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NNPCL’s Release of N15 Billion Worth of Products Vindicates CNPP’s Allegation of Economic Sabotage

October 15, 2024

The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has reacted to the recent release of N15 billion worth of products to independent oil marketers by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, on Tuesday, the CNPP noted that it sees this move, facilitated by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, as “a validation of CNPP’s allegations of economic sabotage against NNPCL.”

Economic Sabotage Confirmed

The statement added that “the CNPP has long argued that NNPCL’s practices have been harmful to the Nigerian economy. The recent authorization by NNPCL, allowing oil marketers under the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a reduced price, substantiates the CNPP’s claims of economic sabotage against the federal government-owned oil company.”

Commitment to Regulatory Compliance

As the umbrella body of all registered political parties and associations in Nigeria, the CNPP expressed concern over NNPCL’s ongoing violations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The CNPP emphasized the need for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to issue import and off-taker licenses to oil dealers, enabling them to import fuel directly or purchase from local refineries like the Dangote Refinery. “This move is expected to eliminate NNPCL’s undue regulatory and competitive roles.”

Call for Deregulation or Transparent Subsidy Regime

The CNPP has called on the Federal Government “to either fully deregulate the oil sector, allowing marketers to freely buy and sell petroleum products, or to implement a transparent petrol subsidy regime free from corrupt practices to maintain control over PMS pump prices.

DSS Intervention and IPMAN’s Role

“The DSS’s intervention came after IPMAN threatened to halt operations nationwide due to the high costs of loading petroleum products from NNPCL facilities. IPMAN revealed that the cost of petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to NNPCL was approximately N898 per litre, while NNPCL was selling it at significantly higher prices in various locations.

“This discrepancy is seen as a deliberate attempt by NNPCL to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by exacerbating economic hardship and turning citizens against the government.”

Demand for Accountability

The CNPP questioned why it took threats from IPMAN, which controls over 70 percent of filling stations nationwide, and DSS intervention before NNPCL complied with the law and stopped fixing petrol pump prices. The CNPP accused NNPCL’s leadership of attempting to maintain control over the oil industry post-commercialization due to endemic corruption.

CNPP’s Continued Vigilance

“The CNPP has pledged to continue monitoring the activities of NNPCL, given the company’s significant impact on the economy and the livelihood of ordinary citizens. The CNPP will continue advocate for transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector as it has done over the years.

“Recall that in December 2022, the DSS had previously taken proactive measures to prevent potential unrest during the Yuletide season by issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to NNPCL, IPMAN, and other stakeholders to resolve the then ongoing fuel crisis, which has remained an issue to date as NNPCL has continued operate in very secretive manner.”

“Mr President, Wike Alone Cannot Secure Rivers Votes For You, Call Him To Order”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 15, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“A destabilized Rivers State will affect Nigeria in ways one cannot imagine” – INC

The apex umbrella body of the Ijaw, Ijaw National Congress, INC, Worldwide, has expressed fear that if not urgently halted, the festering crisis in Rivers state has the potential to engulf the entire country.

At a media briefing on October 15, 2024, INC President, Prof Benjamin Okaba, called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

He warned that Wike’s continued efforts at stoking crisis in the oil rich state is not in the interest of Nigeria.

The Source reports that Wike, who is, also, the immediate past Governor of Rivers state, has since October, 2023 been in the trenches with his political godson and successor in office, Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the control of the soul of the State.

The battle of attrition has drawn many combatants and inflicted severe disruptive consequences on the peace and stability of the State.

Not a few are strongly persuaded that the President’s subtle support for Wike, has largely emboldened him to dig deeper into the trenches.

To this end ,the INC has insisted on President Tinubu calling his Minister to order before he sets the entire country ablaze .

“Mr President, Sir, as the father of the Nation, the alter ego of Nigeria, we are fervently appealing to you to call the FCT Minister to order .

“This is for the sake of peace and security in Nigeria. Stop this drift towards national disintegration and anarchy now.

“We understand the detects of politics and the need to harvest Rivers votes for the president’s second tenure election.

“What we misunderstand is the thought that only the FCT Minister can assist the President to win Rivers” the INC President noted .

Prof Okaba maintained that it will amount to a serious error of judgment to think that Wike alone can determine the direction of Rivers State’s votes,as well as the political fate of the President and/ or any other persons.

He blamed the ongoing bitter and unnecessary political battle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Wike on 2027 permutations, particularly as they concern the President’s chances in Rivers state.

According to him, despite many Rivers stakeholders viewing the eight point resolution agenda brokered by the President at the Villa as being against Governor Fubara, he has, nevertheless, kept faith with it.

“In October 2023, you called stakeholders to a meeting and tabled an 8-point directive to all parties involved to return peace to Rivers .

“Whereas many of our people considered your 8-point directive as manifestly slanted against the Governor’s interest and in favour of the FCT Minister, the Governor acceded to it” Prof Okoba stated

But he, however, expressed regret that while the Governor strived to keep to the terms of the agreement, the opposite party acted in total breach of the accord.

The INC President noted that apart from refusing to withdraw all pending Court actions, the Wike group, witthin three weeks after the Abuja peace parley, goaded the Martins Amaewfule-led State Lawmakers to defect to the All Progressive Congress, APC, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He explained that their concern as a group and people, is for the president to come to terms with the reality that a destabilized Rivers state is invariably a crisis afflicted Nigeria.

August Nationwide Protest: Kano Pledges To Renovate National Digital Industrial Park

Ayodele Oni

October 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has expressed Government’s readiness to begin the renovations of the Digital Industrial Park (DIP), which suffered significant damage and equipment theft during the nationwide protests on August 1, 2024.

Governor Yusuf made the announcement during a visit by Dr. Bosun Tijjani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

Some #endbadgovernment protesters had invaded the facility during the August nation wide protest, looted and set ablaze a section on the building.

Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, who welcomed the Minister, emphasized the government’s commitment to swiftly rebuilding the park to support the state’s digital ambitions.

Gwarzo condemned the vandalism as a significant setback for both Kano State and Nigeria’s digital economy, expressing apology to the Ministry for the incident.

He assured attendees that the government is working with security agencies and community leaders to recover a large portion of the looted equipment.

The Deputy Governor revealed that the Kano State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive damage assessment and initiating repairs immediately.

“We remain resolute in ensuring that this key asset is operational as soon as possible,” and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to restoring the facility’s full operational potential.

Unity Bank: Customers At The Centre Of Our Business- Somefun

Tosin Olatokunbo

October 15, 2024

The Managing Director/ chief executive officer of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun has commended the lender’s frontline staff for effectively translating its Customer Service Charter thereby forging a culture of responsiveness and exceptional partnership to demonstrate unwavering commitment to customers.

In a message commemorating this year’s Customer Service Week, Somefun celebrated with staff in customer service roles and expressed deep appreciation to the bank’s clients for their continued trust and loyalty, which have propelled the bank’s growth and success.

“This year’s theme “Above and Beyond” supports our mission at Unity Bank which enables us to reflect on our collective journey so far where our customers are at the centre of our business,” she said.

Somefun further stated that the Bank is continually investing in innovation as well as revamping existing systems, noting that new tools and strategies would be rolled out in the coming months to further enrich customer experiences. “Whether it’s through improved digital platforms or personalized services, we are committed to enhancing the way you bank with us,” she added.

While acknowledging the essential role frontline staff play in creating lasting relationships with customers, Somefun said that through dedication, resilience, and professionalism, Unity Bank Customer Service has demonstrated that it embodies the “Above and Beyond” theme of this year’s celebration.

“Day after day, our staff go beyond the call of duty, ensuring that every customer interaction is handled with care and excellence. They are the reason our customers continue to choose Unity Bank.”

Also speaking, the Bank’s Chief Customer Service Officer, Elfrida Igebu said that, “Throughout the week, we have seen firsthand what it means to go the extra mile. Our commitment to exceeding expectations, personalizing experiences, and showing genuine empathy has set us apart and created lasting connections with our customers.”

She noted that the different activities lined up to celebrate the customer service week “have strengthened the team’s professional capabilities and reinforced the bonds that make us a united team.”

From October 7 – 11, the Bank lined up several activities to celebrate customers and the exceptional teams in its over 200 branches nationwide, rewarding outstanding staff members, while reflecting on the theme of this year’s event – Above and Beyond.

Dele Momodu Replies Fayose: Your Generation Brought Calamity, Chaos And Corruption To Nigeria

Tosin Olatokunbo

October 15, 2024

Ovation publisher Dele Momodu has reacted to former Governor of Ekiti state remark that former Vice President Atiku is too old to contest the next presidential election.

Abubakar, who lost to the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last year, sources close to him said, is preparing to contest Nigeria’s next presidential election slated for 2027 and

Momodu, a renown journalist and one of the spokesman for Atiku in the 2023 Presidential election said Fayose cannot prevent the former vice president from contesting, stressing that the former governor’s right is only limited to voting for any candidate of his choice during the election.

Fayose had while speaking on the state of the nation said Atiku would be too old to contest the 2027 Presidential election.

A member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti state has been hobnobbing with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, he supported President Tinubu in last year’s presidential election against his party candidate, Atiku.
There are serious indications that Fayose will still support the reelection bid pf President Tinubu.

Reacting in a statement, Momodu, a former presidential candidate said Fayose’s call for the younger generation to be allowed to rule the country has no basis, stressing that Fayose’s generation has brought “Absolute CALAMITY and CHAOS and unprecedented CORRUPTION” to the country.

Momodu said age should not be a major factor for Nigerian Presidency, citing other countries where their leaders are over 80 years old.

Atiku is 78 years old, and will be over 80 years old by the next presidential election in the country.

He wondered why Fayose did not support younger presidential candidates in previous elections.
He said the former vice president is a true Democrat who deserves to rule the country because “ATIKU ABUBAKAR has carried himself admirably as a true Democrat.”

Below Momodu’s statement in full

“WHO’S AFRAID OF ATIKU ABUBAKAR?

I have read a statement credited to former GOVERNOR PETER AYODELE FAYOSE advising ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR to stay away from ever contesting Presidential election again in Nigeria. This has raised a few salient questions.
Who are the younger persons he has in mind for 2027? MINISTER NYESOM WIKE or PRESIDENT TINUBU of APC that they are supporting openly while still in PDP?
It is undemocratic to tell anyone not to contest an election. If ATIKU contests and you don’t like him, you have the right to oppose him but you can’t stylishly disqualify him. AGE alone can’t invalidate a leader’s vision and mission in life or in politics. Who would have expected a PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN to come on the global stage after POTUS BARACK OBAMA? Or that a former POTUS DONALD TRUMP will be contesting against a much younger and smart woman VP KAMALA HARRIS today?
Let’s go further. What has been the effect of the participation of many of the younger folks in Nigerian politics of former GOVERNOR FAYOSE’s generation? (Absolute CALAMITY and CHAOS and unprecedented CORRUPTION). How many members of that generation have done meaningful and visible BUSINESS since leaving power other than continuing to live parasitically on the nation?
It must be noted that ATIKU ABUBAKAR has carried himself admirably as a true Democrat. He does not have a tyrannical grip on any STATE in Nigeria. He has never sponsored thugs or INEC to hijack elections. If GOD has blessed him with good health, what stops him from contesting? Why did the proponents of younger candidates not support VP YEMI OSINBAJO, ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI, OMOYELE SOWORE, AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL, DONALD DUKE, KAYODE FAYEMI, NASIR EL RUFAI, PETER OBI, RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO, and others but they worked actively to install PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU!!
Is FAYOSE assuring us that members of their group will soon come out boldly and openly to advise TINUBU not to contest in 2027?” – DELE MOMODU speak

Catholic Bishop To Tinubu: Nigerians Dying Because Of A Cup Of Garri”

Tosin Olatokunbo

October 15, 2024

The Catholic Bishop of Idah Diocese, Reverend Anthony Adaji, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the current hardship in the country.

Bishop Idah spoke on Sunday, lamenting the sufferings of Nigerians amidst the serious economic situation in the country.

The magazine reported that the prices of essential house holds commodities such as food, gas among others have hit the rooftops since the Tinubu came to power last year.

The economic problems which has left many families stranded because they cannot meet their basic needs, has been further exacerbated by the government insistent that the policies that have brought untold hardship will not be reversed.

The government said steps taken so far are in the interest of the country, and necessary to guarantee her future.

Not a few Nigerians have disagreed, saying some of the policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the convergence of the foreign exchange market were carried out without due consultation with major stakeholders.

Bishop Idah who spoke at his 60th birthday celebration at Our Lady Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Idah, stated that the country is on the verge of becoming a failed state, citing the lack of transparency in local government elections and the erosion of trust in the government.

he stressed that the country is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, but lacked competent leadership, a situation that has led to current sorry state of the economy, where Nigerians are dying because of the lack of food to eat.

He also lamented state governors’ manipulation of the local government elections to favour their party.

Adaji: “People are dying because of a cup of garri right now in our country. I would recall that the former ambassador to Nigeria when he came to commission something in Abuja, said Nigeria is the most concentrated country with black intellectuals around the world. He was a black American who served as an Ambassador many years ago. Even in America, the black people, Nigeria has the highest intellectuals among the black people in the world.

“How can such a country be gradually sinking and becoming a failed State? We cannot pretend about that. The politicians in Nigeria are not helping democracy to grow. So, you cannot tell me that in a particular state that is being controlled by a particular political party, there is no local government that can choose a candidate. This is not true because I don’t believe that. It is a deliberate attempt by politicians to destroy democracy.”

The clergy asserted that the current economic hardship in the country was self-inflicted.

He said, “Nigeria has enough resources that every child in Nigeria should not be hungry. There is a great endowment of wealth in this country, but the mismanagement of wealth has led us to where we are now. This is the situation Nigerians are facing.

“God has blessed Nigeria abundantly, but unfortunately, the mismanagement of Nigeria’s resources over time has brought us to where we are now. If nothing is done it can only get worse and never get better.

“The removal of fuel subsidy and the escalating price of goods with many Nigerians dying because of a cup of garri and can’t afford to feed their family, we can’t call that as an administration that is moving Nigeria forward. It is not at all because we must tell ourselves the truth.

“There is nothing to lose in telling the truth. If the government is committed to uplifting this country forward, the cost of governance must be cut off. You cannot talk of giving politicians billions of naira, and many Nigerians are dying because they can’t afford food to eat.

“We can’t accept such a government. It can only be ranked among governors that have looted the economy. If nothing is done or things continue like this, the nation is spelling for doom,” the bishop said.

NUJ Celebrates Media Icons, As Govs, Info Minister, Others, Converge On Lagos For Event

The Source

October 15, 2024

Comfort Obi and Nosa Igiebo and Chris Isiguzo

All roads lead to the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, on Thursday October 17, 2024 for the third edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria.

The event put together by the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) under the leadership of Chief Chris Isiguzo, MFR, seeks to celebrate successful media professionals who have made a mark in the pen profession.

In a statement by the Organising Committee Chairman, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, the event is a clear departure from the norm because the seasoned professionals are being celebrated while alive and not when they are no more.

He affirmed that NUJ was committed to encouraging professionalism in the media industry, while urging well-to-do Nigerians to invest in the media space.

The Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, Ph.D, CON and his counterpart in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno are Special Guests of Honour.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi is the Chairman of the occasion.

Veteran journalists listed for this year’s honour are former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, MFR, Pa Felix Adenaike, Dr Ladan Salihu, Dame Comfort Obi, OON, Dr Yemi Farounbi, Dr Haroun Adamu, Professor Tonnie Iredia, Professor Umar Pate and Mrs Bisi Amagada.

Others include: Comrade Ini Ememobong, Mallam Yakub Mohammed, Mr Dan Agbese, Dr Eddie Iroh, Mr Lade Bonuola, Mr Nosa Igiebor, Mrs Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Mrs Comfort Umanah, HRH Eze Geo Anika, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Pa Jola Ogunlusi and Usman Shuaibu Leman.

e-signed

Olayide Awosanya
Secretary, Organising Committee.

2025 AFCON: Super Eagles Arrive Kano After Libyan Ordeal

Akinwale Kasali

October 15, 2024

Super Eagles Arrive Kano After Libyan Ordeal

By Akinwale Kasali

Libya Defends Its Cruelty

Players and officials of Nigeria’s Super Eagles finally arrived Nigeria through the Aminu Kano International Airport, Monday night.

The players and the officials arrived home tired after enduring over 13 hours of cruelty in the hands of Libyans at the Al Abaq Airport, Libya. They had been stranded at the Airport since Sunday night after their flight was inexplicably diverted to that Airport. On arrival there, it was like a hostage situation.

In protest, and given the ordeal – physically and emotionally suffered by the players and officials, Nigeria took the wise decision to call off the match with Libya. It thereafter sent an aircraft to bring the players and officials back to Nigeria.

The match was billed for Tuesday as the second leg of 2025 qualifiers for AFCON.

Nigeria has lodged a complaint to CAF which has started an investigation into the sad incident.

However, the Libyan Football Federation, LFF, has denied involvement in the inhumane treatment meted out to Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their country.

The LFF in a statement on Monday, cited routine air traffic control protocols, security checks and logistical challenges as factors that can affect air travel.

They also claimed that a similar incident happened when their players travelled to Uyo, Nigeria, for the first leg of the fixture.

The statement released on X (former Twitter) read: “We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon.

“We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.

There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

“In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We have always prioritized treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve.

“Hosting these events is a great honor for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of our culture and tradition.

“We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.”

Kano Man 33 Jailed For Se*ually Exploiting Eleven Year Old Girl

Suleiman Anyalewechi

October 15, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Like Zuhier R. Akar the Lebanese national who last week bagged 14 years for se*ually assaulting two kano teenagers, Nasiru Isah will spend the next seven years in jail for sexually exploiting an 11 year old Kano girl, a Federal High Court Kano on Monday October 14 ruled .

Delivering judgment in an application filed by the Kano Zonal Office of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP, Hon Justice S.M Shu’aibu convicted Isah on the one count charge of se*ual abuse preferred against him .

Following his earlier guilty plea, the trial Judge, in addition to sentencing the accused to seven years in jail, also ordered that he should pay the sum of N1 million.

Justice Shu’aibu held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond any reasonable doubt.

The convict was sentenced without any option of fine .

The Prosecution Counsel,Abdullahi Babale had earlier told the Court that Malam Isah, a resident of Darmanawa Bayan Gida Kallo in Tarauni Local Government of Kano state committed the said offence on October 5, 2024 at same address.

The convict, according to the Prosecutor, lured the 11 year old into his bedroom, and on his matrimonial bed, se*ually abused and exploited her.

The defendant, according to the NAPTIP Zonal Coordinator, had carnal knowledge of the victim three times, once in the defendant’s bedroom, and twice at an uncompleted building.

“The defendant gave the victim bread, groundnut and N 20 before se*ually exploiting her”, the prosecutor stated.

In the course of the trial, the prosecutor tendered two main evidences which, also, included the confessional statement of the convict.

The other evidence was the victim’s oral testimony.

According to NAPTIP, the offence is in violation of the extant provisions of section 16 (1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Adminstration Act 2015, and is punishable under section 26 (1) the same Act.

Instructively, same Justice Shu’aibu had, last week, sentenced the Lebanese national to 14 years in jail for, also, se*ually exploiting two teenage girls aged 14 and 15 at his Gidan Wanka Unity road residence in the Commercial hub of the Northern region .

He was, also, sentenced without option of fine, and ordered to pay the N2 million in addition.

The Lebanese had also in the case prosecuted by Kano Zonal NAPTIP ,pleaded guilty to the offence ,which was committed on September 4 2024 .

Ondo 2024: INEC Says About 300,000 Voters’ Cards Uncollected

Ayodele Oni

October 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Ondo State has announced that the Voters’ Registers will be presented to political parties on Tuesday.

This is just as the Commission announced that no fewer than 295,603 PVCs are still uncollected

Addressing journalists on Akure, on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola assured that all parties will be given level playing ground to operate.

She stated that over 11,000 security personnel from Police, Immigration, Civil Defence and other security agencies, have been trained to oversee the conduct of the election on November 16th.

“The timetable and the schedule of activities for Ondo state governorship election slated for 15th October, 2024 for the presentation of the Official Register of Voters to political parties in line with the provisions of section 10(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022 which provides:

“You will recall that the Commission conducted a Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) Exercise between 27th May 2024 . At the end of the exercise, there was a significant increase in registered voters across the state.

“58,708 new voters were registered. In addition, 3,132 voters transferred their registration into and within Ondo State, while 123 voters transferred their registration within and out of Ondo State.

“The harmonized total number of new registered voters with the old registered voters is now 2,053,061.

The Register of Voters is a vital document that contains the details of all eligible voters for the election.

“The register is the foundation of electoral credibility. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their civic duty.

“In line with statutory requirement to publish and provide copies of the voter register to all political parties, the Commission will present the updated register to political parties on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the INEC Conference Room in Akure, starting at 9:00 a.m.

“I encourage political parties to seize this opportunity, as it reflects the Commission’s commitment to transparency and ensuring a level playing field.

“It is also an excellent moment to enhance voter education and sensitization efforts, enabling the electorate to critically engage with party manifestos and make informed choice.

“I am pleased to announce that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ondo State will commence from 17th October, 2024.

“This exercise will begin at the Registration Area (RA) level until October 21st , 2024, including the weekend.

“PVC distribution will take place across all 203 RAs in the state, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily after which it will continue at the Local Government Area (LGA) level from 23rd to 29th October, 2024. PVCs will be distributed at designated collection centers across all 203 Registration Areas within the state’s 18 LGAs.

“I urge registered voters, especially those who recently updated their details or are newly registered, to take advantage of this opportunity to collect their PVCs. I also encourage those who had previously registered but are yet to collect their cards to use this window to do so.

“Please note that INEC is fully committed to ensuring a smooth and accessible PVC collection process, I, therefore, encourage all eligible voters to make sure they collect their cards, as timely distribution of PVCs is expected to enhance voter participation and help guarantee a credible and inclusive election.”

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