep the Register of Voters in electronic format in its central database.’

“Section 153 of the Act defines ‘electronic format’ to include ‘the electronic version of the Register of Voters or National Electronic Register of Election Results, as the case may be, created, recorded, transmitted or stored in digital form or in other intangible forms by electronic, magnetic or optical means or by any other means.’”

”Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights protect against arbitrary or unlawful interference with one’s privacy.”

“Interference with the privacy of election information and data would clearly undermine the security of any such information and data. Similarly, Article 9 (1) of the African Charter provides that, ‘Every individual shall have the right to receive information.’”

“Article 2(10) of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance requires states parties including Nigeria to ‘promote the establishment of the necessary conditions to foster citizen participation, transparency, access to information, and accountability in the management of public affairs.’”

Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
27/3/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

Senate Seat: Mrs Akeredolu Consultation With Stakeholders.

The wife of Ondo State governor, Chief Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has kicked off consultation with stakeholders on her intention to contest the 2023 poll to enable her represent Imo East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

She disclosed this at a meeting held on Thursday, March 24 at Igolo Abiam Plaza located on Wetheral Road, Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu said she was pained by the rate the country has deteriorated and cannot sit by to watch the country continue on her descent to the precipice.

She lamented the lack of attention being given to the youths which has made many of them take to hard drugs especially the latest fad, Mkpurumiri, which is wreaking havoc in the lives of many youths.

The First Lady regretted that the society resorts to flogging in order to whip Mkpurumiri users into line instead of rehabilitating and implementing policies and programmes that would make intake of hard drugs unattractive to the youths.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu also bemoaned the rising maternal deaths in the country, asserting that every woman is entitled to safe delivery if the right things were done.

According to her, the SOLAYO intervention she is implementing in Ondo State has ensured that pregnant Ondo women not only give births safely but also nurse their babies in good health.

The First Lady pointed out that she is interested in occupying the Imo East Senatorial seat at the National Assembly in order to be in a position to deploy legislative interventions to engender good governance the country.

She urged other women to step forward and contest for various positions of choice, insisting that only women know where it pinches them most and once in a position of authority could direct interventionist measures to solve their myriad of challenges.

She maintained that good people cannot afford to sit on the fence while bad people continue to run the country aground.

The Ondo First Lady said she was prepared and ready for the contest and assured the people of Imo East otherwise known as Owerri Zone that they would get the robust representation they desire and deserve from her.

On why she is angling for a senatorial seat in her state of origin instead of state of marriage, Anyanwu-Akeredolu said she is first and foremost an indigene of Imo State, an identity which marriage cannot erase.

Hear her; “I’m from Emebiam Community in Owerri West LGA of Imo State. And marriage cannot change that”.

Also speaking, her aide, Pastor Ikechukwu Onuoha emphasized the need for Owerri zone to have Anyanwu-Akeredolu as its senator.

According to Onuoha, the first lady had been rendering impactful service to Owerri zone without being a senator for the zone.

He listed numerous projects she had either executed or attracted to the zone to include the reconstruction of Emebiam-Okolosi Road valued at more than N1.6billion.

Imo East comprises nine local government areas of Owerri Municipal, Owerri West, Owerri North, Ikeduru, Mbaitoli, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise and Ngor-Okpala of Imo State.

Individuals who had represented Owerri Zone include Bright Nwanne, Evan Enwerem, Ama Iwuagwu, Eze Ajoku, Chris Anyanwu and Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu.

The incumbent senator is Ezenwa Onyewuchi.

WE MUST REMAIN STRONG AND UNITED, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS APC MEMBERS, CANVASSES SUPPORT FOR INCOMING LEADERSHIP
President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united and strong and also support the incoming leadership of the party.
Speaking at the Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of the National Convention of the party, the President said:
“This Convention is coming at a crucial time when we prepare for another round of a general election. Therefore, the need to remain strong and united for the Party to exploit the rich and abundant potentials at its disposal cannot be overemphasized. We appreciate the right to hold different opinions and aspirations, however, such differences must not be to the detriment of the Party.
“l passionately appeal to you all to support the incoming National Working Committee (NWC) to promote unity and avoid sentiments that are capable of causing disaffection and disunity. For those aspiring for party and public offices, your failure to realize such aspirations for Party offices or to fly the Party’s flag, should not be a basis for a campaign of calumny against the party. We should have the spirit of sportsmanship and always support the party to succeed.”
President Buhari enjoined the new NWC members to promote internal democracy and equal opportunities and ensure that party primaries are not influenced by “highest bidders” going into the 2023 elections.
He commended the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee for steering the ship of the party this far including; reconciling aggrieved party members, purchasing a new party secretariat and launching an aggressive membership drive that saw three governors defecting into the APC, among others.
“I want to congratulate us all for being part of this history-making event and to specially appreciate the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) which has been on a rescue mission under the leadership of His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, the Yobe State Governor, for successfully piloting the affairs of the Party in the last 18 months and organizing this Convention to elect a new National Working Committee that will take over from the Caretaker Committee.
“I am glad the Party under the Caretaker Committee has bounced back to life with the reconciliation of several key and critical stakeholders and groups who had hitherto left the party or were on the verge of leaving the Party. The reconciliation process gave the aggrieved stakeholders a true sense of belonging and assurance.
“It is gratifying that the Party recorded massive and unprecedented defections under the Caretaker Committee administration. APC received three sitting Governors, a Deputy Governor, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and State Assemblies, and other key officials from opposition parties who defected along with millions of their supporters.
“I am impressed to learn that the membership registration and revalidation exercise undertaken by the Caretaker Committee, has recorded over 41 million members. This has proved that we are indeed Nigeria’s leading and largest political party. It also exhibits our numerical strength and the potential to win elections at all given times fairly and squarely.”
The President who adduced reasons for his recent intervention in the affairs of the party, assured that it was not intended to muzzle dissenting voices.
“Recently, l had cause to intervene in the leadership crisis which was about to cause confusion in the Party. Such internal disputes are common in young democracies such as ours, but we must avoid overheating the polity and not allow our differences to tear and frustrate the Party.
“Like I said earlier, it does not do anybody or the Party any good, when we, as leaders, go down so low and resort to backstabbing and name-calling in the media.
“We should learn how to resolve our differences without jeopardizing our personal relationships and the fate of the Party. I want to thank the Progressives Governors’ Forum for heeding to my advice and suggestions in settling the leadership dispute,” the President said.
President Buhari called on all politicians and the electorate to abide by the new Electoral Act “ to promote the process of election, enhance transparency, fill in existing gaps and add value to Nigeria’s democracy for our democracy to thrive.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 26, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS FIRST FEMALE VICE CHANCELLOR, PROF. GRACE ALELE-WILLIAMS
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with the family of first female Vice Chancellor in Nigeria and renowned mathematician, Prof Grace Alele-Williams, 89, sharing the painful loss with the academia and all associates.
The President affirms that Prof. Alele-William’s achievement in scholarship and administration removed the glass ceiling for many women in Nigeria, Africa and the black race, and continues to inspire a generation who have found their passion and voice in research, teaching and lifting the nation with ideas, especially in science and technology.
President Buhari believes the scholar’s brilliance and outstanding character reflected in every opportunity and position she served, particularly playing a major role in the educational development of the country, and serving as consultant to many international institutions, including UNESCO.
As the first female to obtain a doctorate degree in Nigeria, 1963, and first female VC of the University of Benin, 1985, the President says the entire country will sorely miss the scholar, and cherish the memories of her diligence, discipline and refreshing candour.
President Buhari prays for a peaceful rest for the soul of the departed, and God’s comforting arms over her loved ones.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 26, 2022

I AM IMPRESSED WITH YOUR PERFORMANCE, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS NASARAWA GOVERNOR
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja commended Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for his performance as well as taking advantage of his proximity to the seat of power.
Receiving the Governor who led a delegation of leaders from Nasarawa State on a thank-you visit at the State House, the President said:
“I am very impressed with what you have been able to do. I am certainly comfortable seeing what you have done and again monitoring federal projects in your state as well as the way you understand the importance of a good neighbor.
“I believe you are happy that you have a strong neighbor in terms of the federal government in that the projects that are placed in your State are useful for the people. I thank you for your clear vision.”
Governor Sule, in his remarks, paid special tribute to President Buhari for his 2-day official visit to the State in February, and for his vision and support which led to the construction and commissioning of some landmark projects in the country including the Dangote Fertilizer Plant which the President recently commissioned in Lagos.
The Governor also expressed his gratitude for the Federal Government appointments of indigenes of the State, pledging the continued goodwill, overwhelming support, cooperation and unalloyed loyalty of the good people of Nasarawa State.
The Nasarawa State delegation also included Dr. Emmanuel A. Kabe, Deputy Governor, former Governors Abdullahi Adamu, and Umaru Al Makura, as well as the Emir of Lafia, among others.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 25, 2022
Muhammadu Buhari ; The Foxy Political Strategist
By ABDULLAHI O. HARUNA (Haruspice)
Underrate him at your peril, he holds the ace of strategic impulse, deeply unassuming but perilously a master strategist. Still a grand guru of unpredictability and a political mystery. Till date, no one has been able to dissect and give an exact diagnosis of the man called Muhammadu Buhari. Experts in the study of body language and gesture are still in awe of the man, political clairvoyants are still in limbo on the impenetrable nature of the man, close aides have been rendered strangers to the inner workings of the mind of this Daura born political enigma. Like he once said, indeed, his mind belongs to everyone and to no one – the very reason he has remained a mystery.
In the last one month, the All Progressives Congress , APC was in the eyes of a tumultuous storm, the party was embroiled in a litany of political intrigues, manipulations and fierce internal struggles. Camps outwit camps as groups battle groups in wits and propaganda. It got to a point where all hell was let loose as the actors went publicly ballistic in embarrassing fights of attrition. All these narrowed down to one forte; the 2023 general elections. Who becomes who and what were the crux of the fierce battles and the house was near its collapse. Until one man who undoubtedly is the rope that ties the broom waded in and in a telepathic switch everything returned to the default setting, and the ruling party roars back to life.
He first warned in measured words, that the party must not make the mistake of ever allowing the main opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP return to power. With this sinking into the consciousness of the party faithful defined in belligerence interests, the president reeled out his intervention in what pundits now describe as mechanical and choreographed traces of purposeful leadership.
Indeed politics is consultation laced with deep reflections given the recent happenings in the APC. The conclusion is that the President is not only fully aware of everything and everyone and all the schemings under him but has a tap on every move to the minutest details. He was just observing like a veteran war General awaiting the clinical time to strike.
Mr President is not only in charge but fully in charge.The four meetings held within the last 48 hours is proof that he understands Wetin dey play. First with the governors, followed by the party aspirants, the National Assembly caucus of the party and then the founding fathers of the party. These deft moves show the man genuinely means well for APC and Nigeria as I have always known and hold in respects all critical stakeholder and the value they bring onto the table. You do not ever take a General for granted or undermine their war strategy.
A day to National Convention and PMB has met with virtually all critical stakeholders of the Party. Leaving everything to this injury time is to me a strategy anchored on appropriate timing and period when there will be no time to RETREAT to REGROUP.
Make no mistake every of those stakeholders are fully under the radar. ‘If you no fear Military, try fear General’ especially the old fox with unpredictable acumen. President Olusegun Obasanjo did same in 2007 for PDP and BOOM President Umaru Yar’Adua appeared.
If you remember President Buhari’s famous bombshell of January 2022 during his chat with Channels TV where he said “If I reveal my preferred successor they will eliminate him” then you can understand that the man is undoubtedly a strategist of inimitable pair.
*Abdullahi O. Haruna (Haruspice) a core Buharist and author of ‘The Buhari in Us’ writes from the School of Musing thoughts and reflection.*

Press Statement
Campaign Posters: PDP Demands Emefiele’s Immediate Resignation, Investigation
…Says It’s Height of Impunity
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands the immediate resignation and investigation of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, following his appearance in All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign posters which confirms his partisan affiliation and entanglement with the APC.
The PDP asserts that the appearance of the CBN Governor; the banker of the federation, who by law, ought to be non-partisan and apolitical, in APC campaign material is the height of impunity of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, which amounts to poking its fingers in the eyes of Nigerians and daring them to do their worse.
This action by Mr. Emefiele is contrary to the provision of Section 9 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act which provides that “the governor and the deputy governors shall devote the whole of their time to the service of the bank and while holding office, shall not engage in any full or part-time employment or vocation, whether remunerated or not…”
By engaging in partisan politics to the extent of appearing in APC campaign posters, Mr. Emefiele has knowingly and deliberately violated the provision of the CBN Act stated above.
Mr. Emefiele has also desecrated the sanctity of his office as CBN Governor, compromised the integrity of the apex bank, stripped it of the confidence reposed in it by Nigerians and the International Community and as such, cannot legitimately continue to hold and function in that office.
This further confirms that under Mr. Emefiele, the CBN, as the custodian of our national economy, has become an appendage and cash cow of the APC in their reckless pillaging of our national resources, the resultant effect of which is now evident in the near collapse state of our economy.
The CBN Governor must therefore resign immediately and subject himself to investigation by anti-corruption agencies on various allegations of financial misfeasance including reportedly opening our national vaults to the cabal in the APC administration and operating a special fraudulent, corrupt and discriminatory foreign exchange regimes for APC leaders to fleece our nation.
In addition, this further confirms allegation in the public space that the CBN had secretly released billions of naira through various petroleum sector underhand dealings to finance the APC National Convention.
It is now crystal clear that President Buhari and the APC are not committed to providing a level playing field for free and fair general elections in 2023. As the banker of the federation, Mr. Emefiele is in a position to have undue access to public funds to finance APC’s campaigns.
Moreover, being in control of all the accounts of other Nigerians, the CBN Governor is also in a position to use his office to clamp down on the finances of other contestants and stifle them of funds.
It is only under the APC with its impunity and disregard for rules and sanctity of Institutions that campaign posters with the portrait of the CBN Governor side by side with that of the President can be condoned. That presupposes an endorsement of impropriety and we demand that President Buhari come clean on this monumental corruption of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
History will note President Buhari’s legacy of destroying every segment of our national life; from security to electoral process, unity of our nation and now the sanctity of the Central Bank. Our Party cautions that the consequences of this are better imagined.
Now that Mr. Emefiele has openly identified with the APC, he should immediately resign and face an ill-fated career in the fizzling APC.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary