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Senate confirms five nominees as INEC Commissioners, rejects Lauretta Onochie

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The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of five nominees as Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

This was just as it rejected the nomination of Lauretta Onochie (Delta) and stepped down that of Prof. Sani Muhammad Adam (North Central) for further investigation by the committee.

The confirmation of the nominees followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on INEC.

Those confirmed include Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru (North-West), Prof. Muhammad Sani Kallah (Katsina), Prof. Kunle Cornelius Ajayi (Ekiti), Dr. Baba Bila (North-East), and Saidu Babura Ahmad (Jigawa).

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC, Kano South), in his presentation, said the Committee received several petitions against the nominations of Ms. Lauretta Onochie and Professor Sani Muhammad Adam.

He disclosed that the petitions against Lauretta Onochie were against the backdrop that her involvement in politics and alleged membership of a political party.

He explained further that her nomination violated the Federal Character Principle as there is already a serving National Electoral Commissioner from Delta State, Barr. Mary Agbamuche-Mbu who was screened and confirmed by the 8th Senate.

“In the case of Ms. Lauretta Onochie’s, having studied her curriculum vitae and other relevant documents, followed by exhaustive interaction around the petitions against her nomination which she responded to accordingly, including attesting that she is not a registered member of any political party”, Gaya said.

 

 

According to the lawmaker, the Committee bound by the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amendment) on Federal Character Principle, refused to recommend Onochie for confirmation.

“Therefore, based on the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) on Federal Character Principle as earlier stated, and in order for the Committee and the Senate to achieve fairness to other states and political zones in the country, the committee is unable to recommend Ms. Lauretta Onochie for confirmation as a National Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission”, he explained.

On the nomination against Prof. Sani Muhammad Adam, the committee recommended that his confirmation be stepped down pending further legislative action by the committee.

  1. Accordingly, the Senate while confirming the five nominees, adopted the recommendations of the Committee by rejecting Onochie’s nomination and stepping down that of Professor Adam for further action.

 

 

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Nigerians Are Hungry And Unhappy With Tinubu – Fayemi

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Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that many Nigerians are suffering under the current economic conditions and are unlikely to support the government in the upcoming general election.

In a video obtained by the Guardian, Fayemi spoke in Yoruba, lamenting the levels of hunger and financial hardship in the country. He pointed to deteriorating infrastructure and the federal government’s neglect of key development efforts.

“Let’s not deceive ourselves; Nigerians are not happy with the Federal Government due to hunger and a lack of money,” he stated.

Fayemi highlighted the poor condition of federal roads in Ekiti, specifically mentioning the route from Efon Alaaye through Erio and the road from Omuo Ekiti through Ilasa to Ayedun Ekiti, emphasising the struggles faced by commuters.

He also criticised the Federal Government for its refusal to refund the N18–20 billion spent by his administration on the Ado-Iyin road project, arguing that these funds could have been reinvested into other road projects if reimbursed. “The Federal Government said they didn’t send us to build the road, so no refund was made,” he added. “If they had refunded the money, wouldn’t the governor have used it to complete phase two of the road?”

Fayemi made these comments during a public event attended by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, and lawmaker Tope Longe.

While he acknowledged the necessity of reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies, he criticised their abrupt implementation without sufficient measures to cushion the impact on citizens facing rising living costs and inflation. He also pointed out the alarming delays in the release of funds to federal ministries and agencies, stressing that good intentions alone are not enough for effective governance.

 

S: Guardian

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N’Delta group Aims To Gather 10 Million Votes In Support Of Tinubu’s Re-election

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A grassroots sociopolitical organisation based in the Niger Delta, Door-2-Door, has expressed its commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The group aims to mobilise and secure 10 million votes for the President.

Door-2-Door was founded by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who is also the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and an influential figure in the Ijaw nation.

In a statement released in Warri, Delta State, on Monday and signed by its National Coordinator, Sunday Adekanbi, the organisation characterised its commitment to Tinubu’s re-election as unwavering.

“As emphasised by our Grand Patron, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Door-2-Door is unequivocally committed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. Our goal of mobilising and securing 10 million votes for Mr. President is non-negotiable,” the statement read in part.

The organisation also praised President Tinubu and the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for electing Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the national chairman of the party.

Offering heartfelt congratulations to Professor Yilwatda on his well-deserved election, the group described him as “a square peg in a square hole,” noting that his dedication to public service and commitment to democratic values would guide the party to greater success.

The statement continued, “Professor Yilwatda is, without a doubt, the right fit for the challenging position of APC National Chairman. His proven dedication to public service, deep political insight, and commitment to democratic ideals make him exceptionally qualified to lead the party toward new heights.

“Throughout his decades of distinguished service, Professor Yilwatda has shown remarkable talent and extensive experience in governance, policy formulation, and political strategy. These qualities are essential as the APC prepares to address challenges and solidify its leadership ahead of the upcoming elections.

“We have full confidence that under his leadership, the APC will be strengthened both institutionally and ideologically. We look forward to witnessing how his vision and expertise will enhance the party’s strengths, boost grassroots support, and inspire Nigerians to unite behind the APC’s agenda nationwide.

“Indeed, Professor Nentawe possesses the intellectual rigor and leadership charisma that this crucial moment demands. As Nigeria approaches the next election, Door-2-Door, under the leadership of High Chief Tompolo, pledges its unwavering support to Professor Yilwatda and the APC. We believe that with his guidance, the party will achieve a resounding victory, bringing hope and progress to all Nigerians.”

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FG Secures Financing For Aba-Maiduguri Rail Line, Enhances Eastern Corridor Connectivity

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The Federal Government has successfully secured full financing for the completion of the Aba–Maiduguri rail corridor, which is a crucial part of the 1,443-kilometer Port Harcourt Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project.

Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, made the announcement on Wednesday during a government-citizen engagement forum at Arewa House in Kaduna. He stated that the project will traverse Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, significantly boosting regional trade, passenger mobility, and economic integration across Nigeria’s eastern corridor.

“The financing for this strategic route is now secured, and we are dedicated to completing the full stretch from Aba to Maiduguri,” the minister affirmed.

Alkali also mentioned the ongoing rehabilitation of the old Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Railway, highlighting that freight services have resumed between Apapa Port and the Kano Inland Dry Port. This is part of the government’s efforts to decongest seaports, promote inland port operations, and support industrial logistics.

Additionally, the announcement reflects a broader initiative by the Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria’s aging rail infrastructure and strengthen inter-regional connectivity through modern transport systems.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed the minister’s statements.

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