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Bill To Relieve INEC Of Party Registration Scales Second Reading

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A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of an Independent Authority for the registration, regulation, and funding of political parties in Nigeria has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill seeks to establish a dispute tribunal and regulate the funding of political parties as well as utilisation of the funds.

The bill, which was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, and another lawmaker, Marcus Onobun, further seeks to ensure transparency and a stable democracy.

At the moment, there are 19 registered political parties in Nigeria. The roles to be performed by the new independent authority are currently the responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The independence and neutrality of INEC have been questioned by many including former President Goodluck Jonathan and former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega, who decried the influence of political interference on the appointments of electoral commissioners.

“The electoral commission must be fully independent and we must have credible people. Political leaders who are so domineering and over-pressuring you (INEC staffers) to do what is wrong should resign and leave,” Jonathan said at a Yiaga event recently.

Similarly, Jega said, “There is political interference in the appointment or removal of electoral commissioners and other election officials.”

Bishop Isaac Idahosa, the 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), also lamented that nobody puts INEC in check.

Meanwhile, INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu has been pushing for the creation of an electoral offence tribunal.

“A major obstacle to the speedy dispensation of justice in this regard is that electoral offences are not time-bound as is the case with post-election offences through the tribunals. Furthermore, they are solely prosecuted by the Magistrate and State High Courts in the jurisdiction where the alleged offences are committed.

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“No priority attention is given to such cases as the courts deal with a variety of other cases. Consequently, electoral offences are carried over from one General Election to another which may sometimes affect the diligent prosecution of the cases.

“It is therefore imperative to renew our call for the creation of the Electoral Offences Tribunal that has a specific jurisdiction and limited timeframe for the speedy dispensation of cases,” he said.

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Alleged sexual harassment: Suspended professor closes defence

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April 11, 2025

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Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL) on Friday closed his defence in the alleged sexual harassment case before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter until July 2 for adoption of final written addresses.

after the Ndifon’s lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN, indicated his intention to close his case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspended professor closes his defence after calling two witnesses to counter the allegations levelled against him and his co-defendant, Sunny Anyanwu, by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

While Ndifon was the first defence witness (DW-1), CSP Babagana Mingali, a Forensic Analyst, who works at the laboratory of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), was the DW-2.

Justice Omotosho had, on March 6, 2024, dismissed the no-case submission filed by Ndifon and Anyanwu against the ICPC charge.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that the evidence led by the prosecution constituted a prima facie case against the duo.

The judge, therefore, ordered Ndifon and Anyanwu to enter their defence.

The ICPC, in the alleged sexual harassment charge, preferred a four-count amended charge against Ndifon and Anyanwu, who was earlier a member of his team of lawyers.

They were accused of alleged sexual harassment, cybercrime and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The ICPC alleged that Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, asked the female Diploma student, identified as TKJ and a star witness, to send him “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself” through WhatsApp chats.

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Anyanwu, one of the lawyers of the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on Jan. 22, 2024, by the commission on the allegation that he called the star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The anti-corruption commission had, on Feb 14, 2024, closed its case against the suspended professor Anyanwu.

ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told Justice Omotosho after Bwaigu Fungo, the 4th prosecution witness, a Forensic and intelligence Analyst with the commission, was cross-examined by the defence lawyer.(NAN)

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Taraba Socio-cultural Group Condemns Threats Against Sarkin Hausawa in Takum, Urges Government Action

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2 hours ago

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April 11, 2025

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By Nahum Sule, JALINGO

The Takum Samba Socio-Cultural Development Association has raised alarm over a live broadcast by Japhet Kwabche on his online platform, True Comrade TV, which they claim threatens the life of Sarkin Hausawa Takum, Alhaji Hudu Ismail Madugu, and endangers the peace of Takum.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the chairman of the association, Comr. Victor DanUsman said the association described Kwabche’s statements as inflammatory, alleging they imply intent to harm the Sarkin Hausawa and destabilize the town.

The association highlighted that Takum has enjoyed relative peace, attracting development projects, and such threats risk reversing progress.

They noted Kwabche’s declarations suggested he has the authority and capacity to act against the Sarkin Hausawa, raising concerns about planned actions that could affect the entire community. The group also questioned Kwabche’s motives, pointing out he is from Ussa LGA and not a resident of Takum.

Citing recent incidents of violence, including kidnappings and killings in the region, the association warned that Kwabche’s broadcast could incite further unrest. They called on the Taraba State government, led by Governor Agbu Kefas, and security agencies to intervene urgently to protect the Sarkin Hausawa, his family, and Takum residents.

The group urged the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and investigate Kwabche, emphasizing that his statements constitute a criminal threat.

The association reaffirmed its support for the state government and the rule of law, appealing for swift action to prevent any planned attacks and maintain peace in Takum.

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Kachia APC Stakeholders Back Tinubu, Gov. Sani For Continuity Beyond 2027

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3 hours ago

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April 11, 2025

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, pledging their unwavering support for the duo’s continuity beyond 2027.

The declaration was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the Kachia Council Secretariat.

PUNCH reports that the meeting was convened to receive briefings on security and developmental updates in the area.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Kachia Local Government and Chairman of the APC Stakeholders Forum, Dr. Manzo Maigari, said the forum serves as a platform for regular feedback and coordination between the Government and the grassroots.

“We briefed stakeholders on the progress regarding security, the new Federal University of Applied Sciences, and other developmental milestones,” Dr. Maigari said.

“After reviewing the political landscape in Kachia, the stakeholders unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their achievements and leadership, and called for their continuity beyond 2027.”

Dr. Maigari also addressed the emerging political opposition, particularly the Social Democratic Party (SDP) being championed by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. He dismissed the SDP as a fleeting political movement with little long-term relevance.

He described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a more formidable opposition due to its longstanding presence, but expressed confidence in the APC’s hold over Zone 3 and Southern Kaduna.

“I can assure you that Zone 3 and our allies will return both the President and the Governor to power in 2027,” he said.

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“Given the gains we’ve made as a region, it would be difficult for anyone to convince the people of Southern Kaduna to abandon this path.”

Dr. Maigari highlighted security improvements under the current administration, particularly crediting the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for reducing insecurity in Southern Kaduna by over 80 percent.

He emphasized the transformative impact of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, noting its potential to spark massive economic and social development.

“Within 24 months of commencement, we expect the University to attract at least 30,000 people to Kachia. In 3 to 4 years, that number could exceed 100,000, stressing the resulting growth and opportunities will elevate not just Kachia but all of Southern Kaduna,” he stated.

He concluded by saying that many in Southern Kaduna now feel a sense of fulfillment, as long-held prayers for federal presence and development are finally being answered.

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