News
Confab Delegates Net N800m …As FG extends Deadline
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, receiving an address from Chairman TUC, Comrade Chika Onuegbu, during the May Day Celebration 2014 in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Following the extension of National Conference deadline by six weeks, the about 492 delegates attending the conference will now be carting away a whooping sum of over N80,000 million, with each getting N16.5m at the end of their assignment.
Granting the request by the Justice Idris Kutigi-led Conference secretariat, the federal government Wednesday extended the three- month conference deadline by six weeks – from June 17 to July 31 a development that compelled the allocation of additional fund to the conference.
The Tide Abuja correspondent covering the confab reports that at inception of the confab on March 17, each delegate was entitled to N4m per month, making N12m for the three months that the confab was billed to last initially but with the six-week extension of the confab duration, each of the delegates is to smile home with an additional N4.5m, totalling N16.5m (for each of them) .
Observers believe that while the confab is a compelling national assignment, giving each delegates a whooping N16.5m amounts to squandermania, especially when viewed against the backdrop that some of the delegates are not punctual at plenary and committee meetings as evident from their failure to comment on President Goodluck Jonathan’s inaugural address when their names were called by the leadership for that purpose.
The confab secretariat that conveyed the news of the six-week extension to its 20 committees reacted swiftly to it by releasing a new work plan which adjusted the existing work plan, following inputs from the leadership.
The new work plan gives a May 15 deadline to the committees to wind up their deliberations and submit their reports to the leadership which will be discussed at plenary from May 19 to June 12, while the drafting of the confab’s report will commence from Monday, June 16 to Thursday, July 10.
According to the new work plan, consideration and adoption of the draft report will start on Monday, July 10 and end on Thursday, July 24, while the last week of the confab, starting from Monday, July 28 to July 31 is slated for the consideration and signing of the final report.
Although no reason was given for the extension, our correspondent covering the conference reports that it is not unconnected with the unfinished works of the committees which many delegates feared would not be thorough within the three initial month period so there was need for an extension if the committees were to deliver satisfactorily on their assignments.
Meanwhile, the confab adjorned on Wednesday in observance of the the May Day public holliday to resume on Monday, May 5.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of potential nationwide protests and election boycotts over what it described as confusion and contradictory positions by the Senate on amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly regarding electronic transmission of election results.
The labour union accused the Senate of undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process by failing to clearly state whether electronic transmission of results would be mandatory.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expresses deep concern over the confusion and contradictory narratives emerging from the Senate regarding the amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly on electronic transmission of results,” NLC President Joe Ajaero said in a statement, yesterday.
According to the NLC, the lack of clarity surrounding the Senate’s decision threatens electoral integrity and public trust, stressing that “Nigerians deserve a transparent system where votes are not only counted but seen to be counted.”
“Public records suggest the proposed amendment to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically in real time was not adopted, with the existing discretionary provision retained.
“This has generated nationwide apprehension, and subsequent explanations have only added to the confusion,” the union added.
It warned that “legislative ambiguity” at a critical period following the 2023 general elections could institutionalise doubt within the electoral system.
The labour body demanded that the Senate issue an “immediate, official, and unambiguous account” of the exact provisions passed, including the final wording and the rationale behind its decision.
“The National Assembly leadership must also ensure the harmonisation process produces a final bill with crystal-clear provisions; any ambiguity in the transmission and collation of results is a disservice to our democracy,” the statement read.
The NLC insisted that the amended Electoral Act must provide a clear mandate compelling INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real time, warning that failure to do so could trigger mass action.
“Failure to add electronic transmission in real time will lead to mass action before, during and after the election, or total boycott of the election,” the Congress said.
“Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely. Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity. We need to avoid the same confusion that trailed the new Tax Acts. The time for honest, people-focused legislation is now,” NLC stated.
The warning follows the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026 through its third reading on February 4, 2026.
In passing the bill, the upper chamber voted down Clause 60(3), which would have required presiding officers to electronically transmit results from polling units directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing portal in real time.
The rejected clause aimed to make the process mandatory.
The lawmaker replaced it with the current discretionary “transfer” of results, which allows electronic transmission only after votes are counted and publicly announced at polling units.
Civil society groups and opposition figures have condemned the Senate’s decision, labelling it a setback for Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Senate President Akpabio has, however, defended the chamber’s actions, insisting during a public event that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission and vowing not to be intimidated.
Meanwhile, the Senate has fixed Tuesday, February 10, 2026, for an emergency plenary sitting, possibly to reconsider the rejected amendment amid public outcry and potential legal challenges from figures such as lawyer Femi Falana.
President Bola Tinubu will embark on a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, following an official invitation from King Charles III.
The visit was announced yesterday via a post on the official X handle of the British royal family, which stated that the Nigerian leader would be formally hosted by the King and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
According to the post, Tinubu will be accompanied by his wife and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, during the visit.
The post read, “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18th March to Thursday, 19th March 2026. The King and Queen will host the state visit at Windsor Castle.”
Reacting to the announcement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that it would be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.
He wrote, “First state visit of a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years confirmed. President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu to be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla from 18th March to 19th March 2026.”
The last Nigerian leader state visit to the UK was in 1989, when former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for four days.
The British Broadcasting Corporation has described state visits as a tool of soft-power diplomacy, combining royal ceremony and hospitality to strengthen ties with key international partners.
Tinubu and King Charles, who both assumed office in May 2023, have met on several occasions.
In November 2023, the Nigerian leader met the monarch in Dubai ahead of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), describing the engagement as an important step toward deepening bilateral relations.
In September 2024, King Charles also received Tinubu at Buckingham Palace during a private meeting.
The British monarch has longstanding personal ties with Nigeria and has openly expressed his fondness for Pidgin English and Afrobeats music.
Before ascending the throne, he visited Nigeria four times as Prince of Wales—in 1990, 1999, 2006, and 2018. Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, accompanied him on the 2018 visit.
In 2023, the King’s Trust International, formerly known as the Prince’s Trust, officially launched operations in Nigeria, unveiling initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment in the country.
Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the reduction of all incidences of cancer through an effective healthcare delivery system in the State.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, stated this in a speech to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day in Port Harcourt.
Oreh said part of the strategies to reduce cases of cancer include investment in training of healthcare professionals as well as upgrading of health facilities across the state with a view to equipping them for better cancer treatment.
She added that the State government would also pay more attention to the prevention of cancer.
“As a Government, we remain committed to reducing the burden of cancer through effective policies, strengthened health care system and strategic partnership,” she said
Oreh said part of the administration’s strategies was to improve cancer prevention programme, expand screening and diagnostic services, and ensure that treatment and care are accessible and affordable by all citizens.
She said the government is also investing in the training of healthcare professionals and upgrading of health facilities to provide better cancer care.
Oreh, however, acknowledged that prevention remains the best option as far as cancer treatment is concerned, and stressed the need for citizens to adopt healthy lifestyle as well as prioritize regular medical check-up
“I urged all residents of Rivers state to adopt healthy lifestyle and to prioritize regular medical check ups.
“Early detection saves lives. Cancer such as breast, cervical, prostrate and colorectal cancer can have better outcome when diagnosed early.
“Prevention is a key pillar in fighting against cancer; avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, engagement in physical activities and seeking protection against cancer related infection can significantly lower cancer risk
“We, therefore, encourage our people to utilize available screening services and to overcome fears, stigma and misinformation surrounding cancer,” she said.
By: John Bibor
