Politics |

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 IFMNEWS

Police Take Over Rivers Assembly As Lawmakers Hold Separate Sittings

The turmoil within the Rivers State House of Assembly persists, with the police again assuming control of the complex on Tuesday. Allegedly, members loyal to opposing factions conducted separate sessions at different locations.

At the entrance of the assembly complex, four police patrol vans were observed, and the movement of people and vehicles along the Moscow Road Axis was restricted. An Armored Personnel Carrier patrolled the road, with numerous armed operatives strategically positioned.

The rationale behind the heightened security measures remains unclear, although reports indicate that some lawmakers convened on Tuesday. House Speaker Martin Amaewhule, leading a group of 25 lawmakers, reportedly discussed the suspension of the strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria. They also urged the State Commissioner for Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the Assembly's explosion that damaged the chamber and various properties.

Simultaneously, lawmakers under the leadership of factional Speaker Edison Ehie expressed confidence in Governor Siminalayi Fubara during their session. They commended the governor for his developmental strides and security initiatives to maintain peace in the state.

In a statement signed by Legislative Aide Ken Uchendu, Ehie remarked that it takes a visionary leader to guide development for the people's benefit. The faction pledged ongoing support for the governor's consolidation and continuity agenda.

The lawmakers condemned the recent attack on Ehie's residence and the burning of the House of Assembly. They called on the governor to expedite rehabilitation efforts and urged the Inspector General of Police and other security apparatus to investigate the incidents and apprehend those responsible.

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 IFMNEWS

We’ll Make It Mandatory For INEC To Upload Results – Senate

The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters has announced its intention to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish election results online.

Speaking with Channels TV on Tuesday, the committee chairman, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, explained that the existing law does not obligate INEC to upload results, but the committee is actively working on amending the legislation.

Senator Alli stated, "That is one of the things that we are going to do. Under the current law, INEC doesn't need to upload results, that is what the court has said. But as we are going forward, it is going to be mandatory."

In addition to this proposed change, the committee is considering various electoral reforms. Alli mentioned that they suggest the resolution of all pre-election matters before the election and enhancing election technology.

"We looked at elections and election petitions. Regarding legislation about election petitions, we think all pre-election matters are resolved before the election. We are also looking at a situation where election petitions are concluded before swearing in," explained Alli.

The committee is contemplating establishing a specific timeframe for filing and concluding election petitions to prevent individuals from being sworn in while disputes are ongoing. Alli highlighted that this consideration addresses the issue of off-cycle elections, which could have been avoided if election petitions were resolved before the swearing-in ceremony.

Furthermore, the committee is focusing on developing and improving election technology. Senator Alli acknowledged the past disappointment with using the IReV and assured that efforts will be made to ensure that INEC addresses any technological challenges in the future.

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 IFMNEWS

Lagos State Government Justifies Purchase Of ₦440 Million SUV For Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Of Staff

The Lagos State Government has offered a defense and rationale for allocating ₦440,750,000 for acquiring a new Lexus LX 600 bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicle for the Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The justification comes in response to inquiries raised by Funso Doherty, the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress, who questioned the budgetary allocation for the extravagant vehicle, among other notable expenses, on the state's procurement portal.

In his letter to the State Government, Doherty criticized the excessive amount allocated for the vehicle, deeming it incongruent with the country's current economic climate. He urged thorough scrutiny of the procurement, emphasizing the need to align such expenses with the people's needs and ensure value for money.

Doherty's concerns resonated with the public, prompting calls for the state government to elucidate the controversial expenditures listed on the procurement portal. Responding to these queries on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, the Lagos State Government, in a press release signed by Fatai Onafowote, the Director General of the Lagos State Procurement Agency, justified the expenses, asserting that they are in harmony with the prevailing economic conditions in the country.

The statement specifically emphasized that the decision to purchase a ₦440 million SUV for the Chief of Staff's office aligns with economic realities. Notably, in June, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the appointment of Tayo Ayinde as his Chief of Staff.

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 IFMNEWS

Atiku Accuses Tinubu, APC Of Undermining Democracy

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the previous election, has levelled accusations against President Bola Tinubu and the All-Progressives Congress (APC), alleging the employment of clandestine strategies to subvert democracy.

In a statement released Monday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku drew parallels between President Tinubu's tactics during his tenure as governor in Lagos and the current administration's efforts to weaken opposition and transform the nation into a one-party state.

Atiku pointed fingers at the judiciary, asserting that it has willingly become a tool in the hands of the ruling party, characterized by a "cash and carry" approach. Expressing concern, he noted that states where controversial court decisions have been made are predominantly controlled by opposition parties, suggesting a trend of favourable outcomes for the ruling party through the judicial system.

The former vice president emphasized the alarming signs that challenge confidence in the electoral and judicial systems, indicating a compromised democracy. He criticized the ruling party for adhering to an ideology of 'snatch, grab, and run away with power.'

Highlighting the Plateau governorship election petition as a confirmation of threats made by an APC lawmaker in a viral video, Atiku urged individuals of good conscience to unite in safeguarding democracy from what he termed as "buccaneering power grabbers."

While acknowledging the familiarity of these tactics, particularly in Lagos, where Tinubu holds influence, Atiku recounted instances where opposition was stifled and even judges compelled to join the ruling party. He cited examples of opposition members facing intimidation and legal challenges, only to see charges dropped upon defection to the APC.

Atiku questioned the consistency and fairness of the judiciary, pointing out discrepancies in court decisions based on the political parties involved. He raised concerns about election cases where the order of declaration seemed to favour the APC, leading him to query the impartiality of the process.

In conclusion, Atiku expressed the need for individuals of goodwill to unite in a common patriotic purpose to counteract what he views as a threat to the nation's democratic values.

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