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Kaduna Train Attack: How Dr Chinelo Died; Eye Witness Account; Airline, NRC Suspend Operations

By
The Source
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Dr Chinelo

By Gideon Njoku

She was young. She was beautiful. She was brilliant. She was a Medical Doctor. And had a very rosy before her. But all that was cut short in one mad moment in a country which insecurity problems have become very frightening.

She was identified  as  Dr. Chinelo Megafu. But Dr  Megafu lies stone dead in a mortuary in Kaduna , a victim of the unprecedented attack on an Abuja-Kaduna bound Train in the evening of Monday, March 28, 2022.

She had boarded the ill-fated Train from Abuja to Kaduna along with over 900 others. When the bomb planted along the railway track exploded, demobilised and damaged Train,  followed by gun shot attacks on the frightened passengers, Dr Chinelo escaped into the bush. But he was hit by bullets fired by the devil’s.

Bleeding badly, and knowing the implications, she posted an SOS, pleading for her life.

Perhaps, she was either not taken seriously, or help was too late in coming. She bled to death. “I have been shot, pray for me”, she tweeted before he died.

Meanwhile, an eye witness to the attack posted the following account of the tragedy and happened.

“It happened at 8.06pm.

Explosives planted on the rail track.

“On contacting the explosives, the train head passed through,  but two coaches derailed and the train stopped.

“Immediately, the terrorists entered and started shooting sporadically speaking in hausa language ‘Sauka’, meaning Come down.

“The police and military operatives in the train confronted them until they ran our of bullets and they equally laid down.

“Many people were killed inside the coaches while those trying to run away were equally shot and killed.

“The terrorists took many away as kidnap victims.

“After the atmosphere calmed down, the military and police operatives arrived and rescued the survivors .

“The survivors were made to treck to where rescue buses provided by the military parked, and ferried to Kaduna. The buses arrived Kaduna a little past 3am.

“Ambulances were seen packing dead bodies and those with bullet wounds.”

As a consequence, the Nigeria Railway Corporation,  NRC, has temporarily suspended its Abuja-Kaduna  services. And so has Azman Airline which Kaduna-Abuja aircraft was prevented from taking off on March 26 when terrorists invaded the Kaduna International Airport.

Kaduna Train Attack: Former Zamfara Deputy Governor Shot

By
Adesina Soyooye
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former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Ibrahim Wakkala

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Ibrahim Wakkala, was among the passengers on the ill-fated Train which came under heavy attack by Terrorists in Kaduna on Monday, March 28, 2022.

The Train, which left the Federal Capital Territory around 6.00pm, came under bombardment by Terrorists between Katari and Rijana in Kaduna State at about 8.00pm. It had over 900 passengers on board.

The Terrorists planted bombs along the railway track. On impact with the bombs, there were explosions which demobilised the Train, and exposed the hundreds of passengers to a horrendous experience as the Terrorists went for a kill.

They embarked on a shooting spree of the helpless and  frightened passengers.

Eye witnesses say there were fatalities. Many were injured, and some were kidnapped.

Wakkala was one of those  kidnapped and was shot during a fire exchange between  Security Operatives and the Terrorists. Luckily for him, he was among the many rescued by the combined team of the Military and Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS.

An Aide to the former Deputy Governor  said his boss had attended the just concluded National Convention of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and was on his way back on the ill-fated Train.

He is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Kaduna where he was evacuated to.

Most of the Passengers passed the night in the bush where they escaped to. But according to the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, they  have all been evacuated by the Military, DSS and the Red Cross.

Zoning: Reject Injustice, Anyim tells North Central Zone

By
The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

Frontline 2023 Presidential aspirant, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has urged the people of the North Central geo-political zone to resist social injustice in Nigeria reminding them that their zone and the Southeast zone face similar problems in the country.

Anyim who said these on Monday while addressing leaders and delegates of his Party, the PDP in Jos promised to make Jos an international city devoid of internal strife and crisis if he becomes Nigeria’s President next year.

Speaking on zoning of political offices, the People’s Democractic Party Presidential hopeful said zoning simply means equity, fairness, justice and inclusiveness and urged the Plateau state PDP delegates to support zoning.

By supporting zoning, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), went on, the North Central Zone would also win its battle to get its fair deal in Nigeria.

“If PDP wants to win this election, we must respect zoning. Zoning means fairness, Justice and equity.”

Anyim reminded the people that one of the reasons why PDP was voted out in 2015 was the accusation that the Party violated the zoning principle.

He told his audience that nobody is happy with the situation of Nigeria saying that 2023 is a defining moment for the country.

On the development of Jos city, Anyim said it requires making it a Centre of learning and Tourism backed up by large farm settlements.

This way, he posited, the city would accommodate everybody including foreign investors and at the same time reduce or eliminate crisis.

He then urged the delegates to support his aspiration for the General Development of Nigeria.

Responding, the PDP State Chairman, Hon. Chris  Hassan, said they were impressed by Anyim’s credentials and experience and assured him of their support.

Most of the delegates spoke in support of zoning insisting that it is part of PDP’s consultation.

Anyim’s entourage was received into Jos, the State Capital by enthusiastic crowd of supporters.

HURIWA Lashes Multichoice Over Monopoly, Hike In Prices, Urges NASS To Take Action

By
Akinwale Kasali
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DSTV and GOTV

By Akinwale Kasali

South African Digital Satellite Television, MultiChoice, has come under strong criticism over the incessant hike in the prices of its packages on DSTV and GOTV.

The monopoly the Satellite Television is enjoying has been criticized. There are calls for a clampdown on the monopoly.

Civil Rights Advocacy Rights Group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, on Monday, asked the National Assembly to clamp down on the monopoly of MultiChoice.

In a statement by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, it condemned the recent increase in the prices of the Cable company’s DStv and GOtv packages in Nigeria.

The Group faulted MultiChoice’s obstinate refusal in charging Nigerians per view as done all over the globe including in South Africa, the parent country of the Digital Television.

The Group  also urged the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, and concerned Government Agencies, including the National Broadcasting Commission, to compel MultiChoice to charge Nigerians per view or wield its big stick on the company for compliance-failure.

HURIWA further alleged that the South African company which has been operating in Nigeria for about three decades, has been clandestinely conniving with security agents including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to witchhunt indigenous Nigerian competitors who dare attempt to break the monopoly of MultiChoice.

The group said the arrest of  eight officials of play Television Operators, Communication Trends Limited, JAO TV and Worldlink by the EFCC in November 2019 was still fresh in mind.

The EFCC had wrongfully arrested the operators over an alleged broadcast of the English Premier League matches and other content on their network, saying Multichoice Nigeria acquired the rights to broadcast the content, a claim that later turned out false.

HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “The recent hike in prices of Multichoice’s DStv and GOtv packages in Nigeria is outrageous and should be reversed with immediate alacrity before the April 1, 2022 commencement date for the new price regime.

“It is no longer news that Multichoice has consistently exploited billions of dollars from Nigerians in the last three decades since its operations in Nigeria in 1993.

“The South African company has also used unfair competitive strategies to force indigenous Nigerian competitors to close shop. The case of cable television firm, Telcomm Satellite TV, is still fresh in mind.

“The Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, TStv Africa, Bright Echefu, had said that the company which announced the commencement of its operations on November 1, 2017, faced severe battle from other operators in the industry. The company is nowhere to be found now because of Multichoice unfair tactics.

“Also, Multichoice has been allegedly colluding with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arrest workers of indigenous Nigerian competitors including the officials of arrested Communication Trends Limited. This must be stopped.

“Why is it that only DStv currently broadcasts major football competitions in Nigeria, especially the English Premier League? Why hasn’t the Federal Government end the monopoly enjoyed by MultiChoice despite the many rhetorics of the government to protect indigenous Nigerian businesses?

“It is worrisome that though the government said it had amended Nigeria’s broadcasting code to prevent DStv and others from monopolising their channels and contents, the ugly trend still persists.

“In June 2020, the House of Representatives had said it was probing DStv for allegedly cheating its Nigerian subscribers by restricting them to prepaid plans and increasing its subscription rates despite the lockdown but nothing came out of the investigation as Nigerians are still be outrageously exploited.

“Even StarTimes, the cable arm of the Nigerian Television Authority, has been stifled due to Multichoice aggressive monopoly which the government and lawmakers tolerate. This must stop. Nigerians are entitled to jobs and should be allowed to flourish in their own country.”

Tinubu At 70: Lagos Assembly Eulogizes Him For Assembly’s Financial Autonomy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Tinubu
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader and 2023 Presidential Aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received accolades from his political associates and the Lagos State House of Assembly as he celebrates his 70th birthday.

Members of the Mudashiru Obasa-led Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday described the former Governor of Lagos State as a man of courage, praising him for helping the State Assembly to achieve financial autonomy years before the mass clamour for it by other Houses of Assembly.

This was at a special plenary session in honour of the  politician to commemorate his 70th birthday, which holds on March 29, 2022.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, described Asiwaju Tinubu as a benefactor, adding that the Presidential aspirant has done well as a leader.

“This is an opportunity for us to recognise all that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for us as a leader. In the face of opposition, he resolved and insisted on being on the opposition against against the Federal government.

“It is better to celebrate people that have contributed immensely to the development of the society.

“This Assembly has distinguished itself in all areas. This House has been running independently of the executive arm with financial autonomy through the help of Asiwaju. When he came in as the governor, he increased the IGR of the state,” Dr. Obasa said.

The Speaker added that the special plenary was to show respect and honour for a deserving Lagosian who had contributed immensely to the progress of the State.

Contributing, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, said Tinubu had done a lot for democracy since he joined politics.

“It was easy for him to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but he refused and focused on building a progressive party. We call on him to continue his ambition to become the President of Nigeria,” he added.

On his part, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, who represents Eti-Osa 2, described Tinubu as a man with a large heart and one who easily forgives.

He said: “Beyond the intimidating credentials of Tinubu, he’s a forgiving man with a large heart. He’s extraordinary. I salute him. He is the Asiwaju of everything that is good. I wish him long life.”

Hon. Victor Akande, who represents Ojo1, used the opportunity to address the critics of Tinubu’s ambition.

He told those threatening to leave the country if Tinubu becomes president to start gathering their things because he was optimistic that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will lead the country.

He described Tinubu as a political colossus, political mathematician and doyen of modern day Nigeria.

Also speaking, Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) described Asiwaju Tinubu as a respected politician, promise keeper, bridge builder and lover of Nigeria, adding that he would be  supported on his ambition to be the President of Nigeria in 2023.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, described Asiwaju Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian, a leader of the people, and politician with a difference.

According to Hon. Rotimi Abiru (Shomolu 2), Tinubu “is a man of many parts, a true leader and the Mungo Park of our time. He laid the template for modern Lagos and he created agencies such as LASTMA, LAWMA, Office of Public Defender (OPD and others.”

Other lawmakers spoke glowingly about Asiwaju Tinubu, who they said had been able to build several leaders that have taken important positions in the country.

Meanwhile, the House also held a mini-lecture with the theme The Youth: Economic Challenges, Democracy and The Future with speakers including Adepeju Olukokun of Kokun Foundation, Shola Ladoja of Simply Green Limited, Eilen Sobanjo, and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji of Future Africa.

Others who spoke included AbdulGaniyu Obasa, Head of Performance Management and Strategy at Parallex Bank, Dr. Biola Eshinlokun, a medical doctor, Olusegun Osundairo, CEO of Arc-View Investments Limited, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented, Hon. Seyi Adisa.

Govt, Railways Confirm Bombing Of Kaduna-Bound Train

By
Uche Mbah
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Kaduna Train Attacked By Terrorists

By Akinwale Kasali  and Uche Mbah

The insecurity in Nigeria, especially, in Kaduna State, went a notch higher in the evening of Monday, March 28, 2022.

In a most frightening incident, terrorists planted bombs along the rail line of the Abuja-Kaduna route, and made appreciable damage to the engine of the Train.

But for the quick intervention of Security Operatives, Nigeria could have suffered its worst bloodbath since the advent of terrorism in the country, which has worsened recently.

The  Kaduna bound Train, carrying over 900 passengers, came under attack by Terrorists. First, they planted bombs which detonated, damaged and derailed the Train. Then, they followed up with fire power.

The frightening attack could not have come on a worse day. It was the day Lai Mohammed, Minister for Information and Culture, at a  Press Conference in Abuja, claimed that insecurity was diminishing day by day. The attack also came two days after terrorists invaded the Kaduna International Airport, through Runway 05 Axis, effectively preventing an Azman Airline first flight to Abuja, from taking off, and shooting to death, a staff of the National Airspace Management Authority, NAMA.

For over two hours, the passengers on the train were stranded, frightened, and at the mercy of the terrorists.

“There is no network in the area so we cannot get any information until the team we have despatched returns,  a Daily Trust report quoted a Security source.

The Train took off from Idu Train Station, Abuja at about 6.00pm, and met its waterloo, about 30 minutes to Rigasa Train Station, Kaduna.

A frightened and helpless passenger, sent out a save-our-soul message.

“Please this is an emergency. We are inside train at the moment. Kidnappers planted explosives and the train engines have been  ruined. We are helpless.”

A Kaduna State Government  official was quoted as saying: “What we know is that suspected IED’s were planted on the track and the train has derailed. We don’t know for sure if there is any injury or death. But the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation,  Fidet Okhiria, has confirmed the attack to Daily Trust.

He said: “There was an incident but we are managing it. I don’t have the details now,”

However, one of the passengers on the train identified as Anas Danmusa clained that the attackers fired several gunshots.

Passengers hid under the seats until security operatives arrived the scene,” he said.

Reacting to the incident in a statement, Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said security agencies had cased and secured m the train.

“The Kaduna State Government received multiple reports of an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service at around Kateri-Rijana general areas.

“Relevant action agencies were urgently contacted, and robust deployments of personnel were swiftly made to the area to secure the passengers on board.

“Efforts are ongoing to convey the passengers from the location and others that sustained injuries have been rushed to hospitals for urgent medical attention.

“The Government of Kaduna State will be liaising with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ascertain the list from the passengers’ manifest for efficient tracking.”

Travelling to Kaduna from Abuja by Train became popular when deadly kidnappers took over the Abuja-Kaduna Road. Now, travelling by Train has become dangerous too.

Breaking: Access Bank Appoints Wigwe GMD, Ogbonna MD

By
James Orji
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By James Orji
Herbert Wigwe will step down as the managing director and chief executive officer, CEO of Access Bank Plc to take up a new role as the Group Managing Director of Access Holdings Plc.
The lender, announced in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange, NGX on Monday the successful completion of its restructuring into a Holding Company structure, HOLDCO now known as Access Holdings Plc.

According to the notification, the commercial bank disclosed that Bababode Osunkoya and Wigwe have been appointed as the chairman and GMD of Access Holdings Plc, respectively.

The bank further disclosed that Roosevelt Ogbonna has been appointed as the managing director/CEO of the banking subsidiary, while Victor Etuokwu would take up the role of deputy managing director (North) and Chizoma Okoli, deputy managing director (South).

Under the new re-organisation, the bank said I  the notice to NGX, Access Holding Company Plc would serve as the parent company for the group – Access Bank Nigeria and its many subsidiaries.

The parent company now holds 100 per cent shares of Access Bank Nigeria and 100 per cent shares of all non-banking subsidiaries of the bank. While Access Bank Nigeria now own all its banking subsidiaries (15 in total) and all its three representative offices in India, China and Lebanon, the lender said.

Other members of Access Holdings Plc board are:  Abubakar Jimoh (Independent Non-Executive Director),
Mrs. Fatimah Bello-Ismail (Independent Non-Executive Director), Mrs. Ojinika Olaghere (Non-Executive Director), Olusegun Ogbonnewo (Non-Executive Director),  Roosevelt Ogbonna (Non-Executive Director), Oluseyi Kumapayi (Non-Executive Director) and Ms. Bolaji Olaitan Agbede (Executive Director)

Lai Mohammed’s Press Conference, Another APC’s Anthology of Lies – PDP

By
The Source
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Lai Mohammed

“…Says it Reminds Nigerians of Tony Momoh’s Comment”

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has described the Press Conference addressed on Monday, March 28, 2022, by the Minister for Information, Lai Mohammed, as a sham and a shame.

The Minister, had, at the Press Conference, listed a litany of what he said are the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led  Government of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Such achievements, the Minister said, include improvement in insecurity, food security, good roads and  bridges, among others.

But the Minister’s claims, coming 48 hours  after Terrorists invaded the Kaduna International Airport, killed a staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, NAMA, and prevented an Azman Airline Aircraft from operating its scheduled first flight to Lagos, has attracted  a rebuke from the main opposition party.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP was particularly irked that Lai Mohammed could talk about food security when Nigerians are going through excruciating suffering, hunger, fuel scarcity, and a general power outage.

Accusing the APC Government of deceit, the PDP chided it for claiming credit for critical projects which funds were secured by the defunct PDP Government.

Said the PDP: “It is laughable that the APC Government is also claiming credit for critical projects in various parts of the country which are being funded by resources mobilised by the PDP administrations under the framework of counterpart funding from International Partners and Bodies.”

Hereunder, the full text of the PDP statement.

” The  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  dismisses the press conference addressed today, March 28, 2022 by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed as another anthology of lies, false and bogus performance claims by the failed and rudderless All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

“The hurried press conference is another desperate and disoriented stunt by the APC administration to divert public attention from the exposed corruption records of the APC national leadership as well as the manifest collapse of security, command and control structure under President Buhari.

“The APC administration in its arrogance in failure attempted again to downplay and treat with levity, the excruciating economic hardship, hunger and other life discounting experiences being faced by Nigerians daily because of severe food crisis, lingering fuel emergency, high cost of essential commodities and services, closure of schools, insecurity and mass killing, collapse of healthcare system and decayed public infrastructure under its watch.

“It is the height of impunity and arrogance that the Minister of Information and Culture, could address the media to claim that the APC government has achieved food sufficiency, particularly in rice production, when in reality, there is famine in the land with the price of food items, especially rice soaring by over 400 percent under the APC with its “pyramid of lies”

“A bag of rice which sold for N7,500 under the PDP now sells for over N30,000, a measure of bean which sold for N350 under the PDP now sells for over N1000, a measure of garri which sold for N120 under the PDP now sells for N700, a bottle of palm oil which sold for N250 under the PDP now sells for over N1000.

“In the same vein, a kilo of meat which sold for N700 under the PDP now sells for N3000, a liter of petrol which sold for N87 under the PDP now sells for as high as N400 to N500 while a liter of diesel which sold for N110 under the PDP now sells for over N800, yet Lai Mohammed provocatively claims that Nigerians are better off under the APC.

“Nigerians know better and the question to ask is, Is your life better now in 2022 under the APC than it was in 2015 under the PDP?

“It is ludicrous and insensitive that the APC government went to the media to list non-existence roads, bridges, agricultural and health projects as achievements. More pathetic is the APC’s attempt to claim credit for development projects initiated and implemented by successive PDP administrations including in our railways, aviation, agricultural, healthcare, education, telecommunications, banking and manufacturing sectors among others.

“It is laughable that the APC government is also claiming credit for critical projects in various parts of the country which are being funded by resources mobilized by the PDP administrations under the framework of counterpart funding from International Partners and bodies.

“The only legitimate achievements of the APC government include its corruption record (second most corrupt in West Africa and 154 out of 180 in Global Corruption Index), over 33 percent unemployment rate, a weakened currency at over N500 to a dollar, N33 trillion foreign debt and still counting and the siphoning of over N16 trillion by APC leaders.

“The PDP cautions the APC to note that its continued arrogance in failure is daily confronting and reminding Nigerians of the statement made by one of its founding members, the late Prince Tony Momoh in April 2016 and the consequences are better imagined.”

2023: Aspirants Above 70 Years Mean Evil For Nigeria – Ortom; As He Receives Saraki, Tambuwal, Bala

By
Uche Mbah
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Ortom Saraki and PDP Presidential asprants

By Uche Mbah

“If I may quote one of my brother-Governors, anybody who is above 70 years, and is looking for President is an evil person who wants to ruin this country. He should desist”

Those who have indicated interest in the Presidency under the Umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, appear to make a consensus stopover at Benue State as part of their consultations for the Presidential seat come 2023.

On Sunday, March 27, 2022, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, was in Benue State to declare for the Presidency.

Three other aspirants, Monday, March 28, were in Benue, also, for consultations. Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Bala Mohammed of Sokoto and Bauchi states respectively were on hand to consult with the Benue State Governor on the thorny consensus candidacy.

All three had indicated interest in the Presidency.

They had initiated arrangement to trim down the number of Presidential aspirants on the platform of the main opposition party, PDP.

Receiving them at Government House Makurdi, Governor Samuel Ortom  insisted that anyone above 70 years should back out of the Presidential race.

Praising the resourcefulness and youth of his visitors, Ortom said:

“Nigerians can testify that during their time at the Federal level, they did very well and delivered on their mandate. And today, they are eminently qualified to lead this country.

“They are doing the right thing because divided we fall, united we stand. And, I want to encourage them to continue this advocacy and understanding and not just within themselves but with other people. They have said they are visiting the other people including our Southern brothers who have indicated interest to be President of this country. Let us work together. As PDP, even as the opposition, we have set standards for the ruling party.

“That is why PDP is willing and ready to rescue Nigeria, and then rebuild it. Truly, look at these three gentlemen, yesterday, we had another gentleman from Rivers State, Governor Wike, who declared here in Benue State that he was going to seek the Presidency.

“Look at these young men and compare them to the ancestors in APC that are seeking to be President of this country in a digital world. We should allow the young to grow. If I may quote one of my brother- Governors, anybody who is above 70 years, and is looking for President is an evil person who wants to ruin this country, he should desist.”

In his own words, former Senate President, Saraki spoke for others, saying the team was resolved to ensure consensus in the nomination of the Party’s Presidential candidate.

“We are here today as part of the ongoing consultation of the three of us who have shown indication to aspire for the presidency under our great party,  and who, also, on our own, about a couple of weeks ago, felt that the in the interest of our people as well the interest of our great party that we should be able to come together and find a consensus among us. Our interest is very little compared to our country at this time which is at a very defining moment.

“All of us are eminently qualified to lead this country; it’s about us ensuring that we put the country first and that is why we are here. What we are doing is in the best interest of our party and for our country,” he concluded.

2023: INEC Chair, Yakubu, Reassures Of Credible Election; Says Party Primaries Begins Next Week

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
INEC Retreat in Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

As the 2023 General Elections gathers momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has organized a retreat and induction for the new and Old National Commissioners in Lagos. It held  on Monday 28th March to March 30, 2022.

The Retreat is targeted at familiarising the Old and New Commissioners with the Commission’s mandate and sensitize them on the framework of the Commission.

The Retreat had in attendance the former Electoral Commissioner in Ghana, Kwadwo Afari Gyan, who was in the saddle as Ghana Electoral E

Umpire for Six Terms, Former INEC Chairman, Prof Atahiru Jega, representatives of International Foundation for Electoral Systems, IFES and the National Commissioners.

The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in his remark reassured Nigerians of the Commission’s commitment to credible polls in 2023 that is free and fair, and in tandem with international standards.

Speaking further, he said the Retreat is important especially coming shortly after the timetable was released and schedule of activities for the 2023 general election in which party Primaries are scheduled to commence next week and end in the first week in June 2022.

He noted that the Commission has identified the challenges associated with Bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) during voter accreditation.

The Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje, in his welcome address said the retreat is to prepare the Commission topmost hierarchy for regular delivery of free,fair,credible and inclusive elections.

He said the retreat will definitely be brain-tasking but as they ruminate over the laws,logistics, ethics,security, technology,and allied matters that shape the electoral process.

He also congratulated the New National Commissioners on their appointment and pray for a very successful tenure for them.

The representative of the international foundation for electoral system (IFES), Nigeria Country Director, Seray Jah said the Retreat is particularly strategic given the recent assent of the electoral act 2022 and the forthcoming 2023 General election in Nigeria which remains a strong basis to deliver a credible election in 2023 elections.

The Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman,  Bolade Eyinla, speaking on the objectives of the Retreat said it was organised to familiarize the National Commissioner with the unique mandate of the Commission, and  designed to promote understanding of the structure and roles and activities of various Departments and Directorates of the Commission.

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