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Group Urges Senate To Confirm INEC Commissioners, Pass Amended Electoral Act
The National Integration Forum (NIF) has urged the Senate to confirm the seven National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by Alhaji Aminu Alkali, Chairman of the NIF.
Alkali also called on the Senate to expedite action in finalising the Electoral Act amendment as part of its constitutional contribution to advancing democracy.
On December 14,2021, President Muhammadu Buhari wrote to the Senate, seeking for the conformation of the nominees.
The Electoral Act had been further amended to provide for alternative for the holding of primaries by political parties against the direct primary clause that had been contentious.
NIF, a political pressure group, stressed that the confirmation of commissioners was also more important as INEC and political parties were already gearing up for by-elections, some governorship elections as well as the February 2023 general election.
The nominees are May Agbamuche (Delta state) representing South-south; Mr Ukeagu Nnamdi (Abia state) representing South-east; rtd Maj.-Gen A. B Alkali, Adamawa, representing North-east and Rada Gumus (Bayelsa), also representing South-South.
Others are Mohammed Haruna (Niger state) representing North-central; Sam Olumekun (Ondo state) representing South-west and Mr. OlaniyiIjalaye (Ondo State, South West) as Resident Electoral Commissioner.
The group appealed to the Senate to see the immediate approval of the nominees as a national duty that should be devoid of political intrigues and nuances.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), had also appealed to the National Assembly to confirm the appointees with the deserved urgency in view of the up-coming strategic elections.
IPAC was particularly excited over the nomination of Mr Kenneth Ukeagu, a staff of INEC with a wealth of experience, as National Commissioner.
The IPAC National Chairman, MrYabagi Sani, had observed that being a serving Director and with 35 years cognate experience, Ukeagu’s appointment will enhance smooth operations of the Commission.
Buttressing the import of the first-of-its-kind appointing an experienced INEC staff as a commissioner, the Chairman of the pressure group said the President Buhari ‘Hit the Bull’s eye’.
“Ukeagu’s appointment is unique being the first member of staff or an insider to be so appointed by any president; President Buhari needs to be commended for the innovation, sense of judgment, and the futuristic reforms in the commission.
“Aside being a round peg in a round hole, the appointment is an indication that hard work pays and it will usher in unfettered commitment that will boost the nascent democracy.
“This appointment is a further step taken to discourage corruption in electoral system as well as a step taken in the president’s usual manner of refining the system.’’
Also speaking with newsmen, Mr Hakim Afolabi of the Centre for Transparency and Accountability also commended the appointment of an insider.
“I appeal to the Senate to approve the nominees because of the immediate critical and substantial inputs they are to make into the electoral process.
“NASS should regard these appointments as dramatic injection of reforms and an encouragement that would give birth to a better tomorrow,” he said.
Also contributing, Mr Adebayo Owolabi, Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Initiative advised that the senate should display the needed urgency as usual in approving the appointments in order to save time as well as prevent political meddling,’’ advised.
”We are aware that the senate if aware that all the nominees are capable and will add value to the electoral system. The honourable senators should do the needful to avoid unnecessary turmoil,’’ he said.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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