News
We’ll Retain E-Transmission Of Results In Electoral Act, Reps Assure
The House of Representatives has pledged to include in the report on the new Electoral Act a clause to allow for electronic transmission of results collated from elections in 2023, and pass it into law before adjournment for a long recess next week.
Besides, the House denied any agenda to muzzle the freedom and growth of the Media.
The Spokesman of the Green Chamber, Rep. Benjamin Kalu(APC-Abia), gave these assurances while speaking with newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja.
“People are speaking up to soon; I say so, because the report is not before the House, as we speak now. It becomes the official document of the House, once the report is law, so, I suggest that we stop speculating, so that we don’t this misconception that will alter the perception of the public on the House.
“It is an unfounded assumption. Speculation should not be used, to slight the image of the House. You know what misinformation, information overload has caused nations. We should stop peddling these assumptions. Let’s wait till the report is laid.
“The Electoral Act will include e-transmission of results. Like I said, if you say assurance, I want to assure you that it will be there. But we have not seen the report; we will receive the report, probably this week then we can comment on it, but for now, as you know, we are still in the process of law-making. After laying the report, it doesn’t mean that it has been passed. It has to go through the process of clause-by-clause consideration. Until we pass those nine yards, there is still room for us to add or subtract to this piece of legislation that we are structuring for the Nigerian people.
“As I always say, it must reflect the ambition, the hunger of every Nigerian that is desirous of advancing our democracy. These laws are not meant just for ourselves; it’s not self-serving”.
On Anti-Media Bills, currently receiving attention in the House, he stressed that the chamber was not set out against the sector.
“How can the public say we are anti-media, when we have over 80 media houses registered under our laws? When we have over 80 media house briefed every day on the workings of the parliament?
“How then can you say we are anti-media? We are supportive of the Media, as one of the items in our Legislative Agenda. The Media is an instrument of development, not just for information, but to be used to educate people on what is needed to advance our democracy. We see media, as a tool for national growth and for nation-building”.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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