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Senate re-amends Electoral Bill, OK direct, indirect or consensus for party primaries 

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan
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The Senate on Wednesday re-amended the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021, passed by the National Assembly on November 18, 2021.

Accordingly, the chamber in Clause 84(2) of the report approved direct, indirect primaries or consensus as procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions.

It also approved the recommended Clause 84(3) that “a political party that adopts the direct primaries procedure shall ensure that all aspirants are given equal opportunity of being voted for by members of the party and shall adopt the procedure outlined below: (a) In the case of Presidential Primaries, all registered members of the party are to vote for aspirants of their choice at a designated centre at each ward of the federation.

It provides further that, “similar procedure as in (a) above, shall be adopted for Gubernatorial, Senatorial, Federal and State Constituencies.

It added that, “Special Conventions should be held to ratify the candidate with the highest number of votes at designated centers at the National, State, Senatorial, Federal and State Constituencies.

Clause 84(4) further provides that “a political party that adopts the system of indirect primaries for the choice of its candidate shall adopt the procedure outlined below; (a) In the case of nominations to the position of Presidential candidate, a political party shall, (i) hold special presidential convention at a designated centre in the Federal Capital Territory or any other place within the Federation that is agreed to by the National Executive Committee of the party.

It provides further in sub-paragraph two (ii) that, “the aspirant with the highest number of votes at the end of voting, shall be declared the winner of the Presidential primaries of the political party and the aspirant name shall be forwarded to the Commission as the candidate of the party.”

The amendment followed a motion for its re-commital to the Committee of the Whole.

The motion was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North).

The Senate Leader, in his presentation, recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had signified withholding his assent on the Electoral Act No. 6 2010 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2021 which was passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President on Thursday, 18th November, 2021.

Senator Abdullahi noted that the rational for withholding assent bordered on his observation in Clause 84.

President Buhari in the letter dated December 13, 2021, and address to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, had explained that his decision to withhold assent to the electoral bill was informed by advice from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government after a thorough review.

According to the President, signing the bill into law would have serious adverse legal, financial, economic and security consequences on the country, particularly in view of Nigeria’s peculiarities.

He added that it would also impact negatively on the rights of citizens to participate in government as constitutionally ensured.

Senator Abdullahi, however, explained that the motion for re-commital of the bill to the Committee on the Whole was against the backdrop of the “need to address the observation by Mr. President C-in-C and make necessary amendment in accordance with Order 87(c) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022 (as amended); and relying on order 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022 ( as amended).”

Accordingly, the chamber rescinded its decision on the affected Clause of the Bill as passed and recommit same to the Committee of the Whole for consideration and passage.

 

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Ekiti Has Spoken Loudly Through the Ballot, Says Ayodeji Ajayi

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A former member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and current Board Member of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election as Governor of Ekiti State.

 

 

Ajayi, who represented Ise/Orun Constituency in the State Assembly, described Governor Oyebanji’s victory in the just-concluded governorship election as a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust reposed in him by the people of the state.

 

 

In his congratulatory message, the former lawmaker said the governor’s victory was a reflection of the administration’s commitment to good governance, inclusive leadership and sustainable development across the state.

 

 

According to him, the outcome of the election signifies the appreciation of Ekiti people for the numerous developmental projects and people-oriented policies implemented by the Oyebanji administration since assuming office.

 

 

He noted that Governor Oyebanji has distinguished himself through prudent management of resources, improved infrastructure, support for workers and pensioners, as well as deliberate efforts to enhance economic growth and social welfare in the state.

 

 

Ajayi, commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process, describing the election as a triumph of democracy and the collective will of the electorate.

 

 

The EKSWAMA board member also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders for ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.

 

 

He expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would bring about greater development, accelerated economic growth and improved living standards for residents across the state.

 

 

“Your re-election is a testament to your exemplary leadership, dedication to service and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ekiti State.

 

The people have spoken through their votes and renewed their mandate because of the remarkable achievements recorded under your administration,” Ajayi stated.

 

 

He urged residents of the state to remain united and continue to support the governor in his efforts to build a more prosperous and inclusive Ekiti.

 

 

Ajayi, further called on political actors to put aside partisan differences and work together with the government in the interest of the state’s development, stressing that the election was over and that the focus should now be on delivering greater dividends of democracy to the people.

 

 

He prayed for divine wisdom, strength and guidance for Governor Oyebanji as he begins another term in office, expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and take Ekiti State to greater heights.

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OYEBANJI MOURNS DEATH OF APC CHIEFTAIN, SENATOR ADENIYI

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has mourned the death of a renowned lawyer and frontline leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Anthony Ademiyiwa Adeniyi (SAN).

 

The late Senator Adeniyi, who represented Ekiti South Senatorial District in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, passed on Wednesday. He was aged 75 years.

 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described the death of the late Senator as a huge a loss to Ekiti State, and Nigeria as a whole, as well as the legal profession and the APC family.

 

According to the Governor, the story of the restoration of the mandate of the progressives in Ekiti State, which culminated in the swearing-in of former Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2010 would not be complete without a generous mention of the legal expertise of the late Senator Adeniyi.

 

Governor Oyebanji said the late senior lawyer gave a vibrant and result-oriented representation to the people of Ekiti South Senatorial District during his tenure as a Senator in which he championed issues relating to constitutional reforms, electoral reforms, independence of the judiciary, better services by telecoms service providers and attraction of investment into the nation’s economy.

 

Describing the late Senator Adeniyi as a consummate Bar leader, the Governor hailed the deceased for being a faithful officer in the temple of Justice with roles as Chairman of the Akure Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) between 1990 and 1992 and a National Executive Committee member of the association for many years.

 

He also hailed the tenure of the late Senator Adeniyi as the Chairman of the Board of the defunct Omega Bank during which the bank grew in capital base, expansion and corporate services to the banking public in Nigeria.

 

The Governor said the Ikere Ekiti-born legal luminary will be remembered for the worthy legacies he left behind and his selfless service for a greater Ekiti and a more prosperous Nigeria during his national service.

 

“The death of Senator Adeniyi is a huge loss to Ekiti and Nigeria as a whole. We lost a decent politician, a distinguished senior advocate of Nigeria and an illustrious son of the Land of Honour.

 

“While we pray that the Lord grant him eternal rest, I encourage his children and members of his family to be comforted with the fact, the late Adeniyi lived a fulfilled life of service and leafy behind a good name and legacies that outlive him. May God grant him eternal rest”, the Governor added.

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Ado West LCDA Chairman Congratulates Oyebanji on Re-election Victory

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The Chairman of Ado West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Adebolu Aladesanmi, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his victory in the recently concluded governorship election.

 

In a congratulatory message, Aladesanmi described the governor’s re-election as a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust the people of Ekiti State have in his leadership, vision, and commitment to the development of the state.

 

The council chairman noted that Governor Oyebanji’s first term in office had been marked by significant achievements across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, adding that the electoral victory was a reward for his administration’s people-oriented policies and impactful governance.

 

According to him, the governor’s second-term mandate presents another opportunity to consolidate on the gains already recorded and further accelerate the pace of development across the state.

 

Hon. Aladesanmi expressed optimism that the renewed mandate would translate into greater progress and improved welfare for residents of Ekiti State, stressing that Ado West LCDA remains committed to supporting the governor’s developmental agenda.

 

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ado West LCDA, I celebrate this well-deserved victory. We look forward to sustained collaboration that will advance the welfare of our people as he prepares for the next term,” he stated.

 

The chairman also prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and good health for Governor Oyebanji as he prepares to commence a second term in office, expressing confidence that the administration would continue to deliver democratic dividends to the people of the state.

 

He urged residents to remain supportive of the governor’s administration and work together to ensure continued peace, unity, and development in Ekiti State.

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