Picture of Gov. Nwifuru, 

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved a budget of N518,260,000 for the upcoming Local Government Area elections in the state, scheduled for July 20, 2024.

The approval followed a request from the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) conveyed through Governor Francis Nwifuru.

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The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Odanwa, read the governor’s letter during a plenary session at the Assembly Chambers in Nkaliki.

Hon. Odanwa outlined that the budget will cover expenses such as payment for clerks, Adhoc staff, and pre-election training sessions.

During the plenary, several House members, including Deputy Whip Hon. Arinze Chukwu (Ishelu South), Hon. Onyebuchi Ogbadu (Ivo), and Hon. Esther Agwu (Ohaukwu North), spoke in favor of the proposal.

They emphasized the importance of holding elections to ensure democratic governance at the local level and to avoid appointing unelected individuals as Chairmen and Councillors.

“The election will allow for democratic principles that will promote orderliness and development in the rural areas,” stated one of the members.

Following the deliberations, the Speaker put the motion to a vote, which was unanimously adopted. The motion was moved by Hon. Chikezie Igu (Ohaozara East) and seconded by Hon. Abiri Godwin Abiri (Izzi We

The Speaker instructed EBSIEC to conduct a free, fair, and credible election that reflects the will of the electorate.

He also directed the Clerk of the House to inform the Governor of the approval.

This election aims to ensure the proper transition of power as the terms of the current Chairmen and Councillors are set to expire on September 1, 2024.

Political unrest in Rivers State has led to the resignation of two key commissioners from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet.

The commissioners, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education, and Ben-Golden Chioma, Commissioner for Environment, have both submitted their resignation letters.

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Both commissioners are known to be loyal to Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Their departures underscore the growing factionalism within the state government.

Prof. Mmom submitted his resignation to the Governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, citing a toxic work environment.

In his letter, dated May 15, 2024, Mmom expressed his discontent with the current administration.

“I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Honourable Commissioner for Education with effect from today, the 15th of May, 2024.”

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“It is a truism that a calm, safe, and friendly environment stimulates efficient service delivery and enhanced productivity.”

“However, it is unfortunate to note that my current work space has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me to realize my set targets for the education sector in the state.”

“There is loss of trust, animosity, and sharp division among colleagues in the same cabinet, which is unhealthy and very unfortunate. I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve in your cabinet and wish your administration well,” Mmom stated.

Shortly after, Ben-Golden Chioma also resigned, citing the ongoing political crisis in the state as his reason. His resignation letter, dated the same day, emphasized the political instability and personal reasons for his departure.

“I hereby tender my resignation as the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, the 15th of May, 2024. I want to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the State Executive Council.”

“My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons. It was a privilege to have been of service to you in your administration and I wish you all the best in your tenure,” Chioma wrote.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has expressed deep concern over the failure of both the executive and judiciary branches in upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.

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Speaking at the 5th memorial lecture of Justice Anthony Nnaemeze Aniagolu at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, on Tuesday, Obi urged conscientious Nigerians to join forces to dismantle rascality and ensure the rule of law, which he believes is crucial for the country’s future.

Obi emphasized that Nigeria can only thrive if the rule of law is respected.

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He highlighted that the rule of law is essential for development as it empowers individuals and communities, ensures access to justice, and provides remedies for rights violations.

“The rule of law fosters development by strengthening the voices of individuals and communities, providing access to justice, ensuring due process, and establishing remedies for rights violations,” Obi stated.

He pointed out that businesses struggle to survive in Nigeria due to insecurity and a lack of respect for the rule of law.

“We cannot talk about development when both international and local investors lack an enabling environment for business.”

Obi stressed the necessity of a fair, strong, and independent judiciary for the rule of law to prevail.

He lamented that Nigeria’s current state is a result of the disregard for the rule of law, which discourages business and investment.

“No business will thrive, and no investor will want to invest when you cannot challenge the government if anything goes wrong, and even if you go to court, you cannot get a fair judgment,” he said.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, highlighted the need for individuals like Justice Aniagolu in the judiciary to save Nigeria’s democracy.

He praised Justice Aniagolu as an incorruptible and fair judge, whose legacy should be celebrated and emulated.

“Nigeria needs uncorrupt judges to deliver the country,” Anieke stated. He also noted that Peter Obi was chosen to deliver the lecture due to the relevance of this year’s theme, underscoring the critical need for upholding judicial integrity in Nigeria.

Through this lecture, Obi called for a collective effort to reinforce the rule of law, which he believes is fundamental to building a better future for all Nigerians.

The National Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria has announced a new initiative to verify the documents of political aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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This measure aims to prevent electoral fraud and enhance the credibility of the electoral process.

Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, the Pioneer President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute, made this announcement during a meeting with the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja on Tuesday.

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He emphasized the institute’s commitment to ensuring that all candidates’ documents, including NYSC certificates, tax clearance certificates, and academic qualifications, are thoroughly authenticated before the primary elections.

Dr. Gashinbaki highlighted the necessity of this intervention to avoid embarrassing situations, such as the nullification of the Bayelsa governorship election due to certificate forgery.

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“Politics is too important to be left in the hands of politicians alone,” he stated, underscoring the institute’s role in strengthening the electoral management process.

The institute plans to establish two laboratories dedicated to the verification process, aiming to eliminate the submission of forged or dubious documents by political candidates.

“We’ve had several instances where the deployment of forensic tools could have saved the country from embarrassment and spared the electorate undue stress,” Gashinbaki added.

He pointed to the Bayelsa case as a significant example of the potential impact of their work.

“The election of an elected governor was nullified because of certificate forgery. This shouldn’t have happened. We need to ensure that the people elected by the masses are the ones who actually serve in office.”

The initiative also addresses broader governance issues in Africa, where fraudulent elections can contribute to political instability.

“This is one way to address impunity and improve the recruitment process for political offices, from councilor to president,” Gashinbaki explained.

IPAC Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, welcomed the partnership, viewing it as a crucial step towards resolving the country’s electoral challenges.

“We all agree as Nigerians that we want a better system for all of us,” he said.

He stressed the importance of domesticating solutions to Nigeria’s problems and expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to create a more reliable electoral system.

“This partnership is a welcome development,” Dantalle affirmed.

“It must be encouraged and consolidated to ensure we address the foundational issues of our electoral process and governance.”

By working together, the National Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators and IPAC hope to set a new standard for the verification of candidates’ documents, ultimately fostering a more transparent and trustworthy electoral process for Nigeria.

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Two lawmakers from Abia State, previously elected under the Young Progressives Party (YPP), have defected to the ruling Labour Party (LP).

The legislators, Iheanacho Nwogu and Fyne Ahuama, who represent the Osisioma North and Osisioma South State Constituencies respectively, made their switch official during the plenary session on Tuesday, May 14.

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Before his defection, Nwogu served as the Deputy Whip of the House.

The Speaker, Emmanuel Emeruwa, formally announced their letters of defection to the Labour Party during the session.

In their statements, Nwogu and Ahuama expressed their full support for the administration led by Alex Otti, citing the Labour Party’s commitment to justice and fair play as their primary reason for switching allegiance.

Reports indicate that the YPP had previously suspended both lawmakers due to alleged anti-party activities.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is poised to arraign former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his brother in court on Tuesday.

Both individuals face eight-count charges before Justice Belgore at the FCT High Court in Garki, Abuja.

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Previously, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Sirika, his daughter, and two others in the sum of ₦100 million with two sureties.

This legal action stems from an alleged ₦2.7 billion fraud case against Sirika and his associates.

The conditions for bail set by the court include sureties with landed properties in Abuja and the requirement for them to be responsible citizens, as well as the deposition of an affidavit of means.

Justice Oriji has also placed restrictions on the defendants, prohibiting them from traveling abroad without the court’s permission.

Failure to meet the bail conditions could result in the defendants being remanded in prison custody.

In April, the EFCC detained the ex-aviation minister and questioned him for several days before filing six-count charges against Sirika, his daughter, and two others.

The charges revolve around allegations that Sirika abused his office by awarding a N1.3 billion consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air start-up to Tianero Nigeria Limited, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Additionally, the EFCC accuses Sirika of using his position to confer unfair advantage upon Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, involving his daughter and son-in-law, by influencing the award of a contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,498,300,750.

The charges assert that Sirika’s actions violated Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, rendering him liable to punishment under the same section.