News
CSOs declare Feb 22 as ‘national day of protest’ to demand Buhari’s assent to electoral bill
Twenty-six civil society organisations (CSOs) have declared February 22 as a “national day of protest” to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the electoral act amendment bill into law.
It was reported how the president earlier declined assent to the bill, citing concerns over the recommendation of direct primaries for political parties.
The president had said compulsory direct primary for political parties “violates the spirit of democracy”.
In a statement issued yesterday, the CSOs said Buhari needs to sign the bill before February 22 if the date for the 2023 general election announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will stand.
“On the 31st January, 2022, the National Assembly transmitted the Electoral Bill 2022 to the President for assent after expeditiously reworking the bill to meet the President’s expectations,” the statement reads.
“The bill allows electronic transmission of results, strengthens INEC’s financial independence and empowers the commission to reject falsified election results.
“The bill, when signed, requires INEC to issue Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the day appointed for an election. Therefore, the President has to give assent to the bill on or before 22nd February 2022 if the dates announced for the 2023 elections are to be maintained.
“The delay in granting presidential assent to the Electoral Bill, 2022 will create legal uncertainties that threaten the integrity of the off-cycle elections in Ekiti, Osun, and the 2023 general election, which is 366 days away.
“The civil society community resolves to declare Tuesday, 22nd February 2022, as the National Day of Protest to demand immediate assent to the bill.
“Civil society networks will organise peaceful public direct-action activities to further the demand to assent the bill. We urge citizens across the nation to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to act on this matter of urgent national importance.”
The signatories to the statement are listed as follows:
- Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
- Yiaga Africa
- Partners for Electoral Reform (PER)
- International Press Centre
- Institute for Media and Society
- Nigerian Women Trust Fund
- The Albino Foundation
- Centre for Citizens with Disability
- Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ)
- Labour Civil Society Coalition (LASCO)
- Transition Monitoring Group
- CLEEN Foundation
- Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
- Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
- Nigeria Network of Non-Governmental Organisations (NNNGO)
- Inclusive Friends Association (IFA)
- Enough is Enough
- The Electoral Hub
- Centre for Liberty
- Take Back Nigeria Movement
- International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC)
- 100 Women Lobby Group
- Women in Politics Forum
- Raising New Voices
- Millennials Active Citizenship Advocacy Africa
- Ready To Lead Africa
News
Oluremi Tinubu asks market women not to hike food prices during festive season
Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, has appealed to market women not to hike the prices of food items during the festive period.
In a statement, Busola Kukoyi, the senior special assistant on media to the first lady, said Oluremi spoke on Saturday in Abakakili, the capital of Ebonyi, while addressing women for their 2024 Women’s Day celebration.
Oluremi inaugurated the 3.1 kilometres runway at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi.
The first lady commended Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi, for completing the project, noting that the airport will usher in more socio-economic development for the state.
“His deputy governor is a woman; same for the secretary to the state government and many down the line.
“Now I want to announce that he has decided to empower 130 people with businesses with N1 million each as business recapitalisation grants.
“As RHI, we did not come empty-handed. We are donating a sum of N50 million, 20,000 wrappers, shoes, and bags to support businesses of women in that line, in this state.”
On his part, the governor thanked the first lady for the visit and the support received by the state through the renewed hope initiative.
He commended the women of the state for their contributions to the development of Ebonyi.
News
Accountability: IGP Declares Public Relations Officers Conference Open In Asaba
Harps on Robust Human Relations
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, will, on Monday 18th November 2024, officially declare open a 4-day Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) Conference in Asaba, Delta State.
The Conference is organized in partnership with the Delta State Government and in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and International Alert.
The event is part of the ongoing efforts to advance police reforms in Nigeria. The conference, which will run from November 18 to 22, 2024, is themed *”Strengthening Nigeria Police Force Oversight and Accountability,”.
The gathering will bring together over 150 participants. These include Command Public Relations Officers from the 36 states and the FCT, Zonal Public Relations Officers, Liaison Officers from various Police departments and formations, Staff Officers from the Force Public Relations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, and strategic communication experts.
The Conference focuses on enhancing communication strategies within the law enforcement sector to bridge gaps between the Nigeria Police Force and the public. It also seeks to equip PPROs with advanced skills necessary for fostering positive relationships with the public.
Reaffirming the NPF’s commitment to capacity building, the IGP emphasized the importance of continuous training and retraining of officers to ensure they are equipped with the essential skills for effective service delivery. He also encourages the public to support the police in fulfilling their mandate of maintaining law and order.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
17TH NOVEMBER 2024.
News
Nnamdi Emeh: Suspect Facing Charges In Court, Process Independent Of Police Influence
The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to recent reports circulating in the media concerning one Mr. Nnamdi Emeh, who is currently facing trial for alleged criminal offenses.
The NPF wishes to clarify that Mr. Emeh was lawfully apprehended following credible allegations against him, which were thoroughly investigated and presented before a competent court of law.
The charges preferred against him were duly filed, and he was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Awka, in line with due process.
It is important to emphasize that the judiciary operates independently, and the court retains the exclusive prerogative to evaluate the evidence presented, determine bail conditions, and take any further necessary actions as guided by the law.
Mr. Emeh was granted bail on terms established by the court. It therefore behoves on the suspect to take steps to meet such conditions and not resort to unecessary media rampage.
The NPF reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
The Force is also mindful of its duty to investigate allegations against all persons, including its officers, and to subject any suspect to the established legal process.
While the case against Mr. Emeh continues in court, we appeal to the public to allow the judicial process to take its full course without undue speculation or interference.
We urge all stakeholders, including members of the media, to present information responsibly and to allow the legal process to determine the outcome of the matter in the interest of justice.
The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its resolve to enforce the law impartially and to safeguard the rights of every individual as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
16TH NOVEMBER, 2024
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