The House of Representatives has initiated steps to transfer the authority for conducting local government elections from the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A bill, aimed at amending the Electoral Act of 2022 to give INEC full control over local government elections, passed its first reading last Thursday.

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Titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2022 to Vest INEC with the Power to Conduct Local Government Council Elections and for Related Matters,” the legislation was introduced by Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, along with 24 co-sponsors.

The bill proposes to amend Section 98 (1) of the Electoral Act, which currently gives INEC the responsibility for overseeing elections into area councils under its supervision.

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The new amendment, if passed, would replace the current provision with one that explicitly gives INEC the exclusive mandate to organize local government elections across the country.

According to the bill’s explanatory note, the amendment aims to empower INEC to manage the elections of chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and council members for all local government areas nationwide.

This move has gained traction among lawmakers and various advocacy groups, who argue that state governors exert too much influence over local government elections through SIECs, undermining the democratic process.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed the commission’s readiness to take on the additional responsibility.

In a statement before a Senate and House of Representatives joint committee in July 2024, he confirmed that INEC is capable of handling local government elections, provided the National Assembly amends the law to assign the task to the commission.

Yakubu emphasized that INEC already manages elections for both national and state offices, as well as for the Federal Capital Territory’s area councils, and could easily extend its oversight to all local government elections if given the mandate.

However, for this to happen, an official amendment to the relevant laws is necessary.

Advocates of the bill see this shift as a step toward increasing transparency and accountability in local elections, reducing the potential for political interference at the state level.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the suspension of two senior officers involved in the controversy surrounding crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, while dismissing claims by one of the suspended officers that he had not been formally suspended.

In a viral video, Deputy Controller of Corrections Michael Anugwa denied receiving any suspension notice from the service.

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However, the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, clarified in a statement on Tuesday that the officers were indeed suspended following an audio leak that suggested Bobrisky, sentenced to six months in prison, was housed outside the custodial facility.

Abubakar explained that the suspension letters were issued and properly conveyed to the affected officers, including those overseeing both the Maximum and Medium Custodial Centres at Kirikiri, Lagos, as well as other officers involved in alleged misconduct.

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“The Service considers the viral video as an attempt to mislead the public,” the statement read.

Abubakar also mentioned that three additional officers were suspended for their roles in various offenses, and an investigation is underway to determine their culpability.

He assured the public that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against anyone found guilty in accordance with Public Service Rules and other relevant laws.

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The suspended officers include Deputy Controller of Corrections Sikiru Adekunle, in charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri; Deputy Controller of Corrections Michael Anugwa, in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri; Deputy Controller of Corrections Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi, in charge of the Kuje Custodial Centre, FCT; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Ogbule Samuel Obinna from Ebonyi State.

Abubakar emphasized that the suspension, effective from September 26, 2024, was in line with directives from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), and investigations will continue to ensure accountability.

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, has labeled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a “dead party” and sharply criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its poor handling of Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Speaking during the NNPP’s National Executive Committee meeting on Monday, Kwankwaso expressed concern over the state of the PDP, noting that internal issues have left the party fractured.

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“The party is imploding and is now in pieces. At this point, it’s clear to everyone that the PDP is dead,” he remarked.

Kwankwaso also lambasted the APC for being out of touch with the harsh economic conditions facing Nigerians.

He scored the ruling party poorly, citing failures in addressing security, poverty, and hunger.

Despite these challenges, Kwankwaso highlighted the growth of the NNPP, describing it as the fastest-growing political movement in Nigeria.

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“In the face of adversity, our party continues to expand,” he added, pointing to his visit to Katsina where he noted the NNPP’s rising influence.

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As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, has commended the country’s resilience and strong entrepreneurial drive despite the prevailing economic challenges.

In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the perseverance of Nigerians in the face of tough global and domestic conditions, calling the country one of the most fascinating in the world.

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She wrote, “Despite the difficult times both internationally and nationally, we should recognize that we come from one of the most interesting countries in the world, with some of the most exciting and entrepreneurial people. I’m truly grateful and thank God for this!”

Her remarks came as President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming the economy.

Tinubu assured citizens that efforts were underway to address the rising cost of living and create a more sustainable future for Nigerians.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has reaffirmed that the Local Government Elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, will proceed as planned. Dismissing any legal hindrances, Fubara encouraged political parties, candidates, and the electorate to remain enthusiastic and prepare to elect their new council leaders.

Speaking after inspecting sections of the ongoing N225.1 billion Trans-Kalabari Road project, Fubara assured citizens that there is no lawful barrier preventing the elections from taking place.

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He urged security agencies and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

The governor expressed his confidence in the election process during his visit to the RSIEC complex, where he interacted with Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli and other officials.

Fubara emphasized that RSIEC had received a mandate to hold the election, adding that the government would provide all necessary support to ensure a free and fair election.

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“I’ve been informed of efforts to disrupt activities at RSIEC. Let me make it clear—no one has the right to interfere. The commission belongs to Rivers State, and as governor, I will ensure it functions as intended,” Fubara stated.

On the Trans-Kalabari Road project, Fubara acknowledged some delays but urged the contractors to accelerate work, noting that the project is one of his legacy initiatives.

Despite the challenges posed by the terrain, he expressed commitment to its completion within his tenure.