Politics
PC-NCG Commends SEC 47 Participants on Recommendations on Blue Economy Development: Urges FG to Establish Coast Guard
By David Owei.
Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Nigerian Coast Guard Provisionary Committee (PC-NCG), Captain Noah Ichaba has praised participants of Senior Executive Course 47 (SEC 47) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) for their exceptional presentation and thoughtful policy analysis on Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria, which was presented to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja recently.
In a statement issued by the Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo on Tuesday in Abuja, Capt. Ichaba noted that with the presentation of recommendations blue economy development and opportunities, after a comprehensive study on the subject matter by participants of SEC 47, he highlighted the urgent need for the Federal Government to expedite action on the planned establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard, which its bill is currently before the 10th National Assembly.
Capt. Ichaba, who applauded the Federal Government’s commitment to tapping into Nigeria’s maritime potential, described it as a “positive plan.”
However, he emphasized that intentions alone are not enough, urging the government to take concrete actions to remove obstacles and bridge the gap between plans and outcomes, by backing PC-NCG’s proposal for the establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard which would be a more effective approach.
“Put differently, good intentions must be paired with conscious, effective action and awareness of their real situational impact, so as to bring the desired outcome of converting Nigeria’s Maritime Potential into a major driver of economic diversification, job creation and long-term prosperity via planned discipline and intentional policy refinement”, so that actions leading to achieving the expected result will not be diverted, derailed or misguided, thereby causing unwelcomed expectation.
“PC-NCG humbly wishes to submit that matters regarding “safe and stable maritime environment, implementation of policy recommendations, guidelines and laws affecting maritime business activities/transactions and engagements, strategic plan for arresting escaping maritime revenues, blocking revenue wastages and leakages, creating direct and indirect jobs for millions of Nigerians, using modern information communication technology and innovation to achieve flourishing maritime experience, among many others, government should consider aligning her intention with immediate effective action. There should be no further delay in establishing Coast Guard in Nigeria, which truly will be a helpful outcome and of putting “a square peg in a square hole.”
“It should be noted “fears of institutional interest, overlapping, duplication, operational conflicts in duties, functions and services been advocated against the creation of Coast Guard are imaginations of the human-mind and are not of administrative necessity and national interest, which the Federal Government is determined to achieve thru converting the maritime potentials into a driver that will turn our economic fortunes around in a prosperous and sustainable manner, with increasing opportunities.
“The truth remains that, “all expressed fears cannot be genuinely and godly substantiated by those behind such, because legislative and administrative mechanisms makes it apt for re-alignment and relinquishing of a fraction of duty hitherto performed by one Agency to another Agency whenever such becomes expedient.
“Coast Guard as a fully functional Maritime Law Enforcement Agency is different from a Defence or Regulatory Agency, with different organizational name and occupational nomenclature. Moreso, the ‘Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure’ had outlined smooth functional order between the MDAs and the over one hundred and twenty-nine distinctive specialities that exist within the maritime industry
“The soon to be established Agency and rightly designated Statutory Establishment, that is expected to enforce federal government’s policy and international regulations relating to the plan that was unveiled on December 10, 2025 is the Coast Guard, because, maritime law enforcement and such other array of duties are Coast Guard’s primary, secondary and tertiary responsibilities, services and protocols to carry out.
“Coast Guard is the first and foremost Maritime Law Enforcement Agency, a Security, Safety and Protection Provider for the open maritime commercial activities, transactions and engagements that will ensure the tranquility of the physical locations, installations, facilities, persons and legitimate interests where maritime market and commercial undertakings take place.
“Coast Guard is the Agency that will maintain active presence in all of its jurisdiction 24/7 and in upholding Nigeria’s Maritime Sovereignty and prosperity, through enforcement of all her maritime laws. Coast Guard is to patrol, detect, intercept, disrupt, secure, guard, protect, prevent, enforce, preserve, generate, create, respond, search, rescue, represent, invest, reinvigorate, strengthen, coordinate and collaborates for the achievement of rapid national economic growth, enhanced jurisdictional security, reduced sea crimes, uphold safety of lives, improve Nigeria’s international prestige and developmental strides.
“Coast Guard is the key agency for safeguarding the marine environment and ensuring sustainable opportunities and developments. Coast Guard will work with international partners on global maritime challenges and serves as an armed service that can support naval operations during wartime or national security crises.
“Coast Guard will address threats to the marine and blue economy through a multi-faceted strategy that emphasizes technological innovation, interagency and international cooperation, and a persistent operational presence to ensure safety, security, environmental stewardship, stability and prosperity of the maritime domain.
“There is, therefore, no doubt as to the rightful place, role, service, protocol and desirability of Coast Guard in Nigeria’s maritime domain to implement governments’ policies.
Coast Guard’s operational existence will not invite overlap, duplication, friction, wastage, leakage, and such likes, as it will operate purely within its scheme of service and dual operational orders.
“As a matter of fact, Nigeria is already far behind because of the absence of Coast Guard Agency and had fallen short of the expectation of existing maritime laws, as she has been needlessly spending to have a voice instead of earning the same as a right. Operating a maritime body without a Coast Guard as its life wire over the years had led to loss funds, material, and opportunities worth over hundreds of billions of dollars and trillions of naira.
“This is where the present Federal Government’s plan, as unveiled is worth the full support of Nigerians, Nigeria’s offshore and onshore partners, friends and well-wishers, so that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could be credited for establishing Coast Guard in Nigeria, and for that to form the performance score card of the government of All Progressive Congress (APC), the ruling Party,” Capt. Ichaba emphasized.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup, say they are pleased with the progress of the State referees in the last few years of the tournament.
Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe gave the thumbs up while speaking at the opening ceremony of the referees refresher training programme at the Golden Tulip Resort and Apartments, Onopa, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The Director General, who was represented by the Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr Perela Aboro, noted that the training exercise has continued to improve the capacity of the state referees, pointing out that the dream of the tournament is to see Bayelsa excel at the global stage.
According to him, the state referees are receiving international recognition as a result of the continuous investment on the umpires, urging them to discharge their duties during the tournament with utmost professionalism.
He explained that five Bayelsa-born referees are in the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL, 12 in the Nigeria National League and five in the Nigeria Women Football League NWFL, maintaining that the quality of officiating has improved since the introduction of the refresher training.
Also speaking, Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Aye Andrew, while expressing gratitude to the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, charged the referees to make good use of the opportunity,
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Football Association, BSFA, Barr Porbeni Ogun, who was represented by the secretary of the Association, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, remarked that the refresher course was not just an event but an investment in the future of football in the State.
While commending the organizers of the tournament for the exercise, the Bayelsa State Football Association boss noted that since the commencement of the refresher training for referees, complaints of controversial officiating have reduced in the tournament.
He explained that the exploits of the state referees outside the shores of Bayelsa State was indicative of the huge steps taken by the Prosperity Cup organizers for umpires in the State to compete favourably with their peers outside the state..
Speaking in an interview shortly after the end of the theoretical session of day one of the training programme, CAF instructor and member of the NFF Referees Committee, Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, emphasized that the refresher course would significantly enhance officiating standards in line with global best practices.
He appreciated the organizers for their efforts and encouraged other states to adopt similar training programmes to improve refereeing nationwide, stating that the exercise would give referees new directions when the competition begins.
Richman Otiti and Rachel Onyekwere, who participated in the training programme, acknowledged that the exercise introduced them to new laws of the game, some of which would take effect in June.
The duo expressed gratitude to the organizers for updating them with the latest officiating rules and ensuring that they remained competitive with their counterparts across Nigeria and beyond.
The theoretical session of the training programme was immediately followed by a practical session at the Government House pitch. The programme continues tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Politics
2027 Poll : Senate Makes U-turn on Election Timetable Clash with Ramadan ….. Again, Rejects ‘REAL TIME’ Electronic Transmission of election results after division ….As it reviews its earlier passage of Electoral Amendment Bill
By George Mgbeleke
To avert the clsh in Election Timetable,Senate, at its emergency plenary on Tuesday, reworked for the second time in one week, the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026 , rescinding the action it earlier reached last week when it passed the bill.
The Red Chamber achieved this by readjusting the 360-day notice requirement prescribed in clause 28 to ensure that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections do not fall within the period of RAMADAN.
The upper legislative chamber also for the second time in a week, and after a call for division rejected ‘real time ‘ electronic transmission of election results ; favouring the manual mode where network fails.
Coming under ORDER 1(b) and 52(6), Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion to rescind and re-commit the Electoral Act 2022( Repeal and Enactment ) bill 2026 to the committee of the whole-asking the Senate to completely jettison every thing it had previously done on the Electoral Amenment bill 2026.
In doing so, Bamidele explained that the review had become necessary after the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC )met with both chambers of the National Assembly on ways to resolve conflict in the timing of the election and the Muslim festival of Ramadan.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had last Friday announced that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on February 20, with governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls scheduled for March 6, 2027.
The timetable comes amid ongoing debate on the Electoral Act Amendment bill to allow for electronic transmission of election results in real time.
It also comes amid reactions from the Muslim community kicking strongly against INEC’s proposed election dates.
On Tuesday, the Senate was again forced into another emergency session on the knotty Electoral Act Amendment bill 2026 with Bamidele’s motion to rework the document.
The motion was quickly seconded by the Chairman of Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Simon Lalong who explained that INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan did not deliberately fix the election dates to conflict with the Ramadan as being speculated in many quarters.
The Plateau state senator further explained that it was the immediate past INEC Chairman, MAMOOD YAKUBU, that actually set the template for the election dates from 2019 to 2031.
In trying to avert the likely conflict in the election dates and the Ramadan, SENATE said it had taken notice that the coincidence with the Muslim festival of RAMADAN “ could adversely affect voters turnout, INEC’s preparation and the overall credibility of the electoral process.
Senate further disclosed that it had uncovered
discrepancies in the Long Title and 22 separate clauses – including the controversial clause 60 that deals with transmission of election results electronically from each polling unit to INEC IREV portal in real time.
Senate had last week passed electronic transmission of election results from polling units but rejected the phrase “real time “ when it included a proviso that where network fails, then the duly signed Form EC8A by the Presiding Officer and counter-signed by party agents (where available ) shall be the primary source of election results ).
When it was time for the clause by clause consideration of the bill, Senate breezely passed clauses 1 to 59 -including clause 28 on the 360 days notice of election requirements with relative ease, slashing the period down by sixty days -from 360 to 300 days.
Trouble, however, started when lawmakers reached the contentious clause 60 with Senator Enyinnnaya Abaribe raising a Point of Order.
A long pause ensued and unable to resolve-senate went into a closed session that lasted almost an hour.
When the doors eventually reopened, the arguments continued even more forcefully with Senator Abaribe calling for DIVISION on the proviso in clause 60(3) that permits manual transmission of election results where network fails.
Abaribe eventually had the chance to call for the DIVISION after intervention from the Senate leader that it was within his privilege to do so.
To the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the beauty of democracy is in full action as he quickly moderated the votes -asking Senators to signify where they belong by standing up and raising up their hands in support of the proviso or against it.
At the end of voting , 55 senators, including the Deputy Minority Leader, Oyewunmi Olalere
voted to retain the proviso to allow manual transmission where the network fails.
It was a crushing defeat for Abaribe and 14 others mainly from the opposition, who insisted on MANDATORY electronic transmission of election results in “real time”.
Akpabio believed those who voted for the proviso for manual transmission had just saved Nigeria’s democracy even as he hailed Abaribe and others with him for standing their grounds.
With this development, SENATE has for the second time in one week, effectively rejected “real time” transmission of election results, retaining its earlier position that where network fails, then the signed Form EC8A (MANUAL transmission ) becomes the primary source of election results.
Having achieved its objective for meeting on Tuesday, the Red Chamber adjourned plenary till Tuesday, February 24,2027
Politics
Rowdy session in House of Reps as members disagree over some clauses in Electoral Act amendment Bill
A cross section of members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday flared up at the emergency plenary after the Speaker Abbas Tajudeen ruled on a motion to rescind the decision on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 for further reconsideration.
The motion which was moved by the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Rep. Francis Waive (APC-Delta) was pursuant to Order 9, Rule 1 (6) of the Standing Orders of the House.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the problem started when the speaker put the motion to a voice vote and ruled in favour of the ayes.
Some members who were dissatisfied, revolted in loud voices, and to prevent the rowdy session from further degenerating, Tajudeen directed that the Majority Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) moved a motion for the house to proceed into a closed-door session.
Earlier before the rowdy session, Rep. Francis Waive (APC-Delta) recalled that on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by the house.
Waive said that the house recognises the need to ensure electoral timelines and statutory provisions to promote maximum participation, fairness, inclusivity, administrative efficiency, and public confidence in the electoral system.
He said that the House is desirous of correcting identified inconsistencies and unintended consequences through appropriate legislative action in order to safeguard the integrity of the electoral framework.
The lawmaker said that the assembly did set up a Technical Committee to harmonise the positions of the House and the Senate as well as address the identified anomalies in the bill.
He said that the committee consisted of the leadership of both Chambers of the National Assembly, members of the Conference Committee, the Clerks of both chambers and legal drafting experts from the Directorate of Legal Services of the National Assembly.
As at the time of filing this report at about 12:47 pm, the house was still behind closed doors.
Prosperity Cup Draws and Jersey Presentation Get Underway on Thursday, Feb 19 Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, have scheduled Thursday, February 19, 2026 for the official draws and presentation of jerseys ahead of the season eight of the tournament. This was contained in a statement signed by the Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi in preparation for the commencement of the spectacle. According to him, the event will take place at 7.30a.m., at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa, immediately after the weekly Prosperity Walk, pointing out that the exercise would be colourful as Bayelsa celebrates it’s 30th anniversary. According to the statement, the ceremonial draws will be performed by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, while the conduct of the rest of the draws will continue at the Prosperity Cup Secretariat, Golden Tulip Resort, Onopa. The statement further explained that all participating teams are expected to send representatives to witness the exercise, stating that the ceremonial presentation of the jersey to the governor will be the highlight of the occasion. Mr. Avi noted that the governor is also expected to perform the ceremonial presentation of jerseys to a team each in the eight LGAs, urging members of the public, stakeholders, and enthusiasts to be part of the grand ceremony.
By David Owei,Bayelsa Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity...
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2027 Poll : Senate Makes U-turn on Election Timetable Clash with Ramadan ….. Again, Rejects ‘REAL TIME’ Electronic Transmission of election results after division ….As it reviews its earlier passage of Electoral Amendment Bill
By George Mgbeleke To avert the clsh in Election Timetable,Senate, at its emergency plenary on Tuesday, reworked for the second...
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