Uncategorized
NAS persuades INEC to participate more with political parties
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pirates Confraternity, has called the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to engage more with political parties and stakeholders in the electoral process.
Mr John Okey, Director, Publicity and Public Relations, NAS, made the call in an interview during the association’s election sensitisation campaign in Abuja, tagged “Our Votes Count” .
The campaign held, under their Citizens Summit initiative, was to reiterate the importance of citizens’ participation in the forthcoming elections.
Reacting to INEC’s regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the elections, Okey said the commission needed to engage with all stakeholders across board.
“I listened to the interview of the INEC Chairman few days ago and he was justifying the electoral guidelines, saying it is for the people and they have decided what is best for the people.
“You do not do that. You need to engage across board. The political parties are actually inspired by stakeholders and they need to be engaged; it is about participation.
“The more people participate in elections, the easier the work is for INEC,” he said.
He also said a survey carried out by the association during several campaigns showed a considerable level of voter apathy, adding that the campaigns organised were to encourage Nigerians to vote.
“This is a follow up to previous campaigns. With this campaign, we are letting people know that their votes must count and it is recorded.
“It is a process and you must take responsibility to make sure that from the beginning to the end, the process is complete,’ he added.
Also speaking, Mr Frank Okafor, National Vice President, Northern Nigeria, NAS, said the campaigns held would be sustained beyond the elections, noting that the association stood as a voice for the voiceless.
“Citizens Summit is an initiative of the NAS where we intend, on a non-partisan basis, to have dialogue with elected officials and with the citizens.
“We have members who are in government on a non-NAS supported political platform; they identify with any political party of their choice and aspire and take position.
“Because they belong to this association, we have a code of conduct that we can hold them accountable beyond the members of the association.
“So we try to build a bridge between promises made by officials and the citizens who the promises were made to; we demand to see results and we continuously engage,” he stressed.
Mr Stanley Nwodo, President of the association, Abuja branch, said that the campaigns were carried out nationwide to ensure that Nigerians were politically aware of the importance of shunning election vices.
“We are going to several places to inform citizens; we printed out flyers; we have jingles in English and Pidgin on the essence of coming out to vote because you cannot complain when you do not vote.
“We want to let citizens know that through their votes, they can hold their leaders accountable,” he said.
Nwodo called on Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the deadline of Feb. 8.
Fabian
Governor Uba Sani has reinstated Christian pilgrimage sponsorship in Kaduna State, ending an 11-year suspension of the programme.
Beneficiaries of the initiative described the move as timely and reassuring, saying it has renewed their confidence in the administration’s commitment to religious harmony and inclusive governance.
The state government had halted sponsorship for Christian pilgrimages more than a decade ago, making the current exercise the first to be conducted since the suspension.
Observers note that the revival of the programme is likely to strengthen interfaith relations and foster greater trust between residents and the state government.
Fabian
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, as Renewed Hope Ambassador and Deputy Director-General for party outreach, engagement, and mobilisation.
The appointment takes immediate effect.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Role Within the APC
As leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu said the appointment reflects Governor Sani’s leadership and organisational capacity.
In his new role, Sani is expected to work closely with the director-general of the Renewed Hope Ambassador initiative and the party’s leadership structure, particularly the APC national chairman. His mandate includes promoting unity, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination across the party’s mobilisation framework.
Focus on 2027 Elections
According to the statement, the President expects the Renewed Hope Ambassador to actively promote and communicate the party’s programmes, policies, achievements, and milestones nationwide.
In a letter conveying the appointment, Tinubu emphasised that the broader objective is to ensure citizens are aware of and understand the APC’s agenda, ultimately rallying support for the party and its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that early preparation would be key to achieving broad national acceptance and electoral success, adding that Sani’s leadership would play a central role in guiding the process strategically.
Fabian
Tension erupted in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as some lawmakers staged a walkout in protest against moves to reconsider the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The crisis followed an executive session convened by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, which failed to resolve disagreements over the proposed reversal of the bill’s earlier passage.
Dispute Over Reversal Motion
The controversy began when Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, moved a motion seeking to rescind the House’s decision on the bill, which had been passed in December.
When Abbas put the motion to a voice vote, the “nays” were reportedly louder than the “ayes.” However, the Speaker ruled in favour of the “ayes,” declaring that the motion had carried — a decision that sparked immediate protests from members.
Executive Session Fails to Calm Tensions
Following the uproar, the House entered a closed-door executive session in an attempt to restore order.
But upon resumption, the situation deteriorated further. Lawmakers stood up and prevented Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu from continuing proceedings. Aggrieved members eventually walked out of the chamber in protest.
Focus on Clause 60(3)
At the heart of the dispute is Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which addresses compulsory electronic transmission of election results.
The protest underscores ongoing divisions within the National Assembly over the future of electronic transmission in Nigeria’s electoral process, with tensions continuing as lawmakers debate the scope and safeguards of the proposed amendment.
Uba Sani Restores Christian Pilgrimage in Kaduna After 11-Year Hiatus
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Appoints Uba Sani as Renewed Hope Ambassador
House of Representatives Members Walk Out Over Electoral Act Dispute
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News12 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader