THE serial attempts to amend the Electoral Act in readiness for the 2019 general elections have turned out as the messiest such effort since our return to democracy in 1999. The Electoral Act (Amendment Bill), which the National Assembly Joint Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has just reworked, for the record fourth time, is the enabling legal instrument for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

Also, early in September this year, another high-level meeting was held in Germany under the sponsorship of the United Nations, Nigeria, Norway and the hosts, Germany, to focus on tackling the humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad region.

WE are worried over the conflicting reports concerning the safety of the runways and landing facilities at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. The airport is being assessed for international operations.

THERE is a lot to be desired about birth registration in Nigeria. The low level of this important exercise in the country is worrisome because it is often an afterthought rather than a deliberate effort.

It gives cheap political investors the opportunity to purchase these forms for occupants of plum and powerful political offices to assert themselves as future “stakeholders” if their candidates win. This form of unbridled political speculation cannot promote our touted war on corruption. There should be no reason to make nomination forms too expensive for anyone who seeks election to serve.