NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
COAS backs Early Voting Bill for military, security personnel
Defence/Security

COAS backs Early Voting Bill for military, security personnel

172 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has declared his support for the early voting bill introduced by the Senate for military and security personnel deployed during elections.

Oluyede expressed the support of the army for the bill at a meeting with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC-Katsina state) in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the job of the army on Election Day in collaboration with sister security agencies, was to create an enabling environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise freely.

According to him, the army has been doing very well in support of the lead agency which is the Police and they have not had time to exercise their own franchise.

“The bill is actually long overdue, it is a laudable effort by the senator and we appreciate you; you have all our support for all the bills.

“As an army, we will support you as much as possible and for the programmes you have highly noted, be sure we will be well represented,” he said.

The chief, however, urged the crafters of the legislation to put measures in place to avoid impersonation and to enhance communication among security agencies and other essential workers.

He commended the senator for all the support for the army and the legislative support

Earlier, Yar’Adua said that the aim of the visit was to solicit the support of the army for three bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.

He said that the bills generally seek to strengthen the army forces and deepen its democratic participation in the country.

“The bills are, the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the Arm Forces Trust Fund Amendment Bill and the Arm Forces Act Repeal and Reenactment Bill.

“I am here basically to seek your support and the partnership in the passage of the bills,” he said.

The senator said that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was necessary to address the number of eligible Nigerians that are disenfranchised because of essential duties.

According to him, we have close to two million Nigerians who work on election day from the military, INEC staff, Ad hoc staff, NYSC corps members, security agents, journalists and election observers.

Yar’Adua recalled that during the 2023 general elections, the Nigerian Army deployed 95 per cent of its personnel for election related security issues.

He said that together with the Department of State Security (DSS) the military deployed 93,495 personnel.

The lawmaker said that the police deployed 310,973 personnel, the NYSC deployed 200,000 corps members while the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) deployed 81,000 personnel.

He said the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) deployed 21,000 personnel, the Nigerian Correctional Centre (NCC) deployed 11,336 officers, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) deployed 350 operatives while National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) deployed 9,447 personnel.

Yar’Adua said that when the numbers are put together and added to the number of election observers, it would be enough to determine the outcome of an election.

He said that the wide disenfranchisement raised concerns given the declining voter turnout saying that in 2015, voter turnout was 4.7 per cent, in 2019 it dropped 34.7 per cent and in 2023, 27. 3 per cent.

“To allow early voting for military personnel , it is not only a matter of fairness, it is a necessary step to restore confidence, engage young Nigerians and uphold the principle that says those who defend our democracy should not be excluded from it.

“I wish to encourage the Nigerian Army to collaborate with INEC in identifying eligible personnel to vote,” he said.

On his part, the Coordinator, Centre for Legislative Engagement, YIAGA-Africa, Dr Sam Ogwuche said that the bill was apt and timely.

He said that election is the hallmark of democracy and all Nigerians should be able to vote as it is a civic responsibility.

He said that YIAGA-Africa and many other stakeholders at the forefront of canvassing for increased citizen participation were in support of the bill. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Diaspora voting will benefit all Nigerians – Agency D-G
Politics

Diaspora voting will benefit all Nigerians – Agency D-G

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By Fortune Abang

Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, Director-General of the Edo Diaspora Agency, on Thursday emphasised the importance of diaspora voting, stating that it would benefit Nigerians both at home and abroad.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Ogboro-Okor urged Nigerians in the diaspora not to relent in advocating for diaspora voting.

She noted that sustained advocacy was essential to achieving the desired outcome in future elections.

“I want to tell us that diaspora voting is going to benefit everybody. Right now, some people think it will only benefit those in government, but that’s not true.

“It’s a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches to pushing Nigeria forward,” she said.

She emphasised that legislating and passing the diaspora voting bill into law would help ensure Nigerians elected competent leaders.

“We’ll be putting square pegs in square holes, and that will enhance governance in Nigeria,” she added.

Ogboro-Okor explained that a diaspora voting policy would empower Nigerians abroad to contribute more actively to nation-building by bringing back skills and expertise developed overseas.

“Imagine voting and not feeling left out, you’ll feel a responsibility to return and contribute your quota to national development.

 “This is why we in Edo believe it’s a key step towards future growth. We also need to consider second- and third-generation Nigerians abroad.

“They proudly identify as Nigerians, just like I proudly identify as Edo. We must harness their civic engagement at the national level.”

The director-general revealed that an estimated 17 million Nigerians live in the diaspora, with a significant number from Edo State.

She noted that Edo contributed around 31 per cent of Nigeria’s total diaspora remittances.

Ogboro-Okor reiterated that the substantial contribution underscored Edo’s role as a major player in Nigeria’s economic development.

She cited World Bank data from 2017, which reported 22 billion dollars in total remittances to Nigeria, 6 billion dollars of which originated from Edo State alone.(NAN) 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Centralised data key to tackling insecurity, economic woes – BRISIN
Science & Tech

Centralised data key to tackling insecurity, economic woes – BRISIN

171 total views today

By Angela Atabo

The Basic Registry and Information System in Nigeria (BRISIN) has been identified as a critical tool in addressing Nigeria’s persistent issues of insecurity and economic instability.

Dr Anthony Uwa, Head of BRISIN Implementation in Nigeria, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

According to him, BRISIN is an integrated data and information infrastructure designed for real-time data governance across all sectors of the economy and government.

He explained that in May 2007, the Federal Government signed a service agreement for the implementation of BRISIN, selecting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the pilot phase.

 “However, 18 years later, the system is yet to be implemented, in spite of its numerous benefits.”

Uwa emphasised that effective governance and sustainable development were impossible without a reliable and comprehensive data infrastructure.

“You cannot run a government without data governance that guides decisions on national security, social systems, economic planning, revenue generation, and democratic development,” he said.

He added that BRISIN could support sectors such as rural development, employment, diaspora integration, migration control, and social welfare.

“Nigeria lacks a foundational system because there is no data and information infrastructure.

“You can’t solve problems like insecurity, unemployment, or economic instability without it,” Uwa stressed.

He noted that BRISIN was conceived during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration as a fundamental infrastructure to drive lasting change and attract both local and foreign investment.

He also said it would help Nigeria access international grants and funding, identify Nigerians at home and abroad, and provide reliable demographic data.

“With BRISIN in place, Nigeria would command more respect globally, operate credibly, and manage governance effectively. Unfortunately, the FCT Minister is yet to activate the pilot phase,” he added.

Uwa revealed that the Italian government, through the MATEI Programme for Africa, approved 600 million dollars for BRISIN in Nigeria.

“However, the release is pending a letter from the FCT confirming the project’s commencement and counterpart funding, still not submitted 14 months later.”

He urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to act swiftly, stating that implementing BRISIN in the capital would modernise the city and improve governance structures.

Uwa added that the system had the potential to generate up to N1.5 trillion annually in internally generated revenue (IGR) by effectively monitoring and controlling all economic activities within the FCT.

Also speaking, Mr Lorenzo Santangelo, Director at Dermo Impex Nigeria Ltd, the BRISIN solution providers, said the system could create up to 10 million jobs in Nigeria.

He explained that by integrating data systems across all ministries and agencies, governance would become more efficient and credible.

“When every government body has access to the same accurate data, it becomes easier to identify needs, streamline services, and eliminate duplication,” Santangelo said.

He added that BRISIN would improve national planning by tracking population movements, consumer preferences, and regional needs, informing decisions on infrastructure, imports, and public services.

“Credibility comes when citizens are properly identified from birth, with clear data on their parents and place of origin.

“This builds a foundation for proper governance and national development,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 
Metro

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 

139 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to transform the country for the good of all.

Wike made the call in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” delivered  at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, on Thursday

He said that no leader, no matter how endowed, equipped or selfless, could truly succeed without the support and cooperation of the citizenry.

The minister advised Nigerians to wake up from years of cynicism, indifference and hopelessness and embrace a new era being birthed by Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, no nation has made any reasonable progress without the robust cooperation and collaboration of its leadership and followership.

“South Africa for instance, under Mandela, achieved independence and made progress as shown in his book’ Long Walk to Freedom’ through this cooperation.

“Dubai is also recording all these great feats through synergy between its leadership and followership.

“The time for belief is here; the time for action is also here. Together with President Tinubu, we can as a people begin the real process of building the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said

The minister also urged  Nigerians to reject the negative narrative that Nigeria would never change for good, stressing that “with the right leadership, nothing is impossible”.

He said that to reclaim Nigeria’s dream, the people must first reclaim the belief in the possibility that the country would be better and reject the defeatist narratives that nothing would change.

According to him, change does not come from the top alone; it bubbles up from the conviction of a determined people.

“The Nigeria of our dreams is not a utopia; it is a Nigeria that works; it is a Nigeria where merit trumps mediocrity, where justice flows like a river.

“The Nigeria of our dream is also where every child, regardless of ethnic group, religion, tongue, or class, has the opportunity to live with dignity and die with honour.

“It is a nation that listens to the heartbeat of its people and allows the soul of democracy to find expression, not only in periodic elections, but in the daily dignity of citizenship.

“It is a place where leaders are not predators on the public purse, but custodians of the people’s trust; where leadership is purposeful, and followership is responsible,” he said.

The minister added that the “Nigeria of our dream is a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where the rule of law is not a slogan, but a sacred covenant”.

Wike  emphasised that reclaiming Nigeria’s dream demands a rekindling of its vision and values, stressing that Nigerians must reimagine the country not as victims of its history, but as architects of its destiny.

He also stressed the need to rebuild trust between government and the governed, among ethnic nationalities and across faiths and generations.

The minister also said that to make meaningful progress, Nigerians must rediscover the dignity of labour, the sanctity of truth and the strength of unity.

“Most of all, we must believe again that our country, however flawed, is not beyond redemption.

“This work belongs to all of us. No one is too small to matter or too big to fail.

“Nigeria’s redemption will not be delivered by heroes on horseback, but by ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things: living with integrity, speaking truth to power, raising children with values, and holding firm to hope even when the night is long.

“The dream is not dead. It merely sleeps, waiting for those bold enough, brave enough, and burdened enough to awaken it,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Only Tinubu can lead us to Nigeria of our dreams – Wike 
General News

Only Tinubu can lead us to Nigeria of our dreams – Wike 

179 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the country needs leaders like President Bola Tinubu to achieve the “Nigeria of our dreams”.

Wike said this in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” presented at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Thursday.

Wike pointed out that the greatest challenge confronting Nigeria and  militating against its development was the plague of bad leadership.

He agreed with Chinua Achebe, whose seminar, ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’, graphically captured the challenge, when he stated that ‘the trouble with Nigeria is fairly and squarely the absence of proper leadership’.

“This statement, damaging as it may appear, is extremely difficult to controvert.

“Our leaders have, in the main, emerged through self-serving conspiracies that have little or nothing to do with national interests and development.

“This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts,” he said.

He, however, said that Tinubu had stood out as the leader the people needed to drive Nigeria to progress and prosperity.

He explained that Nigeria needs a leader that was prepared to lead with sound character and resilience in the face of challenges.

He added that the leader must also be a person who believed in the infinite possibilities that the Nigerian nation exemplifies, while taking solid, proactive, logical and well-informed decisions that would maximally actualise her potential.

This leader, he said, must have the courage and audacity to act, build, innovate and generally expand the frontiers of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasise excellence over mediocrity.

He added that more importantly, the leader of Nigerians’ dream must create a society of free and responsible citizens whose potentials flowed freely and free enterprise thrived.

“Let me make bold at this juncture to state that today, in our country, we have such a leader in the person of Tinubu.

“He has shown in several ways and at different times, a stout commitment to the enthronement of democracy in our country, to the extent of even putting his own life on the line in the process.

“He has shown great capacity for engendering development as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state under his watch and even beyond,” he added.

He also said that Tinubu had demonstrated a rare courage by removing fuel subsidy on his first day, upon being sworn in as President.

According to him, leaders before him all spoke about the evil of fuel subsidy, but none had the courage to dare the blackmail of removing it.

“Tinubu did and is fittingly grappling with the inevitable, unintended and sometimes orchestrated consequences of this removal.

“Today, our states have far more resources to develop, the debts are no longer piling and the price of petrol is gradually but steadily adjusting downwards in tandem with the forces of demand and supply and the strict implementation of regulatory conditionalities.

“Also, the overwhelming cry of over-centralisation of power and resources at the national level and the attendant abuse of the doctrine of federalism is being systematically addressed.

“This is being addressed through the creation of zonal/regional commissions empowered to devolve developmental impetus to the respective zones and regions, so that power can truly return to the people.”

On security, Wike said that the situation was being addressed through proper funding and the training and retraining of security forces.

The minister added that Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of forest guards across the country to take charge of the nation’s forests, bandits and terrorists would no longer find incubation points and free territories to operate.

“Put simply, the era of banditry and terrorism will soon come to an end.

“These and many other policies and measures are being put together by Tinubu to reposition our country on the path of progress and development,” Wike said.

Earlier, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, described Wike as a straightforward politician, adding that his wealth of political experience and leadership style was exemplary.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, the governor said that the minister’s infrastructural transformation in the FCT was visionary.

Also, the Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof. Adebayo Bamire, said that the theme of the lecture, ‘’Nigeria of our Dream” was timely and thought-provoking.

“At a critical juncture when our nation’s democratic journey, when the challenges of governance, civic trust, and equitable development are at the forefront of public discourse, this lecture offers a vital platform for reflection, engagement and forward thinking.

“It calls us to interrogate the structures that uphold democracy, the principles that guide responsible governance, citizenship and the strategies that can unlock Nigeria’s development potential,” he said.

The Royal Father of the Day, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said he has deep respect for Wike because of his fearlessness.

He described the minister as an “upright politician” who “said things as they are.

“Hate him; like him – what will be will be.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

CTA, NEITI urge stronger FOI Act to boost transparency
General News

CTA, NEITI urge stronger FOI Act to boost transparency

158 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have called for stronger Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to boost transparency in Nigeria.

The Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, enacted in 2011, is an Act to make public records and information more freely available for public access to public records and information.

Executive Director, CTA, Faith Nwadishi and the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji made the call at “The North-Central Regional Roundtable on the FOI Act in Nigeria” held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The theme of the event is “14 Years of FOI and Extractives Transparency in Nigeria: Strengthening Access, Accountability and Citizen Engagement”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable is part of efforts under the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI).

It is a 12-month project CTA is implementing with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA.

In her address, Nwadishi said that the conversation was not just symbolic but was timely because the challenges around access to public information in Nigeria have reached a critical stage.

“Particularly in the extractive sector, which remains the economic lifeline of our country.

“Even with NEITI reports, it is still one of the most difficult sectors to obtain clear, timely and complete information from.

“The extractive sector—which includes oil, gas and solid minerals—is far too important to remain shrouded in secrecy with the huge revenue and foreign exchange earnings that come from the sector.

“It is also the sector most vulnerable to corruption, illicit financial flows, and opacity around contracts and revenue allocation.

“This is why NEITI’s reports are not just documents; they are vital instruments for FOI implementation,” she said.

She noted that there had been progress with the FOI Act since 2011 when former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Act into law but added that implementation remained weak.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji said that the FOI Act marked a transformative moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

He proposes an amendment to the FOI Act that introduces sanctions for those who weaponise it through falsehood, blackmail or institutional harassment.

“This law must protect access—and punish abuse. If we do not act, the FOI Act risks losing its moral force and democratic utility”

Orji recommended the enactment of legal penalties for FOI misuse involving false identities, misinformation and blackmail.

On her part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba said that the extractive sector relied heavily on transparency to foster sustainable development.

Jeddy-Agba was represented by Mariah Obafemi in the ministry.

She said: “The extractive industry is doing a lot well in the area of transparency and even in the area of complying with the FOI Act.

“The Attorney-General, by virtue of Section 29 of the Act, is mandated to submit annual compliance reports to the National Assembly.

“I can tell you that the extractive industry is doing well. They’ve been complying over the years,” she said.

Similarly, Programme Manager EU/RoLAC, Dr Emmanuel Uche, called for the deepening of the implementation of the FOI Act in Nigeria.

He urged civil society organisations and non-state actors to join hands again, to revive whistleblower’s laws, witness protection laws and public interest disclosure laws.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda
Defence/Security

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda

173 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s policies and counter the propaganda of terrorists and bandits.

Buratai made the call during his remarks at the 2025 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum on Tuesday in Abuja.

The forum with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement and National Security” was organised by VON with support from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to him citizens engagement and national security is very fundamental, stressing that such has not been formalised over the years.

He gave a narration on how Sweden coordinated its activities which enhanced citizens’ engagement, that led to a national force and that also gave birth to the Navy Seal we have in the world today.

“Citizens engagement is a force multiplier, be it intelligence or cyber activities that affect our nation’s strategic assets and installations. It is important to engage the citizens, especially vibrant youths who are into cyber security.

“It is good to engage them to dispel negative information and counter damaging propaganda by terrorists and bandits. Engaging them will also help in national security.

“Also, citizens should be engaged to support the policies of the government, to counter the propaganda of bandits and terrorists.

“This is because the terrorists and bandits are also in the media space and the social media space.

“And it is good to bring them down, deal with them responsibly so that they will understand that the whole nation is against banditry and terrorism, ” Buratai said.

He commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as “true renewed hope agenda under renewed hope administration”.

Buratai explained that unlike before, the Tinubu-led administration has brought in policies that have a long term effect that would be felt for the betterment of the country.

“Renewed Hope Agenda is fundamental. It is not like a palliative approach. This is a complete departure. And we hope that as time goes on, the impact will be felt and Nigeria will be much better.

“We need a better environment for economic activities to thrive and for the society to grow. I congratulate the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace for organising the forum,” Buratai said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

2nd anniversary: Tinubu ‘ll inaugurate 10 of 17 FCT projects – Wike  
Metro

2nd anniversary: Tinubu ‘ll inaugurate 10 of 17 FCT projects – Wike  

201 total views today

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu will personally inaugurate 10 out of the 17 projects outlined for inauguration to celebrate his second year in office.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike said this after inspecting some of the projects in Abuja on Wednesday.

Wike said that the inauguration of the projects, which would begin on June 10 with the rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC), would last to the end of the month.

He said that Tinubu would inaugurate 10 projects by himself, while Vice President Kashim Shettima would represent Tinubu to commission three projects.

He added that Senate President Godswill Akpabio would also represent Tinubu to inaugurate two projects, while the Speaker of the House of Representatives would follow suit and inaugurate two projects.

He said that some of the projects that would be inaugurated by Tinubu, the Vice President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives would be at the satellite towns

“Mr President has agreed to commission two of the satellite towns projects and then the Vice President and the Senate President.

“So, all of them will have a reason to go to the satellite towns, and let the people see them for the first time.

“The residents are feeling the impact of governance from the federal level and will have the opportunity to see their president and the leadership of the country coming to their domain,” Wike said.

The minister explained that 19 projects were earlier scheduled for inauguration but were reduced to 17 due to time and space.

He added that another arrangement would be made by the FCT Administration to inaugurate the other projects across the FCT.

“We are very happy that Mr President has given an opportunity for us to also contribute to the vision of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“You can see the joy of the children. They are all feeling the impact of Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda”, and that is what it’s supposed to be.

“We are very happy that all the promises we made we have been able to accomplish them.

“Look at the reaction from people and that tells you that if the people are happy, we are also happy,” he said.

Wike commended Tinubu for the continued support to ensure he succeed, adding that while Mr President drives the process, the legislative arm ensures approval of budgets for implementation.

Speaking on the maintenance of the AICC, the minister said that it would be handed over to Julius Berger but under his direct supervision.

“We will have an agreement with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the edifice, and we’ll pay them.

“It is not going to be business as usual where you hand it over to politicians and they do whatever they want to do.

“This time around, it will be under my supervision, and it will be managed and maintained by Julius Berger,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 
Environment

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 

147 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON) has stressed the urgent need for intensive orientation in disaster prevention, readiness and mitigation at national and local level.

The society’s President and Chairman of Governing Board, Dr Abbas Idriss, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

RIMSON’s call followed May 27 downpouri in Mokwa, that led to flooding the following morning, claiming 160 lives so far, with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

Idris attributed the incident to heavy rainfall, poor drainage system, deforestation and land use changes, soil erosion, river overflow and climate change.

Condoling the Nigeria Government, people of the state and the victims, the president advocated strengthening of the state’s early warning system, reforestation programme, community education and land use planning.

He also recommended development of emergency response plans, and strengthened partnership with non-governmental organisations.

These, according to him, will help in strengthening the state preparedness, mitigation and drastically reduce the risk of flooding and improve recovery efforts.

He said the recommendations would also help Niger government to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of future flooding in the state.

At the national level, Idris recommended the creation of the Office of Risk Management of the Federation to coordinate and monitor risk management efforts across the country as a national security issue.

“There is also the urgent need to ensure disaster management agencies at the national, state and local government levels are manned by qualified risk management professionals.

“There is equally the need to upskill and equip all existing disaster management personnels for greater efficiency.

“The federal government also needs to evaluate existing early warning systems, evacuation plans and structural readiness, and review town planning and ensure strict enforcement of violations.

“There is also the urgent need for incorporation of disaster awareness and education into the national educational curriculum and the National Youth Service Corps scheme,” he said.

The president of the society also called for an upward review of budgetary allocations towards disaster prevention and providing relief to survivors.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the aforementioned recommendations would  enhance existing disaster management efforts and proactively reduce the avoidable tragic human and economic losses.

He commended the sustained efforts of all stakeholders, especially NiMet in providing regular weather forecasts.

He reiterated RIMSON’s  commitment to sustained advocacy in promoting risk management awareness and education till it becomes a national culture that results in a more resilient, safe and prosperous nation. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

TAS, organised labour, others want Nigeria’s electoral system overhaul
Politics

TAS, organised labour, others want Nigeria’s electoral system overhaul

200 total views today

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (TAS) and organised labour have unveiled a `National Action Plan on Electoral Reform’ (NASAER), with a call for overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system.

Executive Director of TAS, Dr Sam Amadi, who presented the initiative in Abuja, said that NASAER outlined a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process, ensuring transparency, fairness and inclusivity.

Amadi described NASAER as an initiative by the TAS, the Political Committees of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Other partners are Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

Amadi said that the reform was to guarantee credible, free and fair general elections in 2027 and beyond.

He added that the initiative further demonstrated the commitment of the organisations to electoral justice and deepening of democracy in Nigeria through electoral integrity.

According to him, the initiative is not just on the reform of electoral laws, but on a holistic election management system.

“This will ensure that different agencies and actors in the electoral management ecosystem, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), can effectively and fairly execute the obligations vested on them by law,’’ he said.

Amadi said that experiences of the 2023 general elections and other off-season elections showed the sources of threats to free and fair elections.

He said that recommendations were made on INEC and judiciary on electoral adjudication to engender integrity and transparency.

“The experience showed that without reforming the institutional settings and procedures for electoral management, we cannot have a guarantee for credible and trustworthy elections.

“The TAS and its partners consider that the problems of electoral integrity in Nigeria require a more radical approach and proposed series of strategic actions,” he said.

“The actions must focus on ensuring a new procedure and institutional reforms in electoral management and engendering an electoral jurisprudence that promotes electoral justice.

“By providing strong incentives for electoral managers and electoral adjudicators, that will protect the rights of the people to elect their leaders,” he said.

Amadi said that they also sought legislative reforms on the Electoral Act to expand the appointment clause for the chairman of INEC and other members of the commission.

According to him, the existing order whereby the president appoints the commission’s chairman and members with the Senate confirmation should change.

“The Uwais Committee report recommended that the appointment of the INEC commissioners should be similar to the appointment of judges and that it should be based on a competitive process with a body similar to the National Judicial Council (NJC), put in place.

“In this case, the President merely makes a routine appointment from the list submitted to him, while another body will review such appointments,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

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