Scrapping State Electoral Commissions Unconstitutional, PLASIEC Warns

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has decried calls for the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), warning that such is unconstitutional and will be catastrophic to grassroots democratic structure.

Addressing a press conference in Jos, the Plateau State capital, PLASIEC Chairman, Mr. Plangji Daniel Cishak said, “While some have questioned their independence, we at PLASIEC believe that scrapping them is unconstitutional and catastrophic to the collective aspirations of our people for the creation of strong democratic structures at the grassroots. Instead, we must pursue reform, capacity-building, and the standardisation of processes across the country.”

Cishak also expressed readiness to host the 13th National Delegates Conference of Forum of Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) in Jos.

He said that the three-day event scheduled for 21st to 23rd of May 2025 is expected to welcome no fewer than 304 delegates drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that the delegates will include Chairmen, Commissioners, and Secretaries of various State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

“The theme for this year’s conference is both timely and compelling: ‘Local Government Elections in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’. It is a theme that calls for sober reflection, informed debate, and actionable outcomes.

“In addition, we are expecting three serving governors, representatives of the Forum of Nigerian House of Assembly Speakers, and members of the National Assembly—particularly the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters. Their participation underscores the national significance of the issues on the table and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening local governance through credible elections”, he disclosed.

Cishak said that at the heart of preparations for the conference are the core values that define PLASIEC, which are guiding principles woven into the fabric of the commission’s work, expressing their commitment to integrity, honesty, fairness, and electoral justice.

He added that PLASIEC processes are governed by transparency and accountability, ensuring that the public can trust not just the outcomes but the steps taken to arrive at them.

“We are guided by conviction, standing firmly on democratic principles and the rule of law, independent in our decision-making and resolute in defending the truth.”

He assured that the conference will provide a platform for learning, self-assessment, and shared growth as it will offer electoral commissions an opportunity to engage in peer review, examine challenges, share innovations, and chart a collective path forward.

Methodist Church Synod to Focus on Spiritual Upliftment of Members

Bennett Oghifo

The spiritual upliftment of members will be the focus of the 2025 Annual Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Adviser, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, Abiona Babarinde.

The three-day event, which is holding at Methodist Church Nigeria, Idimu, Lagos, began yesterday, with both the Ministerial and Lay Sessions. The Lay President of Methodist Church Nigeria, Archdiocese of Lagos Mainland, Olusola Adu, was expected to declare the Synod open today, while the Synod programme will be rounded off with a thanksgiving service tomorrow at the same venue during the 10.00am service.

The annual Synod brings together all the leaders of the federating Circuits that make up the Diocese, namely, Palm – Avenue Circuit, Odi – Olowo Circuit, Oke – Afa Circuit and the host, Idimu Circuit, to both review the past activities and likewise preview the future of the Diocese.

According to the statement, the Chief Host of the Synod, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Revd. Ezekiel Akande, said, “This year’s deliberation will be unique in all ramifications as both the ministerial and the Lay leaders of the Diocese shall focus more on the evangelism aspect of our doctrine as Methodist towards the growth and development of all the unit Churches that make up the Diocese.

“Our discussions will revolve round how we can rise to the occasion of giving our Diocese the spiritual upliftment of our members through effective evangelism in and around our locations where we have our Churches. This will help expand our presence to reach out to more people beyond existing members. More importantly is to equally galvanise our young members towards building their spiritual future which the Churches will leverage on towards building forward looking Churches that can stand the test of time.”