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EU Says Lot Needs to Improve Nigeria’s Electoral Process

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EU Says Lot Needs to Improve Nigeria’s Electoral Process

By: Michael Mike

The European Union (EU) has reiterated its commitment to supporting democratic governance in Nigeria, insisting that a lot still needs to be done to improve the country’s electoral process,

It noted that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faced enormous challenges, it was able to deliver the 2023 General Election.

The EU, however, stated that a lot still needs to be done to improve the country’s electoral process, particularly as the overall conduct and quality of the last elections did not meet the standards and expectations of INEC.

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, made this known in Abuja, during the inaugural Steering Committee meeting of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme.

Isopi, while urging stakeholders to increase efforts towards strengthening democratic governance in the country, lauded the critical and essential support provided by the EU-SDGN cohort during the elections.

She said: “I think there are important lessons learnt from the elections last year. If I am not mistaken, INEC’s own assessment concluded by saying that the elections, let me just quote, ‘overall, the conduct and quality of the elections did not meet standards and expectations set by the Commission itself.’ I think that this is a conclusion in line with the conclusion of the main domestic and international observation missions. I think this provides an agreed basis, a common ground on which we can build our future work together.

“At the European Union, we look forward to seeing how these reflections can be taken forward. As partners, we are ready to engage not only with all of you but also with relevant stakeholders to take that work forward.”

Isopi explained that the EU considers supporting democracy at home and outside its borders, and working with partners to strengthen democracy worldwide, as essential and important.

“We want to continue to support and invest in Nigeria; to invest in the largest democracy on the continent because this is also a message about the importance and the vitality of democracy in the region of West Africa where democracy is obviously backsliding,” she said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed worries concerning the high number of court cases challenging the conduct of primaries by political parties.

He revealed that while many politicians file their cases in court, about 70 to 80 percent of them end up being withdrawn either before the commencement of trial or soon thereafter.

He noted that this act wastes the time and resources of the Commission, as it would typically engage and pay lawyers for the cases.

Yakubu therefore called for more engagement with political parties to improve their internal democracy and the process of electing and nominating candidates for elections.

He said: “Election is not just about what INEC does, but election is a multi-stakeholder responsibility. There are the responsibilities that other people discharge and perform.

“From the data available in the Commission, we have observedthat there have been more cases challenging the conduct of primaries by political parties than cases challenging the conduct of the election by INEC.

“For instance, with regards to post-election cases in 2023, we had over 1,300 cases, but at the end of the day, only 38 cases were upheld by the court. So, we conducted 38 court-ordered rerun elections. But year-in-year-out, we see 70 or 80 percent of them voluntarily withdrawn by the petitioners.

“Is there a way we can have a conversation with the political parties to improve internal democracy and the process of electing and nominating candidates for elections? They are right in a democracy to go to court, but is there a way we can have a conversation with them so that we can improve on that aspect?”

The Programme Steering Committee is co-chaired by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS and the Chairman of INEC, with membership consisting of representatives of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the EU-SDGN II beneficiaries.
This Committee provides high level policy support and oversight of the programme and ensures that the programmeremains aligned and compliant with the EU and beneficiaries’ requirements and needs.

EU Says Lot Needs to Improve Nigeria’s Electoral Process

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UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

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UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

By: Michael Mike

In a significant step toward advancing gender equality and inclusive development, UN Women Nigeria Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, was hosted by the Royal Iwere Foundation under the gracious leadership of Their Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, and Olori Atuwatse III.
 
The high-level engagement, held in Warri, focused on strengthening partnerships between UN Women and the Warri Kingdom to promote women’s empowerment, economic inclusion, and community development. 

According to a statement on Tuesday, discussions with the traditional leaders explored ongoing initiatives within the Kingdom that empower women and girls, particularly in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to deepening collaboration and scaling up interventions that create sustainable opportunities for women and young people.
 
“Traditional institutions are powerful drivers of social transformation,” said Ms. Eyong. “UN Women is committed to working closely with Their Majesties and the Royal Iwere Foundation to amplify the remarkable efforts already underway in Warri Kingdom and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.”
 
Their Majesties reaffirmed their support for partnerships that promote women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, and community resilience, noting that the Kingdom’s development vision aligns with global aspirations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
This mission underscores UN Women’s commitment to local partnerships that advance gender equality and inclusive development across Nigeria. By engaging traditional and community leaders, UN Women continues to bridge global frameworks with local realities, ensuring that women’s voices, leadership, and economic participation remain central to achieving sustainable progress.

UN Women Strengthens Partnerships for Inclusive Development in Warri Kingdom

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NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

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NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday launched a digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of the agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) in Abuja, where the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the anti-narcotics agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) declared that the symbolic launch signifies “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”

Marwa, who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna said in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the scourge of illicit substances, with focus on two critical fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.

He said: “For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterized by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles. This manual process was no doubt prone to human interference, delays, and a host of other issues.

“With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks. The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies.

“It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the agency as accredited centres for Drug Integrity Test. The system brings efficiency, flexibility and convenience to the process. Following this ceremony, applicants for Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home and choose any preferred location and book a date convenient and available for both applicant and the desk officer of the NDLEA without having to go and wait the whole day at the NDLEA office.

“With the E-Certification and Verification system, it also eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsifications and establishes the reliability and transparency of the process with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations and at the headquarters.

“The extension of the service to students of tertiary institutions, and others is to significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without any attempt to stigmatize any student or anyone, while our rehabilitation and counselling centres are open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.”

Speaking further on the essence of the platform, the NDLEA boss explained that “the portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels. This is a commitment to the Nigerian citizen: a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.

“All applicants need to do is logon to the portal (www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng), create an account and apply from anywhere and book appointment at any available centre for either Drug Integrity Test or Visa Clearance, while the system generates drug test certificates on the spot as the desk officer completes the testing process and reports the result, with the Visa Clearance process completed within three days or maximum a week in peculiar circumstances.”

He noted that the agency’s primary mission is to save lives, hence its advocacy for the Drug Integrity Test founded on a principle of prevention, rather than punishment, adding that it is an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances, giving them an opportunity for intervention and treatment before dependence sets in.

“This new digital portal allows institutions, organizations, and individuals—including parents and prospective couples—to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardized, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for Demand Reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force. This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign—proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.

“This initiative is a proof that the NDLEA is committed to leveraging the power of technology to combat the evolving complexities of drug trafficking and abuse. It is part of a broader strategy to digitize all our operations, ensuring our processes are modern, secure, and world-class. The war against drug abuse is one we must win for the sake of our youth, our families, and the future of our nation. With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before,” he said.

He urged all stakeholders to embrace the new change and utilize the new platform fully because its success is a shared responsibility.

NDLEA Launches Online Portal for Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

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Tinubu, listen to the masses, and release Nnamdi Kanu- FCT Igbo Community

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Tinubu, listen to the masses, and release Nnamdi Kanu- FCT Igbo Community

By: Michael Mike

Igbo Community in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to listen to the voices of the masses and release detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The President General, Igbo Community Association FCT, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, in a letter on Tuesday, said: “Mr. President the time has come for you to sit back and take a reflective rethink over the unending cries of the masses of Nigerians, not just the Igbo speaking people.

“The cries for the release of the freedom fighter, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has begun to reach feverish pitch – and may begin to pose a distraction to your administration if you fail to act timely.

“Nnamdi Kanu may become your Achilles heel if this unfolding “free Nnamdi Kanu” protests is not addressed properly in a democratic manner.

“The masses of Nigeria have come to the realization that holding a Nnamdi Kanu for over 4 years for no crime that he has been found guilty of, is injustice. They also remember how he was abducted from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria by agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“We call on you to use your executive powers and influence to solve this growing problem before it grows out of control.

“You are a clever and wise politician. No doubt about that. But you must also be a clever and wise President. Continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not wise or clever.

“A true democratic leader listens to his people. The people want Nnamdi Kanu to be freed. He deserves justice.

“We believe it is not illegal for a people to agitate for their rights. Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
End

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