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Stakeholders intensify calls against off-season elections in Nigeria
![Stakeholders intensify calls against off-season elections in Nigeria 41 nigeria vote buying 2019 elections](https://www.agendang.news/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nigeria-vote-buying-2019-elections.jpg)
On November 11, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted off-season elections in three states, as reported by DAILY POST. The increasing frequency of off-season elections in Nigeria has become a cause for concern among various stakeholders. This trend gained momentum following the Supreme Court’s decision to remove Chris Ngige, who contested the 2003 Governorship election in Anambra State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the winner.
Presently, Nigeria has eight off-season governorship elections, including Anambra, Bayelsa, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Imo states, each with distinct election timetables. Imo State deviated from the regular election cycle after the Supreme Court nullified Emeka Ihedioha’s victory in the 2019 governorship election, subsequently declaring Hope Uzodinma as the governor.
The origin of off-season elections in Bayelsa State dates back to 2007, triggered by the nullification of Timipre Sylva’s victory, the PDP governorship candidate, due to a legal challenge by Ebitimi Amgbare of the Action Congress of Nigeria. Ondo State experienced a similar deviation when the court invalidated Olusegun Agagu’s re-election in 2007, leading to the emergence of Olusegun Mimiko as the governor in 2009.
Kogi, Edo, Osun, and Ekiti states also witnessed off-season elections due to legal disputes arising from governorship polls during general elections. Notably, eight months after the 2023 general elections, INEC conducted off-season elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa, with an estimated budget of N18 billion, including substantial expenses on security to safeguard the electoral process.
Some Nigerians expressed concerns about alleged irregularities in the November 11 governorship polls in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi, suggesting that conducting these elections during the general elections might have prevented such issues.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on November 11, called for an end to the practice of off-season elections, expressing worries that it might extend to presidential elections in the future. Several stakeholders, including Atiku Bagudu and Alhaji Yerima Shettima, supported the idea of enacting legislation to mandate the judiciary to resolve all electoral matters before the inauguration of elected officials.
Dr. Onome Anthony of the Labour Party emphasized the need for a law requiring the resolution of electoral matters before the swearing-in, arguing that it would prevent challenges faced in the 2023 presidential election.
National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, highlighted the potential benefits of such a law, including enhanced stability, continuity of governance, and efficient resource allocation. However, he acknowledged the challenge of ensuring timely resolution of electoral matters.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria supported the idea of stopping off-season elections through legislation. Still, he expressed skepticism about the current National Assembly’s willingness to pass such a law, citing perceived self-interest and lack of patriotism among its members.
Onwubiko suggested that addressing the root cause of election fraud, such as corrupt practices within INEC, and establishing an Election Crimes Commission with special courts, would be crucial in ensuring transparent and accountable electoral processes in Nigeria.
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Nigerians may end up buying petrol for N5,000 per litre under Tinubu – NLC
![Nigerians may end up buying petrol for N5,000 per litre under Tinubu – NLC 54 nlc](https://www.agendang.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/nlc.jpg)
Benson Upah, spokesperson for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has cautioned that Nigerians might eventually face petrol prices of N5,000 per litre.
In an interview with Weekend Trust, Upah criticized the recent increase in fuel pump prices and argued that it contradicts the agreement previously made between the NLC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He asserted that the Federal Government’s claims of restoring the fuel subsidy are untrue.
Upah remarked, “The subsidy was never reinstated as they have stated. So, what justifies the rise in pump prices from N650 to N1,500 or even N2,000?
“This situation suggests that we might not have seen the worst yet. There is a possibility that fuel prices could reach N5,000 per litre. We hope it doesn’t come to that, but if it does, it will be up to Nigerians to make the decision.”
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Students Loan: NELFUND receives another N2m refund
![Students Loan: NELFUND receives another N2m refund 58 Screenshot 2024 09 07 6.37.53 AM](https://www.agendang.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot-2024-09-07-6.37.53-AM.png)
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the receipt of a two million Naira bank draft from Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, a former student loan beneficiary.
This information was disclosed in a statement by Monalisa Dike from the Corporate Communications Department of NELFUND on Friday in Abuja.
Dike noted that Awomolo had received the loan during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1975 to 1977.
She mentioned that Awomolo had fully repaid the loan, showing his strong commitment to the country.
“The original loan amount was N1,000 for two academic sessions, which played a crucial role in his completion of the law degree.
“Although Awomolo had attempted to repay the loan several times over the years, he was only able to settle it now.
“In his letter to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Awomolo expressed his appreciation for the student loan opportunity provided by the Nigerian government,” Dike said.
She added that Awomolo praised the transparency and accountability NELFUND has shown in managing student loans.
Dike emphasized that Awomolo’s repayment highlights the enduring impact of President Bola Tinubu’s initiative and NELFUND’s continued importance in supporting Nigerian students.
She also mentioned that the repaid funds will be used to support the education of current students in need of loans.
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NDDC warns on fraudulent Youth Internship Scheme
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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a warning to the public about scammers pretending to represent the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme.
The NDDC also noted that registration for the scheme ended on August 31, 2024.
This information was released in a statement on Friday by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs at the commission, and shared with DAILY POST.
The statement reads, in part: “We have received reports of individuals receiving unsolicited messages claiming they have been selected for the NDDC Internship Scheme, which includes requests for personal information and an acceptance fee.
“The NDDC does not charge any fees for placing qualified youths in its internship programme. We want to make it clear that these fraudulent selection messages are not affiliated with the NDDC.
“Any official communication from us will only come through our verified websites and social media channels. If you receive a message like this, please ignore it and report it to the relevant authorities. Your safety and privacy are our top priorities.
“For genuine inquiries about our empowerment programs, please contact us directly through our official channels.”
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