Uncategorized
Tinubu lacks power to appoint RSIEC officials -Group
By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi
A Civil Rights Group, the Center for Reform and Public Advocacy has said that President Bola Tinubu lacked the constitutional power to appoint officials for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the purpose of conducting local government election.
Consequently, the group has asked the Senate not to give approval to the nominees of the President for appointment as chairman and members of the Electoral Commission.
The group claimed that only state governors are empowered to do so and that giving approval to the presidential nominees by the Senate would amount to flagrant breach of the 1999 Constitution.
It threatened to take legal action against the Senate should approval be granted to the President’s nomination.
In a letter to the Senate President, the group claimed that there was no vacancy for President Tinubu to fill in the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission at the moment on the ground that tenure of those legally appointed into the Commission has not lapsed.
In the letter received in the Senate President’s Office on June 17, the group claimed that Tinubu has no constitutional power or power under any law to appoint electoral officers for Rivers or any states in the country to conduct council polls.
The group’s letter, signed by its Head, Legal Unit, Barrister Kalu Agu Kalu, maintained that it was unlawful and illegal for Tinubu to have sought to appoint electoral officers for the purpose of conducting election for local governments in Rivers.
The letter read in part, “We are a non-profit, pro-democracy, human rights, anti-corruption and public interest advocacy organization in Nigeria.
“In line with our objectives, we respectfully wish to bring to your notice that there is no vacancy at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
“This letter is predicated on the misguided letter from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to you, requesting the approval for the appointment of a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
“It is worthy of note that by virtue of sections 197 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) it is the exclusive reserve of the Governor of Rivers State to appoint the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission which is subject to confirmation by a resolution of the House of Assembly of Rivers State.
“It is common knowledge that RSIEC has been duly constituted and has been discharging its constitutional and statutory mandate as envisaged by the grundnorm, the latest of its activity being the conduct of the 5th October, 2024, Rivers State Local Government Election which the Apex Court nullified.
“The procedures for the removal of the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission are clearly spelt out in section 201(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered).
“One, therefore, wonders the rationale behind the letter from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking the approval of the Senate for the appointment of the Chairman and six members of the RSIEC when their tenure of office is still subsisting and no one has seen any resignation letter from them.
“Arising from the above, we respectfully urge you to halt the process of confirming the names of the said nominees from the President as there is no vacancy at the RIvers State Independent Electoral Commission.
“Take Notice that in the event you fail to heed to our demand within two days of receipt of this letter, we shall approach the court for an order of injunction restraining you from going on with the process of confirming the said nominees as same is not only unconstitutionally but illegal, unlawful and an affront to the tenets of democracy.
“We are hopeful that you will allow wise counsel prevail in the circumstance so as to avert unnecessary litigation and waste of public funds which are used to sustain your proceedings in the Senate,” the letter warned.
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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.
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Minna Lack of Sensitisation responsible for transporting small arms and light weapons to criminal gangs-Enanch and offi officials
By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna
The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.
Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.
This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.
The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.
He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.
Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.
Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.
Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.
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