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Hon Ossai Nicholas Ossai Dumps PDP, Joins APC

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3 weeks ago

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Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai
By Amb. Chibuzo Okereke
In a significant political shift, former three-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, has announced his departure from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ossai, who represented the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State from 2011 to 2023, made the move after reflecting on his political vision and the path he believes best serves the development of his constituents, Delta state, and the nation.
Hon. Ossai served in various leadership roles during his time in the National Assembly. He was the Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges in the 8th Assembly and also chaired the House Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements in the 9th Assembly.
His political career, however, was disrupted when forces opposed to his rising political stature conspired and stopped him at the PDP primary elections in 2022. This action, allegedly spearheaded by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other stakeholders marked a turning point in Ossai’s political journey.
In a statement announcing his exit from the PDP, Ossai stated that he could no longer recognize the party he had been a part of since 1998, as it had become rudderless, cantankerous, envious and lacked direction. He said, “After due reflection and consultation with my family, political leaders, followers, and associates, I formally submit my resignation from the PDP and accept the patriotic call to join the largest progressive family in Africa, the APC.”
Known as a well-established political stronghold and a chronic grassroots organizer, Hon. Ossai has built and sustained several influential political organizations over the past two decades.
His unwavering connection to the grassroots and his widespread influence in Ndokwa politics have made him a force to be reckoned with. Ossai’s legacy as a leader who has shaped political discourse at the local and national levels has endeared him to many in Ndokwa land and Nigeria.
His joining the APC is seen as a move that will bring the party even closer to Ndokwa nation and strengthen its presence in Delta State.
The former lawmaker emphasized his commitment to good governance, stating that his decision to switch parties is motivated by his desire to work with those who share his vision of compassionate, inclusive, and transformational leadership.
“I joined politics to work with forces of positive change, to uplift the voiceless, and to attract development for Ndokwa nation, Delta state, and Nigeria,” he said. “I strongly believe in sustainable development that will benefit generations yet unborn.”
Throughout his tenure in the National Assembly, Ossai was known for his extensive knowledge of legislative practices and his capacity to navigate complex parliamentary procedures to attract development to his constituency and in solving national issues, earning him the nickname “Legislative Institution” from his colleagues.
His political journey, which seemed destined for continued growth, was ultimately interrupted by what he referred to as “antagonistic and envious political forces.” Despite this setback, Ossai remains committed to his principles of service and development.
Ossai’s decision to join the APC, he claims, aligns with his dedication to the common good and national development. Reflecting on the role of political parties in shaping the nation’s future, he stated, “Politics and political party systems are not just vehicles for power but are organizations that shape the philosophy of national development.”
The shift has sparked significant reactions in both PDP and APC circles. Even critics have acknowledged that Hon. Ossai was not treated fairly by the small group of people in PDP leadership who were at the time intoxicated with power, considering his over two decades of contributions to the party’s development in Delta State and Nigeria. His move to APC is seen as a strategic step to continue his advocacy for his people and to push for the growth and transformation of the Ndokwa nation and the nation at large.
With this bold political step, Ossai aims to continue his fight for the upliftment of his people and the progress of the nation, aligning with the APC’s focus on transforming Nigeria into a more inclusive and progressive society anchored on the Renewed Hope Administration.
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Politics

IPU cannot consider Natasha’s petition – Jimoh Ibrahim

Published

1 day ago

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March 14, 2025

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Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Inter-parliamentary Committee, remarked that the purported petition from the suspended Senator Natasha is “dead on arrival.”

He emphasised that Nigeria, rather than Senator Natasha, is the member of the IPU.

A petition can only be lodged against another member state by a member state.

This implies that the IPU cannot consider petitions from individuals who are not members.

The suspended Senator Natasha is not a member of the IPU, but Nigeria is!
Additionally, the suspended Senator cannot represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I served as the interim president of the IPU in Geneva in 2023, and I am familiar with how the IPU operates after presiding over its proceedings.

Furthermore, as Chairman of the Inter- parliamentary Committee in the Nigerian Senate, I did not approve or authorise the suspended Senator Natasha to attend the IPU on behalf of Nigeria to the Senate President.”

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Senate moves to establish Early Voting for Nigerians on essential duties during elections …..As Bill scales 2nd reading 

Published

1 day ago

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March 14, 2025

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By George Mgbeleke
The Senate on Thursday passed to second reading a Bill to amend the Electoral Act to provide opportunity for Nigerians on essential duties to perform their civic duties.
The Bill sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz zMusa Yar’adua seeks to amend the Electoral Act tagged “Electoral Act(Amendment -Early Voting Bill) 2024.

Senate in session in the chamber

In his lead debate Senator Yar’adua noted that the Bill seeks to enfranchise a significant group of Nigerians who, due to the nature of their duties on election days, are denied the opportunity to exercise their most fundamental democratic right; the right to vote.
He said,”This very important bill seeking to introduce early voting in the Electoral Act 2022 to enhance the inclusion, participation and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, and for related matters, was read for the first time on Wednesday, the 15th day of May  2024.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, due to the far-reaching nature of this Bill, let me crave your indulgence to extensively highlight the background, which I believe will not only provide a proper context for this legislative initiative but also motivate this hallowed chamber to accelerate the legislative process in enacting the Bill.
“Background and Rationale
In any democratic process, equal opportunity must be given to all citizens to participate in elections regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, occupation or socioeconomic status. This ensures the true reflection of the will of the people thereby enhancing the stability of the democratic process. Unfortunately, a huge number of Nigerians who are involved in making Nigeria’s elections a success are excluded from the crucial decision-making of choosing their leaders through the ballot.”
The lawmaker further observed that,”Over one million citizens who play critical roles in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections are disenfranchised.
” These include INEC officials, including ad-hoc staff, the security personnel, journalists, observers and others who work on election day to uphold the integrity of the process are effectively denied their right to vote because they are deployed to polling units far from where they registered. This is an irony that should not be lost on us, and this bill seeks to correct that by making provision for early voting for such citizens.
“Mr President, Distinguished Colleagues, this exclusion has characterised all elections in the Fourth Republic and became more alarming in the 2023 General Elections with over 1 million ad-hoc staff, 310,973 police personnel, 93,495 military and Department of State Service (DSS) personnel, 51,000 personnel from the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), 21,000 from the Federal Road Safety Corps, 11,336 from the Nigeria Correctional Service, 9,447 from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency and 350 personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission who were actively engaged in election activities were disenfranchised. Similarly, the Independent National Electoral Commission reported that 144,800 observers were deployed by 196 national and domestic organisations, with the implication that those citizens were also unable to vote. This is in addition to journalists and others involved in elections in various capacities. The number of those excluded from voting could change the outcomes of election results.”
Continuing he said,”Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, the figures highlighted above makes this bill a necessity to address the ‘disenfranchisement’ of eligible voters. As lawmakers, it is our duty to ensure that every Nigerian citizen, regardless of their profession or duty on election day, has the opportunity to participate fully in the electoral process. Incorporating early voting in our electoral legal framework shall strengthen universal adult suffrage as our Constitution guarantees every eligible Nigerian the right to vote.
” Furthermore, this Bill strengthens democratic values as democracy thrives when participation is broad, inclusive, and representative. By preventing those on election duty from voting, we are limiting the breadth of participation and undermining the very principles of democracy.
“Distinguished Colleagues, here are the highlights of the bill:
Provision for eligibility and registration of early voters:  Political parties will receive a list of registered early voters to ensure transparency.
Eligible individuals include security personnel, electoral officials and those deemed eligible by the commission who must apply 30 days before the early voting date (Clause 44A (2)-(6)).
“Implementation and Voting Procedure.
A designated early voting date will be set, not more than 7 days before the general election (Section 44A (1)).
Voting centers will be established in every ward, with early votes counted on the official election day (Section 44A (10)-(17))Cross-Country Survey.”
The Lawmaker noted  that early voting has been part of the electoral legal frameworks in other jurisdictions with its attendant huge success stories in promoting voter participation, reducing election day pressure, and increasing accessibility.
” In the United States, early voting varies by State, with some states allowing a few days to several weeks (up to 45 days) in advance of election day. In Australia, early voting starts about 2-3 weeks before the election, with the 2019 federal election recording 40% of voters that cast their ballots early. In Canada, early voting takes place 12 days before election day allowing voters greater flexibility. In Germany, Postal voting is initiated four to six weeks before the election, enabling voters to participate ahead of time.
“Distinguished Colleagues, it is interesting to note that early voting has also gained traction in several African countries as a tool to improve electoral efficiency, increase voter turnout, and enhance inclusivity, especially for marginalized groups. In South Africa, the Independent Electoral Commission allows early voting 2 days before the general election for individuals such as the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, security forces, and those working on Election Day.
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Politics

No Individual Bigger Than PDP, Says Diri

Published

2 days ago

on

March 13, 2025

By

PDP zonal caretaker C'ttee members with Gov Douye Diri (2nd from the Rt)

By David Owei ,Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was bigger than any individual and that its internal challenges would be fixed once the members resolve to tackle them.

Speaking to journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday after the inauguration of the party’s South-South zonal caretaker committee led by Elder Emma Ogidi, the Bayelsa Governor said the political will to confront those fomenting trouble in the party resided with the members and not solely on the leadership.

Diri, who is also Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, stated that for the party to be competitive as the oldest in the country, it must look inwards and fix its internal issues.

He said: “For me, we have to look inwards before accusing those outside our party. We have to first fix our internal issues.

“It is very easy to point accusing fingers. But the PDP has to sit back and tackle its internal challenges. That is only when we can stand to compete with others.

“I want the PDP to be competitive with other political parties. We are the oldest political party in Nigeria. So we have no reason to be accusing outsiders.”

On whether the party’s leadership had the political will to discipline those fomenting trouble, Governor Diri averred that such will resided with the members.

“We are all members of the party. The moment we all resolve that we need to fix our party, there cannot be any one person that is bigger than the party.”

He stressed that the newly inaugurated zonal caretaker committee had the mandate of the National Working Committee to look into every issue affecting the party in the South-South.

The Bayelsa helmsman expressed the hope that the event was a step forward for the party.

“In our zone, which is the only area in the country you have four governors of the party, we have all resolved and are together on this. You can see the deputy governor of Delta State, who represented the governor. I have also received messages from the governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers. It shows that we are together and what we need to do is to show leadership and work with the zonal committee so that our zone will again become safe and strong for the PDP.”

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