Connect with us

News

2023: INEC Launches An Online Portal To Aid Voters Registration

INEC

In a bid to ensure that eligible Nigerians are not disenfranchised as the country gears towards another election season – the 2023 general elections – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has introduced an online portal for registration.

The introduction of an online voter’s registration portal was announced by the Chairman of the national electoral body, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday, June 20, 2021, during a press briefing on the Commission’s preparedness for the next elections.

In the statement released by the INEC Chairman, he said the INEC voters registration online portal was launched in a bid to resume the Continuous Voter Education exercise. He said it will ensure a quicker process in terms of voters registration and also ensure that there are no crowds at the registration centres nationwide.

He also said the portal was designed by in-house engineers and would assist visitors to begin their registration exercise to a certain extent before finishing up the process at a registration centre.

Speaking on how the vadalizaition of INEC properties nationwide would affect the Commission capacity to carry out the exercise, Professor Yakubu insisted that despite the attacks on certain properties belonging to the Commission, it was ready and able to go ahead with the voter registration exercise.

The statement released on Tuesday, June 21, 2021, was titled “Continuous Voter Registration: Media Professionals, INEC Agree to Sensitise Citizens” read in parts:

“In the next one week, Monday 28th June 2021, the Commission will resume the Continuous Voter Registration nationwide.

“In doing so, the Commission is introducing a portal to enable eligible Nigerians to commence registration as voters online before completing the exercise physically at designated centers nationwide.

“This is the first time a major exercise of this nature is handled partially online, consistent with the Commission’s commitment to continue to deepen the use of technology in the electoral process in Nigeria.

“Just like the expansion of voter access to Polling Units, the Commission appeals to the media for support so that this novel idea will also be successful.

“The success of the exercise depends, to a considerable extent, on citizens’ awareness through voter education. There will be new registrants, requests for intra-state and inter-state transfers as well as the replacement of voters’ cards as provided by law.”

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Pingback: Nigerians Must Reject Electoral Act Without Electronic Transmission Of Votes - NCFront

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

NNPC Urges Former President Obasanjo To Come And Tour The PH Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery and verify its operational status.

NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, has responded to Obasanjo’s recent remarks about the refinery.

In a recent interview with Channels Television, the former President recalled the advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), suggesting the refinery would not function optimally.

He said that after approaching the company to acquire equity in the refinery, SPDC expressed concerns about corruption impeding its operations.

Obasanjo further alleged that the NNPCL had been misleading Nigerians about the facility’s functionality, calling into question the national oil firm’s recent announcement about the re-streaming of the plant.

Responding to the claims in a statement on Thursday, January 1, 2024, Soneye respectfully invited the former President to visit the refinery, stressing the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Furthermore, we extend an open invitation to President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand the progress made under the new NNPC Limited,” he said.

The spokesman also enjoined Obasanjo to join the NNPCL in its determination to guarantee the country’s energy security.

“We invite our esteemed former president to join us in this effort as we continue to deliver energy security for our nation and provide tangible benefits to Nigerians.

“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we assure him that his advice will always be welcomed and appreciated,” he stated.

The NNPCL’s scribe explained that the company didn’t carry out turnaround maintenance on the plant but embarked on a complete refinery overhaul.

“As part of this transformation, NNPC Limited has gone beyond oil and gas to become an integrated energy company.

“One of our notable achievements is the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PhRC) and Warri Refinery.

“This process was not merely the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past but a full-scale overhaul designed to meet world-class standards. Similarly, we are currently conducting the same comprehensive rehabilitation of the old Port Harcourt Refinery and Kaduna Refinery,” he added.

He further explained that the national oil company has evolved from being a government corporation to a private entity with limited liability, noting that the transition has transformed the company from a loss-making organisation to a profit-driven international energy firm.

According to him, the new NNPCL will ensure sustainable operation and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy security.

“Regarding his recent comments, we would like to respectfully clarify the current state of the NNPC.

“The NNPC has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from a government corporation into a private entity—NNPC Limited.

“This transition has marked a significant shift from being a loss-making organisation to a profit-oriented global energy company.

“We deeply respect and hold President Obasanjo in the highest regard as a distinguished statesman who has contributed significantly to the progress of our nation.

“He has every right to share his perspectives on national issues, and we value his insights and counsel.

“We remain grateful for his leadership and enduring commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our great nation,” Soneye stated.

He also reacted to media reports suggesting that the NNPCL would stop the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery, saying “No need to respond to falsehood.

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu Named third Most Corupt Leader In The World

pro-Tinubu group

According to the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been ranked as the third most corrupt leader globally. Tinubu, who became Nigeria’s president in 2023, was named among the top five finalists for the OCCRP’s 2024 Corrupt Person of the Year list, published on Monday, December 30.

The list, determined by over 55,000 votes from readers, journalists, and members of OCCRP’s global network, also featured Kenyan President William Ruto, former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Indian businessman Gautam Adani.

Ruto emerged as the most-voted nominee, followed closely by Widodo.

“We asked for nominations from readers, journalists, the Person of the Year judges and others in the OCCRP global network,” stated the OCCRP.

“These finalists represent the most corrupt figures in 2024.”

Tinubu’s presidency has been fraught with controversies over his wealth, which critics argue remains unexplained.

Allegations of drug trafficking, forgery, and financial malpractice have persisted, tarnishing his administration.

In May 2023, it was revealed that his son, Seyi Tinubu, owned a $10.8 million London mansion previously linked to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who allegedly acquired the property with crime proceeds.

Similar properties in the United Kingdom have also been linked to the Tinubu family. The year 2024 saw nationwide protests against Tinubu’s administration, sparked by policies critics labelled as “anti-people.”

Demonstrators decried worsening hunger, poverty, and governance failures. The most notable protests, the #EndBadGovernance movement from August 1 to 10, saw mass arrests, including more than 20 children.

Detained protesters faced treason charges, prompting widespread media and social media outcry that eventually secured their release.

Critics argue that Nigeria has suffered significant declines in economic stability, security, leadership integrity, and human rights under Tinubu’s leadership.

OCCRP’s recognition of Tinubu as one of the world’s most corrupt leaders underscores mounting concerns over his administration’s transparency and accountability.

As protests and criticisms continue, questions about Tinubu’s legacy and Nigeria’s future remain unresolved.

Continue Reading

News

Governors in heated meeting With Presidency Over Tax Reforms

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) convened a late-night meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, December 10. The meeting ended without a communiqué, fuelling speculation about the contentious tax reform bills at the heart of their discussions.

The meeting, which commenced at 10 p.m. and lasted just an hour, was attended by 15 governors, primarily from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, representing the Labour Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, were also present.

Sources disclosed that the governors failed to reach a consensus on the tax reform bills President Bola Tinubu recently presented to the National Assembly.

The reforms have drawn sharp criticism, with 19 northern governors rejecting key provisions and urging withdrawal. The National Economic Council (NEC) also reportedly dismissed the proposed legislation.

“The bills are flawed and fail to address the realities in many states,” a northern governor reportedly remarked.

The NGF’s silence following the meeting has further heightened public interest. Deviating from tradition, the governors refrained from issuing a post-meeting statement or briefing journalists.

This development has sparked concerns about potential divisions within the NGF, as the governors grapple with the polarising tax proposals. Observers note that the absence of an official communiqué suggests deep-seated disagreements.

As Nigerians await clarity on the fate of the tax reforms, the meeting’s abrupt conclusion underscores the growing tension over Tinubu’s economic policies. Whether the governors will resolve remains to be seen.

Continue Reading

Trending