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Again, Jega Canvassaes Massive Overhaul of Electoral Processes 

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By David Torough, Abuja

Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega has again called for a massive overhaul of the nation’s electoral process in order to ensure a much more transparent, free and fair election in the interest of democracy.

Prof Jega’s call came as the INEC finalised arrangements for the November 11, off-season governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States.

Recall barely a week ago, the PDP had raised concern over what it described as “the brazen imposition of a card-carrying member and prominent leader of the ruling APC in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Etekamba Umoren as the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state, despite the loud and widespread outcry and rejection by Nigerians, in flagrant violation of the express provisions of the Constitution of the 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 and the universal demand of impartiality and non-partisanship of an electoral body and its officials.

Jega, a political Scientist spoke at the weekend to DAILY ASSET against the recent outcry by the main-opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) over the alleged appointment of a card- carrying member of the ruling-All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State.

In reaction to the appointment Jega said the move by the Federal Government was counter to the desired independence of the electoral umpire.

“This must be rejected by all. We must continue to protect INEC from rapid partisanship and undermining of the integrity of the election management body,” the former Chairman said in WhatsApp chat to DAILY ASSET.

Jega who had canvassed similar reforms as Resource person at the 10th Senate retreat in Ikot Ekepene, Akwa Ibom state, called for legislation to make electronic transmission of results mandatory, from the next general elections in 2027, including uploading of polling unit level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation.

“INEC would have enough time to prepare for this, if the Act is Amended early enough in the ensuing electoral cycle,” he advised.

According to the Political Scientist, “the increasing phenomenon of vote buying and vote selling (vote trading!) needs to be explicitly proscribed, with stiff penalties provided.”

“INEC needs to be unbundled to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in the preparation and conduct of elections. Accordingly, as recommended by the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Committee:

“Current statutory responsibility of INEC with regards to prosecution of electoral offenders should be taken away and given to an Election Offences Commission. So as to accelerate prosecution and punishment of offenders and address the impunity with which such offences are committed,” he stated.

Besides, Jega said there was need to introduce either (1) early voting for eligible voters on election duty, such as INEC staff, observers and their drivers, security personnel, and journalists, or special arrangements be made to enable them vote on election day, especially for presidential elections, which is a single national constituency as was the practice in other countries.

 He proposed the introduction of Diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to enable citizens to vote, especially those on essential service abroad, such as Military, paramilitary and other security personnel abroad, Embassy staff, and other citizens, who are not dual citizens.

“It is therefore, necessary for the 10th National Assembly to give priority to an early review of the Electoral Act 2022, so as to substantially improve the legal framework for electoral integrity, taking into consideration outstanding issues not addressed by it, as well as emerging issues, which have been observed in its implementation in the 2023 general elections,” he stated.

“As Itodo, of YIAGA-Africa observed, there are notable “ambiguities, complexities and inadequacies” (2023) in the Electoral Act 2022, which need to be addressed/redressed to make the preparations and conduct of elections much better in the next electoral circle towards the 2027 general elections” Jega submitted.

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Yahaya Bello to Spend Christmas, New Year in Kuje Prison

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By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello will spend the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year days in Kuje prison, Abuja, following refusal of his bail application by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

Justice Maryann Anenih yesterday adjourned the case until Jan.

29, Feb. 25, and Feb. 27, 2025 for the continuation of the hearing.

The former governor is standing trial, along with two others, in an N110 billion money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Anenih had refused to grant a bail application filed by Bello, saying it was filed prematurely.

The judge admitted Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, to bail in the sum of N 300 million each with two sureties.

Justice Anenih, while delivering a ruling said, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent.

“Consequently, the instant application having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” she said.

Recalling the arguments before the court on the bail application, the judge had said, “before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on Nov. 22.

“The 1st Defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.

“That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi State. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.”

She said the Defendant’s Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, had told the court that he had submitted sufficient facts to grant the bail.

He urged the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously to grant the bail.

Opposing the bail application, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the instant application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before arraignment.

He said it ought to be filed after arraignment but the 1st Defendant’s Counsel disagreed, saying there was no authority

“That says that an application can only be filed when it is ripe for hearing.”

Justice Anenih held that the instant application for bail showed that it was filed several days after the 1st defendant was taken into custody.”

Citing the ACJA, the judge said the provision provided that an application for bail could be made when a defendant had been arrested, detained, arraigned or brought before the court.

Bello had filed an application for his bail on November 22 but was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on Nov. 27.

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Middle Belt Group Tasks FG on Resettlement, Safety of IDPs

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Association (CONAECDA) has called on the federal government to intensify efforts in the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes.

The organization made this call at the end of its conference held in Jos, the Plateau State Capital weekend.

Thirty resolutions were passed covering security, economy, politics, governance, culture, languages, human rights and indigenous peoples’ rights among others.

The Conference President, Samuel Achie and Secretary Suleman Sukukum in a communique noted that the conference received and discussed reports from communities based on which resolutions were reached on securing, reconstruction, rehabilitation and returning communities displaced by violence across the Middle Belt.

“After considering the reports from communities displaced by violent conflicts, conference resolved, and called on government to focus on providing security to deter further displacements.

“Call on government to provide security to enable communities to return. Government and donor partners should assist in reconstructing and returning displaced communities,” the communique stated.

The GOC 3 Armoured Division Nigeria Army represented by Lt Col Abdullahi Mohammed said the Nigerian Army is committed to working closely with communities to achieve a crime-free society, urging communities to support them with credible information.

“Security is a collective effort, and we cannot do it alone, the community plays a crucial role in ensuring safety.

“We urge everyone here not to shield or protect individuals involved in criminal activities. Transparency and collaboration, together, with maximum cooperation, we can achieve peace, security, and prosperity for our society,” the GOC stated.

The National Coordinator of CONECDA, Dr. Zuwaghu Bonat in his address at the gathering noted that the theme of this year’s program, Returning, Resettling, and Rehabilitating Displaced Communities, was chosen as a wakeup call on the federal government.

He maintained that the organization is aware that President Bola Tinubu has expressed a commitment to ensuring that displaced communities return to their ancestral lands.

He said similarly, some state governments, including Plateau State, have set up committees to address the lingering matter.

The coordinator however cautioned, “It is critical that we avoid generalizations or profiling. For instance, Not all Muslims are involved in terrorism. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in Nigeria are peaceful and reject extremist ideologies. 

“We also know that some terrorists exploit religion to mobilize support or rationalize their actions. However, their atrocities – slaughtering women, cutting open pregnant mothers, and killing children show a profound disregard for humanity and God. Normal human beings would not commit such acts. 

“We must also be cautious about lumping banditry with terrorism. While statistics indicate that many bandits and kidnappers may share similar ethnic backgrounds, kidnapping has now evolved into a profit-driven enterprise. This distinction is vital to address the root causes effectively,” he stated.

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon Daniel Kwada noted that the conference was apt to addressed the various underlying issues bedeviling the region and its people.

“We in the Middle Belt have long been standing at the crossroads of Nigeria’s complex history. Despite our tireless efforts to stabilize this nation, we have faced immense challenges, including underdevelopment, security issues, and marginalization.

“Often, we are unfairly maligned, but gatherings like this offer a chance to change the narrative. 

“Such conferences set the tone for better discussions. They allow us to drive processes that bring development, ensure security, and elevate our people to greater heights,” Mutfwang noted.

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Recapitalisation: SEC Charges Banks to Strengthen Corporate Governance

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Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called on banks to reinforce their corporate governance principles and risk management frameworks to boost investor confidence during the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.

Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, SEC, said this at the yearly workshop of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) held in Lagos.

The theme of the workshop is: “Recapitalisation: Bridging the Gap between Investors and Issuers in the Nigerian Capital Market”.

Agama, represented by the Divisional Head of Legal and Enforcement at the SEC, Mr John Achile, stated that the 2024–2026 banking sector recapitalisation framework offers clear guidance for issuers while prioritising the protection of investors’ interests

He restated the commission’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recapitalisation process.

The director-general stated that the key to bridging the gap between issuers and investors remained the harnessing of innovation for inclusive growth.

In view of this, Agama said, “SEC, through the aid of digital platform, is exploring the integration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent transaction processing to redefine trust in the market.”

He added that the oversubscription of most recapitalisation offers in 2024 reflects strong investor confidence.

To sustain this momentum, the director-general said that SEC had intensified efforts to enhance disclosure standards and corporate governance practices.

According to him, expanding financial literacy campaigns and collaborating with fintech companies to provide low-entry investment options will democratise access to the capital market.

He assured stakeholders of the commission’s steadfastness in achieving its mission of creating an enabling environment for seamless and transparent capital formation.

 “Our efforts are anchored on providing issuers with clear guidelines and maintaining open lines of communication with all market stakeholders, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks through digitalisation.

“We also ensure timely review and approval of applications, and enhancing regulatory oversight to protect investors while promoting market integrity,” he added.

Agama listed constraints to the exercise to include: addressing market volatility, systemic risks, limited retail participation as well as combating skepticism among investors who demand greater transparency and accountability.

He said: “We are equally presented with opportunities which include leveraging technology to deepen financial inclusion and enhance market liquidity.

“It also involves developing innovative financial products, such as green bonds and sukuk, to attract diverse investor segments.

“The success of recapitalisation efforts depends on collaboration among regulators, issuers, and investors.”

Speaking on market infrastructure at the panel session, Achile said SEC provides oversight to every operations in the market, ranging from technology innovations to market.

He stated that the commission is committed to transparency and being  mindful of the benefits and risks associated with technology adoption.

Achile noted that SEC does due diligence to all the innovative ideas that comes into the market to ensure adequate compliance with the requirements.

On the rising unclaimed dividend figure, Achile blamed the inability of investors to comply with regulatory requirements and information gap.

He noted that SEC had done everything within its powers to ensure that investors receive their dividend at the appropriate time.

He, however, assured that the commission would continue to strengthen its dual role of market regulation and investor protection to boost confidence in the market.

In her welcome address, the Chairman of CAMCAN, Mrs Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma, said banks’ recapitalisation is not just a regulatory requirement, but an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen the capital market, and drive sustainable growth.

Joel-Nwokeoma stated that the recent recapitalisation in the banking sector had brought to the fore the need for a more robust and inclusive capital market.

She added that as banks seek to strengthen their balance sheets and improve their capital adequacy ratios, it is imperative to create an environment that fosters trust, transparency, and cooperation between investors and issuers.

The chairman called for collaboration to bridge the gap between investors and issuers to create a more inclusive and vibrant Nigerian capital market.She said: “we must work together to strengthen corporate governance and risk management practices in banks, enhance disclosure and transparency requirements for issuers.” NAN

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