NEWS
Rigging no longer in vogue with BIVAS, electoral Act – INEC
***Encourages elite to collect PVC, vote
By John Danjum
The use of Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) and the new electoral act has helped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to completely overcome the menace of rigging in the Nigerian electoral process INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has said.
Prof Yakubu who spoke at a Seminar on “2023 and Beyond: Leadership, Politics and Citizens Engagement” organised by the Christen Men Fellowship at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, proudly indicated that BVAS app was developed by INEC engineers.
Prof. Yakubu who was represented at the occasion by Chukeuemeka Ugboaja, Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity (INEC) indicated that another thing that has emboldened INEC to conduct free, fair and credible elections is the new Electoral Act (2022).
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According to Mr. Ugboaja, Section 9 (6) of the Act, which deals with registration of voters empower INEC to end the exercise 90 days to the election, after which the commission “cleans the register”.
He said INEC cannot deregister anyone, but removed those who engaged in double registration, an exercise he referred to as the basis for a credible election”.
Another good thing in the new Act is “electronic transmission of election results from the polling unit”.
Ugboaja said ection 51, which deals with over voting, has now made it a function of the total number of accredited voters and not the total number of registered voters as it used to be. “If 20 voters are accredited to vote at a polling unit and you have 21 ballots in the ballot box the result of that unit is void”.
On declaring reult under duress, he said “the law now empowers INEC to reject such result. He gave the example of Imo senatorial election where this happened in 2019, but the Court ordered INEC to issue certificate to the person. This can no longer happen.
Part of the problem of election, according to INEC has to do with elite in the urban centres who hardly vote in elections.
“I’m happy this seminar is coming from elite (Asokoro) who don’t pick their permanent voters cards (PVC) or vote on election days” adding that “they prefer to read newspaper than to vote”.
He said the commission is ready for the task ahead as it has already successfully carried out 8out of its 14 activities, but quickly added that “the people will elect the leader they want and not INEC”.
Dr. Sam Amadi former Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) who was the keynote speaker told the Christian leaders that it 8s their duty to elect leaders before God will affirm it.
“No matter how much we pry, it is our job as a spiritual exercise to take part in the election as a religious duty”, adding that “when you elect leader, they must be people who look like you, who understand you problem. There is danger in electing people from another class”
In his brief remarks, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, former Federal Permanent Secretary who was Chairman of the occasion greatly congratulate the organisers of the event led by President of the Christian Men Fellowship (CMF) of the Church and by extension the Vicar and leadership of the entire Church for the “foresight and unique sense of responsibility in putting together such a great gathering”.
“Seen from the pedestal of knowledge incubation and dissemination, this seminar, coming at this opportune time in Nigerian history particularly of great worth and significance because the basic building framework for nations and civilization have only been made possible by popular saying that “ideas rule the world”, I must add, as much as God Almighty in whose house we gather today rules over the ideas”.
Mrs. Cesna Nuhu-Aken’Ova, former presidential aspirant on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) said women and people with disability surfer most marginalisation.
“We lose a lot when we exclude women. Our communication must include women and people with disability. To relegate women is unscriptural”, as women played crucial roles in the Bible, she said.
NEWS
Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
NEWS
Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed
Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
NEWS
#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.