Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “immediately give seven million Nigerians who have carried out their voter registration online the time and opportunity to complete the process, so that they can obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs), and exercise their right to vote.”
INEC recently disclosed that out of 10,487,972 Nigerians who carried out their pre-registration online, only 3,444,378 completed the process at a physical centre. This represents just 32.8 percent of completed online registration.
In the letter dated 13 August 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The right to vote is not merely the right to cast a ballot but also the right to be given the time and opportunity to complete the registration process, so that the right can be meaningfully and effectively exercised.”
SERAP said, “Closing the gates on eligible Nigerians and denying them the time and opportunity to complete their registration cannot preserve trust in the electoral process.”
According to SERAP, “Denying a significant number of eligible voters the time and opportunity to complete the registration for their PVCs would impair the right to vote of those affected, deny them a voice in the 2023 elections, and lead to disparate and unfair treatment of these voters.”
The letter, read in part, “The failure of the applicants to complete their registration may be due to factors entirely outside of their control, especially given the well-documented challenges faced by many Nigerians at registration centres across the country.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP and the affected Nigerians shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Unless they are given a reasonable time and opportunity to complete the registration process, and to obtain their voter cards, these eligible Nigerians will not be able to vote in the 2023 general elections.”
“If citizens’ chance to vote is denied, that would amount to violation of their fundamental right to vote, just as it would be if they were prevented from casting any vote at all.”
“The alleged failure of the applicants to complete their registration at INEC designated centres are not sufficiently weighty to justify their exclusion from the 2023 general elections.”
“Any proffered justifications of saving time and cost are therefore wholly insufficient. Administrative convenience is simply not a compelling justification in light of the fundamental nature of the right to vote.”
“This severe vote deprivation cannot be justified by any perceived considerations of saving time, especially because Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that ‘the registration of voters, updating and revision of the Register of Voters shall not stop not later than 90 days before any election covered by this Act.’”
“Providing fresh opportunity for the over seven million Nigerians to complete their registration would promote and preserve the right to vote, and ensure that legal and eligible voters are not inadvertently and unjustifiably turned away from exercising their fundamental right to vote.”
“By refusing the over seven million Nigerians the opportunity to complete the registration for their PVCs, INEC have unfairly, unreasonably, and unjustifiably denied them the opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner as to the reasons for not completing their registration.”
“Voter distrust is apparent in virtually empty polling places on election days. Nigeria historically has had low levels of voter turnout.”
“Allowing eligible Nigerians to complete their registration would improve citizens’ participation in the electoral process, and public confidence in the electoral system, as well as the ability of INEC to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibility fairly, justly, and reasonably.”
“The Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) 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.’”
“Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance guarantee the right to political participation, including the right to vote.”
“According to our information, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), recently disclosed that over seven million Nigerians who carried out their voter pre-registration online could not complete the process at physical centres.”
“According to a report released by INEC, out of 10,487,972 Nigerians who carried out their pre-registration online, only 3,444,378 Nigerians representing 32.8 percent, completed the process at a physical centre. 7,043,594 Nigerians carried out their pre-registration but are yet to complete the process at a physical centre.”
“This represents over 67 percent of those who began their registration process online.”
“According to INEC, a total of 12,298,944 Nigerians completed their voter registration; 8,854,566 of which were persons who did their registration entirely at a physical centre.”
“The over seven million Nigerians have already completed their registration online, that is, via INEC online portal by providing their biodata and required documents.”
“According to INEC process, that is outstanding for the applicants to complete the registration for their PVCs is to visit INEC designated centres for their biometric to be captured.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
14/8/2022
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
Lagos Community officials, Resident fight over event centre
- Kayode Odu wins round one
- Magistrate court issues restraining order against Shola Olowolafe, Bolaji Jubril, Hakeem Tokosi, others
- Urges customers to use Alaka event centre
Some LSDPC Community officials in the Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State and a resident are currently at daggers drawn over plans by the community officials to terminate the standing contract.
Trouble began when the community officials locked up the event centre, thereby discouraging customers from using it and making it difficult for Lagos people, particularly Alaka and Iponri residents to use the event centre for burial, naming, marriage and birthday ceremonies.
The resident, Mr Kayode Odu, built the event centre after entering into a contract with the community.
Leading the community officials against the resident and Lagos business man are Shola Olowolafe, Bolaji Jibril and Hakeen Tokosi.
But in a request brought by Mr. Kayode Odu on Wednesday, July 29, 2022, a Lagos magistrate court, headed by Mr. P. A. Ojo, accepted Heritage Height Limited motion for restraining order against the LSDPC community officials.
The court restrained Shola Olowolafe, Bolaji Jibril, Hakeen Tokosi and others from terminating or breaking the agreement executed on 19/3/2019 between Height Heritage Limited and the officers of the Alaka LSDPC Residents Community Development Association
The court also restrained Shola Olowolafe, Bolaji Jibril, Hakeen Tokosi and others from disrupting the use by Mr. Kayode Odu, Height Heritage Limited, its workers, customers or its customers’ guests, contractors or workers of the Iponri Housing Estate Community, Event Hall, Alaka, Surulere or their access thereto pending the determination on notice.
The case was adjourned till October 5, 2022 for hearing of the originating application.
GROWTH OF PRIVATE CONGLOMERATES LIKE BUA GROUP EVIDENCE OF THE CORRECTNESS OF OUR POLICIES, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja said entrepreneurs and the business community, whose investments align with the priorities of the government in value and job creation, will continue receiving the full support of his administration, noting that the huge growth experienced by conglomerates like BUA Group is evidence of the correctness of government policies.
The President, who received the Management of BUA Group at the State House led by the Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, said the government’s focus on import substitution to encourage local production and export stimulate growth and stability, urging investors to take advantage of the vision.
“Let me assure you and the entire business community that this Government remains ready, willing and able to support all well-meaning Nigerian entrepreneurs whose investments align with our import substitution and domestic job creation policies and programs,’’ he said
President Buhari commended the Chairman of BUA Group for concentrating investments in the country, and transiting from trade to manufacturing.
“I am impressed and proud of the transformation BUA has made from trading concern to a manufacturing conglomerate.
“A key pillar of our administration’s policy thrust is import substitution especially when it comes to essential items such as food, household consumables and shelter. A nation of our size and with our natural and human resources is exhibiting its weakness if it continues importing essential commodities.
“For every grain of rice, wheat or maize we import, we destroy the livelihoods of our local farmers while creating jobs abroad. It is because of this that seven years ago, our Government introduced numerous laws, executive orders and incentives that support businesses with import substitution projects,’’ the President said.
He stressed that the focus of the admiration stays on job creation and economic security.
“In the medium term our hope was to see Nigerian companies expand their production expertise and capacity to other African nations helping them to also achieve their food and economic security goals. In the long term, our desire is to create a peaceful and prosperous continent with its young and talented population feeding, clothing and housing themselves.
“Today, through the BUA story, it is clear that we are on track! The company has continued to invest in domestic production and processing leveraging our local raw materials and youthful talent.
“It is always heartwarming to see and learn of Nigerian companies doing so much within Nigeria. Most of this phenomenal growth was achieved during this administration,’’ he added.
President Buhari noted that the successes recorded by entrepreneurs and the business community, like BUA, were “clear testaments to the correctness of our programs and policies.’’
“We have also seen similar successes especially in the food and agri-input value chain,’’ he said.
The President extolled the Chairman of BUA for his resilience, steadfastness and patriotism, affirming that the government would continue to encourage small businesses to grow.
“You have shown through your efforts at BUA, what is possible in our country and this is what I have always been working towards, a situation where we have businesses that can add value, create employment opportunities and reduce our dependence on imports whilst positioning ourselves for exports and global competitiveness.
“I am therefore not surprised to hear that two of your group companies – BUA Cement plc and BUA Foods Plc, are now amongst the top 10 most valuable publicly listed companies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Your success story and those of many more Nigerian entrepreneurs, give us the motivation to do more as a Government to support the aspirations of all businesses big and small,’’ he submitted.
President Buhari also thanked the businessman for his philanthropy.
“Furthermore, you did not stop at what your country has enabled you to achieve, but you also continue to give back. The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative has been implementing philanthropic programs not only in Nigeria, but across Africa.
“A good example is the Police National Reference Hospital building in Abuja which you recently donated to the Nigerian Police Force. Such exemplary and impactful gestures are needed to support our security agencies who are working very hard, day and night, to secure our lives and properties. On behalf of the Nigerian Government, I want to thank you for your patriotism.’’
In his remarks, Alhaji Rabiu said the BUA Group is very mindful of where it was at the advent of the Buhari administration, and the giant strides it has taken today.
He counted the blessings of the Group to include: three new cement factories of 7.5 million metric tonnes capacity in Edo and Sokoto States to the already existing plants, a new 750,000 metric tonnes sugar refinery in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, a 20, 000 hectares 4-in-1 fully integrated sugar plantation in Kwara State with a sugar mill refinery and ethanol plant, four flour and pasta factories, a 200,000 barrels per day refinery with a petrochemical plant, among others.
He submitted further: “We have continued to build and invest extensively in Nigeria and all these new projects were made possible because of the immense opportunities your government has created in ensuring industrialization and self-sufficiency by supporting serious businesses across many industries to fully harness our locally available resources and potentials.
“Your Excellency, I must say that you have done so much and tried in creating an enabling environment for businesses across Nigeria going by the strides we-and many others-have made. The results can-and will speak for themselves long after you have left office. We know where we were in 2015 when you came in.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 12, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI LAUNCHES NATIONAL CRISIS MANAGEMENT DOCTRINE
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja launched the National Crisis Management Doctrine (NCMD), aimed at bridging the gap created by extensive deployment of security services through fostering collaboration amongst Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The NCMD, which was developed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in coordination with relevant MDAs, would ensure greater successes in tackling national crisis.
Speaking at the launch, the President commended the efforts of the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), his staff and members of the working group from various responder MDAs for the remarkable work in developing the doctrine.
He described the feat as a significant milestone in recognition of the need for collective efforts towards achieving coordinated, effective and efficient national crisis management.
‘‘This shows the renewed promise and commitment of this administration to managing crisis in the country,’’ the President said, urging ONSA to continue to play its coordinating role amongst crisis response stakeholders, to achieve greater successes.
President Buhari also thanked the British Government for its collaboration in the development of the Doctrine as well as the United States Government for its support, urging them to sustain the relationship.
The President recalled that at the inception of the Administration, Nigeria was faced with multiple security challenges ranging from terrorism, kidnapping, to armed banditry, ethnic militia attacks, oil theft, rape, gun running and various acts emanating from violent extremism.
‘‘The emergence of the Boko Haram terrorist group as well as bandits and kidnappers in Nigeria considerably changed the country’s security situation leaving panic in the minds of the populace.
‘‘These and other security challenges confronting the nation tend to stretch the deployment of our security agencies, resources and national security apparatus.
‘‘Owing to the dynamics of these crises, the Office of the National Security Adviser revised the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) which I endorsed in August 2016.
‘‘Within this strategy are certain works streams which include the Prepare and Implement strands that seek to mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks by building resilience and redundancies to ensure continuity of business; and a framework for the mobilization of coordinated cross-government efforts respectively.
‘‘I am glad that the Office of the National Security Adviser has not relented in its efforts to implement the NACTEST by coordinating relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to develop the National Crisis Management Doctrine,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the NSA explained that work on the doctrine started in 2014 but was given impetus after the President endorsed the revised NACTEST, which has five work streams namely: Forestall, Secure, Identify, Prepare and Implement.
Further, Monguno said the NCMD, which is a subset of the NACTEST, fulfills the work streams to ‘Prepare’ and to ‘Implement.’
‘‘The doctrine provides a detailed methodology for national crises response, outlining how the various relevant MDAs should interact at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.
‘‘It is to be noted that the NCMD can be used to manage both malicious threats and civil emergencies owing to the general principles set out within it.’’
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 12, 2022
WE WON’T FORGET CHINA’S ROLE IN REVERSING NIGERIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT UNDER PRESIDENT BUHARI, SPOKESMAN SAYS
When the history of the Buhari Administration’s efforts to reverse Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit is written, the role of China will not be forgotten, Femi Adesina, the president’s spokesman has said.
Adesina stated this on Friday in State House, while receiving the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, CUI Jianchun and the new Deputy Chief of Mission/Ministerial Councilor, Zhang Yi.
Speaking at the meeting, which was also attended by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Adesina thanked the Chinese government for sustained efforts to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure development in several areas including power, rail, and aviation, among others.
‘‘President Buhari has very great respect for China. Many times he has spoken about the support from China and he deeply appreciates it. President Buhari and President Xi Jinping share respect and friendship.
‘‘Nigeria appreciates the mutual cooperation with China and we pray that diplomatic relations will continue to be strong and mutually beneficial. President Buhari has visited China twice and also participated in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting in South Africa,’’ the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity said.
Responding to alleged misrepresentation of One China policy in some section of the Nigerian Media, Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity told the Chinese Ambassador:
‘‘The things you read in the press (Nigerian) concerning One China Policy are not a representation of the Federal Government policy on One China policy.
‘‘Nigeria’s Constitution is written in a way that allows freedom of expression in the Media.’’
Shehu stressed that what is important in the Nigeria-China relations is that Nigerian government recognize and support the One China policy.
The Ambassador explained his 5GOAL NIGERIA-CHINA GDP STRATEGY, pegged around political consonance, economic cooperation, military collaboration, international coordination and people communication.
On the economic front, Jianchun, who has spent 17 months in Nigeria, pledged that China would continue to prioritize investments in railway, road, ports, electricity, ICT, oil and gas, agriculture, mining, among others, across the country.
On the 700MW Zungeru hydroelectric power plant under construction in Niger State, the Chinese Ambassador said his government is deeply committed to its completion and operationalization soon.
Abiodun Oladunjoye
Director, Information
August 12, 2022
Left to Right: Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media & Publicity, CUI Jianchun, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, and Zhang Yi, the Deputy Chief of Mission/Ministerial Councilor, Chinese Embassy during a courtesy of the Chinese officials to the State House, Abuja. Friday, August 12, 2022.