| Source | Date | Title | Summary of Report | Subject/Category | Page No/Web link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 15th February 2022 | APC Convention: Lack Of Zoning Formula Stalls Sale Of Forms | With the issue of zoning still in contention, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 14th February 2022, failed to commence the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for the National Working Committee (NWC) offices ahead of its February 26, 2022 National Convention. Daily Trust had reported that the party’s schedule of activities for the Convention released earlier, showed that the sale of forms would commence yesterday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, while submission of completed forms and accompanying documents would be on or before 19th February. However, findings by our correspondent who visited the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, on Monday, 14th February showed that aspirants for various offices did not turn out for the purchase of forms as the zoning formula was not yet announced. Controversy is raging in the ruling party over which zone produces President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor at the expiration of his tenure in 2023. | APC, National Convention | https://dailytrust.com/apc-convention-lack-of-zoning-formula-stalls-sale-of-forms | 10 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 15th February 2022 | FCT Poll: We’ll Challenge APC’s Victory In 3 Area Councils – Ayu | The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu, on Monday, 14th February 2022, stated that despite the party’s victory in the Chairmanship election in three Area Councils during last Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) polls, they will challenge the election results in three other Area Councils where the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates were declared winners. Speaking during the commissioning of the Earnest Ikoli Media Complex in Yenagoa on Monday, as part of activities marking Governor Douye Diri’s second term in office, Ayu expressed delight that under his chairmanship, the party has recorded its first victory by winning Abuja Metropolitan, Kuje and Bwari council seats. He stated that the party is determined to challenge the results in Gwagwalada, Abaji and Kwali Area Councils where APC candidates were declared winners. Ayu commended governors on the PDP platform for what he described as superlative performance in their respective states, which has given Nigerians confidence to bring PDP back to power at the centre in 2023. | FCT Area Council Elections, PDP | https://dailytrust.com/fct-poll-well-challenge-apcs-victory-in-3-area-councils-ayu | 10 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, 15th February 2022 | PDP Governors Knock FG Over Duplicity on Fuel Subsidy, Delay on Electoral Bill | Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rose from a meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Monday, 14th February 2022 charging the Federal Government to immediately bring to account all persons involved in the recent importation of contaminated fuel. They also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Bill into law, saying that waiting for 30 days is another sign of unwillingness by the President to give the country a reformed electoral framework. The meeting, attended by 11 of the 13 governors, frowned at what it described as “duplicity, inconsistency and insincerity of the APC-led Federal Government on the fuel subsidy regime, which has been badly and corruptly administered.” The governors in attendacne include: Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa); Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State); Douye Diri (Bayelsa); Samuel Ortom (Benue); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Oluseyi Makinde (Oyo) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers). They demanded investigation into fuel consumption figures released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), declaring: “The figures of consumption ascribed to Nigerians appear fictitious and bloated.” They decried “the opaque nature of NNPC operations” and called for accountability and reconciliation of remittances into the Federation account. They welcomed the court decision on Police Trust Fund deductions from the Federation account, and urged the Federal Government to stop similar unconstitutional deductions from the account. The meeting, which was presided over by the Abia State governor, in his capacity as Vice Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, “deplored the way Central Bank of Nigeria is being run as an alternate government, indeed, a government within a government.” It therefore stated that: “It is time to streamline its functions and processes to be constitutionally compliant.” | PDP Governors, Electoral Bill, Fuel Subsidy | https://guardian.ng/news/pdp-governors-knock-fg-over-duplicity-on-fuel-subsidy-delay-on-electoral-bill/ | 10 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, 15th February 2022 | IPAC Tasks ENSIEC on Credible, Fair Local Government Polls in Enugu | The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has tasked the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) on credible, free and fair local government elections on February 23, 2022. New Chairman of IPAC in Enugu State, Chief Edwin Alor, gave the charge on Monday, 14th February 2022, while speaking with newsmen on the need for ENSIEC to provide a level playing field for all parties in the council elections. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ENSIEC had scheduled the date for elections into 260 wards and 17 chairmanship positions in the State. Alor stated that the council remained a very important tier of government owing to its nearness to the people, stressing that competent people must be elected to man that level of government. He urged the people of Enugu State to come out en masse and vote for candidates of their choice in the election. He stated that the level of apathy the citizens of the State always show toward elections is not encouraging and enjoined them not to sit at home and complain. He noted that IPAC under his leadership would endeavour to function effectively by engaging the government of the day with veritable programmes for the development of the State. The new chairman was elected alongside Augustine Nnamani of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as Deputy Chairman; Elvis Ugwuoke, as Secretary and Casmir Agbo as the Public Relations Officer, among others. The election was conducted by the national leadership of IPAC under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Enugu. | IPAC, Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) | https://guardian.ng/news/ipac-tasks-ensiec-on-credible-fair-council-poll-in-enugu/ | 10 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, 15th February 2022 | Buhari Leaves Nigeria for Belgium Ahead of EU-AU Summit | President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja on Tuesday, 15th February 2022 to join European and other African leaders, as well as heads of multilateral organisations at the 6th European Union-African Union Summit in Brussels, Belgium. The Summit which holds February 17 – 18, 2022, will have the participants deliberate on themes currently affecting the world. Such areas of discussion include: Financing for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth; Climate Change and Energy Transition, Digital and Transport (Connectivity and Infrastructure); Peace, Security and Governance; and Private Sector Support and Economic Integration. Others are: Education, Culture and Vocational Training, Migration and Mobility; Agriculture and Sustainable Development and Health Systems and Vaccine Production. The President will use the opportunity of the meeting to have other bilateral engagements. President Buhari is expected back in the country on Saturday, 19th February 2022. | President Muhammadu Buhari, EU-AU Summit | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-leaves-nigeria-for-belgium-ahead-of-eu-au-summit/ | 10 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 27th January 2022 | Constitution Review: House Committee Rejects Immunity for National, State Assembly, Judicial Officers | The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, has rejected the Bill seeking to confer immunity on presiding officers of the National, State assemblies and judicial officers. The Committee at its meeting on Wednedday, 26th January 2022, which was attended by its consultants, also rejected the Bill on State Police, while recommending 111 additional legislative seats for women. Both chambers of the National Assembly had in May and June 2021, held zonal public hearing across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country, during, which clamour for creation of state police, restructuring and fiscal federalism dominated presentations made by stakeholders. However, one of the consultants working with the committee, Abdulhamid Mohammed (SAN), presented the position of the consultants on the Bill to the lawmakers. Addressing the lawmakers, Mohammed stated that even though the bill allowed citizens to seek the leave of the court to sue any of the mentioned public officials, it would create a conflict of interest, particularly, as it related to the judicial officers. He also stated that the Bill did not indicate which court had the jusrisdiction to hear such cases. Also at the meeting, the Bill seeking to substitute section 214 of the Principal Act for new section 214 (1) for the establishment of State police was rejected. During consideration of the clause, Wase had put it to a voice vote, while 11 voted for, 14 people voted against. The lawmakers also recommended the creation of 111 additional legislative seats in the National Assembly to be solely occupied by women beginning from the next general election. | Constitution Review, House of Representatives | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/27/constitution-review-house-committee-rejects-immunity-for-national-state-assembly-judicial-officers/ | 9 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 27th January 2022 | House Condemns Resurgence of Military Coups in West Africa | The House of Representatives on Wednesday, 27th January 2022, condemned the resurgence of military coups in the West African subregion, fearing that the development posed great danger to democratic values. The House, therefore, urged the Federal Government to mobilise other nations and stakeholders to jointly impose strong sanctions. In the same stretch, Africans Rising for Justice, Peace & Dignity, has also identified growing discontent with elected leaders as the cause of growing coup d’etat in Africa. Nigerian lawmakers, while further urging the Civil Society Organisations across the sub-region and internationally, to condemn coups, they pleaded with them to support political parties, and parliaments to work for the immediate restoration of democratic governance in the affected nations. They equally called on the United Nations and its agencies as well as the international community to impose total sanctions on those countries, where coup d’état had been taking place in West Africa. | Military Coups, House of Representatives | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/27/house-condemns-resurgence-of-military-coups-in-west-africa/ | 9 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 27th January 2022 | Irabor Reiterates Military’s Commitment to Democracy | The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Leo Irabor, has reiterated the commitment of the military to democracy and its constitutional responsibility, while urging the media to be conscious of issues that bother on national security and the unity of the country. The military chief’s reassurance came as a result of the resurgence of military coups in the West African sub-region, fearing that the development had the capacity to pose great danger to democratic values in the region. Irabor, who was reacting to a question by a reporter over the military’s commitment to a democratic culture, amid resurgence of military coup in Bukina Faso, during his parley with the media at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, said the military had no reason to disrupt democratic and constitutional order in the country. He also assured of the military’s determination to end the on-going war against the terrorists and insurgents across the country, saying the military was winning the war. | Military Coups, Chief of Defence Staff | 9 | ||
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 27th January 2022 | As Court Declares Deductions from Fed Account to Fund its Agencies Unconstitutional | Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Wednesday, 27th January 2022, declared as illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional the direct allocations made by the Federal Government from the federation account to fund the Nigeria Police Trust Fund. Mohammed barred the Federal Government from further deductions from the federation account to fund agencies not listed in the 1999 Constitution for direct allocation. Reacting to the ruling, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, stated that the judgement was a resounding victory for democracy. The court, in the judgment, held that Section 161 and Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution were glaringly breached by the Federal Government following the direct allocation from the federation account to the Police Trust Fund. The suit challenging the continued deductions from the federation account to fund agencies belonging to the Federal Government was filed by the Rivers State Government. Delivering judgement, the court held that Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution was clear and unambiguous to the effect that only the federal, states and local governments shall be allocated fund directly from the federation account. The court also held that Section 4 of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act 2019 relied upon by the federal government to justify the unlawful deductions from the federation account was inconsistent with section 162 of the 1999 Constitution which recognises only the federal, states and local governments. Mohammed, while upholding the suit by Rivers State against the deductions, ordered that the fund belonging to Rivers State but used to fund the Nigeria Police Trust fund by the federal government should be refunded to the State. The judge, however, declined to extend similar order of refund to the 35 remaining states on the grounds that they were not parties in the suit, adding that Rivers State, as the plaintiff in this matter, did not file it on behalf of others. | Rivers State, Federation Account, Nigeria Police Trust Fund | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/27/again-rivers-floors-fg-as-court-declares-deductions-from-fed-account-to-fund-its-agencies-unconstitutional/ | 9 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 27th January 2022 | Anti-Corruption: Assets Forfeiture Bill Scales Second Reading in Senate | A bill seeking to give the federal government enabling powers to seize and confiscate assets acquired by corrupt public officers, money launderers and criminals involved in terrorist financing and other crimes passed second reading on the floor of the Senate, on Wednesday, 26th January 2022. The proposed legislation is titled, “A bill For An Act To Make Comprehensive Provisions For Seizure, Confiscation, Forfeiture, And Management of Properties Reasonably Suspected To Have Been Derived From Unlawful Activities.” It was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari. Kwari stated that the bill was first read on March 16, 2021, and also listed as a version among the bills of interest contained in the recent Executive Communication from President Muhammadu Buhari. He explained that the main objective of the bill is to provide for the establishment of a department in the relevant organisations to manage forfeited assets. He said the department would provide for an effective legal and institutional framework for the recovery and management of the proceeds of crime, as well as civil forfeitures in non-conviction based sentencing. | Senate, Assets Forfeiture Bill | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/27/anti-corruption-assets-forfeiture-bill-scales-second-reading-in-senate/ | 9 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 27th January 2022 | FEC Approves Proposed Amendments To 2022 Budget | The Federal Executive Council has approved a proposed amendment to the 2022 budget following the initial adjustments made by the National Assembly to the proposal submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said the approved amendments to be transmitted to the National Assembly would request to repeal clauses 10 and 11 concerning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit operations in the 2022 budget and as well restore what the lawmakers had deleted amounting to N103bn. She said FEC also ratified an instrument on diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa with the coming of Africa’s Continental Free Trade Agreement. | 2022 National Budget, Federal Executive Council | 9 | ||
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 27th January 2022 | Local Content: Senate Flays NCDMB over $10bn Gas Project | The Senate Committee on Local Content yesterday accused the management of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)of alleged breach of local content laws. The panel accused the board of alleged dereliction of duty in its supervision of the $10bn Train 7 gas project being executed by SAIPEM.SAIPEM ( S.P.A ), is an Italian Multinational Oil Field Services Company serving as the principal contractor involved in executing the Train 7 Project . The Senate Committee chaired by Senator Teslim Folarin (APC Oyo Central) based on petitions written against SAIPEM, summoned the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote for interface on perceived regulatory negligence. The summons as stated by Senator Teslim Folarin at the beginning of the investigative session , was sequel to failure of SAIPEM to defend allegations of violations of local content laws in the execution of the $10bn gas project contract. After about two hours closed door session with the NCDMB management , the committee , declared that the board’s submissions were unsatisfactory. The Committee has directed the agency to re – appear before it next week Tuesday. | Senate, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/27/local-content-senate-flays-ncdmb-over-10bn-gas-project-2/ | 9 | |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, 26th January 2022 | INEC Seeks Speedy Passage of Electoral Bill to Prevent Constitutional Crisis | Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday, 25th Janauary 2022, called for immediate passage of the Electoral Bill to prevent constitutional crisis. The call was made in Asaba, Delta State, where the commission organised a two-day capacity-building workshop for Heads of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) and Public Affairs Officers in southern states. The workshop was organised with the support from the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) and the European Union. Addressing journalists after declaring the workshop open, the National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education (IVEC), Mr. Festus Okoye, stated that the Commission was already racing against time with regard to preparations for the 2023 general elections, stressing that the legal framework is needed to back up its actions. According to him, the Commission is determined to deepen democracy through a technologically driven electoral process in 2023 and beyond. Okoye stated that there is a provision in the proposed law for 360 days notice of elections before the commencement of polls, and therefore the bill needs to be urgently passed and signed into law. He stated thus: “You know INEC has already fixed February 18, 2023 as date for election, so when you count backwards, you will see that there is a limited time within which we have to give the notice of election based on the new bill. “The bill also makes it mandatory that election funds shall be released to the commission at least 12 months before any election.” He added that the Commission needs the bill access funds for elections since the bill also states the timeframe for the release of election funds. He added, “So the National Assembly is aware of this, and we are confident as a commission, that whatever issues are involved relating to why the bill has not been passed would be resolved any moment from now.” | INEC, Electoral Bill 2021 | https://guardian.ng/politics/inec-seeks-speedy-passage-of-electoral-bill-to-prevent-constitutional-crisis/ | 8 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, 26th January 2022 | President Directs Security Agencies to Use 5G Tech to Tackle Insecurity | President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, 25th January 2022, launched the national policy on 5G for Nigeria’s digital economy, with a clear directive to all the security agencies to immediately leverage the technology to enhance security in the country when it has been deployed. The President who spoke at the State House, Abuja, stated that the Federal Government would take full advantage of the opportunities that 5G provides for the economy, security and well-being of the nation. According to him, ”It will also support security institutions with real-time communication. 5G technology is significantly faster than earlier digital technologies and it provides near real-time communication. This can play a key role in boosting our efforts towards enhancing security across the nation. It will enable our security institutions to effectively deploy robotics, autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality to address any security challenges that we face. ” He stated this at the launch of the policy, which was presented and approved at the Federal Executive Council meeting on September 8, 2021, following a robust debate. President Buhari also allayed fears over health safety of 5G, affirming that such issues had been, ”effectively addressed” in developing a policy that suits the country. | Security, 5G Tech | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/26/president-directs-security-agencies-to-use-5g-tech-to-tackle-insecurity/ | 8 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, 26th January 2022 | TI Ranks Nigeria 154 in Corruption Perception Index | The 2021 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) on Tuesday, 25th January 2022, ranked Nigeria 154 out of 180 countries. The latest ranking was five places below the 2020 CPI ranking for the country. Nigeria also scored 24 out of 100 points falling back one point compared to the 2020 CPI. Although the index, released in Nigeria by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the National Chapter of TI, did not show specific incidents of corruption in the country, it indicated the perception of corruption in Nigeria. Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), stated that independent and reputable organisations collected the data used for the CPI with sound methodologies. He explained that the CPI result has come when Nigeria, “is battling rising nation-wide insecurity, high unemployment rate and damning revelations around public finance management by the auditor general and investigative journalists,” amongst others. He pointed out that the assessment did not include Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies, “making commendable efforts” to fight corruption despite, “the political interference they face.” | Nigeria, Corruption Perception Index | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/26/ti-ranks-nigeria-154-in-corruption-perception-index/ | 8 | |
| Punch Newspaper | Wednesday, 26th January 2022 | Senate Passes Witness Protection Bill for Second Reading | The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has stated that the war against corruption by the administation led by the President Muhammadu Buhari, must be won irrespective of temporary setbacks. Lawan stated this in his remarks after a bill seeking to establish the Witness Protection and Management Framework scaled second reading at plenary on Tuesday, 25th January 2022. The Senate President also noted that the fight against corruption must be vigorously pursued by the government to ensure the eventual elimination of graft, given that same is capable of hindering Nigeria’s development. Lawan added that the Witness Protection Bill, if passed and signed into law, would be an incentive that encourages witnesses to testify in corruption cases since their protection is guaranteed under the law. He stated thus: “Distinguished colleagues, almost every administration in this country would work against corruption that has bedevilled the development of this country. The Witness Protection Bill that we are debating today is a way forward to encourage witnesses to testify against corruption; and by protecting them properly, that will incentivise such witnesses. The war against corruption is a must, and it must be won. It is not about the quantum of funds or resources that we have, but how we are able to put to use even our scarce resources. So, this is a very important bill, and I’m sure all of us would lend our support.” | Witness Protection Bill, Senate | 8 | ||
| Punch Newspaper | Wednesday, 26th January 2022 | Fuel Subsidy: Nigeria Will Pay a Price, Borrowings May Continue – Presidency | The Presidency on Wednesday, 26th January 2022, stated that Nigeria will have to pay a price to continue subsidising Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, adding that the country may be left with no other choice than to continue borrowing to shoulder its fiscal overhead. The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, stated this when he featured on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme monitored by The PUNCH. PMS is not deregulated by the Federal Government, as the price is sold at between N162 and N165/litre at filling stations, far lower than the actual cost of the commodity. In June 2021, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, stated that petrol price should be more than N280/litre, while the commodity had been subsidised and sold at N162/litre since last year. The administration of the President Buhari had planned to remove subsidy of petrol by June 2022. The Nigeria Labour Congress and other pressure groups and trade unions had threatened nationwide protests, causing the President to suspend the planned removal of subsidy on Monday, 24th January 2022. Following the decision of the Federal Government to continue subsidising petrol, the NNPC may deduct over N1tn in the next six months from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee. | Fuel Subsidy | https://punchng.com/fuel-subsidy-nigeriall-pay-a-price-borrowings-may-continue-presidency/ | 8 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, 25th January 2022 | APC Convention: Chairmanship Aspirants Disagree over Mode of Election | There appears to be simmering discontents in the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC), preparatory to the February 26 National Convention of the party as some of the chairmanship aspirants have begun to disagree over the mode of election to elect members of the new National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC. However, the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Senator Adamu Abdullahi-led nine-member reconciliation committee of the party to calm frayed nerves, saying the party would come out stronger from the convention. At the same time, a coalition of Civil Society Groups, has called on the APC leadership and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone their presidential tickets to the South for the sake of unity ahead of the 2023 elections. However, with respect to the convention, while some of the aspirants had promised to align with the decision of the party leadership, which seems to be tilting towards consensus arrangement, others stated that they would prefer an elective convention to elect the Chairman of the ruling party. Importantly, they wanted all the aspirants to be consulted on whatever mode of election – direct, indirect or consensus – as decided by the party. | APC Convention, Chairmanship Aspirants | 7 | ||
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, 25th January 2022 | FG Suspends Planned Fuel Subsidy Removal Indefinitely | The Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Zainab Ahmed, in Abuja on Monday, 24th January 2022, stated that the Federal Government had postponed the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products till further notice. Ahmed stated this at a meeting held at the National Assembly. The meeting was convened at the instance of the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan. It had in attendance the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva and the Group Managing Director of the. NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, among others. The Finance Minister stated that the Federal Government initially had the plans to remove subsidy on petroleum products from July 2022. She stated that, that was the reason adequate provision was made in the 2022 national budget for subsidy payment till June. According to her, "The provision was made sequel to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act which indicated that all petroleum products would be deregulated. Sequel to the passage of the PIA, we went back to amend the fiscal framework to incorporate the subsidy removal. However, after the budget was passed, we had consultations with a number of stakeholders and it became clear that the timing was problematic. We therefore need to return to the National Assembly to now amend the budget and make additional provision for subsidy from July 22 to whatever period that we agreed was suitable for the commencement of the total removal." The Senate President therefore urged the organised labour unions in the country to shelve their proposed nationwide protests as it was no longer necessary. The meeting dissolved to a closed session and it was still ongoing as at the time of filing this report. | Federal Government, Fuel Subsidy Removal | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/24/breaking-fg-postpones-fuel-subsidy-removal-till-further-notice/ | 7 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, 25th January 2022 | PDP Nullifies Ekiti Ward Delegate Congresses | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, 24th January 2022 nullified the ward delegate congresses it conducted in Ekiti State on 15th January, 2022. The party has also disclosed that it will use the statutory/automatic delegate list to conduct its governorship primary election scheduled to hold this week in Ekiti State. This was part of the resolutions reached by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party over Ekiti State election matters. Ekiti State has been embroiled in crisis after the congresses conducted by a three-man ad-hoc ward delegate on the 15th of January, 2022. Addressing journalists shortly after an emergency meeting to thoroughly deliberate on the reports of the Special Committee and that of the Appeal Panel, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Iyorcha Ayu, disclosed the position of the party on the Ekiti State primary election. The resolutions of the party read thus: “That all parties and stakeholders have agreed to abide by the decision of the party in all matters relating to all issues concerning the position of the party in Ekiti State. That the three-man ad-hoc ward delegate congresses in Ekiti state held on 15th January, 2022 is hereby nullified. That the party’s governorship primary election shall be conducted using the statutory/automatic delegate list. That all pending court cases in all matters relating to the congresses in Ekiti state must be withdrawn herewith." | PDP, Ekiti Ward Delegate Congresses | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/25/pdp-nullifies-ekiti-ward-delegate-congresses/ | 7 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, 25th January 2022 | House of Reps Speaker, NBA Strengthen Collaboration on Law Reform | The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has underscored the importance of collaboration between public institutions and the private sector, stating that partnerships between the public and private institutions are bound to promote good governance and sustainable development. Gbajabiamila stated this on Monday, 24th january 2022 during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on law reform. According to him, contrary to what a lot of people think, governance is about collaboration and not about politicians alone. He added that collaboration between the two bodies since the inception of the 9th House has witnessed positive results in the passage of some critical laws in the country. He stated thus: “This is basically the formalisation of something that’s already working. The signing of the MoU may seem symbolic, but I see it beyond that. I see it as a way of deepening our democracy and developing the country, which we all so passionately love. Contrary to what a lot of people think, I always believe that governance is about collaboration; it’s about everybody. It’s not about politicians alone, it’s about everybody, so we’ve got to maximize our efforts and potential to bold, bigger and better things for this country." The NBA President also solicited the Speaker’s assistance on the Legal Practitioners’ Bill that is before the two chambers of the National Assembly. | NBA, Speaker of the House of Representatives | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/25/gbajabiamila-nba-strengthen-collaboration-on-law-reform/ | 7 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, 25th January 2022 | Electoral Bill 2021: Senate, House Agree on Direct and Indirect Primaries, Consensus Candidature | The Senate on Tuesday, 25th January 2022 passed the harmonised version of the Clause 84 of the 2010 Electoral Act (amendments) Bill, 2022 which provides for political parties to adopt three modes of conducting nominating candidates for elections. The Bill was not assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari late last year because of the provision in Clause 84 which made direct primary compulsory for all political parties to elect their candidates for elections. The two chambers of the National Assembly then recommitted the bill for further amendment and added other options as advised by the President. The harmonised version now accommodates the direct and indirect modes of primaries, as well as consensus candidature. The Senate had earlier passed the three modes of nomination but the House of Representatives’ version did not include the consensus arrangement. The harmonised version now accommodates the direct, indirect and the consensus modes of candidate nomnation by parties. The Senate consideried the harmonised version of the bill at plenary and passed the proposed legislation. The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, stated that the bill had given sufficient and clear definition to the mode of primaries now adopted by both chambers of the National Assembly. | Electoral Bill, National Assembly | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/25/breaking-electoral-act-senate-house-agree-on-direct-indirect-consensus-primaries/ | 7 | |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, 24th January 2022 | SDP Suspends National Chairman, Secretary for Alleged Misconduct | The National Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party, on Saturday, suspended the party’s National Chairman, Olu Ogunloye; and Secretary, Shehu Gabam, for alleged misconduct. This is as it unanimously appointed the party’s Deputy Chairman, Abdul Isaq, as interim party leader; and Simon Adesina as National Secretary, pending the outcome of its convention slated for April 27 – 29, 2022. According to a communique signed by Isaq, after NEC’s meeting in Abuja, “the NEC observed the wanton disregard to the provisions of the SDP constitution especially Article 12.5 (iv) 12.2.2 (viii) and Article 9.4 to suspend some officers from the party. “The NEC considered the various abuses of the constitution by the following under-listed officers and there agreed by majority to suspend Shehu Gabam and Dr Olu Ogunloye. “The NEC noted the urgency to put in place all that is required for a befitting party convention and therefore resolves; that the national convention of the Social Democratic Party is fixed for April 27 to 29 with arrival being Wednesday April 27, 2022.” Explaining the Council’s decision, Isaq promised to reposition the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. | SDP | https://punchng.com/breaking-sdp-suspends-national-chairman-secretary-for-alleged-misconduct/ | 6 | |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, 24th January 2022 | APC Inaugurates State Excos 3rd February | The All Progressives Congress has stated that it would inaugurate its states executives on February 3 ahead of its national convention. The Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, John Akpanudoedehe, disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja which contained the schedule of activities for the national convention of the party slated for February 26. The party said consideration and adoption of reports of state congresses would hold on February 2. “Consideration and adoption of reports of state congresses will hold on February 2, 2022. Inauguration of the state executives will hold on February 3,” the statement read. | APC, Inauguration, State Excos | https://punchng.com/apc-inaugurates-state-excos-feb-3/ | 6 | |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, 24th January 2022 | PSC Summons IGP Over Police Recruitment, Workers Set for Strike | Following threats by its workers to embark on a three-day warning strike this week, the Police Service Commission has summoned the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to a meeting on the ongoing recruitment of 10,000 constables. It was learnt that the PSC management agreed during their meeting to meet with the IGP to seek the way forward on the workers’ demand. A senior official, who confirmed the planned meeting, said, “The PSC management will meet with the police boss to reach a middle ground on the recruitment issue and avert the planned strike by the workers.” Meanwhile, the workers have finalised plans to embark on strike in protest against the commission’s alleged abdication of its responsibility to the police. The workers are accusing the commission led by Alhaji Musiliu Smith, a retired Inspector-General of Police, of surrendering the recruitment of constables to the police in violation of the order of the Court of Appeal which upheld the mandate. | Inspector General of Police, Police Service Commission | https://punchng.com/psc-summons-igp-over-police-recruitment-workers-set-for-strike/ | 6 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 24th January 2022 | Constitution Alteration Will Address Challenges – Lawmakers | Members of the National Assembly on Saturday said the alteration of the 1999 Constitution will address numerous challenges facing the country. The lawmakers spoke in separate interviews shortly after the South West town hall meeting between them and their constituents held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The lawmakers that were in attendance are Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi (Ekiti North), Senator Tolu Odebiyi (Ogun West); Senator Kola Balogun (Oyo South); Mr Bamidele Salam (Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore /Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State); Isiaka Ibrahim (Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency of Ogun State) and Babajide Obanikoro (Eti Osa Federal Constituency of Lagos State). The meeting was organised by Daria Media and supported by the MacArthur Foundation. In his speech, Mr Salam said, “The constitution will be amended before the end of this 9th National Assembly. I want to assure that the amendment will be done.” Similarly, a Member of the House of Representatives, Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Isiaka Ibrahim, said Nigerians would see the progress made so far by the lawmakers concerning the amendment of the constitution as from January 27. | Constitution Alteration | https://dailytrust.com/constitution-amendment-will-address-challenges-lawmakers | 6 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 24th January 2021 | 2023: INEC Warns Political Parties, Aspirants against Early Campaigns | Worried by the proliferation of billboards and campaign posters of some political parties and aspirants across the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned the parties and their various aspirants to wait for the official commencement of campaigns as provided by the law. The electoral body noted that the law provides that campaigns in public shall commence 90 days before the polling day and end 24 hours before the election. The commission has also warned of consequences awaiting the violators of campaign guidelines. INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, told THISDAY yesterday that it was not yet time for campaigns and warned political parties, aspirants and their supporters to remain within the confines and ambit of the law and the 1999 Constitution, as well as the rules and regulations of the commission in carrying out their activities. “Political parties, aspirants and their supporters are advised to wait for the release of the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2023 general election for proper guidance and assurance of conformity with the law and the constitution. “Political parties are aware that based on the existing law, the period for campaigning in public has not matured and has not come into force. “All the registered political parties must ensure that their supporters and aspirants on their various platforms do not carry out any form of campaign in public in violation of the law and the Constitution,” Okoye warned. | INEC, Campaigns, Political Parties | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/23/2023-inec-warns-political-parties-aspirants-against-early-campaigns/ | 6 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 20th January 2021 | Electoral Bill: Fresh Controversy As | A fresh controversy is looming at the National Assembly as the two chambers of the parliament on Wednesday, 19th January 2021, approved different versions of the Electoral Bill, 2021. While the Senate provided for direct, indirect primaries or consensus as the procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for various elective positions, the House only provided for direct and indirect primaries in its version. President Muhammadu Buhari had declined assent to the bill over the provision of direct primaries as the sole mode of conducting political parties’ primaries. The bill earlier passed by the National Assembly on November 18, 2021, states that “a political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this bill shall hold direct primaries for aspirants to all elective positions, which shall be monitored by the Commission (INEC).” | Electoral Bill 2021, National Assembly | https://dailytrust.com/electoral-bill-fresh-controversy-as-senate-reps-approve-different-versions | 5 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 20th January 2022 | Buhari Writes House, Seeks Passage of Proceeds of Crime, Whistle Blower, Witness Protection Bills | President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the House of Representatives, urging the lawmakers to consider and pass the Proceeds of Crime bill, Whistle Blower bill and Witness Protection bill pending before the lawmakers. Buhari in the letter read by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila at plenary on Wednesday, 19th January 2021, stated that the bills when passed would strengthen the country’s efforts in the fight against corruption. He recalled that Nigeria participated in the conference of states’ parties to the United Nations Convention against corruption held from December 13 to 17, 2021, at the International Conference Centre in Egypt where the country was commended for its fight against corruption. The letter read in part, “At the session, the international community expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s efforts in the fight against corruption, reaffirming Nigeria’s rating as a leader in Africa in the area of developing structure for the recovery and repatriation of proceeds of crime. In the light of this and the need to continue to strengthen our global profile, I hereby request that the National Assembly kindly consider and possibly pass a best possible version of the following bills (a) the Proceeds of Crime bill, (b) the Whistle Blower bill and (c) the Witness Protection bill.” | President Muhammadu Buhari, Proceeds of Crime, Whistle Blower, Witness Protection Bills | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/20/buhari-writes-house-seeks-passage-of-proceeds-of-crime-whistle-blower-witness-protection-bills/ | 5 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 20th January 2022 | Electoral Bill: Governors Meet, Challenge House to Concur with Senate | The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), met on the night of Wednesday, 19th January 2021 over the National Assembly’s recommital to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, and challenged the House of Representatives, to concur with the specific amendments of the Senate, in order to make the job of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a lot easier ahead of the next set of elections. The governors commended the Senate for the quick passage of the bill and allowing different options as modes of primary elections, which they reckoned would enable INEC to adequately prepare for the forthcoming elections. | Electoral Bill, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/20/electoral-bill-govs-meet-challenge-house-to-concur-with-senate/ | 5 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 20th January 2022 | APC: We are Yet to Zone Party Positions Ahead of Convention | The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denied reports that it had zoned some party positions ahead of its national convention slated for 26th February 2021. The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator James Akpanudoedehe, who described the report in some sections of the media (not THISDAY) as untrue, stated that the committee has yet to take a position on zoning. The party leadership has, however, released the convention timetable and programme of activities, even as it has beefed up security around the party’s secretariat. | APC, National Convention | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/20/apc-were-yet-to-zone-party-positions-ahead-of-convention/ | 5 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 20th January 2022 | INEC Refutes Tinubu’s Claim, Says Previously Issued PVCs Not Expired, Valid for Voting | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, 19th January 2021, disputed claims by a former governor of Lagos State and presidential hopeful, Bola Tinubu, that previously issued voters' cards had expired, saying the claim was false and that the PVCs remained valid for voting in the 2023 general election or any other poll. Tinubu had, earlier in the day, called on members of the party to participate in the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter registration, because their current Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) had already expired, saying party members and voters alike might not be informed on time. However, Prof. Bolade Eyinla, the Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman of INEC, stated that “Nigerians, who already have their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) do not need to register again." | INEC, Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/20/inec-disputes-tinubus-claim-says-previously-issued-pvcs-not-expired-valid-for-voting/ | 5 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, 19th January 2022 | National Assembly Begins Review of Electoral Bill | The National Assembly has commenced the process to address the reservations expressed on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari, our correspondents report. Against the calls that the lawmakers should override the president’s veto, the two chambers of the parliament disclosed their resolutions to reintroduce the bill with a view of addressing the concerns of President Buhari. Buhari had in a letter to the National Assembly, dated December 13, 2021, rejected the draft law over the provision of direct primaries as the sole mode of conducting political parties’ primaries. The president had said he would assent the electoral act bill if the lawmakers provided options for the conduct of political parties’ primaries. The lawmakers resumed from their Christmas and New Year break, on Wednesday. In his address to his colleagues, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, said the Red Chamber would expedite action on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill following consultations with constituents on the president’s response. Also, while speaking at the Villa, after a meeting with President Buhari, Lawan said both houses of the National Assembly will pass the bill on Wednesday. He said the bill would be ready for transmission to the president by next week. At the House of Representatives, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the House will reintroduce the electoral bill, address salient issues particularly the direct primaries clause and return it to Buhari for assent. | Electoral Bill 2021, National Assembly | https://dailytrust.com/national-assembly-ignores-calls-to-override-buhari-begins-electoral-bill-review | 4 | |
| Punch Newspaper | Wednesday, 19th January 2022 | State Assemblies to get Constitution Amendment Bills in February – National Assembly | The National Assembly is set to pass the 1999 Constitution Amendment Bill and have same transmitted the same to the State Houses of Assembly by February for concurrence. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, made this known on Tuesday, 18th January 2022 in his opening address as lawmakers held the first plenary in the New Year. Gbajabiamila stated that the House Committee on Constitution Review, which is chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, planned to have the bills transmitted to the states by next month.To amend the Constitution, a bill has to get the approval of two-thirds of members of each of the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as the state Houses of Assembly. Gbajabiamila said, “Our current constitutional review effort is as crucial as the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. Amending our nation’s constitution to address long-standing areas of disagreement and remove the vestiges of militarism from our democracy is one of the central commitments we made in the 9th House. It is a commitment we must meet or risk the harsh judgment of history. “Therefore, we will prioritise action to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives. Fortunately, we are in the final stages of that effort and will shortly conclude this all-important work. Also, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, in his address, stated that, “The review of the 1999 Constitution is a major plank of our legislature agenda. Our Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has done so much work so far. Working with their counterparts in the House of Representatives, the report of the committee will be presented to the Senate for consideration soon. The Senate will consider the report and the National Assembly will communicate to the State Houses of Assembly within the first quarter of this year.” | National Assembly, Constitution Amendment | https://punchng.com/state-assemblies-will-get-amended-constitution-bill-february-national-assembly/ | 4 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, 19th January 2022 | 2023: INEC Hopeful of New Electoral Law | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday expressed the hope of the country getting a new electoral law following the assurances given by President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly. The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated this at the first quarter stakeholders’ meeting with political parties in Abuja. He officially informed the leaders of the political parties that the 2023 general election is just 396 days away, adding that 8,260,076 eligible Nigerians commenced the online pre-registration. In his address at the meeting with political parties, Yakubu said: “Undoubtedly, the year 2022 is going to be a very busy year for the commission and the political parties. The 2023 general election is just 396 days away. All the critical preparations must be concluded this year.” “The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) which commenced in June last year has entered the third quarter. As at yesterday Monday 17th January 2022, a total of 8,260,076 eligible Nigerians commenced the online pre-registration, completed the registration physically or applied for transfer to new voting locations, replacement of their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) or updated their voter information records as required by law. “The Commission has been publishing weekly progress reports of the exercise. We are aware that Nigerians want to know when their PVCs will be available for collection. At the moment, the Commission is undertaking the most comprehensive cleaning up of the data to ensure that only eligible citizens are added to the voters’ register for the 2023 General Election and will share our findings with Nigerians and the actual dates for the collection of the PVCsn ationwide will be announced very soon” | INEC, Electoral Bill | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/19/2023-inec-hopeful-of-new-electoral-law/ | 4 | |
| Punch Newspaper | Wednesday, 19th January 2022 | Akwa Ibom Assembly Suspends Local Government Chairman on Allegations of Gross Misconduct | The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Aniekpon Ekpo, over alleged gross misconduct and misappropriation of funds. The Council’s Vice Chairman, Mercy Bassey, has been directed to take over from the suspended chairman in acting capacity, pending the conclusion of investigation into the matter. The chairman’s suspension followed a report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs read at plenary on Tuesday, 18th January 2022. Presenting the report, the committee’s chairman, Mark Esset, revealed that the suspended chairman let out the council’s grader since April 15, 2021 and has not returned same till date. He said the chairman contracted a “consultancy service to handle the Internally Generated Revenue of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council, with no information on how the funds received were managed, as monies were not paid into the revenue account of the council.” He added, “The chairman failed to heed the advice of the Head of Service, Director of Finance and the Director of Works of the local government on the need to follow the local government law and financial regulations in the running of the council. “The Vice Chairman, other executive members and councillors are not carried along in the administrative functions of the council. During the committee sittings, weightier allegations/petitions bordering on outright abuse of office and gross misconduct by the chairman would normally be submitted to the committee on daily basis. After considering the report at the Committee of the Whole, the House ordered the chairman to return the council’s grader with immediate effect. The House also ordered the immediate suspension of the chairman, pending the outcome of investigations of the Ad-hoc Committee set up by the Speaker. | Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area | https://punchng.com/assembly-suspends-aibom-lg-boss-alleges-gross-misconduct/ | 4 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, 19th January 2022 | Party Officials Shot Dead As Gunmen Invade APC Meeting In Enugu | Officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu South Local Government Area were gunned down when armed men invaded the party’s office during a meeting on Tuesday, 18th January 2022. One of those killed was identified as Mr. Kelvin Ezeoha, the party’s State Assistant Youth leader. The identity of the other person killed was unknown as of the time of filing this report. Members of the party from ward III Obeagu Awkunanaw, Enugu South, were reportedly holding a meeting at the party office located in their ward when the gunmen numbering about 7 invaded the venue and shot dead two party members and kidnapped one other person. When contacted, the State caretaker Committee chairman of the party, Dr. Ben Nwoye, said he was devastated by the news of the sad incident. | Enugu State, APC | https://dailytrust.com/party-officials-shot-dead-as-gunmen-invade-apc-meeting-in-enugu | 4 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, 18th January 2022 | PDP Governors Want National Assembly to Quickly Rework Electoral Bill and Return for Assent | Governors elected on the platform of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, 17th January urged the National Assembly to rework the Electoral Bill 2021, which had been vetoed by President Muhammadu Buhari, and return it to the President for his assent. The PDP governors lamented the growing insecurity in Nigeria, and called on all citizens of voting age, who were yet to register in the on-going continuous voter registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to quickly do so. A communiqué signed by 10 PDP governors and read by the Chairman of the party’s governors’ forum, Aminu Tambuwal, after their meeting in Port Harcourt, stated that, “The PDP governors requested the National Assembly to quickly conclude deliberations on the Electoral Bill either by overriding Mr President’s veto or by deleting areas of complaints. The meeting advised that the option of sustaining Mr. President’s veto would lead to a quicker resolution and would deny Mr President the opportunity to once again truncate a reformed electoral jurisprudence for Nigeria. An early-concluded Electoral Act is vital for credible elections. | PDP Governors, National Assembly | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/18/pdp-govs-want-national-assembly-to-quickly-rework-electoral-bill-and-return-for-assent/ | 3 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, 18th January 2022 | Lukman Resigns as PGF DG over Convention Controversy | The Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has resigned his position. His resignation is, however, said to be connected with the outcome of the meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors held on Sunday, 16th January in Abuja. Investigations revealed that it was deliberated at the meeting whether Lukman should be forced to resign or not. Lukman had called on the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) chaired by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni and other members of the committee to resign if they were unable to conduct the national convention of the party tentatively slated for February. During the meeting, it was gathered that the governors were sharply divided on whether to force Lukman to resign or not. THISDAY checks revealed that while the majority of the governors opposed the pressure to force Lukman’s resignation, while a few of the governors insisted that he must go. | APC, Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/18/lukman-resigns-as-pgf-dg-over-convention-controversy/ | 3 | |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Tuesday, 18th January 2022 | Qualification for Elected Offices: Possession of School Certificates No Longer Sufficient —Gbajabiamila | Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday, 17th January, declared that the possession of a minimum of secondary school certificate or its equivalent, by persons seeking election into public offices, is no longer in tandem with the present realities. He, however, called for the amendment of Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution to raise the minimum requirements for persons seeking elective public offices, saying the provision contained in the Constitution was a product of a different time and not a reflection of the demands of today. He spoke while delivering the 52nd Convocation Lecture of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, titled ‘Building Back Better: Creating a New Framework for Tertiary Education in Nigeria in the 21st Century’. Gbajabiamila stated thus: “The National Assembly needs to look into Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution with a view to increasing the minimum educational qualification for persons aspiring to be future President of Nigeria and other top offices including the National Assembly as against the current minimum requirement of a secondary school certificate or its equivalent. As we have reduced the age for eligibility to contest those offices so also we should increase the minimum educational requirements. It will be another step in reforming our electoral system and providing strong leadership for the country. Let us lift our gaze from consideration of small things to focus on the pursuit and achievement of grand ambitions that lift us all and save the future." | Elected Offices, Education Qualifications, Speaker of the House of Representatives | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/elected-offices-possession-of-school-certs-no-longer-feasible-gbajabiamila/ | 3 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 18th January 2022 | FG Increases Charges Against Kanu From 7 To 15 | The Federal Government has amended the charge against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, raising the counts from seven to 15 ahead of the hearing scheduled to resume on Tuesday, 18th January 2021. Kanu was facing a seven-count charge bordering on treason/terrorism. His legal team, according to The Nation, stated that it was served with an amended 15-count charge filed on January 17. A lawyer in his team, Maxwell Opara described the amendment as a ploy by the prosecution to clog progress in the case. | Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB | https://dailytrust.com/fg-raises-charges-against-kanu-from-7-to-15 | 3 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, 18th January 2022 | Buni Announces February 26 As APC Convention Date | Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced February 26, 2022, as the date of the ruling party’s convention. Buni announced this at the APC Progressive Women Conference in Abuja, on Tuesday, 18th January 2022. The governor urged the women to come out massively and contest in the forthcoming “national convention holding by 26th of February 2022.” He stated that after last year’s revalidation exercise, the party realised that it has over 40 million members. Buni stated that this puts APC in a good stead to win the 2023 general elections. | APC, National Convention | https://dailytrust.com/breaking-buni-announces-feb-26-as-apc-convention-date | 3 | |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, 17th January 2022 | PDP Governors To Meet Today | The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum will today (Monday) meet in Port Harcourt to review the party’s readiness to rescue Nigeria in 2023. The Director-General of the PDP Governors Forum, Cyril Maduabum, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement titled ‘PDP Governors meet in Port Harcourt to consolidate on rescue and rebuild Nigeria project’ Although Maduabum’s statement did not state that the forum would discuss strategies for winning 2023 elections, it was learnt that the governors would talk about zoning of the party’s presidential ticket and advise the National Working Committee on where the slot should be zoned to. But the director-general in the statement he issued said the meeting would “review the state of the states, the state of the nation and readiness of the PDP to provide the necessary leadership to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.” According to the statement, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, who will preside over the first meeting of the year, did not disclose the full details on the agenda. He also disclosed that the party’s National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, had been invited to consult with the governors on strategies for executing the rescue and rebuild Nigerian project. “The PDP governors are working in concert and consultations with other party leaders, particularly the Ayu-led National Executive Committee of the PDP, to craft a credible process and programme for Nigeria’s positive rebirth,” he added. | The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum will today (Monday) meet in Port Harcourt to review the party’s readiness to rescue Nigeria in 2023. The Director-General of the PDP Governors Forum, Cyril Maduabum, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement titled ‘PDP Governors meet in Port Harcourt to consolidate on rescue and rebuild Nigeria project’ Although Maduabum’s statement did not state that the forum would discuss strategies for winning 2023 elections, it was learnt that the governors would talk about zoning of the party’s presidential ticket and advise the National Working Committee on where the slot should be zoned to. But the director-general in the statement he issued said the meeting would “review the state of the states, the state of the nation and readiness of the PDP to provide the necessary leadership to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.” According to the statement, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, who will preside over the first meeting of the year, did not disclose the full details on the agenda. He also disclosed that the party’s National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, had been invited to consult with the governors on strategies for executing the rescue and rebuild Nigerian project. “The PDP governors are working in concert and consultations with other party leaders, particularly the Ayu-led National Executive Committee of the PDP, to craft a credible process and programme for Nigeria’s positive rebirth,” he added | https://punchng.com/pdp-govs-meet-decide-on-2023-zoning-to-advise-nwc/ | 2 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, 17th January 2022 | Electoral Act: Don’t Override Buhari, Jega Tells National Assembly | A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has cautioned the National Assembly against overriding President Muhammadu Buhari over the Electoral Act amendment bill stalemate. Jega stated this at the citizens’ townhall on Electoral Bill 2021 organized by Yiaga Africa and partners in Abuja on Sunday. According to him, with the way the provisions of the bill stands, the National Assembly should do the needful rather than contemplating overriding the President by removing the contentious provisions. He said, “The Electoral Act bill contains quite a lot of good things that can enhance electoral integrity. Since 2010, the country has not had any substantive improvement on electoral laws and in the 2021 Electoral bill, there are a lot of substantive things. “What is key is to give INEC the law to improve ahead of the 2023 General Elections and also off-cycle elections before the 2023 polls. The challenge is what the National Assembly introduced in the Electoral Bill, which is without serious contemplation. “It is very important that we have a lot of legal frameworks. I think, clearly, the electoral process would have better integrity if we do direct primaries appropriately.” Jega stated that INEC made 31 recommendations to the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act to conduct credible elections, adding that only 25 were approved by the National Assembly. | Electoral Act 2021, INEC, Attahiru Jega | https://dailytrust.com/electoral-act-dont-override-buhari-jega-tells-n-assembly | 2 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 17th January 2022 | APC Governors Maintain Party’s Convention will Hold February | Although still evasive about the specific date, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the umbrella body for governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), early this morning, assured party members and supporters, that the national convention of the APC would hold in February. The governors, who met last night in Abuja after weeks of immense pressure mounted on the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of APC to fix a specific date for the party’s national convention, held their meeting behind closed-doors and wrapped it up early this morning. Also, part of the resolutions of their deliberation was a vote of confidence passed on the Caretaker Committee of the party, led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni and two other governors, Muhammed Bello of Niger State and Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun state, whom they claimed had done “an incredible job of running our party successfully – mobilising people into the party and we are very happy with their conduct.” For some weeks now, stakeholders of the party had squared up with the Caretaker committee over its refusal to announce venue and date for the convention. Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman, had equally called on members of the committee to honourably resign their positions if the February date for the national convention failed. However, addressing journalists after their meeting, which lasted for more than two and a half hours, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, refused to give a specific date for the convention. But he insisted that the February date was still feasible, adding that the caretaker committee as the organ of the party was in the best position to announce the specific date for the national convention. | APC Governors, National Convention | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/17/still-evasive-about-date-apc-govs-maintain-partys-convention-will-hold-february/ | 2 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 17th January 2022 | Zulum Inaugurates Borno’s Advisory Committee on Governance and Development | Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has inaugurated the Borno State Advisory Committee on Governance and Development. This, according to a statement issued yesterday by the governor’s spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau, is aimed at creating people’s inclusiveness and opportunity of control over their affairs. The committee is headed by Usman Sarki as the chairman. Others are: Alhaji Muhammad Mustapha Bintube, Hajja Kaka Suleiman Gumsuri, Alhaji Musa Kida, Prof. Isa Hussaini Marte, Joerg Kuehnel, Prof. Ali Mburza, Prof. Iqbal Asaria, Hon. Bukar Tijjani, Dr. Mairo Mandara as members, and Muhammad Bukar Badiya as the secretary. The governor, while inaugurating the 10-man Advisory Committee at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Maiduguri, said his administration is committed to making Borno State a favoured destination for businesses, investors, and partnership, and will ensure that the supremacy of the rule of law is of critical importance in the system. Zulum noted that his administration would continue to ensure that peace and security are sustained, which he said is critical to attain development in any society. | Borno State, Advisory Committee on Governance and Development | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/17/zulum-inaugurates-bornos-advisory-committee-on-governance-and-devt/ | 2 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, 17th January 2022 | Oni, Olusola, Olujimi, Others Reject Outcome of Ekiti PDP Congress | Five Peoples Democratic Party aspirants in the 2022 Ekiti State governorship election have rejected Saturday’s ward congress to elect three ad hoc delegates in each of the 177 wards in the state, saying the process was hijacked. The aggrieved aspirants are a former governor of the state, Chief Segun Oni; a former deputy governor in the state, Prof Kolapo Olusola; Senator Biodun Olujimi; former PDP National Treasurer, Wale Aribisala; and a former Senatorial aspirant; Lateef Ajijola. They accused the congress committee appointed by the party’s National Working Committee, chaired by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, of not following due process. According to them, the results of the exercise which ought to hold across the different wards were fabricated and recorded at a hotel in the Fajuyi area of the State. There was heavy deployment of policemen, men of the Department of State Services and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in the area to prevent the breakdown of law and order. Oni, who expressed regrets that the election materials sent to the 177 wards were allegedly hijacked, described the situation as worrisome, saying, “What you have seen today is laughable. This is the standard we still are as a country. It is very unfortunate. | Ekiti State, PDP Congress | https://punchng.com/oni-olusola-olujimi-others-reject-outcome-of-ekiti-pdp-congress/ | 2 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 13th January 2022 | Osun Guber: PDP Screens 6 Aspirants | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, 12th Jnauary 2022 screened six aspirants for the July 16 governorship election in Osun State. The screening committee is headed by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke. The aspirants screened were Senator Ademola Adeleke, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Hon. Omirin Emmanuel Olusanya, Dele Adeleke, former Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Abdulfatai Akinbade and Mr. Dotun Babayemi. Ogunbiyi, Oluseye and Akinbade expressed confidence in the ability of the screening committee to do justice. Adoke stated that the committee would submit its report in 48 hours. | Osun State, Governorship Eleciton, PDP, Screening | https://dailytrust.com/osun-guber-pdp-screens-6-aspirants | 1 | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, 13th January 2022 | Nigeria Lifts Ban on Twitter | The Federal Government of Nigeria has lifted the ban on Twitter effective from 12 midnight of January 13, 2022. This comes exactly 214 days after the government suspended the Twitter in the country. The lifting of the ban was announced Wednesday, 12th January 2022 in a statement issued by the Chairman Technical Committee, Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and the Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi. Abdulahi, who stated that the approval was granted following a memo written to the President by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim, after the social networking platform agreed to respect Nigeria’s laws and culture. The NITDA DG stated that Pantami in the Memo, updated and requested the President’s approval for lifting the ban based on the Technical Committee’s recommendation. According to Abdullahi, “The Federal Government directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, 13th January 2022. You may recall that on 5th June 2021, the FGN suspended the operation of Twitter through an announcement made by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed. Thereafter, the President constituted a seven-man Presidential Committee to engage Twitter Inc. Subsequently, in its wisdom, the Presidential Committee set up a 20-member Technical Committee comprising all relevant government agencies. The Technical Committee engaged and worked directly with the Twitter team." He added that the ban was lifted after Twitter agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history on which such legislation had been built. | Federal Government, Twitter Ban | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/13/nigeria-lifts-ban-on-twitter/ | 1 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 13th January 2022 | INEC To Deploy 12,000 Ad Hoc Staff For FCT Council Poll | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will deploy 12,000 ad hoc personnel for the February 12 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Yahaya Bello, stated this on Wednesday, 12th January 2022 in Abuja during a town hall meeting with women groups and gender-focused civil society organisations, organised by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), YIAGA Africa, European Union (EU) and others. The REC represented by the Administrative Secretary of INEC in the FCT, Barrister Waziri Zannah, expressed the Commission’s readiness to conduct a free and fair poll, assuring of a level playing field for candidates participating in the election. He charged women groups to sensitise and mobilise other women and youths to come out en masse during the election and to vote for their preferred candidates. | INEC, FCT Area Council Elections | https://dailytrust.com/inec-to-deploy-12000-ad-hoc-staff-for-fct-council-poll | 1 | |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, 13th January 2022 | Anambra: Soludo Appoints Oby Ezekwesili to Chair Transition Committee | Anambra State’s Governor-elect, Prof Charles Soludo, has appointed former Minister of Information, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, as the Chairperson of his transition committee. It was learnt that the inauguration of the committee will take place on Thursday, January 20, at the Agulu Lake (Golden Tulip) Hotel, Awka. Soludo, who was the Central Bank of Nigeria governor between 2004 and 2009, was declared winner of Anambra Governorship election on November 6, 2021, after a supplementary election was held in Ihiala Local Government Area of the State. He won 19 of the 21 local governments areas including Ihiala LGA. Sixty one-year-old Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance won with 112,229 votes beating Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who polled 53,807 votes, and Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress who got 43,285 votes. Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party polled 21,261 votes came fourth. | Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, Oby Ezekwesili, Transition Committee | https://punchng.com/anambra-soludo-appoints-oby-ezekwesili-to-chair-transition-committee/ | 1 | |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, 13th January 2022 | Our Convention Not Postponed To June – APC | The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied shifting the proposed February 2022 National Convention of the party to June 2022 as reported in some quarters. The Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, in a statement, said it was already embarking on nationwide consultations with party stakeholders to prepare the grounds for a rancour-free convention. The statement also hinted at addressing contestations within the party, litigations and fallouts of the recently conducted congresses before the convention. President Muhammadu Buhari had in November 2021, met with the top echelon of the party at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where it was agreed that the convention should hold in February 2022. However, no specific date was fixed. The Governor Mai Mala Buni-led caretaker committee stated thus: “Dates for party activities such as meetings, primaries, congresses, national conventions are communicated through well-known official channels and not through ‘sources.’ As a focus-driven, process-oriented political party, the APC caretaker committee under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni will not be distracted by self-serving antics of these sponsors of fake news." | APC, National Convention | https://dailytrust.com/our-convention-not-postponed-to-june-apc | 1 |