Home Blog Page 386

Muslim Community Says Bauchi Peaceful, Exonerates Gov Mohammed From Supporting Banditry

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

By Ayodele Oni

Muslim community in Bauchi State has exonerated Governor Bala Mohammed from any involvement in terrorism and banditry activities, saying that the allegation that the Governor and some government officials support bandits is false.

The religious community stated this during a press conference addressed by Imam Muhammad Yusuf Adam on behalf of the Islamic scholars from different Islamic sects in Bauchi State.

According to the group, Bauchi is one of the most peaceful states in Northern Nigeria which has no record of criminal activity and has attracted people from neighbouring states that have relocated due to insecurity elsewhere.

“It is well known that, among all the states in Northern Nigeria, Bauchi State is one of the most peaceful, recording very low levels of criminality, as there is no crime free society in the world.

“This has led people from other states to relocate here and build homes, especially in the state capital, due to the peace and security enjoyed by the residents.

“If there are terrorism and banditry activities  here, people would not continue to move into the state in such large numbers.

“This migration has even led to the creation of new settlements in Bauchi State, where government has resettled people displaced by insecurity from neighbouring states, for example: Maraban Liman Katagum, New Nabordo, New Narabi, among others.

“There is no town or forest in Bauchi State that serves as a base for any terrorist group or bandits to the extent that people cannot enter because of the bandits strength or any alleged protection they enjoy.

“No person or group of persons has ever been arrested in Bauchi State with weapons or food supplies intended for bandits in their hideouts.

“It is widely known to anyone who follows events in Bauchi State that the government responds promptly whenever there is information about the presence of bandits.

“For example his Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed (Kauran Bauchu), has provided equipment to security agencies, as well as funds and vehicles to vigilante groups combating banditry in the forests.

”The swift action taken by the Governor when bandits appeared in Duguri, in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The directive given by the Governor to Imams and scholars to intensify special prayers for peace in Bauchi State.

“There is no bandit group in Bauchi State that has overpowered the security agencies, or the state government. This is due to Allah’s help and the efforts of His Excellency, the Governor”.

“The Governor of Bauchi State has no connection whatsoever with bandits, whether directly or indirectly, and he does not relent in taking action whenever he receives reports about them.

“Therefore, the allegation that the Governor and some government officials support bandits is false. In truth, he has no relationship with any bandit group, let alone assisting them.

“Regarding Bello Badejo, who is alleged to have been supported by the Bauchi State Government, it is clear that his relationship with the Governor is not connected to banditry, but rather to cooperation in security matters.

“The allegation against the Commissioner of Finance of Bauchi State and five other government officials is baseless. The people of Bauchi State are shocked, because none of them has ever been associated with banditry, instead, they are known for good character and peaceful living.

“We therefore call for their release so they would return to their families and continue their duties.

“We call on the public to desist from spreading fabricated stories used to tarnish others.

“We also call on politicians to ensure that political rivalry does not push them to harm innocent people.”

Rival Cult Groups Clash In Benue, Police Confirms Death Of Right Persons

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Gunmen

By Ayodele Oni

Benue state Police Command has confirmed outbreak of cult war in  parts of the state leading to the death of some people.

In a statement, spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Udeme Edet, disclosed that operatives attached to the Jato Aka Division of the command have, “responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black.

“The clash resulted in the death of two male persons, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment,” she said.

Assuring that the command is on top of the situation, Edet, revealed that several several arrests have already been made.

According to her, the police intervention led to the arrest of eight suspects, while others fled.

Edet added that the operation also resulted in the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, one expended cartridge, two axes and two machetes, noting that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects involved in the violence.

“We are already on top of the situation, several arrests have been made and they will be charged to court and persecuted.

“The Commissioner of Police remains resolute in his determination to eradicate cultism and all forms of criminality across the state,” she said

It was gathered that battle for supremacy, which reportedly led to the death of eight people ensued between rival cult groups across parts of the State.

Areas affected include Makurdi, the state capital, and Jato Aka, in Kwande Local Government Area, in what security sources described as a fierce fight for territorial control.

The bloody clashes, which have spread across several towns in the state, are believed to be among the deadliest cult-related confrontations in recent times.

The violence had earlier erupted in Otukpo town, where one person was killed, and in Gboko town, where two persons were murdered, all reportedly linked to battle over control of territory.

AFCON 2025: Coach Chelle Confident Of Super Eagles, Trade Words With Algeria’s Petkovic

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle has expressed confidence ahead of his team’s Quarter Finals fixture against the Desert Foxes of Algeria at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Championship ongoing in Morocco.

Chelle has insisted that the Super Eagles have put behind them everything else and will focus hard on achieving victory in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations duel with Algeria’s Fennecs, which will set alight the Grand Stade de Marrakech, in Morocco’s fourth largest city, from 5pm.

“It’s crucial for me to maintain focus on the pitch. While energy matters, the mindset is paramount. Our group will remain united.

“This match is critical against a formidable opponent. We are in the process of determining our game-plan. I hold a deep respect for this Algerian team; their staff operates with exceptional professionalism. I’m not dwelling on revenge for 2019. My priority is to compete fiercely and secure qualification.”

It would be recalled that the Algerians trumped the last AFCON clash between both teams – a 2019 semi final encounter at the Cairo International Stadium that ended with Riyad Mahrez scoring the winner from a free-kick at the edge of the box in added time, leaving former Nigeria goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi with no chance.

On his part, Bosnian-Swiss born Algerian Coach, Vladimir Petković, believes his team has the quality to extend its winning streak against the Super Eagles, who have not tasted victory against the North African country since a 3-1 triumph in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in November 2016.

“The most important thing is the state of mind. It all starts from there, and from that point of view, we are irreproachable. We have the reliability and the quality.

“Today, we need to be just as good defensively as offensively. That will be paramount. All the details will matter against Nigeria. Nothing should be left to chance. We have the quality. We believe in ourselves and we just have to play a big game.”

The encounter will be the 25th clash between both teams at senior level, with the Desert Foxes having won 10 times and the Eagles having clinched victory on nine occasions in regulation time.

Five previous confrontations have ended in draws, but the Eagles claimed a penalty shootout win in one of them – a semi final encounter at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations also hosted by Morocco. After the regulation and extra time ended 1-1, Nigeria won 9-8 in a penalty shootout that went into sudden death and saw some players kicking twice.

A fierce shot just outside the box by Samuel Okwaraji (of blessed memory) was deflected into his own net by defender Abderrazak Belgherbi in the first half, but the Desert Foxes pulled level with four minutes left of the encounter through Rachid Maatar.

Nigeria triumphed when goalkeeper Peter Rufai (of blessed memory) saved a penalty kick from Lakhdar Belloumi.

How A Doctor’s  Criminal Negligence Killed My Son

By
The Source
-
1

By Chimamanda Adichie

“My son would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th. He was given too much propofol by the anesthesiologist. The Doctor was fatally and casually careless with the precious life of a child. We have now heard about two previous cases of this same anesthesiologist overdosing children. Why did Eurocare allow him to keep working? I will never survive the loss of my child”

We were in Lagos for Christmas. Nkanu had what we first thought was just a cold, but soon turned into a very serious infection and he was admitted to Atlantis hospital.

He was to travel to the US the next day, January 7th, accompanied by Travelling Doctors. A team at Johns Hopkins was waiting to receive him in Baltimore. The Hopkins team had asked for a lumbar puncture test and an MRI. The Nigerian team had also decided to put in a ‘central line’ (used to administer iv medications)  in preparation for Nkanu’s flight. Atlantis hospital referred us to Euracare Hospital, which was said to be the best place to have the procedures done.

The morning of the 6th, we left Atlantis hospital for Euracare, Nkanu carried in his father’s arms. We were told he would need to be sedated to prevent him from moving during the MRI and the ‘central line’ procedure.

I was waiting just outside the theater. I saw people, including Dr M, rushing into the theater and immediately knew something had happened.

A short time later, Dr M came out and told me Nkanu had been given too much propofol by the anesthesiologist, had become unresponsive and was quickly resuscitated. But suddenly Nkanu was on a ventilator, he was intubated and placed in the ICU. The next thing I heard was that he had seizures. Cardiac arrest. All these had never happened before. Some hours later, Nkanu was gone

It turns out that Nkanu was NEVER monitored after being given too much propofol. The anesthesiologist had just casually carried Nkanu on his shoulder to the theater, so nobody knows when exactly Nkanu became unresponsive.

How can you sedate a sick child and neglect to monitor him? Later, after the ‘central line’ procedure, the anesthesiologist casually switched off Nkanu’s oxygen and again decided to carry him on his shoulder to the ICU!

The anesthesiologist was CRIMINALLY negligent. He was fatally casual and careless with the precious life of a child. No proper protocol was followed.

We brought in a child who was unwell but stable and scheduled to travel the next day. We came to conduct basic procedures. And suddenly, our beautiful little boy was gone forever. It is like living your worst nightmare. I will never survive the loss of my child.

We have now heard about two previous cases of this same anesthesiologist overdosing children. Why did Euracare allow him to keep working? This must never happen to another child.

Chimamanda is Nigeria’s world-acclaimed award winning writer

Fayose: “The Only Life In ADC Is Peter Obi”, Declares PDP Dead

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Ayodele Fayose
Ayodele Fayose

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has dismissed any danger posed by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. As for any threat from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Fayose said the PDP “is dead.”

Fayose, supposedly, still a member of the PDP spoke Friday night on Channels Television’s Politics Today anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.

On any chances of the ADC upstaging the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the upcoming February 2027 Presidential Election, Fayose dismissed it with a wave of the hand, insisting that Peter Obi  is the only life in the ADC.

His words: “Obi is the only life in ADC. All other people in ADC are semi-existent. If Obi had gone to remain in Labour Party, or had gone to Accord Party, he is the only life there. All the other people there, they are not existing. They are old forces. They are spent forces.”

Fayose, also, emphasised that even though he is not an APC member, and will never be, his loyalty in 2027 is with President Tinubu who he, also, supported in 2023.

He said: “Openly, I supported Tinubu in 2023. I didn’t hide it. Till now, I’m still there. I don’t jump. I have said it to you. I’m not a member of APC, and I will never be.”

He declared the PDP dead, and posited: “PDP is technically no more.”

Uzodimma Says Era Of Fear Gone In Imo As He  inaugurates 7000-man State Vigilance Services Organisation

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma

Seven thousand able bodied young men and women were Friday inaugurated as members of the Imo State Vigilance Services Organisation by Governor Hope Uzodimma, another bold step taken to enhance security in the State.

The inauguration is part of efforts by the Governor Uzodimma-led administration to completely eradicate crime and criminality in all communities of Imo State, and underscore a renewed commitment to peace and stability.

The event, held at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri, marked a significant step in the administration’s strategy to combat insecurity and foster a safe environment for residents.

“As a state, we have witnessed a transformation,” the Governor remarked, reflecting on the recent festive season’s peace. “This past Christmas, our communities celebrated without incidents of molestation, a testament to the return of calm and order.”

Governor Uzodimma emphasised that the establishment of the Vigilance Services Organization, backed by the Imo State Security Organisation Amendment Law No. 3 of 2025, is not only essential for local security but also a proactive measure to protect the state’s developmental gains. “We must work every day to keep the peace we have earned,” he stated.

Governor Uzodimma addressed traditional rulers directly, affirming their crucial role in community safety. “You are the fathers of your communities. You know your children, and it is upon you to expose criminality,” he urged, calling for collaboration between the Vigilance Organisation and local leaders.

The newly trained members of the Vigilance Services Organization will serve as the “eyes and ears” within the communities, equipped with essential skills for intelligence gathering.They are here to nip insecurity in the bud,” Governor Uzodimma noted, reinforcing that peace is a continuous effort rather than a destination.

In a strong message to potential disruptors, the Governor asserted: “We have worked too hard to build this new Imo. Any attempt to incite violence will not be tolerated. The era of constance fear is gone and now behind us.”

He therefore called on the citizens to support the newly inaugurated officers, emphasising cooperation as vital for maintaining public safety. “When the right hand washes the left and the left washes the right, both hands become clean,” he explained, urging community engagement in the fight against insecurity.

The Governor maintained that the inauguration serves as a clear signal to investors and visitors that Imo State is focused on maintaining a safe climate for growth and development. “Imo is open, Imo is safe,” he insisted and encouraged all to find opportunities within the state.

Governor Uzodimma commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing community policing and the establishment of local security initiatives, emphasising that this approach allows communities to take ownership of their security, which is vital for enhancing national security.

He expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s support, highlighting the importance of empowering local vigilance groups and fostering collaboration between them and traditional rulers to maintain peace and safety in Imo State, describing the initiative as a cornerstone for ensuring sustained security and stability for the community, “ultimately contributing to a safer Nigeria.”

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Hon. Modestus Osakwe, said the launch of the Imo State Security Organization (ISSO) is a major milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and security.

He noted that the initiative represents a bold, strategic, and visionary step toward addressing security challenges and ensuring a peaceful future for all residents of the state.

According to him, the establishment of the Imo State Security Organisation signals the beginning of a new era of peace, safety, and prosperity, pointing out  that the outfit was created in response to growing concerns over crime and insecurity in various communities.

The Commissioner commended Governor Uzodimma for his proactive leadership and unwavering commitment to prioritizing the security and wellbeing of Imo people. “Security remains a critical foundation for sustainable development and economic growth,” Osakwe emphasized.

He expressed optimism that the new security organisation would strengthen collaboration between conventional security agencies and local communities, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance rapid response to security threats.

The Commissioner therefore called on residents to cooperate with the Imo State Security Organisation and actively participate in community safety initiatives, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

The high points of the event was the unavailing of security provided by the State government for the 27 Local Governments of the State, as well as awards to Best Legal Lecturer, Best Parade Commander, Best in Drills, Best Guard Commander, Best LGA Chairman on Mobilization  Skills, Best in Academics and Best Behaved Recruit.

Present at the event were; the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru,  Senators representing Imo West and North – Senators Osita Izunaso and Patrick Ndubueze,  members of the House of Representatives, members of the State House of Assembly, the  Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council and other government appointees, Local Government Council Chairmen, Councillors, Heads of Security Agencies and Para-military, traditional rulers among others.

Early Morning Road Crash Kills Nine, Injures 10

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Apaji Danladi Boyi
Apaji Danladi Boyi, Sector Commander, FRSC, Bauchi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than nine persons were, on Friday, January 9, 2025, confirmed dead in a  ghastly road mishap on Jama’are/ Azare axis of the ever busy Kano/ Maiduguri  highway.

According to the Bauchi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Apaji Danladi Boyi, 10 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crash which occurred in the early hours of Friday.

In an interactive session with the media, Boyi informed that the  accident which involved a commuter bus with about 19 passengers on board heading from Gombe to Kano may have resulted from excessive speeding and loss of control by the driver.

The FRSC Sector Commander stated that the injured were promptly evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, for medical attention.

He also informed that the dead victims have been deposited in the morgue, while awaiting for identifications and claims by their relations.

While appealing to motorists to exercise restraints, especially during this period when holiday makers are traveling back to their various stations, Boyi  assured that the FRSC’s special patrol is ongoing across states in the country with a view to curbing avoidable road crashes.

Abia Fmr. Govs To Sue Gov Otti Over Use Of Private Residence For Govt Activities

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Past political office holders under the aegis of Abia State Executive National and State Legislative Members, on Friday, January  9, 2025 reaffirmed their commitment towards ensuring the success of the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as working for the electoral victory of all All Progressive Congress, APC, candidates in the 2027 general elections.

This is as the body comprising past Governors, their Deputies, Senators, House of Representatives, members, State Legislative body, and Executive Council members, threatened to initiate legal proceedings against the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for the continued  use of his personal residence as official Government House.

The meeting held at the residence of former Governor T A Orji, also had in attendance former Governors  Orji Uzor Kalu ,Dr Victor Okezie Ikpeazu , Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon Nkiru Onyejiocha, as well as past National and State Assembly members.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting by Victor Ike Oye , the Forum expressed serious concern over Governor Alex Otti’s continued use of his private residence in Umuehim Nvosi, Isialagwa South Local Council of the State since the advent of his administration more two years ago.

The Forum said  it has resolved to mount a legal challenge , seeking to compel the Governor to operate from the State’s seat of power in Umuahia.

According to the past Abia leaders, the legal proceedings are intended to enforce compliance and established protocol in governance circle across the country, as well as address an obviously unacceptable breach of standard gubernatorial practices.

The coalition believes that the decision of Governor Otti to be using his private residence in his community has stripped Umuahia of its status as the state capital.

The Forum while pledging its unflinching support, and commitment towards the second term ambition of the President, also expressed its appreciation to  him for the recent appointment of one its own, Dr Ikpeazu, as an Ambassador-designate

The Coalition which comprises mostly APC stalwarts , promised to unite and ensure the victory of all the party’s candidates in 2027.

Further speaking , Senator Orji Kalu who governed the state between 1999 and 2007 informed that the meeting was convened by former Governors , with a view to bringing past leaders of the state together  so that the Abia state can benefit from experiences and convictions .

” The meeting brought together leaders of experience and conviction , including former state Governor Senator Theodore Orji ,the Minister of State for Labour Dr Nkiru Onyejiocha and a host of others to deliberate on issues affecting Abia state and the nation .

” After extensive deliberations, we unanimously endorsed the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and collectively resolved to work for the success of all APC candidates at all levels.

“These decisions reflect our shared belief in strong leadership, party unity and sustainable development.

“The engagement also enabled us to critically assess the state of governance in Abia state, exchange candid views and take decisions guided strictly by the over all best interest of well-meaning Abians .

“As leaders bound by experience and duty, we are united in purpose to advance the progress , unity and prosperity of Abia state and Nigeria”, Kalu post on his official site.

The Source further reports  that the coalition’s meeting is coming on the  heels of the battle of wits between Governor Otti and former Governor Kalu over the 2027 electoral contest .

While Senator Kalu has tended to rubbish most of  the acclaimed achievements of the Otti administration, the Abia state Governor has been unsparing in his criticisms of the former Governor for being instrumental to the poor level of development in Abia state, following the shaky foundation he laid for the State.

Besides, the two have been threatening to undo each other  during the 2027 general elections.

Obi Warns Poverty Is Deepening as Politicians Jostle for Power

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The  presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s deepening poverty crisis, warning that political infighting and the scramble for power are distracting leaders from the country’s worsening socio-economic realities.

In a statement on Thursday, Obi said that while politicians are preoccupied with contesting positions and controlling party structures—even before elections are concluded—an estimated 62 per cent of Nigerians, about 141 million people, are currently living in poverty.

Citing World Bank data, Obi noted that the number of Nigerians living in poverty rose from 81 million in 2019 to about 139 million in 2025. He added that between 2023 and 2024 alone, the figure increased from 115 million to 129 million, representing an additional 14 million people pushed into poverty within a single year. Projections for 2026, he said, indicate that the number could climb to 141 million, meaning about 26 million Nigerians may fall into poverty between 2023 and 2026.

According to Obi, these projections are reinforced by the Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 report titled “Turning Macroeconomic Stability into Sustainable Growth,” which estimates that by 2026, 62 per cent of Nigeria’s population will be living in poverty. The report, he said, highlights weak real income growth and persistently high living costs as major drivers of the crisis.

He warned that most Nigerians are unlikely to experience income growth sufficient to offset rising prices, particularly as high costs driven by energy, logistics, and exchange-rate pressures persist. Low-income households, he added, remain especially vulnerable because food accounts for up to 70 per cent of their total expenditure.

Obi stressed that the growing poverty rate is already weakening purchasing power, reducing consumer demand, and placing severe pressure on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that depend on local markets. He cautioned that if left unchecked, the trend could strain public finances, erode human capital, and undermine economic recovery.

Drawing comparisons with other developing countries, Obi noted that India reduced extreme poverty from about 35–40 per cent in 2000 to roughly 5.3 per cent today, while Indonesia cut poverty from around 30 per cent to about 8 per cent over the same period. Nigeria, by contrast, he said, has seen poverty rise from about 40 per cent in 2000 to 62 per cent today.

He further observed that although Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia had comparable Human Development Index (HDI) scores around the year 2000, Nigeria has lagged behind significantly. By 2025, India and Bangladesh had improved to 0.685, Indonesia to 0.74, while Nigeria stood at 0.53, remaining in the low human development category.

Describing the situation as a threat to the nation’s future, Obi asked whether Nigeria could continue to tolerate a reality in which children born today face one of the highest risks of growing up in poverty anywhere in the world.

“The fact that 141 million Nigerians are living in poverty is not just a national failure; it is a clear danger to our future,” he said.

Obi called for urgent structural reforms, including macroeconomic stability, investment in agriculture and food systems, improved logistics, expanded access to education and healthcare, higher productivity, and large-scale job creation.

2027: 200m Nigerians Watching Us, INEC Boss Warns Staff

By
James Orji
-
0
Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan
Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is prepared to conduct a free, fair and credible election in 2027.
 
The INEC boss made the remark in Lagos on Friday, while delivering his opening address at the commission’s 2026 Induction and Strategic Retreat organised for its leadership and senior officials.,  the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.
 
According to the Agency,  the induction/retreat was attended by Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, as well as administrative secretaries, directors and top management staff across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.
 
Amupitan said the commission has a historic opportunity to rewrite the history of elections in Nigeria and set a new benchmark for election management in Africa.
 
He said, “The eyes of over 200 million Nigerians and indeed the entire continent are upon us.
 
“I charge you today to brace yourselves. The work ahead is demanding, the hours will be long, and the scrutiny will be intense.
 
“We have a golden opportunity to rewrite the history of elections in Nigeria. Our goal is clear: The 2027 General Election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s election history.
 
“But we must aim even higher. I want us to build an institution that is recognised globally.
 
“Let it be said that under our watch, INEC became the best Election Management Body in Africa —a beacon of integrity, a model of technological efficiency, and a fortress of democratic values.”
 
According to him, the 2027 elections must be technologically-driven, transparent and beyond reproach.
 
He added: “It must be a continental standard, a proof-of-concept that demonstrates that INEC can indeed conduct a world-class, technologically-driven, and transparent election that is beyond reproach.
 
“Our mandate, which we should pursue rigorously, is built on five non-negotiable pillars.
 
“We are here to organise elections that are free from any form of interference; fair to all contestants and political parties; credible in the eyes of the global community; transparent in every process, from polling units to result collation; and inclusive of every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability or location.”
 
 
He added that, in pursuing this mandate, INEC must recognise that 2027 would be defined by a new demographic of Nigerians —millions of young citizens who will be approaching the ballot box for the very first time.
 
Amupitan said that these young citizens are digital natives who demand transparency in real-time and have little patience for opacity.
 
Amupitan said: “It is our duty to prove to these tech-savvy, and often skeptical, young voters that INEC can be trusted.
 
“By ensuring our systems are inclusive, and our technology is beyond reproach, we are not just conducting an election; we are securing the lifelong loyalty of Nigeria’s future to the ideals of the ballot.”
As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Amupitan reassured that he was particularly committed to the Legal Framework of Elections.
 
“We will navigate the 2022 Electoral Act and subsequent amendments with surgical precision.
 
“Let it be known that under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system,”  Amupitan said.
 
 
 
 
 
1...385386387...3,089Page 386 of 3,089