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INEC calls for integration of PWDs in electioneering process in Nigeria
Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged political parties and relevant government agencies to ensure full inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s electoral process.
During his address at the second consultative quarterly meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and political parties in Osogbo on Wednesday, Dr. Agboke emphasized the importance of collaboration between INEC, CSOs, and political parties for the advancement of democracy. He stressed that democracy can only be robust and consolidated if no segment of society is excluded from the electoral process.
Agboke highlighted that PWDs represent a significant part of society, and their participation in the electoral process is both a legal and moral obligation. An inclusive electoral process ensures that every citizen’s voice is heard and valued, which strengthens the legitimacy of the political system and promotes a fair, equitable, and just society.
He noted that despite progress in legislation and international conventions, PWDs still face substantial barriers in participating in elections. Political parties play a crucial role in overcoming these barriers by adopting inclusive policies and practices to enhance PWDs’ electoral engagement. CSOs are also key in advocating for PWD inclusion, working to eliminate barriers, and promoting equal participation.
Dr. Agboke identified several barriers to political participation for PWDs, including physical, informational, attitudinal, and economic obstacles. He proposed strategies such as inclusive policy development, legislative advocacy, accessible campaigning, voter education, and collaboration with CSOs and government bodies to overcome these barriers.
He stressed that CSOs are pivotal in addressing the challenges PWDs face in fully participating in the electoral process, providing support through advocacy, education, capacity building, resource provision, legal assistance, and partnership building.
Additionally, Dr. Agboke called on political parties to support PWD candidates, ensure accessible campaigning, engage PWD voters, foster internal party inclusion, and collaborate with stakeholders, including security agencies, to provide secure environments before, during, and after elections.
He concluded by calling for a concerted effort to create an environment where every citizen can participate fully and equally in Nigeria’s democracy.
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
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