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Electronic Transmission or Old Loopholes? Dickson Raises Red Flag


By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

In Nigeria’s long and troubled electoral history, the battle has rarely been about voting itself.

It has almost always been about what happens after the votes are counted.
From ward collation centres to local government offices, ballot figures have mysteriously changed, results delayed, and mandates overturned. 

For years, that grey area between polling units and final declaration has remained the soft underbelly of Nigeria’s democracy.

That is exactly the gap electronic transmission of results was meant to close.
But now, a fresh debate in the Senate suggests that loopholes may still exist.

The push for mandatory electronic transmission of results has become one of the most important electoral reforms in recent history. And that is also why Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson is uneasy about the Senate’s latest amendment to the Electoral Act.

To him, the reform may have come with a loophole big enough to weaken its purpose.

The Senate’s Compromise

This week, the Senate revisited its earlier decision and agreed to allow the electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IREV).

But there is a catch.

The amendment provides that if internet connectivity fails, Form EC8A — the manual result sheet — will serve as the primary means of collation.

On paper, it appears to be a simple contingency plan, in practice, Dickson believes it could undermine the credibility of elections.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker argues that introducing exceptions into what should be a strict legal requirement weakens enforcement and opens the door to abuse.

“Laws are made for general rules, not exceptions,” he said, warning that what is meant to be a backup could easily become the norm.

Why the Debate Matters

Nigeria still conducts manual voting and counting. After votes are tallied, presiding officers record the figures on Form EC8A — the first official evidence of results at each polling unit.

Historically, however, problems begin after this stage.
Between ward and local government collation centres, allegations of tampering, intimidation and outright alteration of results have become common features of elections.

This is the gap electronic transmission seeks to close.
By uploading results instantly to IREV, figures become publicly visible and harder to manipulate. Parties and observers can independently verify outcomes in real time.

For reform advocates like Dickson, that transparency is non-negotiable.
He insists that once polling unit results are transmitted immediately, the era of “brigandage, executive interference and thuggery” at collation centres would drastically reduce.

Not the Ideal Law, But the Possible One
Despite his criticism, Dickson admits the outcome reflects political reality more than principle.
According to him, lawmakers had initially agreed during committee deliberations to adopt the House of Representatives’ version, which made electronic transmission mandatory without conditions.

But that position changed during plenary.
The opposition simply does not have the numbers in the Senate to insist on a stricter provision.

“In parliament, you don’t always get everything you want,” he acknowledged.
What emerged, therefore, is a compromise — electronic transmission allowed, but not compulsory.

For some, that is progress.
For others, it is reform watered down.
INEC Holds the Real Power
Even with the caveat, Dickson believes the Independent National Electoral Commission can still protect the integrity of elections.

He argues that INEC’s operational guidelines can effectively make transmission mandatory by directing presiding officers to upload results immediately after counting.
If enforced consistently, he says, the law’s weakness may not matter in practice.

In essence, the credibility of future elections may depend less on the wording of the amendment and more on how seriously INEC implements it.
Democracy Beyond Legislation
Beyond lawmakers and institutions, Dickson places responsibility on citizens as well.

He urges Nigerians to remain vigilant, participate actively at polling units and demand accountability.
Technology can reduce fraud, but it cannot replace civic engagement.
Without voters protecting their mandates at the grassroots, even the best reforms can fail.

The Bigger Question

The controversy surrounding the amendment highlights a deeper dilemma for Nigeria’s democracy: should electoral laws leave room for flexibility, or should they be airtight?

Flexibility may address logistical challenges like poor network coverage. But it may also create opportunities for manipulation.

For Dickson, the choice is clear — certainty builds trust; loopholes breed suspicion.

As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the real test will not just be whether results are counted, but whether they are transmitted, protected and trusted.

Because in the end, democracy is not only about voting.
It is about ensuring that the votes truly count.









ANISOLO 2027: A New Dawn for Oruk Anam/Ukanafun Federal Constituency

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the people of Oruk Anam and Ukanafun Federal Constituency are reflecting on one important question: what kind of leadership do we truly deserve at the House of Representatives?

For years, many communities across the constituency have yearned for more.
More development.
More opportunities.
More presence.
More results.
Bad roads still slow down farmers and traders.

Many youths remain unemployed.
Schools and healthcare centres need urgent improvement.
And too often, the people feel disconnected from those elected to represent them.

It is clear that the time has come for a fresh start — a new kind of leadership built on credibility, compassion, and capacity.

That fresh start begins with Aniekan Solomon Abraham 

A Leader from the People, for the People
Aniekan Solomon is not a distant politician who only appears during election season. He is a son of the soil who understands the daily realities of Oruk Anam and Ukanafun because he lives among the people.

He understands the struggles of farmers trying to move their produce to markets.
He understands the frustration of young graduates searching endlessly for jobs.
He understands the needs of women, traders, and small business owners who keep the local economy alive.

This connection to the grassroots gives him something rare in politics — genuine empathy and commitment.

Credibility That Inspires Trust

At a time when many voters are tired of empty promises, Solomon stands out for his character and accessibility.
Those who know him describe a leader who listens first, consults widely, and focuses on solutions rather than noise.

He believes representation is not about occupying a seat in Abuja — it is about delivering real benefits back home.
The House of Representatives needs someone who will speak boldly, lobby effectively, and attract projects that improve lives.

Aniekan Solomon has both the competence and the determination to do exactly that.

A Clear Agenda for Progress

His vision for Oruk Anam and Ukanafun is simple and practical: development that touches every community.
His priorities include:
Better roads and rural infrastructure
Youth empowerment, skills training, and job creation
Support for farmers, traders, and small businesses
Scholarships and improved educational opportunities
Stronger healthcare services for families
Federal projects that bring visible development to the constituency
This is not politics as usual — it is purposeful representation focused on results.

Why 2027 Is a Defining Moment

This election is more than just another political exercise. It is a decision about the future of our children, our communities, and our economy.

We can continue with the old ways and slow progress.
Or we can choose a new direction.

We can settle for less.
Or we can demand better.

The choice belongs to the people.
The Movement for a New Dawn
Across villages, wards, and towns, support is growing. Youths are inspired by his energy. Women trust his compassion. Elders respect his integrity.
Because they see in Aniekan Solomon a leader who is ready to serve — not rule.
A leader who will be present — not absent.
A leader who will deliver — not disappoint.

The Time Is Now

Oruk Anam and Ukanafun deserve strong, credible, and effective representation.

They deserve a voice that will be heard.
They deserve leadership that works.
They deserve progress that is visible.
They deserve a new dawn.

And that new dawn begins now.
Support Aniekan Solomon for House of Representatives, 2027.
Together, we rise. Together, we build. Together, we win.

Senate Approves Electronic Transmission of Results — But Keeps Manual Collation as Backup

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

Nigeria’s Senate has endorsed the electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV), but stopped short of making it mandatory, leaving room for manual collation where technology fails.

The decision, reached during Tuesday’s plenary, followed a fresh review of a controversial section of the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 — a clause that has sparked nationwide debate about transparency, credibility, and the country’s digital readiness.

Leading the charge for the amendment was Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North), who argued that Clause 60(3) of the bill required adjustments to avoid legal disputes and operational setbacks during elections.

Under the revised provision, presiding officers at polling units are permitted to electronically transmit results to INEC’s IReV portal after completing, signing, and stamping Form EC8A — the official result sheet.

However, the law does not compel real-time uploads, nor does it make electronic transmission compulsory.

Instead, the Senate adopted a hybrid approach: when network failures or communication challenges occur, the manually completed EC8A forms will serve as the primary basis for collation and final declaration of results.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who seconded the motion, said the reform strikes a balance between the demand for electoral transparency and the infrastructural limitations across parts of the country, particularly rural areas where connectivity remains weak.

After brief deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the proposal to a voice vote, with the “ayes” carrying the day.

What This Means for Nigerian Elections

The amendment signals progress, but cautiously too.

While electronic transmission has long been championed by civil society groups as a safeguard against manipulation, the refusal to make it mandatory raises concerns that manual processes — historically vulnerable to interference — could still dominate in critical moments.

Supporters argue the fallback option is practical, given Nigeria’s patchy telecom coverage and recurring technical glitches during past elections.

Critics, however, warn that leaving transmission optional may weaken accountability and create loopholes that undermine public trust.

In essence, the Senate has chosen compromise over certainty — embracing technology, but not fully committing to it.

Whether this middle-ground approach improves credibility or simply preserves old problems may only become clear when the next election cycle arrives.

CAC Purges 400,000 ‘Ghost Companies,’ Goes Fully Digital in Sweeping Corporate Reforms

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

In what may be the most aggressive clean-up of Nigeria’s corporate registry in recent years, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has de-registered over 400,000 inactive and non-compliant companies, signalling a major push to restore order, credibility, and transparency to the country’s business environment.

Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Magaji, announced the development in Abuja, describing the action as part of a broader reform strategy to sanitise the national database and modernise service delivery.

According to him, thousands of dormant and abandoned businesses had long crowded the register, weakening oversight and undermining trust in Nigeria’s corporate records.

“The commission de-registered over 400,000 companies in a bid to clean up our database from inactive and non-compliant entities,” Magaji said.

Clearing the System of ‘Dead Weight’
For years, Nigeria’s business register has carried what experts often describe as “ghost companies” — entities that exist only on paper but have stopped operating or failed to meet statutory obligations.

Such companies create loopholes for fraud, distort official data, and complicate regulation.

By removing them, the CAC aims to produce a database that truly reflects active businesses, making monitoring easier for regulators and boosting confidence for investors and partners who rely on accurate corporate information.

In essence, the clean-up is about credibility as much as compliance.

From Queues to Clicks: CAC Goes Fully Online

Beyond the mass de-registration, the commission has also completed a full digital transformation of its services.

Magaji said the agency has moved away from its traditional manual, location-based operations to a 24/7 online, end-to-end system that allows entrepreneurs to register and manage companies from anywhere in the world.

“You can register your business from your room without coming to our offices. Today, CAC provides services anywhere, anytime,” he stated.

This shift eliminates long queues, paperwork bottlenecks, and the need for physical visits — problems that previously discouraged many small business owners from formalising their ventures.

The reform aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goal of improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking.

Free Registration for 250,000 Entrepreneurs

In a parallel effort to support micro, small, and medium enterprises, the CAC partnered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to offer free business registration to 250,000 entrepreneurs.

The initiative is designed to lower the cost of formalisation and bring more small businesses into the regulated economy.

For many startups, registration fees and bureaucracy have long been barriers. Removing those hurdles could help businesses access funding, contracts, and legal protections that come with formal status.

Boosting Transparency with Ownership Disclosure

The commission has also operationalised a beneficial ownership register, allowing the public to identify the true individuals behind companies operating in Nigeria.

This measure targets anonymous ownership structures often linked to corruption, tax evasion, and illicit financial flows.

By making ownership more transparent, the CAC hopes to strengthen accountability and align Nigeria with international corporate governance standards.

A Turning Point for Business Regulation?
Taken together, the reforms mark a significant shift in how corporate regulation is handled in Nigeria.

From deleting hundreds of thousands of inactive companies to embracing digital technology and supporting small businesses, the CAC appears to be repositioning itself as a modern service-driven regulator rather than a slow bureaucratic agency.

If sustained, these measures could reshape how easily Nigerians start and run businesses — and how confidently investors view the system.

For entrepreneurs, the takeaway is straightforward: formalising a business has never been easier — or more necessary.

No More Discord: Wike Vows End to Rivers Crisis After Tinubu Steps In



By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the long-running political feud between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly is finally drawing to a close — following fresh intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike confirmed that the President personally stepped into the dispute for the second time, describing Tinubu’s involvement as both decisive and final.

According to the former Rivers governor, this latest mediation would mark the last time the Presidency would need to wade into the state’s political tensions.

“This is the second time Mr President is intervening,” Wike said. “And by the grace of God, this will be the last time. I have told them to obey Mr President, and I know they will not hesitate.”

Behind-the-Scenes Truce

The assurance follows reports of a closed-door meeting on Sunday night at the Presidential Villa involving Tinubu, Wike, and Governor Fubara.

Sources familiar with the meeting claimed it was aimed at restoring peace and ending months of friction that have crippled governance in Rivers State. The rift between the governor and lawmakers has sparked fears of legislative paralysis, political instability, and stalled development projects.

There were also unconfirmed reports that Fubara later visited Wike at his residence to seek reconciliation and mend fences — a symbolic move many observers interpret as a sign that both camps are ready to compromise.

Tinubu as Political Referee

Wike portrayed Tinubu as a father figure committed to stability in Rivers, stressing that the President’s intervention was driven purely by the interest of the people.

“He is very kind to the people of the state. If there seems to be any problem between the legislature and the governor, as a father he really has to intervene,” he said.

The FCT Minister further expressed confidence that both the governor and the lawmakers would honor the President’s directives to prevent further clashes.

A Crisis That Tested Rivers Politics

The power struggle between Fubara and the Assembly — widely linked to the lingering influence of Wike in the state’s political structure — has dominated Rivers’ political landscape for months.

The conflict triggered legislative battles, threats of impeachment, and deep divisions within the ruling party.

Analysts say the dispute not only strained governance but also raised concerns about political godfatherism and the delicate balance of power in Nigeria’s subnational politics.

A Fresh Start or Temporary Peace?

While Wike’s assurances signal optimism, many Rivers residents remain cautious. Previous attempts at reconciliation have failed to produce lasting peace.

This time, however, the direct involvement of the President may carry the political weight needed to enforce compliance.

If both sides keep their word, Rivers State could finally move past the turbulence and refocus on governance and development.

For now, Wike’s message is clear: the era of discord is over.

Billions for No Steel: Inside the Ajaokuta Salary Scandal and the Cost of Nigeria’s Idle Giant

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

For over four decades, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has stood as both a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial ambition and a reminder of its policy failures. Conceived in 1979 as the backbone of the nation’s manufacturing sector, the massive steel complex in Kogi State was meant to power everything from construction to automobile production.

Yet today, despite billions of naira spent over the years, Ajaokuta produces virtually no steel.

What makes the situation even more controversial is this: while the plant remains largely dormant, workers are still being paid billions of naira in salaries annually.

And contrary to popular belief, these payments are not coming from the Kogi State Government. They are funded by the Federal Government through yearly national budgets.

This contradiction — huge payroll costs without production has triggered growing public anger, legislative scrutiny, and questions about accountability.

The Steel Plant That Never Took Off

Ajaokuta was designed to be Africa’s largest integrated steel plant, capable of producing millions of tonnes of steel annually and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports. But technical delays, political interference, contract disputes, and poor management stalled the project repeatedly.

Decades later, critical components such as the blast furnace have never fully functioned. In practical terms, the plant has remained inactive.

Despite this, the facility still operates as if it were an active industrial enterprise — at least on paper.

Salaries Without Production

Each year, the Federal Government budgets large sums to cover Ajaokuta’s personnel costs.

Recent budgets show billions of naira allocated mainly for salaries and allowances, with personnel expenses taking the overwhelming majority of the company’s total funding. Only a small fraction goes to capital projects or actual rehabilitation of the plant.

Over time, this has resulted in tens of billions of naira being spent on wages for a company that generates little or no output.

To many Nigerians, this raises a simple question: what exactly are these workers being paid to do?

Government’s Defence

Officials argue that staff must be retained to maintain and protect the massive infrastructure. According to this explanation, the workers prevent vandalism, safeguard equipment, and keep the facility from deteriorating completely while the government searches for revival or concession plans.

On the surface, this reasoning sounds practical. Abandoning a multi-billion-dollar industrial complex entirely could invite theft and destruction.

But critics say the numbers simply don’t add up.

Lawmakers Raise Red Flags
Several lawmakers have challenged the logic behind the huge personnel budgets. During oversight visits and hearings, some legislators reported seeing only a handful of active staff on ground — far fewer than the thousands reportedly on payroll.

This has fueled suspicions of:
inflated staff figures
inefficient deployment
possible “ghost workers”
or outright payroll fraud
If only minimal maintenance is required, critics ask, why are billions needed every year?

The imbalance becomes even more troubling when compared with the tiny amounts allocated for actually fixing or completing the steel plant.
In effect, more money is spent paying workers than reviving the factory itself.

The Kogi State Misconception

A recurring claim is that the Kogi State Government collects Ajaokuta salaries without work. But this is misleading.
Ajaokuta Steel Company is a federal asset, owned and funded by the Federal Government. Payroll payments come from federal allocations, not state revenue.

While the plant is located in Kogi, the state government does not control the salary structure or budget.
The real issue lies at the federal level — in budgeting priorities and project management.

The Bigger Economic Cost

Beyond the salary controversy, Ajaokuta represents a deeper national loss.
If functional, the steel complex could:
reduce steel imports
create thousands of real industrial jobs
support manufacturing, boost GDP
and strengthen Nigeria’s self-reliance
Instead, public funds continue to sustain an idle workforce rather than an active industry. This turns what should be an economic engine into a financial drain.

A Symbol of Policy Failure

Many analysts now see Ajaokuta as a case study in how large public projects fail — not because of lack of vision, but because of inconsistent policies, political interference, weak oversight, and poor accountability.

Paying salaries without productivity may keep the lights on, but it does nothing to move the country forward.
Without serious restructuring, transparent audits, and genuine commitment to either revive or privatize the plant, the cycle is likely to continue.

Conclusion

At its core, the Ajaokuta salary controversy is not just about workers being paid without steel production. It is about how public resources are managed.

Year after year, billions are spent maintaining the illusion of activity while the factory remains silent.

Until funding shifts from salaries to real industrial revival — and until payroll systems are made transparent — Ajaokuta will remain what many Nigerians sadly call it today: "a giant monument to wasted potential."

Peter Obi Rejects Network Excuse, Insists Nigeria Can Transmit Election Results in Real Time

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

As pressure mounts for electoral reforms ahead of future elections, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly rejected claims that poor network coverage makes real-time electronic transmission of election results impossible in parts of Nigeria.

His comments come in response to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who recently suggested that nationwide real-time transmission may not be feasible due to insecurity and weak telecommunications infrastructure in some states.

Speaking at the launch of a book titled The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria, Akpabio argued that insisting on “real-time” transmission could create legal complications if networks fail during elections.

According to him, several states currently experience limited connectivity due to security challenges. He warned that if the law mandates real-time transmission and networks collapse — or even the national grid fails — the validity of election results could be questioned in court.

“Real-time transmission means that in over nine states where networks are not working because of insecurity, there will be no election results,” Akpabio said.

He added that the word “real-time” was deliberately avoided in discussions to prevent legal loopholes, leaving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the most suitable method of result transmission.

Obi: That Excuse No Longer Holds Water
Peter Obi, however, disagrees.
In a post shared on X after joining a peaceful protest at the National Assembly demanding urgent electoral reforms, the former Anambra State governor dismissed the network argument as outdated and unconvincing.

He pointed to Nigeria’s banking sector as proof that secure digital systems already operate efficiently nationwide.
“Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable,” Obi said.

“Financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks to conduct transactions and collect taxes daily. If banking systems function seamlessly, our electoral system can and should do the same.”

For Obi, the issue is not technology but political will.

Call for Transparency and Accountability
Beyond electronic transmission, Obi also outlined broader reforms he believes are necessary to restore credibility to Nigeria’s elections.

He argued that anyone seeking public office must meet strict standards of transparency and integrity. According to him, candidates should provide verifiable educational records and fully comply with constitutional requirements before contesting.

He also stressed the importance of open campaigns, public debates, and scrutiny of candidates.

“Anyone seeking to hold titles such as Honourable, Distinguished, or Excellency must emerge through a transparent and honourable process,” he said.

“Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation.”

A Bigger Picture

Obi’s message taps into growing public frustration over election credibility in Nigeria. For many citizens, electronic transmission is seen as a crucial safeguard against tampering, delays, and result manipulation.

He urged young Nigerians to stay engaged and continue pushing for reform, insisting that credible elections are the foundation of good governance.
“Nigeria must stop being a so-called Giant of Africa that embarrasses the continent,” he said.

 “We must become a beacon of exemplary governance, starting with credible elections.”

He concluded with a familiar message of hope and determination:

“A New Nigeria is possible — but only if we stand and act together.”

Final Thoughts

The debate highlights a deeper question: if banks, telecoms, and fintech companies can process millions of transactions daily across the country, why should elections be any different?

For many Nigerians, the answer is simple — technology exists. What remains is the commitment to use it.