Politics
Politics Of Inclusion: IPAC Adopts Code Of Conduct For Women, Youth
Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), on Wednesday adopted a new Code of Conduct to, among others, enhance inclusion of women, youths and Persons Living With Disabilities(PLWD) in politics.
At the launch of the new code in Abuja, IPAC National Chairman, Mr Peter Ameh said it was reviewed in partnership with the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room.
Ameh said that the revised code was due to some lapses noticed in the previous one and the need to meet global best practices.
He said other new inclusions in the code were the introduction of audit control unit, voter education directorate and the establishment of IPAC institute.
“We are the most important stakeholders in the political design of this country so we must take our place in our society and create awareness for aspects of our political arrangements which are flawed.
“We introduced additional portfolios so we can have executives to deal with salient issues such as the inclusion of women, youths and PWD in our political make-up.
“Executives who would pursue programs which would help us set the pace for whatever government is in power to follow.’’
Ameh said that as political parties, it was important to set out the rules clearly so that in the future, after the present executives were long gone, Nigeria would still have a coordinated IPAC.
National Chairman, Code of Conduct Review Committee, Dr Emeka Okengwu, said that IPAC had put in place a proper system of discipline that would enforce the code of conduct.
Okengwu said that the code would take serious, the issue of women, especially with the 35 per cent affirmative action which was listed clearly in the document.
He said that the document provided for offices of a new national gender policy adviser and a director of people living with disabilities at IPAC.
“There are sanctions, warnings and we have a standing disciplinary committee to handle that.
“So, we have a document that does not just bind us as party functionaries but ties our political parties and members to the demands of multi-party democracy while strengthening elections,’’ he said.
Okengwu said, with the new code, nobody would have the right to make pronouncement or proclamations on behalf of IPAC adopting a political candidate.
“IPAC is not partisan not politically aligned to people because of gifts or bribes,’ he emphasized.
Mrs Esther Uzoma, Alternate Chair, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room commended IPAC for drafting the code of conduct to capture the present realities.
Uzoma said that the code was very important in order to enhance orderliness among political parties and their activities.
Prof. Anthonia Simbine, National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that the validation of the latest version of IPAC code of conduct was a step in the right direction towards party internal democracy.
Simbine said that the code marked another milestone in the development, growth and consolidation of IPAC since it was established.
She assured that INEC would study and review the new code of conduct.
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
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