Headlines
Senate disregards court ruling, moves to amend Electoral Act
By Matthew Eloyi
The Senate has moved to amend the 2022 Electoral Act, despite a Federal High Court order restraining the National Assembly from tampering with the newly amended Act.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan during plenary on Tuesday said the constitution stipulates separation of powers and the judiciary cannot stop another arm of government in performing its roles in a democracy.
Lawan said this during the first reading of the amendment of the Electoral Act during the legislative proceedings.
In his words, “I find it very necessary to talk at this point because, with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, our governance system is based on the Presidential system of government where there is a clear-cut separation of powers and exercise of powers.
“The Judiciary under no circumstance can stop the legislature, the National Assembly from performing its legislative duties. We know what our due processes are.
“Just like we won’t venture in what the Judiciary does, the Judiciary should understand that we have our processes. I believe the members of the National Assembly know their work, know their onions, and would do what is right.
“This is due process, we are not doing anything outside the law. It is within our exclusive right to consider whatever request we receive from Nigerians either from the Executive or private members Bill.”
It would be recalled that the court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo on Monday, March 7, specifically barred all the defendants in the suit from removing section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act or preventing it from being implemented for the purpose of the 2023 general elections.
Ruling on an ex-parte application by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Justice Ekwo agreed with the counsel to the party, James Onoja, that the Electoral Act has become a valid law and cannot be tampered with without following due process of law.
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde, his family and the people of Oyo State, over the death of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde.
The president, in a condolence message issued on Monday, said that the loss of a loved one, especially a cherished elder brother, is a profound sorrow.
“In this time of mourning, I want you to know that I, along with many others, stand with you and your family.
“We pray for strength and comfort as you navigate this irreplaceable loss. I hope you find comfort in the memories you shared and the impact he had on those around him.
“This moment reminds us of the importance of family, unity and love—values that your family has always exemplified and that we all hold dear.
“May these values strengthen you and your loved ones in this time of grief,” he said.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for the Almighty to grant the governor and his family the strength to navigate this challenging time.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and that you are not alone in this period.
“You can count on my unwavering support and assistance during this difficult time,” the president said.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Civil Service Commission, has announced the commencement of recruitment into various positions within the Federal Civil Service.
In a statement on Monday by the FCSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Taiwo Hassan, he disclosed that interested and eligible Nigerians can apply for the available positions through the commission’s official recruitment portal.
He stated that applicants are to apply for only one position.
The statement read, “The Federal Civil Service Commission is receiving applications for various vacancies in the Federal Civil Service. The vacancy announcement is published on the commission’s website: www.fedcivilservice.gov.ng and in national newspapers.
“Eligible applicants are to apply for only one position via the application link: https://recruitment.fedcivilservice.gov.ng. Applicants who are physically challenged should state the nature of their disability.
“Applicants are to upload the following documents as applicable: I) Curriculum Vitae, II) Ph.D/Master’s Degree Certificate, III) Degree/HND/NCE Certificate, IV) WAEC/NECO/NABTEB Certificate, V) Primary School Certificate, VI) NYSC discharge/exemption/exclusion certificate, VII) Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age, VIII) Local Government Identification, IX) Recent Passport photograph.
“All applications are to be submitted on or before Monday, 10th March, 2025.”
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, has apprehended two persons over alleged theft of 2,100 liters of premium motor spirit.
The Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi disclosed this while handing over the suspects and items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) in Ibaka on Monday.
Abdullahi said that navy personnel apprehended the suspects at about 7.45p.m on Jan. 24, while on a routine patrol along the Mbo River area.
He said that during the patrol, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 2,100 Liters of petrol, carefully concealed under cargos such as bread, fruits and bags of cassava flakes among others.
He said that the intention of the suspects was to smuggle the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroun.
The commanding officer said that under the watch of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, the FOB IBAKA would remain committed to fighting waterway crime.
Abdullahi said it would be impossible for maritime crimes to continue in the waterways and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.
“We shall continue to detect criminals and their activities within the nation’s waterways through the use of advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
“Individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters should desist immediately,” he said.
Receiving the suspects and Items, ASC Willie Emediong, said that the NSCDC would prosecute the suspects after thorough investigations on the matter.
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