Category: Lead

Political parties and candidates participating in the 2023 general elections are not to contribute or accept donations above N50 million, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled.

The electoral umpire stated this  in the guidelines for the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns, as well as finances and election expenses of political parties, candidates and aspirants for next year’s election.

According to the guidelines, “the maximum amount of money or other assets that an individual, a group of individuals or an entity can donate to a political party or aspirant for an election shall be N50 million.

“A political party shall not accept any monetary or other contribution which is more than N50,000,000 except it identifies and discloses the source of the contribution to the commission.

“Contribution to candidates by an individual or entity shall be from 150 days allowed for campaigns to election day. Contribution to aspirants by an individual or entity shall be from the date notice of the election is published to the conclusion of party primaries.”

The guideline explained further that, “election expenses of political party mean all expenses in cash or otherwise incurred by a political party or candidates as well as party primary expenses of aspirants from the date notice of election is published to the day of election only.

“They exclude expenses incurred before the publication of notice of election. Election expenses of off cycle or other elections shall relate to period between publication of notice for particular election by the Commission and date of election. The election expenses of a candidate shall not exceed the limits prescribed in the Electoral Act, 2022”, the guideline stated.

It also emphasised that the election expenses of a political party shall be in three parts; the management of aspirants and party primaries, management of candidates and conduct of elections and miscellaneous election expenses.

“The election expenses of a Political Party for management of Party Primaries shall not exceed two-third (2/3) of the limits prescribed for candidates expenses in the Electoral Act, 2022 for respective elective positions.

“The election expenses of a Political Party for conduct of elections shall not exceed two-third the limit of election expenses of each Candidate multiplied by the number of candidates the political party shall sponsor in a particular election for elective

positions,” it clarified.

The guideline also noted that the miscellaneous election expenses of a political party shall include but not limited to; re-election cases against the party, post-election or election petitions and re-mobilisation of party members after elections.

“Every Political Party shall submit to the Commission, detailed annual statement of its assets and liabilities and analysis of its sources of funds and other assets, together with statement of its expenditure between 1st January and 30th March of the succeeding year in hard and soft copy”, it added

The Commission insisted that every political party shall notify it of and transfer to the commission any funds or other assets remitted or sent to a political party from outside Nigeria within 21 days of receipt, and where needed, the party shall provide such information as may be required by the electoral body.

For the submission of party election expenses report the guidelines requested that: “Every political party that participated in an election shall submit to the portal designated by the Commission an audited report of its election expenses within six

(6) months after an election.

“The reporting period shall commence 360 days to, and including, the Election day. The report shall be signed by the Auditors of the Political Party and counter signed by the National Chairman of the political party supported by a sworn affidavit by the signatories as to the correctness of the content of the report.

“The report shall show the amount of money expended by or on behalf of the political party on election expenses, the items of the expenditure and commercial value of goods and services received for the purposes of election.

“Every political party shall publish the election expenses report it submitted to the commission in at least two national newspapers and on its website.”

With regards to submission of election contribution reports, INEC stated that: “Every political party sponsoring the election of a candidate shall submit to the portal designated by the Commission a report of the contributions made to it by individuals and entities within three (3) months after the announcement of the results of an election. The report shall indicate the names, addresses, occupation of donor(s) and the amount of money donated.”

It directed every party to ensure its candidates: “maintain a detailed record of all contributions as well as any other source(s) of funds, and the record shall include names, addresses, and occupation of the donor(s) and amount donated.

“Maintain proper books of account and records of all expenses incurred during a political campaign. Do not accept or keep in his or her possession any money anonymously donated or other contributions, gifts or property from any source whatsoever.

“Disclose to the Commission, records of all contributions and other sources of funds for their campaign, as well as records of expenditure in a prescribed format as may be issued by the Commission. Submit detailed audited returns of their campaign expenses to the Commission within six (6) months after an election.”

It said, the audited returns of campaign expenses submitted by a political party shall; indicate details of donations, other sources of funding, expenditure on goods, services and sundry expenses incurred for the purpose of an election.

They are to be submitted to the Commission in a separate audited return within six months after an election; signed by auditors of the party and counter signed by the chairman of; and supported by a sworn affidavit by the signatories as to the correctness of its contents.

The guidelines added that: “the Commission may remind Political Parties of their obligation to submit required reports to the Commission in accordance with the provision of Section 90(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022; and applicable sanction(s) for failure to comply as provided in Section 89(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022.”

In the guideline for the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns, INEC stated that the procedure to be followed which demanded that:

“A political party shall, for purpose of political rally or procession, issue in writing a notice to the Commissioner of Police of the State or the Federal Capital Territory indicating the exact venue and time of the rally or procession and pledging peaceful conduct and control against violence or public nuisance.

“Political parties shall transmit to the Commission, through the Electoral Officer at the Local Government Area and the Resident Electoral Commissioner at the State, via a designated portal and also in hard copy, details of the schedule of their political rallies and processions at least 10 days to the date of the political rally or procession. The notice shall be jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Political Party.”

The guidelines said where there is conflict in the date, venue or time of the activities of different parties, their representatives shall meet in the presence of the Commission and the Nigeria Police to resolve the issues amicably.

They also stated that: “Where the Parties are unable to resolve the conflict amicably or between themselves, the Commission shall request the Political Party that submitted its notice later in time to reschedule its campaign, meeting, rally, procession, congress, convention or other activities for effective monitoring.”

On the conduct not permissible during political rallies, INEC insisted that: “no person attending a political rally or procession shall be in possession of any offensive weapon, except a police officer or a member of a security agency authorised to carry arms and is specifically posted to be present at that political rally or procession.

“No political rally or procession shall hold in places designated as religious centres, police stations and public institutions. Political rallies or processions shall not involve the use of abusive language or any form of hate speech. Political rallies or processions shall not involve the use of physical force or coercion by organised groups or individuals.”

It explained that a political campaign is canvassing for votes by Political Parties and Candidates by way of processions, rallies, electronic, social and traditional or print media advertisements, posters, hand bills and house to house contact with voters, print and electronic or social media.

INEC said: “Political campaigns shall include, though not limited to, print and electronic media advertisement by public and private media organisations, internet advertising, house-to-house calls on voters, marches, gatherings, receptions, fund raising, courtesy calls, public displays of party flags, entertainment, posters, handbills or billboards in public places such as markets, schools, streets, highways.

“Air-display, audio visuals, tinted vehicles, use of public address system in vehicles, fences of aspirants, candidates, supporters, party officials, private houses, as well as internet and social media networks.”

The guidelines provided that political parties shall submit to the Commission, in soft copy through a designated portal and in hard copy, notification of the schedule of their campaigns, stating the date, time, venue, agenda and list of members of the organising committee.

Parties are also required to submit police approval within the jurisdiction of the campaigns, within a minimum period not later than 10 days to the commencement of their campaigns.

INEC said campaigns by political parties and their candidates shall be based on their constitution and manifestoes, and shall comply with the provisions of; regulations and guidelines for political parties 2022 issued by the Commission; code of conduct, regulations and guidelines that may be issued by the National Broadcasting Commission; and COVID-19 safety protocols and other public health regulations and measures.

It stated that: “The target audience of political campaign shall be registered voters. The programmes, policies and projects of political parties are offered to voters and achievements of programme where applicable as contained in the political party’s Constitution and Manifesto.”

•Visa: US expands interview waiver period to 48 months

PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak is considering a crackdown on foreign students bringing dependents and studying “low-quality” degrees after net migration to the UK climbed to a record half a million.

Downing Street indicated that plans to bring overall numbers down could include putting up barriers for international students’ loved ones and restricting admissions to top universities.

This would be in line with proposals being explored by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who has previously complained about foreign students “bringing in family members who can piggyback onto their student visa” and “propping up, frankly, substandard courses in inadequate institutions.”

Around 504,000 more people are estimated to have moved to the UK than left in the 12 months to June 2022, up sharply from 173,000 in the year to June 2021.

The estimates were compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which said the jump was driven by “unique” factors including visa schemes for Ukrainians and Hong Kong citizens, and students arriving from outside the European Union.

People arriving on study visas accounted for the largest proportion of long-term immigration of non-EU nationals, at 277,000, or 39% of the total, the according to the ONS.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman insisted Sunak was “fully committed” to bringing overall immigration levels down and blamed “unprecedented and unique circumstances” for the record high.

The official said: “We’re considering all options to make sure the immigration system is delivering, and that does include looking at the issue of student dependents and low-quality degrees.”

But such moves could meet resistance from other parts of Whitehall.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last week insisted that immigration is required to boost growth.

“There needs to be a long-term plan if we’re going to bring down migration in a way that doesn’t harm the economy,” he said.

“We are recognising that we will need migration for the years ahead – that will be very important for the economy.”

The Department for Education could raise concerns over universities’ funding if the number of high fee-paying international students is cut.

Migration from non-EU countries, specifically students, drove the rise in levels of long-term immigration, said Jay Lindop, ONS deputy director of the centre for international migration.

“With the lifting of travel restrictions in 2021, more students arrived in the UK after studying remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic,” she added.

In a related development, The U.S. Mission is expanding the eligibility period for nonimmigrant visa renewals from 24 months to 48 months.  Applicants whose previous U.S. visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire in the next 3 months may now qualify to renew their visa without an interview.  The U.S. Mission is also opening thousands of visa renewal appointments to assist applicants who wish to renew their visas.

No-interview visa renewal appointments available now

You may be eligible for a visa renewal without an interview if your application is for a B1/B2, F, M, J (academic only), H, L or C1/D (combined only) visa, AND you meet each of the following criteria:

Your previous visa was issued in Nigeria.

Your previous visa is in the same classification as your current application.

Your previous visa was a full validity, multiple entry visa.

Your previous visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire in the next 3 months from the date of application.

You have all your passports covering the entire period since receiving the previous visa and the passport with the most recent visa.

You have never been arrested or convicted of any crime or offense in the United States, even if you later received a waiver or pardon.

You have never worked without authorization or remained beyond your permitted time in the United States.

Please see https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ ffor further information.

•Deceased gospel artiste already with Jesus, singing with angels —Family

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday joined a horde of other sympathisers to mourn the death of popular gospel artiste Sammie Okposo.

In different statements yesterday, the two statesmen commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the late founder of the popular praise and worship platform, Okposo Praise Party.

Buhari and Okowa were joined by many celebrities yesterday to voice out their grief over the untimely death of the musician.

The late Okposo, a native of Ivori-Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State reportedly passed on in Lagos yesterday morning at the age of 51.

A movie practitioner, who asked not to be named, said the ‘Welu Welu’ crooner died after a brief illness. The film expert informed that he (Okposo) was getting medical attention after falling ill and was expected to come out strong until he gave up the ghost.

The source, however, declined information on the nature of his illness.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, President Buhari remembered Okposo for his contributions to the entertainment industry, especially the gospel music genre, and his foray into the Nigerian film industry where he also left his marks.

The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari sympathises with family, friends, and professional associates of renowned gospel singer, Sammie Okposo, whose demise on Friday (yesterday) left many in Nigeria and across the world severely shocked.

“President Buhari commiserates with the Christian community, particularly Okposo’s colleagues in gospel music and the younger generation, who have over the years identified with his elevating style of praise and worship.

“The President notes the unique platform of worship created by Okposo, Okposo Praise Party, his creative contributions to the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, and the inspiring role he played in grooming talents and mentoring them to stardom.

“President Buhari prays for the repose of the musician’s soul, urging the family to find solace in his investments of love.”

In his own condolence message to Okposo’s family yesterday, Governor Okowa, who is also the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, commiserated with the Okposo family and the Isoko people in the state over the passing of their illustrious son.

In the message conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa expressed sadness over the passing of the “Wellu Wellu” crooner, saying that it was a big loss to the deceased’s family, Deltans and lovers of gospel music across the world.

According to him, the passing of the popular gospel artiste is a big blow to music lovers, his family, Ivori-Irri community and Isoko nation, considering his immense talent and outstanding contributions to the growth of gospel music locally and globally.

The governor described the late Okposo as a “gentleman gospel artiste”, who contributed to the growth and development of modern entertainment industry in Nigeria.

He expressed the belief that as one of the scions of the gospel genre of the music industry, Okposo would be greatly missed by his colleagues and fans.

Okowa said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an illustrious son of our state and a great minister in gospel music.

“The news of his death was shocking and it is, indeed, a great loss because he was a valued asset to Deltans and Nigerians, especially as his songs continue to inspire many to worship God.” He prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends to bear his exit.

In a statement yesterday, Okposo’s family said the deceased was already with Jesus Christ and singing with angels.

The family also said they had taken solace in the realization that the gospel artiste is happy in heaven.

“Sammie slept and went to be with the Lord on the morning of Friday November 25, 2022. We are consoled because we know he is with Jesus singing with the angels,” the statement said, requesting that “the family is allowed to grieve peacefully at this time.”

RMD, Funke Ogunmola, Lancelot Imasuen, other celebrities pay tributes

Before his emergence as a popular gospel singer, Okposo had made his mark on the Nigerian film industry where he cut his teeth as a soundtrack expert and worked with some of the industry’s veterans and legends.

He was therefore no stranger to frontline Nollywood actors like Kinglsey Ogoro, Tade Ogidan, Zeb Ejiro, Fidelis Duker and Segun Arinze whose actions were complemented by Okposo’s voice whether as actors, producers or directors.

Famed for his energetic music, which was often rendered in his local Isoko language, he was credited for popularising Isoko gospel songs in the 2000s, particularly after his hit song, ‘Welu Welu’, released in 2000.

From the early 2000s till January 2022, Okposo was always in the news for reasons that varied from his amorous relationships to his new songs. The late Okposo first fathered a child with Gloria Ibru before officially tying the nuptial knot with Ozioma in 2010. Although his dalliance with Gloria was brief and not consummated legally, it nonetheless produced a child.

He made the headlines earlier in the year with a public apology to Ozioma after admitting an extra-marital affair with another lady in the United States.

Disclosing that the incident occurred in 2021, Okposo said he had resolved to step aside from ministerial work until he would be “fully restored”.

He won multiple local and international awards during his lifetime. They include the KORA Awards Best Gospel Artiste in Africa in 2006; Crown SABC Best of African Gospel 2014; Afro Hollywood UK Best Gospel Artiste in 2005 and NEA Best Gospel Artiste of the Year in 2007 and 2013.

He also organised gospel shows such as the Sammie Okposo Praise Party (SOPP) as well as headlined other gospel concerts. Given his background in music production, Okposo owned a record label, Zamar Entertainment. His 2018 album, ‘The Statement’, was produced by Grammy-winning Kevin Bond.

One of Okposo’s most cherished legacies is the SOPP, an annual event that saw him travel across Nigeria, Africa and the world. According to those close to him, he was already preparing for another edition ahead of 2023. Among the celebrities who have paid tributes to the deceased singer is Richard Mofe-Damijo popularly known as RMD who recalled that his last interaction with Okposo was in the US exactly one month ago.

He said: “This was exactly a month ago in the US. We spent 2 weeks together and fellowshipped as men. Ate, drank and, as I’m known to do, teased you.

“Toks or Jedi would drive you to me and we would spend the entire day together. Made plans for the new year… yet here I’m struggling and looking for words to capture our relationship.

“Sam Okpoooo, as only me can call you, this was not the plan o. This one pain me enter blood.

My Prayers are with your family as you rest in power, peace and praise.

Mor Okonkwo said: “Sammie’m this was not the plan. RIP big brother. This one Hit Me ooooooooo.

Yemi Solade: “Sammie Okposo ran his race. May he rest in peace.

Okey Ogunjiofor: Rest in peace my brother.

Francis Onwochei: “This life! One time, you are here, the next time, you are on the other side, life and death, so inseparable, rest in peace Sammie.”

Funke Ogunmola: “May his soul rest in peace and may God console his family. This is really sad.

Fidelis Duker: “So sad, this is really sad. May his soul find rest, nothing in this world, just make an impact while it lasts, tomorrow is not assured.”

Tunji Bamishigbin: “May the good Lord grant him eternal rest and console his family and friends.”

Director Mo: “May his soul rest in peace, this is so sad.”

Lancelot Imasuen: “This is so sad. The news almost killed me too. Seriously, I have not cried like this in a very long while similar to when I lost my boss and benefactor Late Capt Dr Hosa Okunbo, no, Okposo dead? This is really too hard to swallow.”

•Court sacks 69 council chairmen, 393 councilors elected in October

THE Osun State Election Petition Tribunal on Friday issued a fresh order, directing the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to produce the Certificates and other documents of the state Governor-elect, Ademola Adeleke used in the 2018 governorship election. Same day, a Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo on Friday has sacked Chairmen of 30 Local Government Areas, 32 Local Council Development Areas, 7 Area Offices and 393 councilors in the state elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) on October 15th 2022.

The Tribunal’s fresh order to INEC followed the failure of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to produce the certificates in the previous sitting and arguments of counsel to INEC, Adeleke and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the Subpoena issued was addressed to REC not Chairman of the commission who is in custody of the certificates. The panel which was chaired by Justice Tertsea Kume, after listening to the argument of the counsel to Oyetola and other respondents, adjourned ruling till today.

Reading the ruling on Friday, the tribunal said an application for Subpoena is an Administrative Act and when it is granted, it becomes Judicial Act and the party upon which the Subpoena is issued must comply, citing Section 218 and 219 of the evidence act. The panel said the application was consequent to the failures of the state REC of the commission to produce the documents requested in the Subpoena. According to the ruling, the petitioners have shown sufficient reasons for the Tribunal to compel the National Chairman of INEC to produce the documents in question.

It then dismissed all the objections raised by the counsel for INEC, Adeleke and PDP and compelled the National Chairman of the commission to produce the documents in the next sitting of the panel on Thursday, December 1st 2022.

Meanwhile, while announcing the sack of 69 council chairmen and 393 councilors elected in October on the platform of the ruling APC in Osun State, Justice Nathaniel Ayoola said that the election conducted by Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) on October 15th 2022 contravened Sections 29 and 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022. According to him, “OSIEC law is inconsistent with sections 29 & 32 2022 Electoral Act that provides 180 days notice.

“Notice of election is fundamental. Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act says any election conducted in violation of the provision of the law shall be invalid. I hold the view that the plaintiff has made a good case. The case is held in favour of the plaintiff and against the respondents. The election held on 15 October 2022 is hereby declared unconstitutional, invalid, null, and void. All persons or individuals occupying those offices are sacked.”

A Federal High Court in Osogbo has sacked Chairmen of 30 Local Government Areas, 32 Local Council Development Areas, 7 Area Offices and 393 councillors in Osun State elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on October 15th 2022.

The Nation reports the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) filed a suit against the Local Government election before the Federal High Court challenging Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), All Progressives Congress(APC) and its chairman, Gboyega Famodun.

Justice Nathaniel Ayoola, who presided over the suit while giving judgement on Friday, said the election conducted by OSIEC on October 15th 2022 contravened Sections 29 and 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

SIEC lawis inconsistent with sections 29 & 32 2022 Electoral Act that provides 180 days notice“Notice of election is fundamental. Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act says any election conducted in violation of the provision of the law shall be invalid. I hold the view that the plaintiff has made a good case.He said: “The case is held in favour of the plaintiff and against the respondents.

He said: “The election held on 15 October 2022 is hereby declared unconstitutional, invalid, null and void. All persons or individuals occupying that offices are sacked.”

Details Shortly…