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Statutory Delegates will participate in parties’ primaries next year – Akpabio …tells NBA to weed out quacks in the legal profession
By George Mgbeleke
Strong indication emerged Monday that the 2022 electoral act will be amended for inclusion of statutory delegates in political parties’ primaries , slated for next year ahead of 2027 general election .
The President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio disclosed this in Abuja while having in audience the National leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA) who he admonished to weed out quacks from the legal profession.
According to him omission of statutory delegates from primaries of political parties in the 2022 electoral act was a costly mistake that must be corrected before the next round of general elections .
He said : There were defects in the last Electoral Act that was amended. So, we want to cure some of the defects that we found in our electoral system. I can tell you one.
“Without any particular intention of the Parliament, in the 2023 elections and the 2022 primaries, we inadvertently, created what I may call super-delegates.
” Because all the statutory delegates, starting from the President, the Vice President, the Governors, Deputy Governors, the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, members of Parliament, National, Sub-National, Chairman of Councils, and all, were omitted as delegates .
” These are areas that we think we can look at in order to make our democracy more participatory. Because democracy is all about number.
” We ended up at a national level bringing out the President, we had about 2,380, because we had 3,000 people in each of the local government areas, was omitted from the amendment it meant that all others unless you contested to be an ad hoc delegate you are not welcome at the primaries to select flag bearers of the legislative houses governorship and then of course flag bearer of the presidential conventions in all the political parties across the country .
” We shall also look at the powers that we gave to INEC because at the time it looked as if INEC was the last arbiter as to who decides who is a candidate and not the political parties, so we now have to look up to INEC to decide whether to take the name or not to take the name and I believe strongly that the political parties should have the power to select its candidates that will best serve its manifestos and has the integrity to represent its people and has a track record of performance to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people so these are areas that we are looking at in the electoral act ” .
He however admonished leadership of NBA to weed out quacks from the legal profession who according to him , are among very senior members of the bar who were never called to the bar .
In his earlier remark, the National President of NBA , Afam Osigwe ( SAN), told the Senate President that the National Assembly should in the ongoing constitution amendment , bring about justice sector reform in the country .
He cited example of one of the quacks he caught at the Igbosere Magistrate court in Lagos in the early 1990s , having earlier known the quack to have read History in University of Calabar where he read Law .
Wives of Nigerian Senators, have commiserated with one of their members Hajia Laila Barau, over the death of her mother, Mrs Nelda Mohammed, describing it as an “irreplaceable loss.”
A condolence message signed by the President, Senators Wives Association of Nigeria (SEWAN) Dr (Mrs) Unoma Godswill Akpabio, and made available to newsmen in Abuja, reads:
“We, the Senators’ Wives Association of Nigeria, extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. This irreparable loss undoubtedly brings immense grief to you and your family.
“We also commiserate with the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau and the entire family over her demise and prays for her soul to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
“May the memories of your mother’s love, wisdom, and legacy bring you strength and comfort during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with you, sharing in your sorrow and offering our deepest sympathies and may Almighty Allah grant her Jannatul Firdaus.
Dr. Mrs. Unoma Akpabio
President, Senators’ Wives Association of Nigeria.
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2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.
The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.
Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.
General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.
He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.
> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards
By Our Correspondent
Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh has been conferred with two Awards by the Institute of Professional Economists and Management Policy (IPEPM) tagged ‘ Excellent Leadership Award and Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award”.
Receiving the Awards today in his office, Engr. Momoh, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reiterated that true governance is about leaving a lasting legacies.
He further said “My track record speaks for itself and is a testament to the awards I have received “.
He used the opportunity to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and resilience in ensuring the holistic development of the country.
According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development is a bold step to integrate all Regional Development Commissions under one coordinated umbrella.
The Ministér said that the recognition bestowed upon him further reinforces his commitment to service and to impact mankind.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode, said the courtesy visit was to present the prestigious Awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contribution to regional and national Development, as well as to seek partnership in strategic training programmes.
Senator Yar’Adua dumps APC …says party derails from original ideals,selfish, corrupt
By Our Correspondent Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ),...
Senator Yar’Adua dumps APC …Says its derails from its original ideals, selfish, stinkingly corrupt
By Our Correspondent Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress ( APC...
Akpabio bags prestigious international Peace award
By George Mgbeleke President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has been honoured with the International Peace Award by the...
2027: Otuaro Urges Niger Delta Ex-agitators To Shun Desperate Politicians Planning Mischief ••• Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment To Region
By David Owei, The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has appealed to ex-agitators in the...
New Champion Emerges in Gov Diri National Scrabble Championship. …Gov Diri Reaffirms Administration’s Commitment to Hosting 2028 National Sports Festival
By David Owei Adebola Samuel of Ogun State has emerged winner of the Masters category in the 5th Governor...
INEC Reiterates Continuous Voters Registration In Bayelsa, – Warns Against Underage and Double Registration
By David Owei,Bayelsa The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Bayelsa state on Monday said they are fully prepared for the...
Group urges Gov AbdulRazaq to sign death penalty on Bello, a student killer
By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi A non-governmental organization dedicated to peace, stability and good governance in the country, the Muslim Media Watch...
LP faults INEC over exclusion from August 16 AMAC Bye-Elections …says decision is unlawful and abuse of power
By David Owei,Bayelsa The leadership of the Labour Party has faulted the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)...
Senators’ Wives Commisserate With Colleague Over Mother’s Demise
Wives of Nigerian Senators, have commiserated with one of their members Hajia Laila Barau, over the death of her...
Group raises alarm over use of Magistrate, Area Courts against political opponents in Kebbi
By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi A civil rights group, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, has raised an alarm over alleged...
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