Politics

3,000 NSCDC operatives in Abuja for Saturday elections

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The Federal Capital Territory command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 3,000 operatives to ensure security during Saturday’s polls.

On Friday in Abuja, a statement by the NSCDC FCT spokeswoman Comfort Okomanyi said the operatives were drawn from all operational and tactical units.

The NSCDC FCT commandant, Peter Maigari, said the combatant officers would work closely with other security agencies to protect critical national assets during the elections.

He added that they would also man strategic places, including polling units, collation centres, Independent National Electoral Commission offices, staff and materials.

Mr Maigari advised the officers to be diligent, professional and apolitical in their operations, urging FCT residents to avoid election violence or any action with the potential of disrupting the electoral process.

He also advised parents to caution their wards against being used as tools for thuggery, as anyone caught causing mayhem would face the law.

Politics

Commissioner, others escape death as gunmen attack APC leaders in Imo

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Barely 24 hours before the general election, armed men attacked the Imo State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Simon Ebegbulem and the member representing Okigwe South federal constituency, Chike Okafor.

Also attacked was the Managing Director of the Imo State Waste Management Agency, Kelechi Emeakaroha.

The incident occurred at a remote village called Alike near Okata community in the Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that the incident occurred after a rally of the APC at Umuawuchi village, the hometown of the House of Assembly candidate of the APC, Chike Olemgbe.It was gathered that the armed men ambushed the APC leaders while on their way back to Owerri at about 6:30 pm.

They opened fire on the commissioner’s vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy of the House of Reps candidate, Dicken Okafor.

Ebegbulem and his driver escape by the whiskers but his vehicle and others were riddled with bullets.

Politics

Benue South endorses Atiku for president ahead of Saturday’s election

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The PDP in Benue South senatorial district has endorsed presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for Saturday’s presidential election.

This is contained in a statement by Paul Mumeh, media aide of former senate president David Mark on Thursday in Abuja.

The statement said the decision was taken after a meeting in Otukpo, the traditional headquarters of the Idoma people.

It said the decision by the party was based on the premise that their interest would be better served under an Abubakar presidency.

It explained that the party members distanced themselves from those campaigning for candidates of other political parties.

According to the statement, they said they could not be members of the PDP and be seen to be working for candidates of other political parties.

“They urged all party members not to be distracted by the antics of a few but should go all out to vote for candidates of the PDP in the February 25 and March 11 elections.

In the statement, Mr Mark urged PDP members to be faithful to the party because jumping from one party to the other would make no sense, adding that political parties are vehicles for achieving one’s political ambition and must be held sacrosanct by obeying the rules and regulations.

According to Mr Mark, politicians who jump from one party to another are people without conviction or do not know what they want.

The senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, urged the party members to remain steadfast.

The senatorial district comprised the nine local government areas of the Idoma land.

Politics

Thugs Attack NNPP Supporters, Burn Vehicles

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Some thugs attacked the supporters and vehicles of the New Nigeria Peoples Party along Na’ibawa-Zaria road in Kano State on Thursday.

According to Daily Trust, the supporters were attacked on their way to receive the party’s presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Politics

Nigerians should choose their president irrespective of religion, region- President Joe Biden

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Statement from President Joe Biden on Nigeria’s Upcoming Election.

I commend yesterday’s peace accord in Nigeria, signed by the political parties and candidates running in Nigeria’s presidential election on February 25.

By signing this pledge, the parties and candidates have committed to accept the results of the election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, and to support a peaceful transition of power.

Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future — freely and fairly.

While the United States does not support any single candidate or party, we strongly support a peaceful and transparent process that reflects the will of the people of Nigeria.

On election day, I encourage all Nigerians — no matter their religion, region, or ethnicity —to exercise this fundamental freedom and make their voices heard — including young voters, many of whom may be heading to the ballot box for the first time.

The United States stands with the Nigerian people as they chart a path toward a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future. I appreciate President Buhari’s firm commitment that the will of the people will be respected.

And in the coming days, I encourage voters to remain peaceful and patient as their ballots are tallied, and urge the political parties and candidates to live up to their pledge.

Politics

Stay away from polling units if you don’t have PVC- INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advised Nigerians without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), to stay away from the polling units on election day.

INEC national commissioner, Festus Okoye, stated this while receiving IT facilities from Community Life Project (CLP) and Ford foundation in support of the INEC Citizens Contact Centre (ICCC) on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Okoye, who is Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said no other means of identification would be used on election day, other than the PVC.

“As Nigerians go to the polling units on election day we want to point out that it is a mandatory provision of the Electoral Act that every citizen who wants to vote in the coming election must have a PVC.

“It is a mandatory requirement of section 47 subsection 1 of the Electoral Act.

“So individuals that do not have PVC are not required to approach any of our polling units.

“No individual is permitted to go to the polling units and provide any other means of identification other than the PVC.

He re-emphasied that INEC was committed to the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voters’ accreditation and uploading of election results to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

Mr Okoye also reminded the media, election observer groups and citizens that it is only INEC that has the legal right to announce election results.

“No media organisation, no individual, no citizen, no domestic or international election observer is permitted under the condition or under the law to announce election results.

“As some of you are aware, the Chairman of INEC is the electoral Commissioner for the whole of the federation and the returning officer for the presidential election.

“So only the chairman of the commission is permitted by the constitution and the Electoral Act to announce the presidential results.

“Any other person can be appointed by the commission to announce any other level of election,’’he said.

Politics

104-year-old woman endorses Peter Obi, says he’ll fix Nigeria

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A 104-year-old woman, Lolo Iyom Josephine Ezeanyaeche, has endorsed Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed for president, saying they will make Nigeria an investment hub.

Ms Ezeanyaeche, also the chairman emeritus of ‘The Voice for Senior Citizens of Nigeria’, known as Mama Africa, said this when she visited the Labour Party office in Abuja.

According to her, the endorsement of Mr Obi as the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was because he is qualified as the number one out of the four major contestants.

“The searchlight for his selection was nationally oriented and accepted for his visionary leadership, integrity, transparency, competence, capacity, character, selflessness, enlightenment, education, nationalism and globally acclaimed.

Calling him for this honourable task in our assessment will comfort Nigerians for a new beginning,” said Ms Ezeanyaeche.

The centenarian added, “Obi will fix the economy and create jobs. If the economy is fixed, it will be easier tackling insecurity, fighting corruption and improving the social well-being of the people.

Peter Obi will passionately undertake major constitutional changes that will bring about devotion of power, fiscal federation and entrenching of good governance and the rule of law.”

Ms Ezeanyaeche pointed out that Mr Obi has a great opportunity to change the course of the country’s future for good and will unite Nigerians.

Labour Party chairman Julius Abure said many groups and political parties had endorsed Mr Obi, urging “all our supporters that on the 25th of this month, which is Saturday, they should all come out to cast their votes for the labour party.”

He stressed that the Labour Party had confidence in INEC, led by Mahmoud Yakubu, to do the right thing and “appeal to INEC that the standard they have laid, the integrity they have built over the years, they must crystalise it by their activities in this election.”

Mr Abure added;

“They must be patriotic and put the interest of the country first and beyond every other interest. They must avoid the temptation of allowing this election to be compromised.

I must also commend all the international observers that have interfaced with me personally, with our party and with our candidate and have assured us that they will observe the election and do the right thing.”

Politics

Heavily armed police operatives storm INEC office in Lagos

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With just two days to the presidential and federal parliamentary elections, a police detachment numbering about 30 has arrived at the INEC headquarters office in Lagos to beef up security around the facilities.

The operatives, fully armed, arrived INEC office on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. with their weapons and luggage, with INEC busy loading Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in trucks to various local government areas in Lagos.

The police officers, upon arrival, began chanting various songs to announce their arrival for election duty.

INEC in Lagos on Wednesday took delivery of sensitive materials for Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary poll from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The commission had also begun the distribution of the materials to the 20 local government areas of Lagos.

The presidential and federal parliamentary elections will be held on Saturday.

Politics

FCT: PDP, LP lose scores of members to APC

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Barely 48 hours to the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party have lost scores of members to APC in the Federal Capital Territory.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the defectors were received into the fold of APC on Wednesday in Abuja.

The National Coordinator, National Mass Movement for Better Orientation, Dr Hawa Iyatu-Bagu, a frontline Tinubu support group, said the development was an indication of APC’s victory in the February 25 elections.

Iyatu-Bagu said that the organisation had been in touch with the defectors for a very long time, saying, ”today those that accepted the truth have decided to follow the winning team.

She said, “We have been going around canvassing for votes and most of them here are only the leaders because if all of them will be here, this place cannot contain them.

“So, we now ask their leaders and some of them to come here and make it public about their decision to dump PDP and LP and declare their readiness to vote for Tinubu and Shettima.

“With this development and what we have seen so far in the course of our campaigns across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, Nigerians, especially the women are ready to vote for the duo.”

The coordinator also stated that the youths were ready to ensure the landslide victory of Tinubu, assuring the defectors of equal treatment.

According to her, the APC presidential candidate will reciprocate any gesture to be done to him with quality leadership.

Also speaking, the Deputy National Coordinator of NAMMBO, Ibrahim Umar, lauded the Tinubu support group for attracting the defectors into the fold of APC.

Umar, said that the chances of Tinubu winning the presidential election were very bright, adding that Nigerians were eager to vote for Tinubu and Shettima.

Earlier, Mr Titus Musa, former PDP Youth Leader in Gwarinpa Ward, Abuja Municipal Area Council, who led defectors said they decided to defect to APC to vote Tinubu.

He said;

This is due to his record of excellent service in Lagos and his contributions to national development.

We are convinced with the APC manifesto titled, the Message of Hope. APC is the way to go and Tinubu has something to offer Nigeria.

Politics

Nigerians are not yet ready for Igbo Presidency- Orji Uzor Kalu

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Former Governor of Abia state and current Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu has said that Nigerians may not yet be ready for a President from the South-East region of the country.  

While Kalu had in the past advocated for an Igbo presidency, appearing on a Channels Television on Wednesday, February 22, the former Governor said “this is not the best time for us” to become president.

He added that the people from the south-east “are not the best politicians”. 

Kalu said;  

“This is not the best outing for us. For you to be president of Nigeria, you need other regions. I’m not sure that Nigerians are yet ready for a president of Igbo extraction,

“We have five other regions to be able to come up with votes. We do politics with emotions. I want Igbos to stop doing politics with emotions. I want them to do practical politics that will be able to drive Nigerians if we want to be in the community of the nation. We need to read the temperature of other regions.”

Politics

EFCC deploy officers to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to monitor the polls

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has deployed its officers to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, to monitor the polls on Saturday, Feb. 25. 

The anti-graft agency said the deployment is part of efforts to ensure the integrity of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. 

EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, charged the operatives to be conscious of the interest of the nation and to exhibit a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of duties. 

Bawa said being on a national assignment, he expects them to act accordingly in line with the commission’s values of professionalism, integrity and courage. 

The chairman noted that they have a responsibility to “ensure that the election is devoid of financial malpractices, especially inducement of voters”. 

The EFCC also released incidents reporting hotlines for the 36 states and Abuja, urging citizens to report vote buying, selling, or other evidence of financial malpractices. 

Members of the public can also report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the EFCC financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye.

Politics

INEC distributes sensitive materials in Cross River

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On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River began the distribution of sensitive materials to the 18 local council areas for Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

The distribution commenced at INEC’s office, with the loading of Bimodal Voter Accreditation election result sheets and the ballot papers from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

All security agencies, including the paramilitary, police, army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the State Security Service, supervised the distribution.

Political parties participating in the polls and civil society organisations were present during the distribution.

The resident electoral commissioner, Gabriel Yomere, said the decision to invite all stakeholders to witness the exercise was to forestall any impression by anybody of any wrongdoing by the commission.

Mr Yomere disclosed that the 3,281 BVAS for the state had been configured to be used at polling units.

“They have also been charged to last for 48 hours, so we don’t envisage any problem of power as regards the usage of the BVAS.

“As for the result sheets, they remained intact the way they were brought from where they came from,” he said.

At least 295 candidates in the state are jostling for the 36 elective political positions, including the governorship position, in the February 25 and March 11 general elections, according to INEC.

A breakdown of the figure showed that 11 candidates would contest the governorship seat, 28 candidates for the senatorial seats, 69 for the House of Representatives and 187 for the House of Assembly.

Only 12 out of the 17 registered political parties in the state would be fielding candidates during the elections. Meanwhile, the security agencies have reassured residents of their safety during and after the elections.

The police commissioner in charge of elections in the state, Kabiru Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of others, said all flash points in Cross River would be closely monitored.

Politics

Supreme Court fixes March 3 for ruling on states’ lawsuit against Buhari

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday scheduled judgement on the lawsuit filed by governors against the Buhari regime for March 3 over naira notes.

At least 17 states have joined a consolidated suit demanding the prohibition of President Muhammadu Buhari from suddenly implementing the redesign of the national currency.

The Supreme Court, after hearing from dozens of lawyers on both governors and federal government’s sides, said a judgement would be delivered on the matter next month.

The judgment date will be after the presidential election on February 25.

The court had previously issued an order saying the old notes should remain in circulation.

Arguments in today’s hearing focused on a contempt decision against Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, who had failed to implement the court’s decision for old notes to keep circulating until a substantive ruling on the matter.

The states, including Kaduna and Lagos, sued the Buhari regime earlier this month, arguing that implementing a change of banknotes at this time would hurt citizens.

Banks have not been able to make available new notes to Nigerians, which has caused economic hardships.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, which introduced the new notes on Mr Buhari’s directive, said it would try to make available the much-sought N500 and N1,000 notes.

Politics

NSCDC deploys special forces, SWAT teams, bomb squad for Saturday elections

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The commandant general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has approved the deployment of 102,000 personnel to provide security during the forthcoming general election in the country.

This is contained in a statement by NSCDC’s spokesman Olusola Odumosu on Tuesday.

Mr Audi said the deployment aligned with the security agency’s readiness to provide a secure environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise and assured Nigerians of a comprehensive deployment plan to enhance general security coverage nationwide for the people to vote without molestation or intimidation.

“In addition, there would be the deployment of the Anti-vandalism Squad and Special Forces to all critical national assets and infrastructure.

Including flashpoints in states and the FCT, to protect them against vandalism, damage or arson by criminal elements before, during and after the elections,” the NSCDC boss stated.

He explained that the agency would engage officers from the Arms Squad, Counter Terrorism, Chemical, Biological Radiological and Explosives Unit, Female Squad, Rapid Response Squad, K9 and SWAT Units.

“Our specially trained undercover personnel have been dispatched from each Command to work effectively with other security agencies to maintain surveillance and provide intelligence reports and updates on the security situation in different states, especially on flashpoints,” the commandant general added.

Mr Audi said while state commandants would be responsible for field operations, a monitoring team comprising the DCG operations and other DCGs, zonal commanders and other senior officers had been constituted to monitor and supervise the exercise nationwide effectively.

He directed that, in addition to the unified code of conduct for security agencies, NSCDC Officers deployed for the assignment must comply with the corps’ operational code and the principles of the rule of law in discharging their duties.

Politics

Tinubu will lose because of Muslim-Muslim ticket, Nigeria is not Saudi Arabia -Baba-Ahmed

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Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed says APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket featuring Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima will fail because of its faulty “configuration.”

Mr Baba-Ahmed argued that Nigeria is not a religious monolith like Saudi Arabia, Iran or the Vatican.

Mr Baba-Ahmed is a northern Muslim and running mate to Peter Obi (the Labour Party presidential flag bearer), a Christian from the South.

The vice-presidential standard-bearer stressed that Mr Tinubu lost out in his scheme to become President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in the 2015 presidential election because APC believed a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket would scuttle their potential victory at the polls.

“Why today Tinubu is not the vice-president of Nigeria is the same reason he cannot be president,” Mr Baba-Ahmed told Channels TV Tuesday night during an interview.

“What couldn’t happen in 2015 when the then-candidate Buhari asked for any nomination whatsoever from Tinubu – because that configuration has passed.

It can no longer work in Nigeria. (The) Muslim-Muslim ticket cannot work anymore.”

Mr Baba-Ahmed added;

“The creator of the heavens and earth does not make mistakes. This is the Federal Republic of Nigeria as duly filed at the United Nations and registered too. It’s not the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for example, or the Vatican or Iran or Libya or Mauritania. It’s a federal republic, and God didn’t make a mistake by putting all of us, 250 (tribes).”

Mr Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim running mate elicited scathing criticisms, with many accusing the APC of an agenda to Islamise Nigeria.

Lawan Babachir, an estranged Tinubu ally and APC chieftain, threatened that Christians would vote against the APC, describing the ruling party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket as “satanic.”

Last July, Peoples Gazette exclusively reported that the State Security Service, in a secret memo to Mr Buhari, warned that Mr Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim vice-presidential candidate (Kashim Shettima) would trigger a sectarian crisis that could destabilise Nigeria.

Politics

Goodluck Jonathan preaches peaceful elections ahead of presidential poll

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to be patriotic and peaceful and display true sportsmanship as they exercise their civic rights on February 25 and March 11.

Mr Jonathan said this in a message to Nigerians released by his special adviser Ikechukwu Eze in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said Nigerians must not allow elections to be a source of violence and anarchy.

“We must desist from the temptation of yielding to those desirous of making our communities and states theatres of conflicts for their selfish ends.

Let us realise that the primary purpose of democracy is to uphold the freedom and dignity of citizens and deploy the instruments of governance toward advancing and improving the well-being of our people,” the former Nigerian president explained.

Mr Jonathan urged Nigerians to “consolidate the gains we have recorded in our democracy in the last two decades by ensuring that the elections are peaceful, just, and fair,” appealing to politicians to eschew hatred and violence, “be circumspect in their actions and work towards consolidating the nation’s democracy.”

Mr Jonathan, who said that the future belongs to the youth, advised them not to allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction and violence, saying Nigeria is yours to build.

“This election provides you with the opportunity to be key partners in the nation-building process by electing leaders of your choice. Those you can hold to account, those you trust to defend your future and guarantee unity, peace, and prosperity in our great country,” the former president stressed.

According to him, the 2023 elections mean so much to all Nigerians, describing it as a moment of truth and courage.

“Democracy has put our fate in our hands. It has given us power, the power to make the right choices, determine our future, and shape our destiny,” he stated.

Politics

Elections: Violence-prone LGAs identified in Oyo, says INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says some local government areas easily prone to violence during Saturday elections have been identified in Oyo state.

Rahmon Tella, the state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), disclosed this on Tuesday while featuring at a guest forum tagged: “Speak Out”, organised by the Oyo State Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Mr Tella said INEC had developed some strategies to be embarked upon within those flashpoints.

According to him, this will form the basis for how security will be beefed up during the day of the election.

“What we consider necessary and achievable is the teamwork that has been really experienced among the security agencies in the state,” he said.

Mr Tella said parts of the measures implemented to address the security challenges included the identification of security personnel through the use of tags and banning of politicians from moving with security agents.

“A situation where candidates of political parties will be moving around with security agents would not be allowed.

“Operationalising of no other movement during the election day forms part of what the security agencies are coming up with on the day of the election.

“There will be no vehicular movement and movement of people all around, except those really concerned to partake in the election activities.

“Other security strategies include the establishment of situation room to monitor all activities in the respective local government areas and polling units on that day to ensure that election activities go on unhindered,” he said.

Mr Tella said the military personnel that would be deployed for the election would ensure that all neighbouring states that share a border with the state are manned fully to prevent the influx of political thugs and suspected criminals.

He further said that the commission has successfully trained some of the ad hoc staff that would be used for the 2023 general elections in the state.

Mr Tella said that the commission had also deployed some non-sensitive materials to the respective local government areas in the state.

The REC said the sensitive materials would be distributed on Friday in the presence of security agencies, media and political parties.

He put the total number of registered voters in the state as 3, 276,675, while the total number of polling units in the state were 6,390.

The REC put the total number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) collected in the state at 2, 305,903, while the uncollected PVC figures were 760,766.

Politics

Nigerian Army warns soldiers not to snatch ballot boxes for politicians

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The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops to be professional in performing their duties during the forthcoming general elections.

He said this while addressing troops of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army at Ibagwa Barracks in Abak, Akwa Ibom on Tuesday.

The GOC warned them not to involve in any act that would bring disrepute to the Nigerian Army and the country.

He also tasked the soldiers to remain apolitical throughout the elections.

Mr Oluyede, who is also the Commander Operation Delta Safe, urged the officers and men that their duty was to assist the police to avert breakdown of law and order during and after the elections.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, especially for those of us who are soldiers, if we damage our country there is no where we shall go.

“As your GOC, my duty is to beg you to do what is right. What do I mean by that? You are not supposed to support anybody, you are not supposed to disgrace the army by collecting money, you are not supposed to carry ballot box for anybody.

“That is not your work, everything is clearly stated in the pamphlet distributed to you, which I will implore you to read it. The Chief of Army staff has made it very clear that the Army is nonpartisan. Let the people choose whom they want.

“Your duty during the elections is to assist the police to ensure that there is no break down of law and order. The duty of a soldier is not to help anybody and carry ballot box,” Oluyede warned.

The GOC cautioned that any soldier found wanting will be dealt with decisively, adding that civilians would continue to respect soldiers when they do what is right.

He urged the troops to be security conscious anywhere they were deployed to avoid any casualty, adding that the army would do everything to ensure their safety.

“Let me tell you, no civilian can face you and even point fingers at you when you do the right thing. The Chief of Army Staff has advised us to do our job professionally and never to take side.

“I want to repeat myself, that the only time civilians can insult you is when you do the wrong thing. Please, don’t go and spoil the name of the Army and if I find you wanting, you will be penalized. It is an appeal and warning at the same time.

“Remember that you have your family to take care of. Please, face your work, do it as instructed and do it well.

“I want to advise you that as soldiers this is an abnormal times, you must be vigilant at all times. Be alert. Don’t go and waste your life anywhere you are being deployed,” he said.

The 2 Brigade Nigerian Army had earlier joint other security agencies in the state for “operation show of force” to ensure citizens of adequate security during the elections.

Politics

Army, police, SSS, NIA chiefs meet over February 25 presidential election

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The Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, has reassured Nigerians that the armed forces and other security agencies are ready to provide a safe and secure environment for the February 25 and March 11 elections.

Mr Irabor gave the assurance while briefing journalists shortly after meeting with service chiefs and heads of security agencies on Monday in Abuja.

The closed-door meeting was attended by service chiefs, the inspector general of police, the directors-general of the State Security Service and National Intelligence Agency, and the chief of Defence Intelligence.

He said the purpose of the meeting was to review security arrangements for the elections and develop action plans to ensure that the exercise would be peaceful.

“We have just finished the meeting. The service chiefs, the inspector general of police, the DSS, represented by the director of operations, the DG, the NIA and the CDI.

Looking at the security for the elections, and as you know, the police are the lead agency for elections security, we have compared notes and assessed the entire situation, and we are good to go,” stated the army chief.

He added;

“The assessment is that we are set on all fronts. We got representation from the Independent National Electoral Commission, who, of course, you have interacted with and has also told Nigerians and the world that they are ready for this election.

By and large, we are good to go, and I like to use this opportunity to assure Nigerians that on the security front, we are good to go on all fronts.”

Mr Irabor also gave assurance that the security agencies would cover every part of the country to ensure peaceful elections so that all eligible Nigerians exercise their franchise.

He added that contingency actions had been taken to address areas with peculiar security challenges.

Politics

Supreme Court affirms Olawuyi as APC candidate for Oke-ero federal constituency

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The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the appeal filed by Oluwasegun Adebayo, challenging the candidacy of Tunji Olawuyi as the authentic representative of APC for Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin and Oke-ero federal constituency of Kwara.

A five-man panel of justices led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun affirmed the candidacy of Mr Olawuyi, currently representing the constituency.

Mr Kekere-Ekun dismissed the appeal for having filled out of time and therefore is statute-barred.

Mr Adebayo, who had challenged the candidacy of Mr Olawuyi, was seeking to be recognised as the duly elected candidate of the party.

Adebayo Afeez, the defendant’s counsel, spoke after the case and said the appeal was a defect in the originating summon and was subsequently dismissed.

He said that the name of Mr Olawuyi on the INEC list remains the recognised candidate by the party.

In his reaction, Mr Olawuyi described the ruling as a no victor, no vanquish while commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the APC leadership in Kwara.

He commended the doggedness of Mr Adebayo, describing him as a fighter, urging him to bury the hatchet and join hands with APC to ensure victory in the February 25 elections.

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