Opinion

Electoral Bill: Don’t worry, NASS can’t bite

Published

3 years ago

January 2, 2022

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By Ehichioya Ezomon

Nigerians shouldn’t worry about the National Assembly (NASS) overriding President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021. And the Presidency doesn’t need to blackmail or coerce the NASS to shelve the voyage of discovery.
This is because the NASS “does not have the liver” to contemplate, or attempt to override Buhari’s latest refusal to sign the piece of legislation that promises credible electoral processes.
Outspoken Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State had risked a bet that the NASS members, for lack of courage and strength of character, wouldn’t strike down Buhari’s veto of the Bill.
What were members to do in the circumstance? Override the president’s veto, or rework the Bill, as Buhari has requested, by removing the “offending” provision for direct primaries.
But when the chips were down, and urgent action needed to make the legislation become an Act implementable, especially for the February 2023 general election, the NASS members proved Wike right by hurriedly closing plenary for holiday till January 18, 2022.
Most troubling is that the initiative to embark on vacation began in the House of Representatives, which played a pivotal role in the late insertion of the provision for direct primaries in the Bill.
In particular, Nigerians would recall how House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila led the debates on direct primary election he says is germane to the processes of advancing democracy in Nigeria.
In Lagos on December 30, Gbajabiamila relived his push for direct primaries, saying: “If you follow the history of the amendment of the direct and indirect primary bill, I initiated that amendment bill for a good reason, and it is for people to participate in elections. “These are the people you see around when you campaign every four years: come rain, come shine. For me, it does not make sense that these people do not have a voice in who represents them. It is part of being used and I didn’t like that.
“One of the ways to reform the system is to make it more accountable and to make the people have a voice in who represents them as opposed to a few people sitting in the four corners of a wall (room) and writing results. That’s what the amendment was about.”
As the Bill was in abeyance, Gbajabiamila visited the Aso Rock Villa, in Abuja, to acquaint Buhari with the importance of direct primaries to mass participation by mostly youths in the electoral process.
Yet, when prompt action was expected on the Bill, Gbajabiamila balked, and hit the gavel to suspend plenary for a full month, for members to embark on holiday while the polity reels in turmoil.
According to him, the time was short to address the Electoral Bill in haste, as members must pass other important bills, such as the 2022 Appropriation Bill and the Finance Bill before vacationing.
The Senate is also guilty of stalling the Bill, but Senate President Ahmad Lawan tried to steer the Upper Chamber into looking at the issue in two sittings before joining the House in the holiday binge.
The Senate was locked in several closed sessions. At a stage, members reportedly “gathered over 73 signatures” to override Buhari’s veto. But the speculations remained in those realms!
Left in the lurch, Senator Lawan declared that as a two-chamber assembly, the Senate couldn’t take a second look at the Electoral Bill without the House. So, he proclaimed a one-month holiday.
On the behind-the-scenes session by members, Lawan said: “The Senate… discussed how to respond to the letter from Mr. President on the electoral bill amendment. The Senate consequently resolved to consult with the House of Representatives in January when both the Senate and House will be in session.
“Presently, the House of Reps has gone on recess and like we all know, the constitutional provision is for the Senate and House of Representatives to jointly take the appropriate action.”
Again, Gbajabiamila has inelegantly intervened in the Bill impasse, giving an inkling that the House might foreclose direct primaries, and go against public clamour for Buhari’s veto to be overridden.
Idiomatically-proverbial, he said: “When we come back, the House will look at those amendments. We will sit as the National Assembly, look at the reasons, and consider removing that clause and pass the bill so that we do not do away with the baby and the bath water.
“But then, it is not my decision to make. It is the decision of the National Assembly. If they determine that the reasons are not good enough, then, there is a process prescribed by the constitution.
“They need 2/3 of the members to override the president. There is a reason the constitution prescribes 2/3; veto is not something you easily override.
“If they muster enough and they believe it is in the best interest of Nigerians, then, that is what we will do; otherwise, we will take out the clause and pass the bill so that Nigerians can have a credible electoral act and due process. They must get it.”
Seizing on the obvious volte face by members of NASS, and the likelihood of not overriding Buhari’s veto, the Presidency has turned the tables on the legislators, accusing them of attempting to foist a dangerous Bill on the country.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement on December 28, stated that “… the President will do whatever he can to protect this country’s democracy, and that includes withholding assent from this Bill.”
“These amendments have been presented as a means to enhance and build upon our democratic processes. After careful review, the President’s Office has found that the opposite is true,” Shehu said.
“Rather, the proposed amendments entail significant legal, financial, economic and security consequences for all Nigerians, principal among which would be a severe spike in the cost of holding primary elections by parties – integral to democracies the world over.
“To those that would rather that limited public funds be spent on politicking during this time of global crisis, we say: cease these cynical games. Tell the Nigerian people openly what you want. Put your – or rather their – money where your mouth is.”
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), who opposes direct primaries from the onset, took the debate further on the cost implications to government bankrolling political party primaries and the 2023 elections.
Estimating politicians to be 60 million of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million, Malami says it’s unfair to the 160 million non-politicians to spend N305 billion on INEC’s duties for 2023 polls, and N200 billion to conduct primaries by the 18 political parties.
The Minister, in a phone-in programme on Radio Kano, monitored in Abuja, asked rhetorically: “Are you fair to the 160 million Nigerians using their wealth just to conduct primary election to produce a party candidate, despite other demands by the public?
“My answer to this is that, to spend this N305 billion that will be given to the INEC and the about N200 billion to be given to the political parties is not fair to the remaining 160 million Nigerians who have no business about politics and political appointments.”
While the guessing and waiting game continues in the lead-up to the 2023 polls, the question maybe asked: What’s the guarantee that the president will assent the Bill if the NASS were to effect the changes that Buhari has required?
That triggers another poser by critics: That the object of the attacks on direct primaries is located elsewhere, particularly in the provision for electronic transmission of poll results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)!
That the eleventh-hour insertion of direct primaries in the Bill was a ploy to get President Buhari to withhold his assent, so as to thwart the implementation of electronic transmission of election results!
So, as Buhari reportedly stated, the floating of direct primaries is a conspiracy by governors and NASS members to abort electronic transmission of poll results. But then, their quest appears in tandem with the expectation of the Presidency.
From the manner it’s hammering on the “dangers” posed by the Electoral Bill to the polity, the governors and NASS members may’ve unwittingly sanctioned the bidding of the administration.
What’s glaring is that with or without opposition to direct primaries, the government seems unenthusiastic about the Electoral Bill that Buhari has repeatedly turned down, and which the NASS members haven’t grown some balls to advance its processes.

Opinion

Between President Tinubu and Governor Namadi of Jigawa State

Published

3 days ago

January 28, 2025

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Malam Umar Namadi

By Adamu Muhd Usman

The third American President, Thomas Jefferson (1801–1809), once said, “The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.” He also stated, “That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part.” Inspired by these quotes, I feel encouraged to appeal to His Excellency, the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi (FCA), also known as Dan Modi, on certain critical issues affecting the state. These matters weigh heavily on me, as they directly impact the people of Jigawa, and the governor is in the best position to address them. If revisited and resolved, they will significantly benefit a large segment of the populace.

Currently, Jigawa State lacks substantial federal government presence in this democratic dispensation. Almost all the projects directly impacting the people are state-led initiatives executed by your administration. While intervention funds and empowerment programs are shared across states, they are often not visible or enduring. What Jigawa needs are sustainable projects or programs that benefit the majority of its residents—irrespective of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or nationality.

Jigawa is an agrarian state with over 3,000 hectares of Fadama land capable of feeding the nation, yet it has remained neglected for over 40 years. President Tinubu’s administration has failed to complement the state government’s efforts in executing capital projects, which could have supported Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda and improved the people’s well-being. The federal government’s neglect of Jigawa is evident, and it has taken the wisdom, experience, and determination of Governor Namadi, with the help of God, to execute key projects during these challenging times under Tinubu’s administration.

It is worth noting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the 2023 presidential election in Jigawa, with Tinubu securing more votes than Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This obligates us to appeal to our governor to advocate for federal support, particularly for the promises made by APC and President Tinubu to Nigerians.

Take, for instance, the Hadejia Irrigation Project or Hadejia Irrigation Scheme, initiated in 1980 under the Shagari regime, nearly 45 years ago. The project, intended to irrigate over 2,000 hectares of farmland, remains underdeveloped. This administration has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to progress by allocating funds in the 2024 or 2025 budgets to revitalise the project. With proper funding, the Hadejia River Basin could significantly contribute to national food security. Jigawa farmers already grow crops like rice, cowpeas, wheat, and vegetables, which could yield 3–4 harvests annually with improved varieties and irrigation.

Unfortunately, the federal government appears to pay lip service to critical issues affecting the economy and the people of Jigawa. I urge Governor Namadi to leverage his experience, moral values, and close relationship with President Tinubu to push for the federal government’s intervention on these pressing matters. He should continue to appeal, remind, and advocate until tangible results are achieved.

During Dr. Sule Lamido’s tenure as governor, he actively lobbied the federal government under Presidents Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan for projects like the Federal University Dutse (FUD), the Federal Medical Centre, and the reimbursement for the Dutse airport construction. His efforts even led to a ₦10 billion allocation for the Hadejia Irrigation Project, though it remains incomplete. Governor Namadi should follow this example and persist in lobbying for federal support.

Another urgent issue is the reconstruction of the Hadejia-Gamayin-Kafin Hausa-Jahun-Ajingi-Gaya-Wudil federal road. Despite efforts by previous administrations, including Sule Lamido, the road remains in disrepair. This road connects Jigawa and Kano states and serves as a vital link to the northeastern region. Given the cordial relationship between Governor Namadi and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf Kabir, as well as Vice President Kashim Shettima’s influence, there is an opportunity to collaborate and push for the road’s reconstruction.

The road, which leads to Sule Lamido University Kafin-Hausa, has become a death trap, with frequent accidents and armed robberies. It also serves as a crucial route for transporting farm produce and livestock from rural to urban areas. Its reconstruction would promote education, economic growth, and social development, while reducing insecurity. I appeal to Governor Namadi to prioritise this project and secure federal support.

Lastly, Governor Namadi should remind President Tinubu about ensuring equitable representation of Jigawa indigenes in federal appointments and opportunities. Allegations persist that Jigawa’s quotas in federal agencies and commissions are often sold or allocated to individuals from other states. Your Excellency, please investigate and address this issue to ensure fairness and transparency.

May Allah continue to unite, protect, and bless Jigawa State.

Adamu Muhd Usman
Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State

Opinion

Celebrating the selfless contributions of the President, Emnamu Foundation

Published

3 days ago

January 27, 2025

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Emmanuel N. Musa

By Wilberforce Edward

In a world where kindness and compassion seem to be fading, individuals like Mr. Emmanuel N. Musa, President of Emnamu Foundation, remind us of the transformative power of humanity. Through his tireless efforts, Mr. Musa has been a beacon of hope for countless lives across Nigeria.

Based in Kala’a, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Emnamu Foundation has been a driving force for positive change under Mr. Musa’s visionary leadership. His unwavering commitment to empowering the unemployed youth, supporting the aged, and uplifting indigent communities has earned him a reputation as a true humanitarian.

Mr. Musa’s selflessness and generosity have touched hearts and transformed lives across several states in Nigeria. His dedication to creating opportunities for the marginalized and vulnerable is a testament to his character and compassion.

As we celebrate Mr. Musa’s remarkable contributions, we are reminded that one person can make a difference. His story inspires us to embrace our shared humanity and strive for a world where kindness, empathy, and generosity are the guiding principles.

We salute Mr. Emmanuel N. Musa for his outstanding work and encourage others to follow in his footsteps. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.

Opinion

Island of Harmony: Praslin, Seychelles, Where Humans and Animals Coexist in Perfect Peace

Published

3 days ago

January 27, 2025

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By Lamara Garba

Tucked away in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the town of Praslin some 120 km from Mahe the capital city of Seychelles is a haven of peace and harmony.

This picturesque town is home to a unique and fascinating phenomenon – humans, animals, and birds living together in perfect synchrony.

Unlike in Nigeria where human lives have no value whatsoever as evident by the frequent incidences of wanton destruction from the hands of bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and sometimes even from the “accidental discharge of fire arms” from the security forces, in Praslin, it was a completely the opposite situation.

As you stroll through the streets of Praslin, you’ll notice a striking absence of fear or aggression between the different species. Birds flit about, perching on shoulders and arms, while giant tortoises amble along, unafraid of the humans around them. Even the town’s dogs and cats seem to have made peace with the island’s wildlife, often lounging together in the shade.

What catches my attention was the way I noticed birds picking from the ground while I was pursuing them, but they never entertain any fear of aggression from me, rather, they seems to be unmindful of my presence and instead, busy with their business of picking items for their stomach

Therefore, this remarkable harmony is no doubt, a manifestation of the peaceful nature of the inhabitants of Praslin in particular and the good governance of Seychelles.

The island nation has long been committed to preserving its unique environment and promoting sustainable tourism. As a result, Praslin has become a model for eco-friendly development and community-led conservation.

Visitors to Praslin can’t help but be enchanted by the town’s laid-back atmosphere and the warm hospitality of its people. Whether you’re exploring the island’s stunning beaches, hiking through the lush forests, or simply soaking up the tranquility of the town, Praslin is a true gem of the Indian Ocean.

Perhaps in a world often marked by conflict and division, Praslin stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through peaceful coexistence and responsible governance. As you leave this enchanting town, you can’t help but feel inspired by the possibility of a more harmonious world.