Politics

INEC Announces New Date For 2023 General Elections

Published

3 years ago

February 26, 2022

Adebayo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new dates for the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

INEC had earlier announced February 18, 2023 for the presidential election.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday, (today) the National Chairman of the commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu said, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

While Governorship and state houses of assembly elections will hold on March 11, 2023.

Yakubu’s statement reads thus, “As you are aware, yesterday, Friday 25th February 2022, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria signed the Electoral Bill 2022 into law. This is historic being the fourth time since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in May 1999 that the Electoral Act was repealed and re-enacted. The 1998 – 1999 elections were administered by transitional decrees until the 2001 Electoral Act was passed into law. Then, the Act was repealed and re-enacted as the Electoral Act 2002 which was in turn repealed and re-enacted in 2006, 2010 and now we have the 2022 Electoral Act.

“You may recall that in 2017, the Commission decided to establish fixed dates for General Elections in Nigeria. This decision was based on our determination to create certainty in the electoral calendar and to enable all stakeholders in the electoral process (the electoral commission, political parties and candidates, security agencies, observers, the media etc.) to prepare adequately for elections. By that decision, Presidential and National Assembly elections shall hold on the third Saturday of the month of February of each General Election year, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections shall follow two weeks later.

“Consequently, the 2023 General Election was scheduled to commence on 18th February 2023 with the Presidential and National Assembly elections, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on the 4th of March 2023. However, the Commission could not release the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the General Election, as it normally would, because of the pending enactment of the Electoral Act 2022. The Bill has now been signed into law.

“Therefore, the Electoral Act 2022, together with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), form the legal basis for conducting all elections in Nigeria. In particular, the Electoral Act provides strict timelines for the implementation of electoral activities based on the date of the General Election. One of the significant timelines is the publication of Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the day appointed for holding an election which has now lapsed for the 2023 General Election.

Consequently, the Commission has decided to adjust the dates of the 2023 General Election to ensure compliance with the provisions of the new law. Accordingly, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday 25th February 2023 while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold two weeks later on Saturday 11th March 2023. With this adjustment, the 2023 General Election is now 363 days away.

“Under the law, there are critical timebound activities from the publication of Notice of Election to the Conduct of Polls which form the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for elections. Some of the critical activities and their dates of implementation are as follows:

i. Publication of Notice of Election – Monday 28th February 2022.

ii. Conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them – Monday 4th April 2022 to Friday 3rd June 2022.

iii. Submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online portal for Presidential and National Assembly election – 9.00am on Friday 10th June 2022 to 6.00pm on Friday 17th June 2022.

iv. Submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online nomination portal for Governorship and State Assembly elections – 9.00am on Friday 1st July 2022 to 6.00pm on Friday 15th July 2022.

v. Commencement of Campaign by political parties for Presidential and National Assembly election – Wednesday 28th September 2022.

vi. Commencement of Campaign by political parties for Governorship and State Assembly elections – Wednesday 12th October 2022.

vii. Last day of campaign by political parties for Presidential and National Assembly elections – midnight on Thursday 23rd February 2023.

viii. Last day of campaign by political parties for Governorship and State Assembly elections – midnight on Thursday 9th March 2023.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election will be circulated to the media at the end of this briefing. Soft copies will also be uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms immediately. In addition, the Notice of Election will be published in our offices in all the States of the Federation as required by law on Monday 28th February 2022.

“With the coming into force of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission will work assiduously to conclude and publish new Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections that are consistent with the Act.

“These Regulations and Guidelines as well as Manuals issued by the Commission are all part of the legal regulatory framework for elections. Their timely publication will enable all stakeholders in the electoral process to become conversant with their provisions as they prepare for the 2023 General Election.

“On this note, I wish to remind stakeholders, especially the political parties, of their responsibility to adhere strictly to the timelines in this Timetable and Schedule of Activities, as well as all other timelines established by the Commission. It is necessary that all political parties comply with the extant legal framework, ensure proper organisation and management of party primaries and the nomination of qualified candidates in order to prevent unnecessary litigations and rancour.

“I thank you for attending this conference and God bless”.

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Politics

Coalition of Ikeja Youths To Sahara Reporters: Your Allegations Against Faleke Not True

Published

4 days ago

September 12, 2024

Adebayo

The Coalition of Ikeja Youths (CIY), a Lagos-based youth organisation has reacted to the recent publication by Sahara Reporters, an online medium accusing Honourable James Abiodun Faleke using a Kaduna College as front for buying SUVs for traditional rulers.

The organisation in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olorunsogo Adeniyi; and Secretary, Blessing Chukwu, described the report as not true, urging the media organisation to do a proper fact-check on the matter. It even invited the media organisation to come to Ikeja on fact-finding trip.

According to the group, Faleke has been upright in all his dealings and follow due process in his constituency projects and empowerment programmes.

The group noted that as a lawmaker, Faleke has not been involved in awarding of contracts for his constituency projects. “His only job is to select projects that will benefit his constituents. Contract award is the duty of the Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) under which the project is domiciled. And the process of the contract award passes through the procurement process as laid down by the Procurement Act. Our representative is not involved in all these,” CIY explained.

Thus, the group explained further, all constituency projects of Faleke were budgeted for including purchase of vehicles for traditional rulers and community leaders which is also another form of empowerment for them.

“Don’t forget that the traditional rulers and the community leaders the vehicles were purchased for are also constituents of the lawmaker. There was nothing to hide or fishy in the purchase and distribution of the vehicles. They were publicly presented to the beneficiaries,” the group said.

The group was emphatic that Faleke has and continues to be a worthy representative of Ikeja people in the Green Chamber.

“We made bold to state here that Faleke has been and is still representing the good people of Ikeja Federal Constituency very well in the Green Chamber.

“We’re happy that this man has not only succeeded in taking hundreds of jobless youths off the streets, he has also succeeded in making successful entrepreneurs out of them through his various empowerment programmes which have been done through his various constituency projects”, the group said.

“Faleke has distributed over 400 mini-buses to youths and women as part of his constituency projects. He has also distributed hundreds of tricycles, countless number of deep freezers, grinding machine, sewing machines and pop-corn making machines to his constituents.

“Apart from all these, Honourable Faleke has facilitated the construction of over 37 roads in various communities and areas in the constituency and we made bold to say that he has become a reference point in quality, effective, positive, efficient and progressive representation not only in Lagos but in the entire federation of Nigeria.

“We want to invite Sahara Reporters to come to Ikeja Federal Constituency and see the number of caterers, fish farmers and small scale traders that are now fully engaged as a result of Faleke’s various constituency projects. We want the media organisation to send its crew to come and talk to various police divisions in the constituency and see how Faleke has enhanced their operations through vehicle and other security items.

“What about the various school interventions: construction and rehabilitation of school buildings, provision reading and writing materials for teachers and students as well as provision of laptops to students,” the group said.

The group also highlighted Faleke’s road construction and rehabilitation interventions, his light-up Ikeja programme which have seen virtually all the streets in the constituency enjoying street lights as part of the reasons his constituents love him and will always support him.

“It will be hypocritical to blame him if few of these street lights are not working which may be due to mechanical fault or whatever,” CIY noted.

CIY concluded that rather than maligning Faleke, he deserves the commendations of all for his various interventions in Ikeja Federal Constituency which have positively and progressively impacted on his constituents.

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Politics

Sen. Gbenga Daniel’s Federal College of Aviation Technology Bill Scheduled for Public Hearing

Published

2 months ago

July 4, 2024

Adebayo

A public hearing has been scheduled for the proposed bill regarding establishing the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo, Ogun State.

This bill, titled the Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara Remo, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill 2024 (58.52), has been proposed by His Excellency Senator Otunba Engr Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng.

All stakeholders and members of the general public are invited to attend this important event. The hearing will provide an opportunity for discussion and input on the proposed bill, which aims to establish a specialized institution for aviation technology in Ogun State.

The Special Guest of Honor for the public hearing is the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, OON.

Date: Thursday, 11th July 2024

Time: 12:00 noon

Venue: Conference Room 231, New Senate Building, National Assembly, Abuja

All interested parties are encouraged to participate and contribute to the discussion on this important legislative proposal.

All stakeholders and members of the general public are invited to attend this important event.

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Politics

Otunba Gbenga Daniel Under Periscope

Published

3 months ago

June 27, 2024

Adebayo

Reminiscent of historical figures, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, in just one year since his inauguration as Senator representing Ogun East in the Red Chambers, is proving once again to be both disruptive and futuristic in his legislative approach, echoing his unmatched achievements as a one-time governor of Ogun State, writes Seunmnuel Faleye.

Evoking a similarity to the legendary American lawmaker, Senator Robert C. Byrd, whose tenure in the U.S. Senate spanned over half a century and who was known for his relentless pursuit of infrastructure development in West Virginia, Daniel’s actions are a testament to how a determined legislator can transform the socio-economic landscape of their constituency. In Nigeria, a similar narrative is unfolding with Senator Gbenga Daniel, who is forging a new path with his visionary and strategic representation. Within his first year in the Senate, Daniel has spearheaded the establishment of the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo and the Naval Base in Abigi, Ogun Waterside – both unprecedented federal institutions in the region. These initiatives are poised to be game-changers, infusing new dynamics into Nigeria’s aviation industry and maritime security.

During a recent dialogue with journalists at the Iwe Iroyin secretariat, Senator Daniel gave a detailed account of his legislative achievements, emphasizing the dearth of federal institutions in Ogun East. The expanse from Idi Ayunre, the boundary of Ogun State with Ibadan in Oyo State, through Oru, Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun Waterside, Ijebu East, Ijebu North East, Odogbolu, Ikenne, Remo North, to Sagamu has long been devoid of federal presence. Senator Daniel’s interventions are not just filling this gap but setting a new standard for impactful representation.

As Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, Senator Daniel left an indelible mark on the region’s educational and industrial scene. He founded the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), the Gateway Polytechnic in Saapade, Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic in Ijebu Igbo, and the Gateway Industrial and Petro-Gas Institute (GIPI) in Oni, Ogun Waterside. Additionally, he relocated the Olabisi Onabanjo University to its permanent site in Ago Iwoye, moved the Tai Solarin College of Education to Omu in Odogbolu, and established the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH) in Sagamu. These institutions, still standing today, underscore his commitment to equitable development.

In his senatorial role, Daniel has further elevated his legacy by attracting significant federal investments to Ogun East. The Bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate, with a public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2024. This institution is set to be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s aviation sector, addressing the critical need for specialized training. It promises to produce a new generation of skilled aviation professionals, thereby enhancing the country’s aerospace capabilities and positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global aviation industry.

Similarly, the establishment of a Naval Base in Abigi, Ogun Waterside, represents a strategic initiative to bolster maritime security. With a two-billion-naira (N2b) allocation in the 2024 Budget, this naval base will enhance national security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the Ijebu area. It will also play a crucial role in securing Nigeria’s waterways, combating maritime crimes, and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods along the nation’s critical waterways.

Senator Daniel’s legislative approach reflects a profound understanding of the socio-economic needs and developmental aspirations of his constituency. His initiatives are not merely reactive measures but part of a broader, futuristic vision aimed at transforming Ogun East into a hub of educational excellence and maritime security. By leveraging his political acumen, visionary leadership, and long-standing experience as a boardroom honcho and Chairman, Kresta Laurel Limited, Daniel is orchestrating a new dynamic in strategic representation, ensuring that Ogun East reaps the benefits of federal presence and investment.

List of bills presented by Senator Gbenga Daniel and their current status:

South West Development Commission Bill

Status: 2nd Reading on the 21st of February 2024

Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara Remo

Status: 2nd Reading was taken on the 15th of November, 2023

Terminal Illness Trust Fund Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 2nd of November, 2023

Media Practitioners Registration Council of Nigeria Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 27th of February, 2024

Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment) Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 4th of June, 2024

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure Act (Amendment) Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 4th of June, 2024

Hospices (Establishment) Bill

Status: Not specified

Constitution Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Birth-Right Citizenship) Bill

Status: Not specified

Constitution Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sovereign Investment Authority and the Sovereign Wealth Fund) Bill

Status: Not specified

Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment) Bill

Status: 1st Reading on the 4th of June, 2024

FCT, Destruction of Mosquitoes and Other Disease-Bearing Insects Bill

Status: Not specified

Finally, Senator Gbenga Daniel’s tenure in the Senate has been marked by a proactive and transformative approach to legislation. His initiatives, including the establishment of the Federal College of Aviation Technology and the Naval Base, underscore his commitment to elevating Ogun East to new heights of development. As these projects come to fruition, they will stand as enduring testaments to his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to his constituents. Like Senator Byrd’s legacy in West Virginia, Daniel’s work in Ogun East is set to leave a lasting impact, driving the region towards a future of prosperity and security.

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