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CSOs Question The Credibility Of The Senate Screening On The New INEC Boss

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room has expressed deep concern over the process leading to the confirmation of the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The Situation Room, which comprises over 70 election observer groups, described the confirmation as rushed, opaque, and lacking in public scrutiny.

In a statement on Friday by its Convener, Yunusa Ya’u, and Co-Conveners, Mimidoo Achakpa and Franklin Oloniju, said the Senate failed to conduct a transparent and consultative screening that would ensure the credibility and independence of the nation’s electoral umpire.

“The appointment of an INEC Chairman is not a routine administrative action but a decision that profoundly affects the credibility, independence, and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. “Unfortunately, the recent confirmation process once again reflects a troubling pattern of opacity, limited consultation, and inadequate scrutiny in appointments to key democratic institutions,” said the group.

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According to the coalition, the screening exercise that took place in the Senate was “perfunctory and rushed,” with insufficient time for legislators, civil society, and the public to properly evaluate the nominee’s competence, integrity, and impartiality.

“The Senate’s screening, which should have provided a meaningful platform to assess the nominee’s competence, integrity, and impartiality, was perfunctory and rushed. There was insufficient time for citizens, stakeholders, and even Senators themselves to obtain independent information about the nominee or engage constructively with the process, ” the group said.

The Situation Room warned that such actions could deepen public distrust in electoral institutions and jeopardise confidence in future elections. It reiterated its long-standing position that the appointment and confirmation of the INEC Chairman should be open, merit-based, and insulated from political influence.

“By failing to ensure transparency and robust public participation, the Senate has fallen short of its constitutional duty of oversight. “This hasty confirmation deepens public distrust and reinforces concerns that political expediency continues to override national interest in the selection of leadership for the country’s foremost electoral body, ” the statement read.

On Thursday, during the session where Prof. Joash Amupitan was confirmed, some senators alleged that several professors who had previously served as returning officers failed integrity checks and asked whether Amupitan would discontinue their engagement in future elections.

In response, Amupitan said he could not make an immediate decision on the issue but assured that he would review it after assuming office.

Recall that, on the 9th of October, 2025, the Council of State unanimously approved the nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new Chief Umpire for the Nigerian elections.

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Kaduna: Hayin Danmani Community Decries Fatal Accidents on Western Bypass, Threatens Protest Over Inaction

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Residents of Hayin Danmani, a community along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Bypass in Kaduna State, have decried the recurring loss of lives on the highway, threatening to stage a protest and block the road if the government does not take immediate action.

In a joint press statement, the community said many lives have been lost between 2025 and 2026, with most of the victims being residents of Hayin Danmani.

The community lamented the frequent accidents on the bypass, alleging that no concrete measures have been taken by authorities to address the situation.

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“Enough is enough. We will not tolerate this anymore. Our people are being killed on the Kaduna Western Bypass, and nothing has been done,” the statement read.

“If this continues, we will not fold our arms while our people are losing their lives. The next line of action is a protest. We will mobilize our community members to come out en masse to protest and block the road until the government does the needful.”

The community cited a recent incident on Tuesday, where a young man identified as Mr. Dauda, reportedly a soldier, was killed after being hit by a trailer. He died instantly.

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NANS-RN Disowns Alleged ‘President’, Warns Public Against Impostor

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The recognised leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Republic of Niger Chapter (NANS-RN), has distanced itself from one Abubakar Muhammad Uwaisu, accusing him of falsely parading himself as the “National President” of the association.
In a press disclaimer issued by the association’s Secretary General, Comrade Mustapha Y. Haruna, the group described Uwaisu’s claim as “false, baseless, and a deliberate act of impersonation and misrepresentation.”

The association stated that Uwaisu “is not, and has never been” its president, urging the public, media organisations, government agencies, and diplomatic stakeholders to disregard any statements or representations made by him in that capacity.

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NANS-RN further alleged that Uwaisu lacks the qualifications and institutional backing required to assume any leadership role within the body, noting that leadership within the association is based on due process, legitimacy, and the confidence of its members.

The statement also raised concerns about alleged conduct attributed to Uwaisu, including remarks directed at Musa S. Mamman, Secretary General of the Nigeria–Niger Joint Commission, whom the association described as a respected diplomat with a record of national service.

The association cautioned key institutions such as the National Youth Service Corps and the Federal Ministry of Education against engaging with Uwaisu under any official pretence, emphasising that he does not represent Nigerian students in the Republic of Niger.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity and unity of the student body, the leadership said it would pursue all lawful measures to safeguard the association’s image.

It also urged stakeholders to verify official communications through recognised NANS-RN channels to avoid being misled.

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UAE to Withdraw from OPEC Effective May 1, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Tuesday that it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the broader OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1, 2026.

The decision, reported by a Dubai-based local media outlet, stems from the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision as its energy profile evolves. This includes accelerated investments in domestic energy production, following a comprehensive review of the country’s current and future production capacity, as well as its overall output policy.

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“This would be based on the UAE’s national interest and commitment to contributing effectively to meeting the market’s pressing needs,” the report added.

The UAE stated that it will continue to act as a responsible and reliable energy supplier, bringing additional production to the market gradually and measuredly, in line with demand and market conditions.

The Emirates also reaffirmed its commitment to investing across the entire energy value chain—including oil and gas, renewables, and low-carbon solutions—and to working with partners to ensure stable global supply.

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