Politics

Periscoping 2020 (5)

Published

5 years ago

January 29, 2021

The Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB 2020 (SB.510) was read for the first time on the floor of the Ninth Senate on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. As part of the business of the day, presentation of the bill was number two on the day’s Order Paper.

The leader of the Senate, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, presented the proposed legislation and the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, read the bill for the first time.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Festus Okoye, disclosed in a release issued in Abuja on Wednesday, September 30, that over 40 companies had indicated interest and had been invited for a live presentation for a virtual or practical demonstration of electronic voting machines that may be used for the Ondo governorship election on October 10.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ forum insisted that a national dialogue was needed as a way forward for the country.

The Forum stated that a national dialogue had become imperative for the various interest groups and leaders in Nigeria to brainstorm and chart a new course for the benefit of all.

The PDP Governors; in an Independence Day Message to Nigerians by its chairman, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, on Thursday, October 1, said the country cannot continue to remain helpless in the face of the challenges confronting citizens.

Members of the # RevolutionNow Group, on Thursday, October 1, protested at the United States Embassy in Abuja, over the security and socio-economic situation in the country. They demanded the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari over insecurity, hunger and corruption in the country.

An NGO, Yiaga Africa, on Sunday, October 4, said it would deploy the Paralle2 Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology to verify results during the October 10 governorship election in Ondo State.

The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Sampson Itodo, said in a statement in Abuja that the group would also deploy 646 observers under its “Watching the Vote (WTV)” project to monitor the election.

Candidates of political parties participating in the Ondo State governorship election signed a peace accord in Akure, the Ondo State Captial on Tuesday, October 6.

Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Saa’d; Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Hasan Kukah; former Bishop of Abuja Diocese, John Onaiyekan and traditional rulers were among others that witnessed the signing.

On Thursday, October 8, President Muhammadu Buhari presented an Appropriation Bill of N13.08 trillion to the joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, predicting further hardship for Nigerians as he said the nation may face another recession before the end of the year, if serious and effective measures were not taken to ensure the nation’s financial security.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, October 11, declared Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of Saturday, October 10, governorship election.

Declaring the result, the Returning Officer, Prof. Idowu Olayinka said Akeredolu polled 292,914 votes to defeat his closest rival, Eyitayo jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 195,791 votes.

In a memorandum to the National Assembly Committee on the Review of the 1999 constitution, northern elders who described themselves as Friends of Democracy, on Tuesday, October 13, advocated the return of the country to the 12-state structure of 1967 to be known as regions with full devolution of powers and 100 percent resource control.

Describing the proposal as “the most viable option for Nigeria at the moment and in the foreseeable future”, the memorandum was signed by Alhaji Othman Tofa, Amb. Fatimah Balla, Alhaji Sule Yahaya Hamma, Dr Abubakar Saddique Mohammed, Mr Sarn Nda-Isaiah, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, Mai Bilya Bala, Mr Hubert Shaiyen, Dr Kabir Az-Zubair, Prof. Jibrin Ibahim, and Dr Usman Bugaje.

On Tuesday, October 13, the Senate received a request from President Muhammadu Buhari for the confirmation of four nominees as commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The request which was contained in a letter dated October 12, 2020, was read at plenary by president of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan.

The nominees listed by the president were: Prof. Muhammad Sani Kallah (National Electoral Commissioner), Katsina; Lauretta Onochie (National Electoral Commissioner), Delta; Prof. Kunle Cornelius Ajayi (National Electoral Commissioner), Ekiti and Saidu Babura Ahmad (National Electoral Commissioner), Jigawa.

The Senate, on Tuesday, October 13, ordered the police to arrest officers who fatally shot #EndSARS protesters. Senate President, Ahmad Lawan declared that the conduct of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was not acceptable.

Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, presented a motion on the death of a member of his constituency, Jimoh Isiaka and attack on the palace of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi. The lawmakers observed a minute silence in honour of Isiaka and other Nigerians that lost their lives to police brutality.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday, October 13, at plenary, disclosed that the lower legislative chamber will be compensating families of Nigerians who died while protesting against police brutality.

Gbajabiamila, while addressing the House stated that the House was committed to reform of the police, adding that as part of the process, the leadership of the House would meet with the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other Civil Society Organisations.

The 2023 presidential election would hold on February 18,2023, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed on Thursday, October 15.

In a goodwill message at the inauguration of the Special adhoc committee on the review of the 1999 constitution, the INEC chairman told members of the House of Representatives that there were about 855 days left for the next general election.

On Thursday, October 15, the House of Representatives inaugurated a special committee to be chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Ahmed Wase, to review the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said that the 9th House of Representatives had continued to prove to be a catalyst for positive change and development in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly met behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja over the #EndSARS protests on Sunday, October 18.

Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan said the meeting specifically deliberated on how best to address the #EndSARS demonstrations in some parts of the country.

The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) 2020, on Tuesday, October 20, scaled second reading at the Senate after exhaustive debate by senators across party divides and was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstrean, Petroleum Upstream and Gas for further legislative action.

The committee was mandated to report back to the senate after eight weeks as the upper legislative chamber also adjourned plenary for five weeks to give its committees time for consideration of the N13.08 trillion 2021 budget.

The Rivers State House Assembly, during its plenary on Tuesday, October 20, passed a total of 18 bills into law. The bills included those to Amend the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Bill 2017 and other related matters, and the renaming of Liberation Stadium to Gen. Yakubu Gowon Stadium; Bill seeking to rename Old Aba Road to Yakubu Gowon Road; and the renaming of the newly built judges quarters to Emmanuel Aguma Judges Quarters.

Senate, at plenary, on Tuesday, October 20, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to as soon as possible, address the nation on issues of the EndSARS protest in the country while asking the protesting youths to stop the protest to enable the Federal Government address their demands.

The resolutions were sequel to a point of order motion on “Matters of Urgent National Importance” brought by Sen. Biodum Olujimi (Ekiti PDP).

On Thursday, October 22, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced the postponement of 15 by-elections earlier slated for October 31 in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests which had seen hoodlums hijacking the agitations to wreak havoc across the nation.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Barr Festus Okoye disclosed this in a statement.

The United States Government, on Thursday, October 22, condemned the excessive use of force by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government in quelling peaceful #EndSARs protests in parts of the country.

A statement by the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, in Washington D.C. said that the action by the government security agencies failed to meet global best practices of respect for peaceful assembly and the fundamental rights of citizens to freely express their discontent over any anti-people policies of the government.

In a nationwide broadcast, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, October 22, vowed not to allow anybody to disrupt the peace of the nation amidst violent protests in the country.

He said that his government respected and would continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but that it would not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of the nation. “I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial genuine and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)”, he stressed.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, told the BBC on Saturday, October 24, that, at least, 69 people were killed in the protests against police brutality that rocked the country Adesina said President Muhammadu Buhari announced the toll in an emergency meeting with former Nigerian leaders aimed at finding ways to end the unrest, adding that the deaths were mainly civilians but included police-officers and soldiers.

The Rivers State Government, in line with the proscription order of the Federal Government announced a reinforcement of the ban on activities of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in the state.

The State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in a statewide broadcast reinforcing the proscription of IPOB in the state on Friday, October 23, said no form of procession or agitation by the group or any of its affiliates was allowed to take place in the state henceforth.

He explained that the state government reached the firm conclusion, having observed that the activities of the banned IPOB were not just dangerous to lives and property, but also constitute clear and present threat to the existential interest and aspirations of Rivers State and her people.

By: Opaka Dokubo

Politics

Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance

Published

55 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance over the recent political development in Rivers State.

The Forum has also set up a high level Reconciliation Committee chaired by a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

This is contained in a press statement released in Abuja on Saturday.

The statement was jointly signed by PANDEF’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen, Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, and Obong Victor Attah (a former governor of Akwa Ibom State), as well as PANDEF’s National Chairman, Chief Godknows Igali.

Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.

“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.

“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.

“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.

The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.

“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.

“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.

PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.

Politics

Wike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe

Published

56 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

A prominent Ijaw leader and former spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, of violating Nigeria’s electoral laws through what he described as premature and unlawful political mobilisation across local government areas in Rivers State.

Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.

According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.

“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.

The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.

Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.

During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.

Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.

The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.

The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”

The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.