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BREAKING : Details have been released on the new bill the Senate introduced on Thursday seeking to create an independent electoral body charged with the responsibility of conducting local government council elections.

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*The bill with title,“Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)”, was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa, (APC, Niger-East).*

*The bill partly states, “To establish the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) responsible for conducting elections to the office of the Local Government Chairman and Councillors, and any other matter thereof to do with local government as a third tier of government.*

*“The National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) is hereby established as an autonomous body mandated to organize, oversee, and conduct elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors across all states.”*

*The bill lists the functions and powers of NILGEC to include conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections for Local Government Chairman and Councillors.*

Ekwutosblog gathered that It stated further, “To prepare and maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register.*

*“To ensure voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process.*

*“To set and enforce electoral guidelines and regulations for Local Government elections.*

*“To recruit and train electoral officers and staff for efficient election management.*

*“To monitor and supervise all electoral activities and processes.*

*“To investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.”*

*According to the proposed legislation, NILGEC shall consist of a Chairperson and six Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.*

*It says,’The Chairperson and Commissioners shall serve for a term of five years, renewable once.*

*On its independence and autonomy, the bill states that NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference.*

*“The Commission shall have its own budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence”, it states.*

*On the electoral process and procedures, the bill states that NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections*

*It stated, “NILGEC shall ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.*

*“NILGEC shall announce the election schedule at least six months before the date of the election.*

*“Elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors shall be conducted every four years.”*

*On the electoral offenses and penalties, it explained that NILGEC shall define and enforce penalties for electoral offenses, including but not limited to voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence.*

*“Offenders shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of the land.*

*“NILGEC shall collaborate with other relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organizations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.*

*“Upon the establishment of NILGEC, all powers and functions related to the conduct of Local Government elections previously vested in any other body or authority shall be transferred to NILGEC.”*

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Politics

JUST IN: Tinubu returns to Abuja after UK, France trip

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April 21, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a working visit and retreat in France and London lasting 18 days.

The presidential 001 aircraft conveying the President landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 9:50 p.m on Monday, the State House media office disclosed.

Tinubu was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, among others.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on Wednesday, April 2, spending some time in Paris, the French capital, before he reportedly proceeded to London two weekends ago.

The Presidency said while away, Tinubu maintained contact with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some states.

In Paris, the President held talks with the United States Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Mr. Massad Boulos.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the discussions included deepening bilateral collaboration aimed at enhancing regional security and promoting sustainable economic development across Africa.

A key aspect of the meeting included joint efforts to advance lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with emphasis on multilateral cooperation and the role of regional stakeholders.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, was also among the officials who received the President.

 

At 09:50 pm President Tinubu arrived Abuja from his 18-day retreat in London and Paris. He was received at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by officials of governments; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, among others. Credit | VILLA INFOSTRATIC

 

 

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JUST-IN: President Tinubu Allegedly Had a Secret Meeting With Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara and The 27 Pro-Wike Assembly Members in London

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April 21, 2025

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A source familiar with the political situation in Rivers State has revealed a secret meeting between President Tinubu, Governor Sim Fubara and the embattled 27 Pro-Wike Assembly members in United Kingdom. The source who played anonymity claimed that the reason President Tinubu stayed long away from Nigeria after embarking on a brief holiday was to ensure a conclusive agreement between Gov. Fubara and the 27 Pro-Wike Assembly members.

The source also claimed that the FCT minister, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike May not be unaware of the ‘foreign meeting amidst the political tension in Rivers State.

According to the source, Governor Fubara is being reined upon to join the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to support President Tinubu and save his political career.

It’s worthy to note that President Tinubu, Gov. Sim Fubara and the 27 Pro-Wike Assembly members were all on holiday in London. President Tinubu has just returned to Nigeria after spending 19 days in Europe.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES SENATOR ORJI UZOR KALU AT 65

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April 21, 2025

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STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES SENATOR ORJI UZOR KALU AT 65

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, on his 65th birthday.

President Tinubu reflects on their enduring friendship and shared commitment to national progress, rooted in their membership of the “Class of ’99” Governors.

The President extols the former Majority Whip’s unwavering patriotism, recalling decades of collaboration marked by mutual respect, even with political differences.

He lauds Senator Kalu’s entrepreneurial spirit, as epitomised in his establishment of Slok Holding and investments in banking and the media, ventures that have created hundreds of jobs.

“Senator Kalu, my friend, is a patriot whose life embodies resilience, generosity, and the transformative power of visionary leadership. On this milestone, I celebrate his contributions to our nation’s economic and political tapestry,” President Tinubu says.

The President prays that God Almighty will grant Senator Kalu renewed strength, wisdom, and many more years of impactful service to Nigeria and humanity.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser tot the President
(Information and Strategy)
April 21, 2025

 

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