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2023 General Elections: INEC assures Nigerians on transparency

Published

3 years ago

January 30, 2022

Ochuwa Ibrahim

2023 General Elections: INEC assures Nigerians on transparency

By: Our Reporter

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has expressed optimism that it would not disappoint residents in the conduct of the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory Area Council election scheduled for February 12, and the 2023 general elections.

INEC’s National Commissioner for North Central, Sani Mohammed Adamu, made this known during an INEC FCT election monitoring and support red zone implementer’s workshop, in Abuja.

This workshop was organised by INEC in collaboration with the European Center for Electoral Support, ECES and the Planning, Monitoring and Strategic Committee, PSMC, to deliberate, map-out modalities and bring to light some of the weaknesses of INEC, in view of the FCT area council polls and the 2023 general elections.

Delivering his remarks, the National Commissioner for North Central said that the 2022, February 12th FCT area council election would be a positive “model”, “signpost” and “recipe” for which the 2023 general elections would bask.

While commending the national Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu for the successful elections he has carried out in the country, assured Nigerians that the elections would hold peacefully and transparently, also stating that the commission is well equipped and Hi- tech ready for the success of elections.

In his words: “The professor, Mohamood Yakubu led INEC has done enormously well in conducting elections successfully in Nigeria.

“There’s been a lot of improvement. I like to believe that this coming election in the FCT is very important to all of us.

“It is a signpost to 2023. It is a recipe for 2023. We take this election very seriously. This is the FCT. The Anambra election was held successfully; technology was deployed. The forth coming election is going to be conducted, we believe successfully, transparently.

“It is going to be inclusive because the same technology will be deployed and I want to assure the nation the election will hold peacefully and successfully.

“It is very important for us at this very critical juncture to asses and re-assess our level of preparedness. The essence of coming here today with veterans like professor Kunna, Professor Ayela, the commission is in safe hands with their vast experience in the business of conducting elections.

“INEC rely heavily on professionals that are profoundly known to have engineered, nutured credible election in Nigeria.

“I want to assure the nation that we can not afford for any reason to fail this nation. We have the huge confidence and we have the huge capacity to deliver.

“We trust all of you from the lowest member of staff to the highest we are all prepared. We are adequately equipped to successfully conduct the council election in the FCT, while we do all this preparations.

“We are also well garnered and empowered to conduct the 2023 elections by the grace of God.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of Planning, Monitoring and Strategic Committee, PMSC, Honourable Chairman, Abdulahi Zuru, pointed that the Commission has engaged experts on election risks management for the FCT council election and the 2023 general elections respectively.

He said: “we have assembled some experts on election risk management to engage with us and our stakeholders and share their expertise and skills on the following carefully chosen topics.

“The EMSC Data Collection reporting tools for the red zone, the INEC security and not a notification system, the items and I believe this will also talk about the helmet that allows us to monitor threats on individuals or facilities. And then, of course, the MSC communications strategy at election day operations.

“However, we must keep in mind that when electoral risks are not understood and addressed, they can undermine the credibility of the process, our results, it heals with possible devastating violence.”

“Let me re-echo the honorable chairman of INEC by reminding us that the FCT election is unique in the sense that it is the only local government level election being conducted by INEC. And of course, INEC is the utmost election management body in the country, in the West African sub region, and indeed, in the whole of Africa. We simply cannot afford to perform in the conduct of this election.

“Therefore, the Honorable chairman has declared it is election as the Commission’s election, and he repeatedly have mentioned this at different forum accordingly. On behalf of the chairman, we wish to assure you that the Commission will deploy all necessary human material and managerial resources to ensure that the election is free, fair, credible, peaceful, inclusive, and transparent.

“It will be a model for the forthcoming state and federal constituency by-elections, the Ekiti and Osun governorship election, and indeed, the 20 general election”, he added.

On his side, the ECES project coordinator, Hauza Fassi-Fihr, asserted that it is needful for INEC to ensure that the FCT area council elections go transparently as it would serve as a picture of what the 2023 elections would look like.

The ECES project Coordinator, while commending INEC’s National Chairman on his effort in expanding the process which led to the increase of about 120,000 polling units to now up to more than 176,000 polling units across the country, tasked the commission on transparency and inclusivity against the 2023 general elections

He, furthermore, charged the national chairman to demonstrate strong commitment towards comprehensive scientific and evidence based monitoring of the electoral process.

He said: “This workshop provides an appropriate platform to assess the level of the Commission’s preparedness ahead of the polls. “Incidentally, it is taking place almost one year ahead of the general election 2023.

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“The commission had noted that this is the second important election where INEC will be deploying the beavers. In a similar notes, the FCT election is also the second important election after the governorship in Anambra governorship election in Anambra where voters can experience voting in new polling units. Open successful completion of its review and expansion process which led to the increase from about 120,000 polling units to now up to more than 176,000 polling units across the country. An effort geared towards ensuring all voters have better access to polling units close to their place of residence.

“For all these reasons, the FCT election is particularly important for I like to draw lessons for future elections, including that of off cycle governorship elections in equity and are shown later this year, and the 2023 general elections.

“In this context, the EMSC is very instrumental being an innovative election management system that monitors critical occurrence along the electoral cycle. The phase the monitoring of the processes that it offers is a critical factor of success.

“It helps election managers adjust to evolving uncertain contexts and take appropriate action to avoid glitches and delays leading to successful outcomes.

“I’m sure that EMSC tool is playing its role in helping the ionic identifying gaps, risks and lapses in the process, and is useful in addressing them.

“In addition to this important role of identifying issues ahead of time, monitoring also ensures accountability and transparency in the electoral process, thereby inspiring stakeholders confidence and acceptability of outcomes.

“It’s my hope that this red zone implementers workshop will be useful for the election managers convened here to critically assess the status of preparations, while identifying necessary actions for a hitch free exercise.”

“It is therefore commendable to note that Ionic has demonstrated strong commitment towards comprehensive scientific and evidence based monitoring of the electoral process through the innovative tool of the EMSC.

2023 General Elections: INEC assures Nigerians on transparency

News

Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”

Published

14 hours ago

June 7, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”

By: Michael Mike

The first military-trained lawyer with a PhD in International Law in Nigeria, Col. Bello Fadile (rtd), has mourned the passing of a stalwart, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed on at the age of 89.

Fadile, a prominent figure and author, paid a heartfelt tribute yesterday to the late jurist, describing him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”

Fadile recounted the remarkable story of how Justice Uwais, then CJN, intervened on his behalf during his detention in 1995, braving the military regime to ensure his release.

The Nigerian Army’s first lawyer tribute highlighted Justice Uwais’s unwavering commitment to justice, humility, and integrity. He quoted Uwais’s powerful statement: “A corrupt judge is more harmful to society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street.”

Part of the statement read: “At the ripe age of 89, he left us in this sinful world as Allah SWT willed. We accept the vadict as appeal lies nowhere. To we the immediate families, we pray to Allah SWT to give us the fortitude to carry on relying on the principles he lived on and left for us which are:- humility, impartiality, humane, love, detribalised, uprightness and fear of Almighty Allah SWT.

“And to the Nigerian judiciary which he dedicated his life to, i urge you all to follow his footsteps, which he captured brilliantly;
‘ A corrupt judge is more harmful to the society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street. The latter can be restrained physically. But a corrupt judge deliberately destroys the moral foundation of society and causes incalculable distress to individuals through abusing his office while still being referred to as Honorable “

“ As captured in my book, Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs, I shall forever be grateful to MyLord, the Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON for the risk he took when I was arrested for the alleged fathom coup in 1995.”

Fadile who is the founder and chair of the Council for African Security Affairs, recounted how he was “detained near his house and I sent at note to him as the then CJN, without hesitation or fear of the military, his life or his job, he acted on my request and reached out Late Honorable Justice Karibi-Whyte and together they raised my detention with the Head of Military Government. And of course, they became my link to the Head of State, going and coming back with messages. What man with a lion heart.”

“On my release in March 1999. MyLord traveled from Abuja to Kaduna to see me. He came with clothes, bundles of sheda, and thousands of cash. That was my Father in the Judiciary for you. I was able to see him after 10 years in November 2024, and now he is no more.,” he added.

Fadile noted that late Justice Uwais’s legacy serves as a shining example for the Nigerian judiciary.

According to him, Justice Uwais’s remarkable life and contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary will be remembered for generations to come, adding that “his courage, integrity, and dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on the nation’s legal landscape”.

Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”

News

Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.

Published

14 hours ago

June 7, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood disaster.

Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas experienced their worst flooding in decades following the collapse of the Alau Dam in 2024. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025 to mark the commencement of the project.

Governor Zulum while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri. The Governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.

“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected,” Governor Zulum stated.

“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project, and I assure you that I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President as well. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam.”.

The governor pledged to connect all local government headquarters to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.

“These are two critical issues dear to me, he said. I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”

Governor Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.

Earlier, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration is executing across the state.

He emphasised the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now. He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.

“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat, the Shehu said. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.

The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.

During the event, Governor Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar homage.

Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.

News

Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam

Published

14 hours ago

June 7, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood which nearly submerged Maiduguri and environs.

Zulum, while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri, the governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.

He said: “After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected.

Meanwhile, the governor has pledged to connect all local government headquarters in the state to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.

He said: “These are two critical issues dear to me, I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”

Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.

Earlier, the Shehu of Borno said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration has extended to all parts of the state.

He reiterated the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now.

He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.

The paramount ruler said: “We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat.. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.

The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.

Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam