Politics
Electoral Bill: Posterity’ll Judge NASS, Arewa Youths Lament
As members of the National Assembly contemplate removing the direct primary clause from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill after their recess, President of the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), Gambo Gujungu, says Nigeria’s democracy is in a critical stage and its survival or otherwise depends largely on the action or inaction of the National Assembly.
“We, therefore, appeal to the lawmakers not to allow personal interest to override National interest.
“The National Assembly is the bastion of democracy. The election is also the most important aspect of a democracy. Posterity will judge the 9th Assembly on how they manage the controversy surrounding the signing or not, of the Electoral Bill by Mr President.”
“Our duty is to keep on sensitising the Arewa youths to be active participants in the democratic process, to be law-abiding and avoid unnecessary discourse capable of heating up the polity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Suleiman Abdulaziz, said, “It is quite unfortunate though not unexpected. No one would reasonably expect they will do otherwise.
“But since a vast majority of Nigerians are in support of especially the direct primaries option, the legislators stand to lose whatever remains of the goodwill they enjoy from the public.
“This should also serve as a lesson for the Nigerian voter to be critical of his commitment to the future leadership selection processes. Nigerians must review their choices from that of electing leaders that are served by the community to one that elects leaders that will serve the community.
“By now everyone must have realised that representatives we elected cannot and will not do enough to help their situation.
“Most federal and state representatives are people ill-equipped or ill-prepared to lead but for their personal quest for power and ill-acquisition of fantastic wealth,” he said
Reacting, Vice President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern states and Abuja, Rev. Joseph John Hayab hoped the story about the National Assembly considering to remove the direct primary clause after recess “is simply a rumour, therefore, I will give the Legislatures a benefit of the doubt but if it is true then it is a confirmation that Nigeria Legislatures are not people’s representatives but representatives of their Godfather.
“Our Legislatures should know that the percentage of Nigerians who are happy with that clause outnumber those against it and Nigerians are praying to see an end to politics of godfatherism but it seems since it was the same system that brought many of our representatives they will never want it to die. Which now make our democracy to be a government of the few by the few and for the few,” he said.
Immediate past Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum ( ACF), Anthony Sani; said “you would recall I had advised both the Executive and Legislative arms controlled by the ruling APC should go back to the drawing board and sort out their differences. This is because Nigerians knew what they wanted and gave the APC electoral mandate with a clear majority.
“If the government and the National Assembly controlled by the APC have resolved their differences in favour of removal of the direct primary from the Electoral Amendment Bill 2021 in order to remove the impression that the APC has no position on this important issue and is divided, so be it.
“There is nothing Nigerians can do, considering the National Assembly functions in a representative capacity,” he said.
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.
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.
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.
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