Civil rights advocacy group, HURIWA, has strongly criticized the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, describing it as a coordinated cover-up and an act of legislative cowardice aimed at stifling allegations of budget padding raised by the lawmaker.

In a statement by HURIWA’s spokesperson, the group asserted that Senator Ningi’s suspension was hastily executed to suppress the weighty allegations he made regarding the padding of the 2024 budget by the National Assembly.

HURIWA condemned the suspension, labeling it a ploy by the National Assembly to conceal its tracks.

HURIWA accused the Senate of deviating from its role as the bastion of civil democracy and behaving like a secret society.

The group lamented the lack of a publicly advertised probe into Senator Ningi’s allegations and criticized the Senate for resorting to legislative blackmail and threats instead of conducting a transparent investigation.

The statement highlighted the rowdy session in the Senate where lawmakers demanded answers from Senator Ningi regarding his claims about the budget. Despite the demand for an open investigation, HURIWA noted that the suspension of Senator Ningi was executed without due process.

HURIWA emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by Senator Ningi and criticized the Senate’s failure to uphold democratic principles.

The group called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene and investigate the funds allocated to INEC for the conduct of elections, as well as the personal financial activities of Professor Yakubu Mahmood and other commissioners.

In conclusion, HURIWA denounced the Senate’s actions as unconstitutional and undemocratic, urging transparency and accountability in the handling of the budget padding allegations.

The group emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the truth is uncovered for the benefit of the Nigerian public.

Barrister Chukwudi Ezeobika, former National Legal Adviser of the Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), has pointed fingers at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the mass exodus of Nigerian youths from the country.

He specifically called for an investigation into the conduct of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC National Chairman, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement to newsmen in Abuja, Barrister Ezeobika accused Professor Yakubu and the INEC commissioners of contributing to the loss of hope among Nigerian youths and their decision to leave the country en masse.

He criticized INEC’s handling of elections, alleging partisanship, misinformation, and deliberate misleading of the electorate.

Ezeobika highlighted various issues, including INEC’s supervision of parallel party primaries, declaration of false or unpopular candidates as winners, and misleading information about election processes such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and IReV.

He emphasized the financial and personal costs incurred due to INEC’s alleged inadequacies, incompetence, and unwholesome activities.

Calling for a thorough investigation, Ezeobika urged the EFCC to probe the funds allocated to INEC for the conduct of elections under Professor Yakubu’s leadership.

He also called for scrutiny of the personal financial activities of Professor Yakubu and the commissioners.

The statement underscores growing concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s electoral system. With calls for accountability and transparency, the demand for an EFCC investigation reflects the need to restore public trust in the electoral process and ensure that electoral bodies fulfill their mandates in a fair and impartial manner.

In a recent development, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) has refuted claims of N3.7 trillion padding in the 2024 budget.

This clarification comes alongside the Senate’s exoneration of Senate President Godswill Akpabio from any wrongdoing.

Chairing the Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Jarigbe dismissed the purported N3.7 trillion padding as false, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of the Senate.

During a plenary session addressing the alleged padding, the Senate reiterated that only N28.7 trillion was passed in the budget.

Senator Jarigbe affirmed that there was no evidence of such padding, expressing satisfaction with the explanation provided by the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

He urged fellow senators to uphold the sanctity and integrity of the Senate, cautioning against actions that could tarnish its reputation.

Moreover, Senator Jarigbe highlighted disparities in project allocation among senators, noting that while some received additional projects in their districts, others, like himself, did not benefit from such incentives. This observation underscores the need for fairness and transparency in budgetary allocations to ensure equitable development across all constituencies.

The Senate’s swift response to address the allegations and clear the air regarding the budget padding demonstrates its commitment to accountability and transparency in governance. As lawmakers continue to fulfill their legislative duties, maintaining the integrity of the Senate remains paramount in promoting public trust and confidence in government processes.

In response to persistent complaints of failed customer transactions and concerns regarding the holding of reversed funds by commercial banks, the Federal House of Representatives has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enforce timely reversals of funds by banks.

The resolution, adopted following a motion titled “Need to restrain commercial banks from holding funds reversal beyond the date prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria,” was brought by Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State.

Ukpong-Udo highlighted the CBN’s guidelines announced on June 8, 2020, specifying timelines for reversals and resolution of refund complaints, including instant reversal of failed “On-Us” ATM transactions and resolution of disputed POS or web transactions within 72 hours.

Expressing concern over the high rate of failed bank transactions, which accounted for over 69 percent of complaints in July 2023, the House emphasized the adverse impact on Nigeria’s financial sector and economy. It urged the CBN to direct banks to proactively address system glitches causing failed transactions and to ensure prompt reversal of customers’ funds within stipulated periods, regardless of customer complaints.

To address the issue comprehensively, the House mandated relevant committees to collaborate with the CBN and Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) to investigate the matter, propose solutions, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

This move by the Federal House of Representatives underscores the commitment to safeguarding the interests of consumers and promoting efficiency in Nigeria’s financial sector, ultimately contributing to the overall stability and growth of the economy.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially declared his intention to contest in the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election in Ondo State. Aiyedatiwa, who assumed office as the substantive governor in December 2023 following the demise of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, made this announcement at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade, Alagbaka, Akure on Tuesday.

Highlighting the late Governor Akeredolu’s endorsement of him as a successor, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and loyalty received since taking office. He reiterated Akeredolu’s wish for him to carry on the torch of accelerated development in the state.

Addressing citizens and party faithful, Aiyedatiwa stated, “Our people and party faithfuls, through multi-dimensional platforms, have expressed their desire for the continuity of this administration beyond 2025. Today, I stand before you in all humility and with a fierce commitment to the greatness of our Sunshine State. I offer myself to be the candidate of our great party, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS in the 2024 gubernatorial election.”

Highlighting his political credentials and governance experience, Aiyedatiwa emphasized his commitment to sustaining the path of progress and development in Ondo State.

He outlined his mission, focusing on key developmental issues such as poverty alleviation, hunger eradication, and making Ondo State self-sustaining.

“I am fully prepared for this opportunity to re-enact the legacies of visionary, purposeful, competent leadership bequeathed to us by our founding fathers to build the future of Ondo State,” he declared.

Aiyedatiwa’s announcement sets the stage for a significant political development as the state prepares for the upcoming gubernatorial election.