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Tag: INEC

  • Edo poll: IGP orders restriction of movement

    Edo poll: IGP orders restriction of movement

    In the usual tradition that never deters violence, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has directed the restriction of movement in Edo State ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

     

    The police boss said this is to ensure adequate measures are put in place for peaceful, transparent and credible elections.

     

    At least 17 political parties will be participating in the election, with the major parties being the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.

     

    In a statement on Friday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said the IG ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day.

     

    He added that those on essential duties, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders, are exempted from the order.

     

    Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police has announced comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

     

    “In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.

     

    “To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.”

     

    Adejobi also said the IG directed that special attention should be accorded to People With Disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and old people, among others.

     

    He said, “Furthermore, the IG has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all,” adding that the IG sternly warned residents against pranking the emergency lines released by the police to report cases of emergencies during the election.

     

    Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes.

     

    “The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process.”

     

    Adejobi said Egbetokun urged the residents to report suspicious and other activities that could affect the integrity of the poll.

     

    He said, “Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state.

     

    “The Inspector-General of Police underscores the necessity of adhering to these directives to avert any undue interference and intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct themselves responsibly and in compliance with electoral laws, as any violations or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with the full extent of the law.

     

    “The IGP reaffirms the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to promoting a safe and democratic environment. Through collaborative efforts, we can guarantee that the forthcoming elections in Edo, specifically and the future, are held fairly and peacefully.”

     

     

  • Cross River gov assents to amended electoral law

    Governor Bassey Otu has granted assent to the amended Cross River Electoral Law passed by the State House of Assembly which stipulated a four-year tenure for elected Local Government officials.

     

    Signing the amended Law on Thursday in Calabar, the state Capital, Otu stated, “Let me thank Mr Speaker and members of the House of Assembly, and of course, our own Electoral Commission for making sure that we have an up-to-date act that is ready to put the third tier of government into office.”

     

    The amendment by the House of Assembly was necessitated by the Supreme Court’s verdict granting autonomy to the local government as well as ensuring that states of the federation ensure local administrations are headed by elected officials in accordance with the constitution.

     

    “Local government is very important. That is the government that is closer to the people than any other government that we have in the Federation.

     

    “I want to appreciate the fact that you have done a good job and I know that Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), as they are going, they are going to announce the date for the election and people will be ready; so that we will follow the rules of the game,” adding that, “We want this particular segment of our government to be active so that the dividends of democracy will trickle right down to the downtrodden and the people who need it most,” he added.

     

    The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem told newsmen that “what we have done today is in line with the Supreme Court judgment that was passed ab initio, and the Otu-led government being a proactive one, decided that the third tier government must come up almost immediately.”

     

    “For some time, we have not had the opportunity of having substantive chairmen in their right places of authority. And the governor thought it wise that we need to come up with the conduct of local government elections.

     

    “And the House of Assembly, in her wisdom, looked at the CROSIEC laws and realized that there were some grey areas that needed urgent attention. And those grey areas are the areas that have been largely attended to.”

     

    Ayambem said one of the most cardinal points tackled in the amended Law was the review of the tenure of the office of chairmen and councillors from three to four years on par with their elected officials at the state and federal levels.

     

    “As the Supreme Court judgment rightly had outlined the third tier government should enjoy the same status as that of the executive, the status of a governor and the status of a president where they have a tenure of four years in office and not three years at it were. So we looked at it in consonance with the Supreme Court judgment.

     

    “All that we have done is align strictly with what the Supreme Court has outlined. So we looked at it in consonance with the Supreme Court judgment all that we have done is align strictly with what the Supreme Court has outlined,” the Speaker added.

     

    Ayambem reiterated the state government’s stance on holding local government elections before the end of the year 2024.

     

  • Guber Poll: This State Will Burn If Ighodalo Is Not Declared Winner – Edo NLC Chair

    Guber Poll: This State Will Burn If Ighodalo Is Not Declared Winner – Edo NLC Chair

    Odion Olaye, Edo state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has sparked controversy as he declares that the state will burn if Asue Ighodalor winner in the September 21 gubernatorial election.
    In a viral video, Olaye, while campaigning in Egor, Benin City, for Asue Ighodalo, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, assured supporters of victory.
    He predicted that Egor will be won by PDP, adding that the state “will burn” if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to declare Ighodalo winner of the poll.
    “I want to assure you that PDP, our party, is going to win Egor 80 percent come 21st of this month and on 22nd of this month, they must declare Asue Ighodalo the winner.
    “If they refuse to do that, Edo state will burn,” he said in the video.
    His comments come on the heels of allegations and counter allegations by parties.
    In one of the scenarios, the state PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said it has uncovered plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use fake INEC staff who would be posing as technical staff to tamper with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
    Media Director of APC Campaign Council, Prince Kassim Afegbua, however dismissed the allegation.

  • Rivers LG Election: Court reserves judgment in APC’s suit against INEC, others

    Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court Abuja, Thursday, reserved judgment in the suit filed by the All Progressives Congress, (APC) against the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) against the conduct of local government election in Rivers State.

     

    After listening to the counsel to both parties adopted thier various arguments, the court reserved judgement on the matter to a date that will be communicated to them.

     

    The judge on Thursday reserved judgment date after counsel to all parties adopted their various legal positions for and against the suit.

     

    The court listened to all pending preliminary applications including those seeking joinder brought by the Social Democratic Party, SDP and the Boot Party, BP, as well as the substantive suit.

     

    The court equally heard motions filed by Chief Goddy Uche, SAN, for change of counsel and another seeking the discontinuance of the suit on behalf of the Rivers State chapter of the APC.

     

    Uche filed and argued an application for change of counsel dated August 28 as well as a motion for the discontinuance of the suit signed by Chief Emeka Beke, Chairman APC Rivers State, and Sam Sam Etetegwung, Secretary APC Rivers State, respectively.

     

    While Joseph Daudu, SAN, leading six Senior Advocates of Nigeria including Dr James Ogwu Onoja, moved the court to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, Taiwo Taiwo, SAN, for the Attorney General of Rivers State, and Femi Falana, SAN, representing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, all challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case.

     

    The respondents counsel equally challenged the competence of the suit on the ground that it was statute barred.

     

    In addition, on the issue of jurisdiction, the respondents’ counsel argued that the proper court with jurisdiction to entertain the case is the Rivers State division of the Federal High Court.

     

    It was equally their argument that the court sitting as a vacation court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case without obtaining the consent of both parties.

     

    Substantially, the plaintiff counsel argued that the condition precedent for conduct of local government election in Rivers State have not been met by RSIEC.

     

    The plaintiff had approached the court with an application for change of counsel dated August 28, as well as a notice of discontinuance signed by Chief Emeka Beke, Chairman APC Rivers State, and Sam Sam Etetegwung, Secretary, APC Rivers State respectively.

     

    The party, in an originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 is seeking a declaration that INEC is bound to manage the updating and revising of the register in such a manner as to ensure that the process stops not later than 90 days before the council poll.

  • Ondo Election: Hoodlums raid Aiyedatiwa’s campaign office

    Ondo Election: Hoodlums raid Aiyedatiwa’s campaign office

    In what observers have derisively referred to as a dress rehearsal, hoodlums have burgled the campaign office of the Ondo State governor’s campaign organization on Wednesday, with several items stolen.
    This was revealed in a statement issued and signed by the Information Director of LACO-FSIC, Kayode Fasua, who noted that the incident was discovered on Wednesday when staff resumed work.
    Fasua indicated that the manner in which the office was burgled suggested that the invasion was politically motivated.
    The leadership of the organization condemned the attack, stating, “There was a method to the burglary.
    The invaders not only stole some belongings but also destroyed electrical sockets, tore down Governor Aiyedatiwa’s billboards and posters, and smashed furniture items.”
    Fasua added that while the invaders took two rechargeable fans, the extensive destruction of memes and electrical gadgets clearly exposed them as political burglars, likely from the opposition camp.
    “With what took place overnight, it is now evident that at least one of the opposition parties in the state is prone to violence and criminal activity, despite the olive branch extended to all by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is tirelessly working to improve the standard of living for the masses.
    “The methodical burglars and their paymasters were apparently shocked by the large crowds at the two meetings held in quick succession at the newly acquired LACO-FSIC campaign headquarters in Akure.
    They succumbed to the devil’s influence, destroying multi-million Naira properties and stealing valuable items,” Fasua lamented.
    He recalled that at the inaugural meeting of LACO-FSIC leaders in Akure, the Convener of the Campaign Organization, Dr. Oladipupo Okeyomi, aka Carry Go, and its Director-General, Mr. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, led other State and Local Government Directors in outlining plans for a mass, community-based campaign to ensure total victory for Governor Aiyedatiwa on November 16.
    “The opposition likely sponsored moles to spy on our meetings, and realizing the futility of stopping what has become a moving train, they, in a state of panic over their looming failure, resorted to the indignity of political burglary, as was carried out overnight,” the LACO-FSIC spokesman criticized.
  • Imo Guber: S/Court affirms Gov, Hope Uzodinma election 

    Imo Guber: S/Court affirms Gov, Hope Uzodinma election 

    In furtherance of what the critical public now calls “Judiocracy” the Supreme Court of Nigeria pronounced three major judgements today, Friday, August 23, 2024 all, affirming the electoral victory of state Governors.

    The beneficiaries of these judgements were Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo state governors.

    In the case of Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressive Congress APC, just as the other two cases, the Supreme Court affirmed his election.

     

    The court had in a judgement declared by Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, dismissed the two separate appeals brought to it by the Labour Party LP and the People’s Democratic Party PDP against the declaration of Hope Uzodinma.

     

    The supreme court held that the appeals of the LP governorship candidate, Athan Achonu and that of PDP Samuel Anyawu were was lacking in merit.

     

    According to the judgement, the LP and PDP gubernatorial candidates were said to have failed to establish allegations of over voting and other malpractices against the November 11,2023 poll.

  • Kogi Guber: Supreme Court Rejects Ajaka’s Appeal

    The Supreme Court has turned down the appeal filed by Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Yakubu Muritala Ajaka, concerning the recent Kogi State gubernatorial election.
    Ajaka had sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to delay its judgment while awaiting the outcome of his request for a full panel to review a specific issue raised in his appeal.
    Ajaka’s appeal, marked SC/CV/654/2024, aimed to overturn the rulings of both the Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which confirmed Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the November 11, 2024 election.
    During Monday’s hearing, Pius Akubo, representing Ajaka, stated that Ododo had expressed his concerns to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) regarding the appeal.
    Akubo requested the Supreme Court to revisit its prior rulings, especially concerning specific paragraphs in the appellant’s brief.
    However, the legal representatives for the respondents, including Kanu Agabi (SAN) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joseph Daudu (SAN) for Ododo, and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) for the APC, argued that the application was unnecessary and urged the court to proceed with the appeal as constituted.
    Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, leading the five-member panel, ruled that the issue for which Ajaka sought a full panel was only a part of the overall appeal. He affirmed that the current panel was competent to hear and decide the case.
    Justice Garba then instructed Akubo to continue with the hearing, while the respondents submitted their briefs, requesting the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the lower court’s judgment.
    Justice Garba adjourned the case, with the judgment date to be announced later.

  • Bayelsa Guber: Diri, PDP want Supreme court to dismiss Sylva, APC appeal

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal contesting his election by Timipriye Sylva and All progressives Congress, APC, in the Bayelsa gubernatorial poll.
    The respondents, represented by Chris Uche SAN, maintained that the appeal was devoid of merit and should be dismissed in its entirety as no witness or documents supported his request being made at the court.
    In the same vain, counsel to the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Tayo Oyetibo SAN and counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC represented by Charles Edoshomwan, also asked the Apex court to dismissal the appeal.
    In his response, counsel to the petitioner, Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, asked the court to set aside the judgments of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition and the Court of Appeal which had earlier dismissed his petition.
    Specifically, the former governor wants the court to invalidate the declaration of Diri by INEC as winner of the gubernatorial poll and declare him as the lawful winner of the election.
    The five-man panel of justices led by Justice Garba Lawal, after taking submissions of the parties, reserved judgment to a later date.
    On July 28, the Court of Appeal, affirmed the re-election of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.
    The judgement described the appeal brought before it by the All Progressives Congress(APC) and its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva as incompetent and abuse of court process.
    The appellate court, had in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel of Justices lead by Justice James Abunduga said it found no reason to dislodge the earlier judgement of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
    It held that the court below was right when it declined to nullify the outcome of the gubernatorial poll that held in the state on November 11, 2023.
    The Bayelsa Governorship petition tribunal, had on May 27, lead by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, dismissed as lacking in merit, the petition that was filed against governor Diri’s re-election by the APC and its candidate.
  • Edo Guber Poll: INEC releases date for distributing PVC

    Edo Guber Poll: INEC releases date for distributing PVC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Edo State has fixed August 22–30 for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.
    Timidi Wariowei, INEC’s Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Benin.
    Wariowei said that a five-day collection of PVCs would take place at the ward headquarters from August 22 to 26.
    He said the exercise would move to the INEC local government council offices for another three days, from August 28 to 30.
    “The commission implores all those who registered or did transfers to present themselves at the aforementioned locations and collect their PVCs. There is no PVC collection by proxy,” Wariowei said.

  • Edo Guber: Play by the rules,CSO appeals to INEC, Others

     

    By Daniel Michael, Abuja

     

    A coalition of civil society organizations, led by the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, has urged stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Edo State come September 21.

     

    The group, with mandate to observe pre- and post-election activities emphasized the importance of impartiality and neutrality  by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and law enforcement agencies.

     

    The Director General of the Centre, Dr Nwambu Gabriel, called for the issuance of Permanent Voters Cards to all eligible electorates, refrain from harassing law-abiding citizens, and upholding the principles of equity, fairness, and justice in the electoral process.

     

    They also denounced alleged plans to manipulate the election through voter inducement, and recruitment of youths for election thuggery, warning that perpetrators should be made to face prosecution and visa restrictions.

     

    The coalition appealed to stakeholders to adhere to the principles of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, ensuring a smooth electoral process and a credible outcome.

     

    With 36 days to the election, the group’s call for a free and fair election resonates with the aspirations of Edo people and the international community.

     

    “As you all know, the election is not an event; it is a process. This process takes effect from the date INEC, which is a commission saddled with the constitutional responsibility of conducting transparent, free, fair, and credible elections, makes public the election timetable for the governorship election,” he advised.

     

    “It is exactly 36 days to the Edo state governorship election. As part of our mandate, we observe the pre-election, election, and post-election activities. We also observe the conduct of the Election Management Body (EMB), the conduct of the Police, which is the lead agency in charge of internal security, the NSCDC, the Military, and all the security agencies deployed to ascertain if their conduct is consistent with the extant laws and the provisions of the

     

    “Voters inducement, including the buying and selling of votes, is an issue that needs to be tackled head-on. With the increasing poverty level in Nigeria, this has become a common feature in most elections.

    Perpetrators of such practices should be swiftly arrested and brought to justice.

    Additionally, it is crucial that the public witnesses the prosecution of these offenders to demonstrate a commitment to preserving the integrity of the electoral system. This would also serve as a deterrent to individuals who intend to perpetrate such crimes in the future.

     

    “As a coalition of rights organizations, we remain firm to ensuring that things are done right to reflect the wishes of Edo electorates in the coming election.

     

    “To ensure a smooth electoral process, we call upon the network service providers, such as MTN, Glo Mobile, and Airtel, to ensure uninterrupted service in Edo state throughout the  country.