LATEST ARTICLES

THE MUHAMMADU BUHARI MOTHER AND CHILD HOSPITAL IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE

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In continuation of the fulfilment of his campaign promise of affordable healthcare for Nigerians, do you know that a 120-bed Mother and Child Hospital has been built by the Buhari administration in Makurdi the Benue State capital?

The well-furnished and equipped facility, which has been named as Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, will soon be commissioned by the President himself after which it will commence operations.

Very importantly, it is gratifying to know that this new hospital will not only restrict itself to Mothers and Children but will treat other adults with health issues that can be treated there. And it is also remarkable that the administration is building similar hospitals across all the states.

About yesterday…Friday August 2019

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About yesterday…Friday August 2019

By Malam Ibrahim sheme

Malam Nasiru El-Rufai has shown tremendous leadership values in his intervention in the traffic gridlock yesterday. I said exactly that to my friend who was travelling to Kaduna with me after the governor walked past my car window acknowledging cheers from victims of the gridlock, scores of whom followed him enthusiastically. Even if he did not help clear the jam (but he did!), his presence alone – as the leader of the state – was enough balm on the bruised psyche of the commuters. He boosted our morale, raised our hopes, and assured us about the future. At that material time, that’s all what matters. I immediately saw in him a presidential material, i.e. if they don’t hand it over to Tinubu on a platter of gold!

What amazed me most was the distance the big man (I insist he is not a diminutive person as some insinuate) covered on foot. The beginning of the gridlock and its end were very long, maybe 30km, and Malam covered them all on foot! And his walk was brisk, energetic, jaunty even though he wore a babbar riga, as if he was enjoying it. I wondered how healthy he was physically and emotionally as to do that. Even younger elements like us would have to think thrice before daring to trek that long. He must have been inspired by the passion to bring comfort and solace to us, the stranded citizens. And he did so, selflessly. Some other Excellency would have turned back from the beginning of the gridlock or ordered for a helicopter to come and pick him. Some would even pretend that their tooth was suddenly aching again. But Malam was there from evening to morning, offering sympathy, smilingly reassuring everyone. He must have melted the hearts of many, including those that disagree with him on the political scene.

But then it is his style to be there just when it matters. Malam has always virtually walked into trouble – I mean trouble spots. Any time there is a crisis somewhere in his state, more so the recurring communal type, he will quickly dash there and be physically involved with the effort to solve it. He wouldn’t stay back in his cozy, air-conditioned offices receiving updates from minders. Somehow this works; it helps douse the tension. And it actually did so last night as admirers kept hooting, “Sai Malam! Sai Malam!” I heard several people, in spite of the debilitating situation in which they were caught, saying loudly that after Buhari it should be El-Rufai’s turn to become president. I laughed at the Nigerian’s propensity to mix politics with hardship and still enjoy the admixture.

It is a style other leaders, especially President Buhari, would do well to emulate. I remember that as Zamfara burnt with all those terrorist killings by bandits, the issue of the President needing to be there on ground (or even to go for commiseration) was tops in many people’s analysis of the incident.

Call it populism or whatever. Malam Nasiru is THAT type of leader the people want. He wouldn’t be sipping green tea as his Rome burns!

Kudos to Malam. I doff my hat to him multiple times!
Sheme is a successful journalist and author. Publisher of Fim magazine, Director communication, National open university. Abuja

Press Briefing By South West Peoples Alliance: Don’t Just Probe Obasanjo On Power Sector Malfeasance, Prosecute Him Too

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Press Briefing By South West Peoples Alliance: Don’t Just Probe Obasanjo On Power Sector Malfeasance, Prosecute Him Too

Date: Friday, 9th August, 2019.

I warmly welcome everyone who has found it necessary to be here with us today. I most especially welcome the esteemed members of the press to this briefing.

Gentlemen of the press, I should start by stating that this conference has become necessary due to the conversation on probing the power sector started by the Young Nigerian Professionals who delivered a Press Conference on Sunday last week in the nation’s capital, Abuja, about the decision of the House of Representatives to probe the power sector spending in the country.

The group had called for unrelenting efforts by the House in that probe, while noting the necessity of accountability as a nation if we were to make any progress.

At their very auspicious conference, the YNP called on Nigerians to monitor the planned probe of all power contracts from 1999 to date, which the House of Representatives is about to kick-start, and ensure that the process is thorough and that all those culpable in the mismanagement of the funds earmarked for power in Nigeria are brought to justice.

Let me start by saying that we agree wholeheartedly with the body of young professionals on this issue. But we will like to take the discussion further by demanding for specific interrogation of key individuals in the whole power mismanagement saga.

It’s our belief that there are known actors that were responsible for overseeing the sleaze that took place in the power sector spending since 1999.

The most prominent, as every Nigerian possibly knows, is former President Olusegun Obasanjo – who is reported to have spent a whopping sum of about 16 Billion Dollars on power, with nothing worthy or credible to show for it.

We would like to commend the House of Representatives for its decision to again re-investigate the power sector spending. It is our belief that what the House is set to do represents justice for the people of Nigeria who have had to bear the burden and pain associated with the poor power situation in the country.

Until this investigation and other related efforts that ensure transparency and openness are undertaken, Nigeria cannot really move forward or record any significant progress.

The unearthing of the sleaze that took place in the power sector is key if we want to start a new footing that ensures proper accountability going forward.

While we are confident that the investigation by the House of Representatives would unmask the fraud that was committed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his cronies in the power sector; we demand that the House should, upon the completion of its investigation, endeavor to submit the name of the former President and his conspirators to the country’s anti-corruption agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), for full prosecution.

The ultimate goal is not to undertake a futile ‘name and shame exercise’, rather we want to see a situation where all those involved would face punishment for their crimes against the country.

While he and his co-travelers must be made to return all stolen monies, we demand that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo live up to his avowed commitment to transparency by coming forward to explain his role in the alleged mismanagement of power funds; without directing all those who seek to hold him to account to a self-serving and delusional book whose account has not exonerated him of active involvement in the sleaze.

No doubt, only a comprehensive prosecution that is in tandem with justice will send a strong message to all those who have either managed or still managing our resources that Nigerians will no longer tolerate any corrupt act by anyone, no matter how highly placed. This is the only way we can sanitize the power sector and begin to reset the country.

Thank you.

Signed:
Oseni Owolabi Ajimomuya (Chairman)
Ismael Lanre Oguntoyinbo (Secretary)

Jonathan never won any election, even in Bayelsa — Nabena

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Jonathan never won any election, even in Bayelsa — Nabena

By chibueke obigidi 9/8/2019

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has said former President Goodluck Jonathan never contested and won any election even in his home state of Bayelsa.

Yekini said no amount of “falsehood and rigging” of the November 16, governorship election in Bayelsa State could stop PDP’s defeat at the poll, adding that the PDP had become very unpopular and stood rejected in the state.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Nabena cautioned Jonathan to be mindful of making misguided comments so as not to ridicule his personality.

Jonathan was quoted a few days ago as saying during the PDP Elders’ Advisory Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, that the APC was not on ground in Bayelsa and could not win the forth coming governorship election.

Jonathan added that the large number of aspirants on PDP’s platform indicated the dominance of the party as the preferred platform for election.

But the deputy image maker of the APC said, “Former President Jonathan has never contested any election and won. Even that of 2015, he contested as a sitting President, he lost woefully. The recent 2019 senatorial election in Bayelsa State, APC defeated Jonathan’s candidate in his senatorial district.

“Jonathan is attempting to rewrite history on presidential elections conducted under his watch in Bayelsa State while he was president. He never won, as votes never counted. Aided by security agents, election results were simply announced by the election body in favour of the PDP.”

The Hard Facts! Ahmadu Bello Sardaunan Sokoto

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The Hard Facts! Ahmadu Bello Sardaunan Sokoto
Complied by an unknown writer
1. Ahmadu Bello was born on June 12, 1909 in Rabbah, present day, Sokoto State.
2. He was the son of a concubine.
3. His father died when he was 6 years old.
4. He was the only surviving son of his father and mother, Mariyamu.
5. He was a great grand-son of Shehu Uthman dan Fodio, the great Fulani jihadist.
6. He got his Islamic and Arabic education as a teenager from Mallam Garba who was the Imam of Rabbah village.
7. He finished at the age of 16 top of his class.
8. He attended the Teacher’s Training College, Katsina (later Barewa College) where he was a School Prefect and Class Captain.
9. Thereafter, he graduated as a Teacher in 1931 with a credit equivalent Grade III result.
10. He was appointed by the Sultan of Sokoto to work as a teacher at the Sokoto Middle School, where he was once a student and taught from 1931-1934.
11. He was appointed a rural administrator (District Head) at the age 25 in 1934.
12. He gave birth to a daughter after his death (posthumously).
13. He became a candidate for the succession to the throne of the Sultan of Sokoto at the age of 29.
14. He made attempts to become the Sultan of Sokoto but was not successful, losing to Sir Siddiq Abubakar III who reigned for 50 years until his death in 1988.
15. The new Sultan immediately made Sir Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna (Warlord) of Sokoto, a honourary title and promoted him to the Sokoto Native Authority Council, these titles automatically made him the Chief Political Adviser to the Sultan.
16. Later, he was put in charge of the Sokoto Province to oversee 47 districts.
17. In 1943, a drama played out when he was thrown before the Sultan’s court for misappropriating jangali (cattle) tax for the Gusau region where he was the Councillor.
18. He was sentenced to 1 year in prison, but spent 3 months in jail.
19. By 1944, he was back at the Sultan’s Palace to work as the Chief Secretary of the State Native Administration.
20. In 1949, at the age of 40, he was nominated for a seat in the Regional House of Assembly.
21. He spoke impeccable English, and respected many European values.
22. Sir Ahmadu Bello keenly encouraged female education.
23. In 1954, Sir Ahmadu Bello became the first Premier of Northern Nigeria.
24. He never had material accumulation instincts, did not accumulate wealth and gave out whatever came into his possession. He was scrupulous and prudent with public finance but generous with his own money.
25. In 1955, he made his first pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
26. The ‘Work and Worship’ motto on the Northern Nigerian crest was adopted by him.
27. He chose to remain the Premier of Northern Nigeria and gave the position of Prime Minister to his hand-picked candidate, the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was then the Deputy President of the NPC.
28. Sir Ahmadu Bello never sought the leadership of Nigeria.
29. He once stated that he would rather be the Sultan of Sokoto than to be the leader of Nigeria.
30. At various times, he made inflammatory statements about the Ibos as He once referred to them as the ‘Jews of Nigeria’ whose sole purpose is to dominate wherever they find themselves.
31. In 1959, Queen Elizabeth II (b.1926) made him a Knight of the British Empire (KBE), and that explains the ‘’Sir’’ in his title.
32. In 1962, he became Pioneer Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria.
33. He founded the Bank of the North (now Unity Bank).
34. He founded the Northern Nigerian Development Company.
35. He established the 16,000-seater Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
36. He established the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna (the only military university in Nigeria).
37. He established the University of Northern Nigeria, which stretched from Samaru in Kaduna State to Funtua in Katsina State, on the 4th of October, 1962 now known as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
38. By the beginning of 1966, it was quite clear that the Sardauna was one of the most powerful figures in the country, and many believed that he was actually the most powerful, even much more powerful than the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
39. His party, Northern People Congress (NPC), held sway over 29 million out of 55 million Nigerians.
40. On his way to Umrah (the Muslim lesser pilgrimage), he received a letter with threats to kill him.
41. The letter was said to have stated: “We have arranged to kill you and the Prime Minister (Alhaji Tafawa Balewa).”
42. As a devout Muslim, the Sardauna believed that giving his life in the service of Northern Nigeria was worth the sacrifice and that death was a certain end.
43. He later said of the threat: “Don’t worry, continue to get useful information. I know what to do.”
44. On the evening of 14th January, 1966, armed soldiers, led by Major Patrick Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, arrived at his residence at Lugard House, Kaduna, with the message of death.
45. He told his family to stay away in safety but they would have none of that. They all trooped behind him as he came out of the family quarters and in a matter of seconds, he was surrounded by the soldiers led by Nzeogwu who fired at his babban riga . And immediately, blood sputtered from the point of impact through the beard on his face.
46. At that point, his first and eldest wife, Hafsatu, threw herself at him in a final embrace. They were both shot.
47. He was believed to have been killed instantly when a bullet penetrated his spinal cord.
48. Brave till the very end, he had faced the soldiers and introduced himself as the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the Northern Region.
49. He once referred to Nigeria as the ‘mistake of 1914′ but he later worked for and gave his best for the new nation of Nigeria.
50. He died leaving £10 in his bank account. Equivalent of 5,000 naira in tod. May he soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Allahumma Amin Reply Forward

Wamakko Versus Maccido : Tribunal adjourns for Judgment as Counsels adopt final addresses

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Wamakko Versus Maccido : Tribunal adjourns for Judgment as Counsels adopt final addresses

The National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Sokoto on Thursday adjourned to an undisclosed date for Judgemnt in the Petitions filed by the defeated Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party  ( PDP), Senator Ahmed Mohammed Maccido,  against the winner of the February 23, 2019, Sokoto North Senatorial District Polls , Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko .

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Peter Akhimie Akhihiero,  said while adjourning the matter , ” the matter has been adjourned for Judgment.  The date will be communictated in due course .”

The Counsels for the Petitioners and the Respondents had earlier adopted all their final written addresses .

The Lead Counsel of the 1st Respondent,  Dr Hassan Liman, SAN, said ,” in accordance with the Rules of the Court and the Electoral Act, the 1st Respondent has filed his written addresses dated 17/7/2019 and filed on the same date .

” We have also filed a reply to the Petitioners’  written address on 1/8/2019 . We hereby adopt the said two addresses as our final argument in this Petition .

” We are urging the Court to dismiss and strike out the Petition for being Statute -Barred as it was filed out of time, as well as lacking in merit. “

Lead Counsel for the 2nd Respondent,  Chief Jacob Ochidi , also stated that , the 2nd Respondent has filed his final written address on 2/7/2019.

Ochidi explained, ” I herebey adopt the written address as the argument of the 2nd Respondent in this Petition.

” I am also urging the Tribunal to strike out the petition for being Statute – Barred , resolving all the issues of the 2nd Respondent.

” To dismiss same petition for lacking in merit and award substantial cost in favour of the 2nd Respondent, against the Petitioners. “

Similarly, Lead Counsel for the 3rd Respondent,  Barrister Henry Eni-Otu, told the Court that,his Client has filed his final written address on 18/7/2019.

He averred ,” I want to adopt it as the argument of the 3rd and urge the Court to strike out the petition for being Statute-Barred .

” I am also praying the Court to dismiss the Petition in its entirety  for being unmeritorious and speculative ..”

The Lead Counsel of the Petitioners,  Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi said the Petitioners have filed their written address on 25/7/2019.

” We respectively adopt the same written address, making particular reliance on legal arguments.

” I am also urging the Court to resolve all the issues against the Respondents, to hold that , the Petition is not Statute-Barred and to grant the reliefs of the Petitioners. “

Responding, Dr Hassan Liman , SAN, commended the Chairman and menbers of the Tribunal for being diligent and working assiduously to ensure smooth proceedings.

UPDATED: Katsina gov’s nephew, two others die in auto crash

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UPDATED: Katsina gov’s nephew, two others die in auto crash

Adamu Ali, the nephew of Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, and two security operatives identified as Nura Sufyanu and Kabir Ali have died in a ghastly motor accident.

The incident occurred Friday night at a village called Gadar Tsuntsaye, Musawa Local Government Area of the state.

Masari’s Director General in charge of Social media, El-Amin Isa, and the spokesman for the Katsina Police Command, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the accident.

It was learnt that the accident scene was close to Jimkashi.

Other sources revealed that the victims along with others were on their way to the governor’s hometown, Kafur for Saturday’s governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

The sources attributed the accident to bad portions of the road in the area.

One of the sources said, “The victims were about to get to a bridge in the area on Friday night when they ran into bad portions of the road which forced the vehicle they were traveling in to skip and somersault, leading to their deaths.”

Three others who sustained injuries in the accident initially received treatments at the General Hospital, Malumfashi, before they were evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.

Arrangements had already begun for their burial on Saturday as the police spokesman said the bodies of the victims had been evacuated from the scene to a morgue in Katsina.

The police spokesman said, “The accident happened on Friday night. The victims were going to Kafur, the governor’s hometown for the governorship and State House of Assembly elections. We have evacuated the bodies of the victims to Katsina.”

Meanwhile, electorates turned out in large numbers at various polling units across the state as early as 7 a.m. for the elections.

Accreditation and voting processes were still in progress as of the time of filing this report.

ICPC arrests four vote-buyers in Sokoto, Katsina states

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ICPC arrests four vote-buyers in Sokoto, Katsina states

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arrested four vote-buyers in Sokoto and Katsina states during the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday.

Its election monitoring operations across the states of the federation on Saturday, March 18, officers of the anti-corruption agency encountered some vote-buyers at Kauran Miyo Primary School in Bodingo Town of Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The spokesperson for the ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, revealed this on Saturday night in a statement obtained by our correspondent.

She noted that the Sokoto State monitoring team of the commission arrested three male vote-buyers; Mahe Bello, Musa Adamu and Mustapha Mohammed, all of Kauran Miyo Bodinga.

Ogugua said, “Mahe Bello was caught in possession of a cash sum of N38,000, two PVCs, one ATM card and an Infinix phone, while Musa Adamu had CFA228,000 in his possession which was being offered to voters. The third suspect, Mustapha Mohammed, was arrested with some PVCs in his possession.”

According to her, the ICPC monitoring team, however, came under attack while carrying out the arrest of the three vote-buyers.

This was as she noted that an officer of the commission, Rabiu Ibrahim, suffered a head injury from being hit by stones, and has been admitted into a hospital and he is in a stable condition.

She added that the three alleged vote-buyers were kept in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps before being conveyed to ICPC’s detention facility in Sokoto.

The PUNCH had reported that the commission had on February 25 arrested nine vote-buyers in Osun, Ondo, Borno, Akwa Ibom and Sokoto states during the presidential and National Assembly elections.

In a related development, the ICPC election monitoring team in Katsina State arrested one Tanimu Tabale for vote-buying at Tashar Yamma Polling Unit in Zango Local Government Area of the State.

Tabale, a 35-year-old man, claimed he was an observer in Makama Polling Unit but was arrested at Tashar Yamma Polling Unit with the sum of N20,000 in different denominations attempting to buy the votes of the electorate.

Meanwhile, one of the ICPC monitoring teams in Delta State rescued a female voter, Oge Nwaomose, from mob action by agents of some parties who accused her of vote-buying.

Nwaomose was seen parading herself at Unit 13 Ward 6, shortly after casting her vote at Unit 8 Ward 13, Ogbu-Utu Primary School, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.

Ogugua further noted that officers of the anti-corruption agency at Polling Unit 13, Ward 6 in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, prevented further attacks on the lady, who was thereafter whisked away to the state office for interrogation.

She added, “During a search conducted on her, the sum of N6,000 in 500 naira note denominations was found on her. Her statement was obtained and she was granted bail.”

Vote buying, apathy mar Gombe polls

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Vote buying, apathy mar Gombe polls

Some party agents were on Saturday arrested by a detachment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at Buhari Primary School Nayinawa area of Gombe State for attempting to buy votes.

An voter at polling unit 22, Pantami ward, who pleaded anonymity, said they chose to call the operatives of the anti graft agency after the police officers attached to the polling unit failed to stop the illegal activities.

Our correspondent reports that about two party officials were whisked away to EFCC’s zonal office for interrogation before they were released.

The source said, “We called the EFCC’s contact when the police officers turned blind eye to what was happening there. APC agent was buying votes with N2,000. We complained to the police that they didn’t do anything, then an INEC staff gave us EFCC contact and they promised to be there in 20 minutes.”

In spite of that, our correspondent observed that there was low voter turnout for the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections which led to earlier completion of voting in most polling units before scheduled time.

Earlier in the day, after casting his ballot, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Muhammad Barde, alleged that there had been widespread vote buying and selling.

Barde urged the residents to collect the money shared and vote according to their conscience.

“Our supporters should collect and vote for their conscience. They have suffered for three years and 10 months. Vote buying of N200, N500 won’t take them for next four years,” Barde added.

Speaking about his confidence in winning despite the alleged vote buying, Barde said, “We are confident of winning the election. We are aware that there is massive vote buying by the APC government across the state. We are aware of their plans to intimate voters to ensure they cause mayhem across the state they have no other action they can take apart from massive vote buying and causing mayhem across the polling units. we are reporting to the enforcement agencies, we have the EFCC and we are ensuring we report.”

A voter at Garko ward, polling unit 109, who identified himself as Baba Seyi, said he was offered N2,000, adding that he would simply vote for his conscience, adding that voter apathy was due to voters’ belief that INEC subverted their will.

“Before thugs dispersed us from the polling unit, making us come here, some of them came to offer us N2,000 but I can’t imagine myself collecting money to vote for someone who will not perform. The people did not come because they are not sure the votes will count,” Baba Seyi said.

Also speaking, another voter who identified himself as Mustapha Dangurugu, said the vote buying was across the two major political parties.

According to him, “Whatever, the outcome of this election it’s a product of vote buying. The winner only spent more than the would-be loser. In some places PDP gave 5,000 per votes. In other polling units like Tudunwada, APC can give you 10,000 once you proved you voted for them.

Elections: Lagos LG chairmen laud INEC over BVAS improvement

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Elections: Lagos LG chairmen laud INEC over BVAS improvement

Two local government chairmen in Lagos State have lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over improvement in the use of Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) for the Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.

The duo of Fatai Ayoola, Ajeromi Ifelodun, Local Government and Emmanuel Bamgboye, Mushin Local Government, gave the commendation after casting their votes in Lagos on Saturday.

Ayoola observed that INEC officials at the polling units were faster with the usage of the device as against the Presidential elections.

“On the BVAS issue, I can see that people are now getting used to it unlike during the Presidential election when some of the ad hoc officials were still strange to the device.

“Today, they handled the equipment very well which made it faster than before.

“So, in all, I can say that Nigerians are now becoming used to BVAS,” he said.

Ayoola said the reports from different polling units and wards showed that the electorate voted and conducted themselves orderly.

He said there was no form of harassment from anybody because all the security agencies, including the Police, were around to ensure that the exercise was seamless.

On his part, Bamgboye said INEC had fulfilled its commitment to improving the electoral process through an improvement in the BVAS.

“The BVAS performance has been a tremendous improvement compared to past experience.

“By all standards, we are seeing improvement over time and our democracy will be better for it. We can say we have had a more improved BVAS performance.

“The peace and tranquility we saw in this election is as a result of the BVAS,” he said.

Bamigboye said it had helped to remove voter’s identity theft unlike before when they could pick other people’s voter’s cards to vote.

An APC Chieftain, Mr Rabiu Oluwa, noted that so far there was no issue with the BVAS which worked fine.

Oluwa said that the transmission of result electronically would further reduce the incidence of rigging of election in the country.

Again, APC chairman Adamu loses poling unit to PDP

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Again, APC chairman Adamu loses poling unit to PDP

Again, the All Progressive Congress (APC) national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, has lost his polling unit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governorship and house of assembly elections.

According to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP candidate polled 159 votes to defeat the APC candidate who secured 129 votes. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) had just one vote in the unit.

This is the second major election that the APC chairman is losing his polling unit consecutively to the opposition.

The governorship and house of assembly elections in the state are characterized by low turnout and BVAS malfunctioning in the state capital Lafia.

Buhari advises voters to collect politicians’ money, vote conscience

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Buhari advises voters to collect politicians’ money, vote conscience

President Muhammadu Buhari has advised voters to pocket the money offered by politicians but still vote their conscience.

Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday during the governorship and state assembly elections in Daura, Katsina State.

“I am aware that the money is not there like before for people to sway voters like they used to do,” Buhari said.

“And if they bring out money now, the people should pocket it and still vote their conscience.”

The president also noted that he was not surprised by the results of the presidential elections on Saturday, February 25, which saw Bola Tinubu emerge as president-elect.

He expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in the governorship and state assembly elections across the country.

“I am sure we are going to win, again,” Buhari told newsmen after casting his vote at Ward A, Sarkin Yara Polling Unit 003 in Daura, Katsina State.

Buhari added that Nigerians should have faith in APC and noted that the ruling party followed the constitutional procedure for the entire electoral process in choosing a party Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, who had served as a two-term governor in Nasarawa State, and legislator in the Senate, with experience that will secure the electoral value and relevance of the party.

“Nigerians trust us because we mean what we say and say what we mean. We have maintained that trust. We told Nigerians that we will work for them, and we have done our best in education and health facilities, and Nigerians appreciate our efforts.”

While speaking on the deepening of democratic culture and rising awareness among Nigerians, Buhari noted that the media had played a major role in empowering people with information on their rights and providing a platform for voters to challenge leaders on their promises and records.

“The media is doing very well in creating awareness and enabling the right conversation. You can hear the tough questions for leaders during interviews on TV, radio and other platforms, and the journalists always press for answers.”

Tinubu consoles Kano traders over market fire

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Tinubu consoles Kano traders over market fire

The President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent out a message of sympathy and consolation to traders affected by the recent fire outbreaks in Kano State.

In a statement released by his media office on Tuesday signed by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Asiwaju Tinubu bemoaned the inferno which affected a section of Singa Commodity Market in the city on Monday, a few days after similar incidents in two other markets.

The President-elect described the incidents as disturbing setbacks for the traders and the economy of the state.

“I am disturbed to learn of the horrific fire incident which consumed dozens of shops at the Singa Market in Kano. Coming just days apart from similar incidents at Kurmi and Rimi markets in the same city calls for serious concern.

“My heart goes out to those directly affected by these unfortunate incidents and indeed the people and government of Kano State.
I also commiserate with the leadership of Kano business community over this painful experiences,” he said.

The president-elect called on the authorities concerned to get to the roots of the rising cases of market inferno around the country and offer support that would cushion the losses sufffered by the affected traders.

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz
Office of the President-elect
March 14, 2023

Nigeria : At the Cusp of Renewed Hope

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A fair, credible election has been held and has been won. The honor of that victory and the steep responsibility it entails has fallen on me. I say this not to gloat or boast because there is no room for such behavior. I merely state the facts as they are.

I realize many good and well-meaning Nigerians voted for other candidates. They are naturally disappointed that their favored candidate did not win. Other candidates have voiced their dissatisfaction, stating they will go to court to contest the election. This is inherent to the democratic process. We defend their right to seek legal recourse. While they exercise the legal rights afforded them in our democracy, I have set my course and mind on the leadership of this nation. We have important work to do and I am committed to getting that work done for the benefit of all the people, whether or not they voted for me or even voted at all.

This is not the time for continued acrimony and partisan recrimination. These negative things can incite strong passions; but they are not the pathway to a better nation. Only unity and national commitment can serve that purpose..

Critics of Nigeria have been too quick to conclude that our political system is fragmented because of the impressive showing of new parties and their candidates. These critics are wrong. The emergence of the new parties and their candidates underscores the dynamic strength of our democracy. People want democracy to work and they want to have their voices heard and interests met within it. This is a good thing to be promoted, not something to be feared.

What must concern us is not the growth of parties but the regrowth of old prejudices and bigotries such as ethnicity, creed and place of origin. As a nation and as individuals imbued with the love of God and of our fellow man, we are better than this. At some point we must decide whether we shall be enticed by the ills of the past or shall we more bravely and nobly be encouraged by the eminent prospect of a brighter future.

There have been times in our past when our governing institutions created more questions than they answered. But the arc of our political history gives me confidence that we can overcome that past. We have walked through the thick of the night to emerge into the light of brighter days to come. There is no good reason to retreat into the darkness of years past.

We must begin to repair and rebuild this national home of ours. There is time to complete the task, but time is also of the essence. We must not tarry or fret over the enormity of what we face.

We are able of mind and body. Now, we must show the spirit and willpower to accomplish the historic things that lie within our grasp.

As your incoming president, I accept the task before me. There has been talk of a government of national unity. My aim is higher than that. I seek a government of national competence. In selecting my government, I shall not be weighed down by considerations extraneous to abiilty and performance. The day for political gamesmanship is long gone. I shall assemble competent men and women and young people from across Nigeria to build a safer, more prosperous and just Nigeria. There shall be young people. Women shall be prominent. Whether your faith leads you to pray in a church or mosque will not determine your place in government. Character and competence will.

To secure our nation and to make it prosperous must be our top priorities. We cannot sacrifice these goals to political expediencies. The whims of politics must take a backseat to the imperatives of governance.

We have bridges and roads to build not just for commerce and travel but to connect people of different faiths, parties and different outlooks in harmonious dialogue and common purpose. We have families to feed not just to eliminate hunger but to nurture enlightenment, civic responsibility and compassion. We have jobs to create not merely to put people to work but to afford all a better standard of living by which families and communities are improved and democracy deepened. We have water to replenish not just to quench physical thirst but to ignite a thirst for creative and better solutions to society’s challenges. We have a nation to protect such that we eliminate danger and even the fear of danger. May all of our people be able to live their lives in the light of peace and the glow of broadening prosperity.

An important step toward restoring economic normalcy has been taken by the Supreme Court’s decision on the parity of old and new notes . This restores both the rule of law and economic decency. But this is not the end of the story. It is merely the beginning of a more comprehensive solution to our economic challenges.

Our Renewed Hope Action Plan outlines goals for greater economic growth in our cities and rural communities. We are committed to an economy of double-digit GDP growth, greater food security and one with a strengthened manufacturing base as well as an active digital economy where young people will have ample space to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

I realize that I am the servant of a larger purpose. As such, I have gone straight to work.

My team and I have been daily engaged in discussions and meetings refining our ideas and policy solutions so that we can begin actively working toward the common good the very first day we assume office.

This great project called Nigeria beckons to us all.

I ask that we work together as Nigerians for Nigeria. Those who voted for me, I ask that you continue to believe in our policies and plans for the country. I also ask that you reach out to your brothers and sisters who did not vote as you did. Extend to them the hand of friendship, reconciliation and togetherness. To those of you who did not vote for me, I ask you to believe in Nigeria and in the capacity of your fellow citizens, even those who voted differently than you. The better Nigeria I seek is not just for me and my supporters. It is equally yours.

I do not ask you to abandon your political preferences. That would be undemocratic. I do beseech you to answer the call of patriotic duty as the loyal opposition.

Remain loyal to the cause of a greater, more tolerant and just Nigeria. I too shall keep faith with this objective.

If we all play our proper roles, we shall begin the task of rebuilding our national home together, day by day, brick by brick notwithstanding our political differences.

As such, the victory of national progress will belong to all of us. The triumph of our nation’s democracy shall cite all of you as its very authors. This is how things should be.

Dear Nigerians, this is our country. This is our moment. We dare not waste it. Nor do we back away to accept a lesser version of ourselves and of our collective fate. We can no longer be satisfied with calling ourselves the giant of Africa. We must devote ourselves to doing those great and historic things only a giant can do. As your president elect, I shall do my utmost in this regard for this is my sworn duty.

I call upon you to come bravely forth as well, not for me but out of abiding love of country and for the people who inhabit it with you. We are so much better than we have been. Now is the time to stand fast and have faith in what this nation can be.

I, for one, am standing. But this time, i shall not be the last or only one standing. Imagine how great we can be if over 200 million other souls stand with me. Let the world see a Nigeria that nothing can stop.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President -Elect, Federal Republic of Nigeria
March 16, 2023

Awarding contracts to APC candidates partisan, Atiku tells INEC

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The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has told the Independent National Electoral Commission that awarding contracts to companies owned by candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, is partisan.

Recall that INEC had in a statement through its National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, denied awarding a sensitive contract to the Binani Printing Press Limited, a firm which has now been revealed to be owned by the APC governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Senator Aishatu Binani, saying she was not listed as one of the Directors of Binani Printing Press Limited before it awarded the contract to the company.

Okoye also claimed that INEC’s decision to print all the security documents for the 2023 general election in the country, was to provide assistance to Nigerian printers and assist in developing the nation’s economy.

However, Atiku, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, while responding to INEC’s statement on Friday, noted that INEC’s excuse does not hold water.

He said it was unfortunate that despite being given an allocation of over N300 billion as well as financial assistance from foreign governments, including the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom, the leadership of INEC had “continued to run the commission without scruples.”

He further stated, “An ordinary search on CAC’s portal by youths on Twitter has already revealed that Senator Binani owns Binani Printing Press Limited, a firm that was given a contract to print sensitive INEC materials. The company with RC 310024, which was registered on March 13, 1997 has Senator Aishatu Ahmed listed as number one.

“It is funny that INEC claims it awarded the contract to Binani’s company in order to stimulate the local economy. One wonders whether it is the duty of INEC to stimulate the economy or conduct credible election.”

Atiku also claimed that this would not be the first time that INEC would be awarding sensitive contracts to APC chieftains.

He further maintained, “Recall that in the run-up to the 2019 presidential election, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, admitted that the commission indeed awarded a contract to Act Technologies Limited to print Permanent Voter Cards.

“Act Technologies, whose Managing Director, Mohammed Sani Musa, was APC candidate for Niger East Senatorial District at the time, went on to win that election.

“Despite all these complaints, INEC still insisted on awarding him a contract,” he said.

He further observed that despite complaints from several political parties, INEC under the leadership of Prof. Yakubu also insisted on using the transport services of Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, to transport ballot papers across Lagos State on the day of election.

He said, “Elections are not just supposed to be free and fair. They are expected to be free and fair. The process and credibility of an election are more important than its result.

“This latest excuse by INEC for awarding a contract to an APC candidate holds no water and is the height of the commission’s incompetence.”

ICC Issues Arrest Warrant Against Putin

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ICC Issues Arrest Warrant Against Putin

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against President Vladimir Putin  of Russia over the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and since then thousands have been killed and property worth billions destroyed.

On Friday, the ICC said the warrant became necessary following the applications submitted by the prosecution on February 22, 2023.

The court said Putin bears individual criminal responsibility for the crimes committed in Ukrainian territory from February 24, 2022.

Responding, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, wrote on her Telegram channel: “The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view.”

“Russia is not a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it.”

Senior Ukrainian officials applauded the ICC decision, with the country’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin hailing it as “historic for Ukraine and the entire international law system”.

Putin is only the third serving president to have been issued an ICC arrest warrant, after Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir and Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi.

While it is unlikely that Putin will end up in court any time soon, the warrant means that he could be arrested and sent to The Hague if travelling to any ICC member states.

The ICC issued the warrant on suspicion of the unlawful deportation of children and unlawful transfer of people from the territory of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. The court also issued a warrant for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, on the same charges.

Russia has not concealed a programme under which it has brought thousands of Ukrainian children to the country but presents it as a humanitarian campaign to protect orphans and children abandoned in the conflict zone.

In the first reaction to the news from Moscow, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said “The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view.”

“Russia is not a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia found the very questions raised by the ICC “outrageous and unacceptable”, and that any decisions of the court were “null and void” with respect to Russia.

Senior Ukrainian officials applauded the ICC decision, with the country’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin hailing it as “historic for Ukraine and the entire international law system”.

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