Lifestyle, Politics

Paul Okoye ‘Rude Boy’ calls out INEC over PVC collection

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Paul Okoye a.k.a Rude Boy has called out the Independent National Electoral Commission over the time frame given for PVC collection ahead of the 2023 general election.

Paul Okoye noted that there are 26 million students who are eligible voters and they are all back in school.

He further stated that most of these students registered for 2023 election during the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in 2022 and may not collect their PVCs with only 10 days remaining for the collection.

Lifestyle, Politics

Federal Government to tackle sudden death among civil servants

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As part of efforts to promote a healthy workforce in the Civil Service, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, HoCSF, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has established a new wellness centre in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

This was as she urged civil servants to eschew sedentary lifestyles, adding that such lifestyle contributes greatly to sudden deaths occasioned by ailments caused majorly by stress.

According to her, a healthy body translates into significant reduction in medical conditions, thereby enhancing the output of workers, in particular, and the attainment of national developmental goals, in general.

Yemi-Esan said this during the commissioning of the Centre, on Tuesday, in Abuja.

Yemi-Esan described the establishment of the Employee Wellness Centre within the Federal Secretariat Complex as one of the most proactive responses by the Federal Government to the critical need of mitigating preventable medical conditions, which have become prevalent in our society, in general and amongst Civil Servants, in particular.

Explaining that the world is witnessing an unprecedented rise in work-related diseases, she advised civil servants to make the best use of the services being offered by the newly established Employee Wellness Centre.

She revealed that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration has taken proactive measures toward enhancing the value proposition and welfare of Civil Servants, as articulated in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021 – 2025 (FCSSIP 25).

She stressed that the incorporation of Staff Welfare as one of the six pillars of the Strategy underscores the value Government places on the lives and well-being of workers.

Earlier, the SSAP-SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said that the Centre was modified and equipped by the OSSAP-SDGs and handed over to the OHCSF for commissioning and management.

Adefulire who was represented by the Director, of Administration, Mrs Ijeoma Ukaejiofor, stressed that the establishment of the Centre is to promote good health and well-being of Civil Servants, in line with Goal 3 of the SDGs earlier in her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, SWO, OHCSF, Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe, stated that the Wellness Centre is a demonstration of the continuous drive of the Head of Service to showcase commitment to the welfare of workers as captured in the FCSSIP25.

Dr Onwudiwe disclosed that the Centre is not another clinic but a physical wellness Centre, where Civil Servants can regularly check their blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, amongst others, as well as properly manage their health statuses.

Politics

We’re ready for run-off. We won’t shift elections – INEC

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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Professor Yakubu Mahmud, says the commission will not be shifting the February 25 and March 11 dates for the 2023 General elections and that the commission is also prepared for a run-off election if the need arises.

Yakubu stated this at a lecture at Chatham House in London on Tuesday, January 17. Yakubu who decried the spate of attacks on its facilities in form of arson said 50 facilities of the commission had been attacked in four years.

He, however, vowed that the 2023 general election would hold in spite of the attacks explaining that the commission would need to continue to rebuild the burnt facilities and replace materials.

“We are going ahead to conduct the election as scheduled. There are no plans to postpone. Even though there are tremendous challenges and expectations of INEC, the Commission is a beneficiary of enormous goodwill in Nigeria and beyond. We can surmount the challenges and ensure elections continue to get better,” he said.

Yakubu said the turnout for new registration was very high and that at the moment, Nigerian voters were 16.7million more than the rest of West Africa.

He revealed that over 600, 000 PVCs were collected in Lagos in the last month, but lamented that the state had the largest number of uncollected cards.

He also stated that most of the collected PVC’s were from newly registered votes, while uncollected PVC’s dates to 2015.

Speaking on voters who have been displaced as a result of insecurity in the North East and North West, he said the Commission would conduct polls in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to ensure that no one in disenfranchised.

He also said the commission would conduct mock elections in some select states to test the use of the technology to be deployed.

Politics

Lagos police warns political parties against violence in forthcoming elections

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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, has called on political parties in the state to shun electoral violence in the forthcoming general election.

Alabi made the statement on Tuesday, Jan. 17, during an event tagged “Stakeholders Meeting on Election Security,” organised by the Lagos State Police Command in the Ikeja area of the state.

The stakeholders’ meeting involved heads of security agents in the state, representatives of political parties, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the police, among other stakeholders in the state.

Alabi said;

“A free and fair election is the hallmark of democracy, and we, as critical stakeholders in the provision of security during the elections, have the responsibility to ensure that it is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner devoid of rancour, malevolence, brigandage, and thuggery.

“To achieve this, we urge the leadership of all political parties to re-dedicate themselves to undertaking their campaigns and electoral activities within the dictates of the Electoral Act 2022.

“In the same vein, during this electoral process, the police request the political actors gathered here to pledge to denounce electoral violence, hate speech, and other negative tendencies before, during, and after the votes.”

Alabi warned political thugs, cultists and other troublemakers against disrupting the electoral process.

He said: “Parents should equally warn their children to be law-abiding because we won’t listen to anybody when we arrest any troublemaker.

“We want to assure you that no cultists or political thugs would be allowed in the state. We are going to ensure that no political party’s supporters would be intimidated in the state.”

Alabi added that political violence, hate speech, threats, political intolerance, misinformation, and political extremism are potent threats to democracy and national security.

He said;

“I, therefore, challenge the leadership of political parties and candidates, who are critical gatekeepers of our democracy, to demonstrate purposeful and patriotic leadership that will guarantee a peaceful electoral process and to develop a culture of political tolerance and display of political maturity by allowing healthy competition among themselves.”

Politics

2023 elections belong to young people – INEC chairman

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The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has said that the 2023 general election is an election for the young people in Nigeria.

Giving a breakdown of voter registration and collection of Permanent Voter Cards in Nigeria at his address at Chatham House, London, Tuesday afternoon, Yakubu said records on the ground showed that the election would be dominated by the Nigerian youth.

Politics

Kogi Government Rejects Monarch’s Response To Query Over Inappropriate Title

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The Kogi State Government has rejected the response of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim, to the query issued to him on why he failed to welcome the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to the state when he visited in December, to unveil Governor Yahaya Bello’s projects.

The letter dated January 16th, 2023 stated that the response was rejected because the monarch did not comply with the appropriate title of his stool.

Lifestyle, Politics

Olusegun Obasanjo shows off his skills of senior prefect as Alma Mater marks Centenary Anniversary

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Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday, played the role of a senior prefect as old and current students of the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, embarked on a road walk to mark the centenary anniversary of the school.

In this video, the former president could be heard saying, “Form three lines.”

Politics

Gunmen attack INEC office in Enugu

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One police officer has been killed after unidentified gunmen attacked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Enugu South Local Government Area on Sunday, January 15.

A statement released by Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner, says the resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka J. Chukwu, reported that the commission’s office in Enugu South Local Government Area was attacked by unknown gunmen at about 9.12pm on Sunday.

“The security gatehouse was razed. Fortunately, the attackers could not gain access to the main building as a result of the rapid response from the Police and Army personnel from the 82 Division.

The State Commissioner of Police and the REC were personally at the scene immediately after they received information about the attack. Of the two Policemen deployed to protect the facility, one of them lost his life while the other sustained injuries and is receiving treatment” he said.

Okoye added that the incident is under investigation by security agencies.

“Meanwhile, the destroyed gatehouse will be rebuilt, and the Commission is proceeding with its preparations for the 2023 General Election in Enugu State and the entire country as scheduled,” Okoye added

Politics

Buhari leaves Nigeria for Mauritania to receive peace award

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President Buhari will depart for the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on Monday January 16, to receive the ‘Africa Award for Strengthening Peace’.

A statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, stated that the award would be conferred on the President for his leadership role in promoting peace on the continent through regular interventions, counsel and conciliatory position.

The presidential spokesperson noted that the award was instituted by the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum in 2014 to proffer new ways to embrace inclusive citizenship and promote peace.

He added that the President will address the Third Forum of the African Conference for Peace, where he will deliver a speech on the African Peace Process.

He said the President will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Defence, Bashir Salihi Magashi; National Security Adviser, Mohammed Monguno; and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Politics

Governor Soludo calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release, offers to stand as surety

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Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has appealed to the Nigerian government to “unconditionally and immediately” release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The governor of Anambra state made the call at a political gathering in Awka, the state capital on Saturday, January 14.

Governor Soludo went further to assert that if the detained IPOB leader cannot be released unconditionally, he should be released to him saying he is ready to stand surety for him.

“I am making a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally. If he cannot be released unconditionally, I want him released to me and I will stand surety for him.

We need Nnamdi Kanu in the roundtable conversation to discuss the insecurity in the South East. We must end insecurity in the South East and we need Nnamdi Kanu to be around.”

Soludo promised to cater for Nnamdi Kanu and also offered to bring him to the authorities any time he is required

“I will house him here in Awka. We need him released to end insecurity in the South-east,” he said.

Kanu was arrested by the Federal government in June 2021 and has been in detention since then.

Politics

General Sanni Abacha’s family loses bid to stop fresh probe

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The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal by the family of the late military dictator, General Sani Abacha, to stop the Federal Government from reopening forfeiture proceedings against the former Head of State.

The appeal marked:

SC/641/2013, was filed by Abacha’s sons, Mohammed and Abba, on behalf of their family.Listed as respondents were the Attorney General of the Federation; the Inspector-General of Police; Chairman, Special Investigation Panel; National Security Adviser and Magistrate Sonja Nachbaur of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The move by the Federal Government to reopen the fraud probe was targeted at some family members over their alleged complicity in looting the nation’s treasury during Abacha’s rule.

The appeal was against the July 25, 2013 judgment by the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, which affirmed a 2009 judgment of the Federal High Court in Kaduna, which went against the family.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal by Abacha’s family praying that the probe be stopped.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the lead judgment, dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit and substance.

They pronounced that the concurrent findings by the two lower courts “are unassailable.”

Politics

Gov Adeleke Hails Buhari For Signing Electoral Act

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Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Friday, hailed the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for signing the Electoral Act, which he said paved the way for free and fair elections.

Adeleke said this at his first meeting with Buhari at the State House, in Abuja.The governor told journalists;

“Since my election, I feel like I should come and say hello to Mr. President and thank him for signing that Electoral Act because I benefited from it.

That paved way for free and fair elections and the international community is applauding Nigeria, that Nigeria is set for democracy.

“So that is why I’m here today; to see him, thank him and wish him well in his remaining time in office.”

Politics

INEC investigating allegations of extortion at PVC collection centres

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is investigating allegations of extortion by its officials at permanent voter card (PVC) collection centres.

In a statement released on Thursday, Jan. 12, and signed by Festus Okoye, its national commissioner and chairman, information and voter education, the commission said officials found guilty will face disciplinary action.

The statement reads:

”The Commission is investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some unscrupulous voters to circumvent processes in order to obtain their PVCs. Those found culpable will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution.

“Similarly, the Commission is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations. This is against the law. All bonafide registrants are entitled to their PVCs and to use them to vote on Election Day in any part of the country where they are registered.

“Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been directed to ensure that no such practices occur nationwide and take immediate disciplinary action against violators.”

Meanwhile, there have also been complaints by some persons over non-availability of their PVCs. But the commission, in its statement, said it has printed all PVCs of new registrants and those who requested transfer. It, however, directed issuing officers to compile complaints on unavailability of cards.

“The Commission has printed 13,868,441 PVCs for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of cards,” the statement reads.

“Nevertheless, issuing officers should compile any complaints about non-availability of cards and forward them to their immediate supervisors for the attention of Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) who shall compile and forward them for necessary action.

“The Commission once again appreciates the patience and perseverance of citizens as we continue to finetune our process to make the collection of PVCs easier.”

Politics

EFCC to remove Okupe from watchlist, says he was arrested by DSS based on a 2016 watchlist request

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it will remove the former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Doyin Okupe, from its watchlist following his arrest by the Department of State Security Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday, January 12.

According to EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwajuren, DSS acted on a watchlist request made in July 2016, before the recent conviction of Okupe.

The statement read;

“The Department of State Services, DSS, today, January 12, informed the commission of the interception of Dr. Doyin Okupe, former presidential adviser, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

“The service acted on a watch-list request issued on July 18, 2016, over six years before his recent conviction on money laundering charges by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

“The commission was in the process of formally lifting the watch-list before his interception and will expedite action in this regard.”

Entertainment, Politics

Most celebrities have become slaves to fear during election because they can be blacklisted or attacked by clueless thugs – Comedian AY

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Comedian AY has explained why some celebrities have not gone public with those they are supporting in the 2023 general election.

According to the comedian, most celebrities have become slaves to fear during election period, because they can be blacklisted or attacked by clueless thugs.

AY further appealed to Nigerians to stop putting celebrities under pressure.

Politics

Buhari asks foreign envoys not to interfere in 2023 election

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President Muhammadu Buhari has again asked representatives of foreign governments not to meddle in Nigeria’s internal affairs and the 2023 general election.

The President renewed the call when he received Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Switzerland, Sweden, Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of South Sudan at the State House.

Buhari also called for cooperation and collaboration from countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to overcome challenges in West Africa.

He further revealed that Nigeria is working closely with ECOWAS to deal with insecurity in the region and also implement strategies to contain the spate of unconstitutional changes in government in the sub-region.

Buhari further appealed to friendly countries to support efforts to address the challenge of insecurity, fight against corruption, diversification of the economy, and our efforts in promoting good governance.

Lifestyle, Politics

I was erroneously arrested by EFCC – Doyin Okupe says as he’s released

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The immediate-past Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Doyin Okupe, has said that his rearrest by the Department of State Service on the request of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, was an ”error.” Okupe was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport this morning, Jan. 12.

Speaking on Twitter following his release, he explained that his passport had long been withheld by the Federal High Court Abuja even before finding him guilty of violating sections of the Money Laundering Act that attracted two and a half years imprisonment.

He added that senior officers of the EFCC in Lagos and Abuja have apologised for the error in his arrest.

Politics

Tension in Ondo as soldiers allegedly attack PDP members

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THE People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State, yesterday, raised the alarm over the attack of its members in Idanre Local Government Area of the state by alleged soldiers.

The party accused the lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Mr. Tajudeen Adefisoye, of masterminding the attack on its members and the destruction of shops where members were holding a meeting.

Adefisoye, who is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Army, had accused some PDP youths of attacking his convoy, last Saturday, in the town, injuring his supporters.

The PDP alleged that the invasion by the alleged fake soldiers was a reprisal attack by the APC lawmaker.

Reacting to the invasion, the Director of Media and Publicity of PDP, in Idanre council area, Mr Fasoranti Adeyemi, in a statement, said:

“The military action started around 5:45 pm and lasted till 7:05 pm which resulted in the destruction of shops and property.

“No amount of threats and intimidations will stop Idanre/Ifedore from voting PDP candidates in February/March 2023 and from winning.”

Reacting to the alleged invasion, the lawmaker, Mr Adefisoye, denied the allegations, saying he didn’t bring soldiers to the town.

Adefisoye said:

“I didn’t bring soldiers to Idanre. It was the candidate of PDP for the House of Representatives, Festus Akingbaso, and his supporters that attacked me.

“They destroyed my cars and the windscreen of my car was pierced by a bullet.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ondo Police Command, Funmi Odunlami, said the matter was under investigation.Odunlami said:

“We quickly moved in to ensure peace in the community as investigations have started with a view to apprehending perpetrators of such a dastard act.

“This is the electioneering period. You would want to bring in someone that will represent you. There is no justification for taking anybody’s life.

“We will get to the root of the matter and ensure we get those involved arrested.”

Politics

2023 elections will hold as scheduled – INEC chairman, Yakubu Mahmoud, insists

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Barely four days after raising alarm over a possible postponement or cancellation of the 2023 polls due to the increasing spate of insecurity in some parts of the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, January 11, made a U-turn saying nothing would stop the conduct of the polls on February 25 and March 11.

Recall that INEC’s Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute (BEI), Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, had on Monday, January 9, warned that the general election faces serious threats of cancellation and postponement if security challenges across parts of the country fails to improve.

Zuru, who represented the commission’s chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, at the validation of election security training resources in Abuja, also expressed concerns that the cancellation or postponement of the elections due to insecurity in some areas would not only hinder the declaration of elections results, but also precipitate a constitutional crisis.

However, in his keynote address at the presentation of the National Register of Voters to the 18 registered political parties in Abuja, yesterday, INEC Chairman, Prof Yakubu, said security agencies have given strong assurances of adequate security and safety of electoral officials to allow for the conduct of peaceful and credible polls across states.

In his words

“The commission is not contemplating any adjustment to the election timetable, let alone the postponement of the general election.

For the avoidance of doubt, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday February 25, 2023 while Governorship and State Assembly elections will hold two weeks later on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

The repeated assurance by the security agencies for the adequate protection of our personnel, materials and processes also reinforces our determination to proceed. The 2023 general election will hold as scheduled. Any report to the contrary is not the official position of the commission.”

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