.Says, ‘Now, INEC has no reason to fail’ Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has in glowing words commended President Muhammadu Buhari for Friday’s signing of the Amended Electoral Act. The spokesperson for the Coalition, Barr. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere said the President showed courage and must have defied some vested interests and pressures, to finally give Nigeria the needed tool to revolutionise the country’s electoral process. He added that the signing into law of the Amended Electoral Act comes with immense benefits and plugs several loopholes that had hitherto hampered Nigeria’s electoral process from the pre-election, election proper, through the post-election processes. Ikenga Imo who spoke in Owerri, the Imo state capital said: “What the President has done today has wide positive implications for our electoral system. For once, we are going to have the opportunity for full electronic accreditation of voters. We are all witnesses to how the non-legalization of that provision has hampered election litigation at the tribunal in 2015 and 2019. Thoses clauses there now allows that if there is a dispute, you just revert to the print-out for the electronically accredited number of voters. “By this law, election results can be electronically transmitted and there will be no need for snatching or stuffing ballot boxes anymore. “We must also commend INEC because even before the signing of this law, the INEC Chairman started tinkering with electronic means of improving our elections like the BVAS which has been used in Anambra and some other places. “Now INEC has no reason to fail because the President and this law have given the Commission enough legal instrument to perfect whatever they have been working on to improve our elections.” The spokesperson of Nigeria’s leading opposition coalition noted that the new law also gave effect to early release of election funds to INEC, gave room for early campaigns, early and adequate time for party primaries, and further leaves ample time for litigation before the election proper. He added that parties have from now till about 17th August to conduct their primaries and would have about six months thereafter to settle disputes from the primaries and submit their list of candidates for election. He urged political parties especially the opposition parties serious about winning elections, to ensure they field their best candidates who have the acceptability needed to win elections, as there will be no corners to cut and no room to manipulate the election process. He continued: “And I need to add that those provisions that forbids electoral officers from tampering and falsifying election results will come into full force as there are such things as time stamps on electronically captured election data which will make it easy to catch offenders and ofcourse their journey to prison will be smooth and seamless. “So Nigerians, we have a lot of reasons to celebrate but we must remain vigilant and keep our eyes open throughout the implementation process of the Act to ensure that some incorrigible political players and some compromised agencies, will not derail the implementation of the Amended Electoral Act.”

  President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 into law. The signing ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Complex. It was witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo; Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamiala among other dignitaries. On January 31, 2022, the National Assembly transmitted the reworked amendment bill to the President for assent. Buhari consequently forwarded it to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), for legal advice.

  Oil mogul Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs has declared for Rivers governorship race. He made the declaraction on arrival at Pot Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa from Abuja on Friday morning. He expressed optimism he will win the contest because of hid enomous good works in the State. The business tycoon is the first person to publicly declare interest in succeeding Governor Nyesom Wike Details Shortly…

  PRESIDENTIAL aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, yesterday, said he is capable and fit to pilot the affairs of the country to greatness, if allowed to rule in 2023. Speaking during his visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife and Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, in Osun State, he said Nigeria is endowed with both human and natural resources, adding that the country only needs the right person to harness its potentials for greatness. Tinubu said: “Nigeria has a great resource base, both human and material, but we need to harness it to become valuable and move the country to prosperity. Our nation is endowed and I promise, if you push me forward, I will move it from potential to prosperity.” The former Lagos State Governor said youths have the right to political leadership too but will have to work for it by developing strong character and leadership traits. He said: “We are not saying it is not the turn of youths. You will be president, but you have to work for it. You have to demonstrate the quality, character and intelligence to govern people, manage people.” On his visit to the monarchs, the APC National Leader said their support to become President is germane, saying after supporting President Muhammadu Buhari since 2013 for the seat, he, Tinubu, is ready to step into his shoes. He said: “We went around the country in 2013 to campaign for Buhari. Again in 2019, we stood with him and he won. He will soon finish his tenure. I am saying they should not just leave the post, they should hand it over to me. I cannot demand it alone. I must seek your assistance. If monarchs in the region unite and ask for it, if we ask for the presidency gently that they should hand it over to us, I am ready to take over. “I am competent, capable and fit to pilot the affairs of the country to greatness.” Responding, the Ooni of Ife and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland at their respective palaces described Tinubu as a special breed, whose speciality is in identifying and nurturing talents is unrivalled. Ooni, while praying for the success of his ambition, invoked the spirits of his forefathers to lead the battle and guarantee the success of the project.