The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has affirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct local government elections nationwide if provided with the necessary resources.

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He made this statement on Thursday while addressing the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters.

Responding to inquiries from committee members about INEC’s stance on the Supreme Court’s verdict regarding financial autonomy for local governments, Yakubu acknowledged discussions about either unbundling INEC or creating a new federal agency specifically for conducting council polls.

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However, he asserted that INEC has the capacity, competence, and experience to manage local government elections across Nigeria’s 774 councils.

Yakubu supported his claim by citing INEC’s successful conduct of elections in the six Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, as well as its frequent handling of off-season and bye-elections.

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He emphasized that INEC’s consistent execution of federal and state elections demonstrates its capability to oversee council polls.

Yakubu stated, “If this responsibility for conducting local government elections is transferred to INEC, can INEC cope? The answer is yes, INEC can cope. By definition, INEC is the Independent National Electoral Commission. Right now, we handle national elections, state elections, and local government elections.”

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He further explained, “A national electoral commission might be expected to implement only presidential and National Assembly elections. However, we also conduct governorship elections, state assembly elections, and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory. Our track record proves that we can do it. In the FCT, there are six area councils, 62 wards, and councillorship elections. This is one part of the country where INEC has conducted local government elections regularly, ensuring stability and security of tenure.”

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Yakubu noted that no single political party has dominated the FCT, with the six chairmen evenly split between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He highlighted that the FCT councils comprise both urban and rural communities, demonstrating INEC’s experience in conducting elections nationwide.

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He further stated, “In terms of capacity, we can do it, we have been doing it in the Federal Capital Territory. However, if the National Assembly decides to amend the constitution, we need to engage with them for certain amendments to handle additional responsibilities. For instance, will the Federal Government fund the elections for state and local governments?”

Yakubu also mentioned that there is a proposition for a new federal electoral commission for local government elections.

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Some argue against state electoral commissions conducting local government elections in the spirit of federalism but should improve their conduct.

He reminded the committee that the current constitution creates both INEC and state-independent electoral commissions.

Thus, it is up to the National Assembly to amend the law to transfer that responsibility to INEC.

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He reaffirmed, “If that is done, can INEC cope? Yes, we can.”

Yakubu suggested that while INEC should not be unbundled beyond its electoral activities, some responsibilities could be handled by other agencies.

This point has been made by various committees since 2008, including the Justice Mohammed Uwais Commission.

He assured the joint panel that the commission had made adequate arrangements for the two off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States.

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He also noted that INEC had prepared budgets for outstanding by-elections in seven federal and state legislative constituencies.

Additionally, he explained that the agency’s 2024 Budget is being adequately funded by the Ministry of Finance, with monthly releases of N23.3bn out of the N40bn appropriated for the year.

Daily Gazette recalls that the last local government elections conducted by INEC were on December 5, 1998.

Otunba Henry Ajomale, former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, has admitted that losing the 2023 presidential election in the state was a mistake.

Ajomale, who is a loyalist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made this statement during the inauguration of a new branch of the party’s Justice Forum in Isolo, Lagos.

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Ajomale expressed disappointment over the party’s defeat to the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos, emphasizing that such a loss was unprecedented.

He assured that the party would rectify this error and pledged that Tinubu would never lose Lagos again.

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He urged party members to address internal conflicts and prepare for future elections.

Ajomale highlighted the role of the Justice Forum since 1993 in mobilizing support for the party, stressing that despite past rivalries with other factions like Ase, the group remained committed to the party’s progress.

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Addressing the planned nationwide protest on August 1, Ajomale urged party members, especially youths, to avoid participating, recalling the tragic consequences of the #EndSARS protests.

He assured that the Tinubu administration is actively working to alleviate economic hardships and urged patience and unity.

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Ajomale concluded by emphasizing the need for peace and solidarity within the party and encouraged members to focus on advancing the party’s goals while supporting Tinubu’s leadership.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning against the planned nationwide protest set for August 1, 2024, citing concerns over potential violence and chaos.

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In a statement released on Thursday, Dr. Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications for the DSS, revealed that the agency has identified the sponsors of the protest and cautioned them against proceeding with the planned demonstration.

The DSS expressed apprehension that the protest could be hijacked by criminals to incite violence and disrupt public order.

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The statement alleged that the underlying aim of the protest is political, with the intent to undermine the federal and state governments and create instability.

“While peaceful protest is a right, the DSS has uncovered plans by certain individuals to exploit the protest to create unrest and incite violence. These elements seek to use the protest as a means to attack the credibility of the government and push for regime change,” the statement read.

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The DSS disclosed that it has identified key sponsors and financiers behind the protest and is actively employing various conflict resolution and diplomatic strategies to prevent the escalation of the situation.

The agency urged protest organizers to avoid any form of violence and to engage with the authorities through peaceful and constructive channels.

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It also called on leaders across sectors— including civil society, student associations, and religious groups—to reject any invitations to partake in actions designed to incite discord.

The DSS pledged to collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and stability, warning that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent the planned violence.

The statement concluded with a call for unity and peaceful engagement, emphasizing the need to address grievances without resorting to destructive actions.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced a planned vacation from Monday, August 5, 2024, to Friday, September 6, 2024.

The announcement was made during Thursday’s valedictory session in the House, where Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin read the governor’s message in honor of retiring Clerk of the House, Mrs. Yetunde Awe.

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In his letter, Governor Makinde appointed his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, as Acting Governor during his absence.

The letter stated: “In accordance with Section 190, Subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am notifying you that Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal will serve as Acting Governor from August 5, 2024, until my return on September 7, 2024.”

Governor Makinde assured that he will resume his duties on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 24 for the hearing of two motions filed by the Edo Government and the House of Assembly challenging the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as deputy governor.

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Justice James Omotosho set the date in response to motions submitted by the state’s Attorney General (AG), represented by Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and the House of Assembly, represented by Ken Mozia, SAN.

In his motion dated July 18, AG Iyamu requested the court to stay the execution of the July 17 judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024, which reinstated Shaibu. He also sought an injunction to prevent the respondents from enforcing the judgment until the appeal is decided.

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Similarly, in a motion filed on the same date, Mozia, on behalf of the Edo lawmakers, requested an order to suspend the judgment and restrain Shaibu from acting as deputy governor or attending any official functions until the appeal is resolved.

Both applicants argued that their appeal, filed on July 18, raises significant legal questions, particularly concerning the court’s jurisdiction over the matter.

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They contended that their right to appeal would be compromised if their applications were not granted and that allowing Shaibu to resume his duties would disrupt the state’s governance, especially given his recent support for the opposition All Progressives Congress

The South East Renewed Hope Ambassadors (SERHA) have advised the people of the South-East against participating in the planned #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.

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The group emphasized that if there is to be any protest, it should be focused on the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), whom they consider the only true Nigerian still in detention.

In a statement signed by its leaders, including President, Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu, Vice President Barr. Dr. Ugochukwu Ugwu, Secretary General Comrade Nwogba Morgan N., Youths President Hon. Joseph Odumuko, and Imo State leader Hon. Mrs Lovett Emere, SERHA disassociated itself from the planned nationwide protest.

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They warned that such protests could further destabilize the already fragile security situation in the South-East.

SERHA’s statement, titled “August 1st Protest: South East Renewed Hope Ambassadors Disassociates Self,” cautioned against participating in protests that might exacerbate unrest in the region.

The group reminded the people of the South-East’s past experiences of marginalization and violence, particularly the devastation of the Nigerian Civil War, and urged them to avoid actions that could lead to further suffering.

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The statement highlighted the South-East’s historical struggles, noting that the region had endured significant hardships without national solidarity.

SERHA recalled the impact of the #ENDSARS protests in October 2020, which they said had severe negative consequences for the South-East and the entire nation.

The group reiterated that the region is still recovering and should avoid involvement in any protest that could worsen the security situation.

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SERHA urged the people to support the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate economic hardships, citing initiatives such as the Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles procurement, the Student Loan Scheme, distribution of agricultural inputs, the new National Minimum Wage Bill, local government autonomy, and the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).

They also mentioned the progress towards creating a sixth state for the South-East, Etiti State.

The group called on youth bodies, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and market leaders across the South-East to join them in discouraging participation in the nationwide protest and to promote peace and national unity.

SERHA emphasized the importance of patience and resilience, supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as it works to strengthen institutions for growth and development.

“We have no reason to join any protest unless it is for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement concluded, urging those pushing for the protest to reconsider in the best interest of Nigeria.

An Abia State High Court in Bende has issued an order restraining the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its scheduled congresses to elect new officers at the state, local government, and ward levels.

The congress was set to begin on July 27, 2024, with the election of ward executives from 184 wards across the state.

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The ruling came from a suit filed by Francis Etuzu, Chidindu Kalu Kalu, and Enyinnaya Ogbu (Claimants/Applicants) against the PDP, its national chairman, national financial secretary, national organizing secretary, and national legal adviser (defendants).

The court barred the PDP from proceeding with or rescheduling the congresses until the motion on notice is heard and determined.

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Justice C.U. Okoroafor, presiding over the case, also restrained the PDP from extending the already expired tenure of the previous state, local government, and ward executive officers pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The court’s order allowed the claimants to serve the originating summons and other legal documents to the defendants in Abuja, outside Abia State, either directly or by posting them at the PDP headquarters in Wadata Plaza, FCT, Abuja.

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The order explicitly stated, “The defendants are hereby restrained from holding or rescheduling the PDP party congress in Abia State on 27-07-2024 or any other date pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed.

They are also restrained from extending the expired tenure of the last state, local government, and ward executive officers of the PDP in Abia State until the motion on notice is resolved.”

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The court has adjourned the matter to July 30, 2024, for a report on service.

In response, the PDP, through its Acting State Publicity Secretary, Elder Amah Abraham, claimed that the restraining order was obtained by individuals who had resigned from the party before the 2023 general elections.

Abraham announced that the party’s legal department is taking steps to challenge what he described as an “unjust restraining order.”

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Abraham warned that the PDP is prepared to confront those attempting to undermine the party.

“It is time to expose the common enemies of our party, and we will not back down from this fight,” he declared.

The PDP is resolute in its decision to address the legal challenges and ensure the continuity of its party activities in Abia State.

Chief Ralph Nwosu, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has vowed that his party members will take part in the upcoming protest against economic hardship in Nigeria, despite warnings from security agencies and government officials.

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Speaking at the inauguration of a new party secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State, Nwosu described the planned protest as a response to the frustration Nigerians are experiencing under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

He criticized President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration, calling it an “economic disaster,” and emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental part of democracy.

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Nwosu stressed that ADC members, like other Nigerians, are suffering from the severe economic conditions caused by what he termed the APC’s ineptitude.

He warned the Federal Government and its security agencies against using threats or force to suppress the protest, stating that intimidation would not solve Nigeria’s economic problems.

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“The prevailing hunger and hardship in the country are the true drivers of the protest,” Nwosu asserted.

“Threats won’t work. People are already mobilized because they are hungry. Those who are down are not afraid of falling.”

He lambasted the APC for its poor economic policies, accusing the party of prioritizing money-sharing over wealth creation.

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Nwosu predicted that the ADC would rescue Nigeria from the cycle of bad governance, which he said began with the PDP and continues under the APC.

“In 2027, ADC will be 27 years old and our flag will be hoisted in Aso Rock and most of the 36 states,” Nwosu declared, urging party members to remain committed to their mission to rebuild Nigeria.

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He promised rapid transformation and youth inclusiveness under ADC leadership.

Nwosu described Tinubu’s economic policies as a “palliative economy” and criticized the administration for being out of touch with the realities faced by Nigerians.

He blamed Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy without consultation, exacerbating the country’s economic woes.

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The ADC Chairman condemned the government’s extravagant spending, citing the N21 billion renovation of the Vice President’s residence and the purchase of vehicles for National Assembly members at N150 million each, as well as the N94 billion spent on pilgrimage.

He argued that these expenditures have had no positive impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“Despite the worsening starvation in the land, the Tinubu-led administration continues to spend without restrictions,” Nwosu lamented.

“The Tinubu government is living on a false foundation.”

The inauguration ceremony saw a large turnout of ADC members from across the state, demonstrating their support for the party’s stance and readiness to participate in the upcoming protest.