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EiE Nigeria Weekly Update Friday, July 14, 2017

“As soon as any man says of the affairs of the State"What does it matter to me?" the State may be given up for lost.”

- Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Philosopher)

#AbsenteePresident: 3 Days to 120 Days of Medical Leave

In 2009, former President Yar’Adua was away from the country for 3 months due to ill-health without disclosing the state of his health. We are faced with similar circumstances again. Today, July 14th makes it 117 days of medical leave for President Buhari this year. This is almost 1/3 of the year.

Should we just wait for his indefinite return?

Share your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter or send us an email!

#OfficeOfTheCitizen Radio Programmes!

#OfficeOfTheCitizen in Calabar on Hit95.9FM – “Understanding the Office of the Citizen”Our newest addition to the OOTC Radio family was launched on Thursday, July 13th. Citizens were educated on their roles and responsibilities as active citizens. Tune in every Thursday at 8:00am.#OfficeOfTheCitizen in Ibadan on Splash105.5FM – “Understanding Constituency Project”Ademola Adewusi of Border Areas Development Initiative led the discussion on effectiveness and execution of constituency projects. Join us again tomorrow, July 15th as we discuss ways to prevent environmental disasters in Oyo State.#OfficeOfTheCitizen in Lagos on NigeriaInfo99.3FM – “Power Sector Recovery Plan (2017 – 2022)”Tayo Gbemle of PowerUp NG led the discussion on the analysis of the recent Power Sector Recovery Plan.Miss the conversation? Catch up.Tune in every Wednesday at 8.00am.#OfficeOfTheCitizen in Abeokuta on Sweet107.1FM – “New Tax Regime: Resultant Multiple Taxation on Citizens”Ogun State Chairman of Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialist, Olusegun Dada was on air to discuss the extent at which recent tax policy is affecting ordinary citizens.Tune in every Tuesday at 10:30am.Never forget, the office of the citizen is the highest office in the land! Tweet at @EiENigeria using #OfficeOfTheCitizenWatch Out for #OfficeOfTheCitizen in Anambra, Kano & Abuja coming soon!

Jibrin and Saraki Join the Recall Train!

Active citizens in Bebeji/Kiru federal constituency of Kano State have initiated recall process against their suspended House of Representatives member, Abdulmumini Jibrin. They claimed that their representation at the House of Representatives has been vacant since his suspension. They promised to officially kick – start the process at INEC office on July 30, 2017.

Also, Kwara Youth Stakeholders Forum (KYSF) threatened to recall Senate President, Bukola Saraki over his unimpressive stewardship. The group worries that there are numerous bills of public interest that requires urgent attention by the Senate but are treated with levity.

The constitution provides for the recall of a non-performing legislator but there has been no successful attempt since our return to democracy in 1999.

Office of the Citizen with Chude Jideonwo: Today’s Nigerian Dream

What the majority of Nigerians want today is a country that works on a basic level. To translate this into bread and butter, Nigerians want a country where poverty is significantly reduced, where road networks are efficient, where there are alternatives for transportation, where the taps run water, where there is electricity and where schools are good enough for children to learn in dignity.

The truth is, the aspirations of Nigerians today are limited, understandably thus by the abundance of basic challenges that our country faces. Nigeria has dealt harshly with its citizens. It has oppressed, repressed and depressed them. It has closed hearts and slammed doors. And this has happened by way of a vast majority of the same people who hold public office, sit in civil service, and hold together government imperatives as I write, today…Read More 

Class Action Updates

1. Are you an unmetered customer of Eko and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Companies having inflated estimates billing?Click to join the class action lawsuit or send your Name, LGA/LCDA, Last Estimated Bill and DISCO Account Number to 09023555335.The suit came up for hearing today Friday, July 14, 2017.2. On Wednesday, September 14, 2016 a Lagos-based consumer rights lawyer, Olumide Babalola, filed a class action suit at the Lagos High Court for himself and on behalf of all the subscribers of the GSM operators who might have received the unsolicited calls and messages from the telecommunication companies in Nigeria.Judgement has been reserved for Wednesday, October 4, 2017.

Would you be Silent if your Daughter was Missing for 1190 Days?

It will be 1190 days on Monday, July 13th since 276 #ChibokGirls were abducted.Chibok Girls:            276 abducted.            57 escaped.             3 found.             103 released.             5 infants with our girls.            19 parents dead.                         We are still missing 113! Lend your voice in your own way or join our gatherings:Abuja – Unity Fountain, Daily, 5 - 6pmLagos – Falomo Roundabout, Ikoyi, Saturdays, Noon – 1pmLagos – Ejigbo Local Council Area, Opposite NNPC, Ejigbo, 2nd & 3rd Saturdays, 11am – 1pmSubscribe to get periodic updates.

Party Politics 101

‘Party Politics 101 – The Good, Bad & Ugly’ was hosted by EiE and 3 political aspirants – Ayisha Osori (Federal House of Representatives Aspirant, PDP), Akinyinka Akinnola (Gubernatorial Aspirant, APC) and Bobo Omotayo (Ogun State House of Assembly Aspirant, PDP) – explicitly discussed the politics at play in making key decisions in Nigeria political parties. The panel was moderated by Feyi Fawehinmi.Did you attend the event? Please help provide feedback by filling this survey.

Election Watch: Kebbi State Local Government Elections

Tomorrow, July 15th, Kebbi State citizens will go to the polls to elect new council officials who will steer the affairs in 21 local council areas for the next three years.In Kebbi? Adopt a polling unit and use Revoda to report happenings!

Local Government elections in Lagos; gubernatorial elections in Anambra, Ekiti & Osun and the 2019 elections are around the corner – have you registered to vote??

#DinoRecall Updates

INEC has complied with the order of Justice Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja suspending the recall process of the Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye. The court order dated July 6, 2017 directed all parties listed in the suit filed by Melaye to maintain the status quo till the determination of the Motion on Notice. Justice Tsoho adjourned hearing of the Motion on Notice till September 29, 2017.

However, the 90 days time lag for the recall process as provided by the constitution will lapse on September 19, 2017. INEC has drawn the attention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to the court order.

Legislative Updates

Osun: The Senate has sworn-in Ademola Adeleke (PDP) as the new Senator representing Osun West senatorial district, replacing his brother, Isiaka Adeleke (APC) who died on April 23, 2017.

Week in Review - July 14, 2017

There is vacancy for a position at EiE Nigeria   

Have a great weekend!

The EiE Nigeria Team