A bill to create the National Local Government Electoral Commission (NLGEC) has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, enhancing election transparency

A landmark bill aimed at creating the National Local Government Electoral Commission (NLGEC) as an independent body to oversee local government elections has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

Also read: Okey Bakassi warns of possible military coup amid political recklessness

The bill, which was sponsored by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, alongside eight co-sponsors, seeks to enhance the credibility and transparency of local government elections across Nigeria.

House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), who presented the bill, explained that the establishment of the NLGEC would strengthen democracy at the grassroots level by ensuring fair and transparent elections.

The commission would take on the critical role of organising, conducting, and supervising elections for Chairmen and Councillors of all local governments, including the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The proposed commission would consist of a Chairman and 37 members, each representing the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

The Chairman, who would serve as the Chief Electoral Officer, and other members of the board would be appointed by the President, based on recommendations from the National Council of States. These appointments would also require Senate confirmation, adding a layer of accountability to the process.

In his presentation, Rep. Ihonvbere highlighted the key functions of the commission, which would include setting election timetables, managing polling processes, and enforcing compliance with electoral laws.

The commission would also be tasked with overseeing voter registration, maintaining an accurate voter register, and ensuring that eligible citizens are able to participate in elections.

Furthermore, the NLGEC would regulate and monitor political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to ensure adherence to campaign finance laws, electoral codes, and relevant regulations.

To boost voter engagement and reduce apathy, the commission would implement voter education programmes to inform citizens about their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process.

Rep. Ihonvbere also revealed that the commission would be required to submit periodic reports to the President, National Assembly, and the public, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability.

In a related development, a separate bill proposing a 180-day timeframe for presenting international treaties to the National Assembly also passed its second reading. Both bills have now been referred to the Committee on the Review of the Constitution for further legislative action.

Okey Bakassi warns the political recklessness in Nigeria could trigger a military coup, as politicians become hostile to criticism and untouchable

Nollywood actor and comedian Okey Bakassi has issued a stark warning, stating that the current political climate in Nigeria, marked by the recklessness of the nation’s political officeholders, could potentially lead to a military coup.

Also read: Atiku criticises Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers, calls it “Political Manipulation”

Bakassi made the statement during a recent conversation with his colleague, Ime Bishop Umoh, where he reacted to the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

The actor expressed concerns over the growing trend of politicians behaving as though they are untouchable, while also becoming increasingly hostile to any form of criticism.

The actor lamented that in a democratic country like Nigeria, civilians are being intimidated and arrested simply for exercising their right to criticise the government.

According to Bakassi, the situation has escalated to the point where politicians now act like “gods,” shutting down any dissent with force and suppression.

“Politicians are now behaving like they are gods. All of them are now behaving like they are untouchable. If you speak [against them], they will arrest you. This is how they will continue in this recklessness until the military decides to take over the government,” Bakassi warned.

He further pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that while the same political figures may later encourage civilians to protest and defend democracy, they are simultaneously denying them any meaningful involvement in the democratic process.

This, Bakassi suggests, could lead to an eventual military intervention, as the current political environment becomes increasingly unstable.

The actor’s comments highlight growing frustration among citizens who feel that the country’s democratic principles are being undermined by the very individuals tasked with upholding them.

As Nigeria continues to face political challenges, Bakassi’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked political power and the suppression of civil rights.

The Centre for Democracy and Development has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of undermining democracy in Zamfara, urging President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has strongly criticised Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of engaging in anti-democratic actions that have destabilised the state.

At a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday, the group condemned the governor’s conduct and called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, similar to the action he took in Rivers State.

Ibrahim Yakubu, the leader of the Centre, claimed that Lawal’s alleged undemocratic actions have led to economic sabotage and contributed to growing instability in the state.

He pointed specifically to the suspension of 10 members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly for 13 months. The suspensions, allegedly initiated by the governor, occurred after the lawmakers voiced concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state.

The Centre argued that these actions have crippled the legislative body, effectively denying the people of Zamfara their right to effective representation.

Further criticism was aimed at Governor Lawal for what the group termed authoritarian behaviour. Yakubu described the governor’s decision to suspend lawmakers who raised security concerns as a clear abuse of power and an assault on democracy.

In addition, the CDD condemned Lawal’s supposed involvement in illegal mining activities, which the group claims has led to the exploitation of the state’s valuable gold reserves.

The Centre contended that the situation in Zamfara has become dire and warrants the imposition of a state of emergency to restore order and dismantle political and economic terrorism.

“A six-month emergency period is necessary to restore order, dismantle the networks of political and economic terrorists, and pave the way for a return to democratic governance,” the group stated, urging President Tinubu to act swiftly.

The Centre emphasised the urgency of the situation, saying, “The current trajectory threatens not only Zamfara but the entire nation. The good people of Zamfara deserve leadership that upholds the rule of law, prioritises security, and safeguards national resources.”

Continuing its call for action, the CDD urged the federal government to take immediate steps to secure state resources, protect the lives and livelihoods of Zamfara residents, and hold accountable those responsible for the current crisis. The Centre expressed that any further delay in addressing the situation could lead to greater instability.

“The time for half-measures and false promises is over. Strong, decisive action is required now,” Yakubu said. He described Governor Lawal’s tenure as an “unmitigated disaster” that has resulted in the erosion of democratic institutions, the rise of political terrorism, and a failure to address insecurity or protect Zamfara’s wealth.

The Centre concluded by stating that Governor Lawal’s actions have undermined democracy, and that his leadership has been characterised by a blatant disregard for the rule of law.