Politics
Reps To Amend Electoral Act To Reflect Nation’s Challenges
The House of Representatives is taking due steps to amend the Electoral Act (2010), and ensure that it reflects the country’s current challenges.
The Chairman, House Committee on Media, Mr Benjamin Kalu, made this known in an interview with The Tide source, in Umuahia, yesterday.
Kalu said that Nigerians should look forward to a re-jigged Electoral Act, stressing that it was one of the things that would be in the front burner when the House returns from recess.
Our source reports that the 9th Assembly which embarked on eight-week annual recess is expected to resume sitting on September 16.
“The impact of COVID-19 has introduced certain challenges that we have not anticipated when the Electoral Act came into place.
“In order to bridge the gap created by COVID-19 in our electoral system, we need to really prioritise on the Electoral Act,” he said.
According to the lawmaker representing Bende Federal Constituency in Abia, re-jigging the Act would not only help the nation, but also move it closer to the expectations of democracy than ever before.
Also, Kalu urged Nigerians to be happy for the recently passed bill on Company and Allied Matters Acts (CAMA), by the National Assembly, which had been outdated in the last 28 years.
Kalu, who lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for giving speedy assent to the bill, said that it would improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
“Even foreign investors will be happy with what we have been able to put together with CAMA,” he said.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
-
Business4 hours agoNCDMB, Jake Riley Empower 250 Youths On Vocational Skills
-
Oil & Energy5 hours agoNNPCL Unveils Gas Master Plan 2026 …….Targets 10bcf/day production
-
News6 hours agoGovs Move To Prioritise Sugar For Industrial Growth
-
Politics3 hours agoPFN Rejects Call For INEC Chairman’s Removal Over Genocide Comments
-
Sports5 hours agoEkitike Stars As Liverpool Upstage Newcastle
-
News6 hours agoLand ownership disputes are civil matters, not police cases – FCID
-
Niger Delta3 hours agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority
-
Environment4 hours agoNigeria, UAE to waive tariffs on some products