GRPolitics
Amended Electoral Act 2022 As The Unsung Game Changer
Article by Hashim Suleiman
My stead in public service has thus far thought me that majority of Nigerians do not care to know much about the provisions of the country’s laws. People are more about bandwagons and clichés which says it’s always been done like that before and it must continue.
One of the factors that led to this mentality is peoples familiarity with the military autocratic era when rules or laws are usually not obeyed nor understood. Such mentality is the major bane of the Nigeria’s public service today.
Majority of my colleagues know I write articles and do public speaking but all along they’ll always ask that as a public servant I was not supposed to participate in politics or do public commentaries. Such concern was basically all over the public service and it has sort of limited dreams and aspirations as well as innovations.
People are forced to bottle up whatever progressive tendency they’ve got for unlawful and unfounded narratives. But trust that I always educate anyone of them that came with such concern by letting him or her know that the laws of the land do not stop the public servant from participating in politics. Imagine that all along people never knew that a public servant could only resign a month to elections in the event that he or she emerges candidates for an election.
It took the recent arguments about resignation or not of a public servant owing to the recently signed 2022 electoral act amendment to know the position of the law on this public service issue.
I’m bringing up this narrative to lead us to understand how much Nigerians don’t know about their laws nor knowing how to utilize them to their advantage. In fact, let me tell you for free today that the smartest of the Nigerian politicians are those who invest heavily in judicial research with a view to exploring them for electoral victories, ask Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who allowed PDP to goof in Ekiti and Osun in 2007 but quietly utilized the provision of the Nigerian laws to reclaim both mandates, legendary right? Yes that’s what you get when you pay attention to details in a democracy.
Let me now get into the crux of today’s episode by letting all know that while certain appointees of Nigeria’s president didn’t even wish that the electoral act was amended at all, but it had to eventually happen because the President had been boxed into a corner that bordered on his integrity and promise of delivering a free and fair election for 2023.
Remember also that the President had to reject the amendment of the Act twice in 2018 leading to the 2019 elections. Consequently, there was no way he could have rejected the recently amended one even though his kitchen cabinet never wanted it.
However, it was after I had studied a bit of the amended Act that I understood the concern of those who opposed it and honestly I wonder why it is unsung amongst the polity. Firstly, the Act has to a large extent addressed the issue of imposition of candidate through consensus means.
The National Assembly in its wisdom to ensure those wishing to cash on their closeness to Mr President to obstruct the passage of the bill do not get away with it introduced a caveat which says in a situation of consensus all other aspirants that have indicated interested have to submit a signed agreement to the said consensus. Any other arrangement outside this arrangement will be prone to litigation and a very ripe one at that.
This is why those candidates who are premising their ambitions on someone’s endorsement will get it wrong for as long as other candidates have bought forms. It only took the respect that the aspirants for the APC National Chairmanship had for Buhari to avoid a truncation of the National Convention or better case force an indirect or direct primaries.
The little drama that happened on the podium of the Eagle Square on the convention day should point to this.
Further provisions that have unsettled politicians and wannabe’s is the issue surrounding resignation of political appointees before becoming active participants. This provision has become the most popular but the victims don’t wish it to be amplified because they think they think they could marshal out some shortcut but knowing Nigeria’s political terrain, I will not advise anyone to take risking not resigning before becoming active in the game, especially if the Appeal Court has not made a ruling on the matter before prescribed statutory political calendars.
The shift in dates for conduct of primaries and a need to conclude all controversies and litigations resulting from them on time is another major game changer. In another one month, the nation would have had an idea who candidates are and also left with ample time to engage, interrogate and challenge such nominations if need be.
Issues around recognition of the usage of electronic means of voting and transmission of results is another major change to the Act that politicians would not know how to manipulate. Even if they have to, you can imagine the economic implications of manipulating digital procedures.
There are also issues around announcement of results under duress and conduct of INEC staffs in elections amongst many others.
In view of the foregoing, it should be evident to every right and strategy thinking politician that the game will not be the same anymore ranging from the Primary to Secondary elections.
The only saving grace is appropriate investment in strategy which must encompass strategic communication and rule of law as most priority of all.
Interesting times ahead.
Hashim Suleiman can be reached via email: [email protected]
GRPolitics
Breaking: ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga Back to PDP
…‘You’re Enugu people’s choice,’ Edeoga tells governor
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, back into the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, fold, commending the ex-opposition flagbearer for demonstrating that politics is not a do-or-die affair.
Mbah said that Edeoga’s return to the PDP was in line with the party’s principle of reconciliation and making the people, not personal ambition, the focus of governance, urging him and his supporters to feel very much at home.
This was even as the former gubernatorial candidate endorsed Mbah as the popular choice of the people of Enugu State, stressing that he had fully aligned with that choice.
Receiving Edoega in his office, in the company of party leaders led by the state party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Mbah said, “Welcome back home. The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family.
“What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party – the imperatives of reconciliation.
“It is also a demonstration on your part that politics is not a do-or-die affair; that what we are currently doing in Enugu State appeals to you and you believe that it is working for the interest of the people and you have taken that decision to say, ‘Look, let us join hands together and serve our people.’
“I commend you greatly for making such a courageous bold step. The lesson for us is quite profound, as it shows that the common denominator even when we express our aspirations on different political platforms, is all about the people and making them the centerpiece of our ambitions.
“So, we will embrace you with our arms wide open. You are going to be treated as a member of PDP, which we know you are indeed. We look forward to working with you in the service of our people.”
Edeoga, on his part, commended Governor Mbah for making his return possible, describing it as a paradigm shift from politics of animosity and winner takes all to politics of empathy and people-centred development.
“I thank Your Excellency for overseeing the process that has culminated in my return to the PDP and my visit to your office. It is easy to downplay what has happened. But something like this has not happened in the annals of politics in Enugu State. I commend your wisdom, I commend your empathy, I commend your mental sagacity.
“What has happened here today will effect a paradigm shift in the way politics is played in Enugu State. It will no longer be winner takes all or politics being seen as a hostile or brutal activity. It has restored politics as just a contest of ideas and visions. These contesting visions were thrown open to the public and the people of Enugu State have made their choice, which I completely align myself with.
“Politics should be played without bitterness; it should be played without animosity and as much humanely as possible. Once the victor has emerged, the next thing is governance. The governance is ongoing and it is going very well. When it is time for politics, people are free to pursue their dreams. For now, it is time for governance.
“Anyone, who feels annoyed or deeply angered that Edeoga has taken this step of faith, I believe with time, they will align with the superior wisdom of those who are their leaders. Leadership comes with responsibilities and one of these responsibilities is to take a step of faith.
“Again, thank you for making my return to the PDP possible. I recommit myself to the ideals of PDP. As much as possible, I will work to ensure that PDP becomes victorious going forward,” he said.
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
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