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 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. ###

By Magnus Chukwudi, Port Harcourt

No fewer than 1,000 women across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State have benefited from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Economic Empowerment Programme, receiving small business recapitalisation grants aimed at expanding their ventures, supporting their families, and strengthening local communities.

The empowerment scheme, implemented in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and supported by the Rivers State Government, was officially launched at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.

The RHI Women Economic Empowerment Programme is part of a broader national initiative targeting 18,500 women across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, explained that the financial support was a grant, not a loan, intended to strengthen women-owned businesses.

“Each beneficiary will receive ₦50,000 to recapitalize her business,” she said. “This grant is not to be repaid. a When you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and c
Senator Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its ₦1 billion donation to the programme, which has made the grants available to more women across the country.

Lady Valerie Fubara highlighted the Rivers State Government’s ongoing efforts in supporting families through agricultural, economic, and educational initiatives, describing them as complementary to the RHI’s empowerment goals.

She urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to grow their businesses and improve their families’ livelihoods, commending Senator Tinubu for her vision and compassion.

“Senator Oluremi Tinubu has shown remarkable dedication to uplifting women,” Lady Valerie Fubara said. “Her leadership continues to inspire positive change across the nation.”

She said her husband and Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is showing more support for the programme and has increased the number of beneficiaries in the State from 500 to 1,000, as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to economic inclusion.

“His Excellency believes that empowerment must be value-targeted,” Lady Valerie Fubara added. “I also urge you, recipients, to utilize the proceeds from this partnership to support beneficial ventures that will make for economic improvements in your families.”

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, commended both Senator Tinubu and Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara for complementing the state government’s development efforts, and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of their grants.

Also speaking at the event, Justice Mary Odili (rtd) applauded the Renewed Hope Initiative for creating opportunities that uplift citizens across sectors, noting the overwhelming turnout as a testament to the programme’s impact.

“The joy on the faces of these women today shows how deeply this empowerment has touched lives,” she remarked.

In her welcome address, State Coordinator, RHI, Hon Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, said that the women beneficiaries have been selected through a meticulous and transparent process from across the 23 local government areas, thanking them for their resilience and support to the government.

She charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grant so as to enhance the economic prosperity of their families and communities.

Highlights of the event were the presentation of the grants to the beneficiaries by Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, and free medical outreach that provided attendees with essential health checks and treatments. ###.