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N242bn INEC budget: We acted in agreement with Executive – Senate

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The Senate Friday said that its decision to rescind and revise the method of funding of the supplementary budget of the  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the conduct of the 2019 general elections, was done in good faith,  after due consultation with the Executive arm of government.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, gave the explanation in a statement released by the Office of the Senate President.

The statement may have been informed by the insinuation that the Senate unilaterally reduced the budget of Ministries, Departments and Agencies with recourse to the affected MDAs.

Senator Ibrahim, in a statement, said that on Tuesday, October 16th, the Senate had already passed the N242, 245, 050,100 virement request with the stipulation that it should be funded from the Service Wide Vote.

He noted that the Senate had to rescind, reconsider and revise its position on the source of funding of the virement following pressure on members of the Appropriations Committee by the Executive.

He said: “The insinuations being peddled that the Senate single-handedly and unilaterally cut the budgets of critical MDAs is false. Such actions are uncharacteristic of this 8th Senate.

“The facts remain that on Tuesday, October 16th, the Senate approved a report that stipulated that the supplementary funding for INEC and security agencies to conduct the 2019 election should be sourced from the Service Wide Vote of the Executive through virement. This information is out everywhere.

“However, the Executive came up with a counter-proposal that asked that the election be funded through both the Service Wide Vote and the budgets of 30 MDAs —on a pro rata basis.

“This is why, the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Danjuma Goje, had to come up with a motion to rescind, reconsider and revise the source of funding contained in the original approval granted by the Senate.

“So, if you take a close look at the Senate’s Order paper of Wednesday, November 7, 2018, you will see that N121, 122,525,050, which represents half of the entire supplementary budget, was sourced from 30 MDAs chosen by the Executive, while the other N121, 122,525,050 was taken from the Service Wide Vote.

“As always, all Senators remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria has free, fair and credible general elections next year, and they will continue to collaborate with the Executive, members of the public and all other stakeholders to ensure that this happens,” Ibrahim stated.

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politics

Breaking : GOV. UMO ENO OFFICIALLY MOVES TO APC

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WE Are not joining the APC from the position of weakness, But Strength , Says Eno

our government has always been an inclusive government, that will never change – Eno

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2027 Election : AIRLIN Expands To Jigawa, Targets 7m Voters In The Next Election, Says Lami Tanko

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As part of its mission to rekindle hope in Nigeria’s democratic process and combat voter apathy, the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative in Nigeria (AIRLIN) has inaugurated its 16th office in Jigawa State, continuing its expansion across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

The national chairman of AIRLIN, Mallam Muhammed Gamawa, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 2025, also unveiled the local government, zonal, and state coordinators for Jigawa.

“With this new office, AIRLIN is aiming to mobilize and educate 7 million voters across northern Nigeria ahead of the next general elections,” he said.

AIRLIN, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, is directing its efforts toward communities where voter disengagement is prevalent.

“The goal is to empower citizens especially at the grassroots level with civic education and renewed confidence in democratic governance,” Mallam Gamawa added.

Speaking during an interview, the newly appointed Jigawa State Coordinator, Mallam Musa Muhammad Hadeija, said the inauguration is both empowering and enlightening.

“This inauguration means a lot,” he said. “It has empowered me to establish a strong outreach in the communities sensitizing them, mobilizing them, and effectively putting in place the key objectives of the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and local assessment. “I’m now able to meet with my local government coordinators, and we’ve clearly seen the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done. The interaction during the Q&A session was very beneficial—I’ve learned a lot, and that will give me a better chance to serve.”

When asked how ordinary Nigerians can help uphold the rule of law, particularly those in remote communities, Mallam Hadeija said:

“That is possible through empowerment, skills development, civic education, and consistent sensitization. People need to understand their roles as citizens, and we must build strong partnerships with stakeholders at local, state, and national levels. That’s how we’ll create a solid foundation for real impact.”

Addressing the public’s disillusionment with democracy, especially when elected leaders fail to deliver, he called on citizens to remain committed and united.

“Citizens need to understand that their individual involvement in AIRLIN’s assignment is key. Changing the narrative is possible. We can make AIRLIN a game changer if we are all dedicated, united, and fully aware of the task ahead executing it with purpose and at the right time.”

With Jigawa joining the growing list of AIRLIN offices, the organization is strengthening its national presence and doubling down on its mission to foster democratic integrity and active citizen participation.

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Defect or resign, Gov Eno, Tells Appointees And openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions.

The directive was reportedly issued during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where the Governor openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Sources present at the meeting disclosed that Governor Eno made it clear that his defection should come as no surprise to any of his appointees, stating:

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century.”

He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the federal government.

The Governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.

“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.

“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”

As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.

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