President-elect Bola Tinubu and VP-elect, Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday night, March 1, visited President Buhari in Katsina to show him their Certificates of Return.
President-elect and Vice President-elect visits President Muhammadu Buhari
President Macron congratulates Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory
President Emmanuel Macron of France has congratulated Nigeria’s President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on his victory in the February 25 election.
The President-elect confirmed this to newsmen after presenting his Certificate of Return to President Buhari in his country home, Daura, Katsina State, on Wednesday night, March 1.
Recall that Tinubu had earlier on Wednesday received the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja before embarking on the trip to Daura alongside his Vice President-elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu, who was reacting to questions on messages of congratulations he so far received since his declaration by INEC as President-elect, said ”
Oh very many, many of that, in fact as far as Europe, the stock market reacted positively well, there was a goodwill message from Macron, the President of France.”
On his mission to Daura, the president-elect said ”I came to present the certificate of return to him (Buhari) as the party leader and commend his efforts in supporting democracy in Africa.”
INEC presents certificate of return to President-elect Bola Tinubu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificates of return to President-elect Bola Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, hours after they were declared winners of the presidential election that was held February 25.
On Wednesday afternoon, amid pomp and circumstance, and in the midst of jubilant supporters, Mr Tinubu received his certificate from INEC chair, Mahmood Yakubu.
His excited supporters sang “Bola, on your mandate we shall stand,” and chanted “Awa lo kan” as Mr Tinubu raised the framed certificate, posing for photographs.
Mr Shettima, on his part, swayed to the podium amid shouts of “golden boy” from party supporters to receive his certificate of return from the electoral officials.
The ceremony was attended by vice president Yemi Osinbajo and several governors including Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), former Ekiti governor, Kayode Fayemi and so on.
After the national anthem was sung at the close of the event, the president-elect walked out in style to “Asiwaju,” a Nigerian hit track which happens to be Mr Tinubu’s nickname.
Mr Tinubu would be sworn in as president of the nation on June 12, the nation’s democracy day.
IPAC congratulates Tinubu, tells Obi, Atiku to respect democracy
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos has congratulated Bola Tinubu on his victory in the February 25 presidential election.
IPAC chairman Olusegun Mobolaji urged aggrieved presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and others not satisfied with the election outcome to follow the lawful path.
According to him, all Nigerians must respect democracy and the country.
“We want to congratulate Bola Tinubu of APC for his emergence as the winner of the just-concluded presidential election in Nigeria. It is a game and contest; a winner must emerge as declared by INEC.
We have to respect our democracy, we have to respect the rule of law, and we have to respect our system,” stated the IPAC chairman.
Mr Mobolaji added;
“We implore anyone that has anything to contend on the results to toe the right path. They should remember this is our country and the way we handle it is how we are going to meet it. We should follow the right path if anyone has anything to challenge, either directly through the INEC or the party. Let us approach the court of law as stipulated by the constitution and the Electoral Act.’’
The IPAC chairman expressed the belief that INEC, as promised, would do the right justice to whatever complaints anyone might have.
He urged the electoral umpire to address all complaints and grievances accordingly.
“This election has come and it has been done. Though, there are a lot of challenges and complaints here and there, especially concerning the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and the transmission of results,” Mr Mobolaji explained.
He added, “People really complained that they could not trust the results because they were not electronically transmitted through the BVAS, but INEC has to conclude the process it started.”
He wants election cancelled and remain the only Yoruba President of Nigeria- Yoruba group knocks Olusegun Obasanjo
The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) in association with Yoruba Assembly and Yoruba diaspora has knocked former President Olusegun Obasanjo saying he wants to be Nigeria’s only president from the Yoruba tribe.
Recall that on Monday, February 28, Obasanjo organized a press conference urging Buhari to compel INEC to redo the elections due to allegations of irregularities in the just concluded Presidential elections.
A statement signed by Olawale Oshun said Obasanjo ‘’lacks the moral right to serve as a guiding beacon of Nigeria.‘’ “Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo lacks the moral right to serve as a guiding beacon.
First, he is as politically partisan as any other Nigerian, which is his right but cannot at the same time be pretending to be father of the Nation.
“We will be justified to impute motive and suggest that this 2023 attempt at wanting to render the elections inchoate as that of 1993 could just be that Gen. Obasanjo would want till his passing to remain the only Yorubaman to ever attain leadership of the country.
“Gen. Obasanjo’s hand was heavy in the institution of the failed 1993 Interim government, a process that ultimately led to the restoration of the Military and Gen. Sani Abacha murderous regime and ultimately to the death of the President-elect, MKO Abiola; Obasanjo’s townsman.”
The groups said the 2023 transition elections that has already begun with the presidential and National Assembly elections must be allowed to get to conclusion while aggrieved parties should seek redress in court.
The group further said;
“We, speaking for Yoruba people call for the completion of the 2023 electoral processes starting with the already held National elections and ending with the state executive and legislative elections and any Party or candidate can as provided for in the Electoral Laws seek justice in our Courts. Whoever emerges however has great unifying tasks ahead if Nigeria is to remain one.”
“If Gen. Obasanjo succeeded in intervening in the elections held under him, he should at least grant the present President the full prerogative of wishing to bequeath a free and fair election in our country. We pray he is able to do that to the end.”
MURIC defends INEC and warns opposition parties against a repeat of June 12 crisis
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has alleged that the opposition is trying to use the court to stop the ongoing electoral process.
Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, warned that this was how the June 12 crisis started in 1993 and he said any attempt at imposing another June 12 would not be accepted.
Addressing a press conference yesterday, Feb. 28, MURIC said the allegation by the opposition parties that the election was rigged was illogical when many incumbent governors lost out in their bids to go to the Senate.
He said;
“This is another June 12 loading. Like Arthur Nzeribe headed for the courts in 1993 to stop the announcement of results of the June 12 election, the agent of the main opposition and his cohorts who stormed out of the collation centre is allegedly looking for a court injunction to stop proceedings at the collation centre.
This was exactly how the June 12, 1993 election was annulled by the military. Anybody who supports this move is dragging Nigeria back to the Stone Age. We say no to another June 12.”
Akintola also criticized Olusegun Obasanjo for what he termed his “unsolicited and jaundiced intervention” after the former President called for the cessation of the collation of results.
He said;
“Obasanjo’s call is sacrilegious. It is a rape of democracy. It is an attempted coup.
“Obasanjo’s sanctimonious façade comes crumbling down against the background of his role in the enthronement of Musa Yaradua as president. The latter himself admitted that he was rigged into office. MURIC urged INEC to ignore the cries of the opposition and go ahead with the process.
“INEC should not listen to these agents diabolic. The electoral body should not stop the collation of results, rather the exercise should continue until all the results are announced and certificates of return given to the winners,” Akintola added.
2023 presidential poll one of most transparent elections in Nigeria- Foreign Observers
Independent Foreign Observers Mission in Nigeria has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of the February 25 presidential and federal parliamentary polls.
The mission, which gave the commendation in its preliminary report on Tuesday’s just-concluded election in Abuja, described the poll as peaceful and transparent.David Furnad of the United States read the report.
“The presidential elections in Nigeria recorded a high turnout of voters nationwide. It can also be regarded as one of the most transparent elections in the country’s history, with the significant candidates recording victories and defeats,” stated Mr Furnad.
“The presidential election witnessed a comparatively large turnout of voters in the various geopolitical zones compared to other general elections in the country.”
He added;
“The South-West and the South-East zones witnessed the highest number of voter turnout, with eligible voters demonstrating an uncommon level of patience to exercise their franchise.”
Mr Furnad noted that INEC deployed sensitive and non-sensitive materials to voting points on time, even though the report recorded some delays in some areas, which it said did not deter voters from performing their civic duties.
He stressed, “There were minimal incidences of vote buying across the country. The reason adduced is that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) randomly visited polling units unannounced to arrest anyone involved in such acts. The country’s recent redesign of currency reduced vote buying to the barest minimum.”
The mission praised some political parties and their candidates for honouring the Peace Accord and not inciting their supporters.
Present at the presentation of the report were Rudolf Elmendorp, Stuart Young, Stuart Dyer, Francois DeRobaix and Jeffrey Fry.
Atiku, Obi, remember peace pledge you signed- President Buhari
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES WINNER OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU
President Muhammadu Buhari heartily congratulates the winner of the (2023) Presidential Election, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reacting to the results just announced, President Buhari said;
“I congratulate His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory. Elected by the people, he is the best person for the job. I shall now work with him and his team to ensure an orderly handover of power.
“The election was Africa’s largest democratic exercise. In a region that has undergone backsliding and military coups in recent years, this election demonstrates democracy’s continued relevance and capability to deliver for the people it serves.
“Within Nigeria, the results reveal democracy’s ripening in our country. Never has the electoral map shifted so drastically in one cycle. In the presidential elections, states in all regions across the nation changed colour. Some amongst you may have noticed my home state amongst them. The winning candidate did not carry his own home state either. That happens during a competitive election. Votes and those that cast them cannot be taken for granted. Each must be earned. Competition is good for our democracy. There is no doubt the people’s decision has been rendered in the results we look at today.
“That is not to say the exercise was without fault. For instance, there were technical problems with electronic transmission of the results. Of course, there will be areas that need work to bring further transparency and credibility to the voting procedure. However, none of the issues registered represent a challenge to the freeness and fairness of the elections.
“I know some politicians and candidates may not agree with this view. That too is fine. If any candidate believes they can prove the fraud they claim is committed against them, then bring forward the evidence. If they cannot, then we must conclude that the election was indeed the people’s will – no matter how hard that may be for the losers to accept. If they feel the need to challenge, please take it to the courts, not to the streets.
“However, to do the latter means they are not doing it in the interest of the people, but rather to inflame, to put people in harm’s way and all for personal, selfish gains.
“After a degree of polarization that necessarily accompanies any election, it is now time to come together and act responsibly. I call on all candidates to remember the peace pledge they signed just days before the election. Do not undermine the credibility of INEC. Let us now move forward as one. The people have spoken.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)
March 1, 2023
President-elect Bola Tinubu’s full speech
THE ERA OF RENEWED HOPE’
By The President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
March 1, 2023
My fellow Nigerians,
I am profoundly humbled that you have elected me to serve as the 16th president of our beloved republic. This is a shining moment in the life of any man and affirmation of our democratic existence. From my heart, I say thank you.
Whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation, you voted for a better, more hopeful nation and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.
You decided to place your trust in the democratic vision of a Nigeria founded on shared prosperity and one nurtured by the ideals of unity, justice, peace and tolerance. Renewed hope has dawned in Nigeria.
We commend INEC for running a free and fair election. The lapses that did occur were relatively few in number and were immaterial to the final outcome. With each cycle of elections, we steadily perfect this process so vital to our democratic life.
Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa. It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.I thank all who supported my campaign.
From President Buhari who adeptly led my campaign as its chairman, to my Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima.To the progressive governors of our party and this nation, to the party leadership, to our loyal party members. I owe you a debt of gratitude. To the entire campaign organization, I thank you sincerely.
I thank my loving wife and dear family whose support was ceaseless and inspiring. Without you, this victory would not be possible.I am grateful to Almighty God. By His mercy, I was born a son of Nigeria and through His sublime purpose I find myself the victor of this election.
May He grant me the wisdom and courage to lead the nation to the greatness He alone has destined for it.
Finally, I thank the Nigerian people for their abiding belief in our democracy. I shall be a fair leader to all Nigerians. I will be in tune with your aspirations, charge up your energies and harness your talents to deliver a nation that we can be proud of.
To my fellow candidates, former VP Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign.You have my utmost respect.
Political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance. During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy. In my heart, you are my brothers.
Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence.
Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets.I also ask my supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade. We ran a principled, peaceful and progressive campaign. The aftermath of our campaign must be as benign.Yes, there are divisions amongst us that should not exist.
Many people are uncertain, angry and hurt; I reach out to every one of you. Let the better aspects of our humanity step forward at this fateful moment. Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation.
Now, to you, the young people of this country, I hear you loud and clear. I understand your pains, your yearnings for good governance, a functional economy and a safe nation that protects you and your future.I am aware that for many of you Nigeria has become a place of abiding challenges limiting your ability to see a bright future for yourselves.
Remodeling our precious national home requires the harmonious efforts of all of us, especially the youth. Working together, we shall move this nation as never before.
My running mate, Vice President-elect Shettima, and I understand the challenges ahead. More importantly, we also understand and deeply value the talent and innate goodness of you, the Nigerian people.
We pledge to listen and to do the difficult things, the big deeds, that put us on the path of irreversible progress. Hold us firmly to account, but please give us a chance first.Together, we shall build a brighter and more productive society for today, tomorrow and for years to come.
Today, you have given me the greatest honor you can bestow on one man.In return, I will give you my utmost as your next president and commander-in-chief. Peace, unity and prosperity shall be the cornerstones of the society we intend to build.
When you gaze upon what we shall accomplish in the coming years, you shall speak with pride at being a Nigerian.
I thank you all.
Obi, Atiku can go to court but they shouldn’t resort to violence- Tinubu
Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, has asked his major contenders in the February 25 presidential election to seek legal redress in court if they are dissatisfied with his victory.
Mr Tinubu, the president-elect, said he was aware that it would be “hard put” for the candidates of the main opposition parties to accept the results.
“Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence.
Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets,” Mr Tinubu said in his acceptance speech titled, ‘The Era of Renewed Hope’, delivered in the early hours of Thursday, shortly after being declared winner of the poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in the early hours of today declared Mr Tinubu winner of the election after polling 8,794,726 votes to beat his closest rival of Atiku Abubakar of PDP, who scored 6,948,520 votes.
Peter Obi of Labour Party came third polling 5,101,533 votes while Rabiu Kwankwaso of NNPP came fourth with 1,496, 687 votes.
INEC declares Tinubu winner of 2023 presidential election
Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress(APC) has been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) as the winner of the February 25th presidential election in a tightly contested poll amid several.
In the final result declared by the INEC chairman Mahmood Yakub at the National Collation Centre, Abuja on Wednesday morning, where the election results of each state were being presented since three days ago, Mr Tinubu gathered 8,794,726 votes across 12 states to emerge the president-elect.
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) followed closely having scored 6,984,520 votes across 12 states while Peter Obi of the Labour Party(LP) garnered 6,101,533 votes also from 12 states to become third.
Former Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party(NNPP) finished fourth in the poll with 1,496,687 votes, with just one state, which was in Kano.
Meanwhile, the whole electoral process had not been without controversies, with the leading opposition parties PDP, LP and ADC calling for the cancellation of the presidential elections, arguing that INEC did not comply with the law in the collation and announcement of results.
They had requested INEC to display the results captured on its IReV portal from each polling unit to crosscheck with the manual results being announced by the Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) and the State Returning Officers from each state during their presentation inside the Abuja collation venue.
To be declared the winner, a candidate must score the highest number of votes and at least 25 percent of votes in 25 states (two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 states and the federal capital, Abuja).
INEC results: Peter Obi wins Plateau state
The Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has been declared the winner of the presidential election conducted in Plateau state on Saturday, February 25.
According to the results released by INEC, Obi secured 466, 272 votes to beat APC’s Bola Tinubu who secured 307, 195 votes.
PDP’s Atiku Abubakar secured 243, 808 while the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, secured 8,869 votes.
Two voters reportedly shot dead by hoodlums at polling unit in Edo
Two voters were fatally shot at their polling units in Benin, Edo State.
The victims, identified Elizabeth Osadebamwen and Idahosa Festus, were killed on election day, Saturday, February 25, at their polling unit in Ogheghe, Sapele road.
The victims had cast their votes and were reportedly waiting for vote counting when the hoodlums stormed the polling unit at about 7pm and started shooting indiscriminately.
Friends have taken to Twitter to mourn the deceased.
INEC results: Peter Obi wins Anambra state by a wide margin
The Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has been declared winner of the presidential election conducted in Anambra state on Saturday, February 25.
According to the results released by INEC, Obi secured 584, 621 votes to beat PDP’s Atiku Abubakar who secured 9, 036 votes.
Bola Tinubu of the APC secured 5, 111 votes while the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, secured 1967 votes.
‘Remain calm’, Akeredolu tells Ondo residents amid calls for cancellation of election results
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has asked residents of the state to remain calm as the opposition parties continue to call for the cancellation of results of Saturday’s presidential election.
Mr Akeredolu, on Tuesday, said that residents of Ondo state have no reason to succumb to the agitations of the members of the opposition party.
“We understand that some political parties are agitated but there is no reason for our people to succumb to agitations. I urge you all to remain calm,” the governor said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Richard Olatunde.
Mr Akeredolu’s statement was in response to the call made by members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), demanding for the cancellation of the election results conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The opposition political parties, joined by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have accused INEC of ‘manipulating’ the results of the election in alleged “connivance” with the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The parties are questioning why the electoral umpire has refused to electronically upload the results of Saturday’s exercise on its server (portal) despite the assurance it gave Nigerians before the election took place.
Speaking further, Mr Akeredolu asked the people of the state not to be caught in the issues already being agitated for by the opposition political parties.
He noted that the issues would be resolved among the parties while asking the residents of the state not to entertain fear but go about their normal daily activities.
“Don’t be caught in the web as the issues at hand are among political parties. The parties will be resolved as time goes on. Let us go about our daily activities without fear of intimidation,” the governor said.
He later saluted the people for turning out during Saturday’s elections and voting for the APC candidates from top to bottom.
While describing the people of the state as unique and distinct, Mr Akeredolu said that the voice of the people was unanimous and loud in choosing the candidates of the party across the board.
“I thank you all for your display of love and support for all candidates of the APC. The huge votes garnered by our party in this last election is an unequivocal statement of your acceptability and support for our government in the State and the party.
“Before the elections, I urged you all to rise above the frustrations at the fuel stations and ATMs and vote for the candidates of the APC. Your response was loud and heartwarming. We have shown that we are a people of immeasurable knowledge and faith. You are reliable and trustworthy,” he said.
According to him, “Your display of courage and resilience is commendable. Your stance and convictions on our collective struggles have been reflected in your choice and acceptability. We shall expend all efforts toward improving lives and developing our State. This march towards shared prosperity shall receive our utmost priority.
“Undoubtedly, this victory is yours. The gains shall fulfill your desirabilities and deepen your hope for a united and prosperous nation. We are thankful and honoured with your massive votes and turnout. You have written our names in gold and restored our glory as the home of progressives.”
The Governor, however, pleaded with the people of the state to turn out again in large numbers in the March 11 election and vote for the candidates of the APC again in the exercise.
Kaduna state gov’s son wins House of Reps seat
The eldest son of Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Bello, has been declared winner of the House of Representatives election for Kaduna North Federal Constituency held on Saturday, February 25.
According to the Returning Officer for the election, Professor Muhammed Magaji, Bello scored a total of 51,052 to defeat the PDP candidate, Samaila Suleiman, who polled 34,808 votes.
The candidate of the NNPP, Aliyu Ahmad scored 10, 148 votes while that of the Labour Party, Shehu Feisal got 7,531 votes
Atiku declared winner in Kaduna
Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged winner in Kaduna State.
PDP won in 14 Local Government Areas, Labour Party won in 7, while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won only two LGAs.
Atiku polled 554,360 votes, while Bola Tinubu of the APC secured 399,293 votes.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi garnered 294,494 votes, while Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) trailed with 92,962 votes.
The final result was announced by INEC’s returning officer in the state, Prof. Muhammad Zayyan Umar.
Reason APC calls on DSS for the arrest of Pastor Paul Enenche
Here is the reason APC is calling on DSS to apprehend and restrain clergyman Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis Church Abuja.
While speaking on Sunday, February 26 in his Church, Enenche who is a supporter of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, condemned the flaws witnessed in last Saturday, February 25 presidential election.
He warned that every attempt at scuttling the will of the people or frustrating the zeal of the youth will produce only unimaginable consequences. People have voted, and they are watching their votes.
At their press conference on Monday, February 27, the APC alleged the Enenche desecrated the altar by his “hate speech” and called on the DSS to apprehend him alongside Dino Melaye and Dele Momodu and restrain them.
NHRC releases malpractices, vote-buying statistics
The National Human Rights Commission has reported the attempts of voter intimidation by thugs in some states of the federation.
The commission in the report it received through its special monitoring activities states that voting was disrupted due to incidents of violence.
In its “Preliminary Statement of the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Elections,” signed by the Secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, the NHRC stated that, “There were various reports of attempts to intimidate voters and INEC officials by party supporters and thugs.
“These reports were received from states such as Rivers, Delta, Lagos, Kogi and Imo. NHRC monitors reported that in eight per cent of polling units, accreditation and voting were disrupted for various reasons, including the malfunctioning of election equipment and incidents of violence.”
The commission said it also got reports of vote-buying from 42 locations across the country, “particularly in Lagos, Imo, Sokoto, Jigawa, Edo, Nasarawa, Jigawa and Kogi states. Voters were offered money or other incentives to influence their votes.”
The commission also observed the inability of law enforcement agents to checkmate violence at the polling units, adding that cases of human rights violations by security personnel were also reported.
It also reported poor crowd management adding that, “in some polling units, the crowd was overwhelming and the security personnel were few in number.”
Earlier, the commission had swung into action in readiness to enforce its mandate of promoting human rights.
It launched its 2023 election project “Mobilising Voters for Election” to ensure access, participation and accountability in the electoral process.
The MOVE project monitored, among others, the collection of PVCs across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, monitoring of hate speeches and setting up of a National Hate Speech Register.
The commission on February 25, 2023 mobilised and deployed 800 human rights monitors across the 36 states and the FCT to monitor elections, while it also monitored the conduct of law enforcement and security personnel.
APC asks DSS to arrest Enenche, Dino Melaye
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council on Monday called on the Department of State Services to invite the General Overseer of Dunamis Church, Paul Enenche, over his ‘inciting sermon’ on the pulpit last Sunday.
Also, the APC PCC asked security agencies to arrest two spokespersons for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Dino Melaye and Dele Momodu, for allegedly attempting to heat the polity through their utterances.
The PCC Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communications, Dele Alake, made the call in Abuja on Monday during a press conference.
He said;
“We note with utmost concern those inciting comments and call to violence by some spokespersons for the opposition, especially those from the Peoples Democratic Party.
We are particularly concerned and call on the State Security Services and the Nigeria Police Force to immediately restrain persons such as Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu and a certain Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis Church from their clear call to violence.
“Melaye’s tweet threatening violence, Momodu going on the TV to announce a purported winner and Enenche’s hate speech from the pulpit violate every law of the land.
They should not go scot-free. The Christians community in this nation should even rise up to call him to order before the invitation by security agencies.
We encourage the DSS to do their work by apprehending and restraining these people calling for violence to reduce the tension.”
Also speaking, a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, described the Dunamis preacher’s action as a disgrace to the Pentecostal mission society.
He said;
“I was invited by the DSS for a tweet I made. We are all aware of that. Therefore I see Eneche’s outburst as an insult to so many pastors, particularly Pentecostals like myself. That is because when this violence they are calling for begins, they will run away and leave hapless Nigerians to face it.
“What the opposition is doing is trying to heat up the polity and intimidate our supporters.”