General News
NASS LAMENTS POOR FUNDING OF SECURITY AGENCIES, PLANS TINUBU SHOWDOWN
The National Assembly has declared its intention to confront President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the chronic underfunding of security and intelligence agencies, specifically calling out the failure to release capital allocations in the current financial year.
Following high-level discussions with security chiefs, the Chairman of the National Intelligence Committee, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, revealed that the funding crisis is crippling the operational effectiveness of agencies meant to safeguard the nation. He admitted that while the non-release of funds affects all government ministries and agencies, the impact on national security makes the situation particularly urgent.
Abdullahi stated that the committee would collate reports and propose urgent measures to plug the funding gaps, with a focus on the 2026 budget cycle. He reminded the public that President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on security must translate into real financial commitment. “President Tinubu had declared that emergency, and therefore, if there is an emergency, there should be funding to back up that emergency. So we will have to come up with a strategy to ensure that the words and declaration of the President does not go out in vain,” he said.
To ensure the matter is taken seriously, Abdullahi disclosed that the leadership of the National Assembly may seek a direct audience with the President. “We will sit down even if it means going through the leadership to meet Mr. President, to take the plight of the security and intelligence agencies into account and report directly to him so that appropriate steps are taken to ensure that the agencies are given enough funds to pursue their constitutional responsibilities,” he added.
Describing 2026 as a make-or-break year for Nigeria’s democratic journey, the lawmaker warned that insufficient funding for security agencies could trigger major disruptions as the nation gears up for general elections. He insisted that without robust financial backing, the electoral process and national peace could be jeopardized.
Senator Abdullahi also launched a blistering critique of the envelope budgeting system, calling it an archaic relic that no longer serves the country’s interests. He traced its origins to the Obasanjo era when oil revenue shortfalls forced temporary fiscal restraints, arguing that it has long outlived its purpose. “This envelope system, you know, was developed years ago, when I was in the civil service. And I think it has outlived its usefulness for me, personally, it is my own opinion. You know, we are not budgeting on needs. We are just budgeting on money, but it’s not the issue of less money, the needs of the institutions and the priorities that we have that we should fund, not just to give people money and say, Okay, go and share,” he said.
He called for a complete overhaul of the budgeting process, advocating for a system driven by national priorities rather than arbitrary financial ceilings. He revealed plans to engage the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office to push for reforms that reflect current realities.
The committee, according to Abdullahi, has wrapped up its initial assessments and is finalizing reports to be submitted to the Appropriation Committee and National Assembly leadership for further legislative action.
The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has announced plans to institute legal action against the National Assembly and the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged use of tear gas and force against protesters demonstrating for electoral reforms.
In a statement issued Wednesday and signed by Olawale Okunniyi, Head of the group’s National Secretariat, the organisation condemned what it described as the “violent dispersal of unarmed protesters” who had gathered to demand transparency in the country’s electoral process.
The group said the incident occurred while lawmakers were deliberating on provisions it claims could weaken safeguards for electronic transmission of election results, warning that the development sends a troubling signal about democratic accountability.
According to the statement, deploying force against peaceful demonstrators undermines public trust in democratic institutions and creates the perception that state authorities are being used to shield controversial legislative actions from scrutiny.
MCE argued that citizens have both the right and civic duty to peacefully demand credible elections, stressing that suppressing dissent risks eroding democratic principles.
Demands
The organisation called for:
An immediate and transparent investigation into police conduct during the protest.
Public clarification from the legislature on its commitment to clearly defined safeguards for electronic transmission of results.
Open engagement between lawmakers, civil society, and citizens on electoral reform proposals.
The group warned that how institutions respond to public participation now would shape confidence in the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
MCE also urged Nigerians to remain peaceful and vigilant while it proceeds with legal steps against the legislature and police over the incident.
President Bola Tinubu has formally signed the Electoral Act 2026 Amendment into law.
The signing ceremony was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with principal officers of the National Assembly in attendance.
President Tinubu commended lawmakers, saying he had closely followed the amendment process and praised them for a “job well done.”
The National Assembly leadership described the amendments as a significant step toward ensuring that every vote counts and enhancing the transparency of future elections.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that lawmakers conducted a thorough review of the law before its approval. He highlighted that the amendments now allow for the electronic transmission of polling unit results to the results viewing portal—a longstanding demand by Nigerians.
Akpabio added that while manually signed polling unit results are retained, the new system will enable citizens to compare results at various stages, reducing the risk of post-election tampering.
House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas noted that reducing the election notice period from 360 to 300 days is aimed at curbing voter apathy and improving participation.
Implications for Nigeria’s Elections
Analysts say the amendment is a major step toward modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system and aligning it with international best practices.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to implement the new measures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with updated guidelines to support electronic results transmission and improved monitoring.
With these reforms, Nigeria aims to enhance credibility in its elections, reduce post-election disputes, and strengthen citizens’ trust in the democratic process.
General News
Lagos Commercial Drivers Protest Against Takeover of Routes by Seyi Tinubu’s Buses, Block VGC Road
Commercial drivers in Lagos staged a protest on Wednesday along the Ajiwe–Victoria Garden City (VGC) corridor, Ajah, bringing traffic to a standstill. The drivers claim they were instructed to stop operating their existing “korope” buses and switch to newly introduced vehicles allegedly linked to Seyi Tinubu.
Eyewitnesses reported that the drivers were prevented from operating entirely, rather than just being restricted to certain routes. Many of the affected operators said they had fully paid for their current buses under long-term purchase agreements and described the directive as unfair and exploitative.
“They told us not to use korope again, even though some of us have completed payments for our buses,” an operator said, expressing frustration over the forced transition to new vehicles.
As of Wednesday morning, movement along the Ajiwe–VGC route was heavily disrupted, with protesters occupying the road and halting both commercial and private traffic.
At the time of reporting, Lagos State authorities and Seyi Tinubu had not responded to the allegations. Drivers vowed to maintain their protest until their concerns were addressed.