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Electronic Transmission of Poll Results: PDP NASS Caucus backs Southern Govs Forum

Published

4 years ago

July 7, 2021

PDP Caucus

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) caucus at the National Assembly has thrown its weight behind the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), saying it has vehemently rejected the clandestine moves to manipulate and alter the Electoral Act to remove the electronic transmission results from the law.

The southern governors met on Monday in Lagos and deliberated on the state of the nation.

According to the caucus, the action followed due consideration and extensive deliberations on political and security situation in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing Wednesday in Abuja, the Senate minority leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe declared that such furtive venture to tamper with a critical component of transparency and credibility of the electoral process is an unpatriotic and mischievous attempt to subvert the democratic process, institutionalize rigging, bastardize and frustrate genuine efforts towards credible elections in Nigeria.

He said “the Joint PDP National Assembly unanimously upholds the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) in vehemently rejecting the clandestine moves to manipulate and alter the Electoral Act to remove the electronic transmission results from the law”.

He emphasised that electronic transmission of results is the only way to eliminate malpractice and manipulations associated with manual collation of results, including alteration, switching and disappearance of election materials while on transit to various collation centers.

“The Joint PDP caucus is already taking very strong and uncompromising steps to ensure that the provision guaranteeing the electronic transmission of result is not tampered with in any form whatsoever”.

On security, the Joint PDP Caucus reaffirmed its unwavering support for the establishment of state police as well as other measure adopted by the governors to ensure the security of lives and property in the respective states, including those curtailing unauthorizes movements and occupation of forest areas.

“We also affirm the demands by State governors, that as Chief Security Officers in the states, they must be duly informed before any security institution undertakes any operation in their states.

“The Joint PDP Caucus, also lends full support to the demand by our governors that deductions from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the states and Federal Government to combat security challenges.

Abaribe added that these resolutions by the governors, regarding security does not offend but rather reinforce genuine efforts towards guaranteeing adequate security of lives and property given the current situation in our country as a federation.

Consequently, the joint caucus called on governors, lawmakers and critical stakeholders from other regions to support, what they described as patriotic initiatives of the Southern Governors’ Forum in the interest of security of lives and property in the country.

“The Joint Caucus agrees with the position of the Governors in rejecting the 3% percentage of share of the oil revenue to the host community as passed by the Senate and supporting the 5% as passed by the House of Representatives.

“As a Joint Caucus, we have set up very strong machinery to ensure that, in the interest of justice and fairness, the percentage of share of the oil revenue to the host community does not fall below expectation”.

The Joint PDP Caucus however commended the Southern Governors’ Forum for the continued patriotic stand in always proffering solutions on critical issues boardering on the security, stability, as well as economic and political well-being of Nigeria at all time

News

Anambra Traditional Rulers Confer ‘Dike Si Mba’ Title On Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

May 8, 2025

News Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Tinubu crowned ‘Dike Si Mba’ of Anambra by Anambra State Traditional Rulers

Traditional rulers in Anambra State on Thursday conferred a chieftaincy title of ‘Dike Si Mba’ of Anambra on President Bola Tinubu.

The Traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi, gave the President the title in Awka during his official visit to the state.

‘Dike Si Mba’ loosely translates to ‘Hero from another land’, was given to President Tinubu by the traditional rulers representing all the communities in Anambra State.

Tinubu, who is in Anambra State on official visit, arrived at the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri around 12:15pm, and was received by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim and other government officials.

Tinubu inaugurated Anambra State’s first-ever Government House on Thursday, marking a historic milestone more than 30 years after the state’s creation.

Tinubu also inaugurated several other projects done by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

It is the President’s second visit to the South-East this year after visiting Enugu State in January.

News

Nigerian Senate Passes 2 Tax Reform Bills

Published

3 days ago

May 8, 2025

News Editor

Senate in Session

The Nigerian Senate has passed two out of the four Tax Reform Bills which are expected to overhaul Nigeria’s tax laws.

The lawmakers approved the bills following the consideration and adoption of the recommendations of the Senate Committee chairman Senator Sani Musa during the committee of the whole

The four key bills are the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill.

But out of the four, only the Bill to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 was approved

The second approved bill is the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill which is an Act to provide for the assessment, collection of and accounting for revenue accruing to the federation, federal, states and local governments.

“Prescribe the powers and functions of tax authorities and for related matters”.

Presenting the report, Sani said that the bills sought to reform Nigeria’s tax framework, strengthen institutions and enhance accountability and compliance.

Contributing, Deputy Senate President of Jibrin Barau congratulated the entire Senate and in particular, the Committee on Finance and the Elders Committee for the wisdom and leadership that has been shown in the passage of the bills.

“Initially, there were in disagreements and there were rancors here and there.

“But the Senate, standing on its position as the highest assembly in the land, decided to establish this committee, the Committee of Elders (Special Committee).

“To look at all those areas of contention and hear the views of religious leaders, regional organisations and other stakeholders.”

In his remarks President of the Senate, Godswill disclosed that the remaining two bills will be considered in plenary on Thursday.

He commended the committee on Finance and senators for a thorough job.

“He also expressed gratitude to the group of “elder senators” who collated and deliberated on areas of contention in the Tax Bill through meetings and consultation with dissenting voices.

Akpabio expressed optimism that the tax laws would revolutionalise and optimise tax collection across the country.

He expressed satisfaction that the passage of the bills have dispelled rumours that they were meant to serve the interests of a part of the country, adding that all Nigerians will benefit from them.

News

Senate Sets Up Committee To Oversee Rivers Administrator

Published

5 days ago

May 6, 2025

News Editor

Senate in Session

The Nigerian Senate has constituted an 18-member committee tasked with overseeing the activities of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.).

This, it said, was in a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability in the state’s governance.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, was named as chairman of the committee.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during the resumption of plenary.

Akpabio highlighted the importance of the committee’s mandate, stating that its role was critical in ensuring effective legislative oversight in Rivers State.

Akpabio also hinted that the composition of the committee might be subject to review following further consultations.

Other members of the committee include Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed, alongside the Clerk of the Senate.

The Senate President charged the committee to commence its oversight duties without delay, stressing the urgency of their assignment.

He also reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding democratic processes in Rivers State.