by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, political science, politics, politics and government, politics and law
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has urged for the commemoration of former INEC Chairman, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, emphasizing that Nigeria hasn’t treated him justly.
Late Nwosu served as the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and held the position of Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1989 to 1993.
The electoral commission during his tenure organized the June 12, 1993 elections, which were clinched by the presidential nominee from the former Social Democratic Party (SDP), Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
The election deemed to be the most free and fair was nullified by the previous military president, General Ibrahim Babangida.
During the afternoon session dedicated to honoring the former chairperson of the Commission, Professor Yakubu expressed his condolences in a eulogy for the recently departed Professor Nwosu, lamenting the insufficient acknowledgment he received.
He stated: “Professor Nwosu put forth his utmost effort, but this was often overlooked by numerous individuals, even those who initially brought him aboard during the vast transformation from military governance to democratic rule. This period culminated with the nullification of the presidential elections conducted in 1993, leading to the disbanding of the electoral body and paving the way for an interim administration.”
Associated News from June 12 includes: An APGA chieftain has urged President Tinubu to rename the INEC headquarters after Humphrey Nwosu. The organization continues to stress the importance of tribunals for handling electoral offenses. Additionally, various Arewa groups have opposed calls for the dismissal of INEC chairman Yakubu.
Nevertheless, over time, the result of his endeavor has gained widespread recognition. The election is now hailed as one of the finest in Nigerian history. Even those who nullified it have voiced their remorse.
“Twenty-five years after 1993, in June 2018, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who was believed to be the victor of the 1993 presidential election, was awarded the country’s top honor, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), bestowed posthumously.”
His running partner, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, received the nation’s second-highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The day of the election, June 12th, 1993, has been officially declared a public holiday known as Democracy Day.
Unfortunately, the electoral commission responsible for conducting the election led by Professor Nwosu garnered little recognition, seeming as though nobody had organized the entire process.
Undoubtedly, the election did not organize itself; it was managed by a commission comprised of commissioners and a chairman. Should it have been overlooked during his lifetime that Professor Nwosu did not receive due recognition, it would be fitting for the relevant authorities to honor him posthumously.
Professor Yakubu, recalling other significant accomplishments of the late Nwosu from his tenure, reassured the family of the late Professor Nwosu that the Commission would keep acknowledging Professor Nwosu’s commendable contributions and devoted service to the country.
He implemented numerous advancements in electoral administration. Physically speaking, he established the groundwork for the Commission’s autonomy by introducing the present tripartite hierarchical framework of the commission, featuring branches at national, state, and local government tiers.
He implemented several changes in how elections were managed during his term. This period is closely associated with the Open Ballot System, commonly known as Option A4, where voters lined up according to the emblem representing their preferred political party for both voting and being officially tallied.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
The former Senate President, Ameh Ebute, along with the ex-member of the Ninth National Assembly’s House of Representatives, Honourable Francis Agbo, together with key figures from the Benue South Senatorial District—comprising Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo—held a rally during the weekend. The event aimed at garnering backing for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.
At the rally, the ex-Senate President stressed “the importance of consistently backing Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State due to the opposing forces hindering the progress of Benue.”
He said, “Let me reassure you that our efforts are underway. We stand fully behind the government—meaning all of Zone C. I particularly appreciate your contribution, Linda, for organizing this event as it marks the first such gathering in the area.”
One of the organizers, Honorable Linda Ene Agada, who acts as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor for Town Beautification, expressed her gratitude to the residents of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo. She acknowledged the massive turnout where thousands showed up to demonstrate their backing and confidence in Fr Hyacinth Alia. As mentioned by Ms. Agada, he remains resolute in his mission to advance development in the North Central region despite numerous challenges.
Honorable Agada stated, “I am deeply impressed by the substantial backing that the Governor is getting from my federal constituency. Despite focusing primarily on Enone, the Governor’s administration has initiated several projects including the construction of the Igumale-Agila road, progress on the Igumale-Okpoga road, and the development of a Primary Health Care Center in Ai-Oduh within the Ogbadibo Local Government area, amongst other initiatives.”
In terms of appointments, the Governor appointed Enone as the inaugural Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, representing the Idoma-Igede community, and was also the founding Director-General of Public Procurement in Benue State.
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The current federal constituency includes the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, as well as Commissioners for Water Resources and Climate Change. Additionally, we have the Federal Commissioner from the Public Complaints Commission, three individuals serving on the Federal Board, and several board members at state-level institutions, amongst other key positions.
The honorable Agada also mentioned that the event was arranged to demonstrate gratitude for the effective leadership provided by the Governor and to confirm that the residents of Ado/Okpokwa/Ogbadibo are committed to supporting his re-election bid in 2027.
Among those present were Mr. Okoriko Aba, Honorable Agada who previously chaired the Ogbadibo Local Government, the Vice Chairperson of Ado Local Government, Jane Ikese, and Honorable Sunday Otse Ogenyi, who serves as the Deputy Leader of the Ado Legislative Council.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | incident, politics, politics and government, politics and law, voting
We’re recalling her due to serious violations, misuse of authority, and other issues – Constituents
LAGOS
The Independent National Electoral Commission has received a petition from the residents of Kogi Central Senatorial District seeking to recall the senator who was suspended and represents the district in the National Assembly.
The petition was filed along with more than 250,000 signatures from residents, representing approximately half of the roughly 480,000 registered voters in Kogi Central—a total that satisfies INEC’s criteria of 50% plus one.
The petition brought forward by Ms. Charity Ijese on behalf of her fellow constituents was handed over to the INEC headquarters where it was accepted by the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs. Rose Anthony, early Monday morning and duly timestamped.
In their petition, entitled “Petition by Constituents Calling for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Due to Loss of Trust,” the signatories stated, “As duly registered voters within Kogi Central Senatorial District, we exercise our legal rights granted under the statutes of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We officially request the removal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her position in the Nigerian Senate.”
This application for recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is submitted under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended version) and according to INEC’s Rules and Procedures for Recall Petitions.
They stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan came into power due to a Court of Appeal ruling in October 2024; however, they mentioned that the petition was filed because they lost faith in her representation.
This petition stems from our lost trust in the Senator because of serious wrongdoing, misuse of authority, avoidance of proper procedures, and a consistent pattern of deceptive actions. These behaviors have not only humiliated the citizens of Kogi Central but have also damaged the credibility of both the Nigerian Senate and our country’s democratic systems.
Through this petition, which we have confirmed has been signed by over half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we are demanding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initiate the constitutional and procedural steps for recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her position so as to declare her seat vacant,” stated the constituents.
In her address to the press following the filing of the petition, Ijese, surrounded by numerous fellow constituents, reiterated their commitment to seeing the recall effort through.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, political science, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Kalonzo Musyoka, a prominent figure in the opposition group known as Wiper, has voiced his worries about the transparency and impartiality surrounding the restructuring of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). These concerns arise after an agreement was reached between President William Ruto and ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
At an event held in Kiambu County, Kalonzo revealed that he had sent a letter to Odinga stressing the importance of fair representation when choosing IEBC commissioners.
“I believed Raila would support me consistently from start to finish, but now I’ve reached out to him because we need to clarify matters to avoid any misunderstandings,” Musyoka stated.
He voiced concern that the Ruto-Odinga pact could have negative repercussions for the execution of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, specifically regarding the restructuring of the IEBC.
“We are awaiting the appropriate moment when the committee choosing the commissioners should ensure an equitable nomination process. During our discussion of the NADCO report with the Kikuyu member of parliament, I advocated for collaboration and agreement,” Musyoka stated.
The leader of the Wipers also expressed his hope for Odinga’s backing in maintaining transparency, noting that he had officially conveyed his worries to avoid any possible misunderstandings.
“As a nation, we have arrived at a point where everyone, especially our leaders, seems uncertain about Kenya’s direction. However, for us, we stand as a devoted opposition of the people,” Kalonzo stated firmly.
The reconstruction of the IEBC has been central to the NADCO talks, with officials from both the government and the opposition urging for prompt action.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah stated that tackling the reform of the IEBC is essential, whereas Kalonzo stressed that prioritizing electoral justice, including an audit of the 2022 presidential vote, should come first.
The NADCO report, which provides suggestions for electoral reforms, has faced hurdles such as legal impediments.
Following objections from a petitioner regarding its content, the High Court in Kiambu halted the execution of the decision. This has led Kalonzo to accuse the Kenya Kwanza administration of trying to obstruct the realization of the report.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | news, politics, politics and government, politics and law, public policy
Bengaluru
(
Karnataka
[India], March 24 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),
BJP
) leaders organized an event on Monday
protest
against Deputy Chief Minister
DK Shivakumar
According to his alleged statement
Constitution
.
earlier in the day, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat criticized individuals who, as he put it, had formerly pledged to safeguard the
Constitution
, blaming them for exploiting it solely as a political instrument.
In discussions with ANI, Shekhawat remarked, “Individuals who were wandering about carrying
Constitution
And pledging to defend it, their identity and appearance have been revealed once more. Those who consistently disregarded the
Constitution
in line with their preferences, they have once more revealed their character and showcased it to the nation’s populace… For them, this has been
Constitution
was merely a strategy to secure victory in the elections.”
This comes after
DK Shivakumar
On Sunday, during an event, they discussed the legislation that introduced a four percent quota for minority groups and other backward classes in public contracts within the state. It was claimed that he said, “
Constitution
will be changing.
A commotion broke out within a few minutes of the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha.
Karnataka
Deputy Chief Minister
DK Shivakumar
as mentioned in his reported comments regarding “altering the
Constitution
“.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asked the Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, to explain the Congress party’s stance on reservations for Muslims. In response, the head of the Congress stated that no one could alter their position on this issue.
Constitution
.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Kiren Rijiju described Shivakumar’s comments as “highly grave.”
Responding to Kiren Rijiju, Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the Opposition (LoP) and head of the Congress party, stated that their party initiated the Bharat Jodo Yatra nationwide with the aim of safeguarding the nation.
Constitution
.”
Nobody can change the
Constitution
Drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, reservations cannot be abolished. To safeguard this, we undertook the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. “They [pointing at NDA MPs] are breaking India,” Kharge stated.
Kiren Rijiju responded to Kharge and called for the resignation of
Karnataka
Deputy Chief Minister
DK Shivakumar
.
By raising the topic of Muslim reservations, Congress has tarnished the reputation of Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Constitution
“If you’ve got courage, call for the Deputy Chief Minister’s resignation right now,” Rijiju stated.
Karnataka
Deputy CM
DK Shivakumar
hit back at the
BJP
indicating that they were attempting to distort his comment.
“I prefer not to elaborate too much… Regarding quotas, multiple rulings have been issued, and following each ruling, modifications have been made to the
Constitution
There isn’t anything else… Therefore, they are attempting to distort it. They do not face any problems. I am pleased that Jairam Ramesh has initiated the privilege motion. Additionally, I am seeking advice from my legal consultants,” he stated. (ANI)
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | journalism, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Gregor Gysi will begin the inaugural session of the new Bundestag when it meets on Tuesday, March 25. The 77-year-old from the left-wing party has full liberty to choose both the topic and duration of his address.
According to the rules of the German parliament, the longest-serving member has the privilege of opening the inaugural session of a new Bundestag following a general election. In this instance, that role falls to 77-year-old Gregor Gysi, who has been a nearly continuous member for 31 years, from October 3, 1990—the date of Germany’s reunification.
Gysi was raised in the German Democratic Republic (GDR), which was a communist regime.
The accomplished attorney, who was also the offspring of ex-GDR Cultural Minister Klaus Gysi, entered the political arena amid the nonviolent upheaval of the late ’80s. Following the collapse of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, which put the influential Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) at a crossroads, Gysi assumed leadership swiftly. Against considerable doubt, he managed an extraordinary feat: steering the SED away from oblivion.
How the Left Party Developed Over Time
To signal a new beginning for a new democratic era, the SED adopted the name PDS (Party of Democratic Socialism) and went on to win 16% of the vote in the last and only free East German election, to the GDR People’s Chamber.
Next, Gysi took on the role of the primary contender for the PDS in the initial post-reunification election to the Bundestag, which was headquartered in Bonn, the capital of Western Germany at that time.
“When I entered the Bundestag in 1990, I wasn’t held in high regard; instead, I was despised by certain individuals,” Berlin-native Gysi recounted to the weekly paper lately.
Das Parliament
He mentioned having to gain respect over many years, yet he ended by saying that now things have changed: “I think most members of the Bundestag acknowledge my political contributions.”
Stasi allegations
Many people also criticize the left-wing politician due to allegations that were never completely resolved. In the mid-1990s, documents from the notorious East German Ministry for State Security, commonly referred to as the “Stasi,” came to light, indicating that Gysi might have been a Stasi informer. However, no evidence was ever found to substantiate these claims.
Nevertheless, a Bundestag committee examining potential Stasi involvement among Members of Parliament concluded that Gysi was indeed an informal informant for the East German secret service. Despite having previously advocated for those opposed to the government during the GDR period, Gysi managed to successfully defend himself multiple times in court against recurring allegations.
The accusations regarding his history failed to diminish his popularity, even within the former West Germany. Known as an adept speaker, he frequently intimidates fellow Members of Parliament with his clever parliamentary addresses. Additionally, he is a favorite among television talk show audiences and much in demand as an interview subject.
Safeguarding East German interests
Gysi has consistently viewed himself as an advocate for the interests of eastern Germany. Following reunification, millions of former GDR residents found themselves without work due to the struggling state-run businesses (VEB) being incapable of competing within the capitalist framework. As a result, they rapidly started feeling like inferior citizens.
Gysi aimed to alter this situation, yet his efforts were only partly successful. At first, the newly formed leftist group achieved electoral success with more than 20% of votes in the former East Germany. However, gradually, numerous individuals distanced themselves from the party known as The Left. Consequently, many residents in Eastern Germany shifted their support toward the right-populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
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Gysi is particularly delighted with the unforeseen success of his party during the federal elections held on February 23rd. Having secured slightly less than nine percent, they nearly doubled their previous outcome from 2021. The rise in backing for the AfD has left him feeling disheartened. Likely due to this concern, he’s anticipated to address the condition of societal affairs in his inaugural speech as a former speaker of the Bundestag. Additionally, he plans to weigh in on matters concerning international relations amidst multiple conflicts and upheavals.
Thirty-five years since German reunification, it is both an honor and a responsibility to kick off the inaugural session of the new Bundestag, as Gysi stated.
Das Parlament
He will deliver both his opening and closing remarks at this event – with no restrictions on how long he can speak. “Don’t fret,” he quipped, “I won’t take advantage of that liberty.”
The original version of this piece was penned in German.
If you’re still around: Each Tuesday, the LIFEHACKeditors compile updates on developments in German politics and society. You can subscribe here for the weekly email newsletter called Berlin Briefing.
Author: Marcel Fürstenau
