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Publish Sources Of Campaign Funding, SERAP Tells Candidates
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on all presidential candidates ahead of the 2023 presidential election to demonstrate leadership by instructing their “campaign councils and political parties to regularly and widely publish the sources of their campaign funding.”
In an open letter at the weekend, signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation disclosed that transparency would help to curb inappropriate influence on political candidates, ensure equality, fairness and accountability in the country’s democracy.
SERAP added that transparency in campaign funding would enhance public trust in the country’s politicians and political parties and show their commitment to prevent and combat corruption if elected.
The letter partly read: “SERAP would consider appropriate legal actions to hold you and your political party to account for any infractions of the requirements of campaign funding, as provided for by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act and international standards, even after the 2023 elections.
“SERAP urges you to sign ‘transparency pacts’ that would mandate you to disclose the identities of donors and widely publish donations and contributions, including on your party website and social media platforms.
“Transparency in campaign funding would ensure fair and open elections, and address concerns about undue influence by the more economically advantaged and privileged individuals, as well as prevent corruption of the electoral process.
“The UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party, obligates states parties to enhance transparency in the funding of candidates for elected public office and, where applicable, the funding of political parties.”
The presidential candidates for the general election in 2023 include: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of All Progressives Congress (APC); Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) and Prof. Peter Umeadi of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Others are Omoyele Sowore of Africa Action Congress (AAC); Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim of Young Progressive Party (YPP); Yusuf Mamman Dan Talle of Allied Peoples Movement (APM); Dumebi Kachikwu of African Democratic Congress (ADC); Prof Christopher Imumulen of Accord Party (AP); Kola Abiola of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Prince Adewole Adebayo of Social Democratic Party (SDP).
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
