General
SERAP Tasks INEC on Recognition of Right to Vote Securely
By Adedapo Adesanya
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pursue constitutional and legal reforms that would explicitly recognize Nigerians’ right to vote and to vote securely in free, fair, and honest elections as a fundamental right.
In the message addressed to Mr Mahmood Yakubu, the electoral body’s chairman, SERAP urged him “to promote constitutional and legal reforms that would contain explicit mandatory provisions on internet voter registration, and the use of modern technology, including in casting and counting, voter registration and systems for reporting results.”
Recall that the Supreme Court on Thursday, affirmed the presidency of President Bola Tinubu as it struck out cases of Mr Abubakar Atiku and Mr Peter Obi, which both alleged voting irregularities among others.
In the letter dated October 28, 2023, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “The explicit recognition of the right to vote and to vote securely would improve the right to representative democracy in the country.”
SERAP said, “The continuing resistance by politicians to bring the country’s electoral legal rules up to date with modern technology, and make the use of technology mandatory in our electoral process is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigerians’ right to effectively participate in their own government.”
According to SERAP, “Large-scale election infrastructure insecurity poses serious threats to the fundamental right to vote that INEC can no longer ignore. The challenges facing the electoral process can be addressed by a swift adaptation and innovation in both election laws and election technology.”
“Democracy works best when everyone participates. The legally enforceable right to vote is the bedrock of any democratic society. The right to vote and to vote securely is too important to be left to the whims of politicians.
“Confidence in the electoral process is on the decline. Many Nigerians are expressing concerns about the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
“Nigerian politicians have little incentive to pursue genuine constitutional and legal reforms that would improve the exercise by Nigerians of their right to participation in the electoral process and in the mechanisms of government.
“INEC has constitutional and statutory responsibilities to promote and advance the right of eligible Nigerians to vote and to vote securely as part of their internationally recognized right to political participation.
“Under section 2(b) of the Electoral Act 2022, the commission ‘shall have power to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes.’ INEC also has the constitutional mandate to take the recommended measures under Section 153 of the Nigerian Constitution and paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule,” it stated.
It added that the right to vote and vote securely would also impose clear obligations on the electoral commission and other authorities to ensure the ‘will of the people’ in elections, and to administer elections in an objective and neutral manner, and in conformity with modern technology.
“The crisis confronting Nigerian elections and lack of public trust and confidence in the electoral process can be addressed if the right of Nigerians to vote and to vote securely is explicitly recognized as justiciable constitutional right,” the group further stated.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has commenced an investigation into a gas bubbling incident in Bille community in Rivers State, but preliminary “deductions and field observations indicate that the gas bubbling may be associated with a subsurface phenomenon that could be linked to a variety of triggers.”
In a statement signed by its chief executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, on Thursday, the agency said it was worried about the unfortunate incident, assuring residents that efforts are being made to address the issue.
The commission acknowledged the concerns the “unsavoury development has raised in relation to public safety, the environment, and the health of the populace,” stressing that, “The overall well-being of our communities and the protection of the environment remain paramount to the commission, as they are to government.”
It stated that, “Upon notification of the incident, the commission activated a coordinated technical investigation process in line with established regulatory protocols to assess the nature and extent of the gas seepage, identify source(s) and potential cause(s), and propose immediate and long-term mitigation measures.”
“The investigative study is being conducted in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, fact- based outcomes for long-term sustainability,” it added.
“Detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are ongoing to determine the contributing factor(s) and possible remedies for prompt implementation,” the statement further said.
“The commission assures the Bille community of its resolve to ensure that necessary actions required to address the situation are taken in line with applicable regulations, industry standards and global best practices.
“Once again, the commission commiserates with the Bille community as we work assiduously with all stakeholders to unravel the incident, and enjoins members of the community to maintain the commendable level of responsibility whilst adhering to all safety measures and public health advisories issued by the relevant authorities,” the statement disclosed.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed claims that it plans to sell Ibom Power Company, describing the allegation as false and reaffirming its commitment to reviving the state-owned electricity asset through debt repayment and structural reforms.
In a statement issued on March 18, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, said a report by a Uyo-based tabloid alleging plans to dispose of the company was “a wicked fabrication” that should be disregarded.
“At no time has the government approved the sale of Ibom Power Company as scrap or otherwise,” the statement said, adding that such claims exist only in the “imagination of mischief-makers intent on misleading the public.”
Instead, the government said it is focused on stabilising the company’s operations by clearing legacy debts, including a $9 million facility obtained from Afreximbank several years ago.
According to the statement, Governor Umo Eno approved a structured quarterly repayment plan of $560,000 beginning March 15, 2025, aimed at gradually liquidating the loan.
The government described the move as part of broader efforts to “rescue and reposition Ibom Power Company for sustainable operations,” stressing that the approach reflects a commitment to “revival, stability, and long-term value preservation, not liquidation.”
Beyond debt repayment, the state also outlined ongoing electricity sector reforms anchored on a Private Sector Participation (PSP) framework designed to attract investment while retaining public ownership of assets.
Under the initiative, the government said it has established key institutions, including the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission and Ibom Electricity Holdings Limited, to strengthen oversight and coordinate state-owned electricity assets. Shares of the holding company have also been vested in the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation.
The concession model being introduced will allow qualified private operators to rehabilitate, finance, and manage electricity infrastructure over a defined period, with strict performance benchmarks and regulatory supervision.
The government said the framework is structured to ensure that “the State will retain ownership and strategic control of all electricity assets,” while transferring operational and commercial risks to private sector participants.
It added that the reform programme is expected to improve reliability, resolve longstanding challenges, and promote a more efficient electricity market without placing additional fiscal pressure on the state.
On recent power outages across parts of Akwa Ibom, the government noted that electricity transmission and distribution currently fall outside its direct control. However, it said efforts are ongoing to engage relevant authorities to address the disruptions and improve supply.
The statement also criticised the publication that carried the initial report, accusing it of spreading misinformation and warning that “government’s measured silence should not be mistaken for weakness,” citing existing laws on libel and defamation.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigerians have been urged to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to intensify prayers against the challenges confronting the nation.
This appeal was made by the independent non-executive director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya.
Mr Gaya described the current situation in the country as a test of citizens’ spiritual resolve and faith, tasking Muslims to reflect on the deeper significance of Eid-el-Fitr, noting that the festival symbolises sacrifice, obedience to Allah, and compassion for the less privileged.
“Every Muslim finds joy in observing the Ramadan fast, a fundamental obligation in Islam. We should not lose sight of the lessons it teaches: obedience to Allah, sharing our blessings with the needy, and being our brother’s keeper,” he said in a statement issued by his media assistant in Kano.
Speaking on the forthcoming general elections, Mr Gaya advised the electorate to vote for selfless leaders committed to national service and the welfare of Nigerians, describing the polls as a choice between progress and regression, stressing the need for voters to support candidates with verifiable achievements rather than empty promises.
He also urged Nigerians to remain mindful of their civic responsibilities by choosing leaders who demonstrate integrity, sincerity, and dedication.
According to him, the country’s future depends on the electorate exercising their voting rights wisely to elect leaders who understand the responsibilities of public office and approach them with humility, competence, and genuine commitment to service.
Mr Gaya expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for His mercies and felicitated with the people of Ajingi, Gaya, and Albasu Local Government Areas, as well as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Nigerians at large, on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
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