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‘Disclose Details Of SIECs’ Members, LGA Results’, Or Face Legal Action, SERAP Tells 36 Governors

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2024

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors “to promptly disclose details of chairmen and members of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in the states, including their qualifications and political affiliations, if any, and the mechanisms of their appointment.”

SERAP urged the governors “to provide to disclose the details of the results of local government elections conducted in their states since 1999, and the voters’ register for any such elections.”

SERAP also urged the governors “to clarify and explain how your states have complied with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international standards on the conduct of periodic local government elections in your states, including the details of any law regulating such elections in your states.”

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu had last week alleged that “the conduct of local government elections in virtually all states has become mere coronation of candidates of the ruling parties.”

In a Freedom of Information request dated 1 June, 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “State governors have the constitutional responsibility to establish and allow independent electoral commissions to conduct local government elections fairly and impartially.”

SERAP said: “The reported interference by state governors in the operations of SIECs and apparent manipulation of local government elections are clearly incompatible with Nigerians’ right to effectively participate in their own government.”

According to SERAP, “Governors’ reported interference in the operations of SIECs and manipulation of local government elections have seriously undermined the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process and public trust and confidence in the process, as well as the integrity of the country’s democracy.”

The letters, read in part: “Local government elections in several states are susceptible to manipulation by governors. The appointment process of chairmen and members of SIECs and the operations of these commissions are shrouded in secrecy.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you, your states and SIECs to comply with our requests in the public interest.”

“State governors have also reportedly continued to undermine the enjoyment of people’s right to participate in their own government.”

“The combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act, and the country’s international obligations is the requirement that local government elections must be organized by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.”

“Human rights treaties also require states parties including Nigeria to ensure the independence and impartiality of national electoral bodies responsible for the management of elections, as well as to promote the establishment of the necessary conditions to foster citizen participation.”

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their public institutions’ activities.”

“The crisis confronting Nigerian elections and lack of public trust and confidence in local government elections can be addressed only if the elections are conducted by independent and impartial state electoral commissions and in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and international standards.”

“Confidence in the country’s electoral process is increasingly on the decline. Many Nigerians are expressing concerns about the credibility and integrity of local government elections in your states.”

“The major problem facing the country’s democracy is the lack of respect for Nigerians’ right to participation and the concomitant lack of trust in election results. If citizens do not believe in the election process, then the entire system of democratic government becomes a questionable enterprise.”

“As its name suggests, SIEC is expected to maintain independence or absolute neutrality. SIECs must not only be independent and impartial, but must also be seen to be independent and impartial.”

“However, the mere fact that SIEC has “independent” in its name does not in itself make it independent. What makes an institution truly independent and impartial are its attributes and characteristics, and the credibility and transparency of the appointment process.”

“Your states have a legal responsibility to promote and guarantee the integrity, credibility, and independence of SIECs, and to ensure that the electoral commissions are free from political and other interferences.”

“The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend in part on the integrity and competence of the body conducting the process, and the transparency of the appointment process for SIECs.”

“You have constitutional and international obligations to ensure the independence of SIEC and build the confidence of the electorate and political parties in local government elections, and to promote public confidence in the appointment of SIECs’ chairmen and members.”

“According to our information, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu recently stated that, “the conduct of Local Government elections in virtually all the states has become mere coronation of candidates of the ruling parties.”

“The 36 SIECs in the country are responsible for the election of 768 local government chairmen and 8,747 councillors totalling 9, 515 constituencies.”

“SERAP is concerned that SIECs lack the capacity and independence to effectively and efficiently perform their constitutional and statutory functions.”

“Many of the SIECs have no functional offices in the local government areas in their states and cannot recruit their own permanent staff. In some states, the SIECs are either not properly constituted, have no security of tenure or their critical functions have been taken over by government officials.”

“Some SIECs are only constituted on the eve of elections and dissolved thereafter. They are also severely under-resourced.”

“Section 197(1)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution provides for the establishment of the State Independent Electoral Commission. 197(2) provides that ‘the composition and powers of each body established by subsection (1) of this section are as set out in Part II of the Third Schedule to this Constitution.’ According to section 198, states are to appoint chairman and members of SIECs.

“Section 200(1)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that members of SIECs ‘shall not be a member of a political party.’ Section 202 provides for the independence of SIECs, and makes clear that the exercise of their powers “shall not be subject to the direction and control of any other authority or person.”

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Senate Confirms Ex-CDS Musa As Defence Minister After Five-hour Screening

Published

16 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Editor

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following a rigorous five-hour screening by lawmakers.

During the confirmation hearing, Musa faced tough questions on recent security lapses, including the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.

The incident sparked national outrage.

Musa assured the Senate that he would immediately set up a full-scale investigation into the troop withdrawal once he assumes office.

He also vowed to probe the recent killing of a brigade commander in Borno State, Brigadier General Musa Uba, and other attacks targeting military officers.

He said, “It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such.

“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (of government). We are going to investigate fully.

“The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”

The nominee highlighted gaps within the armed forces and called for enhanced funding, strengthened community engagement, and coordinated inter-agency operations.

He also emphasised the need to protect schools through the Safe Schools Initiative and a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and banditry.

The screening session saw moments of tension in the chamber.

Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) suggested Musa be allowed to “take a bow and go,” prompting protests from lawmakers, including Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, intervened, urging a thorough screening and noting that Nigerians and the international community were closely watching the process.

Musa, nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed, on health grounds, pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and national territory.

“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe.

“We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team, because it’s going to be a team effort.

“The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives… If we don’t work together, we will allow them to perpetrate the evil acts they have been doing,” he said.

His confirmation comes amid heightened concerns over nationwide kidnappings, insurgency and mass abductions.

News

NUC Gets €3m Loan To Start ICT Projects In Varsities

Published

17 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Editor

This initiative, known as the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, aims to upgrade digital infrastructure, strengthen ICT capabilities, and promote digital literacy in these institutions.

The National Universities Commission says it has received €3m as the first tranche of the $40 million loan secured from the French Development Agency to support Information, Communication and Technology projects in 10 selected universities across the country.

Executive Secretary of the commission, Abdullahi Ribadu, announced this during the inaugural meeting of the 13th NUC Board on Wednesday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Ribadu noted that since he assumed office about a year ago, the commission has pushed forward initiatives centred on research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and skills development across Nigerian universities.

“We have secured $40 million loan from the French Development Agency for the ICT Blueprint Project in 10 selected universities. We have strengthened – only yesterday, the director confirmed to me that the first tranche of €3m has been deposited in our CBN account to kick-start the process.

“We have strengthened internal financial management, expanded access to university education through the licensing of new private universities, and approved new programmes and units.

“We have also supported the take-off of publicly funded universities, expanded open and distance learning centres, and continued system-wide quality assurance exercises. Currently, the 2025 Accreditation Exercise is ongoing.

“These priorities continue to form the foundation of the Commission’s direction, and I am seeking your support in advancing them,” he said.

Ribadu assured the board of the commission’s full cooperation, saying the management stands ready to draw from the members’ expertise.

“We will rely on your wisdom to guide us as we carry out our duties. I am confident that your collective experience will strengthen the commission’s capacity to guide the Nigerian university system at a time when higher education continues to evolve.

“We also look forward to using your networks to help advance projects and partnerships that will benefit the Commission and the entire university system,” he added.

On his part, Chairman of the 13th NUC Board, Emeritus Professor Oluremi Aina, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support for the university sector.

He said the board is assuming its mandate at a time of transition for higher education, with global standards rising and expectations increasing.

Aina outlined five central pillars that will guide the Board’s work, covering performance evaluation, improved university rankings, digital literacy, research and institutional reforms.

He said, “As we settle into this assignment, but permit me to present what I call five pillars that I believe will help guide our stewardship. One, evaluation of NUC performance.

“We must examine in detail the Act that buffered and laid the foundation for the NUC. We also need to be conversant with the various amendments to the act, its vision and mission, guiding principles and ethics.

“Then we must study the commission’s operational challenges and landmark achievements. Going forward, we should compare ourselves against global standards, not sentiments, not history, and where we fall short, how we fall short, and why we must adjust boldly. Two, aligning with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration, the president has made education a pillar of national rebirth with the establishment of the fund and other initiatives.

“The signal sent to the world is that Nigeria is ready to reset and rebuild. Through our assignment, we must lead other key stakeholders in the higher education sector. In pragmatically resolving the naughty and nagging agitation of the academic staff union and other university unions.

“Advancements must also be made to enhance digital literacy and especially the use of artificial intelligence, AI, as tools to strategically reposition the universities nationally and internationally. Overall, it will also be a priority for the 13th board to work with the management for radical improvements in both the global and webometric ranking of our universities.”

He added, “Three, identifying and dismantling obstacles to university quality. Governance deficiencies, fund constraints, research stagnation, et cetera, must no longer be accepted as normal. Our duty is to reform and make progress, not to manage decline.

“Four, reviewing existing funding and exploring new channels for sustainable funding. Nigerian universities cannot thrive on ingenuity alone. The board must intensify the research for alternative funding sources. Strengthen utilisation and explore emerging and local opportunities.

“And five, investing in the welfare and capacity of NUC staff and regulatory infrastructure. The system cannot overperform its operators. Credible accreditation and monitoring require strengthened conditions of service and protected regulatory independence.”

Aina added that the board would fully leverage technology in its operations.

“We will seek to leverage technology to ease our burden through the adoption of digital platforms for the advancement of our collective objectives. And I have a charge for the board.

“This board, in whom I am well-pleased, carries with it the weight of expectations and aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he said.

Earlier this year, the French Development Agency provided a €38 million credit facility to the National Universities Commission to support the digital transformation of 10 federal universities in Nigeria.

This initiative, known as the Blueprint-ICT-Dev Project, aims to upgrade digital infrastructure, strengthen ICT capabilities, and promote digital literacy in these institutions.

News

Satguru Maharaj Pledges To Facilitates Kanu Release If…

Published

17 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Editor

The founder of One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, has vowed to get the incarcerated leader of the proscribed Igbo group, Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, released if the Biafra radio and sit-at-home order are stopped.

Maharaj Ji stated this while speaking in an interview granted to his temple’s in-house radio on Wednesday.

According to him, the IPOB leader was culpable of the terrorism charges levelled against him, and anyone guilty is liable to a death sentence.

He said, “We are, however, grateful that the matter has been put on hold in the sense that, by the accusations, it is always going to be death, looking at the level of crimes attached to him, with the way and manner the constitution is written. Anybody who is accused of doing such a thing (terrorism) is sentenced to death. It is only out of grace that Kanu was able to escape.

“So now it has to be by political settlement before he (Kanu) can be released, and it will be addressed in so many ways. For anyone advocating for his pardon, they have to take positive steps. In other words, they must not do so with empty hands; they should stop the Biafra radio wherever it is. Secondly, the sit-at-home order should be stopped, and the judgment should be accepted while the Igbo elders go behind the scenes to analyse and explain to the President.

“Today, the Igbos have been brought to the central realms of politics by Tinubu. And the Northern caliphate is not happy about it. They are not excited about the commission they were given…They should stop the propaganda that the East is about to be Islamised. When those are done, I know how to watch it out, Kanu will come out. I will help facilitate his release.“

The cleric joined the likes of Abia State governor, Alex Otti, activist Omoyele Sowore, and other South-East leaders to intensify efforts to secure the release of detained Kanu through a political arrangement, assuring residents of the region that “all hope is not lost.”

On Tuesday, Otti met Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, after visiting Kanu in the Sokoto prison facility, where the IPOB leader is serving his sentence.

Otti’s meeting with the President is believed to be part of ongoing engagements aimed at securing the release of the detained Kanu.

Recall that Kanu bagged a life sentence instead of the death penalty after the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, handed down the sentence on counts one, two, four, five, and six.

The judge also handed Kanu a 20-year jail term on count three, with no option of fine, and a five-year jail term on count seven, with no option of fine.

Justice Omotosho delivered the judgment after convicting Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism offences.