NEWS
FG Released N313.4bn to INEC for 2023 General Elections , says INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the Federal Government released N313.4 billion for the conduct of the 2023 general elections.
The commission in its 2023 General Election Report released on Friday, said that out of the N355.b approved for the conduct of the elections, the sum of N313.
4 billion was only released as at September 2023,.According to the report, based on the key activities in the approved Election Project Plan for the 2023 general election, INEC proposed a budget of N305 billion for the conduct of the elections.
The breakdown of this amount showed that the commission asked for N159.7 billion for electoral operations; N117.
3 billion for electoral technology; and N20.4 billion for electoral administrative costs.It also showed that N7.4 billion representing 2.5 per cent of the election operation, technological and administrative costs was set aside for unforeseen electoral expenses.
The report stated that in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the commission’s budget proposal for the 2023 general election was submitted to the presidency and duly transmitted to the National Assembly for approval.
“Consequently, the commission appeared before Senate and House Committees on INEC as well as the Senate and House Appropriations Committee in a joint session during which the INEC Chairman presented the expenditure layout of the budget and answered all questions and queries from Committee members.
“The National Assembly approved and appropriated the sum of N303.1 billion for the conduct of the 2023 general election,” it stated.
It, however, stated that by January 2023, it was clear that the approved amount would not be enough for the conduct of the election due to the inflation rate and consumer price index as well as the widening differentials in the foreign exchange rate.
It added that INEC was also faced the necessity to rebuild or relocate its operations from its buildings that were destroyed or burnt and replace lost election materials due to arson attacks and fire outbreak.
It also noted that INEC suffered more than 50 attacks on its facilities and vandalisation of properties and election material between 2019 and 2022.
These three factors, according to the report, negatively impacted on the procurement of domestic goods and services and the purchase of offshore electoral equipment and materials.
“The commission was therefore compelled to request for supplementary appropriation in the sum of N52.billion from the presidency.
“The request was duly considered and approved for appropriation by the National Assembly bringing the total funds approved and appropriated for the conduct of the 2023 general election to N355.2 billion.
“The breakdown of the appropriated amount on the basis of the Average Cost per Registered Voter Index (COVI), for the 93,469,008 registered voters in Nigeria is N3,801 (US$6.72) per voter.
“This is well within the internationally acceptable Average Cost per Registered Voter (ACRV) of $4 to $8 that is deemed adequate for the conduct of election in transitional democracies.
“In fact, the ACRV for the 2023 general election is less than the actual cost of $9.62 and US$7.38 cost per voter for the 2015 and 2019 general election respectively and very reasonable in comparison to the cost per voter in other transitional democracies such as Ghana and Kenya,” the report stated.
It added that consequent upon the appropriation of the election budget proposals by the National Assembly, INEC engaged with the Minister and officials of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for the release of funds as stipulated in Section 81(2,3&4) of the 1999 Constitution.
“This led to the cumulative release of the sum of N293.4 billion in tranches between February 2022 and February 2023.
“A further amount of N20b was released to the Commission in August and September 2023.
“The sum of N61.8 billion is outstanding as of October 2023,” the report said.
It also stated that INEC also receives support from development partners for electoral activities.
The support according to the commission was tailored around training, capacity building, civic and voter education, production of information, education and communication materials and engagement with stakeholders.
These supports are directed at the provision of technical assistance, information dissemination, strengthening the integrity of the electoral process, promoting citizens’ participation, and enhancing advocacy for inclusivity with reference to women, youths, persons with disability and other marginalised groups.
“To be clear, the commission does not receive any direct cash transfer from development partners.
“Rather, these partners are required to hold on to their funds and undertake the direct implementation of any activity requested by the commission that are usually directed at meeting urgent and sometimes unanticipated needs or to augment the cost of enhancing electoral integrity, “ it stated.
Section 81(2,3&4) of the Constitution provides that the required funding to meet INEC expenditure be issued directly from the Consolidated Revenue of the Federation to the commission i.e on a first-line charge to the consolidated revenue.
The section also stipulated that any further funding required by the commission should be presented to the National Assembly for supplementary appropriation if the amount in the original budget is insufficient or if no amount was provided for in the original budget to meet unforeseen expenditure.
The Section also stipulated that funds due to the commission for any general election should be released not later than one year before the election and gave INEC the power to disburse such funds in accordance with its financial rules and regulations.
Also the Federal Government of Nigeria is solely responsible for providing funding to the Commission as a sovereign responsibility.(NAN)
The Nigeria Police Force says individuals who have attained the age of criminal responsibility must be answerable for their actions, regardless of biological age.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja said the provision was very clear under the Nigerian law.
He said the provision was in line with global practices, where accountability was upheld for young individuals who commit serious offenses.
Adejobi said the clarification followed public opinion over the arraignment of 76 alleged minors over terrorism, arson and treasonable felony by the Nigeria Police.
According to him, in managing the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the Nigeria Police has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law.
He said the suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, with a remand order issued by the court.
“Throughout this process, the police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.
“An unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint on Oct. 1, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to draw negative attention.
“Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.
“While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons,” he said.
According to him, as seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences.
He said the Nigeria Police was aware of public interest in the case and assured that its officers would maintain professionalism throughout the legal process.
Adejobi enjoined the public to view the case without undue bias, adding that the force remains focused on a transparent pursuit of justice.
He said the force would remain committed to aligning with best practices, upholding both the rule of law and respect for human dignity. (NAN)
Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun, on Saturday awarded 91 students of the institution First Class (Honours) at its 16th Convocation Ceremonies.
The convocation ceremonies are for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Ojediran said that a total of 969 students graduated in the academic session.
He said that they comprised the 91 students who made First Class grade, 505 who secured Second Class (Upper Division), 313 with Second Class (Lower Division) and 60 graduating with Third Class.
The vice-chancellor said that 220 students were graduating in the post-graduate category.
Mr Sally Farouk from the university’s Department of Architecture emerged the overall best student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.
94, according to Ojediran.He said that the institution set out to proffer best solutions from collective knowledge, shared experiences and resources, recognising that education was a lifelong activity.
The vice-chancellor lauded the staff of the university for cooperation and dedication to giving the students quality education.
“You have joined hands with the management of the institution to work on this fertile ground,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Bart Nnaji, said that university was the first private university of technology in Nigeria, noting that it was established in 2005.
Nnaji said that the institution had made remarkable achievements in teaching and research as part of its vision to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.
“Let me also congratulate the graduating students who have distinguished themselves through their hard work and discipline and are being rewarded today.” he said.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the institution, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for contributions to education development in the country.
Dankwambo also congratulated a former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, and the Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr Temitope Shonubi, for honorary doctoral degree given them by the university.
Report says that Okebukola and Shonubi were conferred with the degree for their outstanding pedigrees and services to humanity. (NAN)
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that suspects arrested during the #Endbadgovernance protest in August 2024 were not remanded in any of its adult custodial centres in Abuja.
The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Abubakar Umar confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
our correspondent gathered that the suspects arrested for treason during the #Endbadgovernance protest that held in August 2024, were on Friday, arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
Umar said that there were misleading reports making the rounds in some sections of the media purporting that the suspects were remanded in one of the adult custodial centres in Abuja.
According to the NCoS spokesman, the said report has no iota of truth.
”The service operates under the best correctional and global practices.
“To set records straight, the NCoS Act 2019 has empowered the Controllers of Corrections as well as Superintendents-in-charge of Custodial Centres not to admit juveniles in facilities meant for adults.
“The Act also mandates the service to reject more intake of inmates where it is apparent that the custodial facility in question is filled to capacity.
“The service wishes to inform the public that the said suspects were rejected and none of them were remanded in adult custodial facilities as insinuated by the said report.
“The service assures the public that NCoS will continue to emphasise professionalism as well as respect for human rights in line with the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Juvenile offenders.
“Furthermore, the general public is enjoined to disregard the said report because it is not the true position of things,”he said.(NAN)
Police Say at Criminal Responsibility Age, Individuals must be Answerable for Their Actions
Share The Nigeria Police Force says individuals who have attained the age of criminal responsibility must be answerable for their...
Bells Varsity Honours 91 Students with First Class at 16th Convocation
Share Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun, on Saturday awarded 91 students of the institution First Class (Honours) at its...
Lagos PDP will Find Bearing after State Congresses — Chieftain
Share A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, says the state chapter of...
Endbadgovernance protest: Suspects not in Custody of NCoS, -Says Spokesman
ShareThe Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that suspects arrested during the #Endbadgovernance protest in August 2024 were not remanded...
FG Releases Funds for Payment of NASU, Retirees’ Entitlements
ShareThe Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU). Mr...
Troops Nab Wanted Terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB/ESN Terrorists
Share The Defence Headquarters says the Nigerian troops have in the last one week apprehended a notorious terrorist leader, Abubakar...
Nigeria Needs to Construct more Dams to Control Flooding- FG Committee
Share The Director of Dams and Reservoirs Operations in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Ali Dala, has called for...
NCC Raids Bookshops in Uyo, Seizes Pirated Books Worth N23m
Share The Nigerian Copyright Commission on Saturday raided several bookshops selling pirated books in Uyo and seized books worth N23.1...
Rivers APC Chair Proffers Solution to State Political Crisis
Share Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC in Rivers, Chief Tony Okocha, says unless Gov. Siminalayi Fubara abides by the law,...
Police Neutralise 6 Hoodlums, Recover Firearms in Bauchi
Share The Police Command in Bauchi State, says it has neutralised six hoodlums in a crackdown against criminal elements in...