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Dr.Y.Z Ya’u Elected as Convener of Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room

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Dr YZ Yau

In a highly contested election held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Dr. Y.Z Ya’u, the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has emerged as the new Convener of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room.

The announcement was made in a statement released to the press by Ali Sabo, CITAD’s Digital Rights Officer.

The Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room is a coalition of more than 70 civil society organizations dedicated to monitoring Nigeria’s electoral process and elections across the nation.

Established in 2010 before the 2011 general elections, the Situation Room undertakes regular analysis and disseminates information on significant developments and events related to electoral conduct in Nigeria.

With a primary focus on improving the quality of Nigeria’s electoral system, the Situation Room aims to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations to engage and monitor the electoral process effectively. It supports coordination and synergy among various election stakeholders, promoting collaboration, proactive advocacy, and prompt action in response to incidents during elections.

The Situation Room’s secretariat is hosted by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), a civil society organization founded by Clement Nwankwo. It serves as a platform for advanced planning, scenario building, evidence-based analysis, constructive engagement with stakeholders, and election observation.

During elections, the Situation Room sets up a physical Election Situation Room comprising an Analysts’ Room and a Technical Room. The Analysts’ Room consists of experts in democracy and governance issues, while the Technical Room houses a Call Centre and a Social Media desk. Field observers deployed nationwide for general elections and off-cycle governorship elections send reports to the Communication Room, where they are verified and published on the Situation Room’s social media platforms.

Incidents reported by field observers are escalated to relevant election stakeholders, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, for prompt resolution. The Situation Room issues statements based on these reports, drawing attention to issues such as logistics challenges, security concerns, voter intimidation, and inducement. It calls upon the appropriate authorities to take immediate action in curbing such challenges.

One of the areas of particular focus for the Situation Room is the collation and transmission of election data, which it often identifies as the “weak link” in the Nigerian electoral system. By closely monitoring this stage of the electoral process, the Situation Room aims to ensure transparency and credibility in the declaration of winners.

With Dr. Y.Z Ya’u as its new Convener, the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room is poised to strengthen its efforts in promoting free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria, thereby contributing to the growth and consolidation of democracy in the nation.

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ECOWAS Parliament to Set Up Mediation Committee to Re-Coopt Aggrieved Members

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ECOWAs parliament extra ordinary session opening in Kano

By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

KANO, Nigeria – The ECOWAS Parliament has announced plans to establish a mediation committee aimed at re-integrating aggrieved member states.

This decision was revealed by the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibril, while opening the second extraordinary session of the Parliament in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.

Addressing the session, Senator Barau emphasized the critical need for Parliament’s intervention in regional issues, as highlighted by the President of the ECOWAS Commission during the Inaugural Session.

Barau said the President had called for urgent efforts to prevent the disintegration of the regional bloc, particularly with the potential departures of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. He also stressed the importance of confronting non-state groups vying for control of resources and marginalizing states, which has led to severe insecurity, especially in the Sahel region.

“In consultation with my colleagues on the Bureau, I will propose the appointment of an Ad hoc Mediation Committee,” Senator Barau stated. “The committee’s mandate will be to work with all stakeholders to encourage our brothers to rescind their decision and come back, and to promote dialogue to resolve conflicts in the region. Our strength lies in unity, and there is no alternative to our collective aspirations of a united, peaceful, and secure ECOWAS.”

Senator Barau also mentioned a Parliamentary Fact-Finding mission dispatched to Togo. The delegation investigated the reasons behind the notable absence of the Togolese delegation, who, according to the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the Parliament, should hold the Speakership. Discussions with national stakeholders yielded positive responses, and Senator Barau reported that Togolese authorities assured the imminent inauguration of their parliamentary representatives.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, in his remarks, urged the ECOWAS Parliament to strive for the development of West African countries and to promote economic diversification.

The session in Kano also saw the swearing-in of new members, marking another step in strengthening the legislative body’s capacity to address regional challenges.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that the extraordinary session underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and fostering cooperation among member states

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ECOWAS Parliament Meeting in Kano is to Bring Legislature Closer to the People-Barau

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Senator Barau
Senator Barau Jibrin first Deputy Speaker ECOWAS parliament

Abbas Yushau Yusuf

Apart from their usual meetings in Abuja, the ECOWAS Parliament has brought its second extraordinary session to Kano.

Addressing the press after a closed-door session of the ECOWAS Parliament, the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, said the meeting will bring the legislature closer to the people and make them aware of the happenings.

Senator Barau said Kano, being the commercial nerve center of Northern Nigeria, is pertinent to hold the second extraordinary session in Kano.

Senator Barau said the ECOWAS Parliament’s session in Kano will discuss issues of economy, security, and other social happenings for the overall benefit of society.

According to the First Deputy Speaker, the legislatures of the 15 member countries of the subregion are here in Kano, and it’s meant for Kano people to know them and also for the Parliament to know Kano.

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Governor Muftwang Of Plateau State Bids Farewell To Muslim Pilgrims

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BY Asile Abel,Jos

The Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has encouraged intending pilgrims from the state to embody the values of love, peace, and tolerance as they embark on the sacred journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.

while bidding farewell to the departing pilgrims from Plateau, Governor Mutwang enjoined them to not only pray for themselves and their families but also for the restoration of lasting peace in the state.

“As you embark on the fifth pillar of Islam, you carry not only your personal aspirations but also the collective hopes and spiritual yearnings of our beloved state. The Hajj is a journey of profound reflection, steadfast faith, and a commitment to righteousness.”

He emphasized the significance of this act of worship by highlighting his administration’s unwavering support for the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and ensuring the spiritual growth and welfare of Muslims in the state.

As the Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his dedication to upholding fairness and justice for all citizens, regardless of tribe, religion, or background. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, prioritizing the unity and prosperity of Plateau State.

“In your prayers and supplications, remember our dear State, not only for immediate peace but for sustained harmony and unity,” he urged.

Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support of the Muslim community in the state.

He noted that the Governor’s sponsorship of 540 out of 1,232 pilgrims, the approval of funds for the resettlement of backlog deposits and the procurement of a bus for the board demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.

He called on all to pray and support the efforts of Governor Mutwang in providing transformative leadership for Plateau State.

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