Politics
Nigerians reject reps’ proposal for compulsory voting
The bill proposes a six-month imprisonment or a fine of not more than N100, 000 for any registered voter convicted for failing to exercise his or her franchise during national, state and local council polls.
A cross section of Nigerians, including lawyers and civil society organisations have opposed a bill in the House of Representatives seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022, to make voting in all national, state and local council elections compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.
The bill, jointly sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Daniel Asama Ago, is titled: A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2022 to make it Mandatory for Nigerians of Maturity Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters (HB.1930).
The bill proposes a six-month imprisonment or a fine of not more than N100, 000 for any registered voter convicted for failing to exercise his or her franchise during national, state and local council polls.
But Nigerians who spoke to Daily Trust described the proposed legislation as a misplacement of priority; while lawyers declared it unconstitutional.
It is unconstitutional – SANs
Professor Paul Ananaba (SAN) said no country, not even the most totalitarian countries, compels its citizens to vote.“Voting is a civic responsibility; if you want, you can vote, if you don’t, you can stay in your house; compelling people to vote is a violation of their rights,” he said.
For Etigwe Uwa (SAN), said it is laudable as a civic duty for citizens to vote in an election, but making it a criminal offence needs to be looked at very well.
Tunde Akinyemi, a civil rights lawyer in Surulere, Lagos, said: “This bill is not only draconian, it is tone-deaf. You don’t threaten citizens into participating in democracy; you inspire and earn their trust.
Has the government considered the reasons why people don’t vote? Fix electoral violence, rigging and insecurity first, and then we can talk about turnout.”
On her part, Hajiya Rabi Abdullahi, a school teacher from Keffi, Nasarawa State, said people avoid taking part in election for their safety and other reasons.
Chukwuemeka Obi, an unemployed graduate from Enugu, said, “Many of us have lost faith in politicians. They come every four years with promises and disappear after winning. If I choose not to vote, that’s my right too. Compelling people with jail is dictatorship, not democracy.”
Politics
Onyejeocha resigns as Minister of State for Labour
Onyejeocha expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has formally resignedas Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
” As one chapter closes, another opens,” Onyejeocha wrote on her X handle on Friday,, reaffirming her commitment to service, progress, and nation-building.
Onyejeocha expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In the letter, she also thanked the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, including the Honourable Minister, Permanent Secretary, directors, and staff, for their dedication and partnership in advancing workers’ rights, promoting workplace safety, and expanding employment opportunities.
Onyejeocha extended her appreciation to the people of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, describing them as her inspiration and strength throughout her tenure.
Politics
No force can defeat Tinubu in 2027 –Umahi
Umahi made the declaration on Friday while opening the completed 15 kilometres section of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has predicted victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in next year’s presidential election asserting, ” No force can defeat Tinubu in 2027.”
Umahi made the declaration on Friday while opening the completed 15 kilometres section of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.
He emphasised that president Tinubu has done extremely well and will be re-elected at the poll despite the coming together of the opposition elements.
He said that the president inherited a bad economy, which he is fixing, especially the micro economy and that the macro economy of the nation was breathing very well under his administration.
“When you talk about fuel economy and so on and so forth, a strategic meeting was held yesterday on how to handle the unfortunate incident of the Iran war, which has brought hardship on our people, so, the president is not asleep on this,” he said.
He urged the people of South-East to be strategic and support Tinubu’s re-election as according to him, the president has done so much for the zone more than any other administration in the county.
Politics
Labour Party to hold presidential primary April 28
The notice is contained in a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signed by the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman and released to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
The Labour Party has notified the INEC that it will hold its Presidential primary on April 28, State congresses for April 25, Local Government Area and Ward congresses for April 24 and April 23, respectively.
The notice is contained in a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signed by the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman and released to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
Usman said that the letter is to notify the Commission of the approved schedule of activities for the Labour Party 2026 Elective Ward, Local Government Area (LGA), and State Congresses, as well as the National Convention.
She said that the letter was in pursuant to the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended);
The INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, and Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The interim national chairman said that the section mandated political parties to duly inform the commission of their congresses, conventions, and meetings.
Onyejeocha resigns as Minister of State for Labour
No force can defeat Tinubu in 2027 –Umahi
Labour Party to hold presidential primary April 28
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business3 days ago33 Nigerian Banks Beat CBN’s Recapialisation with ₦4.65trn Combined Capital Base
-
Sports3 days agoFirstBank Sponsors Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Football Championship 2026
-
Politics3 days agoBREAKING: INEC Withdraws Recognition of David Mark’s ADC
-
News3 days agoEaster: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays
-
News3 days agoJUST IN: Tinubu Heads to Jos Tomorrow, Postpones Ogun Trip for 5-State Visits
-
Entertainment3 days agoSuper Eagles Iwobi to launch music album ‘More To Life’
-
Politics3 days agoArise News Anchor Ikokwu in Political Race for Reps Seat
-
News3 days agoGas Leak in Ogun School: 30 Students, Teacher Hospitalised