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Just In : INEC vows to bar some CSOs from monitoring future elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says it will no longer register any election observer that fails to submit its report, after monitoring elections it conducted.
INEC chairperson, Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), for 2024 in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mr Yakubu while assuring the CSOs of INEC’S continued partnership, urged those yet to submit their observation reports for the 2023 general elections and other off-cycle and re-run elections to do so.
He said that INEC always appreciated the observations and recommendations contained in the CSOs’ election observation reports.
“Some of the reforms and innovations introduced by the commission over the years were drawn from your observation reports.
“However, while many of you submitted their reports, some accredited observers are yet to do so for the last general elections, supplementary elections, off-cycle elections, by-elections and re-run elections.
“May I, therefore, seize this opportunity to remind those yet to submit their observation reports that it is a mandatory condition for eligibility to observe future elections.
“Going forward, the commission will operate strictly on the policy of no observation report, no accreditation,” Mr Yakubu said.
The INEC chairperson also advised CSOs to engage and observe political parties’ primaries for the Ondo State governorship election for inclusivity and credibility.
“Political parties in Ondo State will begin their primaries for the governorship election in the next two weeks. Sixteen political parties have indicated interest to participate in the election.
“I urge CSOs to engage with political parties and observe their primaries just as you engage with INEC and deploy observers to the main election conducted by the commission.
“By doing so, you will strengthen your advocacy for inclusivity for groups such as women, youths and persons with disabilities that are under-represented in elective offices at national and state levels,” he said.
For the Edo governorship election, Mr Yakubu said that so far, eight out of the 18 political parties that conducted primaries for the election had uploaded the particulars of their candidates to its dedicated portal.
He urged other parties yet to upload the particulars of their candidates to do so before 24 March, being the deadline when the portal automatically shuts down by 6pm.
He said that thereafter, INEC would publish the personal particulars of the candidates (Form EC9) on 31 March, for public scrutiny as required by law.
In her remarks, the Executive Director, Sustainable Gender Action Initiative, Mufuliat Fijabi, pledged that the CSOs would also strengthen their observations of parties’ primaries, leading to the emergence of candidates for elections.
Mrs Fijabi said observation of the primaries remained important because there was a need for more inclusive elections in the country that truly would reflect representation of more women, youth and PWDs.
Mrs Fijabi, who said that political parties have critical roles to play in the deepening of the electoral processes, advised parties yet to upload particulars of their candidates for the Edo governorship election to do so without delay.
She urged CSOs which were yet to submit their observation reports for previous elections to INEC to also do so.
“I am quite optimistic that my colleagues here, who are yet to turn in their reports will expedite actions to ensure that all pending reports are forwarded to the commission.
“I also agree with the fact that to have a robust electoral process in Nigeria, feedback is very important from both INEC and the CSOs,” she said.
Mrs Fijabi assured INEC that the CSOs would continue to work with the commission and others to improve on Nigeria’s electoral and democratic processes.
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2025 Budget is ambitious, growth sustaining -Prof Nnamchi
Professor Paul Sunday Nnamchi, a federal lawmaker, has praised the 2025 national budget proposal, calling it ambitious and growth-sustaining.
He believed that the budget was aimed at reassessing the government’s transformation agenda, its impact on the production and the overall economy in addition to making sure that the government’s monetary and fiscal policies were in tandem.
The proposed budget according to him, “is expected to bring down interest rates, support investments, promote production, and sustain growth and reduce inflation. He stressed.
Professor Nnamchi also acknowledged the progress made in security, particularly in the Niger Delta region, which has contributed to the increase in oil production from 1.2 barrels a day to 1.8 barrels a day.
Key highlights of the budget proposal include: A significant allocation to security, which Professor Nnamchi observed that it was crucial for addressing food security concerns and reducing the cost of staple foods.
“Increase in oil production and agriculture due to improved security situation in the troubled areas will raise our GDP significantly, which could bring down inflation from 39% to 15 % going by medium term expenditure frameworks”
He noted stressing that the budget outlined proposed measures that would also support investments, promote production, and sustain growth while reducing inflation.
Such measures, he stated includes investments in infrastructure development, which were expected to stimulate economic growth and attract foreign direct investments.
“While ambitious, this budget is grounded in sound economic principles, and its successful implementation will depend on our collective resolve as representatives of the people to ensure that every naira allocated serves its purpose and delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians.”
Overall, Professor Nnamchi emphasized the need to prioritize national interest and work towards moving the nation forward urging that Nigeria should be placed above sectional interest.
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Work for Peace and Unity of Nigeria’, Obi tasks Ohaneaze president, Mbata
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The leader of the opposition Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, has admonished the newly elected leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Senator John Azuta Mbata to work towards peace and unity of the nation.
Writing on his X handle in a congratulatory message to the Executive, Obi urged the new Executive to leverage their position, which shows the people’s confidence in them to strengthen the Igbo family and unite the country.
“On behalf of my family and the Obedient movement, I congratulate the Newly Elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; the Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; the Secretary-General, Emeka Sibeudu, and other newly elected executive members, on their emergence as the leaders of the noble organization.
“Their emergence as the leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella body that unites the Igbo people, underscores the level of confidence and hope the people have in their leadership ability and their commitment to the development of the region and the nation in general.
“I pray that they will leverage their new offices to continue to work for the peace and unity of our nation and contribute immeasurably to ideas that will drive development, peace, and progress among the people.
“May God give you all, the wisdom and strength to serve the people.
A New Nigeria remains Possible.
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Minor cabinet reshuffle: Delta gov redeploys Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties
In a minor cabinet reshuffle, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has redeployed Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties.
As part of the changes, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Special Duties.
In the interim, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, will oversee the Ministry of Information.
Also, a reliable source within the inner circle of the government has also verified the same development.
There are mixed reactions among journalists regarding Governor Oborevwori’s directive for the Ministry of Information to be overseen by Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu.
This sentiment stems from lingering grievances over the fallout between journalists and the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Journalists have expressed dissatisfaction with Okowa’s refusal to acknowledge their efforts during his eight-year tenure with a ‘parting gift.’
It is worth recalling that Okowa was accused of denying journalists of same gesture of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, fully implemented by Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, extended to media professionals, both government house press crew and those outside the Government House.
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