₦airaland Forum

President Muhammadu Buhari has announced the termination of the appointment of the Projet Director of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Mr Ferdinand Giadom.

A tweet on the official Twitter handle of the Nigerian President, @NGRPresident, which announced the sack on Tuesday evening, also announced the appointment of Professor Nanibarini Zabbey as Giadom’s replacement.

“President @MBuhari has approved the termination of the appointment of the @HYPREPNigeria Project Coordinator, Dr. Ferdinand Giadom, and the appointment of Prof. Nanibarini Zabbey as the new Project Coordinator, with immediate effect,” the tweet read.

METROWATCH reports that the new HYPREP boss, Prof Zabbey is a foremost and renowned Ogoni expert on hydrobiology and has extensive experience and background on remediation related activities with bias in bio-monitoring and restoration ecology.

By Ogochukwu Isioma

With barely one month to the end of his (second) tenure, the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has sought to intervene in the crisis rocking the State House of Assembly, following the impeachment of the embattled Speaker, Chinedum Orji.

METROWATCH reports that Orji was Tuesday morning impeached by 18 of the 24-member House at a plenary held outside the Assembly complex in Umuahia, the state capital, over “his insensitivity to the welfare of members and other sundry activities”.

Chukwudi Apugo (Umuahia East) moved the motion for Orji’s removal as Speaker, which was seconded by Chijioke Chukwu (Bende North — Minority Leader), at the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Ifeanyi Uchendu. The members thereafter announced Apugo as their new Speaker.

But, hours after the impeachment, Orji convened an emergency plenary session at the assembly complex, where 9 members, including himself, announced the immediate suspension of 9 out of the 18 lawmakers who physically participated in his (Orji’s) impeachment proceedings earlier in the day.

They include the Deputy Speaker, Uchendu; the new speaker, Apugu, who moved the motion for impeachment; and seconder, Chukwu. While the lawmakers were suspended for one month with no benefits, the remaining 9 members whose signatures were allegedly obtained were exonerated, pending further investigations.

The development has since plunge Abia and the State Assembly into confusion, unending crisis and controversy with two factional speakers now laying claim to the parliament’s leadership, with barely one month to end of the current assembly.

Reacting, Governor Ikpeazu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Onyebuchi Ememanka, on Tuesday, in Umuahia, offered to mediate in the crisis rocking the State Parliament, while restating that Orji remains Speaker.

He said with barely less than one month to the end of his administration and the ushering of a new administration, it will absolutely make no sense to engage in any issue that is likely to plunge the State into any form of confusion.

According to the Governor, his main pre-occupation at the moment is how to pilot the Ship of State peacefully and steadily into the new administration and tie up all administrative matters including the completion of key projects.

“The Governor, therefore, does not have the luxury of time and resources for any crisis at the moment. Above all, the mood in the State makes any such move inexpedient,” CPS Ememanka said.

He, however, appealed to the embattled Speaker Chinedum Orji and other members of the State Parliament to maintain the peace and allow reason and patriotism to guide their actions.

Meanwhile, METROWATCH reliably gathered that Governor Ikpeazu will be meeting with members of the State House of Assembly, over the crisis rocking the parliament.

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), on Tuesday, released a fresh time-table for election in the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The election, according to the commission, will now take place on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

The Administrative Secretary of EDSIEC, Sunday Osayande stated this in the Notice of Election he personally signed and made available to METROWATCH in Benin City.

The Commission said the closure of conduct of party primaries will be on Thursday June 1, 2023, while the publication of notice of polls at the ward collation centres will be on July 26, 2023.

It further noted that 2nd June to 15th June, 2023, is scheduled for collection and submission of forms by political parties/submission of list of candidates, and Electioneering Campaign will commence on 24th June, 2023.

EDSIEC said names of candidates who are contesting elective positions in the council polls will be displayed on 22nd June, 2023, while 22nd August, 2023 is for submission of names of party agents by political parties.

According to the electoral commission, the submission of names of changed/substituted candidates is scheduled for 8th July, 2023; and 1st August, 2023 for publication of final list of validated candidates, while the electioneering campaign will end on 31st August, 2023.

METROWATCH reports that this is the fourth time-table EDSIEC is releasing on the Edo council polls. The electoral body had initially announced April 19, 2022 as the date for the council elections.

But, following a restraining order by the Federal High Court in Abuja, EDSIEC shifted the poll to January 19, 2023; later to May 6, 2023, and finally September 2, 2023.

One Irene Enike Sylvester and 3 other applicants had challenged the validity of the Edo State electoral law which allows for the holding of elections within 15 days from the date of the publication of notice for the conduct of election.

In the grounds of their application, they contended that the state’s law contradicts the Electoral Act 2022 which provides for at least 150 days before election.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo who gave the restraining order, held that he was of the well considered view that the alleged infraction in the Edo State Electoral Law vis-a-vis the Electoral Act 2022, as canvassed by the plaintiffs, is worth looking at by the court.

A female student of the University of Benin, Maria Precious Tunde, yesterday, died in her sleep at her off-campus hostel located in the students’ village, Ekosodin, in Benin City.

METROWATCH learned that Maria, until her death on Sunday, was a final year student in the Faculty of Education of the Institution, Ugbowo campus.

It was gathered that the deceased was hale and hearty before going to bed the previous night but failed to wake up in the wee hours of Sunday leaving co-tenants in dismay and shock.

All efforts to allegedly resuscitate her proved abortive, as Maria was reportedly found stone-dead by co-tenants who subsequently invited her parents to the scene.

METROWATCH gathered that police and the vigilante group in the community were earlier alerted and mobilised to the scene of the incident.

It, however, took the efforts of the deceased father who said he was not cut out for any case or charges for the security operatives to free the co-tenants in the hostel.

Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased student was later taken away by her parents, while her personal belongings were reportedly moved out of the hostel.

Throwback:
Why were the co-tenants held captive by the security operatives (Police and Vigilante)?

Was there any quick autopsy conducted on the deceased inside her room yo determine there was any foul play by those who reported her demise?

It is sad that at this jet age, Nigerian security still behave like a brain dead entity that is so determined to arrest first and look for evidence later.

A female student of the University of Benin, Maria Precious Tunde, yesterday, died in her sleep at her off-campus hostel located in the students’ village, Ekosodin, in Benin City.

METROWATCH learned that Maria, until her death on Sunday, was a final year student in the Faculty of Education of the Institution, Ugbowo campus.

It was gathered that the deceased was hale and hearty before going to bed the previous night but failed to wake up in the wee hours of Sunday leaving co-tenants in dismay and shock.

All efforts to allegedly resuscitate her proved abortive, as Maria was reportedly found stone-dead by co-tenants who subsequently invited her parents to the scene.

METROWATCH gathered that police and the vigilante group in the community were earlier alerted and mobilised to the scene of the incident.

It, however, took the efforts of the deceased father who said he was not cut out for any case or charges for the security operatives to free the co-tenants in the hostel.

Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased student was later taken away by her parents, while her personal belongings were reportedly moved out of the hostel.

Debt burden: UNIBEN Bars Students From Writing Exams Over School Charges

Management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has barred students who have not paid their school charges for the current academic session, from sitting for the forthcoming semester examinations of the institution.

The decision was taken by the University’s Council at its meeting held in February, according to a memo sighted by METROWATCH dated April 26, 2023 addressed to Deans of Faculties and signed by the Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola.

According to the Registrar, the Council’s decision is against the backdrop of the huge debt profile of the Institution arising from non-payment of school charges by students.

“Council noted that there was no way the University could run well to meet its various obligations without prompt collection of charges,” the memo reads in part.

METROWATCH recalls that the University had last year introduced a N20,000 late school fee payment penalty. The decision, however, did not go down well as the students revolted and forcefully removed the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami from her official residence in protest, and forced her to rescind the decision.

An official of the University, who spoke to METROWATCH on the condition of anonymity, said the students should be grateful to the University for giving them a chance to attend lectures despite owing charges, “and all that time, they (the students) knew that they are required to register.”

The official further explained that the School relies heavily on fees for running of the Institution, adding that the University’s Students’ Regulations clearly indicates that they (the students) need to register for the semester by paying up charges owed for them to be eligible to sit for the examinations.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over “the failure to investigate allegations of electoral violence and other electoral offences including bribery against some state governors and their deputies during the 2023 elections.”

According to reports, the recently concluded presidential and national assembly elections and governorship elections in some states witnessed widespread reports of voter suppression, voter intimidation and the destruction or theft of election materials by political party agents and thugs across the six geopolitical zones.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja SERAP is asking the court for “an order of mandamus compelling INEC to seek the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 elections.”

SERAP is seeking “an order of mandamus compelling INEC to promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate reports of electoral violence and other electoral offences committed during the elections, identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure their effective prosecution.”

SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus directing and compelling INEC to prosecute all arrested electoral offenders in the 2023 general election in the custody of law enforcement and anticorruption agencies.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “By allegedly engaging in electoral violence and other electoral offences in so blatant a fashion, suspected perpetrators and their sponsors have clearly acted in violation of constitutional provisions, international standards and the Electoral Act.”

SERAP is arguing that, “identifying, arresting, investigating and prosecuting any politicians and their sponsors suspected to be responsible for electoral offences during the elections would end the impunity of perpetrators. It would also advance Nigerians’ right to freely participate in their own government.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Addressing the brazen impunity and reports of electoral violence and other electoral offences during the 2023 general elections would also send a strong message to politicians that they would be held to account for any infringement of the electoral process.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Andrew Nwankwo and Ms Blessing Ogwuche, read in part: “Election violence is a threat to fair and representative elections.”

“Election violence is inconsistent and incompatible with the principles of democracy, the rule of law, transparency and accountability for politicians to allegedly use violence to disrupt the electoral process.”

“Section 52 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act allows INEC to seek the appointment of an independent counsel to probe allegations of electoral violence and other electoral offences that may have been committed by any state governors and/or their deputies.”

“When politicians and their sponsors decide to engage in electoral violence and other electoral offences rather than contest fairly for people’s votes, there are possibilities that such politicians will show a disregard for democratic rules and a disposition to adopt illegal means becomes inevitable.”

“Ending impunity for electoral violence and other electoral offences would promote accountability of suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, ensure justice for victims, and ultimately advance the people’s right to vote as well as bolster voter confidence in the electoral process.

“Electoral violence and other electoral offences reportedly committed during the 2023 general elections are contrary to the express provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act and international standards.”

“The Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”

“Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act prohibit electoral bribery and undue influence before, during and after any election.”

“Section 145(2) provides that, ‘a prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of INEC or any legal practitioner appointed by it.’ Under section 2(b), the commission ‘shall have power to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes.’”

“According to a report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), several polling units recorded violence and/or fighting across the country.”

“These violent incidents were often focused in political strongholds of opposition or perceived opponents which suggest that the use of BVAS – which limits overvoting when properly used – has resulted in a more concerted effort to stymie citizens casting their votes in opponent’s strongholds.”

“Similar incidents of intimidation were reported in the six geo-political zones.”

“In several states, political thugs, apparently with the support of law enforcement officials, disrupted and sent back voters intending to vote for opposition parties. Party agents were reported to be directing people who to vote for while those unwilling to do as directed were denied ballot papers and forced to leave the polling units.”

“There were reports of destruction of used ballot papers and vandalization of entire polling units in some states. Violence was also used to target BVAS machines in order to disrupt the process and ensure the cancellation of results.”

“According to the CDD, there are reports of vote trading in zones across the country, with both cash and goods used by all political parties in an effort to entice voters to cast their ballots at their direction. The CDD noted vote buying at polling units during the elections across the country.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

https://metrowatchxtra.com/2023/04/30/election-violence-serap-sues-inec-over-failure-to-probe-governors-deputies-metrowatch/

A former Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Danjuma, on Saturday, delivered a 500-capacity female hostel in the name of his wife, Daisy, to the University of Benin.

Inaugurating the storey-building edifice at the Ugbowo campus of the institution, Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo said the donation was another testament to Danjuma’s philanthropy and desire to always uplift the downtrodden.

Obaseki said the donor always demonstrated concern with the plight of the Nigerian youths, particularly in education, hence the provision of accommodation for female students.

The governor recalled that Danjuma was one of the few individuals that made huge amounts of donations to Edo during the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic three years ago.

Obaseki, who said the state government had assisted the school in the area of road construction, urged other individuals and private organisations to continue to support tertiary institutions with infrastructure to improve teaching and learning.

Sen Daisy Danjuma, whom the edifice was named after, expressed delight with the project.

She, however, urged students, who would be accommodated at the hostel, to maintain the facility.

Maintenance culture, she said, was one of the challenges in infrastructure development in the country, but appealed to the students to learn it.

She also urged the students of the University to engage in activities that would make the university a model for others.

Earlier in her address, Prof. Lilian Salami, Vice-Chancellor of the University, commended the gesture of the donor towards addressing the shortage of hostel accommodation for students in the school.

The vice-chancellor, who noted that accommodation was a critical challenge in the school, called on students to make judicious use of the newly donated facility.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sen Danjuma, afterwards, donated another block of hostel for female students.

The groundbreaking was performed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.

President Muhammadu Buhari was, yesterday, in Oginiland, Rivers State, conferred with a chieftaincy title, ‘Gbene of Ogoni land’ (Mighty Eagle of Ogoni land).

Kasimene Bangha VII of Ogoniland, HRM Mene (Dr) Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam Gbenemene, conferred the title on the President, on behalf of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers.

METROWATCH reports that Buhari was in the state for the groundbreaking ceremony of the triad projects of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and the Ogoni Power Project.

President Buhari virtually participated in the ceremony performed on his behalf by the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, who equally received the chieftaincy title on behalf of the President.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Buhari called on the incoming Bola Tinubu administration to consolidate on the Ogoni clean-up projects, while urging the Niger Delta region to give its maximum support and cooperation to his incoming successor.

He expressed confidence that the Ogoni Power Project, upon completion, will spur socio-economic development of Ogoniland, create job opportunities for artisans and enhance entrepreneurial growth.

The President said the power project will bring sustainability to the Potable Water Schemes, Livelihood Programme, Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and the Specialist Hospital projects being undertaken by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

On the benefits of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the President said it would bring succour to those who over time have been exposed to hydrocarbon pollution and other ailments associated with environmental pollution in the community.

Buhari noted that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, on whose site the groundbreaking ceremony was held, will provide capacity and research opportunities to scholars within Nigeria and around the world on environmental remediation.

He urged the Ogoni community to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Environment, HYPREP and the companies handling the execution of the projects.

The President also disclosed that approvals have been given for the rehabilitation of the Ogoni axis of the East/West Road which the Bodo/Bonny Road opens into and serves as the gateway to the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne.

President Buhari applauded the Rivers State Governor, Barr Nyesom Wike for his support to Federal Government’s developmental initiatives and particularly for the relative peace in Ogoni Land and Rivers State in general.

In his remarks, Mike Nweielghi, Chairman Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund pledged that Ogoni people will provide the necessary support and conducive atmosphere to the contractors to deliver on the projects.

He thanked the President for touching the lives of Ogoni people with his commitment to the clean-up exercise, following the recommendations of the UNEP report.

He also lauded the President for considering Ogoni people worthy of piloting the affairs of the HYPREP projects, pledging prudent and transparent management of the funds.

marlow1962:
No doubt, but talking about furnishing, have you seen or been inside a university hostel before? There nothing like furnishing. They build hostel for you (definitely with substandard materials) and they embezzle the rest. That's Nigeria for u.

Jamesbally:
What is so special about this project? Between Obaseki and Ikpeazu i dont know who takes the lead. As the worst Governor in Nigeria.

Hedonini:
How is this crap worth N500m? N150m go deliver this one na.

Then don chop Danjuma money.

marlow1962:
Did I see 1bn
Ahh, poor man don suffer for this country. Anything where government dish out, them dy sure say some gullible citizens go accept.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will on Saturday (today), commission the Senator Daisy Danjuma hostel for female students at the Ugbowo campus of the University of Benin.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University, Mrs Benedicta Ehanire, disclosed this in an invitation message sent out Friday night, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami.

METROWATCH gathered that the hostel was donated by General T.Y Danjuma (RTD), former Defence Minister, through the T.Y. Danjuma Foundation, on behalf of his wife, Daisy Danjuma.

“The Vice Chancellor, Professor Lilian Salami invites you to the grand commissioning of the Senator Daisy Danjuma hostel for girls, graciously donated by General T.Y. Danjuma, GCON,” the statement reads in part.

“The ceremony will be performed by His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State,” the UNIBEN spokesperson and sister to Senator Daisy Danjuma, Mrs Benedicta Ehanire added.

The UNIBEN spokesperson, Mrs Benedicta Ehanire told journalists that she attracted the female hostel worth 500 million Naira from Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, her in-law, for the Vice Chancellor.

According to her, this was after she recommended the in-law to the University Management for a honorary doctorate degree recognition during the last convocation ceremony of the institution held in 2021.

This was further collaborated by her close ally, Ven. David Osazee Egbenusi, Chaplain of the UNIBEN's All Saints Chapel, who described Ehanire as the “backbone” of the Salami administration, and an ‘untouchable one’ at that, even though, according to him, much recognition is not accorded her.

Meanwhile, METROWATCH learned that Governor Obaseki is expected to perform the ceremony for stone laying of the second Senator Daisy Danjuma hostel for girls, which is equally worth 500 million Naira, later today.

METROWATCH recalls that the UNIBEN VC had in March last year performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the two three-floor hostels for female students, at the Ugbowo campus of the institution.

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Benin City, the Edo State capital, has been thrown into total darkness due to a power outage.

For the past few days, the University community has been without electricity supply, thereby paralysing activities in many of the school's offices.

CAMPUS GIST learned that apart from staff’ offices that were mostly affected, the University's Halls of Residence are also without electricity supply.

Our correspondent who went round the University campus, Ugbowo on Wednesday gathered that only few offices that could afford to put on their independent generators had electricity supply.

However, the administrative building housing the Vice Chancellor's Office and Office of the Registrar also had electricity supply from the big generator running on diesel.

Some workers who spoke to CAMPUS GIST on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk said the situation had been worrisome for some time now.

They said only those offices that were connected to the generator in the Vice Chancellor's Office (Central Administration) were enjoying electricity supply to work.

Head of a Department in one of the Faculties, said his Department had been operating on a generator, which they put on only whenever they have important work to do or meetings.

“We learnt that there was a technical glitch, hence, the sustained power outage for days now.

“Only units connected to the VC's office have light because there is a generator that supplies electricity,” the official said.

Meanwhile, the University Management in a statement on Thursday attributed the current power outage to fallen poles from the source of supply outside the campus, noting that the development was not a local problem.

While explaining that the electricity company in charge had been notified accordingly, the University Management said the authorities have assured of expedited action to restore power.

“This is to inform members of the University community that the current electricity power outage is not a local problem but resulting from fallen poles from the source of supply outside the campus.

“The electricity company has been notified accordingly and they have assured of expedited action to restore power,” the statement circulated to staff and students via email read.

Efforts to obtain comments from Management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) proved abortive. Phone numbers on the official website of the company failed to connect.

This is not the first time the University will be without electricity supply. UNIBEN was in time past thrown into total darkness after the institution's power source was disconnected over debts allegedly owed BEDC.

A mysterious fire outbreak on Tuesday razed down the postgraduate female students’ hostel of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), located in the Ekehuan Campus II.

CAMPUS GIST learned that the fire incident started late Tuesday afternoon.

However, the cause of the incident could not be immediately ascertained as at the time of filing this report.

This online medium gathered that University properties and personal effects belonging to the postgraduate students worth thousands may have been destroyed in the incident.

In a video seen by this Reporter, some students were seen lamenting at the background, while men of the state Fire Service Division appeared hapless.

As at the time of filing this report, the University Management was yet to react to the development. Spokesperson for the institution, Mrs Benedicta Ehanire, could not be reached for comment.

In August 2021, some staff of the University of Benin narrowly escaped death when an office complex at the main auditorium of the institution, was gutted by fire.

President of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Students’ Union Government (SUG), Mr Nmoye Israel, alias Cyano, has gifted full scholarship to a 100-level female student of the institution.

CAMPUS GIST gathered the name of the student as Miss Shalom Odia. She became a beneficiary of the union president’s scholarship scheme on 12th April, 2023.

According to Israel, the scholarship award will cover the student’s five year program/sojourn in the University.

Announcing the award, the union president said the act is “in fulfilment of (his) earlier campaign promises of putting the people first before any other.”

Mr Israel has also embarked on various projects as the UNIBEN union president including the ‘Operation Light Up UNIBEN’ campaign, amongst others.

Earlier, the beneficiary, Miss Odia contested for the Law Faculty “Miss Fresh(er)” pageantry contest for newly admitted Law female students but lost out.

https://metrowatchxtra.com/2023/04/17/uniben-sug-president-nmoye-israel-gifts-law-student-full-scholarship-metrowatch/

By Ogochukwu Isioma

Dr Billy Osawaru, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has won the Saturday, April 15, 2023 supplementary re-run election for Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency of Edo State.

METROWATCH recalls the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared election in the federal constituency inconclusive during the March 18, 2023 polls and ordered a re-run.

In the supplementary poll conducted on Saturday April 15 by INEC in the few affected units/wards of the constituency, the APC candidate garnered a total of 14,994 votes to be declared winner.

While a former speaker of the Edo Assembly and candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Elizabeth Ativie got 14,108 votes to come second, deputy speaker of the house and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Roland Asoro came third with 12,008 votes.

By Ogochukwu Isioma in Benin City

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has consolidated on its victory in the March 18, 2023 Edo State House of Assembly election by winning three additional constituencies’ seats in the Saturday April 15 supplementary election.

METROWATCH reports that the three state constituencies include Egor, where Ms Natasha Irobosa Osawaru was declared winner; Ovia South West, where Mr Destiny Oghayerio Enabulele won; and Oredo East, where Mr Uyi Frank Omosigho was also declared winner.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared elections in the three affected state constituencies’ inconclusive during the recently concluded March 18, 2023 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

With the three additional seats, the PDP already in majority, now controls the 24-member Edo Assembly with fifteen members-elect, while the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has eight members-elect, with Labour Party (LP) winning just one seat.

Obaseki Congratulates Winners

Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated candidates of his party, the PDP on their victory in the just concluded supplementary elections conducted by INEC, yesterday, April 15, 2023.

In a statement on Sunday, forwarded to METROWATCH Obaseki commended all Edo people who participated in the elections “for comporting themselves responsibly during the exercise and ensuring the conclusion of the elections peacefully.”

He added: “I applaud the tenacity of our candidates, Hon. Destiny Oghayerio Enabulele, member-elect of Ovia South West Constituency; Hon. Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, member-elect of Egor Constituency and Hon. Uyi Frank Omosigho, member-elect of Oredo East Constituency, for gaining the trust of the people to serve them in the Assembly.

“We are sure that these members-elect will uphold the best interest of their constituents as they carry out their assignment as legislators.”

The Governor also commended the electoral umpire, INEC, ”for conducting a peaceful exercise and upholding the wishes of the people.”

“This very diverse Assembly that has emerged has representatives that are youths and women, who will make critical contributions to lawmaking and advancement of the interests of all segments of our society,” Obaseki added.

Constitution of the impending Edo Assembly:

PDP (15 seats):
Akoko-Edo I
Akoko-Edo II
Esan Central
Esan North East II
Esan South East
Igueben
Ikpoba-Okha
Orhionmwon II
Ovia North East I
Ovia North East II
Owan West
Uhunmwonde
Oredo East
Egor
Ovia South West

APC (8 seats):
Esan North East I
Esan West
Etsako Central
Etsako East
Etsako West I
Etsako West II
Orhionmwon I
Owan East

LP (1 seat):
Oredo West

‘Publish Your Assets as You Leave Office’, SERAP Tells Buhari, Osinbajo, Others

By Ogochukwu Isioma

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his “leadership position and role as the African Union (AU) Anti-Corruption Champion” to publish his asset declaration form as he concludes his term of office in May 2023, ”and to leave a legacy of transparency.”

SERAP, in a statement on Sunday, also urged Buhari to “encourage Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila and high-ranking officials of the next administration to also promptly publish their assets to date.”

According to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, contained in Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution [as amended], all public officers are to declare their assets immediately after taking office; at the end of every four years; and at the end of his/her term of office.

In the statement issued by SERAP's deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “Publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging other public officials and officials of the next administration to do so would enable Nigerians to scrutinize the assets and worth of public officials before taking office and at the end of their term of office.”

SERAP added: “Those who voluntarily seek or occupy public offices and are catered for by the public have certain fiduciary duties to be open, transparent, and accountable to Nigerians regarding the details of their asset declaration forms.”

According to SERAP, “Because asset declaration forms are public documents, public officials cannot claim that publishing their assets would violate their privacy rights. There is an overriding public interest in the disclosure of information on the assets of public officers who clearly are trustees of Nigeria’s wealth and resources.”

The letter read in part: “SERAP urges you to emulate the good example of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who consistently published his asset declaration forms as president and governor of Katsina State.

“He also planned legislative reform to make it mandatory for all public officers to declare their assets publicly. He believed that publishing his assets would put pressure on other public officers to do so.

“Publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging other public officials and the officials of the next administration to do so would also send a powerful message of your commitment to uphold the country’s constitutional guarantees and international obligations.

“It would also show that you are ready to do what is needed to leave a legacy of transparency and accountability.

“Apart from encouraging other officials and the officials of the next administration to publish their asset declaration forms, publishing your asset declaration form widely would also address allegations that many officials tend to make false declarations in order to cover up assets illegally acquired in corruption or abuse of office.

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]; the Freedom of Information Act; the UN Convention against Corruption; African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to Nigeria is a state party.

“According to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, contained in Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], all public officers are to declare their assets.

“Paragraph 11(1)(a)(b) of the Fifth Schedule provides that every public officer shall immediately after taking office and thereafter (a) at the end of every four years; and (b) at the end of his/her term of office, submit to the CCB a written declaration of all his/her properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his/her unmarried children under the age of eighteen years.

“Section 15(1) of the CCB and Tribunal Act also requires all public officers to declare their assets.

“Article 7(1) of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and Articles 7(4) and 8(5) of the UN Convention against Corruption also contain similar provisions and requirements for public officials to declare their assets before, during, and after serving in public office.

“The Nigerian Constitution and the anti-corruption and human rights treaties show the significant role that asset declaration by public officials plays in promoting transparency, accountability and preventing and combating corruption in the public service.

“Section 109 of the Evidence Act defines a public document to include documents forming the acts or records of the acts of public officers. Asset declaration forms kept with the Code of Conduct Bureau therefore qualify as public documents under section 109.

“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution makes provision for the fundamental right to information. Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also guarantee access to information.

“We hope that the aspects highlighted will help guide your actions in taking steps to publish your asset declaration form and to encourage others to do so.”