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Bill On Council Electoral Commission Tabled
A bill for the establishment of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) has been tabled before the Senate.
NILGEC will be responsible for conducting elections for the 774 local governments in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The proposed commission will consist of a chairman and six commissioners appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The chairman and commissioners will serve for a term of five years, renewable once.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Sani Musa, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, APC, Niger East. The bill seeks to establish NILGEC as an autonomous body mandated to organize, oversee and conduct elections for the offices of local government chairman and councillors across all states.
According to the bill, NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference. The commission shall have its budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence.
The functions and powers of NILGEC include the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections for local government chairman and councillors. The commission will prepare and maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register. It will ensure voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process.
NILGEC will set and enforce electoral guidelines and regulations for local government elections. The commission will recruit and train electoral officers and staff for efficient election management ². It will monitor and supervise all electoral activities and processes. The commission will investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.
The bill states that NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination and the conduct of elections. The commission shall ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.
According to the bill, 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.
The bill stipulates 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.
The bill states that 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 .
The bill comes barely a week after the Supreme Court barred the 36 governors of the federation from further retaining or utilizing funds meant for the 774 local government areas in the country. The apex court ruled that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive and seize funds allocated to LGs in their states ².
Diaspora Watch Unveils 38th Edition: Get ready for the most anticipated edition yet!
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Diaspora Watch is proud to present its 38th edition, packed with the latest news, trends, and analysis from around the world.
Our cover headlines are buzzing with hot topics: the mass trial of opposition figures in Tunisia, the UK government’s refusal to pay Rwanda over a canceled migrant deal, and Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, outlining his vision for a second term.
But that’s not all – we’re also diving into the world of sports, with a special feature on Nigeria’s first Super Bowl winner, Moro Ojomo, who received a hero’s welcome at Aso Villa. And, meet the 35-year-old Nigerian man who’s making waves with his incredible talent for building helicopters and guns from rubber!
In our lifestyle section, we’re exploring the devastating consequences of procrastination and how to overcome it. Plus, find out why Nigerian celebrities are caught up in Lamborghini fever!
As always, Diaspora Watch is your premier source for compelling stories, analysis, and perspectives that matter to Africans everywhere.
So, grab your copy now and stay informed, inspired, and connected to the global African community!
We are excited to announce the release of the 37th edition of Diaspora Watch, a publication that delves into the most pressing issues affecting the diaspora community. In this latest edition, we embark on a journey to uncover the truth, seek justice, and navigate the intricacies of our increasingly interconnected world.
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The Nigeria-Biafra Civil War is a critical issue that we explore in depth. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, is demanding a public apology and ₦10 trillion in compensation from President Bola Tinubu for the atrocities committed against the Igbo people during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War. This demand comes on the heels of former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida’s revelation that the 1966 coup was not an Igbo-led conspiracy, as previously alleged.
We also analyze the implications of the US 2025 Visa Waiver Programme, exploring its effects on global mobility, economic development, and national security. The programme allows citizens of 40 eligible countries to travel to the US without a visa, raising important questions about the impact on diaspora communities.
Nigeria’s economic reforms are another key issue that we examine. Critics argue that these reforms disproportionately affect the poor, and we explore alternative solutions that prioritize economic justice and equality.
Climate change is a pressing global issue, and we highlight the urgent need for collective action, sustainable solutions, and global cooperation. Grenada’s Prime Minister has made a passionate plea for climate change partnership at the CARICOM meeting, emphasizing the devastating impacts of climate change on the Caribbean region.
Finland’s seasonal work permit applications are also explored, providing opportunities for foreign workers to contribute to the country’s economy. We delve into the details of the programme, its benefits, and the requirements for eligibility.
Furthermore, we celebrate Ayra Starr’s milestone achievement as the first African female artist to win the Best International Act award at the MOBO Awards. This achievement highlights the significance of African representation in the global music industry.
In this edition of Diaspora Watch, we tackle the tough issues, celebrate the triumphs, and explore the complexities of our global village.
Join us on this journey as we strive to inform, educate, and inspire. Get your copy of Diaspora Watch Publication 37 today! Available in print and digital formats. Subscribe now and stay informed about the issues that matter most to the diaspora community.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended health contracts worldwide, leaving critical healthcare programs and assistance in jeopardy.
The decision, part of a review aimed at aligning
foreign aid with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, has resulted in the termination of more than 90% of global health
programs, including those addressing HIV, malaria, maternal health, and other vital services.
The sudden and widespread cuts have sparked
widespread concern among health experts and organizations, who warn that the move will have devastating consequences for millions of people worldwide.
“The US funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing… Lives are on the line,” said International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn, whose organization is not directly affected by the cuts.
In South Africa, several of the largest US-funded HIV/AIDS programs have been informed that their funding will not resume, leaving vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and sex workers, without access to critical healthcare services.
A major global non-profit working on malaria and maternal and newborn health has also had most of its contracts cancelled.
The US State Department has remained tight-lipped about the criteria used for the terminations, and it remains unclear how many organizations worldwide have been affected.
However, documents reviewed by Reuters confirm that UNAIDS, the UN agency dedicated to tackling HIV and AIDS, has had its contract with USAID cancelled.
The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the cuts will undermine global health progress and put millions of lives at risk.
“This is a devastating blow to global health efforts,” said a spokesperson for the Global Health Council. “The US has long been a leader in global health, and these cuts will have far-reaching consequences for some of
the world’s most vulnerable populations.”
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