By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council is saddened to announce the death of a senior journalist, Elder Gabriel Gwajime.

The late Gwajime died on Monday February 10, 2025 in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and a commitment to truth and integrity.

He was a respected figure in the field of journalism and until his death, worked with the Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative, (CWAI) and has served in many capacities with several Nigerian mainstream newspapers and a Board member of the Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria, (GOCMEJ).

Throughout his career, he reported on numerous significant events, providing insightful analysis and in-depth coverage that informed and engaged audience.

He was known for his dedication to uncovering the truth and giving a voice to the voiceless even in the face of intimidation.

The deceased had contributed in no small measure to the success stories achieved in the union and civil society community while in active service.

The loss of Elder Gwajime is not only felt within our NUJ FCT Council but also across the journalism community.  He was a mentor to many and a friend to all and his contributions to the journalism profession will not be forgotten.

The veteran Comrade would be missed for his meaningful impact in fostering unity, peace and love among members.

He is survived by five children and a few grandchildren. He hails from Onyian, Kunshisha, Local Government Area of  Benue State.  

The NUJ FCT Council uses this medium  to condole with the immediate family and friends of the deceased and prays to God to grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss as well as grant his soul eternal rest.

The funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.

E-signed
Comrade Jide Oyekunle
Secretary of Council

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Edo Guber Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday suffered a major setback when a key witness for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Afuda Theophilus, admitted under cross-examination confessed that over-voting occurred in Esan North East Local Government Area—directly contradicting his sworn testimony.

The witness, who had been presented by the APC to defend the election’s integrity, initially asserted in his written witness statement that there were no incidents of over-voting.

However, when confronted with official polling unit results, he conceded that the total number of votes cast exceeded the number of accredited voters.

This shows there was over-voting?” Asue Ighodalo’s lead counsel, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), asked.

“Yes,” Theophilus replied, before attempting to offer an explanation.

His testimony became even more damaging when he was questioned about Form EC25B, the INEC-prescribed document for recording the serial numbers of sensitive election materials before voting. Referring to the INEC Manual for Election Officials, Owonikoko asked him to confirm that Form EC25B was the required document for documenting the serial numbers of result sheets and ballot papers. Theophilus agreed.

However, when presented with the actual Form EC25Bs used during the election, he was forced to acknowledge that they had not been filled in—lacking serial numbers, signatures, or any identifying details.

“There is no entry of serial numbers of result sheets or the BVAS machine. Can you confirm?” Owonikoko asked.

“I can’t find it…” Theophilus hesitantly responded.

When pressed further to confirm that the serial numbers were missing, he admitted, “Yes, they are not there.”

Reacting to the revelations, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, speaking on behalf of the opposition, stated that the testimony exposed serious irregularities in INEC’s handling of the election and raised major doubts about the credibility of the results.

“Our legal team has argued that failure to complete Form EC25B alone constitutes non-compliance with electoral guidelines, invalidating results from affected polling units.

” This is the law—it is not my opinion. It is a strict liability issue, and once again, we are grateful to the APC for sending us such honest witnesses,” he remarked.

With its own witness inadvertently strengthening the opposition’s case, the APC’s defence appears increasingly fragile. The tribunal’s ruling on these revelations could have significant consequences for the outcome of the governorship election.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Jide Ipansagba has said Nigerians will soon experience new era of procurement system akin to international practice

The Senator who took over from Senator Monday Okpebolo, now the current governor of Edo State had a well planned mission for the committe.

He said his committee was putting in place measures to ensure that all MDAs were aligned to the new administration’s paradigm shift, where ordinary Nigerians can bid and win contracts unlike what was obtainable, and also move BPP from analog to digital.

The Senator who represents Ondo North senatorial district spoke to journalists in his Abuja office assured Nigerians of righting all wrongs. That his goal is to provide equal opportunities for Nigerians to participate in competitive bidding, which can lead to cost savings.

The committee also discourages single-source procurement, which often does not provide good value for money.

He said, “Many wrongs will be corrected. We want to make sure that only qualified persons get the contract job they tendered for.”

The lawmaker explained that the idea of MDAs calling for bids and lining people up for a rigorous Pre-qualification exercise only for the contract to go to persons or companies who did not participate in the process was no longer acceptable.

Ipansagba said, “Due process must be followed. We want the country to experience a new era of procurement system that is acceptable to international practice.”

“I can assure you that this Senate is sincere about the new deal we are bringing forward in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and the uncommon Senate President.”

“We are also transitioning from
traditional analog procurement methods to digital means, working closely with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“The goal is to bring Nigeria’s procurement system on par with global standards, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

The committee which acts as an advisory body to the BPP, will promote a more inclusive
procurement process where everyone has an equal opportunity to bid.

“The committee, under my chairmanship will discourage portfolio contractors who lack the necessary resources and expertise to handle government contracts”

Speaking about his preparedness to interface with MDAs by contractors, he said “the committee will evaluate both the commercial and technical tenders submitted by contractors to MDAs before awarding any government contracts.

“We will ensure that contractors have the capacity, resources, and manpower to fulfill the obligations.

“The committee follows the Public
Procurement Act of 2007 as its guiding principle in carrying out its duties. Our aim is to make Nigerians and the constituted authority happy with our
performance, working in alignment with the new administration’s agenda. Nigerians should be rest assured that this committee will deliver.

The committee chairman further explained that his committee was privileged to have highly experienced Nigerians who have made their mark in governance and in business as members.

He said, “I can assure you that my committee will investigate activities in the procurement system since 2019 and ensure we right the wrongs to regain the confidence of the public in the procurement system.”

“We want a system where you don’t need to know anybody before you can bid or win contracts.