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Nigeria’s Electoral System In Need Of Urgent Reform, Says Senator Seriake Dickson
Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has expressed the need to sanitize Nigeria’s electoral system, citing the growing number of election-related litigation and the erosion of public trust.
In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, monitored by Diaspora Watch in Nigeria, Dickson disclosed that the National Assembly has started moves to amend the electoral law.
“First of all, the electoral law is important, and we have started, I mean the electoral amendment committee. We are undertaking a comprehensive review once again of the electoral law to underpin the conduct of free and fair elections, to reduce litigation, contest, challenges, and disaffection as you saw now even in the Supreme Court venue, people not accepting the verdict of the Supreme Court.”
Dickson also called for the introduction of electronic voting to reduce human interference, which he believes gives rise to manipulation. “What we need to work towards in this country, in a nutshell, and we are trying to build a consensus in the National Assembly, I don’t know whether we will succeed, but we are making some progress, is how we can have electronic voting where you will reduce human interference that gives rise to manipulation, inducement, intimidation, and all of that.”
He lamented that the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not built on the progress made in the use of technology in Nigeria’s elections in the last eight years. “In the party in government, they haven’t really shown that desire to see that we sanitize the electoral process, and most importantly now at the level of national leadership, to put the interest of the country above their personal interest and the interest of their party by actively promoting and supporting the application of technology.”
Read also : Labour Party’s UK Victory A Boost For Nigeria’s LP Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Dickson also endorsed the call by the Patriots, led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, for a national constituent assembly to produce a new draft constitution for the country. “It is a national imperative, it is the kind of constitution we have that has reduced our capacity to be productive. It is the nature of the constitution that has given rise to the ineffective grassroots administrative system, the local government system that we have.” He added that it is the constitution that has created the situation that has resulted in having an over-bloated and overloaded centre.
News
Guyana Government Approves $123 Million For CARICOM Nations
In a move to strengthen regional stability and provide humanitarian support, Guyana’s National Assembly has approved $123 million (approximately $587,940 USD) for CARICOM nations, Diaspora Watch can report. This decision was made during the 89th Sitting of the National Assembly, where Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting its neighbors in need.
Diaspora Watch was told the funds will primarily support Haiti, which has been plagued by severe gang violence, resulting in over 2,500 people killed or wounded between January and March this year. Recall that the violence has led to a shortage of food, water, and other essential items, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Minister Todd highlighted Guyana’s history of providing support to its Caribbean neighbors, citing the recent example of Hurricane Beryl, which devastated several Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) in the region.
Guyana provided contributions in kind to affected OECS countries, demonstrating its commitment to regional solidarity. The approval of these funds comes on the heels of a recent meeting between Heads of Government of Caribbean nations in Guyana, where they discussed the pressing issues of crime and gang violence in the region. The meeting highlighted the need for collective action to address these challenges, which have resulted in a 154% increase in regional security budgets between 2019 and 2024. In July, Guyana provided its first shipment of relief aid to Grenada, comprising vital items such as generators, water purification tablets, and hygiene products. This donation demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to providing tangible support to its neighbors in need.
News
Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Africa
Kimma Wreh (CIO, Excel Global Media Group Inc) provided keynote address on Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Africa at the Innovate Africa Conference 2024. The conference was held at George Washington University in Washington DC in September 2024.
To book Kimma, send email to exceltekay@gmail.com or call 832-483-4864.
News
Olojo Festival: Honoring the Gods and Celebrating Yoruba Heritage
The Olojo Festival, an ancient and vibrant Yoruba festival, is a grand celebration held annually in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, to honor Ogun, the god of iron and war, and the rich heritage of the Yoruba people. This deeply spiritual festival brings thousands of people together, showcasing traditional customs, colorful attire, music, and rituals that highlight Yoruba history and mythology.
The highlight of the event is the appearance of the Ooni of Ife, who dons the sacred Are Crown, believed to hold immense spiritual power. Through processions, sacrifices, and community gatherings, the Olojo Festival strengthens cultural identity, unites people, and pays homage to the gods. As an enduring celebration of Yoruba pride, it captivates locals and visitors alike, reminding all of the deep cultural legacy of Ile-Ife.
Welcome to the highly anticipated 23rd volume of Diaspora Watch, your indispensable source connecting the vibrant African diaspora around the world! This edition is packed with captivating stories and in-depth analysis.
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