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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has begun deliberations on a new Electoral Act intended to guide the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Proceedings were tense and disorderly for much of the session, with lawmakers frequently attempting to speak at the same time and repeatedly raising points of order, creating a noisy and charged atmosphere on the floor of the House.

At the outset, members spent considerable time arguing over which sections of the bill should be examined and which should be set aside.

The deadlock was eventually resolved when the House agreed to focus on provisions recommended by the Committee on Electoral Matters.

One of the key decisions approved was that all pre-election disputes must be handled exclusively by the Federal High Court located in the state where the matter arises.

The chairman of the committee explained that the amendment is aimed at stopping the practice of transferring pre-election cases from their states of origin to the Federal Capital Territory or other states without proper jurisdiction.

However, sharp divisions emerged over a proposal seeking to disqualify any candidate found to have supplied false information regarding constitutional eligibility, along with the candidate’s political party. The provision sparked intense debate and strong opposition from several members, signalling further contention as deliberations continue.

Many of the lawmakers insisted that rather than disqualify the candidate and his party, and declaring the candidate with the next highest votes cast after the election as winner, INEC should be asked to conduct a fresh election excluding the candidate and his party.

Others insisted that the recommendations was apt as it makes it mandatory for the political parties to do due diligence before presenting any candidate for any election.

The also approved a jail term of five years for any returning officer who declare false results at an election and a ten year jail term for failing to record election results in a proscribed form, but went ahead to announce such result, while prescribing a two year jail term for a Resident Electoral Commissioners who fail to release Certified True Copies of election results.

The House however defered consideration of the report till Thursday for continuation.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has commenced investigation into all Treaties Protocols and agreement signed by Nigeria and other countries.

The Chairman House Committee on Treaties, Protocols & Agreements, Rep. Rabiu Yusuf, made the disclosure on Wednesday at a press briefing in Abuja.

He said the House of Representatives has authorised the Committee to undertake one of the most important national reviews in recent history.

Yusuf noted that the review is not political but patriotic, constitutional, and essential for Nigeria’s sovereignty, debt sustainability, and economic security.

He said: “Our mandate is clear: to examine all bilateral and multilateral treaties, protocols, agreements, and foreign-funded contracts Nigeria has entered into and determine whether they protect or endanger the national interest”.

The Chairman explained that over the years, Nigeria has signed numerous treaties, MoUs, and agreements, many without adequate oversight, domestication, or monitoring.

“Some agreements contain hidden obligations, sovereignty waivers, unfavourable arbitration clauses, or financial risks unknown to Nigerians. Several foreign-funded infrastructure contracts, especially those involving foreign companies, require deeper scrutiny for: Value-for-money, Loan exposure, Local content compliance, Contract performance, Environmental and labour compliance.

” Nigeria cannot afford treaties that weaken our legal authority, compromise national assets, or burden future generations with unsustainable liabilities”, he added.

Yusuf assured that the committee will ensure that all international agreements comply with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“Ensure Nigeria’s sovereignty is never compromised in foreign dealings. Protect the country from harmful financial exposure, poor contract terms, and non-performing obligations.

“Establish full transparency around treaties and major contracts. Strengthen Nigeria’s negotiation power going forward. Recommend a national framework for Treaty Oversight & Digital Tracking to
prevent future lapses”, he said.

The Chairman said that the investigation was important because treaties affect everyday life, job creation, trade, taxes, infrastructure, and foreign investment.

He noted that poorly negotiated agreements can weaken Nigeria’s economy, increase debt, or even threaten strategic national assets.

“This Committee’s work will help ensure Nigerians benefit from partnerships, not become victims of them. Our goal is simple: Nigeria must never sign what it cannot defend”, he said.

He said that letters requesting all relevant documents will be dispatched to: Federal Ministries, MDAs, Regulatory bodies, State governments, Chinese companies and other foreign contractors, Diplomatic missions, Banks and financial institutions.

Rep. Yusuf further emphasised that the committee expects full cooperation and transparency in documentation, submission of complete agreements, annexes, side letters, payment records,
project reports, and compliance documents.

He also said that Nigeria deserves agreements that uplift, not undermine her.

“This investigation will be thorough, professional, non-partisan, and guided strictly by evidence.

“This Committee will work transparently, responsibly, and with the highest national interest. We are determined to deliver a report that will strengthen Nigeria’s sovereignty,
protect public resources, and reform how treaties are negotiated in the future.

“Nigeria will no longer sign unfavourable agreements in darkness. This Committee will shine the light, protect our sovereignty, and ensure every treaty reflects the dignity and future of our nation”., Yusuf added.

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Nigerian, Chairman of 10th National Assembly Legislative Aides (NASSLAF) High Chief Barr Emeka Nwala has emerged as the president of African Legislative Aides Association (ALAA) with Abdulmohemin Tumia from Libya as the deputy president respectively.

This historic event took place at the ongoing African Legislative Aides Conference ALAC 2025 at NAF Conference centre Abuja, Nigeria.

Ajikwa Chia Christopher Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to High Chief Barr Emeka Nwala, the Executive Chairman of the 10th NASSLAF cum President African Legislative Aides Association (ALAA).