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Sad Ogbonnaya Onu Steals Show At APC Primaries, Pricks Nation’s Conscience, Laments Injustice Against The Igbo

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The Source
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Ogbonnaya Onu

By Gideon Njoku

For most Igbo who watched and listened to the Presidential aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as they addressed the delegates at the Presidential primaries, it was Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the academic-turned Politician who stole the show. He was the real hero of the Convention.

He pricked the conscience of the APC Stakeholders and  delegates. He asked where their sense of justice was. He asked where their conscience was.

In a brief but brilliant speech, he did not make a mockery of democracy by standing down for another aspirant. He did not play to the gallery. He simply reminded them of the injustices against the Igbo in the APC.

Seeing that the South-east has lost out, Onu asked them if they had done well by the Zone. He asked why the Party, which in March, 2022,  insisted on Zoning in the choice of the National Chairman, suddenly discarded it at the Presidential primaries.

He said it was the turn of the Igbo to occupy the seat of the President.

He recalled the sacrifices he made for the APC. He recalled how he formed the Party, and used his “hard-earned” money to register it.

He recalled how he discarded his Presidential ticket under the All Nigerians Peoples Party, ANPP, and joined like-minds to work for the APC, and made sure the Party won in 2015.

However, for all that Onu did, what he got was a low grade and poorly-funded Ministry as a Minister. And, now, at the APC Presidential Primaries, he is not sure of one vote because the delegates know that Dr Onu’s South-east is out of the calculation. With that, too, goes his N100m which he paid for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.

Appeal Court Quashes Madumere’s N1.9b Garnishee Judgment; Orders Zenith bank To Pay Imo Workers

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Justice Rita Pemu of the Court of Appeal in  Owerri has quashed the N1.9billion garnishee judgement instituted by the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere for which Zenith Bank suspended payment of salaries of workers.

Consequently, the Court also on Tuesday ordered Zenith bank to immediately commence payment of salaries of the workers as well as other government financial obligations that the said garnishee judgement could have affected until the matter before it is dispensed with.

The Court also granted the relief sought by the Imo State government to enable it file its appeal against a judgement of National Industrial Court in Owerri which ordered the State Government to pay N1.9 billion to Madumere, an amount the former Deputy Governor claimed was his benefits while in office.

After listening to the submissions by Counsel to the Imo State government, I.I Nwachukwu and Counsel to Madumere, L .M Njemanze, Justice Pemu granted the two reliefs sought by the Imo State Government.

The two reliefs sought were: stay of execution which ordered the unsealing of Zenith bank branches in Owerri and the right for the Imo State Government to appeal the absolute garnishee order in favour of Madumere.

Justice Pemu thereafter adjourned the case to June 30, 2022.

Madumere had sued and got judgement against the Imo State Government, following his illegal impeachment as Deputy Governor to then Governor Rochas Okorocha.

An Imo State High Court overturned the impeachment dismissed it as null and void and ordered the Imo State Government to pay him his entitlements as Deputy Governor.

Neither Okorocha nor his successor, the Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha paid Madumere. He was forced to approach the Industrial Court which garnished, absolutely, the Accounts of the Imo State Government, pending the payment of Madumere’s claim of N1.9 billion. The Imo State Government, under Governor Hope Uzodinma said Madumere is owed not more than N144m; that he is claiming imprest for works he did not do.

Last week, all the branches of the Zenith Bank in Owerri were sealed by Policemen and officials of the Industrial  Court, thus, paralysing the activities of the Government, including the payment of workers’ May salaries.

Soludo To Fr. Ebube Muonso: What Is The Drama About?

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The Source
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“In a decent, but stinging response to Fr. Ebube Muonso’s inciting diatribe against him, in the name of a prophetic vision,  Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, puts the Rev. Gentleman in his place, and asks him to stop the drama.”

Good evening Father!

I just called your two numbers  after listening to your so called “prophetic” outbursts— prophesying about “Fulani herdsmen” with tribal marks invading Government House, Awka, and having me running out in a pool of blood as well as loudly complaining about the waste disposal.

You called on me to pray as well as asked your congregation to pray for my life….

1) As an orthodox Catholic, I was brought up not to join issues with any man of God. I have been in the public arena for two decades and I appreciate comments and criticisms from the citizens including the men of God.

I welcome your comments, advice and even criticisms. Such help us to do better— as we are certainly not perfect! This would be the first time I am responding to any comments from a man of God. And I do so with utmost respect and good faith.

Certainly as a Priest, you have monopoly of power of the pulpit, but I also believe that such a monopoly demands a responsibility on your part to exercise caution and maturity in how you use such power.

2) I am writing you, in the exercise of my duty (as a member of your Laity) to also advise you—- but not publicly on the pulpit as you chose to do.

3) On your prophecy, you are certainly entitled to claim that you “saw” anything, and to call for prayers. I need all the prayers in the world and I believe that thousands of people of goodwill are praying for us and for Anambra.

I am convinced that the God I worship who has sent me on this mission will lead us to finish it to His glory! My life is in His hands and He already knows how many more days or years He has for me.

No man has a say regarding His plan for my life.  I don’t believe these political or phantom “prophecies” designed to play to the gallery. That’s not my upbringing and faith as a Catholic. You have my contact and assuming that anything was “revealed” to you as a threat to my life, do you really believe that the best way to communicate it is on your pulpit???

By the way, God didn’t “reveal” to you the attack by unknown gun men on me last year at a rally, killing three policemen; nor has He “revealed” to you any of the dozens of the attacks on innocent people this year so that the people may take caution or pray??  Funny enough these “pulpit prophecies” are always about high public officials.

I have lived my life to this age without needing or relying on “prophecies”, and it is too late now to change. My prayer is simply: “Let your will be done”. So please, if you have further “revelations” just pray about them or keep them to yourself— I don’t want to know because the God in heaven that I serve is totally in charge of my life!

4) Your comments about waste in the streets are welcome and we are equally sad about it. That’s why since inauguration we have set out cleaning the streets and now putting in place (for the first time in the state) a medium term sustainable strategy. However we find your comments to be in bad faith because you failed to acknowledge that we met a far worse situation nor acknowledge the ongoing efforts— which many acknowledge. I personally flagged off the cleaning of Onitsha and Okpoko and photos of me on top of refuse dump that closed Ochanga and as high as the traffic light adorned the social media… Most places had not been cleaned in over six months before I assumed office. Of course with no equipment and strategy in place, we have adopted “emergency response” approach while working out details of a sustainable strategy… Surprisingly you didn’t complain on the pulpit then!

5) Your comments on insecurity is fair but again failed to acknowledge the humongous efforts being made to confront the monster — which many Ndi Anambra do. No candidate could campaign freely in the entire South Senatorial Zone last year with the zone totally taken over by unknown gunmen. No one heard your voice. I was almost a victim. No one heard your voice.

In my inaugural address, I devoted paragraphs to address the issue. And Ndi Anambra from all over the world are calling in solidarity and offering support. I wish God will also “reveal” to you the identity of the criminals so that we take them out. I know that you are a man of God and I deeply respect all of God’s anointed but making incendiary and wild claims about security under the cover of the pulpit should be moderated.

In your “revelations” you “saw” Fulani herdsmen “with tribal marks”—- Fulani with tribal marks??? Funny! In the next second they are “unknown gun men” and another second “Fulani with tribal marks”??

Father I expect you to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We admire you and the thousands of your followers deserve leadership and direction. Matters of security should not be part of the drama! We expect you to encourage your supporters to report criminals and to be part of the solution. Or, if you don’t know the full ramifications of the security challenge, to call or request to be briefed.

The society and the Church are facing existential threats and this is not the time for theatrics with the matter of security.

6) I have been in office for two months. Yes, two months father, and you expect Anambra to have been “Dubai-rized” according to you. Doesn’t it sound funny? If I may ask, what was the motive of the entire drama ?

Let me assure you father that the God who sent me at this time knows why and He will perfect all things. We are determined and focused and despite the humongous challenges we met, Anambra will win! I have God’s promise on this.

Remain ever blessed father. We love you!

Owo Catholic Church Attack: Ondo Govt Says 22 Persons Confirmed Dead

By
Ayodele Oni
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Catholic Church in Owo

By Ayodele Oni

Contrary to the casualty figures of about 50 fatalities from the  gunmen attack at a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State Government, on Tuesday, disclosed that only 22 worshippers were confirmed dead in the terrorist attack.

The Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo town, country home of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was on Sunday attacked by yet to be identified gunmen.

The attackers, according to the police, later escaped in a snatched vehicle through Owo/ Ute road.

The government further disclosed that a total of 87 worshippers were affected by the attack on the church.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had condemned the violent attack on the Catholic Church, describing it as a  “vile and satanic attack” on armless worshippers.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, while given the breakdown of victims, said 18 people were on admission at the Federal Medical Centre and St. Louis Hospital, all in Owo town.

Ajaka, who further stated that about seven people were treated on an outpatient basis at St. Louis Hospital, disclosed that four victims have been treated and discharged successfully.

“The total involved as of today (Tuesday) is 88. And the breakdown is this; out of the 88, we have confirmed 22 dead.

“So, there were about 7 people treated on an outpatient basis at St. Louis Hospital. There are 19 on admission at the same hospital.

“The dastardly act left so many dead and others injured. We have relocated to the Owo since that day and the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is coordinating us here. We are here to ensure that we track everybody involved.

“Presently, 66 worshippers survived the attack. This morning,  a three-year old child was admitted as a result of the blast. The baby was still in shock due to the sound of the explosion.

“We thank the state governor and other stakeholders for their support since the beginning of this incident.

“This is a very sad situation for us in Ondo State. The people of the state responded by donating blood for the victims to save their lives.

“The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation is also on the ground to render assistance.”

Owo Attack : Governor Akeredolu Urges People Not To Avenge, But Allow Security Agencies To Work

By
Ayodele Oni
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Catholic Church in Owo

By Ayodele Oni

As tension rises among youths, and groups in Owo Ondo state, to avenge the attack of the Catholic Cathedral in the ancient town on Sunday by yet to be identified gunmen, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has passionately appealed to them to shealth sword.

In a broadcast on Tuesday evening, the Governor stated that the attack was an attempt to test the will of the people of the State and indeed, the Southwest.

“I urge our people to be calm but remain vigilant. Do not take the law into your own hands. Leave the rest for government to shoulder.

“I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I can assure you that security operatives have been deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.”

He added that the dastard act has the brazenly possible consequence of invitation to national anarchy, saying that “Yorubaland, and Owo in particular, have never been conquered before; and it will never happen.”

He, therefore, promised to commit every available resource to hunt down the assailants and make them pay dearly, stressing that the state will never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in its resolve to stamp out criminals.

“The site, that is, St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo presents a gory war-like scene. The Federal Medical Centre, Owo, the St. Louis Hospital, Owo, the General Hospital, Owo as well as some private hospitals in Owo were filled with the injured, most of who were in critical conditions.

“The most unfortunate part is the lives of innocent children cut down in their prime and some severely injured by the mindless attackers.

“At Owo, the anger was palpable. The tension was at an abrasive level just as the urge for reprisals was high. Without doubt too, the ripple impact of this heinous act as well as the understandably angry reaction across the State could not have been different.

“May I use this medium to express gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who aside his demonstrated concern, directed his Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON to visit the scene of this criminal act.

“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum led by its chairman, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, their Excellencies, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Honourable Minister of Interior and Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State also deserve a special mention for their collective and individual show of love and empathy.

“We will remain eternally grateful to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his donation of a whopping amount of N50 million to the victims and N25 million to the Catholic Church, Owo.  The gesture of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum which donated N50 million to the victims is equally appreciated.

“The donations are to assuage the effects of the attack.  In the meantime, I have directed that an account be opened to receive further donations from well meaning individuals and corporate bodies who may wish to assist the victims of the terrorist attack.

“I am particularly enthralled by the wonderful show of solidarity from my brothers across party divides, especially in the State. It is heartwarming that we all have found a common ground to confront these monsters.

“In this regard, I thank the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the entire PDP family.  To all others too numerous to mention, your show of love, encouragement and goodwill are not taken for granted. You have displayed compassion and demonstrated an appreciable level of brotherliness.

“In the same vein, I commend the medical teams of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, the St. Louis Hospital, Owo, the General Hospital, Owo and some private hospitals who showed love and participated in stabilising the victims in the various hospitals.

“We equally appreciate the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and BEDC for their assistance.  I convey our gratitude to volunteers who assisted in evacuating the victims and the dead to the hospitals and mortuaries respectively.

“I also thank our people who had deemed it fit to voluntarily donate blood towards the treatment of the victims. They have lived up to expectation within the precinct of the available space and time.”

FUTA Scholar Wins 2022 US Government Mandela Washington Fellowship

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dr. Oritoke Modupe Aluko

By Ayodele Oni

Dr. Oritoke Modupe Aluko of the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, (FUTA) has been selected for the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

A statement on Tuesday by FUTA spokesman, Adegbenro Adebanjo, explained that the fellowship is under the aegis United States Government.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the Flagship programme of the United States Government’s Young African Leaders initiative (YALI) created by former US President Barak Obama in 2010.

Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 5100 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training.

The Fellows, between the age of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries.

Dr. Aluko submitted an application reflecting her love and passion for females-in-Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and with the overall aim of mentoring young females that are science-conscious and oriented with the capability of changing the world of STEM.

This, the statement added will thereby contribute to bridging the gap of gender imbalance in STEM careers.

She was selected out of 9000 applicants who completed the application, out of which only 56 of them made the final selection making it a less than one percent probability of being selected.

In a letter conveying her selection, Counsellor for Public Affairs, Adnan Siddiqi wrote “Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship, the U.S Department of State’s flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative YALI.

“While in the U.S., this programme will help develop your leadership skills and enable you network with other fellows from Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States.

“Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship gain access to on-going professional development, networking and collaboration opportunities with support from the U.S. Department of State and affiliated partners.”

The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof Adenike Oladiji, while congratulating the winner, said she is proud that FUTA constantly sets the pace in academic and intellectual endeavors.

She admonished Aluko to be a good ambassador of the institution in America and subsequently become a leading light among women in Science and Technology.

WHO Specialists In Owo To Assist Terrorists Victims

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Akeredolu with WHO Representatives

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Tuesday, received a team from the World Health Organisation (WHO) led by the Country Representative and Head of Mission, Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo in Akure.

The team was in the State to commiserate with the Governor and the state over the sad incident that occurred last Sunday at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo where scores were killed and many injured.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, in a statement, stated that Mr Akeredolu described the terror attack as a bad experience which has never happened in the South-West region.

The Governor noted that contrary to rumors making the round, no one was kidnapped during the incident, saying  “the terrorists came to maim and kill.”

As part of the measure being put in place to forestall future occurrences, Governor Akeredolu encouraged public and religion centers to install Close Circuit Cameras (CCTV), in strategic places to enhance security.

He also called on the people to be more vigilant and report strange faces in their vicinities.

The Governor appreciated the WHO team for identifying with the state and the support given so far, added that he was surprised that such a dastardly act could be carried out even in the sanctuary.

“Where else is safe if that sanctuary is not safe. In war situation, even soldiers could run into church for safety.

“These are mad people, I’m not too sure they are human beings. They have lost their own humanity and there is no way you can regard them as human beings. I think they are animals in human skin.

“Initially it was rumoured that the Parish priest was probably kidnapped, but when we got there the Parish priest showed up and said nobody was kidnapped. Nobody.

“They did not go for the Sunday collection and nothing was taken. Clearly they were there to maim and kill.”

While commending the WHO team for quick response and support, the Governor further solicited for more supports in several areas including social support as the situation demands.

The Governor also appreciated Students of the College of Health Technology, Akure, Medical and Health Officers at the Ministry of health, Mother and Child hospital, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Churches, Community Pharmacists, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, individuals and everyone who has donated blood or contributed to the survival kit for the survivors in the hospital.

Earlier, the leader of the team, Dr. Walter Mulombo, while commiserating with the Governor on the sad occurrence, specifically applauded Governor Akeredolu for his quality leadership which prompted him to respond almost immediately to the situation despite the fact that he was outside the State when the attack happened.

He described the attack on worshippers including little children as unspeakable, saying WHO would offer relevant supports during the difficult situation.

“I have been engaged in many response emergencies and I can count on my fingers the number of time I saw a Governor like that in the field going round, making sure things are right. I’m very encouraged and impressed.

“The World Health Organisation is committed to support your state to respond to all hazard and emergencies including following up of such unfortunate incident.

“I have come with my colleagues and also those working in the emergency departments, some specialists who can help in dealing with the situation, and our colleagues who will give social support.

“We also came with some emergency trauma kits and some other support materials. This is just a contribution and solidarity.

“We will remain available for any additional support as Ondo State might require to deal with this difficult situation.

“We are also trying to engage our other UN agencies to come together and see how we can support Ondo to recover from this unfortunate incident.”

Dr. Mulombo promised to continue to work with the government to make sure the state comes out stronger from the incident.

APC Convention: Delegate Slumps, Dies

By
The Source
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APC Presidential Prmaries Venue

By Uche Mbah

 

A delegate to the ongoing All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential primaries convention has reportedly slumped and died.

He died at the Jigawa state Liaison office.

 

Isah Baba-Buji, one of the Jigawa State delegates, was the APC Vice Chairman for Jigawa Southwest. He was one of the 61 delegates from Buji Local Government, His death leaves Jigawa with 60 delegates.

 

He reportedly slumped and died on Tuesday morning at Jigawa State Liaison Office in Abuja.

 

He was said to have been pronounced dead while taking his breakfast preparatory for the presidential primaries taking place at Eagles Square.

 

Details later…

AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: Super Eagles Gear Up For Sierra Leone, São Tomé; As Preparation Intensifies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are battle reedy for their 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone on Thursday, June 9th 2022, at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Stadium, Abuja, as preparation for the cracker intensifies.

Coach Jose Peseiro is not leaving any stone unturned in his team’s quest to warm their way back into the hearts of Nigerians who are still disappointed and yet to come to terms that the three-time African Cup of Nations Champions will not be at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup in November.

Having lost two previous matches in charge of the African giant, against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States of America Friendlies, Peseiro said the team is set to get back to wining ways and put smiles on the faces of their teeming fans again.

All the 27 invited players are  already  in training  in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Skipper Ahmed Musa led the playing body that included goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Adewale Adeyinka and Adebayo Adeleye, and defenders Olaoluwa Aina, William Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Leon Balogun, Sani Faisal and Kenneth Omeruo. There were also midfielders Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Innocent Bonke and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman, Sadiq Umar, Terem Moffi and Emmanuel Dennis.

Abdullahi Shehu and Calvin Bassey, and midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo are already in camp.

During breakfast and lunch periods, Peseiro was able to meet and familiarize with invited players who were unable to make it to the United States for the friendlies, including skipper Musa, defenders Sanusi and Balogun, midfielder Etebo and forwards Chukwueze, Umar and Lookman.

He also met with defender Omeruo, midfielder Onyeka and forward Osimhen, as well as Israel –based goal-tender Adeleye, who were not invited to the friendlies in America but have been called for the AFCON fray.

The Eagles confront familiar foes Sierra Leone at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening, in one of the Day 1 matches of Group A of the qualification series. On Saturday, they will fly to Marrakech for a Day 2 game against São Tomé and Príncipe that will take place on Monday, 13th June.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football has appointed Ivorian officials to take charge of Thursday’s encounter in Abuja, with Ibrahim Kalilou Traore as referee. His compatriots Adou Desire N’goh, Nouhou Ouattara and Kouassi Francois Biro will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.

Moukaila Nassam Adam from Ghana will be match commissioner while Serge Paulin Samuel from Burkina Faso will serve as referee assessor.

SUPER EAGLES INVITED PLAYERS FOR SIERRA LEONE AND SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Adewale Adeyinka (Akwa United); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sani Faisal (Katsina United);

Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain)

Midfielders: Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Innocent Bonke (FC Lorient, France); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal CF, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Cyriel Dessers (Feyenoord FC, The Netherlands); Ademola Lookman (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England)

2023: ‘Youth Vote Count Initiative’ Targeted At Involving Youths In Electoral Process- EU; INEC Will Not Extend Voters Registration Exercise

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
INEC Youth Vote Count Initiative

By Akinwale Kasali

The Prof. Mahmood Yakubu – led Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has pledged that the 2023 Election will be all inclusive, with the electoral umpire not leaving anyone out in the electoral process. In view of this, INEC, in conjunction with European Union and Yiaga Africa has commenced the Second Series of “Youth Vote Count Mega Concert.”

The initiative which is targeted at encouraging youths to troop out in large numbers and register for the Permanent Voters Cards, PVC, in order to exercise their franchise as the 2023 Election gathers momentum.

INEC has made available over 50 Machines for Voters’ Registration at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos, for those who want to register newly for their PVCs, those seeking transfer to another State and those that have damaged or lost their PVCs.

The Lagos State INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje, said that the initiative is targeted at encouraging youths to register for their PVCs, by organizing a Mega Concert where A -List Artistes, Musicians will be brought to thrill the crowds after the week long exercise.

Agbaje said that the Youths make the large chunk of voters, and it is necessary to engage them and change the orientation and mindset they have that there votes don’t count.

“INEC will not extend the Voters Registration Exercise when it elapse by June 30th, this is an opportunity for Youths to come and register for their PVCs. This week long exercise in TBS, Lagos is made possible by European Union and Yiaga Africa, who are out major partners in this sensitization and awareness campaign exercise, as we are opened here from Monday, June 6th to June 11th, 2022, where we are going to have a Mega Concert, with top Musicians coming to thrill the crowd. Your PVCs and Temporary Voters Card, TVC, will the gate pass for you to have access to see this stars and have fun from 2pm-6pm on Saturday”, he said.

Laolu Olawunmi, Programme Manager, European Union, said that INEC commitment to inclusiveness and  transparency has made the EU to collaborate with the commission, and that the Youth Vote Count Initiative is a non partisan campaign for youths to participate in the electoral process.

Olawunmi stressed that there is need for Nigerian youths to get involved in the policy making of the nation and choose the leaders they want to rule them by getting their PVCs and bring an end to the voters apathy the nation has been witnessing in previous elections.

“This initiative will give every Nigerian youth a voice, as this is a platform where the youths will mobilize and engage the center of authorities”.

Yiaga Africa Executive Director, Stanley Itodo, said that the initiative was launched in 2018 and it was held in Six geopolitical Universities in Nigeria, which was a flagship program by the EU, and the decision to start the Second series in Lagos was because the huge population of youth is in Lagos and been the commercial hub of the nation.

Itodo added that Youths needs to come out in large numbers to get their PVCs and decided their future, rather than sitting back and complaining.

He said the Mega Concert will see the likes of MI Abaga, Kiss Daniel, 2Face Idibia, Teni, Omawunmi, Pasuma, Small Doctor, Mayokun and a lot of Nollywood Stars coming to sensitize the youths on the need of having their PVCs and to have fun to the senerous lyrics of their idols.

Lending his voice, the Executive Director of International Press Center, IPC, Lanre Arogundade, said the initiative was apt and with the youths coming out to get their PVCs, it will give an effective answer to some cynical questions that Nigerian youths are not politically inclined, and it will further give the youths the power to decide who they want to rule them.

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