RIGHTS GROUP HAILS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER EARLY VOTING BILL
A Nigerian youth-focused civil rights organisation, the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI), has commended the National Assembly for advancing amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, specifically the bill seeking to introduce early voting. The group lauded the legislature’s proactive move in responding to long-standing calls for inclusivity, describing the development as a “bold step” towards strengthening democracy.
The bill, which is currently under legislative review, includes provisions for early and remote voting for specific groups, such as military and paramilitary personnel, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and prison inmates—many of whom have been disenfranchised in previous elections due to mobility and service-related restrictions.
EUYI’s convener and co-convener, Comrades Danesi Momoh and Igwe Ude-umanta, stressed the importance of further stakeholder engagement to refine the bill’s implementation. They called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act swiftly to develop secure, mobile-friendly voting mechanisms tailored to the needs of those affected.
Speaking at a recent workshop on legislative compliance, Senate President Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s determination to ensure that executive agencies respect and implement legislative resolutions. He warned against institutional disobedience, noting that non-compliance with legislative mandates erodes public trust and threatens democratic governance.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, Senator Ede Dafinone, echoed these concerns, stating that many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have shown disregard for Senate resolutions, citing reasons ranging from legal ambiguity to bureaucratic inertia. The workshop was designed to explore causes of legislative non-compliance and develop actionable solutions.
Also present was Mr. Francis Usani, representing EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede, who emphasized that legal compliance is fundamental to sustaining democratic institutions. He warned that both the absence of laws and the failure to implement them result in anarchy, stressing the urgent need for all arms of government to work in sync.
RIGHTS GROUP HAILS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER EARLY VOTING BILL
The former Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Mohammed Sani Haruna, has donated over 1,300 textbooks on solar technology to tertiary institutions across Nasarawa State. The book, written by Haruna, is a practical guide aimed at fostering technical self-reliance and supporting the state’s industrialisation agenda under Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The book focuses on the installation and use of photovoltaic solar systems, aiming to equip students, engineers, and professionals with DIY skills in solar technology. Haruna emphasized the book’s utility in teaching solar load estimation and design criteria for optimal performance, particularly in residential environments. The material draws from Haruna’s years of practical experience and contributions from his colleague Engr. Nasiru Bello.
At the book launch held at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Governor Sule, represented by APC state chairman Dr. Aliyu Bello, praised the initiative as a complement to the state’s skill acquisition policy. He called on institutions to put the books to effective use, stressing that Nigeria must harness its solar energy potential to address power supply gaps.
Former APC national chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, described the donation as an “enormous contribution” to education and engineering in Nigeria. He expressed admiration for the book’s simplicity and relevance, particularly noting that solar technology was non-existent in educational curricula during his own student days. He predicted the books would spread well beyond Nasarawa, benefiting learners nationwide.
KEBBI STATE FLAGS OFF FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIP AND MEDICAL OUTREACH FOR YOUTHS
The Kebbi State government has launched a foreign scholarship initiative that will see 70 young citizens sent to Saudi Arabia for undergraduate studies focused on religious and developmental programmes. Announcing the scheme at a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Engr. Imran ibn Usman, said the initiative is part of a broader social development plan.
Each of the 21 local governments in the state will provide three candidates, with an additional ten slots allocated to Birnin Kebbi. The Kebbi State government will fund the candidates’ travel, while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will bear the cost of the academic programmes. Only candidates under the age of 18 are eligible for the programme.
Imran also revealed that his office had engaged with Gulf embassies in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia to discuss wider collaborations, including a forthcoming medical outreach. The outreach will offer free treatment to 5,000 people in Kebbi State, targeting a variety of ailments and promoting access to basic healthcare for underserved communities.
BAUCHI GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON NON-COMPLIANT ROAD CONTRACTORS
The Bauchi State government has issued strong warnings to road construction contractors operating in the state, urging strict compliance with project specifications and deadlines. During a surprise inspection of road projects in Bauchi metropolis, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Prof. Titus Saul Ketkuka, underscored the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on substandard or delayed infrastructure.
Projects visited include the 2.6-kilometre Gwallameji–Doka–Rafin Zurfi–Dass Road, the 4.5-kilometre Sabon Kaura–Birshi Gandu–BRC Road, and the 4-kilometre Zango–Gwallagan Mayaka Road. The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the performance of Habibu Engineering Nigeria Ltd and encouraged the firm to intensify its efforts.
Prof. Ketkuka reaffirmed Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to delivering high-quality public infrastructure that meets citizens’ needs. Representatives of the construction firm, Engr. Zulfiqra Khan and Engr. Basel Usman, promised to maintain quality standards and meet deadlines. Community leaders in the project areas, including the traditional head of Sabon Garin Gwallameji, expressed gratitude to the state government and pledged local support to ensure smooth project execution.
PROMINENT EX-GOVERNOR DELIVERS CRITIQUE OF TINUBU ADMINISTRATION
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has launched a frontal attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of incompetence, ethnic bias, and betrayal of the ideals upon which the All Progressives Congress (APC) was founded. Speaking in a Hausa-language interview with Deutsche Welle, El-Rufai claimed that the current government has deepened Nigeria’s economic and security crises.
A former key strategist within the APC, El-Rufai announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), asserting that the ruling party no longer operates on the principles of fairness, meritocracy, and national unity. He criticized recent appointments in the Tinubu administration, alleging they are based on personal relationships and tribal affiliations rather than competence.
El-Rufai said the government’s actions have alienated stakeholders and betrayed the party’s founding philosophy. He claimed that efforts to advise or engage the presidency have been rebuffed, lamenting a loss of internal democracy within the APC.
He also addressed speculation over his defection, noting that he had already informed former President Muhammadu Buhari of his decision but did not seek approval. El-Rufai dismissed recent visits by APC leaders to Buhari as reactive political theatre following his departure.
Highlighting growing interest in the SDP, he claimed Nigerians are turning to the party in search of leadership that can deliver justice, reduce poverty, and unify the country. He predicted an electoral upset, saying “a storm is coming” that will sweep away Nigeria’s current political elites.
OYO GOVERNOR EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN HIGHER OFFICE
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed confidence in his ability to serve as Nigeria’s president but downplayed any immediate political ambitions. Speaking during a live interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Makinde reflected on his political journey and reiterated his focus on party restructuring and good governance at the state level.
Makinde stated that he has what it takes to lead Nigeria but emphasized that ambition must be tempered by party priorities and broader strategic planning. He also noted that he is content with what he has achieved so far, especially considering he began his political journey in 2007 with the goal of becoming a senator.
“I wanted to be a senator, but I ended up becoming governor. That’s more than I asked for, and I’m thankful,” he said. Makinde also emphasized the importance of reforming the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), warning that without internal cohesion, political ambition is meaningless.
Although he acknowledged his readiness for national leadership, he reiterated that his focus remains on making meaningful contributions within his current role.
GOVERNMENT MOVES TO MODERNISE NIGERIA’S FEDERAL LAWS
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has restated the federal government’s commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s legal framework, stressing the need to update, streamline, and harmonise the country’s laws for a modern era.
Speaking at the opening of the second retreat of the Committee on the Review, Revision, and Consolidation of the Laws of the Federation in Abuja, Fagbemi said the initiative was a crucial step toward legal reform and institutional strengthening.
He noted that the current phase builds on progress from the first retreat, and will focus on refining and finalising revised laws ahead of their publication. “This is about laying the foundation for a legal system that is clear, current, and capable of supporting democratic governance,” he said.
Committee chairman Olawale Fapohunda (SAN) disclosed that 697 of the targeted 737 laws had been reviewed, with just 40 remaining. He highlighted the committee’s inclusive, consultative process involving groups like the Nigerian Bar Association and other key stakeholders.
Both officials expressed optimism that the revised laws will enhance legal clarity and enforcement, while reinforcing public trust in Nigeria’s justice system.
