Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “widely publish the reports on the accounts and balance sheet of every political party submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the National Assembly since 2015.”
SERAP urged him to “urgently examine the books and records of financial transactions of political parties, and to make public the outcome of any such examination.”
SERAP also urged him to “provide details of the guidelines, and steps that INEC is taking to prevent vote buying in the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun states and 2023 general elections, and to prosecute vote buyers and other electoral offenders.”
Recently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) collected N100 million for its presidential form while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) collected N40 million for its presidential form for the 2023 election. Some leading political parties and politicians also spend between N250 to N14,000 to buy votes.
In the letter dated 21 May, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Nigerians have the right to know about the accounts and financial transactions of their political parties, especially the major parties with a strong possibility to assume government in the future.”
According to SERAP, “transparency and accountability of political parties is important to achieve greater transparency in public life, curb the influence of money in politics, promote a level playing field, and remove the risks to the independence of political actors and would-be public office holders.”
SERAP also said, “It is both immoral and illegal to pay citizens to vote for a particular political party or candidate. Unpunished cases of vote buying and related electoral offences would continue to undermine good governance, the rule of law, moral values, as well as hinder citizens’ participation in elections.”
The letter, read in part: “When a political candidate decides to buy the support of the people rather than contest fairly for their votes, there are possibilities that such candidate will show a disregard for democratic rules and a disposition to adopt illegal means becomes inevitable.”
“Vote buying and related electoral offences encourage poor governance and weaken citizens’ capacity to hold their elected officials accountable for their actions.”
“SERAP urges you to urgently take measures and to collaborate with appropriate anti-corruption agencies to ensure the effective prosecution of any outstanding cases of vote buying and related electoral offences allegedly committed in the context of the 2019 general elections.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The lack of transparency and accountability in political finance is seriously undermining the legitimacy and credibility of the democratic and electoral processes, and invariably contributing to denying the citizens the right to effective participation in their own government.”
“The failure of political parties to comply with transparency and accountability frameworks would undermine citizens’ trust in their political parties and lack of trust will inevitably destroy confidence in the system and decrease citizens’ interest and participation in the democratic process.”
“Elections are only one part of the democratic process, and a fair and effective electoral system must be founded in an adequate democratic infrastructure and responsibility of political leaders.”
“According to our information, several political parties have for many years failed to submit their annual financial statements to INEC. Many political parties have failed to submit election expenses reports, and to disclose material contributions received from individuals and corporate bodies to the Commission.”
“The Commission has also been apparently unable or unwilling to monitor, examine and publish these financial statements.”
“Also, some leading political parties, politicians and other political actors reportedly paid between N250 to N14,000 to buy votes. For many years, allegations of vote buying (the payment of cash or gifts in exchange for voting) and related electoral offences have characterised elections and party primaries in the country.”
“SERAP is concerned that despite several provisions of the Electoral Act (as amended), anti-corruption laws, and the country’s international anti-corruption obligations, suspected perpetrators of vote buying and related electoral offences frequently escape justice for their crimes.”
“However, INEC has consistently failed to exercise its powers and to provide the leadership that would promote collaboration with appropriate anti-corruption agencies to facilitate and ensure thorough, transparent and effective investigation of cases, and the arrest and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.”
“Section 86(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 requires every political party to submit to INEC a detailed annual statement of assets and liabilities and analysis of its sources of funds and other assets and statement of its expenditure. Failure to comply is an offence under Section 86(2), which is punishable by imprisonment for a term of six months or a fine of N1,000,000 or both.”
“Under Section 86(3)(4) INEC has the power to examine the records and audited accounts kept by any political party, and to publish the report on such examinations and audit in two national newspapers and Commission’s website within 30 days of receipt of the results.”
“Section 226 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022 also requires INEC to prepare and submit a report every year to the National Assembly on the accounts and balance sheet of every political party. Under Section 225(5), INEC has the power to give directions to political parties regarding their books or records of financial transactions.”
“The Nigerian Constitution and international standards guarantee and protect the right of all qualified citizens to vote, in state as well as in general elections.”
“The right to vote freely for the political party and candidate of one’s choice is of the essence of a democratic society, and any restrictions on that right strike at the heart of representative government.”
“The effective exercise of the right of qualified Nigerians to have a voice in the election of those who make and enforce the laws under which, as good citizens, they live can contribute to the enjoyment of other human rights, including to corruption-free public services, freedom of expression and digital and data rights.”
“Public confidence in voting systems serves as an indispensable feature of a full and healthy democracy.”
“Persistent failure to arrest and prosecute suspected perpetrators of vote buying and related electoral offences may ultimately undermine public confidence, the integrity of the country’s elections, and lead to wide-spread disaffection with the electoral process.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
22/5/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
I’M BEST OF ALL ASPIRANTS TO DEFEND INTEREST OF NDI IGBO -WIKE
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has told leaders and delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State to trust him as the only presidential aspirant who has the capacity to defend the interest of Ndi Igbo.
Governor Wike, who is also a presidential aspirant of the PDP met with the leaders and delegates of the party at Abia State Government House, in Umuahia on Friday to solicit support ahead of the party’s presidential primary this month.
The Rivers State governor stated that he would not be that kind of a leader who would be lost on the opportunity in public service to address social injustice and other forms of unfair treatment that people suffer in Nigeria.
Governor Wike reiterated his belief in the restructuring of Nigeria and is determined to be the first to start the process to strengthen the sense of belonging among Nigerians.
“I say so with all amount of seriousness and I challenge anybody who is from the Southern part of Nigeria; who is from South-South, who is from South-East to say so boldly too. Check all of us, look and determine who can even defend the interest of Ndi Igbo better than me?
“It is not merely to talk. I mean who has the mind. Who has the courage. I have the mind and I have the courage. I will make sure the injustice in this country is being solved.
“Ask them, when they were in power, what did they do? How many of them have spoken out? Look, don’t waste your votes on such people.”
Governor Wike observed that things have fallen apart in the country because those of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who control the Federal Government lack such capacity.
The governor said he is prepared to effectively and productively take drastic decisions and do so courageously in order to promote national good.
Governor Wike assured that in solving Nigeria’s numerous problems, he would also provide requisite logistics, and other support to the security agencies to enable them curb insurgency and activities of bandits within a given timeline.
“That is what leadership is all about. You must be courageous to take decisions people are thinking that is impossible. Inability to take decisions, that is our problem in this country.
“But I will take those decisions that people are running away from. I will take it.”
On his part, governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu , who had earlier hosted governor Wike on a courtesy visit, said they have found in the presidential aspirant a leader who is consistent, with a character and trust worthy.
Dr. Ikpeazu said Nigeria is in a precarious situation with a bleak future and requires governor Wike to forge national unity, rescue the country and stabilise socioeconomic development.
Former Abia State governor, Senator Theodore Orji, who represents Abia Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, said governor Wike as a performer, is qualified to lead Nigeria.
He assured the presidential aspirant that Abia state delegates will support him.
Also speaking, former governor of Gombe State, Hassan Dakwambo restated that governor Wike is truly a tested politician who is prepared psychologically and physically to be the best president of Nigeria.
Abia State PDP chairman, Dr. Alwell Asiforo Okere informed that most delegates are governor Wike’s converts because they believe in the leadership that he would offer following from what he had accomplished in Rivers State.
PRESIDENT BUHARI URGES CLOSER COLLABORATION TO TACKLE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN WEST AFRICA
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday called on executives of banking institutions in West Africa to forge a closer collaboration to tackle economic challenges confronting the sub-region.
Receiving a delegation from the West African Bankers Association (WABA), led by its President, Thierno Seydou Nourou Sy, the President noted that the sub-region must find a common understanding and ground to address low access to financial services and recovery from post COVID-19 pandemic.
President Buhari told the association, founded in 1981, and which brings together over 250 commercial banks and 15 institutions from across West Africa, that ,for many centuries, African countries have traded with one another without a formalized and structured system.
He, however, noted that over time, global trade has become more complex and organized.
The Nigerian leader expressed confidence that the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area would be a turning point in how African countries trade with each other.
”More importantly, we will turn the page in ensuring that we deepen and expand our industrial capabilities by making sure we export less of what we have been endowed with in primary or raw form, and convert larger portions of these resources into finished materials.
”That will allow us to benefit from the revenue earned from the added value of exporting a finished product,” he said.
Speaking further, the Nigerian leader declared: ”Our ability to overcome the current phase of our development lies in our resolve to work jointly via our regional and sub-regional organizations where we can all reach a common understanding to fight against a common enemy.
”This is one of the reasons I am delighted with the strides ECOWAS has been making towards unanimity and forging alliances with a goal to resolve issues that confront the sub-region.
”I believe that this is also the approach that is being followed in the West African Bankers’ Association and the West African Monetary Union.”
Commenting on ongoing efforts to synchronize monetary and fiscal policies through WABA, the President challenged the association to work towards finding a common ground, despite the unique macro-economic challenges that each member-state faces.
He pledged that Nigeria will always be ready to support efforts that are geared towards improving the lives of all its citizens ”as long as they do not place us at a disadvantage.”
The WABA President lauded the lead role Nigeria plays in African economy, adding that President Buhari’s leadership was also well appreciated.
”That’s why we are here for counsel and guidance for the financial sector in West Africa,” he said.
He urged President Buhari to be an advocate for greater inclusion for WABA in ECOWAS structure, also noting that one of the challenges with the banking system is capacity building, and urging Nigeria to set up a training academy for the industry.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 24, 2022
May 22, 2022
Press Statement
Perish Your Tenure Elongation Plot, PDP Cautions APC
…Accuses APC of Stoking Political Crisis to Stall 2023 Elections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cautions the All Progressives Congress (APC) to perish the thoughts of subverting the electoral process as part of its desperation to elongate its abysmal tenure beyond May 29, 2023.
The Party alerts Nigerians of the plot by the APC to use orchestrated insecurity and political uncertainty to derail the electoral process, stall the 2023 general election and create a situation to justify a tenure elongation.
There are revelations that desperate APC leaders are behind the delay by President Muhammadu Buhari in signing the amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 so as to frustrate the smooth conduct of primaries by political parties and derail the entire electoral process.
It is not surprising to the PDP that Mr. President was again “absent” having travelled to the United Arab Emirate and abandoned his constitutional duty of signing the crucial amendment to the Electoral Act.
This attitude of Mr. President to an issue that is critical to our electoral system is consistent with APC’s plot to cause confusion in the polity, orchestrate an unconducive environment for elections, stall the 2023 general elections and achieve a rumoured third term agenda.
The regularity of the electoral process as well as the confidence of the people in the certainty of timelines and outcomes of elections are the hallmarks of democracy, which the APC has been dislocating apparently with the view to undermining the electoral process.
It is clear that the APC has already commenced this ignoble plot with its desperation to use the Court to overthrow the outcome of the FCT Area Council election held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 which was overwhelmingly won by candidates of the PDP, halt the swearing in of the newly elected Chairmen and Councilors and impose an undemocratic government in the FCT.
The PDP is concerned about APC’s exposed plot to deploy such despicable underhand methods to subvert elections in 2023 where they do not favour APC candidates.
Moreover, it is now clear that the APC administration has been compromising our security system, opening our nation up to attacks and permitting shared sovereignty with terrorists over large portions of the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, apparently to further orchestrate a security situation that will justify the stalling of elections in 2023.
This probably explains why President Buhari has failed to confront terrorists, contrary to his promise to lead the fight against terrorism from the front and why he remains “absent” and “weak” as terrorists pillage our citizens in various parts of the country.
This is in addition to the provocative comments that have promoted disunity, agitations and restiveness in various parts of our country, including tagging a particular part of the country as “a dot in a circle”
Our Party cautions the APC to note that its plans has been exposed and that Nigerians will never allow it to perpetrate its misrule through an orchestrated tenure elongation.
Nigerians are determined to vote out the APC and return our nation to the path of unity, stability and economic prosperity under the PDP. No amount of shenanigan can keep the APC in power beyond May 29, 2023.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola: The Untiring Progressive Idealist @65
By Erasmus Ikhide
The American influential journal, Imprimis, has as its motto, ‘Ideas have consequences’. That’s the plank upon which Comrade Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola – born 25 May 1957 – has been engaging and driving the civil society and governance enterprises, each step of the way. As a philosopher ideologue, an embodiment of true leadership, radiating hope and vision as a savant, raconteur of genius, gifted literati, Aregbesola has distinguished himself distinctly from the pack of politicians who are scarcely sensitive enough to allow the confidence reposed in their offices to reflect on the output of governance.
Admirably for all his gifts, sacrifices, and his countless achievements, Aregbesola remained deeply spiritual, a thinker, humble, unassuming and self-effacing as he is earnestly loved by Nigerians. Truthfully, his total abstinence from impurities, his politics of inclusiveness and broad mindedness, have roots in his deep Islamic piety. These uncommon qualities as a visionary idealist contributed immensely to his stellar achievements as Works Commissioner in Lagos State for eight years, as well as Governor of State of Osun for another eight years, in succession.
Outstandingly, Aregbesola has been demonstrating consistently as the current Minister of the Ministry of Interior where he is repositioning, digitizing and revitalizing the Ministry’s four paramilitary agencies under his watch to the admiration of even ardent critics of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. It’s quite absorbing and elevating that Aregbesola’s administrative acumen has brought a great deal of innovation and speed into the Ministry at a time Nigerians are nervous and disillusioned about the entire system that has not lived up to the expectation of many.
Since his assumption of office in August 2019, there has been the approval for the New Visa Policy reclassifying the Visa Categories from 6 to 79. Aregbesola also ensured that Nigeria commenced Visa on Arrival to holders of passports of African countries and visitors who processed their visa on arrival in advance online without delays. It’s on record that Aregbesola is the only Minister in recent times that has procured 451 operational vehicles for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). Ditto for the creation of Citizens Integrity Unit at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Under his administration, 3,000 capacity custodial centre in three geopolitical zones of the country are being constructed in the last three years, at the same time, the ministry promoted 18,000 personnel out of the 33,000 that sat for promotional examinations in the years under review. Added to that is the construction of a world class technology building for the NIS to manage all @nigimmigration ICT enhanced systems in Nigeria, as well as re-opening and rehabilitation of 32 Satellite Custodial Centres previously shut down due to insurgency.
The digitization process of the nation’s security infrastructure did not end there. The installation of Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) in all International Airports of the country is part of the ministry’s strategic plan towards ensuring the security of the nation and safety of travellers across the country. Within the same period, 2,615 Fire distress Calls were responded to, saving 724 lives and assets worth N1.629 trillion between June and October 2019 in the country.
Aside that, the ministry has deployed 28 newly procured fire engines across the country to boost emergency response in crisis situation. The ministry also underwent the training and deployment of over 1,500 personnel as Agro-Rangers in Yobe and Adamawa States to protect farmers and their farms, thus promoting food security.
A week ago the ministry of interior launched an emergency alert app N-ALERTS which facilitates real time alert to all security agencies on any emergency and criminal activities in any part of Nigeria. This app is on Android Playstore and IOS store. It can be downloaded on smartphones and other devices.
In the midst of such gloomy statistics, Nigeria as a country has something to celebrate in the spartan, austere, visionary and pragmatic game-changer called Comrade Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, even though the nation is presently foaming in blood. As a dealer in hope, and an unusual Apostle of national self-renewal and self-validation and a committed adherent of Islamic faith, it will not be long before Nigeria surmounts the legions of her self-afflicted woes!
Erasmus Ikhide wrote in from Lagos Nigeria and can be reached via: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com
Press Statement
Rivers Guber Primary: Obuah Sues For Calm Among Supporters
The immediate past Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman, Rivers State and frontline governorship aspirant in the state, Bro Felix Obuah has sued for calm among his numerous fans and political allies over the choice of who flies the party’s flag for the state in 2023 general elections.
Bro Obuah said in all matters and decisions that have to do with the party, the party is supreme and demands the support of all party members in the overall interest of the party.
As regards the governorship primary billed for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, he said whoever that is chosen by the party becomes the party’s candidate for the forthcoming election irrespective of personal preferences.
The party’s choice is also binding on all other aspirants in the spirit of togetherness necessary for the desired victory at the elections proper, Bro Obuah emphasized.
“I am a loyal party man and will always stand by the decisions of the party. It’s not in the best interest of the party to engage or encourage anybody or anything that will affect the overall interest of the party negatively.
“I therefore enjoin all my supporters across the state not to be disheartened or lured into any form of protest or agitation by anybody on my behalf should the outcome of the primary not reflect their expectation,” Bro Obuah appealed.
The governorship aspirant rather prayed that the primary may be very smooth and produce the very best that will not only win the election for the PDP but also raise the bar of governance in Rivers State to a greater height.
Signed
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to
Bro Felix Obuah
Frontline PDP Governorship Aspirant
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: NO GOING BACK ON JUNE 1 BANNING OF MOTORCYCLES IN SELECTED LG AREAS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said the State Government will go ahead with its proposed ban on motorcycles, known as Okada on highways and six local governments and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from June 1, this year.
He said security services and Lagos State Government are on the same page in respect to banning of motorcycles in the selected areas of the State and therefore they will be going ahead with the plans.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke to journalists, on Tuesday evening, after the State Security Meeting, held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, which was attended by heads of security services in the State.
The Governor said his administration in conjunction with security agencies will ensure that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way so that Lagos residents will continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour.
He said: “The security meeting gives us an opportunity for us to review the recent pronouncement on the future banning of Okada (motorcycles) in some selected local governments and LCDAs.
“We are able to put strategies in place. All of us were able to identify a lot of other things we need to do to embark on advocacy and ensure that we communicate effectively and efficiently to citizens. And that is why you see us giving out handbills in all of the major languages that we have in the country.
“There is a radio jingle being sent out to also communicate to people. I am also aware that there is a plan for advocacy on television stations as well.
“It is a people driven initiative that we all agreed to live and to comport ourselves in similar manner. And we know what has been the effect of this. So, I am happy that all of us, the security operatives and government are on the same page with this and we will also be going ahead with our plans.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured all political parties in the State of adequate security in the ongoing delegates and primary elections ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He said: “The other thing that we discussed for public knowledge is around ensuring that the ongoing primaries and delegates elections that are happening in different parts of the state by different political parties have sufficient security coverage.
“We enjoin that various political parties should approach the Lagos State Police Command to give them adequate security at various venues where they are conducting their various delegate and primary elections for various positions people are vying for.
“It is purely to ensure that there are no gaps and that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way and our citizens can continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
24 MAY 2022
