ADC drags YSIEC to court in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yobe State has dragged Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC) to State High Court over its failure to serve us with any notice about the election.

The party also demanded the cancellation of the local government election conducted by the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC).

This was contained in a press release issue, and signed by the State Chairman of ADC, Umar Kalli Alhaji, made available to newsmen in Damaturu, who said the election was characterized by irregularities and gross breaches of the electoral law.

“Section 4 of the 1999 constitution gives the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission, YSIEC, power to organize, undertake, and supervise all elections to local government councils within the state, the release added.

“The ADC has not been properly informed by the YSIEC about the election for the submission of its candidates, which is a violation of the 2022 Electoral Act.

Adding that, section 29 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, tasked the political parties to hold a primary and submit the list of candidates to the commission not later than 180 days before the election.

The ADC revealed that it had written to the commission demanding the extension of the elections for the commission to regularize the process in line with the 2022 Electoral Act, but the commission ignored its request and went ahead to conduct the local government election.

Therefore, the ADC dragged the YSIEC before the State High Court over its failure to serve us with any notice about the election, which is a violation of the 2022 electoral act, yet the logo of our party appeared on the ballot paper among the 9 political parties that participated in the election.

Kalli stated that “the same YSIEC that refused to recognize our existence as a political party is the same commission that produced the ballot paper with ADC’s logo, knowing fully well that the party has no candidate in the election.”

When newsmen contacted the YSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mamman Mohammad said the commission was not aware of any case filed before any court by the ADC, adding that the election was conducted in full compliance with the 2022 Electoral Act.

ADC drags YSIEC to court in Yobe

AT SIREXE CONFERENCE: Nigeria Canvasses For Transparency In Africa’s Extractive Industries

*** Our strengthened governance institutions will turn resource wealth into national prosperity – VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

Nigeria has demanded strengthened governance, transparency, and collaboration from leaders and industry players to harness Africa’s resource wealth for sustainable development.

The Nigerian government also reaffirmed its commitment to creating an inclusive extractive industry anchored on the principles of transparency, regional partnerships, and local capacity building.

Vice President Kashim Shettima stated the nation’s position on Wednesday during the inaugural International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (Salon International des Ressources Extractives et Energétiques – SIREXE) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

He noted that effective institutions are the cornerstone of turning natural resources into national prosperity.

The summit with the theme, “Policies and Strategies for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries,” brought together leaders from across Africa to discuss innovative solutions for resource management and energy security.

According to the Vice President, “this is not just about resources; it’s about people, prosperity, and posterity.

“The strength of our governance institutions will determine whether resource wealth becomes a blessing or a curse. With the right policies, transparency, and accountability, we can ensure that our mineral wealth fuels development rather than division,” he pointed out.

Vice President Shettima noted Nigeria’s leadership in transparency reforms with the creation of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in 2004.

“We became the first country in the world to domesticate the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative because we understood that opacity breeds inefficiency and corruption. Transparency is non-negotiable for building trust and ensuring inclusive benefits for all”.

Senator Shettima also stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges, saying, “Africa’s energy future is intertwined. The progress of one state ripples across others. Nigeria stands ready to share its lessons and collaborate with ECOWAS partners to build an extractive industry that works for our people.”

The VP described how restructuring the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 into a commercially-oriented entity has transformed the sector.

“NNPC Limited now operates with agility, transparency, and reduced government interference. This shift is setting a new standard for resource governance in Africa,” he explained.

The Vice President reiterated the critical role of local content development in driving economic growth, just as he he noted: “Through our Local Content Act of 2010, we increased local participation in the oil and gas industry from 5% to nearly 30%.

“The success of projects like the Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery, showcases what is possible when we prioritise indigenous capacity and innovation.”

Acknowledging the challenges posed by vested interests and conflicts in resource-rich regions, Shettima said, “We cannot afford to allow cartels and instability to jeopardize our aspirations. That’s why Nigeria is investing in specialized policing frameworks to secure mining sites and ensure sustainable growth.

“Our continent is home to 40% of the world’s gold, 10% of its oil, and critical minerals like cobalt and lithium. Yet, our potential remains untapped. Let us rise to this moment, not as isolated nations but as a unified region,” he added.

In his remarks, the Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Tremoko Meyliet Kone, expressed his appreciation for the visit of Vice President Shettima and others who came from different countries for the event.

He highlighted the benefits of collaboration among countries and stakeholders in the energy and extractive industries, including cross-breeding of ideas, job creation, and greater maximization of natural resources for the well-being of citizens.

While cautioning against pollution, climate degradation, and associated factors, especially in the mining sector, he said Côte d’Ivoire is doing its best to reduce emissions of environmental pollution.

In his welcoming remarks, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Mr. Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, extended appreciation to VP Shettima, said the Vice President was the guest of honor at the event, and thanked all participants at the conference.

According to him, “there is a need for collaboration and partnership in the sector to meet the global energy needs of people and for economic development of nations.”

Mr. Coulibaly said the participation of other countries and stakeholders in this first edition of the conference is a sign of cooperation and collaboration to better develop the sector globally.

He said the conference has provided participants an avenue to interact and propose solutions to the challenges and risks involved and how best they can serve the people.

Earlier, the Ambassador of Norway to Côte d’Ivoire, Her Excellency Madam Ingrid Mollestad, said, “The conference was a testament to the nation’s ambition and dedication to enhancing its position as a champion in this industry and to navigate the intricacies and the changing global landscape.”

She noted that the gathering is to partner as nations and professionals to investigate sustainable development in the industry that is essential to the global economy and for collaboration, innovation, and shared values.

AT SIREXE CONFERENCE: Nigeria Canvasses For Transparency In Africa’s Extractive Industries

Governor Buni Approves N70, 000 Minimum Wage

By: Our Reporter

The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON has approved the payment of N70, 000 minimum wage to state civil servants with effect from December 2024.

This is contained in a memo signed by His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, following recommendations by the committee on Minimum wage constituted by the state government.

The committee had recommended for a reconciliation of local government finances to ensure a hitch free transition process of the local government councils from the existing salary structure to the new minimum wage.

The reconciliation process which is nearing completion is expected to be concluded soon for approval, and quick enrolment of the local government employees into the new minimum wage salary structure.

The Government expects civil servants in the state to reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

Governor Buni Approves N70, 000 Minimum Wage