Connect with us

News

2027: Falana Slams Senate’s Delays on Electoral Act

Published

on

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has criticised the Nigerian Senate over the repeated postponement of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that such delays could severely compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Sunday, Falana expressed frustration over the Senate’s decision to establish yet another committee to review the bill, which the House of Representatives had already passed in December 2025.

He described the move as unnecessary and aimed at preserving the status quo rather than addressing pressing electoral reforms.

“Clearly, from the conduct of both chambers of the National Assembly, it is obvious that members simply want the status quo retained.

“This rigmarole is meant to give the impression to Nigerians that the proposed Electoral Act is being addressed,” Falana said.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill seeks to introduce critical reforms to Nigeria’s electoral framework.

It contains provisions on electronic transmission of election results, stiffer penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions against delegates who are financially induced to manipulate party conventions.

Falana argued that these changes address longstanding gaps in the electoral system.

He accused lawmakers of focusing on amendments already covered by existing laws while failing to ensure effective enforcement of electoral provisions.

“We operate in an atmosphere of reckless impunity. The only politically important issue today is the gale of defections in Nigeria, yet the National Assembly is focusing on time-wasting amendments,” he said.

Falana also recalled that key electoral reforms, including the establishment of an electoral offences commission recommended in 2008, have yet to be implemented.

He stressed the need to clearly codify electronic accreditation and transmission of results into law, citing controversies from previous elections.

“Last election, we were subjected to a national disgrace when three leading presidential candidates claimed to have won. That election petition lasted 10 months. Why should it take two years to put these provisions in law?” Falana asked.

Beyond electoral issues, Falana commented on the prosecution of alleged military coup plotters, insisting that only the Federal High Court has the constitutional authority to try treason-related offences.

“Under the current democratic dispensation, it is only the Federal High Court that is empowered, by virtue of Section 251(2) of the Constitution, to try treason and allied offences. The government must adhere to this law,” he said.

He also criticised the Lagos State Government’s handling of protests and demolitions, arguing that due process and citizens’ rights are often ignored.

“If the government wants to demolish, no problem. But it must engage the affected persons and relocate them. Our people are entitled to the right to dignity and housing. Actions carried out in the dead of the night using tear gas are not lawful,” Falana said, citing court rulings protecting residents from unlawful displacement.

Falana further defended the rights of protesters, noting that criticism of public officials is fundamental to democracy.

“Vulgar abuse cannot attract a defamatory action… criticism is indispensable in a democratic society,” he said, while condemning the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters at Alausa.

He concluded by urging Nigerians and civil society groups to hold lawmakers accountable to ensure the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

“Unless Nigerians are mobilised to pressure the National Assembly, the new electoral bill will not be passed. There is no indication that it will be passed unless we act,” Falana said.

News

Lagos Residents Protest Unreliable Power Supply, Demand Immediate Action

Published

on

Residents of Lagos on Friday took to the streets to express their frustration over persistent electricity outages, condemning the state’s power supply as “epileptic” and unsustainable for daily life and business activities.

A video circulating on social media showed dozens of mainly young protesters marching through the Fadeyi area, holding placards and chanting for a consistent electricity supply.

The demonstrators criticised what they described as the collapse of the nation’s power sector, stressing that erratic electricity is undermining livelihoods and making life increasingly difficult across Lagos.

Placards displayed messages such as “No More Estimated Billing,” “No More Epileptic Power Supply,” “No Light, No Life, No Nation,” and “You’re Destroying Businesses; Give Us Regular Light.”

One protester declared, “We are not asking for too much. Give us light!”

Local business owners also highlighted the severe impact of inconsistent power supply on their operations, noting that reliance on fuel-powered generators has significantly increased operating costs.

A shop owner at the protest lamented: “We cannot continue like this. Every day we spend money on fuel because there is no electricity. Many small businesses are closing because they cannot cope.”

The demonstration underscores growing public dissatisfaction with electricity supply in Lagos, as residents call on authorities and power operators to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu Mourns Former Super Eagles Coach Festus Onigbinde

Published

on

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles head coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the late coach’s family, associates, and the entire Nigerian football community.

Tinubu also sympathised with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football fans across the country over the loss of the respected football administrator.

The President described Onigbinde as a trailblazer whose contributions significantly advanced the growth and development of football in Nigeria.

He noted that the late coach made history as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982, praising his leadership and dedication to the sport.

“Chief Onigbinde distinguished himself as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982,” the statement said.

Tinubu further highlighted Onigbinde’s role in guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the achievement as a landmark moment in the country’s football history.

The President also commended the late Modakeke High Chief for his commitment to grassroots football and his efforts to strengthen football administration in Nigeria.

He said Onigbinde would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the game.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of the late football icon and asked God to grant comfort to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Continue Reading

News

Again, Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol To ₦1,175/Litre, Diesel To ₦1,620/Litre — Report

Published

on

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has revised its ex-depot prices, increasing the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦1,175 per litre, while Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, has been raised to ₦1,620 per litre.

The latest revision marks the fourth consecutive price review in less than two weeks amid global market volatility, according to a report by Petroleumprice.ng.

Quoting industry sources, the report noted that the new pricing template has been communicated to marketers, following earlier adjustments this month.

Under the revised structure, the ₦1,175 per litre petrol price reflects a significant jump from the previous ₦995 per litre, while diesel has surged sharply from its prior ₦1,430 per litre level, underlining the continued upward trend in domestic fuel pricing.

The increases coincide with a sharp rise in international crude oil benchmarks as of 1:00 pm WAT: Brent crude at $102.8 (+10.91%) and WTI crude at $101.0 (+11.08%), driven by the Middle East energy crisis.

The development is likely to have a ripple effect across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market, as depot operators and fuel marketers adjust supply costs in response to the revised prices announced by the country’s largest refining facility.

The refinery had yet to issue an official statement on the development as of the time of filing this report.

Oil prices surged by 30 per cent on Monday on fears over supply disruptions in the Middle East, as the US-Israeli war against Iran continued into a second week with no sign of easing.

Concerns that the conflict could drag on intensified after US President Donald Trump said only the “unconditional surrender” of Iran would end the war.

He added over the weekend that the spike in prices was a “small price to pay” to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat, reiterating the White House’s insistence that the rise is temporary.

Since the beginning of the war, WTI has risen by more than 75 per cent, while Brent has increased by over 60 per cent.

Attacks on oilfields were reported in southern Iraq and in the northern autonomous Kurdistan region, forcing a US-run oilfield to cease production. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have begun reducing output.

This comes as maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz — through which about one-fifth of global crude oil and gas supplies pass — has been halted since the war began on February 28.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 JaraJournal.