Naira Swap: President Is Guilty As Charged

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

On February 8, 2023, the Supreme Court of Nigeria made an order directing that the old Naira notes of N200, N500 and N1000 should continue to circulate alongside the new Naira notes, pending the hearing and final determination of the Motion on Notice filed by three States before the Court. The case was then adjourned to February 15, 2023.

In its reaction to the suit and the order made therein, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, filed its processes in the suit and gave an undertaking to obey the order of the Supreme Court. In the meantime, the problems associated with the scarcity of the new Naira notes continued unabated.

At the behest of the President, the Council of State met and gave an advice that if the new notes are not sufficiently available, then the old notes should continue to circulate concurrently with the new notes until such a time that the latter will circulate widely.

When the court case came up before the Supreme Court on February 15, 2023, the interim order previously made was validated and extended.

The following day on February 16, 2022, the nation woke up to listen to the President in his nation-wide broadcast on the crisis of the old and new Naira notes. The highpoint of the President’s broadcast is best captured in the now infamous declaration that the old N500 and N1000 notes have ceased to be legal tender and that the old N200 will remain legal tender till April 10, 2023.

There are many absurdities in the President’s broadcast. The President himself acknowledged in that broadcast that the issue of whether or not the old Naira notes will remain legal tender is already pending before the Supreme Court and he is a party in that case through his Honourable Attorney-General.

If that is the case (and indeed it is), then where lies the locus of the President to dabble into making proclamations on a matter pending before the Court? The President is not entitled to take the law into his own hands, by seeking to overreach whatever decision the Supreme Court may take on the matter, ultimately.

Also, there is already a subsisting order made by the Supreme Court to preserve the status quo of the subject matter of the case before the Court. The President cannot disobey or circumvent that order, in whatever form at all.

The statement by the President that the old N500 and N1000 notes have ceased to be legal tender amounts to overruling the subsisting order of the Supreme Court, which he has no powers under the law to do. In every democratic setting such as obtains in Nigeria, there is the hallowed doctrine of separation of powers, by which the organs of government work separately and independently, without seeking to interfere with or undermine the statutory functions of the other organs.

By virtue of section 6 (6) (b) of the 1999 Constitution, the judicial powers vested in the Courts extends to the determination of disputes between persons and persons, between persons and governments and between governments and governments. And once that dispute is submitted to the Court for adjudication, the parties lose the power to act or take any decision on the subject matter, otherwise we will be faced with a situation of complete anarchy and lawlessness.

The reason for seeking to preserve the subject matter of a suit pending before any court is simply to avoid situations whereby the decision that may be reached by the Court on the case on the merit loses value or that the Court is made to face a situation of fait accompli or complete helplessness.

In this instance, suppose the Supreme Court decides ultimately that in line with section 20 (3) of the Central Bank Act, the old Naira notes will continue to be legal tender? Meanwhile the President has by his broadcast declared them illegal. That creates confusion in the land, because people now have to decide who to obey between the Supreme Court and the President.

Under and by virtue of section 235 of the 1999 Constitution, “… no appeal shall lie to any other body or person from any determination of the Supreme Court.” In other words, the Supreme Court is the final authority in legal pronouncements in Nigeria.

The constitution is very careful in the selection of words to state no other “body” or “person” should seek to exercise authority over the Supreme Court, which is what the President has done through his broadcast in respect of a matter in which he is directly a party. Section 287(1) of the Constitution provides as follows:

Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution:

“(1) The decisions of the Supreme court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the supreme Court.”

Without doubt, the President, and indeed all persons exercising authority in Nigeria, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, are bound to obey and give effect to all decisions of all Courts in Nigeria. It is more so important in this case because it involves the highest Court in the land.

In this case, the President cannot claim to seek to exercise any right of appeal against any decision of the Supreme Court as that has been outlawed by section 235 of the Constitution. This is why the broadcast of the President is sad for our democracy; it should not have been made at all, given the implications of the declarations stated therein.

The President set himself in confrontation with the Supreme Court, by making a declaration that is contrary to that which had already been made by the Supreme Court. Since he already admitted that the matter is subjudice, the President should not have proceeded to vary the order of the Supreme Court. No one can choose or pick which portions of the order of a Court he will obey.

Under and by virtue of section 318 of the Constitution, ‘decision’ of the Court extends to “any determination of that Court and includes judgment, decree, order, conviction, sentence or recommendation”. So, whatever the court has decided, sitting in its judicial capacity, becomes binding on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.

The same section 318 states that authority includes government. The oath that was administered on the President is to defend and uphold the Constitution. In this regard, the President and indeed the executive should not give the impression that citizens can brazenly disregard lawful orders of any court, as that will only encourage anarchy and lawlessness.

The President not only reviewed the order of the Supreme Court but he actually overruled it, by setting a deadline of April 10, 2023 for the validity of the N200 old notes and declaring the N500 and N1000 notes as expired. No arm of government has the powers to do that which the President has done in his broadcast.

And it portends very grave danger to our democratic experience, where such a bad precedent is set that the executive arm of government is at liberty to undermine the judiciary at will. The other point is that the President took an oath of office to defend and uphold the constitution, from which he derives his powers as the head of the executive arm of government. That same Constitution enjoins the President to obey and give effect to all orders and decisions of the Supreme Court.

And what is the issue at stake really? Nigerians were misled by the President and the Central Bank of Nigeria that if they surrendered their old notes to the banks, they will have access to the new notes in exchange, which has not been the case. The CBN cleverly deceived us into giving up our old notes when it had no plans to print enough new notes to go round.

This has now led to hardship for the people, wherein citizens are forced to sleep at ATM centres and stay in the banks for hours, just to collect their money. It has also affected business transactions and it has impacted upon the economy very negatively, where some workers now stay at home because they cannot access money to transport them from one location to another. We have experienced protests against the policy of the federal government, which has led to the death of many.

Surely this cannot be the intention of the President. Section 14 (2) (b) of the Constitution prescribes that the primary purpose of government should be the security and welfare of the people. Thus, any policy of the government that leads to suffering, death, hardship and poverty, cannot be in the interest of the welfare of the people.

Consequently, the President bears the onus to review the policy in such a way that it will benefit the people, ultimately. Furthermore, the President must inspire confidence in the institutions of democracy, in particular the judiciary.

Once we get to the stage when citizens are free to decide which portion of the order of any court they will obey, then we are approaching the dangerous bend of a breakdown of law and order. If left unchecked, what the President has done is nothing less than executive rascality and brazen disregard for and contempt of the Supreme Court.

The President should reverse his directive and ask the CBN and all financial institutions to obey the subsisting order of the Supreme Court to continue to accept, use and transact business with the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes.

It is gratifying that the case is coming up before the Supreme Court on February 22, 2023 when their Lordships will have the golden opportunity to assert their constitutional authority by reversing the directives contained in the broadcast of the President.

Anything short of this will rob that Court of its legitimacy and authority. It will also render all other courts subordinate to the Supreme Court as mere talk shops whose orders and decisions will no longer be taken seriously by the citizens. Above all, it will leave the common man helpless and vulnerable.

So Energy Ghana Mulls Robust Retail Expansion

 

By Tunde Sholanke

Oil and gas marketing company in Ghana, So Energy Limited has reiterated its commitment to giving more customers access to top-notch customer experience through strategic retail expansion and exceptional fuel solutions.

A Sahara Group Company, So Energy currently has 12 branded retail outlets, widely acclaimed for their imposing designs, spacious service points, modern supermarkets, transparent product dispensing, and maintenance advisory services.

At the company’s Customer Appreciation event at some of its stations in Accra, Yvette Selormey, Managing Director, So Energy said the firm was delighted at being the preferred choice of Ghanaians for fuel solutions.

Selormey said So Energy was currently exploring establishment of more outlets to meet growing demand across Ghana.

She said:“Every day we receive heart-warming feedback from existing and new customers who gladly drive extra miles to get their petrol and lubes from So Energy stations. Their testimonies always highlight the quality of our products and excellent service experience as factors driving their patronage. We will continue to celebrate our customers for the opportunity to serve and give the good people of Ghana more stations to enjoy what we call the So Much More experience”.

She led other senior management staff and employees of So Energy to serve customers at the company’s Ringroad, Alajo and Adabraka outlets in Accra. The team gave out branded t-shirts, dusters, key chains, food packs, cakes, and chocolates, among others.

“We have received important first-hand feedback from our customers which will further drive our unwavering quest for exceeding the expectations of our customers. We are driven to do even much more as the feedback has been a resounding commendation and endorsement of So Energy’s operations. I also want to applaud the team for their dedication to making a difference,” she added.

So Energy Ghana Limited is a subsidiary of leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group. The company has been operating in Ghana’s downstream sector since 2005, redefining the bar of innovation and service excellence to help boost economic growth and development in Ghana.

So Energy has since become a notable corporate citizen in Ghana with remarkable interventions in education, health, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Recently, it provided solar powered street bulbs to the 37 Military Hospital, Accra, in keeping with its commitment to promoting clean energy and environmental sustainability in Ghana.

The donations were made for the hospital’s maternity ward, motor transport yard and Quarter master yard.

The project is already beneficial to all the patients, doctors, nurses and all other staff of the maternity ward, quarter master yard and motor transport yard of the 37 Military Hospital.

NLNG Commences Second Phase Of Hospital Support Programme

 

By Musbau Babatunde

Nigeria LNG (NLNG),has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with three Nigerian teaching hospitals to flag off the second phase of its multi-billion-naira Hospital Support Programme (NLNG HSP)

The NLNG Hospital Support Programme (HSP) is NLNG’s national Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative which aims to boost the healthcare delivery system in 12 Federal University Teaching Hospitals cutting across all six geopolitical zones in the country.

The programme commenced last year with the signing and implementation of MoUs with the six hospitals in the first phase of the programme.

For the second phase, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, representing the Managing Director, Dr. Philip Mshelbila,signed MoUs with respective medical directors of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, for the equipping of Haemodialysis Centre; the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo for the renovation and equipping of an accident and emergency unit and theatre; and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos for the construction and equipping of a twin theatre suite.

He said the company’s vision of being a globally competitive LNG company, helping to build a better Nigeria has inspired the company’s CSR intervention in the over 20 years of its operation. He stated that Nigeria LNG would implement a third phase of the programme whilst hospital projects in earlier phases are being completed and commissioned.

According to him,the company recognized that good healthcare was necessary for economic, human, and social development in Nigeria, adding that NLNG has placed a premium on healthcare due to this recognition.

He added:“Nigeria faces several health challenges, including infectious diseases, maternal and child mortality, and non-communicable diseases. Poor health outcomes can severely affect economic growth, human development, and overall well-being. Access to quality healthcare can improve productivity, reduce mortality rates, improve educational outcomes and the quality of life, and increase life expectancy and social and economic status.

“Poor health outcomes disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly. Access to quality healthcare can also help reduce health disparities and promote social equity. This, in turn, can help reduce poverty, promote gender equality, and promote social cohesion.

“Already, we have recorded successes in phase one commissioned projects at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada. The commissioned maternity complex in UATH opened to the delivery of health care services and enrolment of antenatal patients in January 2023, when the first baby was born. Four (4) maternal deliveries and three (3) Caesarean sections have been recorded so far. Two (2) babies have also been successfully nursed at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU),” he said.

The teaching hospitals in Phase 1 include Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos; University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Kano; University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin; University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar; and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Yenagoa.

Other projects in the first phase due for commissioning in 2023 include an Occupational Therapy and Neuromodulation Rehabilitation Centre at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), an Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ward at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and a Neurosurgical & Stroke Centre at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

Speaking,the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, stated that health care service delivery was a collective responsibility in which all stakeholders are expected to contribute their quota in order to make it accessible and affordable. He commended NLNG for its resilience, dedication and continued support to the heath sector and the achievement of universal health coverage. He called on other organisations to partner with government as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives to fill the gaps in the sector.

Other hospitals projects to be delivered in Phase 3 include the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBUTH) Bauchi; Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi.

NLNG is also implementing the equipping of Renal Transplant Center at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) to support a robust healthcare system in Rivers State as part of its COVID-19 intervention programme.

No Presidential Orders To Reissue Old Naira Notes, Says CBN

By Tunde Sholanke

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),says it didn’t receive presidential orders to reissue the old N200, N500 and N1000 naira notes.

The apex bank’s position was sequel to a press release purportedly from the CBN circulating on social media.

It reads: “Due to the current and unpleasant situation happening in Nigeria, in line with Mr. President after having a close meeting with him on 20th February 2023, Central Bank of Nigeria has been directed to ONLY reissue and recirculate the old N200, N500 and N1000 banknotes and this is expected to circulate as legal tender for 70 days up to May 1, 2023…”

But the the Director, Corporate Communication of the apex bank, Osita Nwanisobi in a statement on Tuesday,said it is fake news and urged Nigerians to disregard same.

He added:”The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to a Fake Press Release purported to have emanated from the Bank to the effect that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reissuance and release of old N500 and N1000 notes as legal tender in the country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Central Bank of Nigeria reiterates that in line with the
directives of Mr. President, only N200 old notes areto be reissued and to circulate
concurrently with the new notes.Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore this
fake news.

“The Bank is working with the law enforcement agencies to investigate, apprehend and prosecute the purveyors of this fake news.

Polls:We Won’t Fail Nigerians,International Community- Prof Yakubu

 

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has promised Nigerians and the international community that the commission will not let them down in its resolved to deliver a credible poll on February 25.

He spoke when he received the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission to Nigeria for the 2023 general election, led by former South African president Thabo Mbeki.

He said that the commission, in partnership with the security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders have made adequate preparations as the commission cannot do it alone.

“We are aware of the responsibility that lies on our shoulders. But we cannot do it alone. Our work is clearly cut out with assigned responsibilities for the security agencies, the parties and others. As a commission, we have constantly engaged with all stakeholder…

“We are committed to a free and fair process. I want to assure you that INEC is not a political party. We don’t have a candidate in the election. The choice of who becomes what during the general election is entirely the choice of the Nigerian people. We are committed to free, fair, credible, inclusive election and verifiable elections.

‘Elections in Nigeria is huge. We understand that the magnitude of the responsibility placed on our shoulders and we also understand that a credible election is the pillar on which good governance rest. I want to assure you that we will never let Nigerians down and we will not let the international community down”

The South Africa’s former leader said the Commonwealth observation mission is hopeful and confident the election will be a success.

He added:”We come very hopeful and confident that we will have a successfully, peaceful and inclusive elections and at the end, there will be no complain. But that depend on INEC and the many other people that constitute your team. So, we have come here to listen and to understand as much as we can, your own views in terms of the preparations for the election and all other things that falls within the limit of the commission”

Despite Scarcity NNPC Claims 1.8bn Litres Of Fuel Stock

By Musbau Babatunde

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,says it has a total of 1.805 billion litres of fuel stock despite the scarcity of the product in some parts of the country.

This represents 805.35 million litres in all the land depots nationwide and 1,000.20 million litres on marine vessels, which is equivalent to 30.09 days sufficiency,a statement said.

The statement also said an additional fuel supply of 884 Million Liters is also expected into the country by 28th February, 2023.

For March 2023, a total of 2.3 billion litres of PMS is expected into the country, while about 2.5billion litres, which is equivalent to 42 days sufficiency, will be the closing stock for the month under review,the statement said.

Naira Redesign: Stop Attacks On Bank Workers, TUC Begs Nigerians

By Tunde Solanke

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria,Monday,emphasized with Nigerians over the growing hardship they are witnessing on account of the Naira redesignation policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN

“Our hearts go out to ordinary Nigerians and their families who are forced to undergo hardship including inability to buy food, basic medicines or pay for transportation because their monies are hanging in the banking system.

“It is also understandable that in some cases, the patience of people is worn so thin that they have resorted to protests and publicly demonstrating their feelings and frustrations.However, some of these protests are wrongly directed at bank workers and other staff of financial institutions”,the union said,while imploring Nigerians to stop attacking bank workers on account of the cash crunch in Nigeria

President of the union,Comrade Festus Osifo,and General Secretary,Comrade Nuhu Toro, conveyed the appeal in a press statement said the bank workers were not responsible for the failure of the policy.

The union maintained that bank and financial institution employees had no input whatsoever in the naira redesign policy nor were they consulted.

The union said:”They also have no hand whatsoever in the printing of the new naira notes nor are they responsible for the release of the new currencies by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the bank workers themselves do not have these cash.

“The bank and financial institution employees at junior and senior staff levels are mere workers who distribute only currencies made available to the various banks by the regulatory agencies.Even the CBN which initially claimed that banks were hoarding the new currencies has admitted that it has been unable to provide the new notes in sufficient quantities to meet public needs.

“Unfortunately, the initial dummy sold to the public that the banks were hoarding the new bank notes, was bought by some members of the public who have come to see the banks, bank staff and even ATMs as legitimate targets of attack.Congress appeals that this misdirected anger should stop. Our fellow compatriots should realize that bank staff are like other Nigerians, victims of the poor implementation of the new currency design policy.

“They suffer like other Nigerians as they also have families to cater for and personal financial needs to meet. There are some allegations of a handful of bank staff withholding the new currency notes; if this were proven, we would not oppose the law taking its course”

The union is doing everything in its powers to find a solution to this financial crisis and also ready for peaceful solidarity actions with other Nigerians in collaboration with market associations, youth and student groups, professional associations and civil society organisations,TUC said.

It is willing to participate in exerting pressure on the various governments and financial regulators to return the country to normalcy.

It further warned the Buhari administration that it has no right to use maximum force on Nigerians peacefully demonstrating against the failure of government to produce depositors’ money on demand.

The use of live bullets against defenseless Nigerians as the first line of response is criminal,it said,adding members of the current government should be aware that the TUC can compile evidence of such atrocities and seek to bring them to justice if not in Nigeria, then outside the country.

The union said:”They must also realize that crime has no statutory limitation, so they can be made to account for their deeds as individuals even after leaving office.

“Congress does not in any way encourage miscreants, and those destroying public/ private infrastructures, looting the valuables of innocent Nigerians and shops under the guise of protest, if caught and investigated, they should be made to face the law.

“The TUC appeals to the Nigerian masses not to be provoked, and where they choose to publicly demonstrate their feelings, which is their human right, to do so peacefully”

UTME: JAMB Arrests 15 Proprietors Of CBT Centres,Registers 1.6m Candidates

By Musbau Babatunde

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has arrested about 15 proprietors of CBT centres over alleged engagement in dubious practices while registering candidates for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME.

Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede revealed that a total of 1.6 million candidates have been registered to sit for the examination.

Prof Oloyede, who disclosed this in Abuja on Monday during a monitoring tour of the registration in Abuja led by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adajo.

JAMB commenced the sale of 2023 UTME form on Saturday, 14th January, 2023, and was expected to close on Tuesday, 14th February, 2023.

But the Board extended the registration exercise as a result of the lingering naira crisis by one week, starting from Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

Earlier, Adejo explained that the extension was necessary to ensure all the candidates have time to register.

“Ordinarily, registration for UTME has closed but to take care of people that could, for one reason or another not be able to make the deadline of February 14th, especially as you know, most of registration processes depends on banks and we could not have top level bank operations from the past three weeks for understandable reasons,” he said.

He, however, said the turnout was very low because the first set of registration that ended on February 14th had virtually captured more than 98 per cent of people “so the people that are being captured now are those that are left over.”

“Today (Monday), for instance we only met three people. We asked the head of this centre how many were registered on Saturday and he said about 15 so I think the monitoring gave us the confidence that yes it was a good idea to extend so we don’t leave anybody out of the box,” he noted.

Nigeria Will Achieve 2m Barrels Of Crude Oil Output Soon -Sylva

 

By Musbau Babatunde

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources Chief Timipre Sylva has expressed confidence that Nigeria will achieve 2 million barrel per day crude oil production target very soon.

He said the government is doing everything possible to get to meet the desired target with a view to adding value to the country’s economy.

He attributed loss of revenue from crude production to theft, pipeline vandalism and decayed infrastructure.

He said despite the challenges, the Federal Government was determination to end the trend through improved investments and security along the major oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

A statement by Horatius Egua, the
Senior Adviser, Media and Communications to Minister of State Petroleum Resources,said contrary to reports that about 40% of the volumes of crude losses are due to measurement inaccuracies.

He noted that the major sources of crude oil losses have primarily been theft, pipeline vandalism and production deferment as a result of pipeline non-availability.

“It is a known fact that the major losses of crude oil in the country have been through theft and destruction of oil pipelines. Again we also know that some of the oil infrastructure are old and decayed and cannot perform at maximum capacity. And there is also the issue of lack of investments in fossil fuel in the country and the drive towards renewable energy has really hampered new investements in this sector,” he said.

He added that government has put measures in place to restore sanity in the sector adding that contrary to the report, the problem associated with crude oil losses are systemic issues that the government was already handling with a view to finding permanently solutions to.

He urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to harmoniously work together to ensure that the constraints and impeding challenges in the optimal crude oil production volume were speedily addressed to boost national revenue.

He said the Federal Government cannot continue to lose revenue through perceived lapses in crude oil production, especially at this very critical period of scarce revenue for the nation emphasizing that this was not the time to dwell on the mistakes of the past or engaged in needless blame games but a time to work to close all existing leakages to enable government get maximum benefits from its crude oil and gas assets.

Expressing satisfaction at the improved security along the major oil pipelines in the region, Sylva emphasized the need for sustained efforts by all concerned to maintain maximum crude oil production.

Uncollected PVC In Oyo Hits 1.2m

By Tunde Sholanke

Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Rahmon Adeniran Tella has confirmed that out of 3,276.675 eligible registered voters in Oyo State, only 2,325,372 PVCs have collected so far.

Dr. Tella,who disclosed thisduring the enlarged stakeholders meeting held at Alice Hall Ibadan on Monday,maintained that the total number of old PVCs collected was 2,088,558, while the total number of collected new/fresh registration PVCs was 236,814.

Tella noted that the total PVCs so far collected including both old and new/fresh registration was 2,325,372.

He said, “As I speak to you now, we have a total number of 3,276.675 eligible registered voters in Oyo State.”

Speaking on how favourable the security situation in the state ahead the forthcoming elections, Dr. Tella said that the Commission in collaboration with the Nigeria Police organized a Peace Accord among all the 18 Political Parties’ Governorship candidates across the length and breadth of the State early in the year.

He said: “We all know that meaningful development cannot take place in an environment devoid of peace.It is therefore my pleasure to let you know that all candidates have promised to let peace reign as we prepare for the forthcoming elections in the state”

On the recruitment and training of election personnel, Tella said:”We have in the last few months been saddled with the process of online recruitment and training of both ad-hoc and Staff members ahead of the polls.

“Series of training have been ongoing, while some have been concluded accordingly. The likes of training of Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) on Polls Management and BVAS operations, the training of Presiding/Assistant Presiding Officers POs/APOs, Electoral Security training for Security Personnel and such like.”

‘However, training for Registration Area Technicians (RATECH) and Collation Officers will soon begin as well.”