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Scrapping SIECs Is Counterproductive, Suffocates INEC, Undermines Decentralization – Yiaga Africa
Yiaga Africa, a leading civil society organization focused on promoting democratic governance in Nigeria, has expressed concerns over the increasing calls for the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and the transfer of the responsibility of conducting local government elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Yiaga Africa, this policy proposal is fundamentally flawed and could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s 25-year-old democracy if implemented.
Yiaga Africa argues that the abolition of SIECs contravenes the constitutional principle of state autonomy, as enshrined in the Constitution.
A statement issued by the Executive Director, Samson Itodo, Yiaga said by centralizing the conduct of local government elections under INEC, the proposal undermines the federal structure of the country and erodes the autonomy of the states, potentially leading to an overconcentration of power at the federal level.
“This would weaken the states’ capacity for self-governance and hinder the demand for local government autonomy, which enjoys national consensus,” Yiaga Africa said.
Furthermore, Yiaga Africa highlights the extensive mandate of INEC and the burden it already faces in conducting various elections, such as off-cycle governorship elections, bye-elections, and re-run elections.
“Adding the responsibility of conducting local government elections would further strain the Commission and potentially lead to administrative inefficiencies and reduced effectiveness in managing electoral processes.
“This excessive burden could compromise the integrity of elections, violating the fundamental right to free and fair elections as guaranteed by the Constitution,” Yiaga said.
While acknowledging the underwhelming performance of SIECs since the return to democracy in 1999, Yiaga Africa asserts that abolishing SIECs would not address the underlying causes of flawed local government elections.
“Instead, the organization suggests implementing stricter sanctions or legislation that criminalizes the dissolution of local government councils.”
Additionally, Yiaga Africa recommends guaranteeing the operational and financial independence of SIECs and enacting a robust legal framework for their activities, including guidelines for conducting elections, dispute resolution procedures, and penalties for electoral misconduct.
Yiaga Africa calls for constitutional amendments to explicitly safeguard the operational, administrative, and financial independence of SIECs, ensuring that their power to make rules and regulate procedures is not subject to the approval or control of governors.
“The organization also urges the clarification of the tenure of Local Government Chairmen and councilors to minimize arbitrary dissolutions of local governments by Governors supported by state legislatures. Furthermore, Yiaga Africa advocates for additional mechanisms for equitable devolution of power to state and local governments, including laws that empower local governments with greater administrative and fiscal autonomy,” the CSO said.
To enhance the quality of election administration at the state level, Yiaga Africa recommends that SIECs invest in capacity development.
“This includes training for electoral officers, acquisition of modern electoral technologies, and improvement of administrative processes. The organization also calls on political parties, civil society organizations, and media organizations to conduct extensive voter education and civic engagement initiatives at the local level to encourage citizen participation in local government elections.
Bitcoin experienced sharp fluctuations following President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement, initially surging to $88,000 before dropping to $82,000.
By April 3, it stabilized around $83,000, with the broader crypto market down over 4%. Major altcoins like Ethereum and Solana also declined over 6%, hitting multi-month lows.
Analysts see the tariff news as reducing market uncertainty, potentially attracting institutional investors.
Despite higher-than-expected rates, experts believe the clarity could help Bitcoin regain momentum toward $90,000. Bitcoin ETFs, led by BlackRock, recorded $218 million in inflows on April 2, reversing prior outflows.
Kraken’s Thomas Perfumo challenged the idea that institutional interest stabilizes crypto, emphasizing that volatility signals demand for a scarce asset.
Some analysts viewed the sell-off as an overreaction to trade policy concerns, highlighting Bitcoin’s resilience as a store of value.
With ETFs showing strong demand, Bitcoin’s price may stabilize and rise, though market participants remain cautious, monitoring trade policies and economic conditions.
Violent clashes between pastoralist groups and settled farming communities have long been a challenge in South Sudan.
However, the recent outbreak of violence in the northern Ruweng Administrative Area has further heightened concerns over the nation’s fragile peace. At least 30 people lost their lives after an armed youth group launched a brutal attack on a northern South Sudanese town, according to local officials.
The incident, linked to an escalating cattle raid, saw the town briefly fall under the control of the attackers before security forces regained control.
The violence began when a group of armed youth stole lambs earlier in the week. Security forces quickly intervened, forcing the raiders to retreat. However, instead of dispersing, the group reorganised and launched a more aggressive attack on Abiemnom the following day.
Local Minister of Information, Simon Chol Mialith, confirmed that despite resistance from local youth and security personnel, the town was overrun by the Mayom armed youth. The attack led to significant casualties and destruction before security forces were able to reclaim the town.
On Wednesday, the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) successfully pushed the attackers out, restoring a semblance of calm. However, the scale of the destruction was already severe, with over 40 individuals injured in addition to the fatalities.
Although reports suggest that some of the deceased were members of the armed groups, official confirmation remains pending.
The attack comes at a time of growing instability in South Sudan, with tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar intensifying. This political rivalry threatens to unravel the delicate 2018 peace agreement that ended the nation’s five-year civil war.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with continuous unrest. Despite its vast oil resources, the country remains impoverished, with conflicts like these exacerbating economic and social difficulties.
Key Business Developments to Monitor This Week: Crude Oil Transactions in Naira and Resumption of Emirates Flights
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) have announced an increase in crude oil production by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) starting in May. This decision follows a virtual meeting among eight member nations, which agreed to gradually reduce previously implemented output cuts.
The nations involved in this agreement include Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman.
As a result of this production increase, Brent crude prices fell by 6.8% to $69.85 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped by 7.08% to $66.63, as of 10 PM WAT.
According to Reuters, these fluctuations are closely linked to the recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump imposing a 10% tariff on all imported goods.
### Voluntary Production Cuts by Eight OPEC+ Member Nations
In April 2023, eight OPEC+ countries declared additional voluntary reductions amounting to 1.65 million bpd, lasting until the end of December 2026. Subsequently, in November 2023, an additional voluntary cut of 2.2 million bpd was announced.
On December 5, 2024, the oil cartel revealed plans to extend these adjustments through March 2025, indicating that the 2.2 million bpd reductions would be gradually phased out on a monthly basis until the end of September 2026, aimed at maintaining market stability. However, on March 3, these nations agreed to implement a planned increase in oil production starting April 1.
### Monthly Phasing Out of Oil Production by Eight OPEC Member Countries
OPEC stated that the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 411,000 barrels per day, divided into three monthly increments, beginning in May 2025. This adjustment includes the planned increment for May plus two additional monthly increases. The oil alliance emphasized that these gradual increases could be paused or reversed depending on market conditions, allowing for continued support of oil market stability.
Furthermore, OPEC+ noted that this measure would provide an opportunity for member nations to expedite their compensation efforts. The eight countries will convene monthly to assess market conditions, compliance, and compensation strategies.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 5, where decisions regarding June production levels will be made.