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October 31, 2023
Press Statement
Rivers: PDP Charges all Actors to Sheathe Swords
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calls on all actors in the disagreement in Rivers State to sheathe their swords and allow for peaceful and amicable resolution of all the issues.
The NWC urges all PDP members and supporters to be calm and assures that it has commenced processes, using the Party’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms to ensure that all matters and areas of disagreement are addressed.
The NWC therefore charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and members of our great Party in Rivers State to close ranks, unite and focus on the onerous task of governance and delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Ethiopia set to host the 2023 African Economic Conference
Abidjan, 30 October 2023 –The stage is now set for the 2023 African Economic Conference, jointly organized by the African Development Bank, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The conference will be held from 16-18 November in a hybrid format, with the physical location being the UN Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This year, the largest research and economic gathering on the continent will focus on “Imperatives for Sustainable Industrial Development in Africa”. African ministers, United Nations partners, and key development and private sector representatives will meet up to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities for Africa to boost green and sustainable industrialisation.
The conference will also provide a platform for established academics and young researchers to present their solution-oriented research to decision-makers.
Background:
The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic exposed the inadequacies of African industries and the continent’s dependence on foreign manufacturers, particularly medicines and medical devices needed to respond to the health crisis. In addition, the disruption of the global supply chain during the pandemic highlighted Africa’s weak integration into global value chains.
Massive investment in infrastructure, including energy, will create an enabling environment for industrialization on the continent. A dynamic response to infrastructure and alternative energy needs to be created, as well as their guaranteed efficient management and maintenance.
The 2023 African Economic Conference is centered on efforts to increase sustainable industrialization in Africa and meet the continent’s Agenda 2063 aspirations including:
- Better integration into global value chains to boost inclusive growth.
- Green businesses for rapid social development.
- Exploring private sector and public-private options for financing sustainable industrialization; and
- Boosting internal African markets and productive capacity to increase self-sufficiency and self-reliance on many basic goods and services.
Participants will discuss the evidence of where sustainable industrialization has been successful, including in Africa.
Since its inception in 2006, the AEC series has fostered research, expert and policy dialogue, and knowledge sharing on a wide range of issues and challenges facing Africa.
African Economic Conference – Quick Facts
- The African Economic Conference is the leading pan-African forum for discussing emerging economic challenges and opportunities.
- The African Development Bank Group first organized the African Economic Conference in 2006 to enhance the development effectiveness of its operations. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa joined as a joint organizer in 2007 and the United Nations Development Programme in 2010.
- Past conferences have underscored the importance of adapting international policies, instruments, and agreements and building the local capacity of African states to better respond to Africa’s needs.
Court adjourns till November 13, 2023 the trial of Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola( a.k.a) Naira Marley, for alleged internet fraud,
Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, October 30, 2023, adjourned till November 13, 2023 the trial of Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola( a.k.a) Naira Marley, for alleged internet fraud, owing to the failure of the Police to produce him in court for continuation of his trial.
Naira Marley is standing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on 11-count charges bordering on conspiracy and credit card fraud.
At the last sitting on October 6, 2023, counsel to the defendant, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, informed the court that the defendant was unavoidably absent in court owing to his detention by the Police for interrogation in respect of the murder of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad.
Ojo had, therefore, prayed the court for an adjournment of the trial.
Responding, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, had prayed the court to issue a production warrant against the defendant to ensure his presence in court on the next adjourned date.
After listening to both parties, Justice Oweibo granted the prayers of the prosecution counsel and also issued a production warrant against the defendant.
The Judge also adjourned till Monday, October 30, 2023 for continuation of trial.
At Monday’s sitting, however, the defendant was not present in court.
Buhari told the court that though the prosecution served the Police the production warrant, the defendant was not brought to court.
She, therefore, prayed the court for a further date to follow up with the Police to produce the defendant.
Consequently, the Judge adjourned the case till November 13 and 30, 2023 for continuation of trial.
Media & Publicity
October 30, 2023.
EFCC arraigns Theophilus Oluwasegun Jacob and his company; Jito Marine Support Limited for alleged issuance of dud cheque.
The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has arraigned Theophilus Oluwasegun Jacob and his company; Jito Marine Support Limited before Justice S .H. Aprioku of the State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for alleged issuance of dud cheque.
He was arraigned on Thursday, October 26, 2023, on eight – count charges bordering on issuance of dud cheque, contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act, Cap. DII, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 1(1) (a) (i) of the same Act.
One of the count charges reads: “Theophilus Oluwasegun Jacob and Jito Marine Support Limited (RC 933729), on or about the 25th day of January, 2023, in Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, issued to Water House Marine & Logistics Nigeria Limited, a Zenith Bank Cheque No. 00000842, which when presented for payment, was returned unpaid, as your said Account No. 1012845638 was unfunded”
Another count charge reads: “Theophilus Oluwasegun Jacob and Jito Marine Support Limited (RC 933729), on or about the 25th day of January 2023, in Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, issued to Water House Marine & Logistics Nigeria Limited, a Zenith Bank Cheque No. 00000837, which when presented for payment, was returned unpaid, as your said Account No. 1012845638 was unfunded”
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, E .K. Bakam, prayed the court for a trial date.
Counsel to the defendants, F .O. Omosigho did not oppose the prayers of the prosecution, but prayed the court to grant his client bail to enable him prepare for trial.
Justice Aprioku granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10, 000,000.00(Ten Million Naira only) and two sureties in like sum. Sureties must be civil servants with the River State Government and not below grade level 14 and above and must be resident in Port Harcourt. He adjourned the matter to December 7, and 8, 2023, for commencement of trial.
Jacob’s trial started when a petitioner alleged that the defendant, as the Managing Director of Jito Marine Support Limited, signed a written agreement with the petitioner to hire a Barge for ten days at an agreed rate of N260,000.00 (Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) per day. He made a part payment and allegedly issued several post dated cheques to the petitioner, which upon presentation were dishonoured.
Media & Publicity
30 October, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS RENOWNED LAWYER, PROFESSOR BEN NWABUEZE
President Bola Tinubu condoles with the Nwabueze family, and the government and people of Anambra State, on the passing of renowned constitutional lawyer and former minister of education, Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN, CON, NNOM.
President Tinubu describes the death of the foremost constitutional lawyer as a profound loss, saying Professor Nwabueze’s knowledge of law was outstanding.
“Prof. B.O. Nwabueze’s contribution to the precedents and principles of the nation’s constitution is notable. His involvement in the drafting of the 1979 constitution is a legacy that stands him out as well as his outstanding contributions to the legal profession at large,” the President says.
The President asks his family, the good people of Anambra State, and Nigerians in general to take solace in the worthy legacy that the deceased left behind.
The President prays that God Almighty grant the gentle soul of Prof Nwabueze eternal rest.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 30, 2023
VP Shettima Woos Investors in US: American Firm, John Deere, To Establish Tractor Assembly Plant In Nigeria
The gains on foreign investments recorded from Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to the United States swelled again, as an American company, John Deere, has resolved to set up a tractor assembly plant in Nigeria.
Details of the company’s interest to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector were made known during a meeting between VP Shettima and top officials of John Deere led by its Vice President on Production Systems, Mr Jason Brantley.
The meeting facilitated by the Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr John Coumantaros, also had in attendance the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Ambassador Lot Egopija, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity, Dr Kingsley Uzoma, among others.
Speaking during the interaction with the investors, Vice President Shettima said Nigeria is committed to transforming agriculture as a pathway to tackling insecurity and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
“Without mechanization, you can never be truly self-sufficient in food production. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to revitalizing the Nigerian agricultural sector. And for us to be self-sufficient in food production, three key elements are essential. First is certified seeds, then mechanization, provision of fertilizer and of course, agricultural extension services,” he noted.
The VP who spoke on the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) project stated that “it is designed to provide the infrastructure, platform and framework for the private sector to add value to Nigeria’s agricultural produce for the domestic, regional market and for the global community.”
Assuring the investors that Nigeria is now open for partnership, Sen. Shettima said, “We are open for discussions, for conversations towards fast-tracking the whole process. My principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is very eager to see that the full potential of the Nigerian agricultural sector is realised.
“The President declared a food security emergency in August this year fundamentally anchored on the fact that we are exposed to all the volatility in the world. We are vulnerable, we are exposed. This is why we are putting in place the mechanisms towards addressing challenges in the sector and we cannot afford to do otherwise”.
Earlier, Mr Brantley spoke about the company’s proposed investment in Nigeria, assuring that the project will unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential by creating an organised approach to tractor-clearing services for smallholder farmers across the country.
According to the John Deere top executive, the initiative to establish tractor assembly would require zero investment from the government, while credit guarantees will be needed to help make credit available at an affordable rate for interested persons or groups.
Mr Brantley expressed the company’s readiness to immediately engage relevant authorities in Nigeria, with a view to actualising the objective of establishing the assembly plant.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President, Media and Communications
(Office of the Vice President)
30th October 2023
Being text of a World Press Conference on the Presidential Election Petition Judgement by Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Waziri Adamawa, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 Election, at the PDP Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, 30th October, 2023.
Protocol.
Gentlemen of the Press.
Someone asked me what I would do if I lost my election petition appeal at the Supreme Court. In response, I said that as long as Nigeria wins, the struggle would have been worth the while. By that, I meant that the bigger loss would not be mine but Nigeria’s if the Supreme Court legitimizes illegality, including forgery, identity theft, and perjury.
If the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, implies by its judgment that crime is good and should be rewarded, then Nigeria has lost and the country is doomed irrespective of who occupies the Presidential seat. If the Supreme Court decides that the Electoral umpire, INEC, can tell the public one thing and then do something else in order to reach a corruptly predetermined outcome, then there is really no hope for the country’s democracy and electoral politics.
Obviously, the consequences of those decisions for the country will not end at the expiration of the current government. They will last for decades. I am absolutely sure that history will vindicate me. We now know what the Supreme Court has decided.
At critical points in my political life, I always ignored the easy but ignoble path and chosen the difficult but dignified path, the path of truth, of morality, of democracy and rule of law.
I always chose freedom over servitude, whatever the personal discomforts my choice entails. When I joined politics, the critical challenge was easing the military out of power so that civilian democratic governance could be restored in Nigeria. It later became a very defining struggle, and, as one of the leaders of that struggle, I was targeted for elimination.
In one incident, nine policemen guarding my home in Kaduna were murdered in an attempt to assassinate me. I was also forced into exile for nine (9) months. In addition, my interest in a logistics company that I co-owned was confiscated and given to friends of the military government. As Vice President in the civilian government that succeeded the military, I, again at great personal cost, chose to oppose the extension of the tenure of the government beyond the two four-year terms enshrined in our constitution.
In response to the official backlash against me, I instituted several cases in the courts, which led to seven landmark decisions that helped to deepen our democracy and rule of law. At the current historic moment, the easier option for me would have been to fold up and retreat after the mandate banditry perpetrated by the APC and INEC.
But I went to the Nigerian courts to seek redress. I even went to an American court to help with unravelling what our state institutions charged with such responsibilities were unwilling or unable to do, including unravelling the qualifying academic records of the person sworn in as our President and by implication, hopefully who he really is.
I offered that evidence procured with the assistance of the American Court to our Supreme Court to help it to do justice in this case. I give this background to underscore that what we are currently dealing with is bigger than one or two presidential elections and is certainly bigger than Atiku Abubakar. It is not about me; it is about our country, Nigeria. It is about the kind of society we want to leave for the next generation and what kind of example we want to set for our children and their children.
It is about the reputation of Nigeria and Nigerians in the eyes of the world. We showed incontrovertible evidence that Bola A. Tinubu was not qualified to contest the Presidential Election because he forged the qualifying academic certificate, which he submitted to INEC. In fact, a simple check of Tinubu’s past records in its possession would have shown INEC that Tinubu broke the law and should not have been allowed to contest the election.
We showed irrefutable evidence of gross irregularities, violence, and manipulations during the elections. We showed incontrovertible evidence that INEC violated the Electoral Act and deliberately sabotaged its own publicly announced processes and procedures in order to illegally declare Tinubu elected. The position of the Supreme Court, even though final, leaves so much unanswered. �
Even the rebuke by retired Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad is a confirmation from within the apex court that all is not well with the Supreme Court. The court and indeed the judiciary must never lend itself to politicization as it is currently the norm with nearly every institution in Nigeria. By the way, the strong rebuke of the apex court by the revered Justice, who had meritoriously served for more than four decades, should not be swept under the carpet.
The alarm raised by Justice Muhammad and recently, former INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, offer Nigerians an explanation into why the electoral and judicial system have become the lost hope of the common man.
Judges are no longer appointed based on merit but are products of the interplay of politics and nepotism. Worse still, the appointment of electoral officials has also been hijacked by the ruling party as seen in the latest nomination of Resident Electoral Commissioners where card carrying members of the ruling party and aides to politicians in the APC are being appointed into INEC. When two critical institutions like the court and the electoral commission are trapped in an evil web of political machination, it becomes next to impossible for democracy to thrive.
As a stakeholder in the presidential election of February 25, I, along with other well-meaning Nigerians have done my bit in ensuring that our democratic process enjoys the privilege of full disclosure of the character deficiencies of the current political leadership. I also believe that even if the Supreme Court believes otherwise, the purpose of technology in our electoral system is to enhance transparency and not merely as a viewing centre. We have to move with the world and not be stuck in time.
Implications of PEPC and Supreme Court judgments
I leave Nigerians and the world to decide what to make of the Supreme Court’s unfortunate decision. But here’s my take. The judgments of the PEPC and the Supreme Court have very far-reaching grave implications, including the following:
One is the erosion of trust in the electoral system and our democracy. Nigerians witnessed as the National Assembly changed the electoral law to improve transparency in the process. Of particular importance was the introduction of modern technology to help eliminate the recurring incidents of electoral manipulation, particularly during the collation of results. Nigerians and the world also witnessed as the leadership of the INEC, especially its Chairman and National Commissioner for Voter Education reassured Nigerians on national television multiple times that the use of that technology would be mandatory.
Yet that same INEC undermined the use of that technology during the elections and collation process and declared as winner someone who clearly did not win the Presidential election. They then went further to take sides in the courts in a dogfight to defend their illegality. Who would convince the millions of Nigerians to vote in future elections after they suffered endlessly on queues to register to vote, to collect PVCs and to vote, based on INEC’s assurances only to see their votes stolen and given to someone they did not vote for?
When people lose trust and confidence in elections, democracy is practically on life support. And by affirming and legitimizing the continued lack of transparency in our electoral system the courts are continuing to usurp the rights of voters to elect their leaders. The other grave implication is that contestants in Nigeria’s elections should do whatever is necessary to be declared the winner. That includes identity theft, impersonation, forging of educational and other documents, perjury, and violence.
And, as they do so, they should ignore whatever the law says and whatever assurances from the leadership of the electoral umpire about what the law says and what they would do in compliance. And they would do so knowing that our courts would approve of their behaviour or at best pretend not to take any notice of it. The third is that if you are robbed of victory, do not bother going to court for redress because your glaring evidence of the robbery will be ignored in favour of the mandate bandit.
Also, your lawyers, however distinguished and accomplished, may be ridiculed by the judges who may also go out of their way to make even a stronger case for the so-called “winner” than even their own lawyers were able to do. These are clearly self-help strategies and actions bereft of the law and constitutionalism. Only lawlessness and anarchy will result from such, with violence, destruction and implosion and loss of our country likely to follow.
I believe that we still have a small window to prevent these from happening. I still believe that we can rescue this country from the strange imposters that have seized it illegally and are holding it by the jugular. Let me caution that the leaders of those African countries that have completely collapsed into chaos never came together one day and agreed to collapse their countries. Rather their countries collapsed because of the incremental and compounding individual and collective utterances and actions of those leaders.
Nigerians know more about the person sitting in office as their President and how he got there, and the dangers that it portends for them and the country. It is for them, especially the younger generation whose futures are to be shaped by that man, to decide what they want to do with the knowledge.
Now, let me give a historical perspective to the constitutional evolution that gave birth to the 1999 Constitution. In the build up to the current democratic dispensation, agitation was rife amongst members of the political class and a large number of civil society bodies to envision a constitution that would operate a democracy in a functional order after the nasty military regimes. These agitations and necessities of the circumstance of that time led to the convocation of the 1995 Constitutional Conference, which I was privileged to be a part of, alongside other prominent political actors.
The Constitutional Conference was expected to create the frameworks upon which a new constitution would be built in order to make the dreams of a democratic society. A number of far-reaching reforms and recommendations were made, which drew from our past experiences and aimed at safeguarding the new constitution from the mistakes of the past.
One such headline recommendation was the concept of rotational presidency anchored on the principle of 6 years single term among the 6 geopolitical blocks. Even the notional idea of delineating the country along geo-political blocks was a creation of the 1995 conference. Another thematic recommendation at the conference was that the Federal Capital Territory should be given the democratic opportunity to elect for itself a mayor who shall emerge from popular franchise. These two recommendations were part of the landmark reforms that were submitted to the military government that convoked the Constitutional Conference.
However, and rather disappointingly, the government that midwifed the current democratic dispensation and enacted what is now known as the 1999 Constitution, expunged these two recommendations from what eventually became the body of legislation to govern our fledgling democracy.
As for me and my party this phase of our work is done. However, I am not going away. For as long as I breathe I will continue to struggle, with other Nigerians, to deepen our democracy and rule of law and for the kind of political and economic restructuring the country needs to reach its true potential. That struggle should now be led by the younger generation of Nigerians who have even more at stake than my generation.
So, let me make a few proposals that I believe will help. We can urgently make constitutional amendments that will prevent any court or tribunal from hiding behind technicalities and legal sophistry to affirm electoral heists and undermine the will of the people. Our democracy must mean something; it must be substantive. Above all, it must be expressed through free, fair and transparent elections that respect the will of the people.
Firstly, we must make electronic voting and collation of results mandatory. This is the 21st century and countries less advanced than Nigeria are doing so already. It is only bold initiatives that transform societies.
Secondly, we must provide that all litigation arising from a disputed election must be concluded before the inauguration of a winner. This was the case in 1979. The current time frame between elections and inauguration of winners is inadequate to dispense with election litigations.
What we have currently is akin to asking thieves to keep their loot and use the same to defend themselves while the case of their robbery is being decided. It only encourages mandate banditry rather than discourages it.
Thirdly, in order to ensure popular mandate and real representation, we must move to require a candidate for President to earn 50% +1 of the valid votes cast, failing which a run-off between the top two candidates will be held. Most countries that elect their presidents use this Two-Round System (with slight variations) rather than our current First-Past-the-Post system.
Examples include France, Finland, Austria, Bulgaria, Portugal, Poland, Turkey and Russia, Argentina, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Mozambique, Madagascar and even Liberia where a run-off is expected to hold in the coming days.
Fourthly, in order to reduce the desperation of incumbents and distractions from governing and also to promote equity and national unity, we need to move to a single six-year term for President to be rotated among the six geo-political zones. This will prevent the ganging up of two or more geo-political zones to alternate the presidency among themselves to the exclusion of other zones.
INEC should be mandated to verify the credentials submitted to it by candidates and their parties and where it is unable to do so – perhaps because the institutions involved did not respond in time – it must publicly state so and have it on record.
A situation where a candidate submits contradictory credentials to INEC in different election cycles and the electoral umpire accepts them without question points to gross negligence, at best, or collusion to break the law by the leadership of the INEC, at worst. The submission of contradictory qualifying documents by a candidate as well as those found to be forged or falsified should disqualify a candidate even if the falsification or forgery is discovered after the person had been sworn into office.
The burden of proving that a document submitted to INEC is forged should not be on the opposing candidates in the election. It is never the responsibility of an applicant for a job to prove that the person who eventually got the job did so with forged documents.
In addition to these proposed constitutional amendments, the Electoral Act should be amended to provide that, except where they explicitly violate the Constitution and other laws, the rules and procedures laid down by the electoral umpire and made public for the benefit of the contestants and the voters will be treated as sacrosanct by the courts in deciding on election disputes.
A referee cannot be allowed to set the rules for the game only to change or ignore them when one side has scored a goal or is about to win the match. We must restore confidence in our electoral system which the current leadership of INEC has completely eroded and undermined. Also, we need well-thought out provisions in the legislation and regulations to reform the judiciary, including the introduction of an automated case assignment system; transparency in the appointment of judges; a practice directory that stresses that the goal of judges in election cases should be to discover and affirm voters’ choice rather than disregarding voters’ choice for the sake of technicalities.
There should also be publicly available annual evaluation of the performance of judges using agreed criteria. By improving the transparency of the electoral process and reducing the incentives to cheat, in addition to transparency in the appointment of judges and other judicial reforms, the number of election petitions as well as corruption in the judiciary will be significantly reduced. More importantly, we would have succeeded in taking away the right to elect leaders from the courts and return it to the voters to whom it truly belongs.
Gentlemen of the Press, I thank you profoundly for listening. May God bless you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ECA wins UN award for its contribution to development planning in member states
Addis Ababa, 26 October 2023 (ECA) – The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has won the 2023 International Standards of Accounting and Reporting Honors (ISAR Honors) in recognition of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reporting through its Integrated Planning and Reporting Toolkit (IPRT).
The IPRT is a web application sponsored by the ECA. It was developed in response to the needs of African countries to simultaneously adopt and integrate both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 into their national development. This enabled member countries to report their progress on the SDGs and Agenda 2063 in a harmonized way.
ISAR Honors, an initiative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), raises awareness and facilitates the dissemination of national and international best practices on sustainability and SDG reporting as an integral part of annual reporting by companies.
The ISAR Honors initiative aims to support efforts on enhancing the quality and comparability of companies’ reporting on their contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and its usefulness for monitoring the implementation of the SDGs. It recognizes policy, institutional or capacity-building initiatives that encourage and assist enterprises to publish data on their contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The ECA received the award at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates on October 17 2023. Commenting on the award, ECA Chief of the Development Planning Section, Bartholomew Armah said:
“The award really means one thing – that persistence pays. When the tool was initially developed it was very difficult to get the buy- in of countries but with time the tool has actually evolved as a result of the input and feedback we have received from countries about how the tool can address their needs.”
He noted that more countries were now requesting support from the tool and have been assisted in preparing for the voluntary National reviews conducted in New York under the High Level Political Forum.
“We have created a global and continental movement towards digitizing the national planning framework. I think this is the lasting legacy of the IPRT, really shifting from manual planning to digital planning,” Mr. Armah said, underscoring that when development planning is done effectively, it can ensure more efficient and transparent use of national resources. Besides, development planning requires data and the IPRT has made it possible for countries to identify and address data gaps in their planning process.
Mr. Armah explained that the IPRT was developed after realizing that countries needed to align their national plans to several international commitments – like the Doha Programme of Action and the LDC programme of Action – besides the SDGs, a difficult task for many.
The web tool was developed to make it easier for countries to do such alignment through digital technology. The web based software which can be accessed from any part of the world has currently benefitted 29 countries and one regional economic community. Countries were trained in digitizing their national development plans which have a results framework showing goals, targets and indicators. These were then compared with the goals, targets and indicators of the SDGs and Agenda 2063.
Mr. Armah said a few countries have demonstrated commitment to using the tool by accepting the training offered by the ECA and also by co-sponsoring training events.
“We have seen that for countries that we have engaged with over time, we have seen improvements to the extent which their plans are aligned to the two agendas,” said Mr. Armah.
Kelvin Ifeanyi gets one-year jail term for obtaining money under false pretence
Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has convicted and sentenced an internet fraudster; Kelvin Ifeanyi to a one-year jail term in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
He was jailed on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 upon being arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
The count charge reads: “That you, Kelvin Ifeanyi on or about the 21st day of July 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud obtained the sum of $2,400 (Two Thousand Four Hundred Dollars) Worth of Bitcoin Currency from one John Dubhthaigh a foreign national under the pretence that you are a Crypto Trader which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.
He pleaded guilty to the one count charge when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, E.K. Bakam, tendered some documents to establish his case and prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant as charged
Counsel to the defendant, E. D. Ani prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stressing that the “defendant is a first-time offender with no previous criminal records”.
Justice Ajoku, found the defendant guilty, convicted, and sentenced him to one year in the Correctional Service with One Hundred Thousand Naira as an option of fine (N100,000) payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The court also ordered that the iPhone 11 Promax and one Redmi mobile device recovered from the convict should be forfeited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The sum of Two Thousand, Four Hundred United States Dollars ($2,400) recovered from the convict should also be forfeited and returned to the victim, John Dubhthaigh, a foreigner.
The judge also ordered the convict to depose an affidavit of good behavior before the court.
Ifeanyi started his journey to the Correctional Service when he was arrested by operatives of the Commission, alongside his syndicate members for internet-related crimes. He was charged to court and convicted.
Media & Publicity
October 28, 2023
Civil Society Organizations reiterated support for EFCC, in the task of fighting economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
Civil Society Organizations, CSOs in Oyo State, have reiterated their support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the task of fighting economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
They made this commitment in Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at the “EFCC/CSOs Engagement“ programme that held in the State.
Executive Chairman, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, lauded the strategic roles CSOs are playing in the fight against corruption, stating that engagement with them was to share ideas on how to deepen the fight against corruption. The EFCC boss, who spoke through the Ibadan Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Halima Mustapha Rufa’u, expressed appreciation to the CSOs for reviews of the Commission’s works so as to enhance its performance.
“You are one of the most critical allies of the EFCC. Our partnership has been progressive and is still evolving. We greatly value your critical reviews as they have ensured that we remain faithful to the Nigerian people in the discharge of our mandate”, he said. He further urged then to continue to align themselves with the progressive aspirations of Nigerians for corruption to be reduced to the barest minimum, if not completely eliminated.
In her Speech, Deputy Director, Creative Communications, DCE Nwayinma Okeano, challenged CSOs to correct people’s misconception about EFCC’s anti-corruption activities in their various communities. “Reorient the public about what we do. Let me say clearly that no crime is too big or too small. The same way we are arresting politicians, is also the same way we are arresting internet fraudsters”, she said. She reassured them that the EFCC is open to the public, urging them to always send complaints and petitions using various channels of communication.
The CSOs, on their part, came up with suggestions in areas they think the EFCC can explore. Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, one of the arrow heads of the group, stressed that, the fight against corruption should not be left to the EFCC alone, pointing out that all citizens and stakeholders have roles to play through strategic partnerships. She enjoined the Commission to explore other areas in sending the anti-corruption message, such as entertainment, social media, partnering with telecommunication organizations, frequent town hall meetings, creating and sustaining advocacy groups, among others.
Discussions also centered on how to incorporate corruption studies into school curriculum across the country. “As parents, it is our duty to start this fight from home when our children are young, encourage them to learn handwork to earn a living, because unemployment is one of the reasons why a lot of our youths are into crimes”, they said.
Additionally, “we also want EFCC to go after musicians and celebrities who are promoting yahoo practices in their songs and lifestyle. They want the Commission to work more with the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, NBC and the National Film and Video Censor Board for the regulation of contents that are not edifying the public. “ they said.
At the end of the interaction, a Communique to help strengthen the working relationship between the EFCC and CSOs in the Ibadan Zonal Command was issued.
Media & Publicity
October 28, 2023.
PDP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MOURNS PROF. STELLA EFFAH-ATTOE
The Board of Trustees extends our most profound condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by the remarkable presence of Prof. Effah-Attoe.
Her loss is deeply felt, and the void left by her passing is immeasurable.
Professor Stella Effah-Attoe was not only a woman of exceptional intellect and grace but also an inspirational figure whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our party and the wider community.
Prof. Effah-Attoe’s dedication and leadership as the Woman Leader were unparalleled. She was a source of strength and inspiration to countless members and a beacon of hope in our quest for progress and inclusivity. Her commitment to advancing the cause of women’s rights and empowerment was unwavering, and her legacy will continue to guide our actions and initiatives.
We remember Prof. Effah-Attoe for her wisdom, kindness, and tireless efforts in advocating for the well-being of women and marginalized communities.
Her scholarly contributions, philanthropic work, and exemplary character have left an enduring impact on all of us.
In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Prof. Effah-Attoe’s family as they cope with the loss of a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. We share in their grief and hope they find solace in the knowledge that her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.
As we come to terms with this profound loss, let us all strive to carry forward the values and principles that Prof. Effah-Attoe held dear. Let her life and work be an enduring testament to the change that can be achieved through compassion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of society.
The Board will surely miss her.
May she rest in peace.
H.E Sen. Adolphus Wabara, Ph.D
Ag. Chairman
PDP Board of Trustees
Governor Seyi Makinde mourns demise of PDP National Women Leader
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed shock over the death of the National Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof Stella Effah-Attoe.
The governor described the demise of Effah-Attoe, a member of the party’s National Working Committee, as a huge loss to the PDP family and to women in politics.
He expressed heartfelt condolences to her family, the PDP NWC, the entire PDP family in the country and the people of Cross River State, where she hailed from, praying to God to grant repose to her soul and stand by everyone she left behind.
The governor said: “I received the news of the death of the National Women Leader of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof Stella Effah-Attoe, with a great shock.
“I commiserate with her immediate family, the PDP NWC, the entire members of the party across the country and the government and people of Cross River State over this huge loss.
“Prof Effah-Attoe was an amiable and straightforward leader, who gave her best to protect the interest of the womenfolk in the PDP and contributed her quota to see to the success of the PDP.
“She will be sorely missed. It’s my prayer that God grants repose to her soul and stand by everyone she left behind.”
Signed
Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor
October 30, 2023.
Fubara dares Wike, Rivers State lawmakers
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on Monday said he has not committed any offence to warrant impeachment by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence I have committed to warrant any impeachment,” the governor said while addressing his supporters at the Assembly Complex.
The governor, who assured the people of the state of getting the dividends of democracy, said he would speak on the matter at the appropriate time.
“Let me assure the people of Rivers that I will continue to ensure that you get the dividends of democracy. At the appropriate time I will address the press,” he said.
A fresh crisis engulfed the Rivers Assembly amidst rumours of an impending impeachment procedure against Fubara as the House on Monday removed its leader, Edison Ehie.
The House members led by their Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, served an impeachment notice on Fubara before they fled for safety as tear gas was fired outside the Complex.
Addressing his supporters, who protested the development outside the Assembly Complex, the governor said he has not done anything to warrant an impeachment proceeding by the Assembly.
The development occurred hours after a fire broke out at the Assembly Complex on Sunday night.
It was unclear if the fire was connected with the political imbroglio but rumours of a rift between Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike who is now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister have been brewing for some time now.
The state Assembly reportedly signed an impeachment notice on Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
In a session that was presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Martins Amaewhule and attended by a good number of members, the Leader of the House, Hon Edison Ehie and those loyal to the governor were suspended.
The explosion that occurred in the Assembly on Sunday night was alleged to have been a ploy to stop the lawmakers from gaining access to the Assembly on Monday.
As early as 7 a.m., some lawmakers made their way into the House and immediately commenced plenary where they all signed the impeachment notice on the governor.
Meanwhile, the entire Moscow Road leading to the Rivers State House of Assembly has been barricaded by armed policemen.
Isale Eko Descendants Donates Medical Supplies To Commemorate Oba Akiolu’s 80th Birthday
The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union has extended warm congratulations to the esteemed Lagos community and beyond on the occasion of the 80th birthday of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, the IDU also announced the donation of medical supplies to the Iga Idungaran Community Health Centre to mark the birthday of the revered monarch.
The Union said the significant milestone is a testament to a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their beloved community.
Born on October 29, 1943, HRM Oba Akiolu is a distinguished alumnus of Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere, and a graduate of law from the University of Lagos. With a remarkable 32-year career in the Nigeria Police Force, he ascended to the position of Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 1999. His glorious journey led him to be crowned as the 21st Oba of Lagos on May 24, 2003, succeeding the late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, who reigned from 1965 to March 1, 2003.
The IDU said Oba Akiolu’s legacy is deeply interwoven with the history and identity of Lagos, saying his reign has been marked by wisdom, grace, and a profound dedication to the well-being of his subjects. The group insisted that under His Majesty’s leadership, Lagos has witnessed remarkable growth and development, and the city continues to thrive as a centre of commerce, culture, and tradition.
The group said Oba Akiolu is celebrated for his benevolence, candour, and bravery, stressing further that the monarch’s impact on the lives and well-being of the people of Lagos and Nigeria is profound.
IDU added that the retired Assistant Inspector General of Police should also be celebrated for his modernization efforts at the palace, which include the construction of a guest house, library, and health centre, adding that the Iga Idunganran Health Centre, funded entirely by the Oba, provides free healthcare services to the community.
“He has also been instrumental in securing employment opportunities for numerous Lagos indigenes within the Lagos State, Federal Government, and private organizations. Additionally, he has been at the forefront of the return of properties belonging to Lagos indigenes, including the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, from the Federal Government.
“Our revered monarch has been a resolute and effective leader, ensuring peace and harmony in his domain through timely and astute guidance to his subjects and governmental bodies. Oba Akiolu’s reign has witnessed the progress of his subjects in all aspects of human life, including the attainment of the highest offices in the nation.
“As the traditional custodian of our heritage, Oba Akiolu has been a source of inspiration and guidance to Isale Eko and the wider Lagos community. His commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while also promoting progress and modernization is a testament to his visionary leadership.
K’ade pe lori,
ki bata pe lese
Ki ase pe lenu
Omo obalufon,
Omo erin jogun ola,
Omo Oba ado kenme, bini arokun tayo,
Omo oba ologunkutere asa logun,
Orisha ni e be ,
e ma be kutere,
Orisha a gba obi,
kutere a gba odindin ori eni,
omo atupa idunganran,
Igba odun odun kan ni oooooo Olowo Eko Baba Fuad
We wish His Royal Majesty, many more years of purposeful leadership as the Oba of Lagos, filled with good health and tranquillity,” Kazeem was quoted in the press statement.
October 29, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Mourns National Woman Leader, Prof. Effah-Attoe
…Says Her Death is a Devastating Loss to Nigeria
The National Working Committee (NWC) and indeed the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family, is utterly devastated over the death of the National Woman Leader of our great Party, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe.
Our hearts bleed! Our Party and Nation have lost one of our best and brightest. Prof. Effah-Attoe’s death is a huge blow not only to her family but also to the PDP, the academic community, the people of Cross River State and indeed the Nation.
Prof. Effah-Attoe was very brilliant, towering and magnificent in all spheres, but yet lived an exceptionally humble, pleasant, sociable, gracious, compassionate and loving life. She touched lives in many positive ways and made pivotal contributions towards the growth and development of our Nation.
She was a dedicated teacher, politician, author and fearless mobilizer who always stood for the truth; fought for justice, equity and fairness and gave her energy, passion and resources in the pursuit of the rights of women in Nigeria.
Over the years, as Commissioner for Education and later Commissioner for Information and Culture in Cross River State, member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, member of Governing Board of several Cross River State and Federal Government Agencies and Programmes; a University Professor and one of the most decorated scholars in Nigeria, she distinguished herself as an amazon with extraordinary intellectual capacity for leadership and national service.
As the National Woman Leader of our great Party, she brought in an uncommon intellectual aptitude into Party administration especially in mobilizing women for greater participation in politics and governance.
The PDP will always remember her tireless contributions alongside other PDP leaders in the effort to rebrand and strengthen our great Party in the build-up to the 2023 general elections in line with the mission to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation from misrule.
Prof Effah-Attoe’s death has left a huge vacuum in our Party but we take solace in the fact that she lived a devout Christian life, triumphed in her chosen path and left indelible marks in the service of the Nation and humanity.
The PDP commiserates with her immediate family, the people of Ikun in Biase Local Governnment Area of Cross River State, the Academic Community, the Cross River State Chapter of the PDP and the people of Cross River State.
Our Party prays to God to grant us all the fortitude to bear the loss; and to the faithful departed, an eternal rest in His bosom.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Three Day Seminar on Protocol and Security Closes in Abuja
First Lady admonishes participants to go to their various states and pass on the lessons learnt
Wives of top government functionaries and other top female officials in Nigeria say they will strive to enhance the image of the country by paying more attention to their public conduct and security.
They made this collective resolution at the end of a three-day seminar on protocol and security, convened by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON in Abuja.
After eight papers delivered by experts on security, protocol, etiquette, improved public conduct and diplomatic relations, participants at the three-day seminar take stock.
For many of the participants who cut across former First Ladies of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Members of the National Assembly, wives of NASS members, Wives of Governors and former governors, Female Deputy Governors, Ministers, wives of ministers, Wives of Service Chiefs among others, the 3 day seminar was an eye opener for them especially as it relates to security issues.
The participants expressed appreciation to the First Lady for building their capacity as role models and image makers for the country.
With the First Lady and former First Ladies, Turai Yaradua and Dame Patience Jonathan making inputs, the session recalled some of the lessons learnt during the seminar, particularly those that dwelt on the need for cultural intelligence, security awareness and proper conduct among participants and other women on the social media.
A meet and greet session by the convener of the seminar, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, set a relaxed tone day, as participants availed themselves the opportunity to interact with the First lady and share ideas on diverse issues.
The gathering had the opportunity to also view the video on the “Every Home a Garden” competition by the Renewed Hope Initiative, an Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON. The competition which is open to every woman from all the States of the federation, including the FCT entails them planting a garden at home whereby the harvest can provide food on their table and enough to give their neighbor. The winner of the competition which will be announced in December 2024 has a prize money of N20million naira.
The 3-day seminar on Protocol and Security was rounded up with the presentation of certificate of participation to the over 800 participants.
SIGNED
Busola kukoyi
SSA Media to the First lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
28th October,2023
Atiku Abubakar addresses journalists Monday
Press Invitation
The Presidential Candidate of our great Party, the PDP, in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election and former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, will address a crucial Press Conference on issues of serious importance to the Nation.
Date: Monday, October 30, 2023
Venue: PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja
Time: 11am Prompt
Signed:
Office of the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATES FOREMOST JURIST, JUSTICE EMMANUEL AYOOLA AT 90
President Bola Tinubu celebrates Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, renowned jurist and retired Supreme Court judge, on his 90th birthday.
President Tinubu describes the foremost retired justice as a trailblazer and a fine example of integrity and honour in Nigeria’s judiciary.
“Justice Ayoola is among the pace-setters of the Nigerian judiciary. He is renowned for his discipline, diligence, honour, and unwavering integrity.
“He is one of those distinguished jurists whose hard work, brilliance, fortitude, and patriotism built and strengthened the Nigerian judiciary,” the President says.
President Tinubu wishes the foremost justice many more years in good health.
Justice Ayoola retired from the Supreme Court in 2003. He had served as the Chief Justice of the Gambia from 1983 to 1992 and was Vice President of the World Judges Association in 1991.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 27, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LEADERSHIP TEAM
As one of fourteen Federal Executive Bodies into which Section 154 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, Amended) empowers the president to appoint its Chairman and members, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the following Nigerians to serve in the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), subject to the confirmation of the Nigerian Senate:
(1) Prof. Tunji Olaopa — Chairman
(2) Dr. Daudu Ibrahim Jalo — Member (Representing Adamawa | Gombe | Taraba)
(3) Ms. Gekpe Grace Isu — Member (Representing Akwa Ibom | Cross River)
(4) Dr. Chamberlain Nwele — Member (Representing Anambra | Ebonyi | Enugu)
(5) Mr. Rufus N. Godwins — Member (Representing Rivers | Delta | Bayelsa)
(6) Dr. Adamu Hussein — Member (Representing Niger | FCT)
(7) Mr. Aminu Nabegu — Member (Representing Jigawa | Kano)
( Ms. Hindatu Abdullahi — Member (Representing Kaduna | Katsina)
(9) Mr. Shehu Aliyu — Member (Representing Kebbi | Sokoto | Zamfara)
(10) Ms. Odekunle Rukiyat Aduke — Member (Representing Kogi | Kwara)
(11) Mr. Jide Jimoh — Member (Representing Lagos | Ogun)
(12) Dr. Festus Oyebade — Member (Representing Osun | Oyo)
Upon confirmation, the new FCSC leadership is expected to commence work with effect from November 30, 2023, following the expiration of tenure of the current Federal Civil Service Commission Chairman and membership on November 29, 2023.
The President anticipates that the new FCSC leadership will competently facilitate the transformation, reorientation, and digitization of the Federal Bureaucracy to enable, and not stifle, growth and enhanced private sector participation in the development of the Nigerian economy, in full adherence to the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 27, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES REVERED TRADITIONAL RULER, OBA RILWAN AKIOLU OF LAGOS, AT 80
President Bola Tinubu celebrates his long-time ally, friend, and confidant, His Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos State, on his 80th birthday.
President Tinubu describes the revered monarch as a fountain of wisdom, knowledge, and a staunch custodian of the rich culture and traditions of Lagos.
“Oba Akiolu and I have come a long way. He is my confidant. He is a dear friend I hold in high esteem for his integrity, honour, and forthrightness. He is always generous with his wise counsel and always willing to offer his fatherly guidance.
“Baba is a defender of the truth and his people. My achievements as Lagos State Governor are partly due to his support and counsel. His Majesty’s reign has brought peace, progress, and development to the good people of Lagos,” the President says.
The President thanks the Eleko of Eko for his unceasing prayers and support, recalling his interventions over the years, even in trying times.
“Today, I celebrate an extraordinary monarch whose wit and foresight are peerless. May His Majesty live long, and may his reign on the throne of his fathers continue to be prosperous,” President Tinubu prays.
The Oba of Lagos is a monarch of many achievements. He rose to the pinnacle of his professional career, retiring as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police. The Oba is a fellow of the Nigerian Law School.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 28, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS IYALODE ALABA LAWSON
President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of Iyalode Alaba Lawson, MFR.
The President described Chief Lawson as an enterprising, courageous, astute, and distinguished businesswoman and leader.
“Iyalode Lawson epitomised enterprise, brilliance, and ingenuity. Her death is a very painful loss. May the Almighty God grant her eternal rest,” the President said.
Iyalode Lawson was the former president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 28, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS OHINOYI OF EBIRALAND, DR. ADO IBRAHIM
President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the government and people of Kogi State on the passing of the revered traditional ruler, His Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
The President said the death of the Ohinoyi is a painful loss, describing the late monarch as peace-loving, affable, and cerebral.
“The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was in a class of his own. He was highly respected and admired for his deep insights, wisdom, and sophistication. He had a masterful way of handling issues. He was very knowledgeable and wise.
“May Almighty Allah grant His Majesty Aljannah Firdaus,” the President prayed.
President Tinubu asked the good people of Kogi State to take solace in the legacy of peace and fellowship left behind by the late monarch.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
October 29, 2023
SERAP writes INEC, seeks recognition of right to vote securely
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “to use the mandates of INEC to pursue constitutional and legal reforms that would explicitly recognize Nigerians’ right to vote and to vote securely in free, fair and honest elections as a fundamental right.”
SERAP also urged him “to promote constitutional and legal reforms that would contain explicit mandatory provisions on internet voter registration, and the use of modern technology, including in casting and counting, voter registration and systems for reporting results.”
In the letter dated 28 October 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The explicit recognition of the right to vote and to vote securely would improve the right to representative democracy in the country.”
SERAP said, “The continuing resistance by politicians to bring the country’s electoral legal rules up to date with modern technology, and make the use of technology mandatory in our electoral process is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigerians’ right to effectively participate in their own government.”
According to SERAP, “Large-scale election infrastructure insecurity poses serious threats to the fundamental right to vote that INEC can no longer ignore. The challenges facing the electoral process can be addressed by a swift adaptation and innovation in both election laws and election technology.”
The letter, read in part: “Democracy works best when everyone participates. Legally enforceable right to vote is the bedrock of any democratic society. The right to vote and to vote securely is too important to be left to the whims of politicians.”
“Confidence in the electoral process is on the decline. Many Nigerians are expressing concerns about the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.”
“Nigerian politicians have little incentive to pursue genuine constitutional and legal reforms that would improve the exercise by Nigerians of their right to participation in the electoral process and in the mechanisms of government.”
“INEC has constitutional and statutory responsibilities to promote and advance the right of eligible Nigerians to vote and to vote securely as part of their internationally recognized right to political participation.”
“Under section 2(b) of the Electoral Act 2022, the commission ‘shall have power to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes.’ INEC also has the constitutional mandates to take the recommended measures under Section 153 of the Nigerian Constitution and paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule.”
“INEC has the mandates to promote, protect and facilitate the exercise of the right to vote and to vote securely as a fundamental right. Exercising such mandates would rebuild public confidence in the ability of the commission to effectively perform its responsibilities and to act in good faith.”
“The major problem facing the country’s democracy is the lack of respect for Nigerians’ right to participation and the concomitant lack of trust in election results. If citizens do not believe in the election process, then the entire system of democratic government becomes a questionable enterprise.”
“The explicit recognition of legally enforceable fundamental right to vote and to vote securely in free, fair and honest elections would protect the right to participation, safeguard and strengthen the credibility and integrity of the country’s democracy.”
“It would rein politicians who continue to abuse the electoral rules to distort and undermine the right to participation with almost absolute impunity. It would also amplify the voices of the people, not corrupt politicians, and modernize and secure the country’s future elections against any threats.”
“The country’s electoral legal rules are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the requirements of the right to political participation, which is explicitly guaranteed under article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which Nigeria has ratified.”
“The right to vote and vote securely would also impose clear obligations on the electoral commission and other authorities to ensure the ‘will of the people’ in elections, and to administer elections in an objective and neutral manner, and in conformity with modern technology.”
“The crisis confronting Nigerian elections and lack of public trust and confidence in the electoral process can be addressed if the right of Nigerians to vote and to vote securely is explicitly recognized as justiciable constitutional right.”
“Nigerians do not currently enjoy explicit and enforceable right to vote and to vote securely. As the 2023 general elections have shown, the absence of this right in the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] has seriously undermined the right of Nigerians to effectively participate in their own government, and the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.”
“Although the Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution’, this is not recognized as legally enforceable fundamental human right.”
“Unless INEC urgently begins the process of pushing for the explicit recognition of Nigerians’ right to vote and to vote securely, politicians would continue to use the country’s antiquated electoral legal rules for personal gain, and to deny the people their right to participation.”
“We would be grateful if INEC begins the process of taking the recommended measures 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 requests in the public interest.”
“SERAP notes that ahead of the 2023 general elections, INEC disclosed that over seven million Nigerians who carried out their voter pre-registration online but could not complete the process at physical centres would not be entitled to vote.”
“The right to vote and to vote securely as well as the right of the people to expect representative government through the process of elections is basic to democracy.”
“Without the explicit constitutional recognition of the right to vote and to vote securely as a fundamental right, millions of Nigerians would continue to be denied their right to participate in their own government.”
“The Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act are grossly inadequate to guarantee citizens’ right to political participation which encapsulates the right to vote and to vote securely. Our electoral legal rules are based on a set of archaic notions that do not serve the core function of participation and a representative democracy.”
“The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance explicitly assert the right to vote as part of the fundamental right to participate in democracy.”
“Article 25 of the Covenant, article 13 of the African Charter and articles 2, 3 and 4 of the African Charter on Democracy contain provisions on the right to participation. Nigerian electoral laws ought to be such that would give effect to the voters’ will and uphold the popular mandate through free, fair, and honest elections.”
“The right to vote in a democracy is important because so many other matters depend upon its exercise. Nigeria ought not to be stuck with electoral rules, structures and procedures that violate basic ideas of participation, fairness and representative government.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
29/10/2023
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
