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Uncertainty Over Fate Of PIB, Electoral Act Amendment Bill

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5 years ago

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Nigerians who think last month’s passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 will pave the way for new laws will have to wait much longer as the two bills are still at the National Assembly.

The media reports that the bills still have a lot of work to be done on them and it is unlikely the bills will be sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent this month.

The passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill on July 1, 2021 after 14 years of its sojourn in the National Assembly raised fresh controversy concerning the provision of three per cent for the host communities from the actual annual expenditure of proceeding year of the oil company to be paid directly to the host community development trust fund.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives committees had proposed five per cent of the actual annual operating expenditure of the preceding financial year in the upstream petroleum operations for the host communities as against a request of 10 per cent by the host communities.

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who first introduced the PIB proposed 10 per cent for the host communities. When the Buhari administration was introducing the bill in the 8th Assembly, five per cent was proposed for the host communities. The percentage was later reduced to 2.5 for the host communities.

While the Senate passed three per cent, the House of Representatives passed five per cent but the conference committee of the National

Assembly settled for three per cent.

Leaders from the Niger Delta region have been calling for a review of the three per cent to five.

Former governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West

at the National Assembly, Seriake Dickson said if the host communities are not happy, the oil companies might not be safe to do business in the area.

Dickson called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to sign the bill until more consultations are made.

But the media findings on the PIB show that despite the passage of the bill on 1 July, 2021, the National Assembly bureaucracy is still working on the document.

Worried by the long delay in transmitting the bills, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters in the House of Representatives, Umar el-Yakub, said Buhari is waiting for the PIB as well as the Electoral Act Amendment bill.

According to el-Yakub, Buhari will sign the bills as soon as they are transmitted to him.

But speaking on why the bills have not been transmitted to President Buhari for assent, one of the officials at the National Assembly

bureaucracy said the PIB is undergoing a clean-up, adding that legislative work has also not been completed on the Electoral Act Amendment bill.

“For the PIB, it is undergoing a clean-up by the National Assembly Bureaucracy. The bill is over 300 clauses. We need to take time to go through these clauses one after the other to ensure that the clauses truly reflect the position of the National Assembly.

“So, after the clean-up, it will now go for authentication and the Clerk will sign it and take it to Mr President for his assent,” the source said, adding that there is no date yet for transmission since the clean-up process will take time.

“For the Electoral Act, there is supposed to be a conference committee when the lawmakers return from recess in September.

“They will set up the conference committee during plenary. Usually, when the two chambers have different positions on any bill, there will  be a conference committee comprise of members from both chambers. So, they will meet when they come back,” he said.

The media reports that the clean-up on the PIB, if a thorough job must be done, because of the National Assembly bureaucracy, it will take time and it is unlikely the two bills would be signed this  month.

The passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021, with a condition on the electronic transmission of results, had angered Nigerians against the members of the National Assembly with the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) and some other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) condemning the action.

They have called on President Buhari not to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill until the proper thing is done.

Nigerians have earlier called for electronic voting and electronic transmission of election results in order to cub electoral malpractices.

But when the members of the National Assembly voted on the bill, Clause 52 (3) was amended in the red chamber to allow the Nigerian  Communications Commission (NCC) to decide where and when electronic voting and electronic transmission of results should take place.

The contentious clause 52 has angered Nigerians who are now calling on President Muhammadu Buhari not to sign the bill.

The Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), an umbrella body of all political parties in Nigeria has said that they are meeting this week to take a stand on the bill adding that the action of the lawmakers have taken the country back to the dark days.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, IPAC spokesman, Major Agbo said the political parties are not happy with the voting of the members of the National Assembly, adding that the outcome did not reflect the proposals they made to the lawmakers.

On her part, the director, CDD, Idayat Hassan said many Nigerians are not happy with the outcome of the voting, adding that they will mobilise themselves for a better engagement.

“For us at the CDD, we are very unhappy especially with the exclusion of the electronic transmission of results,because we feel that process will improve the credibility of elections and take away all the human interference that is often encountered in our elections.

“I think it is high time Nigeria mobilised against it (electoral bill)

because the National Assembly is actually representing Nigerians not otherwise. In few days, the civil society will be unveiling what their plans will be in terms of this electoral act. If it means engaging  them at their Constituency level, I am sure that Nigerians will not rest until the right thing is done, ” Idayat said.

Also, the executive director,  Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Awwal Musa Rafsanjani said it is surprising the lawmakers removed that part.

According to CISLAC, the action of the lawmakers shows they don’t want to end electoral violence in Nigeria.

“When they submit the bill, the president should carefully study it and toe the line with the popular aspirations of Nigerians which is  about improving the electoral process in Nigeria and make it free from manipulation,” Rafsanjani added.

Ijaw Elders Ask Jonathan To Meet PMB On PIB, Others

Ijaw elders from the nine states of the Niger Delta region have asked former President Goodluck Jonathan to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari on the review of some bills passed by the National Assembly.

Top in their request is the provision of three per cent for oil-producing communities in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The elders of the Ijaw nation, who were represented by the national executive members of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, made the demand during a meeting with Jonathan in his office in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

They also listed the Water Resources Bill and other laws, which they claimed, infringed on their human, material resources and environmental rights of the people of the region.

The leader of the delegation and national president of the INC, Prof Benjamin Okaba, said though his executive had commenced the process of building better relationship and mutual cooperation with other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta and other minority groups within and outside the country, there was need for the former president to liaise with the presidency to have a rethink on PIB and the Water Resources Bill.

He also urged Jonathan to strengthen Ijaw advocacy at national and international circles on resource justice, restructuring and the creation of at least two additional states and more local government areas to address their challenges of balkanisation.

Culled from the Leadership News Nigeria

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Wazobia Family Funfair AT 10 – Decade of Family, Culture, and Community

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2 days ago

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June 8, 2026

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On July 25, 2026, families from across Houston will gather at the West Oaks Mall on 1000 West Oaks, Houston, to celebrate a milestone that extends far beyond food, music, and entertainment. The 10th Anniversary of the Wazobia Family Funfair represents a decade-long journey of community building, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and family-centered engagement.

What began as a customer appreciation initiative has evolved into one of the most recognizable African community events in Texas. For ten years, the Funfair has provided a space where families reconnect with culture, children experience heritage, entrepreneurs build relationships, and communities strengthen the bonds that define them.

The story of the anniversary begins with the story of Wazobia itself. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Tunde Fashina, Wazobia was created with a vision that stretched beyond commerce. According to Fashina, the goal was never simply to sell products.

FASHINA, OHAZURIKE: For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.

“The emphasis was not more on getting the products,” he explained. “The emphasis was on creating a feeling of belonging to the customer, so that they feel at home any time they come to our place.”

That philosophy became the foundation of the business. Fashina spent nearly two years developing the business plan. The challenge was enormous. He had limited financial resources and relied heavily on relationships, determination, and faith.

“The business plan had to involve getting this business up with absolutely no money, because I didn’t have any,” he recalled.

The early years tested every aspect of his resolve. He performed multiple roles simultaneously.

“I was a cleaner. I was a restocker. I was a cashier. I did all the work,” he said. “I slept in the shop throughout for almost 18 months because I was working around the clock.”

Despite the challenges, growth came quickly.

“God showed up in ways that I could not describe,” Fashina said. “People started coming in little by little, and the growth rate exceeded everything in the business plan.”

Yet even as the company expanded, community remained central to the mission. “We created a sub-plan,” he explained. “How do we give back to those who built us? How do we let our customers know that we appreciate them?”

The answer became what is now known as the Wazobia Family Funfair.

 

 

Over the years, the event evolved from a modest appreciation day into a major annual celebration featuring cultural performances, African music, dance, games, food vendors, business showcases, and family activities.

For Paula Ohazurike, Project Manager at Wazobia, the event represents much more than an annual gathering. Her experience since she joined Wazobia reflects a recurring theme in conversations with employees and customers: Wazobia is viewed not merely as a business but as a community institution.

That philosophy is visible in the Family Funfair. The event creates a rare space where generations come together. Children born in America are introduced to African traditions through music, dance, language, fashion, and food. Parents and grandparents reconnect with memories of home while sharing those experiences with younger family members.

In a city as diverse as Houston, such gatherings carry significant cultural value. Houston is home to one of the largest African immigrant populations in the United States. Yet many families often struggle to maintain cultural connections while navigating modern American life. Events like the Wazobia Family Funfair help bridge that gap.

The significance of the Funfair extends beyond cultural preservation. It serves as a platform for economic empowerment. Small businesses, vendors, artists, and service providers use the event to connect with potential customers. Community organizations engage residents. Entrepreneurs build networks. Relationships formed during the event often extend throughout the year.

According to Ohazurike, the event has become one of the most effective community-engagement platforms within Houston’s African diaspora. The atmosphere itself reflects the spirit of family. Children enjoy games, bounce houses, and face painting. Families participate in contests and group activities. Music fills the air. Food vendors showcase culinary traditions from across Africa.

The result is an experience that feels both festive and deeply personal. Fashina believes that sense of belonging remains the event’s greatest achievement. “There is no reason for us not to provide an environment that people can be proud of,” he said. “A place where they can bring their friends and enjoy themselves.”

 

 

That vision continues to guide the organization. Today, Wazobia has expanded significantly, operating multiple locations and employing approximately 250 people. “It is something we are immensely proud of,” Fashina noted. “But this is only the beginning.” Growth, however, is measured by more than financial success.

For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.

The Family Funfair embodies that philosophy by bringing people together in ways that strengthen relationships and encourage collective progress. Perhaps that is why the event has endured for ten years. Many community events emerge with enthusiasm but struggle to survive. Sustaining a large-scale annual celebration requires trust, consistency, and a genuine commitment to service. The Wazobia Family Funfair has achieved that longevity because it has remained focused on people.

Over the past decade, families have returned year after year. Children who attended the first Funfair now return as young adults. New immigrants have found friendships and support systems. Businesses have launched partnerships. Countless memories have been created.

 

 

The anniversary therefore represents more than a milestone date on a calendar; it represents ten years of shared experiences; ten years of preserving culture; ten years of supporting businesses; ten years of strengthening families; and ten years of building community.

As Houston prepares for the 2026 celebration, organizers are looking toward the future while honoring the past. For Ohazurike, the mission remains simple. “We want people to feel welcome,” she said. “We want families to come together and create memories.”
For Fashina, the broader vision remains rooted in possibility. “We can do it,” he said. “We just have to have a goal in mind and take it one step at a time.”

Those words capture the spirit of the Wazobia Family Funfair. At its heart, the event is not simply a festival. It is a living expression of community resilience, cultural pride, and family unity. It demonstrates how a business can become a community anchor. It illustrates how relationships can create opportunities. It reminds us that culture thrives when it is shared. Ten years after its inception, the Wazobia Family Funfair continues to embody the meaning of its name—an invitation for everyone to come together.

In a world increasingly defined by division and isolation, that invitation may be more important than ever. And as families gather once again this July, they will celebrate more than an anniversary. They will celebrate a decade of belonging.

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Burbank Marriage Unravels After Woman Allegedly Used Tracking Devices to Monitor Husband

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5 months ago

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December 27, 2025

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Burbank, Calif. — What began as a seemingly happy two-year marriage ended in confrontation and police involvement after a Burbank woman allegedly used multiple electronic tracking devices to monitor her husband’s movements, authorities and sources familiar with the situation said.

According to information obtained by this outlet, the marriage between Amos and Yolanda deteriorated after Yolanda allegedly placed Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and a GPS tracking device on Amos’ vehicle and personal belongings without his knowledge. The devices reportedly allowed her to monitor his location in real time and reconstruct his daily movements across the city.

Friends of the couple said the marriage appeared stable during its early years, with the pair often seen together at community events and social gatherings. However, tensions reportedly escalated when Yolanda began confronting Amos about his whereabouts, referencing locations and timelines he had not shared with her.

The situation reached a breaking point when Yolanda allegedly tracked Amos to an apartment complex in Burbank, where she believed he had gone without informing her. Sources say she arrived at the location shortly after he did, leading to a heated confrontation in the parking area of the building. Neighbors, alarmed by raised voices, contacted local authorities.

Burbank police responded to the scene and separated the parties. While no arrests were immediately announced, the incident marked the effective end of the couple’s marriage, according to individuals close to Amos.

Legal experts note that the unauthorized use of tracking devices may raise serious privacy and stalking concerns under California law, depending on intent and consent. Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed whether an investigation remains ongoing.

The case underscores growing concerns about the misuse of consumer tracking technology, originally designed to help locate lost items, but increasingly implicated in domestic disputes and surveillance-related allegations.

As of publication, neither Amos nor Yolanda had publicly commented on the incident.

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Kaduna Governor Commissions Nigeria’s First 100-Building Prefabricated Housing Estate

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7 months ago

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November 14, 2025

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Kaduna, Nigeria – November 6, 2025 — In a major milestone for Nigeria’s housing sector, the Governor of Kaduna State has commissioned a 100-unit mass housing estate developed by Family Homes and executed by Karmod Nigeria, marking the first-ever large-scale prefabricated housing project in the country.

Completed in under six months, the innovative project demonstrates the power of modern prefabricated construction to deliver high-quality, affordable homes at record speed — a sharp contrast to traditional building methods that often take years.

Each of the 100 units in the estate is designed for a lifespan exceeding 50 years with routine maintenance. The development features tarred access roads, efficient drainage systems, clean water supply, and steady electricity, ensuring a modern and comfortable living environment for residents.

According to Family Homes, the project represents a new era in Nigeria’s mass housing delivery, proving that cutting-edge technology can accelerate the provision of sustainable and cost-effective homes for Nigerians.

“With prefabricated technology, we can drastically reduce construction time while maintaining top-quality standards,” said a spokesperson for Family Homes. “This project is a clear demonstration of what’s possible when innovation meets commitment to solving Nigeria’s housing deficit.”

Reinforcing this commitment, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State emphasized the alignment between the initiative and the state’s broader vision for affordable housing.

“The Family Homes Funds Social Housing Project aligns with our administration’s commitment to the provision of affordable houses for Kaduna State citizens. Access to safe, affordable and secure housing is the foundation of human dignity. We have been partnering with local and international investors to frontally address our housing deficit,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ademola Adebise, Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, noted that the project embodies inclusivity and social progress.

“The Social Housing Project also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing becomes a foundation for economic participation and improved quality of life.”

Karmod Nigeria, the technical partner behind the project, utilized its extensive expertise in prefabricated technology to localize the process, employing local artisans and materials to enhance community participation and job creation.

Industry experts have described the Kaduna project as a blueprint for future housing initiatives nationwide, capable of addressing the country’s housing shortfall more efficiently and sustainably.

With this pioneering development, Kaduna State takes a leading role in introducing modern housing technologies that promise to reshape Nigeria’s urban landscape.

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