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SERAP Tasks Presidential Candidates to Publish Campaign Funding Sources

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2023 presidential candidates

By Adedapo Adesanya

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an open letter to presidential candidates to publish the source of their campaign funding ahead of the February 2023 presidential election.

The body urged them to demonstrate leadership by directing their “campaign councils and political parties to regularly and widely publish the sources of their campaign funding.”

SERAP said: “We are concerned about the vulnerability of political parties to corruption. Disproportionally large donations seeking specific outcomes or preferential treatment can subvert the wider public interest.”

In the open letter dated October 29, 2022, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Transparency would help to control inappropriate influence on political candidates, ensure fairness, equality, and accountability in Nigeria’s democracy.”

SERAP also said, “Transparency in campaign funding would improve public trust in Nigeria’s politicians and political parties, and show your commitment to prevent and combat corruption if elected.”

According to SERAP, “If Nigerians know where the money is coming from, they can scrutinise the details and hold to account the candidate and party that receive it.”

“SERAP would consider appropriate legal actions to hold you and your political party to account for any infractions of the requirements of campaign funding, as provided for by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act and international standards, even after the 2023 elections.

“SERAP urges you to sign ‘transparency pacts’ that would mandate you to disclose the identities of donors and widely publish donations and contributions on your party website and social media platforms.

“Party corruption undermines the legitimacy of government, public trust and, ultimately, democracy.

“Opacity in campaign funding can distort the electoral competition and lead to state capture by wealthy politicians and individuals, and encourage politicians to divert public resources for political purposes.

“Transparency in campaign funding would ensure fair and open elections and address concerns about undue influence by the more economically advantaged and privileged individuals, as well as prevent corruption of the electoral process.

“Political parties provide the necessary link between voters and government. No other context is as important to democracy than elections to public office. Nigerians, therefore, must be informed about the sources of campaign funding of those who seek their votes.

“SERAP also urges you to urgently invite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor campaign funding and expenditures by your political party.

“The UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party, obligates states parties to enhance transparency in the funding of candidates for elected public office and, where applicable, the funding of political parties.

“Similarly, the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption which Nigeria has also ratified requires states parties to incorporate the principle of transparency into the funding of political parties.

“Sections 225 and 226 of the Nigerian Constitution and Sections 86, 87 and 90 of the Electoral Act 2022 demonstrate the importance of transparency and accountability in party and campaign finances and why political parties must be proactive in disclosing the sources of their donations and contributions, and how they spend the funds they receive.

“Please let us know if you and your political party are willing to commit to the issues outlined in this letter,” the letter read in part.

Presidential candidates for Nigeria’s general elections in 2023 include Mr Atiku Abubakar of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP); Mr Bola Tinubu of All Progressive Congress (APC); Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP); Mr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); and Mr Peter Umeadi of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

Others include Mr Malik Ado-Ibrahim of the Young Progressive Party (YPP); Mr Omoyele Sowore of Africa Action Congress (AAC); Mr  Adewole Adebayo of Social Democratic Party (SDP); Mr Kola Abiola of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Mr Christopher Imumulen of Accord Party (AP); Mr Dumebi Kachikwu of African Democratic Congress (ADC); and Mr Yusuf Mamman Dan Talle of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) among others.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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JMG Offers Solutions for Greener Environment

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JMG Clean Energy

JMG Limited, a premier provider of electro-mechanical solutions in Nigeria, joins the world in celebrating this year’s International Day of Clean Energy, which promotes the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Observed annually on 26th January, the global event was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.

Marking this year’s event, JMG Limited, a leading company that caters to a wide array of business and industrial requirements, reaffirms its commitment to meeting the needs of its customers through solutions that add value to their operations and the society.

The company’s Group General Manager, Rabi Jammal, stated that commemorating the global day is crucial as it inspires individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to adopt sustainable energy solutions and their attendant economic and social benefits.

He said this helps to foster environment conservation and palliate the crisis with non-renewable fuels, such as gas and oil, which aligns with what JMG’s product offerings enable.

According to him, JMG’s specialised solutions are eco-friendly and can upgrade the places where people work and live. Its slogan, “from power to plug,” emphasises the transformation by highlighting its wide range of clean energy solutions for homes and businesses.

He averred that the company’s products can be used to power structures, cool environments, transport people in buildings, enhance industrial output, and expand its portfolio with products that offer more energy efficiency to help reduce their electricity bills and save on fuel expenses, thereby curbing the issue of emission.

In line with its clean energy initiative, the company prioritises sustainable power solutions, offering solar and cost-effective hybrid options, including Lithion inverters and batteries since 2018 and Livfast inverters & batteries in 2022.

In 2024, the company expanded its solar power offerings with LONGi solar panels, Deye lithium batteries, and Must solar inverters, providing a comprehensive range of alternative power solutions to customers.

JMG Limited has attained significant milestones in its commitment to excellence, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety by acquiring three key ISO Certifications, 9001:2015, 14001:2015, and 45001:2018, which attests to its dedication to maintaining high standards in its operations.

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Olam Agri to Sustain Significant Investments in Workforce, Food Value Chain

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Olam Agri food commodities

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The managing director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, Mr Anil Nair, has assured us that more investments in the company’s workforce will be made for economic growth.

He gave this assurance while reacting to the recognition of the organisation as a Top Employer for the fifth consecutive time by the Top Employers Institute.

“As we celebrate this recognition, we also look to the future. Olam Agri is committed to scaling our HR practices to ensure alignment with global standards.

“We will continue to make significant investments in our people and the food value chain, enriching lives and driving economic growth.

“Our goal is to create an environment where our employees can excel and thrive, and we are dedicated to achieving this.

“Olam Agri’s continued success as a Top Employer reflects its unwavering dedication to fostering growth, well-being, and excellence in its operations,” he stated.

Also commenting, the firm’s Regional Head of Human Resources, Jaideep Biswas, said, “Our people-centric strategy aligns with the dynamic demands of the global talent landscape, embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion at the core of our operations.

“This certification validates our approach, but we’re not stopping here. We remain committed to helping our workforce thrive in a rapidly evolving work environment.”

In the annual HR Best Practices Survey of the Top Employers Institute, Olam Agri in Nigeria was named the Top Employer because of its exceptional workplace culture, innovative HR strategies, and growing appeal to talent locally and globally.

“Consistency in a not-so-consistent world is remarkable. Amidst technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes, it’s inspiring to see organisations like Olam Agri rise to the challenge.

“This year’s certification celebrates those who continue to lead with people-first strategies, setting the standard for enriching the world of work,” the chief executive of Top Employers Institute, Mr David Plink, said.

The institute evaluates organisations based on a comprehensive survey covering six key HR domains and 20 topics: People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Wellbeing.

Since 2020, Olam Agri’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Africa region have consistently earned top rankings, solidifying its reputation as an employer of choice.

As a leading agribusiness in food, feed, and fibre, Olam Agri is deeply committed to making a positive impact on its workforce, customers, host communities, and stakeholders.

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Proposed NLC Protest Over Tariff Hike Unnecessary—Subscribers

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End Hunger Protest5

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMS) has distanced itself from the planned industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against the recently approved telecommunication tariff hike.

According to NATCOMS President, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, in a statement on Thursday, the proposed protest was unnecessary, warning that it could send negative signals to investors.

Earlier this week, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent tariff adjustment in response to rising operational costs following over 11 years of discussion.

The move has raised worries and one of the parties which have been vocal about is NATCOMS.

The subscribers’ group and the labour union criticized the move, describing it as excessive and burdensome for Nigerian consumers.

On the part of the union, Mr Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, called on the industry regulator and the National Assembly to halt the 50 per cent implementation, urging Nigerian workers and the public to reject the hike, suggesting a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services as a possible course of action.

“This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people. The NLC remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses.

“We will resist this injustice and demand that the government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests,” Mr Ajaero said.

But NATCOMS has advocated legal action and not the proposed protest.

“We do not support the Nigerian Labour Congress’ call for industrial action. No, we don’t! NATCOMS is not in support,” Mr Ogunbanjo stated.

“To investors and businesses, it is a wrong signal. Negotiation is still ongoing, and the tariff hike is scheduled for February. We still have eight days,” he added.

Business Post had reported that NATCOMS is engaging with the NCC to find a resolution and is prepared to approach the courts if consultations fail.

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