The Atlantic Bell

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking a court order compelling the electoral umpire to investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about ₦800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to finance political and campaign activities.

In the suit, filed last week before the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the allegations and determine whether the reported contributions breached provisions of the Electoral Act governing campaign financing.

The organisation also wants the court to compel INEC to demand full disclosure from the APC and the affected governors on the alleged campaign fund, including the identities of contributors and the lawful sources of the funds.

SERAP further urged the court to direct the electoral commission to commence a comprehensive review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act, particularly regarding political donations, campaign financing and disclosure requirements by political parties and candidates in the current electoral cycle.

According to the rights group, the allegations raise fundamental concerns over transparency in political financing, electoral fairness and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in the democratic process.

It argued that opaque campaign financing remains a major conduit for corruption and undermines public confidence in democratic institutions.

In the suit filed by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, SERAP contended that the alleged diversion of public funds for political purposes poses “a grave threat” to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation maintained that large public financial flows, combined with weak transparency and oversight mechanisms, provide sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory powers to investigate and monitor political financing.

SERAP argued that Section 91 of the Electoral Act empowers INEC to regulate political donations, require disclosure of contributors and sources of campaign funds, and sanction individuals or political parties that exceed legally prescribed donation limits.

It noted that political parties found guilty of violating the donation ceiling risk fines of up to ₦10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals may be liable to penalties amounting to five times the value of contributions made beyond the legal limit.

According to SERAP, the Constitution, the Electoral Act and Nigeria’s obligations under international anti-corruption and human rights treaties impose clear responsibilities on INEC to prevent the misuse of state resources for electoral advantage and to guarantee transparency in political financing.

The organisation further argued that where allegations suggest that public resources may have been channelled into political campaigns outside lawful procedures, INEC has a legal duty to investigate and enforce the relevant provisions of the law.

SERAP also cited Sections 13, 14 and 15 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, insisting that electoral integrity cannot be guaranteed without accountability in campaign financing.

It warned that any diversion of public funds for partisan political purposes would amount to a serious abuse of public trust, distort electoral competition and undermine the principle of a level playing field.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

The Rivers State Government has commenced the construction of an 11.9-megawatt peak (MWp) solar mini-grid in Bolo, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, in a move aimed at expanding electricity access, stimulating economic activities and accelerating the state’s transition to clean energy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said reliable and affordable electricity remains fundamental to sustainable development, stressing that no community can achieve meaningful economic growth without stable power.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor described the project, being executed in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as more than an infrastructure investment.
According to him, the solar mini-grid represents an investment in the future of Bolo, with the capacity to transform businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and the local economy.

Fubara expressed confidence that the project would boost electricity supply, stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises, create employment opportunities, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life of residents, particularly women and other vulnerable groups.

He commended the Rural Electrification Agency and its development partners for collaborating with the Rivers State Government to deliver the project, describing the partnership as a demonstration of what can be achieved when governments and institutions work together to improve citizens’ welfare.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the state’s drive towards sustainable electrification and urged residents of Bolo to take ownership of the project by safeguarding the facilities, supporting contractors and cooperating with all stakeholders throughout the construction phase.

He expressed optimism that the community’s support would ensure the successful completion and long-term sustainability of the project.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises improved electricity access, economic growth and job creation.

Aliyu disclosed that the agency had completed 16 renewable energy projects across Rivers State and has another 17 projects in the pipeline, positioning the state as one of Nigeria’s leading beneficiaries of clean energy investments.
Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Power, Engr. Nicholas Iminabo Wokoma, explained that the solar mini-grid would complement the existing 33kV distribution network, providing Bolo community with a more reliable and efficient electricity supply.

He described the project as a scalable model that could be replicated in other unserved and underserved communities across the state, while commending the REA for partnering with the Rivers State Government to strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure.

Earlier, Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Vincent Nemieboka, praised the state government for selecting Bolo as the host community, describing the project as a sustainable energy solution that would guarantee affordable and clean electricity for residents.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Bolo Se Council of Chiefs, Chief Augustus Daddie Oforibokaka, expressed appreciation to the Federal and Rivers State governments for bringing the project to the kingdom.

He said the solar mini-grid would not only address the community’s longstanding electricity challenges but also improve access to potable water, stimulate economic activities and accelerate development.

The traditional leader, on behalf of the monarch, the Council of Chiefs and the people of Bolo Kingdom, thanked Governor Fubara and the Ogu/Bolo council chairman for facilitating the project, describing it as a landmark intervention for the community.

Retirees Get Major Boost as Fubara Sets Aside Over N107bn for Pensions, Gratuities, Death Benefits
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signalled a major commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants in Rivers State, earmarking more than N107 billion in his proposed N1.854 trillion 2026 Budget to settle pension obligations, clear outstanding gratuities and pay death benefits.

Presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill, christened “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” before the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday, the governor said his administration had made adequate provisions to address the long-standing plight of retirees, particularly those owed benefits accumulated over the years.

A breakdown of the budget shows that N20 billion has been allocated for gratuities, another N20 billion for legacy pension gratuities, N55.1 billion for monthly pension payments and N7 billion for death benefits.

The government also proposed N5 billion for Group Life Insurance and N4 billion for obligations under the Employee Compensation Act, bringing the total social protection package for serving and retired workers to well over N111 billion.
Fubara declared that the allocations reflect his administration’s determination to restore dignity to retired public servants by settling longstanding entitlements.

“We have also made sufficient arrangements to clear the backlog of gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants, which had accumulated under previous administrations,” the governor said.

Beyond retirees, the governor proposed N15.22 billion for the recruitment of new workers into the public service, a move expected to strengthen manpower across ministries, departments and agencies while creating employment opportunities for qualified residents.

Fubara said the people-centred budget was deliberately structured to improve the quality of life of Rivers people through sustained investment in human capital and social development.

According to him, the N1.854 trillion budget, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 estimates, was designed through extensive public consultation and reflects the aspirations of residents for a more prosperous and resilient state.

He noted that the budget aligns with his administration’s broader vision of building “a secure, prosperous and resilient State characterised by inclusive economic growth, sustainable development and improved standards of living for all.”

The governor identified economic growth, human capital development, socio-economic infrastructure and social investment as the four major pillars of the 2026 fiscal plan, stressing that every allocation was aimed at improving service delivery and expanding opportunities for citizens.

Describing the appropriation proposal as a budget that would touch every part of the state, Fubara told lawmakers that it was crafted to respond to the needs of Rivers people.

“We present to this Honourable House a budget that reflects the needs and aspirations of our people—a budget that will deliver for all residents of Rivers State,” he said.

The governor urged the House of Assembly to give the budget speedy consideration and approval to enable the government commence implementation of programmes aimed at accelerating development while improving the welfare of workers, retirees and other residents of the state.

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to the Senate, seeking accelerated legislative approval for reforms aimed at strengthening the administration and regulation of public senior secondary education in Nigeria.

The President’s request was conveyed in a letter read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu said the proposed amendment was designed to enhance the management, institutional framework and oversight of public senior secondary education nationwide as part of his administration’s broader agenda to revitalise the education sector.

According to the President, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the bill at its meeting of April 30, 2026, following which the Federal Ministry of Justice vetted and finalised the draft in line with constitutional provisions and legislative drafting standards.

“In furtherance of this administration’s commitment to strengthening educational institutions in the national interest, the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is hereby forwarded for legislative action by the National Assembly,” Tinubu stated in the letter.
He urged the Senate to accord the bill expeditious consideration, expressing confidence that its passage would support ongoing efforts to improve the country’s education system.

Responding, Akpabio referred the proposed legislation to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, directing it to report back to the chamber within one week.
The bill comes amid the Federal Government’s renewed push to reform secondary education.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, recently announced plans to end the policy separating junior secondary schools (JSS) from senior secondary schools (SSS), arguing that the arrangement has failed to achieve its intended objectives.

According to the minister, the policy has created disparities in student enrolment, with overcrowding in many junior secondary schools while several senior secondary schools remain underutilised.

He also disclosed that the disarticulation policy had weakened the transition from primary to senior secondary education, revealing that more than 20 million pupils who enrolled in primary schools did not progress to senior secondary level.