Politics
INEC Registers 2.3m Voters In Imo …Solicits Stakeholders’ Cooperation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has solicited for full cooperation of various stakeholders involved in the electoral process in Imo State for a peaceful, free and fair election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo Prof. Francis Ezeonu, made the appeal at a one day interactive meeting with election stakeholders in the state yesterday.
He noted that the commission had done all within its power in terms of preparation and strategic planning to ensure that the coming elections were free, fair and credible.
Ezeonu said that the commission had mapped out workable guidelines aimed at improving the electoral process and urged all to keep to the rules.
“It is exactly 22 days away from the start of the 2019 election. As part of ensuring inclusiveness in the exercise, we have continued to consult and interact with the different segments of the Nigerian society.
“As you can attest, the election exercise is on course and we have followed the timetable and schedule of activities religiously.
“Out of the 14 statutory activities in the election timetable released on Jan. 9, 2018, we have successfully executed 10.
“The journey to the polling booths starts with the possession of the permanent voters card (PVC).
“At the last count, we have over 2.272 million total registered voters in Imo State. Out of this number, 563,954 are yet to be collected.
“The commission in Imo has done all within its power to make sure those who are desirous collect their cards.
“The commission at different periods evolved initiatives to go to the autonomous communities, wards and local governments for PVC collection and distribution.
“We have retired to the local government offices from where we will continue with the PVC collection till February. 8. After February 8, the collection of PVCs will be suspended until after elections,” he said.
Ezeonu disclosed that the training of supervising presiding officers had started with other categories of election officials to follow immediately, adding that they were already taking delivery of non sensitive materials.
He reiterated the need for the use of Registration Area Camps (RACs) to facilitate the easy deployment of materials on the Election Day.
According to him, the electoral officers will in line with schedule of activities convene stakeholders forum at their respective LGAs next week and circulate the location of RACs in the areas to political parties and other stakeholders.
He said that following popular demand, INEC had relocated result collation centres from local government council halls to public buildings outside the local government premises.
“We have done this to ensure that participants are not at any stage impeded from participating or observing any stage of the process. We will soon be circulating the collation centres as already agreed by stakeholders.
“We urge every person to cooperate to ensure we have a most peaceful election in Imo State,” he said.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission has instructed that telephones and other electronic devices capable of taking pictures be not allowed in voting cubicles while collation officers are not permitted to make or receive telephone calls during collation.
NAN also reports that to reduce to a manageable number the persons voting in any polling centre, the commission has introduced Voting Points (VPs) which will be created from polling units.
The participants, in their different contributions, commended INEC for the efforts put out so far for a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in the state.
They urged the commission to institute penalty for electoral process offenders and ensure it implemented all its guidelines for a free and fair election to the later.
The Chairman, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (IACCE) ACP, W.T. Afolabi from Imo Police Command, who spoke on security arrangements noted that deployment of security personnel to election areas was ongoing.
He said the police and other sister security agencies had been sensitised on their role for a free, fair and unbiased election as well as on movement of election materials.
Afolabi promised adequate security on election days saying any officer involved in election malpractices would face the wrath of the law.
A Traditional Ruler in Nkwerrre LGA, Eze Emmanuel Uzoho, enjoined the commission to live up to expectation, as well as stipulate penalty for electoral offenders as deterrent to others.
The Chairman, Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) Mr Benneth Duru commended and expressed confidence in INEC for their determination to ensure that the election was free and credible in the state.
He said that there was need for the withdrawal of police orderly from the politicians alleging that politicians usually use their orderlies to harass and intimidate the electorate.
The Coordinator, Albino Foundation Imo Chapter, Pastor Victor Ibegbulem thanked the commission for the plan to create a separate line during voting for persons with disability.
He appealed that albinos be allowed to have a separate line inside the hall in the case of intense sunshine.
NAN reports that the stakeholders were drawn from the security personnel, Civil Society Groups, political parties, religious groups, traditional rulers and the media.
The state chairman of the party, Dr Babandi Gumel, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to journalists on Saturday.
According to the statement, the Jigawa PDP received news of Alhaji Lamido’s suspension with “profound shock and disappointment”.
The statement added that the suspension, which was reportedly based on allegations that Alhaji Lamido attended meetings capable of undermining party unity, amounts to an affront to justice, internal democracy and the reconciliation efforts recently championed by the PDP leadership.
The party stressed that the exercise of legal and constitutional rights within the party should not be interpreted as an act of disunity. It recalled that Alhaji Lamido approached the court after he was allegedly denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest the position of National Chairman of the PDP.
The statement further noted that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ruled in Alhaji Lamido’s favour by restraining the PDP from proceeding with its national convention until his right to contest was determined.
The Jigawa PDP argued that the suspension appeared to be a punitive action against Alhaji Lamido for seeking judicial redress over an issue on which the court had already found merit.
The party also faulted the decision of the BoT for contradicting recent public statements by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who had emphasised reconciliation within the party, admitted past mistakes and appealed to aggrieved members to return fully to the PDP fold.
However, it maintained that suspending a founding member who sought justice through legal means runs contrary to the spirit of reconciliation and healing publicly advocated by the party leadership.
The chairman said the suspension was premature and prejudicial, as the matter remains before the courts. He also described Alhaji Lamido as one of the few founding fathers of the PDP who has remained loyal to the party without defecting, warning that punishing such loyalty sends a negative signal to other committed members.
The party further argued that the action undermines party unity at a time when the PDP requires cohesion to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It also insisted that there is no provision in the PDP constitution that allows for the suspension of a “life member”.
The party called on the BoT to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the suspension of Alhaji Lamido.
It also demanded that the BoT publicly affirm the right of all party members to aspire to leadership positions in line with the party’s constitution and the laws of the country, without fear of victimisation.
It further urged the BoT to retrace its steps, align its actions with its reconciliation agenda, and tender an apology to Alhaji Lamido.
The Jigawa PDP reaffirmed its commitment to a united, democratic and law-abiding Party.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC warned that if proven, such actions would amount to a serious breach of constitutional order, legislative integrity, and public trust.
The organisation noted that Nigeria’s law-making process is clearly defined by the Constitution, stressing that any alteration of a bill after parliamentary passage undermines democratic governance and the principle of separation of powers.
CISLAC further emphasised that taxation has direct implications for citizens, businesses, sub-national governments, and the overall economy. It stated that uncertainty or a lack of transparency in tax legislation could erode investor confidence and raise concerns about accountability and the possible abuse of executive power.
The organisation described the situation as particularly troubling given the rare inclusive, and thorough public consultation that shaped the law’s final provisions prior to its passage.
“This process brought together taxpayers, civil society groups, professional organisations, the private sector, labour unions, local governments, and technical experts, ensuring that diverse viewpoints were considered and carefully balanced.
“Any unilateral changes to these agreed-upon provisions, made outside the established legislative process and without renewed public engagement, not only breach public trust but also violate the fundamental tax principle of representation, which holds that citizens must have a meaningful voice in shaping the laws that govern how they are taxed. Such actions undermine democratic accountability, weaken the legitimacy of the tax system, and risk eroding public confidence”, it noted.
CISLAC expressed particular concern that uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of the tax law, coming at a time when a new tax regime is expected to take effect, could exacerbate the economic hardship already faced by many Nigerians.
It observed that citizens are contending with rising living costs, inflationary pressures, declining purchasing power, and reduced access to basic services, warning that implementing a disputed tax framework under such conditions, risks deepening inequality, discouraging compliance, and fuelling public resentment.
The organisation stressed that tax reforms must be anchored in clarity, legality, fairness, and social sensitivity, cautioning that any tax system introduced without full transparency, adequate public communication, and legislative certainty undermines voluntary compliance and weakens the social contract between the state and its citizens.
As part of its recommendations, CISLAC called on the Presidency to urgently publish the exact version of the tax law assented to, alongside the authenticated copy passed by the National Assembly, to allow for public and institutional verification.
It also urged the leadership of the National Assembly to promptly exercise its oversight powers to determine whether the assented law reflects the will of the legislature, including a review of the enrolled bill process.
The organisation maintained that any discrepancy discovered should be treated as unconstitutional and addressed through lawful means, such as the re-transmission of the correct bill or judicial interpretation where necessary. It further called for an independent review of the process by relevant institutions, including the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and, where required, the judiciary, to establish the facts and assign responsibility.
CISLAC noted that the controversy highlights the urgent need to strengthen safeguards at the legislative and executive interface. It recommended measures such as digital tracking of bills, public access to enrolled legislation, and more transparent assent procedures.
CISLAC emphasised that the issue is not about partisan politics but about safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It warned that allowing any arm of government to unilaterally alter laws passed by another sets a dangerous precedent and weakens constitutional democracy.
The organisation urged all parties involved to act with restraint, openness, and fidelity to the Constitution, noting that Nigerians deserve laws that reflect due process, the public interest, and the collective decisions of their elected representatives.
CISLAC added that it will continue to monitor developments and engage relevant stakeholders to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s governance processes.
-
News4 days agoRSIPA Outlines Plans To Boost Investors’ Confidence …China Applauds Fubara As Listening Gov
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Oborevwori Condoles Diri, Family, Bayelsans Over Passing Ewhrudjakpo’s Passing
-
Politics2 days ago
Alleged Tax Law Changes Risk Eroding Public Trust — CISLAC
-
Politics2 days ago
DEFECTION: FUBARA HAS ENDED SPECULATIONS ABOUT POLITICAL FUTURE — NWOGU
-
Maritime2 days agoImo Category C Victory: NIMASA Staff Host Executive Management Party
-
Politics2 days ago
HILDA DOKUBO ASSUMES CHAIRMANSHIP, DENIES FACTIONS IN RIVERS LP
-
Rivers2 days ago
Group Urges LGA Chairmen To Prioritise Accountability, People-Centred Governance
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
We Stalled Projects Inauguration To Honour Ewhrudjakpo – Ogbuku … As Oil Minster, PANDEF Eulogize Late D’Gov
