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Senate Condemns Flawed Local Government Elections Across Nigeria

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The Senate has condemned the local government elections conducted in several states, labeling them a serious breach of democratic principles.
This decision came after Senator Abba Moro’s motion addressing the problematic elections held on October 5, 2024, particularly in Benue State.

Senator Moro criticized the elections for being rife with manipulation, noting that many were effectively held in the homes of ruling party leaders, turning the process into a mere selection rather than a legitimate electoral event. He pointed out that in numerous polling stations, essential materials and officials were absent, leaving voters unable to participate.

The Senate emphasized the importance of elections as a cornerstone of democracy, allowing citizens to choose their representatives. It called on the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct proper elections in areas where they did not occur. Additionally, the Senate urged the Federal Government to withhold funding from local councils that failed to adhere to democratic processes, treating such actions as illegitimate appointments rather than genuine elections.

The motion was sponsored by Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) snd co-sponsored by Senators Titus Zam Tartenger (Benue North West), Emmanuel Udende Memga (Benue North East) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North).

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Seconding the motion, Senator Emmanuel Udende said although he is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC), he can’t support what is wrong, adding that “this is not a party matter; there was no election in Benue state”

Senator Titus Zam who strongly supported and identified with the motion said all the three senators from Benue across party lines sponsored the motion as representative is of the people who have cried to us to condemn this charade and heinous political crime committed.

When Akpabio asked of the Deputy Senate President his impression of LG elections across the country, Barau Jibrin said “it is a national calamity”, adding that everybody was surprised that as APC, you were able to your LG.

“We all know it’s always 100%, but you managed to win in PDP state. We should allow an independent body to conduct LG election or allow NIEC to handle responsibilities. We cannot continue like this”.

Akpabio in his eema6 said “the world needs to know that it is not related to Benue alone, but across party line.

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“We at the National Assembly must take a step to ensure that the judgement by the Supreme Court comes alive. We should change the situation for the better.

“We must have a national dialogue with president, governors, past governors, etc. The public is waiting to see what the 10th will do to make local government election free and fair.

Earlier, Senator Moro in his motion noted that “in a federation, elections are the backbone of democracy, allowing citizens to choose their representatives at various levels of government, and the right to franchise of citizens in Nigeria is sacrosanct and constitutionally guaranteed under Sections 77 to 91 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), specifically focusing on the citizens’ rights to vote and be voted for in an electoral process.

He also noted that “on the 5th of October, 2024, Local Government Council Elections were scheduled to hold in Benue State and in other parts of Nigeria, and while the electorates excitedly trooped out in their numbers to exercise their franchise to elect leaders who will represent their will at the local government councils, they waited for hours in vain as neither election materials nor electoral officers showed up in many of the polling stations and where a semblance of elections took place, winners were denied certificates of returns.

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“Further notes that in most places, elections took place in the private homes of the chieftains of the ruling party making the entire process a mere coronation of candidates of the ruling party and not a proper election contemplated under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)”.

Therefore, the Senate resolved to “Condemn the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission’s blatant disregard for democrat principles in the sham local government elections of Saturday, 5th October, 2024.

“Urge the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct elections in those place where elections did not hold and allow the people to choose the representatives of their choice.

“Further urge the Federal Government to deny allocations to Local Governments Council’s where selections were done, akin to appointment of caretaker committees”.

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Appointment

Creation of Ijebu State inches closer as bill scales first reading at senate

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Gbenga Daniel

In a historic move, the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed a bill for the first reading that is seeking to create Ijebu State from the existing Ogun State. The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Ijebu State),” was sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District.

During the plenary session, Senate Majority Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, introduced the bill as the “fourth order of the day,” with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the proceedings. The bill successfully passed its first reading, setting the stage for further legislative deliberations.

The push for Ijebu State creation is part of a broader national discussion on state creation aimed at fostering local governance, improving political representation, and boosting regional development. Proponents believe that Ijebu State would bring about greater administrative efficiency and promote economic growth in the region.

The legislative journey for state creation involves multiple stages, including further readings, committee reviews, and constitutional amendments. Approval requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.

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If successful, Ijebu State would become Nigeria’s 37th state, underscoring ongoing efforts to address regional demands for administrative autonomy and improved governance.

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Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for Social Investment Programme Amendment Bill

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Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the National Social Investment Programme Agency Establishment Amendment Bill 2024 to the Senate for legislative approval. The proposed amendment aims to strengthen the framework for implementing the government’s social welfare programmes, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.

In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, President Tinubu explained that the amendment seeks to designate the National Investment Register as the primary tool for targeting beneficiaries of social investment initiatives. This measure, he said, would ensure that welfare programmes are data-driven and deliver effective social protection to Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.

“The amendment will make our social and welfare programmes more transparent, efficient, and impactful in addressing the needs of vulnerable Nigerians,” the President stated.

He further noted that the request was made in accordance with Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged the Senate to give the bill urgent consideration.

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The proposed amendment, if passed, will improve the management and delivery of social investment programmes, enhancing their capacity to combat poverty and inequality across the country. The Senate has referred the bill to relevant committees for review and is expected to deliberate on the proposal in subsequent sessions.

This development indicates that the Tinubu’s administration is commited to leveraging technology and data to optimize the impact of its social welfare initiatives.

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Tinubu Requests Senate’s Confirmation for INEC Commissioners

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Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a request to the Senate for the confirmation of nominees for the positions of Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Tinubu stated that the request complies with the provisions of Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

The nominees for confirmation included Mr. Tukur Abdurazak Yusuf – National Electoral Commissioner, representing the Northwest, Professor Sunday Ajah – National Electoral Commissioner, representing the Southeast and Saseyi Fayemi
Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State
The President expressed hope that the Senate would consider and confirm the nominees in its usual expeditious manner.
The letter concluded with Tinubu extending his assurances of highest consideration to the Senate President and distinguished senators.

The Senate President referred the matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters for further deliberation, with instructions to report back to the full assembly promptly.

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