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Electoral Act Amendment: Bill Seeks Prisoners’ Right To Vote In Nigeria’s Elections

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Electoral Act Amendment: Bill Seeks Prisoners’ Right To Vote In Nigeria’s Elections....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A new bill submitted to the National Assembly aims to amend the Electoral Act, 2022, to grant inmates in Nigerian prisons the right to vote. The proposed legislation, titled “Bill for An Act to amend the Electoral Act to provide for the right to vote of persons detained or incarcerated in custodial institutions and other places of detention; and related matters,” is sponsored by the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO) and drafted by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), led by Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja……CONTINUE READING

 

 

The bill proposes significant amendments to sections 9, 12, 13, 40, and 152 of the current Electoral Act. Key amendments include establishing polling units and voter registration centers in or near custodial centers and detention facilities. It also seeks to enable inmates to transfer their polling units to the location of their detention.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

  1. Polling Units in Custodial Centers:
    • Section 40 of the Electoral Act, 2022, would be amended to insert a new subsection (3) mandating INEC to establish polling units in or near custodial centers in consultation with the facility heads.
  2. Voter Registration Centers:
    • Section 9 would be amended to add subsection (8), requiring INEC to designate voter registration centers in or near custodial centers.
  3. Transfer of Polling Units for Inmates:
    • Section 13 would be amended to allow inmates to transfer their registration to the polling units located at their detention facilities.

Justification for the Amendment:

CAPIO argues that the right to participate in government should not be denied to any eligible voter, including those in detention. This right is supported by various international and regional legal frameworks, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. The Nigerian Constitution also guarantees citizens the right to vote.

Despite these legal protections, inmates in Nigerian prisons have been denied the opportunity to vote. CAPIO emphasizes the need to rectify this disenfranchisement and uphold inmates’ voting rights, which were affirmed by a 2014 Federal High Court ruling in Benin, Edo State.

Historical Context and Legal Precedent:

In December 2014, Justice Mohammed Lima of the Federal High Court in Benin ruled that prisoners have the right to vote in Nigerian elections. The court’s decision mandated INEC and the Nigeria Prisons Service to ensure inmates are not disenfranchised. However, this ruling has not been fully implemented.

The Nigerian Senate also passed a resolution in March 2022 urging INEC to allow eligible inmates to vote and to collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service to establish voting centers in custodial facilities. INEC has yet to act on this resolution.

Significance of the Proposed Bill:

The bill seeks to address the ongoing violation of inmates’ voting rights by incorporating these rights into the Electoral Act, 2022. It aims to ensure that inmates can participate in the electoral process, thus enhancing the democratic principles of the country. The bill also acknowledges that over 80% of Nigerian prison inmates are awaiting trial and are presumed innocent under the law.

Implementation:

If passed, the bill will:

  • Amend the Electoral Act to include provisions for inmates’ voting rights.
  • Establish schedules and modalities for voter registration and elections in custodial centers.
  • Provide funding for conducting elections in these facilities.

Conclusion:

The proposed amendments to the Electoral Act are designed to uphold the constitutional and human rights of inmates by ensuring their participation in Nigeria’s electoral process. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to democratic inclusivity and the protection of the voting rights of all citizens, regardless of their incarceration status.

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RIVERS REBELLION: ‘Nobody Owns This State!’ – Eze Chukwuemeka Eze Drops Bombshell Warning Ahead Of 2027!

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has urged residents of Rivers State to learn from the outcomes of the 2015 elections, attributing the state’s current socio-political and economic challenges to the decisions made by voters back then.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released on Tuesday, Eze recalled how the electorate disregarded the warnings of former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who had passionately advised them against electing Nyesom Wike. According to Eze, Amaechi framed the 2015 poll as a critical choice between “light and darkness,” presenting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dakuku Peterside, as a competent and visionary leader capable of building upon the developmental milestones achieved between 2007 and 2015.

“Unfortunately, through the influence of powerful political forces at the centre and circumstances that remain part of our political history, Rivers State ended up on a path that has brought over eleven years of stagnation, division, insecurity, institutional decline, and the dismantling of many of the visionary programmes that once made Rivers State a model of development in Nigeria,” Eze stated.

Stance on the 2027 Governorship Election

Looking ahead to the 2027 governorship race, Eze strongly condemned Wike’s repeated claims that he will solely determine the next governor of the state. He argued that no single individual holds proprietary rights over Rivers State and called for an absolute end to political godfatherism.

  • Rejection of Imposition: Eze labeled any attempt to impose a successor on the populace as undemocratic and a direct threat to the sovereignty of voters.

  • Call to Action: He urged the people of Rivers State to use all available democratic means to resist and reject what he termed a “devilish agenda.”

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THE PRESIDENT’S FURY: Tinubu Steps In With Emergency Directives Over Deadly Kaduna Massacres!.

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  • Directives for Security Intensification: President Bola Tinubu ordered the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to ramp up operations in Kaduna State following a deadly assault on Naridon Village in Kauru Local Government Area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Rescue and Recovery Mandate: The President commanded security personnel to track down the attackers, rescue all abducted victims, and restore peace to the affected communities.

    • Condemnation of Carnage: Condemning the Monday attack—which claimed around 30 lives, including women and children, and left multiple houses burned—Tinubu labeled the incident a barbaric and cowardly act.

    • Reassurance of Justice and Support: While extending condolences to Governor Uba Sani and the victims’ families, Tinubu assured residents of federal backing and warned that the perpetrators will face justice.

    • Call for Intelligence Cooperation: Urging the public to assist security forces with timely information, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s ongoing dedication to strengthening security infrastructure, dismantling criminal networks, and protecting lives nationwide.

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‘THERE IS NO SIN!’ Wike Drops Shocking Truth Bomb On Real Relationship With Fubara!.

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  • No Offence Committed: FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stated that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara committed no wrong by reconciling with his political family, noting that politics has no room for “sin” and acknowledging mistakes is a positive step.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Inevitable Return: Wike reiterated that he had previously predicted Fubara would have to return to the political structure that brought him to power, confirming that their doors are now open to work together for the state.

    • Boost for Tinubu’s 2027 Bid: According to Wike, the governor’s public reconciliation and return will unify the political family to mobilize and secure the votes needed for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

    • Inspection of FCT Infrastructure: Making these remarks during an inspection of major road projects like the ISEX Road Corridor and Apo-Karshi Road, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction.

    • December Completion Target: Wike noted that the contractor aims to finish six kilometres and major interchanges of the 10-kilometre ISEX road by December, pending the release of funds captured in the national budget.

    • Commitment to Project Continuity: Highlighting the administration’s focus on finishing abandoned or inherited projects rather than abandoning them, Wike emphasized that true leadership requires continuity to safeguard public funds and boost economic development.

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