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All Set For 2023: INEC Excited Over Signing Of New Electoral Bill Into Law By Buhari

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

With the signing of the new Electoral Bill into law on Friday by President Mohamadu Buhari, the coast  is clear for the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to commence preparations for the 2023 general elections.

The Chairman of the Commission, Prof Mahmud Yakubu, had earlier cried out that disagreement over the new law between the presidency and the National Assembly was hindering preparations for the election.

Area of disagreement in the bill was the aspect which mandated political parties to adopt indirect primary in picking candidates for elections, which the Presidency considered to be too expensive and rigorous.

Reacting to the signing on Friday, in Abuja, INEC’s spokesman, Festus Okoye said: “Today Friday 25th February 2022, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria signed the Electoral Bill 2022 into law.

“It contains many progressive provisions that will facilitate the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

“The Nation now has the Electoral Act 2022, which replaces the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

“Together with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the new Act constitutes the principal law to govern the conduct of future elections, including the 2023 General Election.

“Given the tight timelines contained in the law, the Commission fully appreciates the importance of proceedings with their implementation in earnest.

“Consequently, an extraordinary meeting of the Commission is scheduled for tomorrow Saturday 26th February. Thereafter, a statement will be issued on the way forward.”

INEC had earlier released a calenderized programme for the election, which will usher in new President, some Governors, national and states assembly members.

According to the outline, the programme had kicked off in January with Consultation, which will end by February to be followed by release of guidelines for aspirants, candidates, parties in respect of congress, primary election and campaigns in March.

Campaign for Presidential and Gubernatorial elections is expected to kick-start in March, while political parties are expected to conduct their Congresses in May.

By June, parties are to hold Primary Elections to pick candidates for President, Governors, national and state assembly members to be followed in July, by petitions arising from Primary elections.

In August, Court of Appeal will hear appeals arising from Primary elections with Supreme Court verdict on all Primary elections in September from Candidates and winners for Presidential and Gubernatorial flag bearer of Parties contesting.

The months of October and November are expected to witness aggressive campaign by candidates/Parties across the federation.

A stakeholders’ parley, to be organized by INEC will hold in December during which a peace accord will be

signed by all presidential and Gubernatorial candidates.

The first election on INEC calendar, which is Presidential and National Assembly will hold in February 2023, to be followed by Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.

Inauguration of a new President and State Governors will hold in May 29.

Alleged Disrespect Of Emir Of Kano: Bayero Said He Would Incite Kano People Again Us – Air Peace

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

The Management of Air Peace Airline has revealed that  a Prince of Kano, Isa Bayero, said he would incite the people of Kano against the Airline.

The Airline was reacting to the allegation made by Prince Bayero that it disrespected the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero and thus insulted him and the Kano people.

Isa Bayero had written a letter of complaint to the Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to the effect that the Ailine refused to delay its 6.15am flight to Kano in order to accommodate the Emir who was late for the flight.

In the complaint letter, Isa said that the fault was that of Air Peace, as its flight from Banjul to Lagos which they boarded was delayed for over an hour,  which was why they arrived for their Lagos-Kano connecting flight late. He accused the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Airline, Allen Onyema, of refusing to help when he, Isa, called him.

What irked him most, he said, was that the Airline  made them pay for “no-show” when they had also paid for hotel where they stayed to wait for the 7.00pm flight. He, therefore demanded for punitive measures against the Airline. What he hid, however, is that the Airline offered the Emir and his entourage an alternative to fly them to Abuja on a 7.00am flight, and from Abuja, fly them to Kano same morning without any extra cost. Prince Bayero rejected the offer and threatened the existence of Air Peace in Kano, unless an aircraft which engines were already on was stopped to wait for over an hour, with the passengers, for the arrival of the Emir and his entourage.

Air Peace, in its reaction signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Toyin Olajide, wondered why Isa was economical with the truth, and what he wanted to gain by his attitude and action.

The C.O.O. said what they did was to protect the image of the Emir since it would have been damaging to his reputation and that of the Airline if an aircraft which was already set to take off; was delayed for an hour, only for the Emir and his entourage to walk-in. Quoting the time Isa called, he said even though he woke Onyema up from sleep, Onyema still tried to help, but that it was too late.

The alternative they offered for free was rejected by Isa who threatened to incite the people of Kano against the Airline.

Mrs Olajide’s statement reads: ” Our attention has been drawn to a letter of complaint written by Prince Isa Bayero to the DG of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) against Air Peace and which is published in the public domain.

“In the said letter, Mr Isa alleged that Air Peace disrespected the Emir of Kano and the people of Kano for not delaying our 6.15am flight to Kano for the Emir.

“Rather than disrespect the revered Emir of Kano, Air Peace did everything to PROTECT THE NAME AND IMAGE OF THE EMIR FROM RIDICULE by not succumbing to what Isa Bayero wanted us to do.

“If we had agreed to stop and delay an aircraft, already set for take-off, for another one hour only for the Emir to walk in, there would have been a very serious uproar in the media nationwide against both the Airline and the  Emir. This, we pleaded with Isa Bayero to understand, but he refused to accept.

“How could Isa Bayero want the Management of Air Peace to stop and delay a fully boarded plane with doors already shut and aircraft already moving while our respected Emir and eight others on his entourage, including Isa Bayero, were still at the International Wing of the Murtalla Muhammed Airport, Lagos, after arriving from Banjul.

“The statement is shocking to us. We want to state the true facts herein: From the telephone log evidence on the phone of our Chairman/CEO, Allen Onyema, Mr Isa Bayero called our Chairman at about 5.22am, at a time he was still sleeping.

“From the same log, it could be seen that Isa called him again at 5.59am. This call woke him up, and on seeing that it was Isa Bayero calling, he took the call.

“Isa told the Chairman that he and the Emir of Kano, had just landed the Murtala Mohammed International Airport from Banjul and would be proceeding to kano same morning. He told the Chairman to delay the first flight of the day, the 6.15am Lagos-Kano flight for him and the Emir with another eight persons.

“It was not true that our Chairman refused flatly. He; rather, told Mr Isa Bayero to give him a few minutes to call the airport to find out the status of the flight. I was the one he called. To show his desire to help, he called me immediately and intimated me with the request.

“I am the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Air Peace. I quickly called the Local Airport from where we carry on our day to day domestic flight operation  and was told that the aircraft had since finished boarding and was almost taxiing out.

“I quickly called Mr Isa Bayero with this information and I expressed our desire to put him, their entourage, and the Emir of Kano on our 7.00am Lagos-Abuja, and that on landling in Abuja, we would then put  them on our flight going to Kano at no cost to them. Mr Isa Bayero refused this offer; he insisted that the already taxiing aircraft should be stopped and be delayed until the Emir and the other eight passengers arrive from the International airport.

“At this point, as stated earlier, Isa Bayero and the Emir had just landed at the International Wing of the airport. This means that they would still go through Immigration, get their baggage, and of course, clear with Customs before entering the morning Lagos traffic to get to the local wing of the airport. This would mean that the passengers in the plane ready to depart, would have to wait in the plane for nothing less than an hour.

“I called Isa Bayero to explain the status and also to proffer a solution which would be a win-win for both the waiting passengers and the Emir. We decided instead to fly the Emir and his entourage on the 7.00am flight to Abuja and then from Abuja to Kano at no extra cost.

“So, the decision was then to fly them from Abuja to Kano still in the morning, considering that the next flight from Lagos to Kano was for 7.00pm. How this became a disrespectful action by Air Peace baffles us.

“We took this decision so as to defend the image of our highly revered Emir of Kano, and not as an insult as insinuated by Isa Bayero because if passengers were delayed for an hour after boarding and ready to fly, and then to see the Emir and his entourage walk in, considering the pulse of the general public lately due to the complaints of delays, it would not have done justice to the image of the Emir.

“After explaining this to Isa Bayero; he threatened that he would incite the people of Kano against the Airline if we did not stop the flight. When I reported this statement to the Chairman, he did not believe me and insinuated that I may not have heard him right because Isa Bayero was well acquainted with him, and could not have said such.

“It is, therefore, to my utmost shock that we saw in the media this deliberate falsehood. It is  unfortunately that Isa Bayero will go to this extend to portray the Chairman and Air Peace in this manner.

“The Chairman of Air Peace has the highest regard for the traditional institution as it could be recalled that the Emir of Kano had previously issued a certificate of commendation to the Chairman for his philanthropic work to the people of Kano, and as such holds the office of the Emir and all traditional institutions in high esteem.

“We are, therefore, appalled that this statement would be made to incite such negativity towards the Airline. We make bold to say that the Emir of Kano that we know would have been offended to know that a flight already going was stopped and delayed for over one hour for him.

“The Emir would never have supported that publication. He may not have even known our offers and our reasons given to Prince Isa Bayero. We reiterate our respect to our revered Emir of Kano.”

The NCAA has neither acknowledged receipt of the complaint, nor reacted to the incident.

Anyim Commends President Buhari For Signing The Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2022

By
The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

Frontline Presidential aspirant for 2023, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into Law on Friday.

In a statement released by the Senator Anyim Media Office and signed by Sam Nwaobasi on Friday 25th February, 2022, Anyim commended Buhari for “acting like a patriotic National leader by signing the Bill.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant observed that it “takes a man committed to the good of Nigeria to sign the Bill despite his objection to some provisions of the Bill.”

Anyim also stated that “without the Electoral Act in place, the conduct of the 2023 general elections would be in jeopardy.

Already, the country and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were on edge over the delay in signing the Bill before Friday.

“With the Electoral Act in place, a significant step towards the conduct of credible elections next year has been taken, as the INEC, the political parties, aspirants and other critical stakeholders now have a legal document to guide them”, Anyim posited.

It would be recalled that Buhari while signing the Bill on Friday had praised many provisions of the Act while objecting to some others.

Buhari had observed that “salient and praiseworthy provisions that could positively revolutionize elections in Nigeria through the introduction of new technological innovations. These innovations would guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to vote and to do so effectively.

“The Bill would also improve and engender clarity, effectiveness and transparency of the election process, as well as reduce to the barest minimum incidences of acrimony arising from dissatisfied candidates and political parties.

“These commendable efforts are in line with our policy to bequeath posterity and landmark legal framework that paves the way for credible and sound electoral process that we would all be proud of.

“Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, from the review it is my perspective that the substance of the Bill is both reformative and progressive. I am making this bold declaration because I foresee the great potentials of the Bill. Worthy of note include the democratic efficacy of the Bill with particular reference to sections 3, 9(2), 34, 41, 47, 84(9), (10) and (11) among others.

“This however, cannot be said about one provision as contained in the proposed Bill, which provision constitutes fundamental defect, as it is in conflict with extant constitutional provisions.

“Section 84 (12) constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at Conventions or Congresses of any political party, for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the National Election. The section provides as follows:-

“No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the Convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election”.

“This provision has introduced qualification and disqualification criteria that ultra vires the Constitution by way of importing blanket restriction and disqualification to serving political office holders of which they are constitutionally accorded protection.

“The practical application of section 84(12) of the Electoral Bill, 2022 will, if assented to, by operation of law, subject serving political office holders to inhibitions and restrictions referred to under section 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“It is imperative to note that the only constitutional expectation placed on serving political office holders that qualify, by extension as public officers within the context of the constitution is resignation, withdrawal or retirement at least 30 days before the date of the election.

“Hence, it will be stretching things beyond the constitutional limit to import extraneous restriction into the constitution on account of practical application of section 84(12) of the bill where political parties’ conventions and congresses were to hold earlier than 30 days to the election.

“Arising from the foregoing, with particular regards to the benefits of the Bill, industry, time, resources and energy committed in its passage, I hereby assent to the Bill and request the Nationally Assembly to consider immediate amendments that will bring the Bill in tune with constitutionality by way of deleting section 84(12) accordingly.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu To Reduce LASUST Tuition Fee, Make Institution Bigger

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Lagos State Polytechnic

By Akinwale Kasali

In what could be described as a way of canvassing for re-election as the 2023 General Election draws closer, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has  promised the Students of Lagos State Polytechnic now known as Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUST, Ikorodu, Lagos, that he would reduce their tuition fee.

The Governor made this pledge when he visited the institution while on his way to the commissioning of the new plant of Kimberly-Clark Factory in Odonguyan area.

Addressing the students who came out to welcome him after his helicopter landed at the University of Technology car park, the Governor said he is committed to making Lagos State University of Science and Technology one of the best Universities of choice in Nigeria, and also reduce the student’s tuition fee.

“Great students of Lagos State University of Science and Technology. You are now University students; it is going to work well. We’d continue to do what we’re doing to ensure that you finish well. JAMB has put your name (Lagos State University of Science and Technology) as a full University.

“We know you have a small concern about your school fees, we are going to look at it and we are going to bring it down. We are going to be building this University that would be bigger than even LASU, very soon,” Governor Sanwo-Olu assured.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, on February 8 handed over certificates for two new Lagos Universities – Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST) to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

With the issuance of Clearance Certificates of Operation by NUC, Lagos State University of Education is now the 56th State University and 204th University in Nigeria, as well as the second University of Education in Nigeria while Lagos State University of Science and Technology is 57th State University and 205th University in Nigeria.

The two Universities are in addition to the existing Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, established in 1982 by the first Civilian Governor of Lagos, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande. Lagos State now has three State-owned Universities.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism that the two newly approved state-owned Universities would be reference points in academic circle in no distant time.

He said operation of the two additional Universities would assist in meeting the demands and needs of the teeming youths who are craving for higher education to be future leaders and reference points not only for themselves and families but for the nation.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said converting erstwhile Lagos State Polytechnic to a University of Science and Technology will bring about innovative engineering, science invention and other innovations that are critical to the development of the country and state; adding that the conversion of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education into a University of Education is a proper and right thing to do given the demands and the present needs of students.

Update: For Evans, The Kidnapper, It is Life Imprisonment

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike aka Evans

By Adesina Soyooye

For the notorious kidnapper,  Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popular as Evans, it is life behind bars till the end of his miserable life.

On Friday, February 25, the Honourable Justice Hakeem Oshodi sentenced him and two others to life imprisonment. His life-sentence colleagues are: Uchenna Amadi and Okechukwu Nwachukwu.

They were charged by the Lagos State Government over the kidnapping of  Donatus Duru, the Managing Director  of Maydon Pharmaceuticals. Duru was kidnapped at about 7.45pm along Obokun Street, in the Ilupeju area of Lagos in February 2017.

In condemning Evans, Justice Oshodi said that the convict tried to lie himself out of his heinous crime but that the video evidence of his confession before the Police was damning.

He noted that there was no sign of torture on his body, and that Evans freely confessed to his crime, and was even laughing about it while mentioning the names of his colleagues in crime. Even in the dock, the Judge noted, Evans showed no remorse.

Oshodi: ” He was seen freely laughing and willingly answered questions. A close look at his body showed no sign of torture. He did not look unkempt. He is seen laughing even when he was told that he must be a rich kidnapper.

“He showed no remorse in the dock and tried to lie his way out of the crime despite video evidence.”

Evans collected the sum of 223,000 Euros from Duru before he agreed to release him.

He was arraigned on August 17, 2017, after his arrest in his house at the high brow Magodo GRA, Phase 2, Lagos.

Evans is also facing other charges of kidnapping and alleged murder before the Honourable Justices Oluwatoyin Taiwo and Justice Adedayo Akintoye both of the Lagos High Court.

Kano Palace Reports Air Peace To NCAA, Seeks Punishment – For “Disrespecting: Emir

By
The Source
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

For, allegedly, disrespecting the Emir of Kano,  Ado Bayero, Nigeria’s largest Airline, Air Peace, has been petitioned against before the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The petition, dated Thursday, February 24, 2022, written by a cousin of the revered Emir, Isa Bayero, said that for not delaying its flight for the Emir to arrive and board, Air Peace has committed a cardinal sin.

The petition alleges that by doing that, the Airliner has not only disrespected the Emir of Kano but, also, the entire Kano people. He seeks punishment against Air Peace.

Isa Bayero said that they had boarded the Airline from Banjul, and were supposed to board a connecting flight, on the same Airline to Kano, on arrival to Nigeria. But Air Peace, he said, delayed its flight out of Banjul by over an hour. By the time they arrived Nigeria, it was 30 minutes to the departure of the airline to Kano. He said, he appealed to them to delay the Kano flight so as to accommodate the Emir and his entourage. They refused. He then decided to  put a call to the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema.

According to Isa Bayero, Onyema told him he couldn’t, and wouldn’t do that. “I, personally, took this as a flagrant show of disrespect to his highness and the Kano people at large,” Isa Bayero wrote.

He added that as if that was not enough, when they rebooked for the  next available fight, 7.00pm, after paying for a stay in a hotel, they were made to pay penalties for “no show” even though it was not their fault as the delay out of Banjul was that of the Airline.

Part of the complaint against Air Peace reads:

“We, 10 of us, including His Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Sarkin Kano and four other business class passengers, with additional other five economy class passengers, all boarded our return Air Peace flight No. P47776 from Banjul to Lagos.

“Our departure from Banjul was scheduled for 00:10hrs (local time) on 24th February, 2022. However, we departed Banjul at 01:19hrs and we landed at Lagos at 5:45am.

‘’Our connecting flight to Kano on the same Air Peace airline was for 6:15 hrs. This gave us only 30 minutes to make our flight to Kano.”

This was the point he asked the Airline to delay its flight out of Lagos to Kano. He was refused. He then decided to personally call Onyema. That failed.

Isa Bayero: “He (Onyema) flatly refused and avowed that he will not do that. I personally took this as an insult and a flagrant show of disrespect to his highness and the Kano people at large.

“Arriving international flights, departing aircrafts- local or international –  are often delayed to enable arriving passengers to join.

“Why should that be different with Air Peace Airline?

“Despite having to check into a hotel at personal cost, the airline also requested us to pay a “no-show” fee when they wanted to rebook the next available flight of the airline which was by 7pm.

“This is an extreme case of insensitivity and callousness.

“In view of the foregoing, I feel strongly aggrieved and demand your kind intervention for restitution and for appropriate measures to be taken to stop this unwholesome development from happening in the future.”

There has been no response or reaction from Air Peace or NCAA.

APC, PDP Have Failed; Lack Idea To Move Nigeria Forward – Majasan, Ondo NNPP Senatorial Aspirant

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Seun Majasan

By Ayodele Oni

As preparations for the 2023 election gather momentum, a chieftain of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ondo State chapter, Seun Majasan has advised Nigerians to dump the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that have been dominating the political scene since 1999.

According to him, the two parties, which have been exchanging political baton have failed Nigeria economically, socially, and in securing of lives and properties.

Majasan, who is Ondo central senatorial District hopeful said in Akure, that it is now obvious that both APC and PDP are bereft of new ideas that could move Nigeria forward.

He pointed out that rather than concentrating on governance, they now shift idea to how to loot the treasury at the detriment of the electorate.

The NNPP chieftain noted that Nigerians are in pain and there was hunger in the land, which is currently being compounded with long queues at the Petrol stations across the country.

“No jobs for fresh graduates, a situation that is encouraging them to resort to cyber crimes, rituals to earn a living, absolutely nothing is working in Nigeria today.

“The Youths are coming up and I see a New Nigeria with the NNPP where we can be proud to call ourselves Nigerians. This will happen in my lifetime.

“This is the right time old politicians that have been recycling themselves should quit the stage and allow for younger crops of intellectuals to pilot affairs of the country. This is youth O’ Clock, new Nigeria is possible with You and I.

“Politics is no longer for self seeking and treasury looters, anyone found guilty of corruption deserves to get capital punishment. Nigeria’s resources are in the hands of few ones. Things must change as we approach 2023 election. We must vote out the looters.

“We are suffering and smiling, for how long? This must change come 2023. We need brand new ideas to move Nigeria from its present challenges.

“Nigeria as it is presently constituted today is a crime scene. A criminal enterprise with most citizens awaiting their opportunity to rape and plunder the commonwealth.”

The Senatorial aspirant stated further that despite the mirage of problems, there is still hope for good governance that will midwife better and corruption free Nigeria.

I Forsee Great Potentials In This Bill

By
The Source
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0
Muhammadu Buhari

By Muhammadu Buhari

“Full Text of the address delivered by  President Muhammadu Buhari at the signing ceremony of the Electoral Bil Into Law, FRIDAY, 24TH FEBRUARY, 2022”

The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2022, passed by the National* Assembly forwarded for Presidential Assent, via a letter dated 31st January, 2022. In line with* established tradition, I received inputs from relevant ministries, departments and agencies of government after careful and thorough reviews of the Bill and its implications to democratic processes in our country.

  1. It is gratifying to note that the current Bill comes with a great deal of improvement from the previous Electoral Bill 2021. There are salient and praiseworthy provisions that could positively revolutionize elections in Nigeria through the introduction of new technological innovations. These innovations would* guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to vote and to do so effectively.
  2. The Bill would also improve and engender clarity, effectiveness and transparency of the election process, as well as reduce to the barest minimum incidences of acrimony arising from dissatisfied* candidates and political parties.
  3. These commendable efforts are in line with our policy to bequeath posterity and landmark legal framework that paves the way for credible and sound electoral process that we would all be proud of.
  4. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, from the review it is my perspective that the substance of the Bill is both reformative and progressive. I am making this bold declaration because I foresee the great potentials of the Bill. Worthy of note include the democratic efficacy of the Bill with particular reference to sections 3, 9(2), 34, 41, 47, 84(9), (10) and (11) among others.
  5. This however, cannot be said about one provision as contained in the proposed Bill, which provision constitutes fundamental defect, as it is in conflict with extant constitutional provisions.
  6. Section 84 (12) constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at Conventions or Congresses of any political party, for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the National Election. The section provides as follows:-

“No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the Convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election”.

  1. This provision has introduced qualification and disqualification criteria that ultra vires the Constitution by way of importing blanket restriction and disqualification to serving political office holders of which they are constitutionally accorded protection.
  2. The practical application of section 84(12) of the Electoral Bill, 2022 will, if assented to, by operation of law, subject serving political office holders to inhibitions and restrictions referred to under section 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
  3. It is imperative to note that the only constitutional expectation placed on serving political office holders that qualify, by extension as public officers within the context of the constitution is resignation, withdrawal or retirement at least 30 days before the date of the election.
  4. Hence, it will be stretching things beyond the constitutional limit to import extraneous restriction into the constitution on account of practical application of section 84(12) of the bill where political parties’ conventions and congresses were to hold earlier than 30 days to the election.
  5. Arising from the foregoing, with particular regards to the benefits of the Bill, industry, time, resources and energy committed in its passage, I hereby assent to the Bill and request the Nationally Assembly to consider immediate amendments that will bring the Bill in tune with constitutionality by way of deleting section 84(12) accordingly .

Thank you may God bless our country.

Buhari Signs Electoral Bill Into Law

By
Uche Mbah
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0
President Buhari
President Buhari

By Uche Mbah

After dilly-dallying and several back and forth with the Senate , President Muhammadu Buhari Friday signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into Law.

At a signing ceremony held at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Chambers at the Presidential Villa,  Buhari finally appended his signature to the Bill.

Present at the signing ceremony were Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) .

Buhari sent the Bill to the National Assembly last January, which reworked it and sent it back to him.

But he was irked that the National Assmebly made Direct Primaries for political parties compulsory, and for that sent it back to the National Assembly.

According to him, the provision “violates the spirit of democracy”.

The Senate and House of Representatives bent backwards to accommodate his objections to make provisions for Indirect and Direct Primary, as well as consensus candidates.

The Bill, also, provides for Electronic Transmission of election results.

Evans, Guilty As Charged

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike aka Evans

By Adesina Soyooye

It took long to come with a lot of shenanigans from the high profile criminal. But Judgement was finally pronounced Friday morning by an Ikeja High Court.

The verdict: Guilty as charged.

The Honourable Justice Hakeem Oshodi, in a well crafted judgement on Friday, February 25, 2022, found Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, popular as Evans, guilty of the kidnap charges brought against him and others in the case of the kidnapping of the Managing Director of  Maydon Pharmaceutical Limited, Donatus Duru.

Convicted with him were Uche Amadi and Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu.

However, three others charged with them, a female, Ogechi Uchechukwu, and two former soldiers, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba, were discharged and acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence.

Justice Oshodi said based on the mountain of evidence before the Court, the Prosecution proved its case against Evans and two others.

Details later

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