The policeman was killed early on Saturday morning at the Rex-Lawson area of the old Port Harcourt Township even before accreditation commenced.
Though the cause of the cop’s death death was not known, but the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ahmad Muhammad who confirmed the killing said there were traces of violence before the policeman died.
Muhammad said, “The policeman killed was one of those deployed to monitor the elections today (Saturday). We see that there was evidence of violence before he was killed. His remains has been moved from to a nearby morgue and we (Police) have commenced investigation into the killing.”
The police image maker however said over 17, 000 policemen were deployed to monitor the poll across the state, with a minimum of two policemen in each polling unit.
It was gathered that one person was beheaded, while two others were shot dead in Asari-Toru local government area of the state, even as hoodlums stormed office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reportedly threw substances suspected to by dynamite into INEC office, destroying election materials and vehicles.
Though, cause of the killings was not immediately ascertained, but it may not be unconnected with power tussle between the two main political parties in the state.
Also, eyewitnesses said there were heavy shootings on Friday night preceding the election up until about 7.00 am yesterday (Saturday) morning in Buguma, headquarters of Asari-Toru local government area, even as supporters of parties were spotted burning tyres on the main road.
The situation heightened tension in the area, while many residents stayed at home for fear of being hit by stray bullet.
Meanwhile, in Rumuomasi, a reporter with Channels Television, Grace Ekang and his reporter, were attacked and beaten by angry youths, though the details of the attack was not clear.
Also, in Bomu, Gokana local government area, a reporter with Silverbird Rhythm FM, Ofonime Okon was beaten by thugs who asked if he was sent by a particular governorship candidate in the state, even as he scampered for safety, while the vehicle (Toyota) e was travelling in was damaged.
Also, in Okpogo community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area, a group of youths reportedly snatched ballot boxes, while two unidentified men were shot dead.
In Abua/Odual local government area, there was shooting which resulted in the loss of one live, though the police was yet to confirm, even as policemen and other security personnel were spotted along Omuku town looking for hoodlums who allegedly snatched ballot box.
It was also gathered that the residence of the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Joyba West was burnt by unknown hoodlums, while she was also attacked.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari confirmed the attack on Mrs. West, saying her colleague was still hiding.
Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his wife, Judith after being accredited at ward in Ubima, Ikwerre local government area described the election in the state as a charm.
Amaechi while speaking with newsmen said the Governorship and House of Assembly Election was characterized by ballot box snatching, intimidation and harassment.
This is as Amaechi has disown a text messages allegedly traced to him calling on Rivers people not to vote and for the election to be cancelled, even as he said his phone number was cloned.
The governor who spoke through the spokesman of the state government, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari in a statement said her principal had no time called on INEC to cancel the poll.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to SMS message purporting the cancellation of elections in the state by the Independent Electoral Commission.
“The state governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi hereby reaffirms his position that the elections must hold as scheduled and that all eligible voters in the state should go out and exercise their rights to elect the next Governor and members of the State House of Assembly.
“Rivers people are further reassured of the Government commitment to ensuring their safe and security at the elections.”
In Oyigbo local government area, explosion from substances suspected to be dynamite went off near a polling unit, but voters defied the development and later went to be accredited before 1.00 pm.
Saturday, 11 April 2015
8 Killed In Pre-Election Violence In Rivers
No fewer than eight persons, including a policeman were killed yesterday before actual voting started at the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections in Rivers State.
The policeman was killed early on Saturday morning at the Rex-Lawson area of the old Port Harcourt Township even before accreditation commenced.
Though the cause of the cop’s death death was not known, but the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ahmad Muhammad who confirmed the killing said there were traces of violence before the policeman died.
Muhammad said, “The policeman killed was one of those deployed to monitor the elections today (Saturday). We see that there was evidence of violence before he was killed. His remains has been moved from to a nearby morgue and we (Police) have commenced investigation into the killing.”
The police image maker however said over 17, 000 policemen were deployed to monitor the poll across the state, with a minimum of two policemen in each polling unit.
It was gathered that one person was beheaded, while two others were shot dead in Asari-Toru local government area of the state, even as hoodlums stormed office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reportedly threw substances suspected to by dynamite into INEC office, destroying election materials and vehicles.
Though, cause of the killings was not immediately ascertained, but it may not be unconnected with power tussle between the two main political parties in the state.
Also, eyewitnesses said there were heavy shootings on Friday night preceding the election up until about 7.00 am yesterday (Saturday) morning in Buguma, headquarters of Asari-Toru local government area, even as supporters of parties were spotted burning tyres on the main road.
The situation heightened tension in the area, while many residents stayed at home for fear of being hit by stray bullet.
Meanwhile, in Rumuomasi, a reporter with Channels Television, Grace Ekang and his reporter, were attacked and beaten by angry youths, though the details of the attack was not clear.
Also, in Bomu, Gokana local government area, a reporter with Silverbird Rhythm FM, Ofonime Okon was beaten by thugs who asked if he was sent by a particular governorship candidate in the state, even as he scampered for safety, while the vehicle (Toyota) e was travelling in was damaged.
Also, in Okpogo community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area, a group of youths reportedly snatched ballot boxes, while two unidentified men were shot dead.
In Abua/Odual local government area, there was shooting which resulted in the loss of one live, though the police was yet to confirm, even as policemen and other security personnel were spotted along Omuku town looking for hoodlums who allegedly snatched ballot box.
It was also gathered that the residence of the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Joyba West was burnt by unknown hoodlums, while she was also attacked.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari confirmed the attack on Mrs. West, saying her colleague was still hiding.
Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his wife, Judith after being accredited at ward in Ubima, Ikwerre local government area described the election in the state as a charm.
Amaechi while speaking with newsmen said the Governorship and House of Assembly Election was characterized by ballot box snatching, intimidation and harassment.
This is as Amaechi has disown a text messages allegedly traced to him calling on Rivers people not to vote and for the election to be cancelled, even as he said his phone number was cloned.
The governor who spoke through the spokesman of the state government, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari in a statement said her principal had no time called on INEC to cancel the poll.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to SMS message purporting the cancellation of elections in the state by the Independent Electoral Commission.
“The state governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi hereby reaffirms his position that the elections must hold as scheduled and that all eligible voters in the state should go out and exercise their rights to elect the next Governor and members of the State House of Assembly.
“Rivers people are further reassured of the Government commitment to ensuring their safe and security at the elections.”
In Oyigbo local government area, explosion from substances suspected to be dynamite went off near a polling unit, but voters defied the development and later went to be accredited before 1.00 pm.
The policeman was killed early on Saturday morning at the Rex-Lawson area of the old Port Harcourt Township even before accreditation commenced.
Though the cause of the cop’s death death was not known, but the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ahmad Muhammad who confirmed the killing said there were traces of violence before the policeman died.
Muhammad said, “The policeman killed was one of those deployed to monitor the elections today (Saturday). We see that there was evidence of violence before he was killed. His remains has been moved from to a nearby morgue and we (Police) have commenced investigation into the killing.”
The police image maker however said over 17, 000 policemen were deployed to monitor the poll across the state, with a minimum of two policemen in each polling unit.
It was gathered that one person was beheaded, while two others were shot dead in Asari-Toru local government area of the state, even as hoodlums stormed office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reportedly threw substances suspected to by dynamite into INEC office, destroying election materials and vehicles.
Though, cause of the killings was not immediately ascertained, but it may not be unconnected with power tussle between the two main political parties in the state.
Also, eyewitnesses said there were heavy shootings on Friday night preceding the election up until about 7.00 am yesterday (Saturday) morning in Buguma, headquarters of Asari-Toru local government area, even as supporters of parties were spotted burning tyres on the main road.
The situation heightened tension in the area, while many residents stayed at home for fear of being hit by stray bullet.
Meanwhile, in Rumuomasi, a reporter with Channels Television, Grace Ekang and his reporter, were attacked and beaten by angry youths, though the details of the attack was not clear.
Also, in Bomu, Gokana local government area, a reporter with Silverbird Rhythm FM, Ofonime Okon was beaten by thugs who asked if he was sent by a particular governorship candidate in the state, even as he scampered for safety, while the vehicle (Toyota) e was travelling in was damaged.
Also, in Okpogo community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area, a group of youths reportedly snatched ballot boxes, while two unidentified men were shot dead.
In Abua/Odual local government area, there was shooting which resulted in the loss of one live, though the police was yet to confirm, even as policemen and other security personnel were spotted along Omuku town looking for hoodlums who allegedly snatched ballot box.
It was also gathered that the residence of the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Joyba West was burnt by unknown hoodlums, while she was also attacked.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari confirmed the attack on Mrs. West, saying her colleague was still hiding.
Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his wife, Judith after being accredited at ward in Ubima, Ikwerre local government area described the election in the state as a charm.
Amaechi while speaking with newsmen said the Governorship and House of Assembly Election was characterized by ballot box snatching, intimidation and harassment.
This is as Amaechi has disown a text messages allegedly traced to him calling on Rivers people not to vote and for the election to be cancelled, even as he said his phone number was cloned.
The governor who spoke through the spokesman of the state government, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari in a statement said her principal had no time called on INEC to cancel the poll.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to SMS message purporting the cancellation of elections in the state by the Independent Electoral Commission.
“The state governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi hereby reaffirms his position that the elections must hold as scheduled and that all eligible voters in the state should go out and exercise their rights to elect the next Governor and members of the State House of Assembly.
“Rivers people are further reassured of the Government commitment to ensuring their safe and security at the elections.”
In Oyigbo local government area, explosion from substances suspected to be dynamite went off near a polling unit, but voters defied the development and later went to be accredited before 1.00 pm.
I Won’t Appoint PDP Defectors As Ministers – Buhari
President-elect Muhammadu Buhari said the All Progressives Congress (APC) has nothing to fear over mass defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to the party.
“I have no fears of PDP defectors,” he said in an interview in his Daura residence on Saturday.
Buhari said the PDP chieftains will have very little influence in the APC government.
He said APC has all the capacity to manage the large numbers of PDP defectors.
“The people who are defecting will only have influence in their constituencies. Since their constituencies are now controlled by the APC their influence is therefore limited,” he said.
Though the president-elect said only the party can handle the issue of defections, he said the PDP bigwigs will be wise enough not to jostle for positions in the new government.
“I hope the people that are defecting will accept the fact that they are joining the people who succeeded. So, I don’t think they will just come and say they want to be ministers next month simply because they were ministers before,” he said.
Peterside In Early Lead In Rivers – The Nation
Despite the Fun of violence across Rivers State, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, is maintaining a slight lead over his Peoples Democratic Party rival, Nyisom Wike, in the early governorship results obtained from the oil-rich state.
Results so far declared in some polling units across the state on Saturday evening showed that the APC and the PDP earned victories in their major areas.
The Director of Communications for Peterside’s Greater Together Campaign Organisation, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said: “In Port Harcourt Ward 018 Polling Unit 012, APC scored 130, while PDP received 84 votes.
However in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Ward 003 PU 001, PDP scored 62 votes and APC recorded 41. In Eleme Alode Ward 2, out of the 11 available polling units, APC won in nine, while PDP secured victory in two.
“The results await the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s), confirmation and announcement,” Semenitari stated.
Stay Back And Form A Formidable Party – APC Tells Defecting PDP Members
John Oyegun, the national chairman of APC said today Saturday April 11th that the gale of defections by politicians was not good for Nigeria’s political development.
Mr. Oyegun, who spoke to newsmen in Benin shortly after casting his vote, advised those defecting to the winning party to rather form a formidable opposition to enrich the nation’s democracy.
“Many opposition party members have defected to APC just because they lost out, that is not good for political development.
One would have advised that opposition members should stay where they are, and form a formidable opposition party.” Mr. Oyegun said.
He described the governorship and houses of assembly elections as “the most decent, orderly and peaceful” ever conducted in Edo. Meanwhile, the APC national chairman won the election in his polling unit.
Oredo East: Ward 2, Unit 1 Polling Unit, the first time since 1991 when he was elected governor.
(NAN)
Nigeria Donates 1,003 Tonnes Of Rice, Maize & Fish To Namibia
As part of the Federal Government’s effort to provide aid to families affected by drought in Namibia, 300 tonnes of rice, 700 tonnes of maize and 3 tonnes of fish fillets were donated as part of a food consignment to help ease the effect of the disaster caused by erratic rains in the country.
According to the Nigerian High Commissioner to Namibia, Dr. Biodun Olorunfeni, the disaster did not spare human beings as a number of Namibians in rural areas were classified as food insecure while the country recorded a number of deaths occasioned by the unavailability of food.
Olorunfeni commended President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia for what he described as the government’s swift and timely response to the disaster, while pledging the support of the Nigerian government to help surmount the challenges posed by the drought.
“The declaration of a state of national emergency in Namibia due to the drought helped in ameliorating the effects of the drought as some international organizations and friendly countries came to render assistance in various forms,” he added.
The drought which hit the country in 2013, caused extensive damage to the ecology and the death of livestock due to the non-availability of grazing and lack of water; though Namibia is yet to make an official appeal for drought assistance to the international donor community, it is feared that the drought could reach devastating heights as the current rainy season is expected to end in April.
Denrele Edun Is Set To Wed!! Unveils Wedding Plan
Denrele Edun has announced that he will be walking down the aisle very soon.
Speaking to Global Exellence, the star said..
“My brother, it’s true I’m going to wed soon, and I promise you that no ONE will know my prospective bride before the wedding day.
As I’m talking to you now, my wedding suit is ready. I’m going to surprise a lot of people; because most people thought I can’t love; and I will prove to them that I do love and being loved, just that I can’t give up my style for love. I will still remain who I am till the old age,”
Desmond Elliot Celebrates Election Victory As Supporters Pour Him Water [See Photo]
Desmond Elliot Celebrates Election Victory As Supporters Pour Him Water
Photos Of Thugs Who Tried To Snatch Ballot Boxes At Amuwo Odofin Arrested
Thugs who tried to snatch ballot boxes at Amuwo Odofin while the Police watched have been arrested as the military came to the rescue
Very bad! Man beaten badly For Wearing APC Cap In Nyesom Wike’s Home Town
This man pictured above was beaten with sticks in PDP governorship candidate, Nyesom Wike’s hometown for wearing an APC cap.
Something has to be done about this.
As #NigeriaDecides, APC, PDP In Epic Battle
The All Progressives Congress (APC) may buttress its success at the recent presidential election by winning governorship elections in many states across the country today. The polls are held in 29 states.
The Nation Reports
However, only the House of Assembly elections will be held in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo and Kogi states.
Some factors which may swing the pendulum of victory in the APC’s direction include the mass defection from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the main opposition party following the party’s electoral defeat, the effects of unresolved post-primary disputes in many PDP states, the violation of zoning or rotational principles by the PDP in some states, and other local issues.
According to political watchers, the APC is expected to win handsomely in the Northern states and the Southwest, while also giving the PDP a good fight in Rivers, Imo and Akwa Ibom states. But, the PDP is tipped to win in Cross Rivers, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi and Delta states, which have been its strongholds since the restoration of civil rule in 1999.
In the Southwest, governorship elections will only be held in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states. During the presidential elections, the people voted for the APC candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. The pattern of voting will be sustained in today’s election, with little or no difference.
In Lagos, voters will choose between the APC candidate, Akinwumi Ambode, and the PDP flag bearer, Jimi Agbaje. The battle will be fierce. Although the APC won the presidential poll, thePDP made an impact in four federal constituencies, which were previously the stronghold of the APC.
As in previous elections, ethnicity is likely to be a factor, although it also has its limitations. The progressives have been dominating politics in the metropolis since independence. Now that the APC has won the presidential election, many Lagosians are of the view that, for the first time, the party that will control the centre should also retain Lagos. However, unlike 2011, the ruling party may not be able to win all the House of Assembly seats.
In Ogun State, the die is cast between Governor Ibikunle Amosun of the APC and Gboyega Isiaka of the PDP. In the presidential election, the APC won the Egba and Yewa senatorial seats. The PDP won Ijebu/Remo District, the base of Isiaka. But in general, the governor enjoys a high rating because of his performance in the last four years.
Many people who worked for the PDP during the presidential election may not work for the party in today’s election.
The Nation Reports
However, only the House of Assembly elections will be held in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo and Kogi states.
Some factors which may swing the pendulum of victory in the APC’s direction include the mass defection from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the main opposition party following the party’s electoral defeat, the effects of unresolved post-primary disputes in many PDP states, the violation of zoning or rotational principles by the PDP in some states, and other local issues.
According to political watchers, the APC is expected to win handsomely in the Northern states and the Southwest, while also giving the PDP a good fight in Rivers, Imo and Akwa Ibom states. But, the PDP is tipped to win in Cross Rivers, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi and Delta states, which have been its strongholds since the restoration of civil rule in 1999.
In the Southwest, governorship elections will only be held in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states. During the presidential elections, the people voted for the APC candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. The pattern of voting will be sustained in today’s election, with little or no difference.
In Lagos, voters will choose between the APC candidate, Akinwumi Ambode, and the PDP flag bearer, Jimi Agbaje. The battle will be fierce. Although the APC won the presidential poll, thePDP made an impact in four federal constituencies, which were previously the stronghold of the APC.
As in previous elections, ethnicity is likely to be a factor, although it also has its limitations. The progressives have been dominating politics in the metropolis since independence. Now that the APC has won the presidential election, many Lagosians are of the view that, for the first time, the party that will control the centre should also retain Lagos. However, unlike 2011, the ruling party may not be able to win all the House of Assembly seats.
In Ogun State, the die is cast between Governor Ibikunle Amosun of the APC and Gboyega Isiaka of the PDP. In the presidential election, the APC won the Egba and Yewa senatorial seats. The PDP won Ijebu/Remo District, the base of Isiaka. But in general, the governor enjoys a high rating because of his performance in the last four years.
Many people who worked for the PDP during the presidential election may not work for the party in today’s election.
Curfew In Adamawa Is Unlawful - APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has directed its members and supporters in Adamawa state to defy the curfew imposed by the state police command and come out to exercise their rights today.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and obtained by paradigm.com, the party described the curfew as unlawful and said there was no threat to security in the state to warrant the imposition of a curfew.
It said the presidential and National Assembly elections were held without incident or declaration of a curfew, and wondered what warranted the unlawful curfew declaration.
Yesterday, Mohammed said that President Goodluck Jonathan visited Lagos to coordinate ways of rigging the election in favour of Jimi Agbaje, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), candidate.
Reacting to the statement, the spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Presidential campaign organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode assured Nigerians yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan was still committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections throughout the country today.
Meanwhile, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released a statement criticising the warning issued by the Oba of Lagos to all Igbos in the state.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and obtained by paradigm.com, the party described the curfew as unlawful and said there was no threat to security in the state to warrant the imposition of a curfew.
It said the presidential and National Assembly elections were held without incident or declaration of a curfew, and wondered what warranted the unlawful curfew declaration.
Yesterday, Mohammed said that President Goodluck Jonathan visited Lagos to coordinate ways of rigging the election in favour of Jimi Agbaje, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), candidate.
Reacting to the statement, the spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Presidential campaign organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode assured Nigerians yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan was still committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections throughout the country today.
Meanwhile, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has released a statement criticising the warning issued by the Oba of Lagos to all Igbos in the state.
Top 5 Things Nigerian Youths Want From Buhari's Government
From the outcome of the March 28 elections, it showed that the Nigerian youths and Nigerians in general really needed the much preached change.
It was not business as usual for corrupt politicians, as INEC in co-operation with the voters did their best in eliminating all forms of electoral malpractices. At the end of it all, Gen. Buhari was announced winner, this was followed by series of celebrations around the country.
A lot of credit has been given to the Incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, for conceding defeat which was a very big step towards preventing post-election crisis. Away from the whole process, Nigerian Youths voted Gen. Buhari not because they wanted his daughter’s hand in marriage, but because they all want a new Nigeria. A Nigeria were education is not for only the wealthy, a Nigeria were we have steady power supply, a Nigeria were basic social amenities are in good shape and so on. The Jonathan administration and the administrations before him, promised and failed
The new administration has a lot of things to work on as they embark on their quest to take Nigeria to new heights, but here are the 5 most important things Nigerian Youths want the new administration to focus on as they start leading us:
1. Prosecution and punishment of corrupt government officials:
On of the most popular phrases during the past presidential campaigns was “we will end corruption”, and corruption is said to be the force that is destroying our dear nation. So Mr Buhari, immediately you get into office let’s start seeing past corrupt government officials being taken to court and being punished as the law states. And please do what Mr Jonathan couldn’t do, make sure the Ekiti incident is investigated.
2. Strengthening our Economy:
Nigerian Youths are tired of hearing “Our economy is the largest in Africa,” yet an average Nigerian struggles to eat twice a day. We Nigerians voted change so we can live a better life, so we urge the new administration to do the magic they promised us during their campaign on our economy, Nigerians are suffering!
3. Job Creation
Unemployment is not a new problem in Nigeria, past presidents have come and gone without doing anything about it, the only President,Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (RIP), who was moving in the direction of creating more jobs for Nigerians unfortunately lost his life before he could do much. Nigerian Youths are tired of sitting at home doing nothing.
Gen. Buhari has been voted in with the hope of him fulfilling his promises and creating more Jobs for both the skilled and unskilled.
4. Steady power supply:
This will not only attract more companies to come and invest in Nigeria, it will also increase the productivity of Nigerians and businesses already established in Nigeria. As the APC said “providing power to Nigerians is not rocket science,” we hope Buhari’s administration will attend to the power sector on time and take Nigerians out of darkness.
5. Free education as promised:
I must admit that the past administrations have done well when it comes to making federal educational institutions as cheap as possible, but the only hitch is that we don’t have enough of these institutions. Now the APC has promised free basic and secondary education for all. They also promised free tertiary education for some students, mostly Sciences, to help the countries IT development. All these are promises Nigerians are waiting on and hoping will be fulfilled.
Nigerians desired change on the 28th of March 2015, because they felt the past government has failed them. So it will be if this new Government does the same. Gen. Buhari has the chance to prove to Nigerian youths that they can trust their leaders to deliver pre-election promises and if he doesn’t, Nigerians are ready to change the leadership come 2019. Nigerians are watching.
Oba's Speech: "Flagrant Disregard Of Performance"
Following the uproar caused by the comments by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, where he threatened Igbos’ resident in Lagos to vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akinwunmi Ambode, popular writer, Chimamanda Adichie has added her voice to the discourse.
The piece was published on olisa.tv. Read below:
A few days ago, the Oba of Lagos threatened Igbo leaders. If they did not vote for his governorship candidate in Lagos, he said, they would be thrown into the lagoon. His entire speech was a flagrant performance of disregard. His words said, in effect: I think so little of you that I don’t have to cajole you but will just threaten you and, by the way, your safety in Lagos is not assured, it is negotiable.
There have been condemnations of the Oba’s words. Sadly, many of the condemnations from non-Igbo people have come with the ugly impatience of expressions like ‘move on,’ and ‘don’t be over-emotional’ and ‘calm down.’ These take away the power, even the sincerity, of the condemnations. It is highhanded and offensive to tell an aggrieved person how to feel, or how quickly to forgive, just as an apology becomes a non-apology when it comes with ‘now get over it.’
Other condemnations of the Oba’s words have been couched in dismissive or diminishing language such as ‘The Oba can’t really do anything, he isn’t actually going to kill anyone. He was joking. He was just being a loudmouth.’
Or – the basest yet – ‘we are all prejudiced.’ It is dishonest to respond to a specific act of prejudice by ignoring that act and instead stressing the generic and the general. It is similar to responding to a specific crime by saying ‘we are all capable of crime.’ Indeed we are. But responses such as these are diversionary tactics. They dismiss the specific act, diminish its importance, and ultimately aim at silencing the legitimate fears of people.
About 50 Armed Soldiers Deployed To Wike’s Residence
News just reaching us indicates that about 50 heavily armed soldiers mounted a barricade around the family residence of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers state, Barrister Nyesom Wike as early as 6am today.
Vanguard reports that vehicles were thoroughly searched before being allowed to drive through Wipey Junction, a busy intersection close to the family residence.
At about 6.40am the soldiers were seen unloading sand bags from one of their trucks.
It was reported that efforts to take pictures were impeded by one of the soldiers who appeared to be the head of the troop.
The report also revealed that pedestrians were seen raising their hands as they walked pass the soldiers who took strategic positions with their riffles.
Meanwhile, following the tension brewing in Rivers state over the gubernatorial and house of assembly elections today, the police yesterday deployed special units to the state as part of efforts to address security concerns.
Vanguard reports that vehicles were thoroughly searched before being allowed to drive through Wipey Junction, a busy intersection close to the family residence.
At about 6.40am the soldiers were seen unloading sand bags from one of their trucks.
It was reported that efforts to take pictures were impeded by one of the soldiers who appeared to be the head of the troop.
The report also revealed that pedestrians were seen raising their hands as they walked pass the soldiers who took strategic positions with their riffles.
Meanwhile, following the tension brewing in Rivers state over the gubernatorial and house of assembly elections today, the police yesterday deployed special units to the state as part of efforts to address security concerns.
Document Reveals How PDP Plans To Rig Governorship Poll
A new document reveals a plot by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to influence the electorate, and elaborately rig Saturday’s Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Kaduna State.
A document, entitled “The Task Before PDP and Governor Yero” obtained by Premium Times, detailed the “means, measures and ways” to be adopted by the party and its candidate, Governor Ramalan Yero, to win the election based on the voting behaviour of the electorate in the state.
It also recalled that in the previous analysis for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, almost all the projections came to pass and “therefore, the need to implement this very submissions becomes imperatives because all the findings contained herein are like gospel truth”.
Mr. Yero is the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state. He is facing a stiff challenge from the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nasir El-Rufai.
According to the document, dated April 2, the first step to cornering illicit votes is for the handlers to avoid being detected or exposed, to avoid judicial proceedings or inimical response from agents of the opposition parties or Election Observers.
The document said since the All Progressives Congress has an advantage in Southern Kaduna, “election materials distribution should be delayed, the means of dividing of the minds of the electorate should be initiated (while) the ad-hoc staff should be reached out and compromised.”
The document also said in areas where the PDP has advantage, “efforts should be made for speedy accreditation of large number of voters, manipulation of figures should be exercised in a profound way and where possible, ballot boxes stuffing must be effectively ensured”.
It also said during collation, “Areas such as Zaria LGA, Igabi LGA, Kaduna – North LGA and Sabon – Gari LGA with Soba LGA should be collated and announced on time to allow for the assessment of their performance in relation to areas where we have advantages. It is also expedient to frustrate voters, if possible reduce their numerical advantage by either disenfranchising them or deploy other methods.”
The document suggested that effort should be made to set up a committee to immediately, identify, locate and discourage the members of PDP that are either aggrieved or not satisfied with the PDP and are ready to vote against the PDP or conduct anti- party activities during the election.
It said concerted efforts should be made to employ the services of ad-hoc staff to sabotage or compromise the performance of the Card reader.
The document warned that time is of essence and that three days before the elections, all feedback that are related to these steps, means and methodology should be analysed and appreciated for effective deployment.
“It was discovered that in Southern – Kaduna there will be tremendous voter’s apathy which will drastically reduce the numerical advantage of the PDP,” the document said.
“Efforts should be made to immediately correct this anomaly. By popular observation, it is understandable that crisis and flash points will be experienced during the gubernatorial elections which will truncate the entire process.
“Furthermore, we have started preparing for an update or a follow up to this submission immediately we finish our compilations.”
Efforts to reach officials of the Kaduna State chapter of the PDP were not successful. Its chairman, Gaiya Haruna, did not pick calls made to his mobile telephone.
Nigeria Chooses Governors, State Lawmakers Today
Another crucial day for Nigerians has finally come. Today, April 11, the Independent National Electoral Commission holds governorship polls in the majority of the country states.
Unsurprisingly, the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, so as their candidates, are again in the centre of everyone’s attention.
Analysts estimated the chances of both parties in different states. However, some results of the March 28 polls showed that one can never be sure of the outcome. Moreover, the victory of the opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential election seriously altered the experts’ forecasts.
Nigerian Army Recovers Four Towns From Boko Haram Terrorists In Borno State
The Nigerian Army yesterday has said it has recaptured four towns from Boko Haram insurgents. The towns were named as Yamteke, Izge, Bita and Uba in Askira Uba and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, said troops of 3 and 7 division of the Nigerian Army, supported by colleagues from the Air Force, liberated the towns from the insurgents yesterday.
He also said the operation was in continuation of the push by the Nigerian military to liberate Sambisa forest, a stronghold of the terrorists in the State.
Sadly a soldier was lost while 10 others were injured during the operation, but many terrorists were killed and various weapons recovered.
Please Save Us From Dangote, Cement Producers Beg Buhari
Change must affect all areas of Nigeria, no more impunity. Cement manufacturers under the aegis of Cement Producers Association of Nigeria, CPAN, have called on President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari to assist them in fighting corruption in the sector allegedly perpetrated by a cabal “that has been dictating cement policies for personal interests.”
In a tacit reference to popular businessman and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, they specifically pleaded with Buhari to assist in reducing the price of cement from N2,200 to N1,000 per bag.
This appeal when considered, CPAN said, will be the first dividend of change for all Nigerians.
The Chairman of CPAN, Prince David Iweta, in a letter to Buhari dated March 3 congratulating him on his victory in the recently-concluded general elections and obtained by journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, said cement should be allowed to be imported into Lagos, Warri and Calabar.
He said, “This cabal makes abnormal annual profit in the region of N200 billion from cement alone for the past six years while same company partnered with the Federal Government to suspend cement import permit granted by late President Musa Yar’Adua to six companies one each from each of the geo-political zones owing to late President Yar’Adua’s fairness, equity and justice style of governance to guarantee that cement sell at N1.000 per bag to Nigerians.
“We wish to use this medium to appeal to you and your government at inauguration to declare a change of price of cement from N2,200 per bag to N1,000 per bag. This will serve as the first dividend of change which the people of Nigeria voted for. The cement industry after the death of late President Musa Yar’Adua has witnessed the worst height of corruption and injustice for the past six years.
“It may interest the General to know that Nigeria is the country with the highest price of cement in the world. Why? It is worthy of mention that countries that have attained self sufficiency in cement production all over the world sell cement at N500 per bag. But in Nigeria where the Federal Government has claimed success in the cement industry, net exporter of cement is selling the commodity at N2,200 per bag.
“But not a bag is exported since 2012 as claimed. Why? It is a known fact that all West Africa countries, East, North and South Africa sell cement under N1,000 per bag; but in Nigeria, it is selling for N2,200.
Why? new foreign direct investors are barred from venturing into the Nigeria cement industry since the past six years. So that cement price will remain high. Why?”
Nine Out Of Twelve Governorship Candidates Step Down For El-Rufai In Kaduna
Could he be the next Governor? With few hours to the Governorship elections, nine out of twelve governorship candidates have stepped down for APC’s Nasil El-Rufai. This was disclosed in a press conference yesterday and the reasons other party candidates who stepped down for him gave was that El-Rufai has the best plan for Kaduna and he has promised to make the State stand out in Nigeria.
Only 3 candidates are left and they are the incumbent Governor, Ramalan Yero of PDP, James Magaji of Labour Party, and Nasil El-Rufai of APC.
APC In Panic Mode Because Agbaje Will Win In Lagos – Fani- Kayode
ABUJA-PEOPLES Democratic Presidential Campaign Organisation, PDPPCO said yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan was still committed to conducting free, fair and credible election today.
According to PDP, the opposition should count itself lucky that President Jonathan did not reject the outcome of March 28 presidential election and refused to go to court and challenge the results.
Jimi Agbaje
In a statement yesterday by the Director of Media and Publicy, PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode said, “They should thank their lucky stars that we have a President who saw fit to concede victory and behave like a gentleman rather than cause a stir by rejecting the results and going to court.”
Fani-Kayode described allegations by the All Progressive Congress (APC) that President Jonathan planned to rig today’s governorship election in Lagos in favour of the candidate of the PDP, Mr Jimi Agbaje were far from the truth.
According to Fani- Kayode, the APC in panic mode because it knows that Agbaje will win the election, adding that this was the first time in 16 years that the APC together with the opposition was facing a formidable challenge from a governorship candidate of the PDP, Mr Agbaje.
Fani- Kayode said, “Once again the APC has degenerated into a party of liars who have little or no shame. It is not true that the President has any rigging plan for Lagos and neither do we need any such plan because our party is very strong there.
“The problem that the APC has and the reason that they make such asinine and silly allegations is because they actually believe that they own Lagos state and all those that live there.
“They are now in a state of panic because for the first time in 16 years they are facing a formidable challenge and they know that Jimi Agbaje of the PDP is likely to win. The truth is that there was no secret meeting in which rigging was planned by the President and neither is it true that materials were smuggled in to rig Lagos state.
“The only people that are interested in rigging and in milking any cash cows are the APC themselves and they can rest assured that we will resist them at all levels.
We will not only keep them on their toes at the Federal level by being eternally vigilant but we will also provide them with the most aggressive, relentless, focused and assertive opposition that Nigeria has ever known.
“President Jonathan simply conceded defeat in the Presidential election but this does not in any way mean that we have lost our nerve and neither does it represent a capitulation of our convictions or a collapse of our firm resolve.
“We shall continue to assist in moving this great country forward and to contribute to public discourse and national affairs.
“Jonathan conceded defeat and congratulated General Buhari even though there were many question marks about the card readers, the role of INEC and the so-called votes that APC allegedly won in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna and in one or two others places in the north.
“The figures for the APC were inflated in those states whilst the votes that Jonathan scored were purposely suppressed and reduced in places like Abia and other parts of the east by INEC. This is the bitter truth even though many people are reluctant to say it or admit it.
“Till today, many of us are wondering what really happened to the INEC commissioner in Kano and whether it is true that he and his whole family were murdered after he privately expressed his misgivings and regrets about inflating the figures for the APC during the presidential elections.
“Rather than spitting in Jonathan’s face and rejecting his friendly handshake by accusing him of plotting to rig Lagos, the APC should keep their mouths shut and bury their heads in shame for what they and their friends in INEC did during the presidential election.
“President Jonathan chose that course and opted for a peaceful resolution only out of concern for the stability of our country and for the sake of the welfare and peace of Nigeria.
“If he had done anything else or if he had protested the results of the election many innocent people, including our members and supporters, would have been slaughtered like flies all over the north and everyone knows this.
“Despite our peaceful and law-abiding disposition the APC should not mistake our gentility, our willingness to overlook their criminal behavior and our readiness to let bygones be bygones as weakness.
“The truth is that even with all the rigging that they did in the presidential elections they only defeated us by 2 million votes. Their candidate got 14 million votes whilst ours got 12 million.
“The more the APC makes baseless and absurd allegations against our President and our party, the more we shall question their so-called victory at the presidential election and expose the truth.
They should enjoy their so-called victory at the federal level quietly and stop attempting to intimidate us, disturb our peace or label us as a party of riggers.
“They have also accused us of using ethnicity and religion in politics. This is absolute rubbish and it is a lie from the pit of hell. With what the Oba of Lagos said a few days ago we know which party is led by the ethnic and religious bigots in Nigerian politics and that party is not the PDP.
It is the leadership of the APC and not the PDP that used religion and is still using religion in a shameful and provocative manner to garner votes and to win popular support in this country regardless of the dangerous consequences of doing so.
“We reject their sordid allegations and claims and we look forward to winning convincingly in Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Taraba and many other states in the April 11th elections.
“Whether anyone likes it or not the PDP is here to stay. Our heads may have been bloodied but they are not bowed. We shall continue to make our contributions to national discourse, we shall continue to engage our adversaries in the political space and we shall continue to fight our corner come what may.”
President-elect Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to make judicious use of the nation’s resources, declaring that he will neither embezzle nor allow any politician to embezzle the country’s resources.
Buhari, who made the statement during a town hall meeting in Yola, said he would give priority attention to the fight against corruption, insecurity and enhancing educational development, noting that most of the social ills bedevilling the country could be traced to dearth of education.
He decried the high level of corruption in the country which he blamed for the years of decay that led to massive unemployment, and asserted that, to address the situation, he would invest massively in agriculture and exploit the mineral resources sector in order to create employment.
Buhari noted that for Nigeria to get out of the woods, the people must persevere in nation building, adding that in the face of the massive decay in the system, tackling Nigeria’s problems would be a daunting task.
He also stated that the country was endowed with human and natural resources ‘’but unfortunately the resources were mismanaged and squandered, leading to the present situation in the land”.
Buhari, however, noted that with the support, sacrifice and resolve of Nigerians to effect change, the country will be the better for all.
He reiterated his promise that in the course of running his government, he would not favour or discriminate against anyone, but ensure that Nigeria’s resources are fairly and judiciously distributed across every nook and cranny of the land.
“We will run a transparent government and in doing so I will not favour my family,” he said.
Friday, 10 April 2015
Presidency Blasts APC For Accusing Jonathan Of Rigging
President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted the allegation by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that his visit to Lagos on April 9, 2015 was part of the plot to rig the gubernatorial election in the state.
Lai Muhammed, the APC’s spokesperson, had said that the president visited the nation’s commercial capital to coordinate ways of rigging the election in favour of Jimi Agbaje, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), candidate.
Premium Times reports, Jonathan’s position was detailed in his statement, which was made public by Reuben Abati, the president’s special adviser on media and public affairs.
“Lai Muhammed is wrong to say that the President came to Lagos to rig the governorship and State House of Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, April 11. He is of course lying as usual. And rude.
“President Jonathan visited Lagos. He arrived on Thursday and left on Friday. People visited him. So what? Anytime the President is in Lagos or any part of the country, a lot of people come to pay homage to him.
“Nothing unusual happened during his last visit to Lagos. Senator Musiliu Obanikoro’s visit to the President in Lagos is not something that anybody should use to play politics. Koro is a Minister of the Federal Republic. He came to see his boss.
“Mr. Jimi Agbaje is the governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos. I don’t see how his visit to the President, who is also the leader of his party, the PDP, should become an issue.
“Yes, Gani Adams also visited, but so did a lot of other people,” the presidency said.
Abbati stressed in the statement that Goodluck Jonathan never summoned or held meetings with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, polling officials or persons involved in the conduct of election.
“After the presidential election, the President immediately congratulated Gen. Buhari and the whole world has commended him for saving Nigeria.
“President Jonathan’s sportsmanship, statesmanship and leadership saved this country at that critical moment. He has demonstrated his commitment to free and fair election, the rule of law and due process. He has shown that he is a man of character, honour and integrity. Nigerians generally are proud of him.
“He has left a worthy legacy and shown a great example. That, obviously, is the narrative that Lai Muhammed and his masters want to change, so they are now cooking up meaningless tales.
“Lai Muhammed should look for another target and leave the President alone. His fatuous tale does not make any sense. I repeat: we will like to advise that the APC should just leave the President alone.
“President Jonathan was a candidate in the presidential election; he did not rig the election. Why would he want to rig tomorrow’s elections?”
The PDP had earlier accused the APC of finding excuses over its likely defeat in tomorrow’s governorship and house of assembly elections in the South-West region.
The party stated that the false alert by the APC is part of its plot to heighten tension in the zone and scare away voters from exercising their franchise.
Patience Jonathan Reacts To Amaechi's Accusations
Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of the president, dismissed the allegation that she was pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to manipulate the governorship election in Rivers state.
Governor Rotimi Amaechi during a stakeholders meeting on April 9, 2015, alleged that Mrs. Jonathan was in her hometown, Okrika, to supervise electoral malpractices during the elections.
Reacting to the accusations, the First Lady in a statement by the director of information in her office, Ihuoma Priscilla, said she could not be involved in act that would hinder peaceful conduct of elections in any part of the country.
The statement read:
“The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has dismissed the allegation that she was pressurising the Independent National Electoral Commission (and the Security Agencies to rig tomorrow’s (April 11, 2015) elections in Rivers State.
“As an apostle of peace and non-violent elections, the First Lady distances herself from any alleged actions that could hinder successful elections in Nigeria, especially in her home state, Rivers State.
“She countered the insinuations that she was in her home town, Okrika for the purpose of the governorship election, pointing out that she registered in her husband, President Jonathan’s village, Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
“The First Lady, a highly respected indigene of Okrika in Rivers State visited her home town on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 to a tumultuous welcome by her kinsmen and women who thronged the streets to welcome and appreciate her wonderful support to her husband, the President and for bringing development to Okrikaland.”
Patience Jonathan who was received to a rousing welcome by her kinsmen as she arrived her home state, Okrika, Rivers state, has always been at loggerheads with Rotimi Amaechi, who has accused her of masterminding the Okrika violence.
INEC Reveals Why Card Readers Failed In March 28 Polls
INEC Reveals Why Card Readers Failed In March 28 Polls
he Independent National Electoral Commission in Kwara State on Friday revealed why the card readers malfunctioned in the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections across the country.
Punch reports that the electoral commission in a memo sent to the supervisory and presiding polling officers by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo, identified non-removal of (nylon) films on the finger capture region of card readers as one of the causes of the problems experienced with the device in the March 28 polls.
The electoral umpire also identified the non-removal of the card reader’s battery as part of the problem, explaining that for the device to work properly, it required that it must be reconfigured before it could be used.
Onucheyo, therefore gave directives to all the electoral officers to prevent a repeat of the aforementioned challenges.
“Ensure the card readers are properly charged before handing them to supervisory/presiding officers. Ensure that the batteries are not removed for any reason whatsoever. If in any case, the batteries are removed, contact the administrators for reconfiguration. Ensure all the nylon film, covering the finger capture area, is removed before use. The SPOs should be re-educated about the card readers and their importance,” the memo read.
Meanwhile, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Ayanda Jacob, assured that the earlier technical hitch could be avoided if the electoral officers adhere to the directives given them.
“The essence of passing the memo is to avoid the challenges we faced in the last elections. It is faster for card readers to identify registered voters if the nylon on the finger capture area is removed. Some presiding officers did not do so. Some officers also removed the devices’ batteries and by so doing, they stopped working properly until they were reconfigured. Generators have been provided to fully charge the batteries and each battery lasts for about 12 hours,” he said.
Jacob also used the medium to announce that both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials have been moved to the 16 local government areas of the state in readiness for tomorrow’s polls.
The commission’s spokesman said INEC had made proper arrangements to ensure that the Saturday’s election was more effective than the previous one.
During the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections, there were several cases of malfunctioning of card readers as it fails to read voters finger prints.
The case was a bit worse in the south-south geopolitical zone where President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife could not be accredited on time in a polling unit at his home town in Otuoke, Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State.
Meanwhile, the INEC in Plateau state has issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to be around polling units during tomorrow’s elections without Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).
he Independent National Electoral Commission in Kwara State on Friday revealed why the card readers malfunctioned in the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections across the country.
Punch reports that the electoral commission in a memo sent to the supervisory and presiding polling officers by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo, identified non-removal of (nylon) films on the finger capture region of card readers as one of the causes of the problems experienced with the device in the March 28 polls.
The electoral umpire also identified the non-removal of the card reader’s battery as part of the problem, explaining that for the device to work properly, it required that it must be reconfigured before it could be used.
Onucheyo, therefore gave directives to all the electoral officers to prevent a repeat of the aforementioned challenges.
“Ensure the card readers are properly charged before handing them to supervisory/presiding officers. Ensure that the batteries are not removed for any reason whatsoever. If in any case, the batteries are removed, contact the administrators for reconfiguration. Ensure all the nylon film, covering the finger capture area, is removed before use. The SPOs should be re-educated about the card readers and their importance,” the memo read.
Meanwhile, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Ayanda Jacob, assured that the earlier technical hitch could be avoided if the electoral officers adhere to the directives given them.
“The essence of passing the memo is to avoid the challenges we faced in the last elections. It is faster for card readers to identify registered voters if the nylon on the finger capture area is removed. Some presiding officers did not do so. Some officers also removed the devices’ batteries and by so doing, they stopped working properly until they were reconfigured. Generators have been provided to fully charge the batteries and each battery lasts for about 12 hours,” he said.
Jacob also used the medium to announce that both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials have been moved to the 16 local government areas of the state in readiness for tomorrow’s polls.
The commission’s spokesman said INEC had made proper arrangements to ensure that the Saturday’s election was more effective than the previous one.
During the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections, there were several cases of malfunctioning of card readers as it fails to read voters finger prints.
The case was a bit worse in the south-south geopolitical zone where President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife could not be accredited on time in a polling unit at his home town in Otuoke, Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State.
Meanwhile, the INEC in Plateau state has issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to be around polling units during tomorrow’s elections without Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).
INEC Reschedules Elections In Eight Constituencies
As many Nigerians prepare to come out en-mass on Saturday to exercise their civic duty, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the House of Assembly elections in eight out of the 24 constituencies of Bayelsa State.
The Nation reports that the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Baritor Kpagih, on Friday said the affected constituencies will hold their polls on April 18.
Kpagih, in a statement listed the affected councils as Ekeremor Constituencies 1, 2, and 3, Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituencies 1 and 2, Sagbama Constituencies 1 and 2 and Southern Ijaw Constituency 1.
He, however, stated that the election would hold as scheduled in the other 16 constituencies on Saturday, April 11, 2015.
The REC said the polls were rescheduled because of the position of stakeholders that election should not hold ‘without full complements of the ballot papers.’
“Following the stand of the stakeholders that no election should take place in the State without full complement of ballot papers, having regard to the total PVC distributed, the State House of Assembly election slated for Saturday, the 11th of April, 2015, in Bayelsa State has been rescheduled to Saturday the 18th day of April, 2015 in the following constituencies,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the political parties and their candidates insisted on the postponement because of irregularities in the ballot papers for the constituencies.
It was also gathered that the number of ballot papers sent to the constituencies was inadequate as the electoral umpire was alleged to have sent only 13, 000 ballot papers out of 27, 000 to Southern Ijaw Constituency.
It was further gathered that 5000 ballot papers were available at the headquarters of the Ekeremor Constituency 3, instead of 15, 000 ballot papers.
As part of preparation for Saturday’s governorship and house of assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission in Kwara State on Friday revealed why the card readers malfunctioned in the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections across the country.
The elections is expected to be very intensive, especially as the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega has pledged he would ensure that this Saturday’s election is free, fair and violent free, adding that the era of politicians winning elections by hook or crook is over.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in all the thirty-six states on Saturday, April 11, 2015, as a result of the polls.
The Nation reports that the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Baritor Kpagih, on Friday said the affected constituencies will hold their polls on April 18.
Kpagih, in a statement listed the affected councils as Ekeremor Constituencies 1, 2, and 3, Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituencies 1 and 2, Sagbama Constituencies 1 and 2 and Southern Ijaw Constituency 1.
He, however, stated that the election would hold as scheduled in the other 16 constituencies on Saturday, April 11, 2015.
The REC said the polls were rescheduled because of the position of stakeholders that election should not hold ‘without full complements of the ballot papers.’
“Following the stand of the stakeholders that no election should take place in the State without full complement of ballot papers, having regard to the total PVC distributed, the State House of Assembly election slated for Saturday, the 11th of April, 2015, in Bayelsa State has been rescheduled to Saturday the 18th day of April, 2015 in the following constituencies,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the political parties and their candidates insisted on the postponement because of irregularities in the ballot papers for the constituencies.
It was also gathered that the number of ballot papers sent to the constituencies was inadequate as the electoral umpire was alleged to have sent only 13, 000 ballot papers out of 27, 000 to Southern Ijaw Constituency.
It was further gathered that 5000 ballot papers were available at the headquarters of the Ekeremor Constituency 3, instead of 15, 000 ballot papers.
As part of preparation for Saturday’s governorship and house of assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission in Kwara State on Friday revealed why the card readers malfunctioned in the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections across the country.
The elections is expected to be very intensive, especially as the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega has pledged he would ensure that this Saturday’s election is free, fair and violent free, adding that the era of politicians winning elections by hook or crook is over.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in all the thirty-six states on Saturday, April 11, 2015, as a result of the polls.
Lagos Governorship Race: Ndi Igbos Choose The APC
Buhari’s Ministers List: New Details Emerge
My Lagos Visit, Not To Rig For Agbaje – Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday faulted a claim by the All Progressives Congress that his Thursday visit to Lagos was to coordinate rigging plans for the Peoples Democratic Party in the Saturday governorship election.
He wondered why he would rig the governorship election for the PDP when he did not rig the March 28 presidential election in which he was a candidate.
Jonathan’s position was contained in a statement made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.
Abati insisted that there was nothing unusual in people paying homage to the President when he is on a visit to Lagos or any other part of the country.
He said the APC spokesman lied as usual and was rude to insinuate that Jonathan met with people in Lagos for the purpose of rigging the elections.
The presidential spokesman said Muhammed and his paymasters were only cooking up meaningless tales in order to change the commendation Jonathan had received across the globe for conceding defeat in the presidential election.
He said, “Lai Muhammed is wrong to say that the President came to Lagos to rig the governorship and State House of Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, April 11. He is of course lying as usual. And rude.
“President Jonathan visited Lagos. He arrived on Thursday and left on Friday. People visited him. So what? Anytime the President is in Lagos or any part of the country, a lot of people come to pay homage to him.
“Nothing unusual happened during his last visit to Lagos. Senator Musiliu Obanikoro’s visit to the President in Lagos is not something that anybody should use to play politics. Koro is a Minister of the Federal Republic. He came to see his boss.
“Mr. Jimi Agbaje is the governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos. I don’t see how his visit to the President, who is also the leader of his party, the PDP, should become an issue.
“Yes, Gani Adams also visited, but so did a lot of other people.”
Abati added that the President did not hold meetings with INEC officials, neither did he meet with the police, polling officials or with anybody who is involved in organising elections.
He said to claim that the President went to Lagos to supervise the rigging of Saturday’s election was most uncharitable and cruel.
“After the presidential election, the President immediately congratulated Gen. Buhari and the whole world has commended him for saving Nigeria.
“President Jonathan’s sportsmanship, statesmanship and leadership saved this country at that critical moment. He has demonstrated his commitment to free and fair election, the rule of law and due process. He has shown that he is a man of character, honour and integrity. Nigerians generally are proud of him.
“He has left a worthy legacy and shown a great example. That, obviously, is the narrative that Lai Muhammed and his masters want to change, so they are now cooking up meaningless tales.
“Lai Muhammed should look for another target and leave the President alone. His fatuous tale does not make any sense. I repeat: we will like to advise that the APC should just leave the President alone.
“President Jonathan was a candidate in the presidential election; he did not rig the election. Why would he want to rig tomorrow’s elections? he added.
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Breaking News: INEC Order DSTV Not To Broadcast Any Football Match On Saturday
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has issued an order that no English. Premier League match should be broadcast on Saturday, 11th April, 2015.
INEC Chairman, Prof Jega issued this directive with respect to the Gubernatorial elections coming up tomorrow saying Nigeria cannot afford to joke with the Gubernatorial elections and having EPL matches being aired on Nigerian TV would mean a lot of the Nigerian youths will not vote.
Jega in his statement said all youths should please go out en masse and exercise their rights to vote so as to void passing blame after the elections which he categorically described as “Medicine after Death”.
The youths of Nigeria however are not happy with this new development and have therefore decided to boycott tomorrow’s election if Jega still stands by his instruction.
I Am Not In Rivers State To Rig The Governorship Election – Patience Jonathan
First Lady Mrs Patience Jonathan has refuted claims by Governor Rotimi Amaechi that she is in Rivers state to strategize on how to use the Resident Electoral Commission and the security apparatus in the state to rig the governorship election in favor of Mr Nyesom Wike, the state PDP governorship candidate.
The First Lady, who arrived Rivers state on Wednesday April 8th, has refuted allegations by Amaechi in a statement released by Director of Information in her office, Ihuoma Priscilla today April 10th.
“The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has dismissed the allegation that she was pressurising the Independent National Electoral Commission (and the Security Agencies to rig tomorrow’s (April 11, 2015) elections in Rivers State.
As an apostle of peace and non-violent elections, the First Lady distances herself from any alleged actions that could hinder successful elections in Nigeria, especially in her home state, Rivers State.
She countered the insinuations that she was in her home town, Okrika for the purpose of the governorship election, pointing out that she registered in her husband, President Jonathan’s village, Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The First Lady, a highly respected indigene of Okrika in Rivers State visited her home town on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 to a tumultuous welcome by her kinsmen and women who thronged the streets to welcome and appreciate her wonderful support to her husband, the President and for bringing development to Okrikaland.”
FKK Comes For APC For Alleging GEJ Was Working To Rig Lagos Gov Polls
Femi Fani-Kayode has released a statement calling out APC for alleging that President Jonathan was in Lagos to rig the state governorship election in favor of PDP’s Jimi Agbaje.
“It is not true that the President has any rigging plan for Lagos and neither do we need any such plan because our party is very strong there.
The problem that the APC has and the reason that they make such asinine and stupid allegations is because they actually believe that they own Lagos State and all those that live there.
They are now in a state of panic because for the first time in 16 years, they are facing a formidable challenge and they know that Jimi Agbaje of the PDP is likely to win.
The truth is that there was no secret meeting in which rigging was planned by the President and neither is it true that materials were smuggled in to rig Lagos State.
Jonathan conceded defeat and congratulated Buhari even though there were many questions about the card readers, the role of INEC and the so-called votes that APC allegedly won in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna and in one or two other places in the North.
The figures for the APC were inflated in those states whilst the votes that Jonathan scored were purposely suppressed and reduced in places like Abia and other parts of the east by INEC.
This is the bitter truth even though many people are reluctant to say it or admit it.
Till today, many of us are wondering what really happened to the INEC commissioner in Kano and whether it is true that he and his whole family were murdered after he privately expressed his misgivings and regrets about inflating the figures for the APC during the presidential elections.
Rather than spitting in Jonathan’s face and rejecting his friendly handshake by accusing him of plotting to rig Lagos, the APC should keep their mouths shut and bury their heads in shame for what they and their friends in INEC did during the presidential election.” the statement read
Friday, 27 March 2015
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BREAKING NEWS: Gbemi Saraki dumps Jonathan for Buhari
Barely 24 hours to the presidential election, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State and former Senator, Gbemisola Saraki has declared support for the candidacy of All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd).
There have been widespread speculations about her defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Gbemisola who is the first daughter of Second Republic Senate Leader, Late Dr Olusola Saraki was quoted to have ordered thousands of her supporters to go out with brooms on Saturday to sweep Kwara State and Nigeria clean.
The meeting was held on Friday at her residence in Ilorin.
Her open declaration of support for the APC and its candidates would definitely boost the chances of the party in Kwara State.
Senator Gbemisola’s open support for the APC has heightened worries within the PDP fold that President Goodluck Jonathan may fail to gather the minimum of 25% of the total votes cast in Kwara State as earlier projected by the party.
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