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2023: INEC Reiterates Determination To Have A Successful, Free And Fair Election

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reiterated the determination of the Commission to be more organized, transparent in making the 2023 General Elections free and fair.

Yakubu said the Commission is leveraging on the successful Governorship Elections in Ekiti and Osun States where International observers and Nigerians applauded INEC for making the elections free and fair.

He added that the Commission is not resting on its oars to make the 2023 General Election a success, and is poised on improving and drawing vital lessons from the conduct of the Ekiti and Osun election.

The INEC boss made these remarks at a Retreat on the Ekiti and  Osun Off Circle Governorship Elections at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The aim of the retreat is for the Commission to identify areas where it is lagging behind and need to work on as the 2023 Polls gather momentum.

Yakubu said that the retreat is the Commission’s tradition of reviewing election to learn lessons for improvement of future elections, adding that in the last one decade, the conduct of elections in particular, and the management of the electoral process in general have become more complex.

He is, however, optimistic and assured Nigerians that the 2023 Polls will be the best ever election in the country.

He went further to say that Osun was an improvement on Ekiti,which gives the Commission confidence that working on the same principles, the General Election will also be successfully delivered.

He, therefore, stressed that the Commission will also intensify consultations and engagement across the country.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Lagos State, Olusegun Agbaje in his welcome address said the retreat is geared towards a thorough and honest appraisal of the conduct of the off-circle Governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States with a view to ensuring an improved performance in the conduct of a free,fair,credible and inclusive General Election in 2023.

He commended the Commission on the achievements recorded, so far, in the implementation of the 2022-2026 strategic programmes of actions, 2023 election project plan, expansion of voter access to polling units, and successful conclusion of continuous voter registration exercise.

In the same vein, Rudolf Elbking, the Team leader, Development Associates incorporated, DAI, one of the Commission’s Development Partners said that INEC has made progress over the years with an open innovative and transparency, that has seen it experience a remarkable progress.

The retreat which had in attendance National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners and Directors is expected to hold from 14th-16th September, 2022.

South West PDP Insists Ayu Must Resign As National Chairman, As Atiku Visits Ibadan

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar at Ibadan

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the South West has called for the resignation of the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, spoke on behalf of the PDP South-West region at a meeting with the Presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Makinde said, “Eight years of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) has left us sharply divided. The issue is we must practice what we preach. If we want to unify Nigeria, we must unify PDP first.

“If we want to restructure Nigeria, we must have the willingness to bring inclusivity to PDP. Do we have the capacity? The answer is resounding yes.”

Governor Seyi Makinde used the occasion of the visit of Atiku to Ibadan for consultations with stakeholders in the south west to reiterate the demand of his colleague from Rivers State, Nyesom Wike that the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu resign from the office since another northerner has emerged as the Presidential Candidate of the party.

According to him, the demand was to pave way for justice and equity among the regions of the country.

At the South-West Zonal Meeting of the PDP with Atiku,Governor Makinde was emphatic that the resignation of Ayu would greatly help the fortune of the party in next year’s election.

 “Our party wants to rescue Nigeria and our candidate is a unifier. He wants to restructure Nigeria.

“The message from the south-west PDP is that the south-west is asking that the national working committee (NWC) of the PDP should be restructured.

“We are asking the national chairman to step down so that the south will be fully included. That is the message.”

The meeting was attended by the the Vice presidential candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and other top hierarchy of the party, such as Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Sen. Dino Melaye; Alhaji Babangida Aliyu; former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State; Governorship Candidate of Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, Ademola Adeleke, the governor-elect of Osun State, former minister of State, FCT, Mrs Jumoke Akinjide, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and a host it others.

PDP South west stakeholders including state chairmen from the zone had earlier in the week met in Ibadan to prepare the agenda and tone of the meeting with Atiku, who had earlier been hosted by Lagos chapter of the party.

Police Service Commission Staff Storm National Assembly, Protest Police Illegal Interference

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police Service Commission Staff Protest

By Ayodele Oni

The staff of the Police Service Commission have continued to press for free hand to implement the core mandates on which the commission was established

Last month, the workers embarked on three days strike over what it called usurpation of the commission’s functions by the Nigeria Police Force(NPF).

The workers did not stop there as they protested at the National Assembly, on Wednesday, insisting on restoration of the Commission’s three core mandates.

Carrying placards with different inscriptions, the workers said their agitation is simply usurpation of the mandates of the Commission by the Nigeria Police Force.

This has become a subject of litigation since 2019 up to the Court of Appeal and the workers are alleging contempt of court.

They identified Recruitment, Promotion, and Discipline as the three core mandates of the Commission stipulated in the Act establishing it.

Both the commission and the NPF

are expected to collaborate in the area of recruitment, while officers that are due for promotion are recommended to the commission for elevation by NPF.

The Joint Union Congress of the Police Service Commission, (PSC) had issued a notice of indefinite strike effective from Monday, August 29, 2022.

Chairman of the Joint Service Union, PSC chapter, Mr Adoyi Adoyi, announced in Abuja that the notice is coming amidst disagreement between workers of the commission, the Chairman of the commission, Mr Musiliu Smith, and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, on the functions of the commission.

PSC, according to statute establishing it is responsible for recruitment, promotion, and appointment of constables and officers.

This has led to the suspension of the exercise nationwide until further notice.

Adoyi  pointed out that the IGP and other police chiefs in connivance with the chairman of the PSC, have overruled the constitutional duty of the PSC.

The union leader added that the IGP has allegedly taken it upon himself to carry out the functions of the PSC in flagrant disregard of the Nigeria constitution, a verdict of the Appeal Court, and the authorities of the PSC.

 “We’re embarking on an indefinite strike from Monday, August 29, to show our discontent with the way the PSC is being run by the chairman of the commission, and the flagrant disregard for the constitution, the court of law, and the PSC by the IGP, Usman Baba.

“The duties of the PSC are spelt out in the constitution, but the IGP has disregarded all of that, and has taken over the duties of the commission.

“He appoints and promotes at will as opposed to what is stated in the constitution.

“According to the constitution, the appointment, promotion, and recruitment of police officers and constables are the prerogative of the PSC, not the IGP.”

I Have Turned Around Health Sector In Ondo – Akeredolu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu with NMA Leadership

By Ayodele Oni

Despite mass exodus which has hit health personnel in Ondo State due to delayed payment of salaries, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said he is proud of the achievements recorded by his administration in the health sector.

The Governor declared that the health sector in the state fared better under his administration since he assumed office in 2017.

Governor Akeredolu spoke in his office while receiving the new leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State Chapter, led by the Chairman, Dr. Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe.

The Governor stressed that the Mother and Child hospitals were only two before his administration came on board.

He said the hospitals were extended to seven across the three senatorial districts of the state by his government.

Governor Akeredolu also said the University of Medical Sciences had no accredited courses until when his administration facilitated the accreditation of many courses in the institution.

According to the Governor, there were dearth of equipment in the various hospitals in the state before his government intervened.

Governor Akeredolu noted that his administration is also constructing 250-bed facilities both at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospitals (UNIMEDTH) in Akure and Ondo town, respectively.

He further stated that more health workers including doctors and nurses have been employed by the Hospital Management Board, UNIMEDTH and the Primary Health Care Development Agency.

“When we came in, there were many things that were lacking but are now put in place. Will it be denied that when we came on board, the State Specialist hospital we met in Akure was not the same today. We are putting a 250-bedder both in Akure and Ondo.”

The Governor called on the NMA leadership to help propagate the state Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, adding that it will rebrand the state health sector and position it for optimum performance.

Earlier, the NMA chairman, Dr. Adeyemi-Osowe,  described the recruitment done by the Akeredolu administration at the Primary Healthcare Development Agency as the single largest employment done at the agency since the creation of the state.

“I will like to appreciate you for the security measures embraced by your administration to ensure peace in the State. Also, we appreciate you for the massive infrastructure in the state.

“We can see the road construction across the length and breadth of Ondo State. And this is in accordance with the REDEEMED Agenda of your administration.

“I will also commend you for the monthly salaries that we get. Also, the massive employment done last year into this body and it cut across Doctors, Pharmacists, community extension workers, community officers and other health workers.”

Attack On Senator Ubah: The Military, Security Agencies Will Respond – Buhari

By
The Source
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Ifeanyi Ubah attack

By Charles Igbo

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that four Policemen were killed when gunmen attacked the  convoy of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. And the President promises, indirectly, a revenge. Ubah, also lost two Aides in the attack.

President Buhari in a statement released on Wednesday, said he was waiting for the response of the Military and other Security Agencies.

Gunmen had ambushed and attacked the Senator’s convoy at Nkwo market, Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday, 11th September, 2022.

The Senator who is representing Anambra South at the National Assembly escaped death by whiskers because he drove in an SUV bullet proof car.

Until the President revealed the number of Policemen  killed in the attack, both the Senator and the Anambra State Police Command were reluctant to disclose it to the Media.

The attack, unprecedented, even in the insecurity- ravaged South-east, has been greeted with outrage. Many Igbo people described it as a sacrilege.

At the scene of the attack on Sunday, after the havoc wreaked by the gunmen, one young man kept screaming at nobody in particular: “This is not good. This is our brother.”

In the statement signed on his behalf, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu,  President Buhari condemned the attack, seen as an assassination attempt, in strong words. And his promise: “I am waiting for the response of the Military and Security Agencies.” He said he was closely monitoring the situation. Buhari also condolences with the families of the four Policemen and other people,  commiserated with Ubah, and wished the injured, quick recovery.

The statement which said the attack is barbaric and condemnable, was titled: ‘President Buhari condemns as barbaric attack on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.’ It reads in part:

“We are deeply concerned about the activities of armed groups in the region and in other parts of the country.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further details on the response to the worrisome situation by the Police, the military and other Security Agencies.

“The Nation has lost four brave Policemen and other Aides of the Senator.

“On behalf of the Government and the people, I pay homage to these Security men and the Aides who were brutally murdered. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this difficult time.”

Professor Charles Soludo, Anambra State Governor, has promised that the culprits will face the full weight of the law.

2023: PDP Blasts APC Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Dwindling Economy; APC Fights Back

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa have lambasted the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, over its defense of its Muslim-Muslim Joint Ticket, and the dwindling economic fortunes of the nation.

The PDP Stalwarts said the decision of the APC to field Muslims as its candidate is a total disrespect to the sensibilities of Nigerians and an insensitive decision to make in a diversified nation like Nigeria.

It also carpeted the Buhari-led APC government for running the economy aground and making Nigerians poorer than they were eight years ago.

Atiku and Okowa, who described the ruling party’s choice of same faith ticket as the most insensitive political step, spoke in two separate political events organised in Abuja and Lagos.

Okowa, who was in the company of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchi Ayu, at an event in Abuja, said “I personally do not believe in the Muslim-Muslim ticket. The reason is that there is diversity when it comes to that. Therefore, sticking to one faith is not a good thing to do particularly in a troubled nation as we are in today. It’s almost like going on to having the presidential candidate  from the North and picking the vice presidential candidate also from the North.”

The Delta State Governor is however optimistic that the PDP will triumph at the 2023 Presidential Election.

So, the only ticket that can work for Nigeria is the ticket that doe not tie election victory to either the Muslim or Christian faith,” he stressed.

 The summit was organised by the Northern Christian Youth Assembly with the theme, “Unifying Nigeria: The role of Northern Christian youths and women.”

Okowa told the youth that with their support, the party would win the 2023 elections.

He said the PDP had been receiving several defectors, adding that more people were joining the Atiku/Okowa project.

While commending the group for organising the meeting to discuss Nigeria’s challenges and the pathways to finding solutions, he advised everyone to prepare to vote in the coming poll.

Reacting to the swipe at the APC by the duo of Atiku and Okowa, the Director-General of the Asiwaju Tinubu-Shettima Coalition for Good Governance, Adebayo Shittu, hit out at Atiku and his running mate, describing them as ‘’unrepentant PDP leaders that deserve to cover their faces in shame.”

He said, “They have nothing else to say. The antecedents of Tinubu, who is known to be fisher of men has seen him choose the very best brain; somebody who is articulate, brilliant and ruled Borno State in a war-situation and did exceedingly well. This has unsettled them. Tell me, who could have been a better APC candidate to choose from the North-East?

On the 54 per cent unemployment rate, the former Communications Minister said the situation was not peculiar to only Nigeria.

“Is it peculiar to us alone? We should be able to compare with other nations before drawing a conclusion. Even in Britain and the US, what is the situation like? Are you aware that Britain is currently experiencing increment in prices of bread and other essentials?

Police Misconduct: Police Affairs Ministry Gets Over 431 Petitions 

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Nigeria Police Force

By Akinwale Kasali

The Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi is very worried  over Police brutality and misconduct. Over 431 petitions have been sent to the Ministry.

Despite the sensitization and reorientation of the Police by the Ministry since the #EndSARS Campaign of October  2020 which led to the disbandment of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, the brutality, abuse of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians is yet to abate.

 304 of such  complaints have been resolved and 81 disciplinary action awarded to erring police officers.

These are contained in a document prepared by the Minister of Police Affairs, Dingyadi, while explaining the efforts of his Ministry and the NPF at ensuring discipline among Police officers.

It reads in part: “Recently, attention has been placed on the need for professionalism and adherence to extant laws by police officers in the discharge of their lawful duties.

“This has prompted the need to look into the various complaints against police action via social media, and the meting out of sanctions on violators of laws regulating the conduct of police officers.

“In the past three months, a total of 431 complaints against police actions have been received. 304 of these complaints have been resolved with 81 punishments awarded to erring police officers and men.

“Seven of these police officers have been dismissed for severe infractions.

“Meanwhile, 40 officers are undergoing internal disciplinary processes to determine their innocence or otherwise.”

Apart from sanctions, the Minister also said the PPCC in 2021 embarked on sensitisation campaigns targeted at the six geo-political zones, adding that the South-West, South-South, North-Central and North-West, had been covered while that for the North-East was slated to hold on September 9 in Bauchi.

Two Chairmen Emerge As Ekiti Chapter Of NYCN Elect Officers

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
NYCN

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN) is in turmoil as two persons lay claim to the chairmanship.

Election to various offices of the Council was held on Tuesday with one of the contestants, Segun Famuyibo, claiming on social media that he won.

Another contestant, Segun Bankole has equally been declared as the new chairman of Ekiti state chapter of NYCN.

A statement by one John-Ralph Ayodele on behalf of the Council in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday explained that the elected was actually held and a winner emerged.

Ayodele stated that “The attention of the Leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter has been drawn to a news going round the social media that one  Segun Famuyibo (Mr) posted himself on the social media referring to himself to be the Newly elected Chairman of the Council in Ekiti State.

“As much as we are encouraging the said Segun Famuyibo to be law abiding citizen of the State and accept defeat in good faith, we need to caution him to avoid committing treasonable related offences.

“His illegal announcement on social media is nothing but a distraction to the general public and a slap on the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

“It should be noted that a Congress was conducted  on Tuesday 13th September, 2022 in accordance with the Constitution of the Council and the laid down rules of the Electoral Committee.

“The election however produced Comrade James Segun BANKOLE as the Chairman of the Council with 109 Votes to defeat the said Segun Famuyibo who managed to get 14votes at an open secret poll.

“The Congress had in attendance the Electoral Officers, Outgoing State Officers, Immediate past NANS President, the Heads and delegates of the registered Organizations in the Council, the officers of the Council at the Local Government levels, the Security Agencies and other well meaning Nigerians.

“The video clips at the poll, photo shots, declaration of the result and Presentation of the Certificate of return are our evidence to prove beyond doubt.

“The victory of Comrade James Segun BANKOLE is audible to the deaf and feasible to the blinds.

“It is on this note we want to implore the general public to disregard whatever information coming from Segun Famuyibo or his supporters. Our State Chairman is James Segun BANKOLE.”

First Bank: Customers’ Comment Of The Day

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

“I have tried getting FirstCredit; it never works. One of your bank branches told me it’s meant for business owners only.”

@GreatDanito

Northern Leaders Concede To State Police

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Calls for state police have gained more momentum as state governors and leaders from the Northern part of the country have thrown their weight behind it.

In the past, northern leaders were opposed to states having their own police forces preferring the current situation, where the federal government controls the police force.

The leaders from all the 19 Northern states said on Tuesday in a statement that they took the decision after reviewing the security situation in the country.

They made the call after reviewing the security situation in the North during their meeting which was held in Abuja.

According to a statement issued in Jos by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, the northern leaders said state police is the solution to the insecurity in the country.

The statement said, “The Northern Governors Forum on Monday, September 12, 2022, met with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Abuja and came out with a resolution calling for the establishment of state police to tackle security challenges in the region and the nation at large.

“Reading the communique after the meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, said the meeting reviewed the security situation in the North and other matters relating to its development and resolved to support the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the establishment of state police. According to him, this will effectively and efficiently address the security challenges of the region.”

Meanwhile, close watchers of Nigeria’s politics considered the action a good way forward, noting that the country can now move ahead to amend the necessary parts of the Constitution to pave the way for state governments to own their police forces. 

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