News

Elections: NGO Drags Malami, Kalu To Court

Published

2 years ago

April 19, 2023

A human rights organisation, the Incorporated Trustees of Initiative Against Human Right Abuse and Torture, has dragged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, to court over an alleged electoral crime.

Others also accused of breaching the electoral laws are the Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzo Kalu and Dim Emeka Obasi.

In the originating summons filed before the Federal High Court, the plaintiff is accusing the defendants of “gross violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act by displaying their ballot papers to the public immediately after casting their votes in their various polling units on the 25th day of February 2023”.

It is averring that the action of the defendant’s “Including the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and some sitting Governors who are currently under immunity” sabotaged the secrecy of the ballot.

In the affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by the National Coordinator of INAHURAT, Gerald Katchy Okoro, he stated that the plaintiff was accredited by INEC to observe the general elections of 25th February and 18th March 2023.

He said, in line with the rules of engagement, the plaintiff posted its observers to observe the general election throughout the federation.

Furthermore, he averred that during the Presidential Election, the defendants “including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari and some sitting Governors who presently are under immunity” upon casting their votes displayed their ballot papers to the public.

He said they revealed to the public the candidate and the party they had voted for to influence the general election thereby undermining the secrecy of the ballot papers.

As a result of the alleged infraction, the NGO is praying the court to order the electoral umpire and the IGP to investigate the alleged offenders by the provisions of the law.

It is praying the court for “a declaration that the action of the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in displaying and showing to the public their ballots papers on the 25th February, 2023 during the presidential and National Assembly election to show or review whom they voted for to influence the election is a clear and gross violation of Section 122 (1), (2) and (3 a & b) of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

“A declaration that the action of the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in displaying their ballot papers to the public to review the party and or candidate they voted for in the concluded presidential and National Assembly Election on the 25th February 2023 amounts to a gross violation of Section 122 (3) (b) of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

“A declaration that the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in displaying their Ballot papers to the public after casting their votes to review the party and the candidates they had voted influenced the election and as such are in total violation of the secret ballot envisaged in section 122 of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

“A declaration that the action of the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in displaying or reviewing to the public their ballot papers after casting their votes attracts the punishment prescribed under section 122 (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

“An order directing the 1st and the 2nd defendants to investigate the 3rd and the 5th defendants and prosecute them accordingly and punish them in line with Section 122 (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022”.
PUNCH

News

Navy Opens Recruitment For Basic Training School Batch 38

Published

22 minutes ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Navy has opened applications for its Basic Training School (BTS) Batch 38 recruitment exercise, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 31, 2025.

According to an official statement, the recruitment process is free, and interested applicants must submit their applications online at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng.

Successful candidates will undergo basic military training before being officially enlisted as Ordinary Seamen.

The Navy stressed that eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens by birth with a valid National Identification Number (NIN). Applicants must have no criminal record and must not be affiliated with secret societies, cults, or fraternities.

Educational and age requirements were clearly outlined. Candidates applying with O’level results must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 31, 2025.

Those with OND/NCE qualifications must be aged 18 to 26, while Chaplain/Imam Assistants and Drivers/Mechanics must fall within the 18 to 28 age bracket.

In all cases, applicants are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, with certificates not older than 2015.

The Navy added that special professions, such as Medical Assistants and Nurses, require proof of registration with relevant professional bodies.

Applicants for technical trades including tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and electrical works must present valid Trade Test certificates in addition to academic qualifications.

Similarly, candidates applying as sportsmen and women are expected to provide certificates and medals as evidence of their sporting achievements.

The recruitment examination is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at designated centers nationwide.

Candidates are required to bring their Attestation Form, duly signed with a passport photograph of the signer, along with valid identification such as a Driver’s License, International Passport, or National ID Card.

Applicants have been cautioned against multiple applications, which will lead to disqualification.

The Navy further advised candidates to seek clarification only through official communication channels provided on the recruitment portal.

News

BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Pensions Board with immediate effect.

Rivers State Head of Service Mrs Inyingi Brown made this announcement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the board until a new one is constituted.

News

FAAN Launches Cashless Payment System Across Airports

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the cashless system of payment across all airports.

“FAAN in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll out of OPERATION GO CASHLESS, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the agency said in a communique on Thursday.

Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means the agency will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

FAAN added that travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative, it stated, is a response to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN said it aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

In addition, passengers have been directed to obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja.

After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless. faan.gov.ng.

FAAN added that it remains committed to continuous improvement and will expand this cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.

For inquiries, airport users have also been advised to contact FAAN’s support line at 0700 CBS FAAN (0700 227 3226) or email the agency at gocashlesssupport@faan.gov.ng.