By GeorgeMgbeleke

The Senate on Thursday at a committee of the Whole screen and confirm the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as National Chairman, Independent National ElectoralCommission((INEC).

Prof Amupitan entered the Senate Chamber at 12:50 p.m. after a motion by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), to suspend Order 12 and allow the nominee into the chamber and was grilled for about three hour having fielded questions from majority of senators at the plenary on Thursday.
Having been given the floor to answer questions from lawmakers, INEC Chairman-Elect gave these assurances:

“Mr. President, distinguished senators, the concern raised by Senator Sita is indeed a major one — and it reflects the worry of many Nigerians. One of the first things we must do at the Commission is to establish a credible internal mechanism to monitor the conduct and behavior of officials.

“I am taking this position on trust, and those who will work with me must also recognize that they are holding the trust of the Nigerian people. To maintain integrity, I intend to set up an Ethics and Compliance Committee within INEC to audit reported cases of misconduct.

“There have been numerous reports of electoral malpractice in the past, some of which were never properly addressed. In some instances — such as in Bayelsa and Adamawa States — a few offenders were prosecuted and even convicted. We intend to follow through on such cases to ensure accountability.”

Continuning he said, “I believe there is a need for legislative support, and we will collaborate with the National Assembly to strengthen the legal framework. For instance, there is an urgent need for an Electoral Offences Commission that can effectively investigate and prosecute electoral crimes. The current system lacks sufficient capacity for that.

“We plan to develop a system that can detect, investigate, and prosecute misconduct — supported by forensic methods when necessary — and strengthen INEC’s internal disciplinary process to ensure that all those involved in wrongdoing are brought to justice.

“We may also introduce a whistleblower policy within INEC to encourage people to report malpractices without fear of victimization.”

On the issue of security and logistics, Prof said ” I recognize that these are major challenges due to the size and diversity of our country. We will work closely with the Joint Committee on Election Security to enhance protection of materials, personnel, and voters — especially in high-risk areas.

“We will also invest more in logistics and technology to ensure that every part of Nigeria is adequately reached. If necessary, we can deploy innovations — such as drones and other secure means — to guarantee that election materials reach their destinations. No voter will be left behind. That will be our guiding principle.

“In terms of voter and civic education, INEC will carry out its mandate under Section 2 of the Act more aggressively. We will embark on extensive civic and voter education campaigns to enlighten Nigerians about their rights and responsibilities. This will include capacity-building not only for INEC staff but also for all election stakeholders — political parties, their members, civil society groups, and the electorate at large.”

On the issue of court decisions and technological systems, INEC Chairman-Elect noted, “there has been confusion over certain innovations introduced by INEC, such as the electronic collation system.

“The Supreme Court has clarified some of these matters. When we assume office, we will assess the infrastructure on ground, review the technology, and adopt the best approach that enhances transparency and credibility in elections.

“Regarding timelines and inconsistencies in the Electoral Act, I acknowledge that some provisions contradict each other. We will work to harmonize these timelines to remove ambiguity. A clear and consistent electoral timetable will help to build public confidence and reduce post-election disputes.

“Our ultimate goal is to make elections so credible that even the loser will be able to congratulate the winner in good faith — just as a judge delivers judgment and both sides accept it as fair and just.”

On financial prudence, as raised by Distinguished Senator Yeri, he said,” I assure this chamber that the laws already enacted by the National Assembly — particularly the Public Procurement Act and the Finance Act — will be strictly adhered to. INEC funds will be used only for the purposes for which they are appropriated, and we will seek ways to cut costs where possible without compromising efficiency.

“In summary, our approach will be guided by integrity, accountability, security, efficiency, and education — to ensure that elections in Nigeria truly reflect the will of the people.”

By David Owei, Yenagoa.

Elder T. K. Ogoriba, foremost Pan-Niger Delta activist, has joined the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta at large in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the passing of the late Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha.

In a statement released in Yenagoa, Elder Ogoriba extolled the late Alamieyeseigha as “a banner of the Ijaw Nation — a man whose courage, conviction, and deep sense of service defined an era and gave voice to a people long denied their rightful place in the Nigerian federation.”

He recalled that Alamieyeseigha’s leadership, both as Governor of Bayelsa State and as a rallying point for the Ijaw struggle, was rooted in his unwavering belief in justice, equity, and self-determination for his people.

According to Elder Ogoriba, “Chief Alamieyeseigha’s name evokes not just memories of leadership, but of sacrifice — of a man who bore the weight of his people’s aspirations with dignity and resolve. His legacy remains a guiding light for those of us who continue the journey for fairness, inclusion, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.”

Elder Ogoriba, an aspirant for the Ijaw National Congress Presidency, urged all Ijaw sons and daughters across all divides to honor the late leader’s memory by fostering unity, strengthening the INC, and pursuing the collective good of the Ijaw Nation, above personal interest.
It could be recalled that Ogoriba who is foundation member and President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality of the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) was severally arrested and detained for advocating for the interest of the Ijaw people.
His resourcefulness, proactive leadership,transparency, sincerity and all inclusiveness are some of the traits delegates and the Ijaw people say have gained Ogoriba higher favour in the upcoming national election of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

By Magnus Chukwudi,
Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has presented award letters to 600 successful candidates for its 2025/2026 Local Post Graduate Scholarship Programme.

Presenting the scholarship letters to the successful candidates, during the awardceremony in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the scholarship programme was an initiative designed to enhance human capital development in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku, who was supported by the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; the Representative of Bayelsa State on the NDDC Board, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa , and other Directors of the Commission, urged the awardees to be good ambassadors of the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer described the scholarship scheme as an essentialcomponent of the NDDC’s human capital development programme, noting that education was the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.

He observed that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme set enviable standards for subsequent groups, stating: “It is remarkable that 32 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University this year.”

Ogbuku advised the NDDC scholars to avoid distractions to excel in their studies,reminding them that they owed the Niger Delta a duty to succeed.

He declared: “You are the torchbearers of transformation. Your education is not just for you but for the millions who look up to you for hope. As you pursue your postgraduate studies, remember that every lecture you attend, every paper you write, and every solution you provide is a step towards transforming our communities.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, DrGeorge Uzowanne, disclosed that out of 46,240 applicants, only 600 were selected through a transparent electronic examination process. He said, “I congratulate the successful candidates who applied and went through a seamless selection process.”

Uzonwanne, stated that the process of selecting the candidates was transparent, noting that competition for the Scholarship programme was intense and fair.

He Stated: “Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.”

The NDDC Director of Education, Dr Angela Chukwudifu, observed that the new scholarship programme emphasised on local education to ensure that beneficiaries remained connected to the Niger Delta’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

She stated: “Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.”
The best performing scholarship candidate,Mr. Reginald Omubo-Pepple, thanked the NDDC for giving them the opportunity toenhance their education. He pledged that the beneficiaries would do their best to be good ambassadors for the region and subsequently contribute to the development of the Niger Delta. ###