Monday, February 27, 2023 Edition

Voters casting their votes at the Garki Area 1 Post Office Polling Unit during the 2023 presidential elections on Saturday in Abuja.

Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State, Maiyaki Muhammed Baba, Briefing Journalist, during the Presidential and National Assembly election at the Polling unit 010, Angwan Rimi GRA, Keffi, Nasarawa State yesterday

A cross section of voters at the Kodape Polling unit 001, Government secondary school Masaka 1, Nasarawa State, during the Presidential and National Assembly election yesterday

Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki casting his vote in Polling Unit 0O5, Ajikobi Ward, Ilorin West LGA, of Kwara State Photos: Mahmud Isa & Justin Imo-owo

Group of foreign observers exchanging ideas during the 2023 presidential elections on Saturday in Abuja.

Person living with disability being assisted after she had successfully performed her civic responsibility during the 2023 Presidential/ National Assembly elections on Saturday in Abuja.

Abdulsalami urges contestants to accept election results in good faith

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar has applauded the peaceful conduct of Nigerians during the election urging the

political parties and contestants to accept the outcome in good faith.

Abdulsalami gave the advice during an interview after casting his vote during Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections at the Uphill

water tanker 020 polling unit in Chanchaga Local Government area, Minna.

The former Head of State who casted his vote alongside his wife, saying that the accord signed by the politicians should be adhered to strictly to ensure peace in the

country.

He urged Nigerians to vote for their conscience while calling on the electorates to sustain the tempo of peace, noted elections must not be a do or die affairs hence there must be winner and loser in any contest.

to

Immediately

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has asked the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu to instruct the Collation Officers for yesterday’s election to upload the results from the Polling Units to the INEC server immediately.

Atiku stated that this has become necessary to checkmate some governors who are trying to compromise the results at the local government collation level.

The PDP presidential flag

bearer said this in a statement yesterday by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Ibe in Abuja.

According to Atiku, “It will be a disservice to Nigerians and a negation to democracy for anyone to subvert the will of the people as freely expressed in their votes of yesterday”.

He called on Nigerians to be calm but vigilant to ensure that anti-democratic elements who are masquerading as progressives do not steal their mandate.

The statement said, “And in what is already turning out to be a nail-biting race in the 2023 Nigerian presidential elections, early results from polling units

and exit polls indicate that Atiku Abubakar is projected to become the first candidate to meet the mandatory 25% requirement of votes cast in at least 24 states.

“According to the latest projections, Atiku is also set to exceed expectations in at least 10 states, where he is projected to garner over 40% of the votes cast”, it stressed.

Meanwhile, the PDP presidential candidate has expressed gratitude to the Nigerian people for their support so far and pledged to continue to work hard to earn their trust and confidence.

His words, “We are humbled

and honoured by the early projections, which indicate that the Nigerian people have seen in Atiku Abubakar the kind of leader that they want to lead them into a brighter future”.

“While it is still too early to predict the final outcome of the elections, Atiku Abubakar’s early success has certainly put him in a strong position as the race enters its final stages.

“From the current figures that are available, Atiku is winning in many states in the 6 geo-political zones. We urge our members and party agents to remain steadfast and watchful”, the statement concluded.

One of the newly inaugurated judges of the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Adesoji Adegboye ; President of the Customary

Hon. Justice Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; newly sworn in judges of the

Olufunke Ogundele Esq and Lawrence Ojo Esq; at the swearing-in ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Maku wants prompt distribution of election materials to polling units during guber elections

From Gambo Ahmed lafia

Former minister of information Mr Labaran Maku has appealed to adopt prompt and suitable means of early distribution of election materials to polling units across the state during gubernatorial elections.

Maku who was reacting in an interview with newsmen expressed worry over late arrival of election materials in some polling units in Nasarawa Eggon local government council”.

“Nasarawa Eggon local government council is one of the largest in the Northern Senatorial district but witnessed late arrival of election materials especially in Wakama Ward. I am calling on INEC to take necessary administrative step towards prompt distribution of election materials to respective polling units across the state”.

EU observer lauds INEC election officials, ad hoc staff

Amember of the European Union (EU) Election Observers has commended election officials and ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for coordinating the 2023 election well.

The Team Leader of one of the EU observers, Mr Deleen Michel, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the INEC collation Centre in Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday.

“My Big respect to INEC officials. They have been able to manage the polling centres well.

“The young people of Nigeria who run the polling centres were warm. They did a great job,” he said.

Michel also led his team to Oworonshoki area of Lagos on Saturday before coming to Surulere.

His team members include Van Der Stijl Leonie and Sabi Oinabwhen.

Michel said his team did not experience any problems at the places they visited. (NAN)

APC wins presidential election in Ekiti with 201,494 votes, as PDP scores 89,554

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The result of the saturday’s presidential election in Ekiti State was formally announced yesterday with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu scoring a total of 201, 494 votes out of the 314, 472 total votes cast.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar polled 89,554 votes, while the Labour Party candidate, Mr Peter Obi got 11, 397 votes.

The results were announced by the Ekiti State Collation Officer

and Vice Chancellor, University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State, Professor Akeem Olawale Lasisi at the national collation centre, situated at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Only the duo of Tinubu and Atiku made the required 25 percent spread of the votes cast in the state.

The Social Democracy Party, SDP, scored 2,011 votes while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 1,337. While the number of registered voters in Ekiti State was 987, 647, the number of accredited voters stood at 315,058.

Total votes cast were; 314,472 votes. Valid votes stood at 308,171, while rejected votes were 6,301. After the announcement, the report of the results was formally presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, who doubles as the Chief Returning Officer of the election, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

The scores of the 18 political parties which contested the presidential election as announced by INEC yesterday are: Party A. 69 votes

29 votes

108 votes

1337 votes

The

has however adjourned announcement of further results of the election till 11am today at the same venue.

Elections: 23 suspects arrested in Lagos – Police spokesperson

Police command in Lagos State says 23 persons suspected to be involved in electoral violence and other crimes were arrested during the presidential and national assembly elections on Saturday in Lagos. The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin

Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

Hundeyin noted that the figure of arrest might increase as the command was still collating the number of suspects arrested in different divisions during the Saturday exercise.

“Collation of suspects

arrested ongoing. 23 suspects at last count,” he said.

NAN reports that hoodlums and unknown gunmen allegedly attacked some polling units and disrupted the elections in Mafoluku area and burnt ballot papers thumb printed.

The Commissioner of

Police in Lagos, CP Idowu Owohunwa, told newsmen on Saturday that there were pocket of violence in some parts of the state.

Owohunwa said that some persons were arrested, noting that number of people arrested would be made known to the public. (NAN)

L-R: Election Observer, Connected Development (CODE), Mr Fred Odey; Chief Executive Officer CODE, Mr Hamza Lawal and Director Governanace and Democracy CODE, Mr Emmanuel Njoku; during a media briefing on conduct of the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday in Abuja . Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Presidential Elections: Labour Party faults process, to challenge result Election:

Low turnout recorded in Abuja South

By Usman Shuaibu

Alow turnout of voters was recorded in Abuja south constituency which comprised of Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje Area Councils during the Presidential and National Assembly election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The accreditation of voting started early across the Abuja South constituency, but some voters did not turnout early enough

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were demanding for money before voting

it was observed that the supporters of Labour Party (LP) conducted themselves peacefully and voted for the candidates of their choice across the Abuja South constituency.

Agents of each political party waited patiently till the voting period and the time results were released in their polling units before leaving.

In an interview, the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council on chieftaincy matters, Hon. Abdullahi Magaji, described the conduct of election as peaceful.

Magaji who is a member of APC in Gwagwalada prayed that all the candidates of APC across the nation should win the election, urging the residents to vote for APC in the area.

He, however, expressed dismay over the low turnout of voters and charged the people to continue to be orderly during the sequent election.

Also, speaking, a strong member of PDP in Gwagwalada, Alhaji Faruk Umaru Abubakar, expressed hope that PDP would emerge as the winners in the country.

He said: “The abnormalities in the election are not much because the INEC has tried today compared to the local governments election. The election was free and faster and we appreciated the INEC for having the second thought in using the machine”

Umar Abubakar, therefore, advised the voters to always cast their votes in accordance with the electoral act in every election and warned them against violence

Meanwhile, there was electoral violence at Dagiri and Tugan-Maje in Gwagwalada Area Council.

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to collate and announce the result of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, one of the four leading and contending Parties, the Labour Party (LP) is faulting the process and collation of results, asserting that it will challenge the outcome in court.

In a statement issued yesterday and made available to the media in Kaduna, the National Secretary of Labour Party, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim said while the party made inroads with high votes in most parts of northern Nigeria, her members were deliberately

prevented from voting, chased away violently from polling units, or had ballot papers and boxes destroyed and burnt in others.

The party said most of its members were deliberately disenfranchised through varied means across the country, but were more discerning in its strongholds.

He cited Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Kano, Yobe and Edo states, among places where such acts were rampantly perpetrated in violation of the electoral act 2022 as amended.

Umar said in some places, INEC staff and electoral materials were not deployed to areas that are known to be strongholds of the Labour Party, or deployed late to frustrate the party supporters who, psychologically got tired

of waiting and had to leave the polling units for the fear of the unknown.

“The delay by INEC to upload and announce results, especially where Labour Party, is already known to have taken the lead, is also worrisome and we feel it is deliberate to anger our party and our supporters” he stressed.

Umar also revealed that intelligence from the fields revealed that across the northern states, electorates identified as Labour Party supporters were tactically denied access to their polling units by some INEC ad hoc staff who connived with others to confuse the electorates by insisting their polling units are different and sending them to the wrongs ones. He said this frustrated the electorates, and

reduced the votes polled by the Labour Party, which would have more than doubled if the right things were done.

While calling on INEC to checkmate and call its polling staff to order and also ensure punitive measures in line with the electoral act 2022 as amended, the Labour Party National Secretary assured that the party would definitely challenge the outcome and final results in court.

Umar Farouk however, called on the party members and supporters to be calm, remain law abiding, but be encouraged by their efforts so far, and mobilise even more for the next round of elections, as the party takes steps to right the wrong meted out to her in the Saturday presidential and National Assembly Elections.

some electorates displaying their voters card showing their readiness to vote during the 2023 Presidential/ National Assembly elections on Saturday in Abuja.

Presidential Poll: Group lauds interception of N32.4m in Lagos by EFCC

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the interception of the sum of N32, 400,000 in Lagos, allegedly suspected to be used for vote buying in presidential and National Assembly polls, urging the anti-graft agency to intensify its efforts in this regard across the country.

ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev David Ugolor made the commendation yesterday, shortly after confirming that the anti-graft agency actually tracked the money allegedly planned to be used to undermine elections in Lagos State, noting that the EFCC’s action resonates with the Gelegele Declaration by over 200 Civil Society Organisations on Wednesday which called on the Anti-Corruption agency to go after vote-traders bent on

undermining the 2023 polls.

“The current scarcity of Naira notes across the country which has increased hardship amongst citizens is attributable to hoarding by some unscrupulous politicians acting in connivance with some crooked bank officials with the intention of perpetrating vote-buying and other electoral maleficence,” Ugolor noted.

He called on the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to go after all suspects and cease all the monies meant to compromise the Presidential and National Assembly elections nationwide. He called on members of the public to volunteer information to the EFCC to enable the arrest of all suspects.

“We understand the suspect involved in Lagos has been taken into custody, the suspect should be thoroughly investigated with a view to unmasking the big masquerade behind the offence. The EFCC should leave no stone unturned and there should be no sacred cows. It should spread

its dragnet across the country,” Ugolor admonished.

He re-stated ANEEJ’s avid commitment to a peaceful, free, fair and transparent 2023 polls and assured that his organisation will work with all stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process is not compromised by devious individuals or groups.

It will be recalled that on Wednesday over 200 Civil Society Organisations led by ANEEJ and Ijaw Youth Movement converged on Gelegele, Ovia North East Local Government where the Gelegele Declaration on the 2023 Elections was issued. In the document, the CSOs demanded a zero tolerance to vote-buying by candidates and their supporters for the 2023 general elections and called on them to refrain from all acts of vote-buying or votetrading in any form whatsoever as vote-buying is capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

The Gelegele Declaration reads in part, “we call on security

agents to provide top notch security across the country to ensure that no form of violence is allowed to fester in any part of the country, particularly in flash points where insurgents have threatened to unleash mayhem. Again, security agents deployed for the elections should promptly arrest anyone or group of persons found sharing money at polling stations or other designated election materials sharing centres and venues. Security agents must be professional in the discharge of their election duties and must shun any form of inducements or an act of corruption.”

The CSOs in the declaration further urged the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and European Union Countries’ Governments to sanction any individual or political party involved in votebuying or election violence. “They should be placed on their watch list and denied visas/entry into their countries,” they stated.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Matawalle signs Antithuggery bill into law

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has signed into law, the Bill establishing the state Anti-thuggery Agency.

This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Sunday by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Jamilu Iliyasu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Matawalle had in February 2022 issued an Executive Order setting up a committee to tackle thuggery, drug abuse and related offences in the state.

The governor later forwarded a bill to the state House of Assembly for a law to establish the state anti-thuggery agency, which was passed by the lawmakers.

The governor said the agency was established by his administration to complement the efforts of security agencies in curtailing thuggery related cases in the state.

He added that the agency would also help to inculcate good morals in the youths towards a more decent society.

According to the statement, the governor also assented to the amended law setting up the state Area Development Councils.

He said the area development councils were created to bring people closer to government and enhance development at the grassroots, to meet the aspirations of the electorate.

The governor thanked the Assembly for passing the two bills into law and supporting the government to ensure the overall development of the state. (NAN)

Thuggery: INEC threatens to cancel results of crises ridden areas in Kogi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has threatened to cancel election results of crises ridden areas during the presidential and NASS election in Kogi.

Dr Hale Longpet, Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), sounded the warning while reacting to the crises that erupted in some Local Government Areas while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja.

There were reports of thugs interfering with some polling units in Anyigba and Dekina in the Kogi East and Mopa in the Kogi West as well as parts of Kogi Central, where voting materials were allegedly carted away by thugs.

“You know the electoral Law says that where there are disruption to the process, the result will be cancelled, the very particular units’ results will be cancelled.

“The issues, initially were only in the Kogi East and Central but I can’t tell exactly where and where in the state have been affected until the results are brought by the electoral officers.

“We understood that because of the violence those affected areas couldn’t conclude election there.

“I’m shocked that people can go to that level and disrupt something that everybody should have enjoyed.

“Election is a peaceful and willful thing that people are offered to freely participate.

“Again, If people are given assurance that everyone will enjoy a pleasant experience, why then should we have thugs invading the whole town or the local government, disrupting the conduct of the elections?” he asked.

According to him, his is very sad and shocking, when you look at the loss of lives involved.

He explained that “election is not war,” so If you were standing in for election to provide services for your people, you don’t need to engage in these distructive activities.

He said anyone feels he does not want to be part of the elections, he or she does not have go out there to vote.

According to him, People who

have interest to bring good things to their communities do go out to positively engage and vote or exercise their franchise and they should not be stopped or denied the opportunity.

He disclosed that he went out with heads of the security operatives in the state in a motorcade to monitor the elections starting from Adankolo to Crucial, through to Kabawa and Falele.

He said, “yet in all these places, we didn’t see anyone angry but people were all smiling and casting their votes peacefully”.

The REC expressed happiness that everywhere inside Lokoja was very peaceful, not even a voice was raised. (NAN)

Absence of stamp stalls voting in some polling units in FCT

Absence of INEC stamp has stalled voting in the ongoing presidential and national assembly elections in some polling units in Aleyita in Kabusa ward, Abuja Area Council of the FCT.

When the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) visited Aleyita Health Centre polling unit 107, it was observed that voting was not in progress.

The Presiding Officer, Caleb Yashim, told NAN that they could not start the voting process because they did not come to the unit with INEC stamp to authenticate the ballot papers.

Yashim said that the stamp was part of the reasons they arrived late to the polling unit, adding that efforts were being made to get the stamp.

Generally, as against the 8:30 a.m. stipulated by INEC, the election commenced at noon in most of the polling units in Chika and Aleyita area of Kabusa ward.

NAN had earlier reported the absence of officials at the polling units.

However, election officials arrived between 10:50 and 11.30 a.m. in the various units.

The Assistant Presiding Officer in Chika Primary School

Polling Unit, Mr Bukar Saje, attributed the late arrival to logistics and inability to easily locate the polling unit.

Saje, while addressing the voters urged them to maintain orderliness, saying the election officials would take into consideration their time of arrival in determining the closing time of voting.

He also sensitised them on the use of BVAs and assured them of smooth process.

In Aleyita polling unit, election officials arrived at about 11:30 a.m. and were still setting up as at the time of filing this

report. There is an impressive turnout of voters in all the polling units visited, who were getting agitated about the delay in commencement of the exercise.

A voter, Mr Dominic Fater, said he came to the polling unit as early as 7.30 a.m. only for INEC officials to show up at noon.

Fater said he was disappointed that the election officials had to come to the unit without a stamp.

He called on INEC to ensure that they were not disenfranchised. (NAN)

Large turn out of electorates at the Durumi 2 polling Unit during the 2023 presidential elections in Saturday in Abuja .

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Elections: Police, PDP praise peaceful conduct in Imo

The Police Command in Imo and the National Secretary of the PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, have lauded the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s election in the state.

They gave the commendation on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while giving their assessment of the election in the state.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Henry Okoye, said that the command did not record any violence or any arrest in any polling unit.

Likewise, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, who hailed the Police and other security operatives for their professional conduct, said there was no report of violence in his area.

Anyanwu, who said he voted at Polling Unit 012, Central School, Amaimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area, said the entire electoral process was peaceful.

“The process was peaceful, except for the fact that INEC officials were not so conversant with the BVAS.

“Although they managed the situation, they were slow in handling the BVAS machine,” Anyanwu said, while expressing optimism of improved process in subsequent elections.

In his assessment, Okoye further noted that security operatives deployed for the election performed their duties professionally.

“Our men conducted themselves in the best professional, democratic and human-right compliant manner, and I can tell you that Imo people can attest to this,” Okoye said.

According to him, many had thought that Imo would be hot and that elections will not hold in the state.

Okoye attributed the security success recorded in the state to the strategy deployed by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammed Barde, his management team as well as the synergy with other security agencies.

“The strategic deployment of security personnel yielded a lot of results, even the seminars we have been conducting also contributed and yielded a lot of results,” he added.

He also commended Imo youths “because they did not only come out en mass to exercise their franchise at the polling units but devolved themselves to non-violence in any form.

“And as such, election was peaceful in every polling unit where election was conducted,” he said.

However, Okoye declined comments when asked about attempts by suspected hoodlums to disrupt Saturday’s election process in Orsu.

NAN gathered that security operatives intercepted election materials which were hijacked by the hoodlums in Orsu.

Eyewitness said security operatives neutralised the hoodlums and duly returned the materials to the INEC officials.

According to the source, election subsequently proceeded peacefully in the area. (NAN)

Kaduna govt bars residents from protests

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

As the collation of election results progresses, the Kaduna State Government has warned citizens that protests of any sort remained strictly prohibited across the State.

This was contained in a statement by the State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan and

made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement stated that the State Government has noted with satisfaction the largely peaceful conduct of elections across the state, and commends residents for exercising their franchise in an orderly manner.

The statement further stated that Citizens must therefore avoid street protests over election results - or of any other kind - in

order to preserve the atmosphere of calm so far experienced. Actions which may disrupt public peace will be handled decisively by security agencies.

“It must be stressed that the announcement of election results is the exclusive duty of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Individuals and groups involved in unofficial publication of results should be aware that they constitute serious

threats to public peace and order.

“Individuals or groups who may have queries over officially announced results are strongly urged to utilize the legal instruments provided by the Electoral Act.

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai continues to monitor closely the security situation in relation to the conduct of the elections, alongside security agencies in the State,” the statement said.

of Voters

the Polling unit 008, Senior Magistrate Court 11, Mararaba Gurku, during the Presidential and National Assembly election yesterday

AfDB, others deliberate on food security measures in Africa

The Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Wangari Mathai Institute, have reiterated the importance of improving food security in Africa.

Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GCA, in a statement issued on the AfDB website, called for urgent financial support to put Africa on the path of food sovereignty.

Verkooijen spoke at a threeday regional forum on the future of resilient food systems in Africa organised by the GCA and AfDB.

The forum urged the Future of Resilient Food Systems in Africa – AAAP Digital Solutions for a Changing Climate provided through training for stakeholders across Eastern Africa.

The training strengthened their capacity to design and implement solutions to improve food security and climate resilience.

It was also meant to facilitate knowledge sharing among farmers on scaling up the use of Digital Climate-informed Advisory Services (DCAS).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DCAS are tools and platforms that integrate climate information into agricultural decision-making.

Globally, more than 300 million small-scale farmers have limited or no access to DCAS because service provision is still fragmented, unsustainable beyond project cycles, and not reaching the last mile.

According to Verkooijen, Africa needs urgent support to scale up the implementation of adaptation solutions.

“Through the African Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP), we are rolling out a 350 million dollar project to build resilience for food and nutrition security in the horn of Africa.

“This is toward mobilising new digital climate technology for market information, insurance products, and financial services that can and must be tailored to smallholder farmers’ needs,” he said.

The AfDB’s East Africa Regional Director-General, Nnenna Nwabufo, represented by Dr Pascal Sanginga, the Regional Sector Manager for Agriculture and Agro-Industries, said the forum was timely.

“The AAAP is already contributing to closing Africa’s adaptation gap by supporting African countries to make a transformational shift in their development pathways.

“It is putting climate adaptation and resilience at the centre of their policies, programmes, and institutions.

“There is no doubt that AAAP will be a strong component of the country’s Food and Agricultural Delivery Compacts.

“As it will accelerate the transformation of Africa’s food systems and build a more resilient Africa,” Nwabufo said.

Prof. Stephen Gitahi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, said 70 per cent of the population in Eastern Africa live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Gitahi encouraged the trainers to simplify the modules to remove the fear of technology and accelerate adaptation for rural farmers.

“We acknowledge that gaps exist on climate adaptation in the rural communities, and those can be smartly bridged with the use of digital smart agriculture and climate innovations,” he said.

The forum brought together stakeholders and participants from Djibouti, Eritrea, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Mauritius, Tanzania, Seychelles, Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Kenya. (NAN)

A cross section

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Sen. Bamidele thanks Ekiti voters for his re-election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, has expressed appreciation to the people of Ekiti for voting him for a second term in the senate.

The senator also thanked people of the state for overwhelmingly voting for Sen. Bola Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate in Saturday’s elections.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, expressed the appreciation while speaking at a thanksgiving service held at Babamuboni Memorial Anglican Church, Iyin-Ekiti on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bamidele was accompanied to the church service by his wife, Yemisi, family members, friends and political associates.

While thanking God for victory at the polls, he also sought the support and prayers of all sons and daughters of the state for the task ahead.

NAN reports that Bamidele was earlier declared winner of the senatorial election by the INEC Collation Officer for Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Prof. Sola Omotola at the State Results Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti.

He polled 69,351 to defeat his close rival, Lateef Ajijola of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 26,181.

“My main purpose of coming here today is to give thanks to Almighty God for His amazing grace over my life and family and for the success of yesterday’s National Assembly and Presidential Election.

“I also thank God for making me to win the election in a landslide manner.

“I appreciate all our people in Ekiti Central Senatorial District and the Church of God. I am indebted to the Church leadership for their continued prayers and support, ” Bamidele said.

He said he also came to seek spiritual blessings and benediction for the tasks ahead.

In his remarks, the church vicar, Ven. Oluwasola Adekola, said Bamidele’s victory was well-deserved based on his track records of performance in his previous political positions especially in the 9th Senate.

Adekola said the senator had brought dividends of democracy to the people of his senatorial district in the last four years.

He, therefore, prayed for more grace, God’s protection and wisdom for Bamidele to enable him perform more excellently in his second tenure in the senate. (NAN)

AUST launches business incubation centre to address challenges

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja has launched a business incubation centre; AUSTInspire Business Incubation Centre.

The centre is meant to encourage innovation in the university and the global society.

Speaking, the Acting President of the University, Prof Azikiwe Onwualu, who unveiled the hub, said the centre would enable staff and students of the institution to translate their researches into problem-solving products and services that benefits society.

“We have decided to take a step about taking our researches to the next level, bringing it to reality.

“We have excelled in the aspect of research and publications but we have told ourselves the truth, the researches and publications must translate into something tangible.

“Very soon, you will not only see our publications but also our products from the researches.”

Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of CcHUB - managers of the Centre, Bosun Tijani, said the mission of the incubation centre was to leverage on science and technology to bring about

prosperity to the people.

“We are looking at innovations that solve real problems not just in Nigeria but also in Africa.”

On his part, Jude Adejunwon, the Practice Lead of Higher Education Initiative, CcHUB, said Africa can not enter prosperity until her universities sit up.

“They should start looking at our problems and start designing ways to solve them. People think the university’s role is just to train students and release them into the labour market but that is not true.

“It is only through a hub like this that we can move research to help people on the ground,” he

said.

On his part, Dr Vitalis Anye, Head of Material Engineering Department and the Project Coordinator for AUSTInspire Business Incubation Center said, “We want to translate research in to tangible products and services. We want to move from research to the market. We can also innovate around processes, business and technology.

He identified funding as one of the major challenges but said they are discussing with investors to fund various projects.

He added that local materials will be used to solve African problems.

Hospital lauds UNICEF’s support in oxygen eco-system

The Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in the Kaduna State University, Kaduna, has commended the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the support to strengthen oxygen eco-system for newborn care in the hospital.

The Head of Paediatric Department in the hospital, Dr Audu Lamidi, gave the commendation on Thursday when UNICEF officials visited the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of the hospital.

Lamidi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the visit that UNICEF support in human resource development on newborn care and knowledge required to take care of babies had been significantly helpful.

He particularly commended the capacity building on oxygen concentrators’ administration, management and maintenance as critical to the survival of newborn.

He explained that the admission rate for newborn in the hospital was about 1,000 to 1,500 per annum, adding that about 70

per cent of them usually require oxygen.

He added that “it is extremely important that oxygen is available in a unit that takes care of newborn, particularly premature babies, most of whom have respiratory problems that will require the use of oxygen.

“There is also distress syndrome which is very common in premature babies. Also, babies that have infections like pneumonia need oxygen and other problems usually associated at birth.”

Mrs Jessy Job, a mother of four, while sharing her experience at the SCBU, told NAN she would have lost her baby if not for the oxygen concentrators.

Job said she spent a month and a week at the SCBU, adding that her baby was delivered at 28 weeks and as such, had to depend on oxygen to survive.

On his part, Dr Obinna Orjingene, the Health Specialist, UNICEF Abuja, told NAN that UNICEF had taken steps to

strengthen the oxygen eco-system in the country following the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Orjingene said that the support was to ensure effective interventions in pneumonia and hypoxia management and other diseases that require oxygen.

He explained that UNICEF, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), FHI 360 and other partners working in the oxygen space carried out a nationwide oxygen assessment to identify the gaps and functional oxygen systems.

He added that the assessment was also expected to suggest what needed to be done to bridge the gaps.

He said that the assessment showed a huge gap in the oxygen space and UNICEF supported the procurement of oxygen concentrators – five lpm and 10 lpm, depending on the size of the facilities.

The health specialist said that UNICEF had so far procured over 800 oxygen concentrators for

different states, adding that the measure would help significantly to improve child health outcomes across the country.

“We have recently procured 220 10 lpm concentrators to be delivered to nine states, among which are Bauchi, Adamawa, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, Kaduna, and Kano.

“Beyond procuring the concentrator, we are also training biomedical technicians and engineers to be able to maintain the equipment.

“UNICEF is making sure that the healthcare workers have the capacity to use and maintain the equipment routinely through plan maintenance that we have instituted across the states.

“We have also built the capacity of the health workers to be able to manage pneumonia in line with the national guidelines, protocols and the new pneumonia algorithm.

“This is to ensure that the children are managed appropriately for improved

Commissioner

Kaduna

International Observers, during the official opening of the Presidential Collation Centre for the 2023 General Election held at the African Hall International Conference Centre, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

2023: Yiaga Africa calls for strict adherence to Electoral Act, guidelines on collation of results Association set

to establish solid mineral plants in six geo-political zones

The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Thursday said the association would establish solid mineral plants in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The Acting President of the association, Alhaji Musa Muhammad, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Muhammad said that the association would start the establishment first in Kogi, adding that there were good number of mineral resources in the state.

He said that the effort was to show example of good leadership as well as support government to promote the development of the country.

He said that the establishment of the plants would also bring investors and create job opportunities to the youth.

According to him, the essence of establishing the plant in the zones is to attract more investment, thereby creating many opportunities to the people.

“The association wants to show good examples to our people as the effort will improve businesses and other opportunities in the zones.

“The establishment will bring great advantage to Nigerians and when its processed, the chain value will be achieved.

“Our aim is to be established in the six geo-political zones; the association is starting the move in Kogi state starting with solid minerals which are gold and processing plants,” he said.

Muhammad said that the association had gained recognition from the public because of its achievement.

He said that the MAN had integrated women into the industry, adding that before, “it was only men affairs”.

He said that the women had also formed their own associations to promote gender issues and other activities among them.

The miners boss said that only the registered members of the association were being carried along in the mining industry.

He called on those members that were not fully registered to do the right thing as such would help them have access to any form of assistant from the association.

Muhammad said that one of the objectives of the association was to develop the mines and make the mining sector more scientific for sustainable mining production.

He said that the aim was to ensure safety and efficiency in the mining industry. (NAN)

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Leading election observer

in

Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, has called for strict adherence to the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and INEC regulations and guidelines on the collation of results.

“As provided in Section 64 of the Act, collation officers and returning officers are required to compare the number of accredited voters and election results recorded on the hardcopy result sheet and scanned images on the BVAS.”

Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Chair, Watching The Vote Working Group Yiaga Africa, stated this on Sunday in a preliminary statement in Abuja.

He said, Yiaga Africa calls on INEC and security to ensure proper security for citizens especially the polling officials and collation officials especially as results collation progresses and as INEC commences the announcement of results to ensure that no life is further lost in these elections.

“Yiaga Africa reminds all Nigerians that the process is not yet over. They should remain peaceful while waiting on INEC to announce the official results and refrain from any acts that could incite violence.

“Political leaders should urge their supporters in particular to calmly await the official results and take appropriate actions against any party members who

engage in violence or incitement to violence.

“The Watching The Vote is “Driven by Data – For All Nigerians – Beholden to None!” Yiaga Africa continues to receive reports from its observers and monitor the process, including deploying observers to all State Collation Centres. Yiaga Africa will issue additional updates as appropriate and will convene a press conference following INEC’s announcement of the official results to release its own estimates. If the announced results reflect the ballots cast at polling units, then we will confirm the outcome. If the announced results have been manipulated and do not match the results posted at polling units, then Yiaga

Africa will expose this.”

Speaking further, he said Yiaga Africa calls on the commission to provide clear communication on locations where the election did not hold and ensure the process is concluded in those location before returns are made.

“INEC should be transparent and communicate the challenges faced during the deployment of the IReV.

“INEC should publicly make available all BVAS accreditation data by polling unit, including the number of voters accredited by finger vs facial recognition.

“Protect the transparency of the result collation process by ensuring accredited observers and party agents are granted access to the collation centres.”

Expectation of elections outcome overshadowed Naira scarcity – FCT residents

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say their expectations of the outcome of the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections are high because of its importance for the future of Nigeria.

The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that while they were still suffering from cash crunch, the priority for them at the moment was to know the outcome of the elections.

The residents said their anxiety stemmed from the uniqueness that characterised the 2023 elections.

They said their clamour for a “Messiah” had heightened

their anxiety for the result of the elections.

They also said increase in number of registered voters, huge voter turnout, introduction of Bimodal Verification and Accreditation System (BVAS) and possibility of a presidential runoff had aroused people”s interest in the elections.

Mr Chinasa Ugwuanyi, a businessman, said his expectations were high.

Ugwuanyi said his entire family members had been glued to their television sets for updates while other had been online browsing for updates.

“We are hoping that results of yesterday’s election particularly

presidential election will be announced by Monday.

“I understand that elections are still holding in some parts of the country where they could not hold yesterday.

“Be that as it may, we expect that everything should be concluded before Tuesday because we cannot wait to know who our next president will be,” he said.

Mr Samuel, a retiree, said while he had not been able to get cash to cater to some needs, the election was more important to him at the moment.

“Thank God today is Sunday. I am not under pressure to use cash and I am not sure if I will go

anywhere today.

“So, the Naira scarcity is not much of an issue for me right now as the election and I know it is same for most Nigerians,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Presidential and National Assembly elections were held across Nigeria on Feb. 25.

However, elections continued in some parts of the country where they could not hold on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Resident Electoral Officers (REC) from states where elections were concluded are expected at the Independent National Electoral Commission (NAN) Collation Centre in Abuja to announce their results.(NAN)

Voters checking their names, at Unguwar Juma Polling Unit in Mararaba Nasarawa State on Saturday. Photo: Mahmud Isa

NPC trains Jigawa journalists on effective reporting of Census

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The National Population Commission (NPC), has embarked on capacity building workshop of Jigawa journalists on effective reporting of 2023 population and housing census.

Speaking during the flaggingoff of the capacity building, the state commissioner NPC Jigawa state, Alhaji Garba AD Zakar said, about 786,741 personnel are to work in the forthoming 2023 census.

According to Umar Jingino those trained are; 623,797 enumerators, 125,994 Supervisors, 24,001 Data Quality Assistants, while 12,000 are Field Coordinators.

He said others are; 1,000 Data Quality Managers, 1,639 Training Centre Administrators and 59,000 LGA level facilitators.

He explained that adequate training of personnel to work in the fourth coming headcount census is a key preparatory activity for the exercise, while the quality of the data depends on the competence and skill of the personnel engaged.

Also speaking, the HOD said that, the training which is organized in stages commenced with the training of Census Specialized Workforce (CSW) and facilitators who will in return train enumerators, supervisors, field supervisors,data Quality assistants and data quality managers.

House Spokesman wins Bende Federal Constituency

By Christiana Ekpa

APC Candidate for House of Reps, Hon. Benjamin

Okezie Kalu has won the polls for Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State to guarantee his return to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

The incumbent representative flawlessly defeated his opponents at the Polls including the PDP and LP candidates.

The returning officer, Adindu Chidinma announced the results as follows:

APC - 10,020

LP - 6818

PDP - 3930

ADC - 90

APGA - 301

APN - 184

APP - 72

NNPP - 60

SDP - 17

YPP - 105

The no of Accredited Voters was - 22,308

Speaking on his victory the House Spokesperson said his people has proven to him that they appreciate his hard work towards developing the Constituency.

He said “Bende people have proven to people of gratitude and

they have come out again in one voice and one accord to decide that I return to the House.

A confirmation of the kind of leadership they yearn for. I have represented the people well in our first tenure and I will do more this time.

“This is a moment of happiness, this victory is sweet because it came with a lot of hard work and confrontation between those outside and some forces within the party. But in all of this God has seen the sincerity of our hearts to serve the people of Bende with transparency, honesty, in the spirit of accountability and his

name has been glorified

“I thank everyone who played one role or the other in making this come to pass; my team of staff, campaign council, my party APC, my fathers in politics, friends and well-wishers. May God grant you all the desires of your hearts

“To my dear Bende Constituents, this promises to be another tenure of hard work, dedication and people centered representation.

“I commend INEC for a peaceful and well organized process in Bende Federal Constituency”, he said.

2023 polls: Group insists on changing political narratives in Abuja

By Stanley Onyekwere

Apolitical group under the aegis of Nigerians Unite for Tinubu/Shettima Mandate is confident that the 2023 general elections will be a turning point for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, the

nation’s capital. The group stated this shortly after some of its key members monitored the outcome of some polling units across the Territory.

A statement signed by the publicity Secretary of the group, Mr. Seyi Adesina, and made available to journalists stated that

the ruling party will win the FCT for the first time.

According to Adesina, “we are very happy with the outcome of the elections in the FCT, and for the reports so far, the ruling All Progressives Congress will change the narratives.

“Before now, we thought

history will repeat itself as it has been the tradition to defeat the ruling party in the Territory. However, the turnout of our members and their determination indicate that we are coasting to victory.

Adesina, urged all supporters of Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Shettima

to be vigilant and remain calm till the finality of the results across the 62 political wards in the Territory.

The Nigerians Unite for Tinubu/Shettima Mandate also commended their supporters and indeed residents of the FCT for coming out enmasse to carry out their civic duties.

Election: Low turnout recorded in Abuja South

By Usman Shuaibu

Alow turnout of voters was recorded in Abuja south constituency which comprised of Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje Area Councils during the Presidential and National Assembly election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The accreditation of voting started early across the Abuja South constituency, but some voters did not turnout early

enough Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were demanding for money before voting it was observed that the supporters of Labour Party (LP) conducted themselves peacefully and voted for the candidates of their choice across the Abuja South constituency. Agents of each political party waited patiently till the voting period and the time results were

released in their polling units before leaving.

In an interview, the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council on chieftaincy matters, Hon. Abdullahi Magaji, described the conduct of election as peaceful. Magaji who is a member of APC in Gwagwalada prayed that all the candidates of APC across the nation should win the election, urging the residents to vote for APC in the area.

He, however, expressed dismay over the low turnout of voters and charged the people to continue to be orderly during the sequent election.

Also, speaking, a strong member of PDP in Gwagwalada, Alhaji Faruk Umaru Abubakar, expressed hope that PDP would emerge as the winners in the country.

He said: “The abnormalities in the election are not much because the INEC has tried today compared to the local

governments election. The election was free and faster and we appreciated the INEC for having the second thought in using the machine”

Umar Abubakar, therefore, advised the voters to always cast their votes in accordance with the electoral act in every election and warned them against violence

Meanwhile, there was electoral violence at Dagiri and Tugan-Maje in Gwagwalada Area Council.

L-R: Proprietor, Augustine University Ilara (UAI) and the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins; Chancellor, Mr. Femi Otedola, CON; his mother and former First Lady of Lagos State, Lady Doja Otedola, Chairman Board of Trustee and Chairman, AUI Fund Raising Committee, Sir Steve Omojafor, and Pro-Chancellor, AUI, Chief Gilbert T. Grant, during the inauguration of the completed first block of the Faculty of Engineering complex and the laying of foundation for block 2 and 3, donated to Augustine University in Epe by Femi Otedola, in Lagos on Wednesday

Maiduguri Fire: APC VP candidate, Shettima donates N100m to victims, says Tinubu expected

Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has donated N100m as personal support to victims of Sunday, February 26, 2023 fire disaster at Maiduguri Monday Market.

A statement by Isa Gusau, spokesman of the Governor of Borno state, Babagana Zulum said Shettima announced his donation on Sunday afternoon while briefing the press shortly after he paid sympathy visit on Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House in Maiduguri.

Shettima was two term Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 and he currently

represent central part of the state at the senate of senate.

Shettima’s said in a remark: “It saddens my heart to address you this afternoon on the unfortunate fire incident at Maiduguri Monday market. This is a very famous market, it is the nerve centre of commercial activities in the northeastern sub-region.”

“I am here to commiserate with Governor Zulum, his eminence the Shehu of Borno and the people of Borno State, over the sad development.

“As my modest contribution towards cushioning the effects of the sad incident, I am making a personal donation of N100m for the victims of the fire disaster.”

“I have spoken with my principal, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and he requested me to convey his heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Borno State and he promised to

personally come to Maiduguri this week to condole the government and people of Borno State over the incident. Asiwaju knows the deep love and affection that the people of Borno hold for him and he wants to reciprocate by personally coming and also contributing handsomely towards assisting the victims of the fire incident.”

“Most importantly, His Excellency, Governor Zulum will lead us to meet with Mr President this week, to solicit for a massive intervention from the federal government, not only towards the reconstruction of the destroyed market, but also palliative for the victims of the fire incident.”

“Mr President is at liberty to

Niger APC guber disassociates party from CBN Naira swap policy

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger state gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress

APC, Umar Mohammed Bago has disassociated himself and the party from the redesign naira note policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Bago made this known during

his friendly meeting with Niger State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Minna.

He described the current cashless and naira notes swap policy

as callous and inhuman, adding that it is not inline with the APC plans.

He stated that the policy was never an APC manifesto.

I will govern Kaduna with fear of GodADP guber candidate

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Gubernatorial Candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Alhaji Sani Mahmood Sha’aban

has promised to govern Kaduna with the fear of God, knowing that even hereafter, whatever he does, God above is seeing him even when humans are not.

He asserted this during a policy dialogue with

governorship candidates organised by the Partnership for Issues-Based Campaign in Nigeria (PICaN), Legal Awareness for Nigeria Women (LAWN) with the support of ActionAid Nigeria and

use whatever platform, be it the NEDC or any government outfit towards addressing the challenges we are currently facing. Everyone here knows how badly important, the Maiduguri Monday market is to the livelihood of this city.”

“By the grace of God, and with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari and the good people of Nigeria, we believe that most of the challenges will be addressed, and we Build back better. By the grace of God, the government of Borno State will rebuild the market in such a way that there will be free passage of fire trucks in the event of any unfortunate incident in the future.”

Gov Sule hails citizens, security agents for peaceful elections

From Gambo Ahmed Lafia

Gov Abdullahi Sule has hailed people of Nasarawa state and security agents for peaceful elections on Saturday.

Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL/FCDO)

Sha’aban said he has been involved in several nongovernmental organisations because he believes in human capital development”.

The Governor who stated this in an interview with Journalists in his country home Gudi Akwanga LGA of the state after casting his vote at his country home. He further expressed delight on the conduct of security agents for ensuring that the election was successful across the state.

L-R: Analyst , Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), Mimi Achàkpa , The Convener, NCSSR, Ene Obi, Analyst, Clement Nwankwo, during the Situation Room Pre-Election media briefing on Friday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Consequences of our votes

By Festus Adedayo

In the elections conducted on Saturday, there will be consequences, both for us and the candidates themselves. For the latter, the aisle is about now showing the farmstead of the lazy farmer who sold dud worth to the world. The brawns and the sinews of their muscles must have headed for recess now, after the real measurement of their political worth was determined.

It is the day after. Fogs are gradually clearing (or not clearing) from the face of the firmament. Though we may not see as clearly as American singer-songwriter, pop star and reggae musician, Johnny Nash, saw when he magisterially pronounced that “I can see clearly now,” we can at least see beyond the ridges of our noses.

Whichever way, there are consequences. In philosophizing consequences, Yoruba go into the thrills and frills of the Egungun festival to explain what was and what is. Masquerade festivals – E’gun Odun – are moments of plenty, wild frenzy and flexing of muscles. For the son of the village Masquerades Chief Priest – the Alagbaa – the masquerade festival season is particularly a momentous period. Aside the plenty that the period offers, it is also a period to ride roughshod over everyone and anyone in the village. His father has plenty of Egba Osunsun – cudgels carved out of Osunsun tree branches – which are kept inside a closet. Masquerades deploy the cudgels to terrorize inhabitants during the festival. So, the day after the Egungun festival, for the son of the Alagbaa, is consequential and sobering. He returns to status quo of want and, like every other person, scrounges for what to eat at the market square. From this narrative of the transit of the Alagbaa’s son, the Yoruba took their philosophy of consequences. They say that the E’gun Odun has its expiry and the son of Alagbaa will also go out to buy bean cake with which to eat his eko – solid pap – just like the rest of humanity. They sum this up to say, titan l’egun odun, omo Alagbaa nbo wa r’akara je’ko.

For Nigerian politicians, their hirelings, surrogates and obsessive fanatics, the E’gun Odun has indeed just witnessed its expiry. And the reality has crept in. In a few hours time when the election results may be announced, we will all face the consequences of where we stood. Not only the politicians and their accomplices; those who sat on the fence, who refused to lend a voice, who saw evil and shrouded it in shawls of lies, as well as those who harangued those who stood where they were, will all face the nemesis of our respective choices.

So, who will be the next president of Nigeria? The political huffing and puffing have subsided. Anxiety and apprehension have taken over. Is it judgment day for political barons who over-estimate their relevance? Or Providence’s own way of saying all power belongs to Him? Is it time for this set of people to face the recompenses of their actions? Is it time for the light of truth to beam into darkness of vacuous grandstanding, muscle-flexing?

The period of the electioneering was indeed deeply harrowing, though with its own tinge of excitement as well. There were exaggerated presences which were pumped up by naïve party supporters. Science was relegated to the background and un-science took over postulations. Voodoo became the god to whom vain propitiations were made. Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu’s supporters went berserk in their partisanship.

Arrogant and perfunctory analyses, followed by belief in the sanctity and supremacy of where each person stood, reigned supreme. None of them was honest enough to acknowledge their failings. Or, their limitations. Yesterday however, the aisle of a farmland which the Yoruba say will surely demarcate the farmstead of the lazy farmer showed where the politicians stood. Atiku, Obi and Tinubu must by now have known where their political brawns could take them. We

will however not forget the cheap propaganda, lame political prowess taken to unrealistic levels and puffed up political mileages by political hirelings.

For us all, as I said earlier, we must be getting ready to reap the consequences of where we stood. I will reap mine, you will yours. Each of the candidates we support, whether they win or lose, also have consequences to bear. This reminds me of an audio interview I listened to some days ago. Conducted in 2011, it was ace broadcaster, Dele Adeyanju of the Agbaletu fame’s encounter with the enfant terrible of Ijesa traditional African music, Chief Adedara Ar’unralojaoba. He was an Odofin, chief of Iperindo, a suburb of Ilesa. Ijesa are a sub-ethnicity of Yorubaland with Ilesa, in current Osun State, being its largest town and historic cultural capital. If you read British professor, J.D.Y. Peel’s Ijeshas and Nigerians: The Incorporation of a Yoruba Kingdom, 18901970s, you will know the worth of this kingdom.

By the time Ar’unralojaoba died in 2022, he was 92 years, having been born in 1930. He took Adamo music off from the pioneering efforts of Ojo Oluwasokedile, Leye, Ayandokun and Bisileko who sang Adamo music before him, as well as his contemporary. Ige Adubi’s. This Ijesa bard, Ar’unralojaoba, took the genre of music to a noticeable level in Ijesaland, popularizing it even beyond its shores, to Ekiti, a kingdom that bears tonal dialect similarities with Ijesa’s.

In the interview, Ar’unralojaoba narrated how he humbled another enfant terrible in the musical firmament, Ayinla Omowura, clearly making him suffer the consequences of his haughtiness. Talking about consequences, the Adamo musician, in trying to stave off allegations that he was highly steeped in traditional mysticism, said that, rather than traditional African medicine, what appeared like talisman was his Maker in action. “If anyone stands up to me today, in a week’s time, the person will see the wrath of my Maker.” Contrary to this however, selfeffacing, self-underscoring and boastful Ar’unralojaoba was reputed to be a member of the Ogboni fraternity and was dreaded for the awesome powers of his traditional medicine. In one of his albums, after singing the panegyrics of Obeisun, a rich entrepreneur from Ijebu-Jesa, he heaped curses on whoever nursed evil against him. With their family, they will dash into and get lost in the forest – Abinu eni lo sekeji aroni pin/Eni binu mi laiese, \se la k’omo k’aya re a binu wo’gbo o.

In the case of Omowura, however, the wrath of Ar’unralojaoba’s “Maker” was instant. While singing praises of King Sunny Ade for how he treated him with humility and respect, as well as Haruna Ishola, who he said related to him with affectionately, he narrated how he once had a spat with Omowura. Ar’unralojaoba said his contact with the Apala lord was by reason of the spat. A burial ceremony which held in the Ikoti area of Ilesa had him and Omowura as musicians contracted for the afternoon and night sessions respectively. While the elder child of the deceased invited Ar’unralojaoba, Ayinla’s invitation was from the younger brother and both were programmed for afternoon and evening sessions. He said in the interview that he had however been forewarned that Ayinla was combative and pugnacious but he had prepared for him “with prayers.”

So after he finished his show by around 10pm, Ar’unralojaoba waited Omowura’s arrival. Then at about 10.30pm, Omowura entered with so much uproar and storm. Bouncers, with brawns and deadly gaits, took over the whole place. In his words, Ayinla walked in with huge self confidence and looked down on everyone else. He was clutching a huge pipe of marijuana which Ar’unralojaoba nicknamed Kelebu, that he smoked with a terrifying relish. The Apala music petrel had always been a harbinger of strife. In one of his tracks, he had boasted that any musician who underrated him on the bandstand had signed his death warrant. Virtually all the crowd in Ar’unralojaoba’s show then migrated to Ayinla’s bandstand. The Adamo musician was clinically prepared

and parceled for shame in his own Ijesa kingdom. So, according to him, he looked up to the sky and had a dialogue with “God.” When asked to go and do obeisance to Ar’unralojaoba, the Adamo musician said Ayinla retorted, “Aree! Who is so called!”So,Ar’unralojaoba said he murmured to himself, “they said so and you did exactly what they said about you!” Then, in what he called a conversation, he looked up to God again, and in his Ijesa dialect, said “Iwo Olorun Olodumare, o mo hii me gbon, o a dami lare be e?” God, you know I lack wisdom; will you vindicate me, please?

Then, “God” began to avenge for Ar’unralojaoba instantly. In subsequence, four of Ayinla’s Gangan drums got torn as his lead drummer hit them with the drum stick. Bowed and bruised, said Ar’unralojaoba, Ayinla then crawled up to him to do obeisance. Not only did he prostrate to the Adamo lord, he gave him the sum of N500 and drinks. “I gave him two Gangan drums and assured him they will not get torn again,” Ar’unralojaoba concluded, still insisting that it was not the power of mysticism but God’s intervention – Me l’ogun sughon mo l’Olorun – he said in Ijesa dialect.

In the elections conducted on Saturday, there will be consequences, both for us and the candidates themselves. For the latter, the aisle is about now showing the farmstead of the lazy farmer who sold dud worth to the world. The brawns and the sinews of their muscles must have headed for recess now, after the real measurement of their political worth was determined. For Ayinla, who thought he approximated the beginning and ending of traditional African power and brawns, prefacing his haughtiness on his fame, wealth and brawns of traditional African medicine, the consequence for him was being humbled by a person he thought was a provincial musician, who he grossly underrated. He faced the consequences of his arrogance; an arrogance not matched by what was on ground.

For us too as Nigerians, there are consequences for our last Saturday’s decision or indecision. We will either begin our sessions of national tribulations all over again or enter the phase of national redemption. This latter rationalization doesn’t look plausible on account of what is on ground. Nigeria and Nigerians do not seem to possess that innate mechanism for self-redemption. We are like Sisyphus, the mythic Greek god who, for his punishment in the underworld, was condemned to roll a rock up to the top of a mountain; roll the rock backwards again, down to the bottom every time it reaches the top, all the days of his life. We are always engaged in an eternity of futile efforts at choosing good leaders, perhaps a hideous retribution from God for some infractions we committed against Him.

There is virtually nothing in human behavior that has no consequences. This was what consequentialism, an ethical school of theory, is about. It judges whether an action is right or wrong by what its consequences are. There is no way the elections of last Saturday won’t have consequences. The consequences can either be good or bad. While the utilitarianism school judges an action by its consequences of whether it is for the “greatest good for the greatest number” standard, the hedonism school sees an action as good or bad if its consequence produces pleasure or avoids pain in the life of man. The tragedy of consequentialism is however that it is always post-mortem and not ante-mortem. It occurs only after the action has been committed and not before it.

We had the votes in our hands to vote otherwise than we voted last Saturday. We chose this path that we took. In rationalizing where they stood, some even biblicize what was not a problematic situation. They said they voted for the thief on either the right or left hand of Jesus. Let’s then begin to stew in the broth of those votes. No one should complain. There was no consequence of our choices that was not adequately laid on the table. Let’s live with it. Festus Adedayo is a Public Policy Analyst.

2023 presidential election and the salient message

By Hashim Yussuf Amao

Disregard for the rule of law, and anti human policies have been on the increase in the last eight years. The audacity of of the president to exhibit his clear contempt for verdicts of the (apex) court in the land is one that sends sadness down one’s spine. From the scarcity of Naira, to scarcity of fuel, Nigerians have really endured wrenching frustrations.

En masse, broken Nigerians trooped out to exercise their franchise in the just-concluded presidential election. In previous elections, many of these voters would have preferred to recline on their couches while surfing through activities from polling units on their gadgets. Ruthfully, a badly-led Buhari administration had provoked their tears for the past 8 years, hence their massive turnout for this year’s election.

In 2007, the voters’ rate declined from 57.4% to 53.7 percent in 2011. In 2015, it made a further decimation as it reduced to 43.6% and later to 34.75 percent in 2019. However, the 2023 election had 87 million Nigerians stormed 176, 606 polling units to exercise their franchise, in an all-time high voting rate. What must have really triggered the sudden interest, if not the calamities that had befallen these voters under the inept administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

In the 2022 Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria ranked sixth; no thanks to Boko Haram, unknown gunmen, killer pastoralists, kidnappers, and other agents of doom that have continued to toil the peace of Nigeria. Pathetically, Nigeria is no longer sitting on a powder keg; it is now reclining on an atomic couch, while we hope it does not explode.

The 80 million citizens languishing in penury had made Nigeria the capital of world poverty, before India came to claim the inglorious award in March 2022, according to World Poverty Clock. Perhaps, the Austrian-British philosopher, Karl Popper, had the Buhari regime in mind when he said, “Those who promised us paradise on earth never produced anything but a hell”.

The anti-corruption crusade of the “Sai baba” administration was a fictitious one, which has even blighted the administration.

From the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal’s ‘over N500 million’ grass-cutting scandal, to the N47bn in fraudulent contracts awarded by the former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Nsima Ekere, to the N80bn fraud of the suspended Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, and many others; the Buhariled administration has only been a regrettable mistake made by gullible Nigerians.

Disregard for the rule of law, and anti human policies have been on the increase in the last eight years. The audacity of of the president to exhibit his clear contempt for verdicts of the (apex) court in the land is one that sends sadness down one’s spine. From the scarcity of Naira, to scarcity of fuel, Nigerians have really endured wrenching frustrations.

With the massive turnout for the 2023 election where Nigerians choose between three main candidates: Bola Tinubu of the APC, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Nigerians are fully awakened to the fact that prayers alone can’t solve the many problems bedeviling the nation, but rather, political participation and the choice of capable candidates.

Even in the face of political narcissism, intimidation, and inconveniences, Nigerians now defy odds to troop out en masse and vote their preferred candidates; that even a woman who, despite being attacked by thugs with blood oozing out from her face, returned to the polling unit to cast her vote. An aweinspiring action and salient message have been passed: Nigerians are fully ready to rescue Nigeria and rewrite her gory story. Kudos to every Nigerian who trooped out to partake in the justconcluded presidential election, indeed, they’re deserving of every commendation they could get. Ours is Nigeria, and may it never falter. Hashim Yussuf Amao tweets via: @LegalBard

Gender inequality in Nigeria: A concerned call to fairness as Sine-Qua-Non

By Emmanuel Samuel

Like a parched land, women need and thirst for liberation; they are forlornly treated and seen as vulnerable. Who will rescue them, who will stand for them? The feminists have done their best, but have long been forgotten, for so long, they fled to the government and the people of good will for refuge, they begged for the ears of the leaders to be attentive and to speedily hearken to their concerns and agitations. Just because they are women, their agitations are not listened to, their writings are not read. Without mincing words, I say take consolation dear women.

We live in a patriarchal nation, where the men are seen always as the leaders and an impossible reality for a woman to govern a man. Apparently, parents and cultures give such orientations to their children. The nation by implication has been gendered, where women are seen as incomplete. The women have committed the crime of been women, women regretting to be women. The problem of inequality in Nigeria is relatively high, where women compromise every desire, ability, capacity and talent for their husbands, siblings and fathers.

The primary cause of gender inequality in Nigeria is religion. There are two major religions in Nigeria, Christianity and Islam; the country’s religions are plagued with gender inequalities. The Muslims, conceiving their women as vulnerable locked them in the house in a way to put an embargo between them and the world. It becomes a partiality and a problem because the men are the only ones allowed to go out in search of food and other paraphernalia. The issue of religious’ gender inequality is also experienced in Christianity in the sense that women are given minor roles to play and by extension function distinctions being practiced.

Another basic cause of gender inequality in Nigeria is tradition. Most traditions practiced in Nigeria give room for cultural prejudices where the women are been estranged from some of the duties men do that they can actually do when permitted. Come to think of it, there are critical meetings held in some cultures where women cannot attend. In the society, when a child grows up to be responsible, the society acknowledges the male parent for an impressive paternal care, but when the opposite is the case the female

parent is blamed for reprehensible upbringing.

An additional cause of gender inequality in Nigeria is the divisions of jobs and lack of the employment of women in some particular specializations, where the employers think women cannot handle. Men are conceived to be in the better position to handle some major jobs, which pays the best income, as such this act of discrimination sees women as second citizens and those to earn lower income. We fail to obviously realize that women have the same intrinsic worth as men, as the common viral statement posits “what a man can do, a woman can do better”.

The family as I said in my former article, “Common

Good in The Nigeria Society: The Promotion of Healthy Relationship” is the fundamental unit of the society. The woman also plays a better role in the development of the society just as men do. It is totally outrageous the way some men treats their women in the family, seeing them as inferior beings. Some have taken the women to exercise the function of satisfying them on bed, that’s why implicatively sexual assault is in the increase. Unlike Chimamanda who is a radical feminist, there are some realities that nature has made different, the nurturing of a child or the basic upbringing of a child is the sole responsibility of women. Nature does not make a mistake for gifting women with the womb and men with no womb, to mention but few.

A story was told by one of my secondary school class mates who we always sympathize with for doing chores meant for girls in the family, they were told in the family, there is no distinction between jobs, that is, male or female jobs, unless that which nature has endowed. At the age of ten each child learnt how to cook and do every chore in the family. We always see him as a weak vessel, for the fact that we find him cooking, sweeping, or washing dishes anytime we visit. Afterward, he reaped the fruit of his labor while in the university for the reason that he cooks deliciously for himself and subsequently when he eventually got married. It is actually not a mortal sin for men to help their women in virtually all the basic chores in the family, especially when the work loads are too much on them because they also are human beings. However, when talking about gender inequality, we are not referring to sameness but fairness.

It is pathetically disheartening that some of the feminists agitating for right and liberty are engaged into lesbianism just because they find it difficult to be under the leadership of men, which is a somber threat to family and as a deterrent to a healthy upbringing. I implore you dear women to embrace family life, take responsibilities, unencumbered in body and mind, harden not your hearts and devote yourselves to every societal service in freedom and joy. Don’t feel alienated, whether male or female you are great and do your best, for good deeds pays, for the epitome of this paper is to make a splendid concerned call for fairness in our dear society so we can live in happiness, love and respect for each one’s dignity.

Emmanuel Samuel can be reached at samuelemmanuel1645@gmail.com

Democracy needs democrats to thrive

By Usman O. Abdullahi

Democracy is a system of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free, fair and credible elections. In democracy; laws, policies, leadership and governance are decided by the people. Hence, the people are the drivers of democracy.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States defined democracy as a rule of the people, for the people and by the people. One word that keeps resonating is the “people”, which means for democracy to work, the people must be involved, and the citizens must be active, not passive.

It is pertinent to note that democracy is not just about ruling the people; it is ruling for the people, this means that the interest of the people is sacrosanct and placed above self-interest always. However, if the people are truly ruled for the people and by the people, there will be adequate representation at all levels of government and our representatives will always represent our collective interests at all times.

Democracy is a government in which everyone has a share, so says Abraham Lincoln. It is often said that majority will have their way while minority will have their say, but the most important thing is that our voices are heard and everyone is allowed to contribute to the development of the nation. When we vote, we give up our individual powers to the people representing us which implies, we have a right to know how these powers are being used.

Over the years, one major drawback of democracy in the world most especially in Africa is that we often do not have people who believe in democracy utterly and also we do not have people who are democratic in nature. Most times, what we practice in Africa is called Quasi-Democracy which is a democracy that is not all-encompassing.

For democracy to be truly pragmatic and gain momentum; it needs men, women, followers and leaders to drive the process. These people are the proponents of democracy who are willing to defend democracy at all costs and make sure the people

are at the centre of governance. These set of people are called democrats.

Democrats are people who do not just see democracy as rhetoric but people who have accepted the words and the spirit therewith. They know that ultimate sovereignty of the state lies with the people, they understand that they are accountable to the people, hence; they are willing to bring the people towards decision making and formulation of government policies.

We cannot talk of democrats in Africa without referring to our own Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who was the 1st democratically elected black president of South Africa (10 May 1994 – 14 June 1999). He fought for the democracy South Africa enjoys till date, even to the point he was incarcerated for 27 years, in spite of all these, he said at the beginning of his tenure that he would serve for a single term of 5 years which he did. Although, the 1996 Constitution of South Africa permitted him to serve two consecutive five-year terms, though he had all the apparatchiks and appurtenances of power at his disposal to impose himself on the people forever but he chose the path of honour because he was democratic in nature.

The snag with democracy in Africa is that most times the players are not democratic in nature, hence; it becomes difficult to give what you don’t have. When we see power as an opportunity to empower self rather than the people, we will do anything and everything to clinch and retain power by any means. However, we can never talk of true democracy without talking of the Rule of Law. Democracy stands on the rule of law and it is reinforced by its application.

Section 14(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice. Democracy is what will solve our problems and heal our land as a nation. Till the principles of democracy permeate all spheres and strata of our nation, only then we will have the best of us lead the rest of us.

In the words of His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, the erstwhile president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian”. Those were his words prior to the 2015 general election where he sought a reelection into the highest office of the land; he lost to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari and conceded peacefully. This is no small feat, especially in a region where leaders battle with sit-tight syndrome, however; he is a democrat and he placed the interest of Nigerians above his interest. No wonder, in June 2019, he emerged as the chairperson of newly inaugurated International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) and in July 2020, he was appointed special envoy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead mediation talks during the 2020 Malian protest, which he did successfully.

Finally, I end with this apothegm from the renowned Mahatma Gandhi which quips “the day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace”. This can only happen in a democratic environment and with democrats who are willing to make democracy thrive irrespective of whose ox is gored.

Usman O. Abdullahi is a writer and a public affairs analyst based in Lagos and can be reached via abdullahiusman19@ gmail.com

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An additional cause of gender inequality in Nigeria is the divisions of jobs and lack of the employment of women in some particular specializations, where the employers think women cannot handle

“

Democrats are people who do not just see democracy as rhetoric but people who have accepted the words and the spirit therewith

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Nigeria’s forefront election observer, Yiaga Africa

Watching the Vote has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the reasons responsible for the late deployment of election materials and personnel including the late activation of the Registration Area Centers (RACs). Cases of breach of contractual obligations by transport workers should be met with sanctions.

The Chair, Yiaga Africa

Watching The Vote, Dr Hussaini Abdu and Executive Director, Yiaga Africa , Samson Itodo while briefing media at the midday Situational Press Statement

Investigate late deployment of election materials, other irregularities —Yiaga Africa tells INEC

on the ongoing Presidential Election said INEC should implement its guidelines on cases where elections will hold the next day.

They said where the Commission reschedules election to the following day, it should publish the comprehensive list of affected polling units on its online and offline platforms timeously.

They said they should ensure timely response to issues

raised at polling units such as malfunctioning of the BVAS, location of polling units.

“Ensure Compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC Guidelines: Yiaga Africa calls on INEC polling officials to ensure strict compliance with the electoral guidelines, especially in the usage of BVAS to accredit voters and the upload polling unit results on the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).

“ Publication of Polling Units

Data of PVCs Collected: INEC should fulfil its commitment to release the polling unit level data on collected PVC on its website. Yiaga Africa notes that INEC is yet to release the comprehensive data of collected PVC per polling unit,” they said . They commended the Nigerian people for their resilience and commitment to vote in this election and urged voters to remain patient and vigilant to ensure their votes

count.

They observed that access to polling units: In 31% of polling units, individuals had to climb steps or cross over gutters to access the polling units, which made it difficult for persons with disability.

“As of 1:00 pm, the Yiaga Africa WTV Data Center had also received 40 verified critical incident reports primarily concerning the late opening of polls,” they said.

Presidential Poll: Group lauds interception of N32.4m in Lagos by EFCC

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the interception of the sum of N32, 400,000 in Lagos, allegedly suspected to be used for vote buying in presidential and National Assembly polls, urging the antigraft agency to intensify its efforts in this regard across the country.

ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev David Ugolor made the commendation yesterday, shortly after confirming that the antigraft agency actually tracked the money allegedly planned to be used to undermine elections in Lagos State, noting that the EFCC’s action resonates with the Gelegele Declaration by over 200 Civil Society Organisations on Wednesday which called on the Anti-Corruption agency to go after vote-traders bent on undermining the 2023 polls.

“The current scarcity of Naira notes across the country which has increased hardship amongst citizens is attributable to hoarding by some unscrupulous politicians acting in connivance with some crooked bank officials with the intention of perpetrating vote-buying and other electoral maleficence,” Ugolor noted.

He called on the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to go after all suspects and cease all the monies meant to compromise the Presidential and National Assembly elections nationwide. He called on members of the public to volunteer information to the EFCC to enable the arrest of all suspects.

“We understand the suspect involved in Lagos has been taken into custody, the suspect should be thoroughly investigated with a view to unmasking the big masquerade behind the offence. The EFCC should leave no stone unturned and there should be no sacred cows. It should spread its dragnet across the country,” Ugolor admonished.

He re-stated ANEEJ’s avid commitment to a peaceful, free, fair and transparent 2023 polls and assured that his organisation will work with all stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process is not compromised by devious individuals or groups.

It will be recalled that on Wednesday over 200 Civil Society Organisations led by ANEEJ and Ijaw Youth Movement converged on Gelegele, Ovia North East Local Government where the Gelegele

2023

Declaration on the 2023 Elections was issued. In the document, the CSOs demanded a zero tolerance to vote-buying by candidates and their supporters for the 2023 general elections and called on them to refrain from all acts of vote-buying or vote-trading in any form whatsoever as vote-buying is capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process. The Gelegele Declaration reads in part, “we call on security agents to provide top notch security across

the country to ensure that no form of violence is allowed to fester in any part of the country, particularly in flash points where insurgents have threatened to unleash mayhem. Again, security agents deployed for the elections should promptly arrest anyone or group of persons found sharing money at polling stations or other designated election materials sharing centres and venues. Security agents must be professional in the discharge of their election duties and must shun

any form of inducements or an act of corruption.”

The CSOs in the declaration further urged the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and European Union Countries’ Governments to sanction any individual or political party involved in vote-buying or election violence. “They should be placed on their watch list and denied visas/entry into their countries,” they stated.

Poll: Vote NASS candidates based on merit – Media Expert, NGO tells Nigerians

By Christiana Ekpa

The Executive Director of OrderPaper, Okey Epia on Thursday urged Nigerians to vote for National Assembly Candidates with clear understanding of the core functions of the Parliament during Saturday, 25th February, 2023 general elections.

The Order paper Director, who presented the report on the surveys conducted by the Organisation at a press briefing held in Abuja, disclosed that 0.23% of the 4,223 Candidates contesting for the elective positions have requisite knowledge of the statutory roles of the Parliament as lawmaking, representation and oversight of the Executive arm of Government.

According to him, “Nigerians are expected to elect 469 lawmakers during the National Assembly election scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 25, 2023 which will take place in 176,846 Polling Units across 109 Senatorial Districts and 360 Federal Constituencies across the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT)”

Out of the total number of 1,101 Senatorial Candidates, 1,008 are Males and 92 Females; while out of the total number of 3,122 House of Representatives Candidates, 2,832 are Males while 288 are Females. He said: “going by the concept of representative democracy, the

legislature is the first and foremost arm of government, and it plays a crucial role in the sustenance of democracy as a tradition for a country’s people.

“Having had a series of military interregnums in politics where the National Assembly gave way for Military Decrees and Edicts, a return to democracy in May 1999 saw the inauguration of the 4th National Assembly, and we have since then had the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and now, 9th National Assemblies.

“It is, therefore, noteworthy to state that this year’s National Assembly is holding on the eve of the 25th Anniversary of the Nigerian National Assembly; at least in the uninterrupted Fourth Republic.

“In each of the six electoral cycles leading to the election of lawmakers who have served in these Assemblies, we have observed as a legislative-focused organisation that many at times, the majority of the lawmakers who have served in the various Assemblies we mentioned earlier, emerge through a bandwagon.

“This trend, to a large extent, sacrifices merit for party considerations, especially as the National Assembly elections hold simultaneously with the highlyanticipated Presidential Elections.

“In no small measure, this has affected the quality of representation in each Assembly and also prevented effective service delivery. This development is what

OrderPaper and our partners have considered necessary to address for the future development of parliament,” he noted.

Epia said that the OrderPaper’s National Assembly Election Situation Room located at the Board Room, Hawthorn Suites will open by 8:00am on Saturday, 25th February 2023 and deployed Citizens Observers across the 360 Federal Constituencies for Election Monitoring and Observation (EOM).

While speaking on the performance of the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan in the 9th Assembly, Mr. Epia argued that: “if we infuse legislative election into our reportage and keep away or do less of the drama. Okay, you are watching out for if Lawan is going to be floored by PDP because of the Machina affair, that is dramatic that is fine.

“It is political reportage people to know that but are we also able to make people know that Lawan didn’t sponsor a single bill althrough this 9th National Assembly? And that’s not excusable because he is a presiding officer, because we know his opposite member here he has sponsored 27 bills.

“So, being a presiding officer is not an excuse why he didn’t sponsor a single bill. People know him to be the chief enforcer of the President’s desires in the National Assembly and he has been quoted that much, he has not refuted that anything Mr. Buhari wants he will

get it, Mr. Buhari is always right.

“So, these are one of the opportunities for us to be able to infuse the right knowledge and awareness in our reportage. In the midst of the drama we are able to capture in the elections, we can also put in the facts and figures, the data that will enable citizens make informed decision making when they are casting their ballots, not just in 2023 but going forward in other elections,” he urged.

On the preliminary assessment of the campaign promises tracking for the National Assembly Elections, he disclosed that: “Majority of the candidates running for the 469 National Assembly seats (especially among the aspiring lawmakers) cared very little about releasing an articulated plan of their campaign promises (manifesto) for their would-be constituents.

“Most of the manifestoes and campaign promises of the legislative candidates were heavy on subjects outside the core duty of a legislator.

“From the records available so far, only 0.23% out of the total 4,223 National Assembly Candidates running for elections on Saturday, February 25 2023 had functional and well-articulated manifestoes that speak to these core duties.

“We, therefore, fear that a lot of these candidates do not have a clear picture of what they will be doing at the 10th National Assembly in the event that they are elected on Saturday.”

CNPP tasks INEC on credible polls, commends police over arrests

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Conference Of Nigeria

Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to key into the ground already prepared by President Muhammadu Buhari for free, fair, credible, safe, and peaceful elections starting from Saturday, February 25.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the CNPP urged the commission to ensure that its officials were not compromised in line with the level of neutrality

Lawan sympathises with victims of Maiduguri market inferno

By Musa Baba Adamu

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has sympathised with the victims of the early morning fire that gutted the popular Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno State on Sunday.

Lawan sympathised with shop and property owners who must have suffered unquantifiable loss to the fire incident.

He also commiserated with the State Government and the entire people of Borno over the unfortunate incident and expressed the belief that the appropriate authorities would find out the cause of the incident with a view to preventing a recurrence.

“I commiserate with all the victims particularly the traders and shop owners who are directly impacted by the early morning fire incident at the Maiduguri Monday market.

“My sympathy also goes to the government and the entire people of Borno over the incident. We thank Almighty Allah that there was no report of loss of life in the incident.

“I have no doubt that relevant authorities will thoroughly investigate the cause of the fire outbreak to prevent a recurrence,” Lawan said.

demanded by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The CNPP was reacting to the reported arrest of a federal lawmaker, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, with $498,100 on suspicion of attempted vote buying and money laundering.

The police also recovered a list of suspected beneficiaries of the money, including INEC headquarters in Rivers State.

According to the CNPP, “This arrest is just a tip of how politicians have planned to deploy illicit funds to compromise the electoral process.

“Since they have no access

to the volume of cash to deploy for vote buying due to the naira redesign policy of the federal government being executed by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, these corrupt politicians are deploying foreign currencies to perpetrate their evil acts.

“We commend President Muhammadu Buhari, who set the template for credible 2023 elections and the CBN Governor who has followed through the presidential directives of the naira redesign policy aimed at reducing corruption and electoral

fraud ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“We therefore call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to key into the anti-election rigging template of President Buhari administration and ensure that the will of the people was not subverted on Saturday.

“It’s time for INEC to demonstrate in reality that their officials have been trained to be neutral in the discharge of their electoral duties during the elections.

“INEC should ensure that electoral offences were diligently

prosecuted and its compromising officials named, shamed, and publicly sanctioned in accordance with the laws.

“The police and all the security agencies are commended for their efforts to ensure the safety of voters across the country.

“We urge the Department of State Services (DSS), antigraft outfits, the military and paramilitary agencies on election duty to remain on high alerts and proactively nip in the bud all acts capable of instigating violence during and after the polls”, the CNPP stated.

INEC declares Bamidele winner of Ekiti central senatorial election

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has been declared as the winner of the Senatorial poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Ado-Ekiti.

With the announcement of Bamidele as the winner of the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, he will be the first Senator in Ekiti Central to be re-elected back to National Assembly since 1999.

Bamidele was declared the winner of the Senatorial election by the INEC Returning Officer for Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Prof. J. Sola Omotola at the State Collation Centre, INEC State Headquarters, New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State on Sunday, 26th February, 2023.

He pollled 69,351 to defeat his close rival, Lateef Oladimeji Ajijola of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 26,181

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters was at his victory thanksgiving service which held at Babamuboni Memorial Anglican Church, Iyin-Ekiti with his wife, family members, friends and political associates on Sunday, 26th February, 2023 where he gave thanks to God for his landslide victory in the elections.

Bamidele also appreciated

the good people of Ekiti Central Senatorial District for giving him yet another privilege and democratic mandate to represent them in the Senate of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The federal lawmaker and Chairman, Southern Senators’ Forum also thanked the leadership and entire members of the Church for their continued prayers and support and also sought for more prayers for the tasks and journey ahead.

According to him, “My main purpose of coming here today is to give thanks to Almighty God for His amazing grace over my life and family and for the success

of yesterday’s National Assembly and Presidential Election. I also thank God for making me to win the election in a landslide manner.

“I appreciate all our people in Ekiti Central Senatorial District and the Church of God. I am indebted to the Church leadership for their continued prayers and support.

“We also came to seek spiritual blessings and benediction for the tasks ahead of us”

In his remarks, the Vicar of Babamuboni Memorial Anglican Church, Venerable Oluwasola Olusegun Adekola pointed it out that the victory of Senator

Bamidele in the just concluded Senatorial election is welldeserved based on his track record of performance in his previous positions of public duty, especially in the 9th Senate where he brought several dividends of democracy to the people of his Senatorial District.

He therefore prayed for more grace, God’s protection and wisdom, divine strength and enablement for Senator Bamidele to enable him perform more excellently in his second tenure in the Senate.

Below are the results of the Ekiti Central Senatorial District Elections.

FCT PDP Chairman died in active service to party - Sen. Aduda

By Christiana Ekpa

Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Philipi Aduda has described the death of FCT People Democratic Party, (PDP) Chairman, Sunday Zaka as a great lost to Nigeria, even as he stressed that he died in active Service because they were still preparing for election until at about 2:30am on Election day

The chairman of the PDP FCT Zaka was said to have died around 3 am on Saturday after a fatal accident while on his way to his residence in Kuje.

He died alongside his personal security aide after some party activities in the city centre.

Aduda disclosed this after voting in his Polling unit 034, Old chief palace Karu village in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

“His death is great lost to Nigeria FCT PDP member. He died in active Service because we were still preparing for election until this morning at about 2:30am when he left and said let us all go and get ready.

“Unfortunately for him, he had an accident and he died, it is very sad

situation and on behave of myself and my family, I which to condole with the PDP family, his family, he was very fantastic and a very promising young man and he work closely with me.

He said “FCT PDP Chairman died in active Service because we were still preparing for election until this morning at about 2:30am when he left and said let us all go and get rea.

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth commencement of Presidential and

National Assembly elections in the Nation’s Capital.

Aduda said: “I just casted my vote and the BVAS function well, this shows that the INEC has put in place all the necessary arrangements to ensure a hitch free exercise.

“I did my accreditation without wast of time, the accreditation is going on the way it ought to be”.

According to him, one can not expect 100% as human beings are concern but at the moment the process is going on well.

However, In PU 089, 087, 014 at

Jikwoyi phase II primary school voters were seeing casting there votes.

One of the voters, Peter Omeji, who voted at 089 described the process as peaceful.

He urged INEC to split the Polling unit because of the large number of voters.

Omeji said:”The exercise so far is peaceful, there are no hitches anywhere”

At PU 071, Corner shop beside Redeemed Church Karu site, there was a large turn out of voters and the exercise was going on during the time of filling this report.

L-R: Iyaloja General,Chief Folashade Ojo- Tinubu; APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sen. Oluremi Tinubu after casting vote at Polling unit 085 ward F at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos

Bamidele Salam reelected, trounces

APC’s Atanda Bello with 28,000 votes

By Christiana Ekpa

TheIndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly as the winner of the House of Representatives election conducted yesterday, Saturday, 25th February, 2023.

Representative Bamidele Salam emerged victorious after defeating Mr. Atanda Bello of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what turned out to be a landmark in the electoral victory of the PDP in Osun State.

Announcing outcome of the election in Ede Sunday afternoon, the INEC Federal Constituency Returning Officer, Dr Muritala Monsuru of the Department of History, University of Ibadan, said Rep Bamidele Salam of the PDP polled a mouth watering 64,236 votes, while Atanda Bello of the APC came distant second with 35,444 votes.

The breakdown of the result also saw Rep. Bamidele Salam defeating Atanda in all the four local governments making up the federal constituency and with a margin of 28,792 votes.

The victory margin is arguably the widest in all the nine federal constituencies in the state.

In his immediate reaction after the official declaration of the result, Rep. Bamidele Salam expressed gratitude to Almighty God, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Adeleke political dynasty and indeed the good people of the Federal Constituency for the renewed trust and confidence reposed in him through his re-election and especially, the overwhelming victory.

Rep Bamidele Salam assured the people of his readiness to rededicate himself to the cause of his engagement as a lawmaker and representative of the people of the federal constituency.

Rivers: Labour party raises alarm over electoral robbery, seeks cancellation

By Christiana Ekpa

The Labour Party (LP) has raised the alarm “unverified and manipulated results” arising from Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in parts of Rivers State.

Following alleged irregularities in Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in some of Rivers State, the Labour Party (LP) on Sunday requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cancel the “unverified and manipulated results.”

It was alleged that thugs believed to be agents of the state

government invaded various polling units and collation centres, took away election materials including the results sheets, manipulated the BVAS machines and uploaded fake results in to the Central portal.

“We took particular note of incidences in places like Obio/ Akpor, Khana, Eleme, Obigbo, Rumukoro and several other areas where Labour Party was clearly leading in virtually all the polling units with very wide margins.

“Governor Nyesom Wike, faced with stark reality of defeat even in the polling units in his compound in Worji, where LP scored 323 votes against APC and PDP’s 5 and 2 votes respectively,

he used the soldiers and police to intimidate, harassed and snatched ballot papers.

“Nigerians went into this election based on the assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) that the deployment of BVAS was a perfect antidote to electoral malpractices in Nigeria, but what transpired across Nigeria, if allowed to stand is purely a betrayal of trust by millions of Nigerians on INEC.

“INEC’s staff were intimidated by these thugs in connivance with the military personnels and police officers who were deployed to protect them, into doing their bidding and were forced

to manipulate the BVAS, being afraid of the consequences of their refusal.

“Some of these manipulations happened way into late in the night. We demand that INEC investigate these atrocities against Nigerian voters by the political class.

“We are therefore asking that INEC to rise to the occasion and cancel all the unverified and manipulated results arising from the presidential and national assembly elections in parts of Rivers state particularly in places like Obio/Akpor, Khana, Eleme, Obigbo and Rumukoro amongst others.

CNPP asks INEC to cancel results over BVAS bypass, mass thumb-printing

By Musa Baba Adamu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately cancel election results in parts of the country where the newly introduced Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were bypassed during accreditation.

The CNPP in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Willy Ezugwu, recalled that “the BVAS is an electronic device designed to authenticate voters during accreditation based on the 2023 electoral guidelines.

“The legal framework for conducting the 2023 elections

consists of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended; the Electoral Act, 2022; and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Election Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of the elections.

“When the commission introduced the BVAS machines into the Nigerian electoral system, the compact device was intended to serve as the only means of verification of the genuineness of the PVCs through the fingerprint or facial authentication of voters during accreditation. All verifications outside the BVAS are invalid.

“On the other hand, uploading the polling unit results to the

INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) was intended to be in realtime on election day, which was substantially not the case.

“So, we are afraid that the election results from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) were suspiciously delayed because even results from different major cities across the country with good internet connections were not uploaded real-time to the INEC results portal.

“In the same vein, INEC officials were also being accused of paypassing the use of BVAS machines for accreditation in some parts of the country, expecially in the North East and North West, leading to allegations of massive thumb-printing and stuffing of

ballot boxes.

“Another very noticeable anomaly is on viral videos where clearly under-aged voters in some states were seen thumb-printing ballot papers in parts of the North.

“The use of violence to scare voters as well as vote-buying persisted in parts of the country throughout the presidential and national assembly elections on Saturday.

“We, therefore, call on the electoral body to exercise its powers under the law to cancel results of polling units where violence, vote buying or mass Thumb-printing of ballot papers took place.

“Polling unit officials deployed by the Commission were accused of bypassing the BVAS machines,

which is the only means of accreditation of voters. This is not in compliance with the electoral guidelines for the 2023 general elections as released by INEC and any election result from such polling unit must be canceled and rerun ordered.

“We also call on the international community to note these observations and pressure INEC to do the needful by ensuring compliance to its own guidelines.

“The current delay in announcing the results of the presidential election is even raising more suspicion that INEC has an ulterior motive or is acting a script to produce a particular candidate other than the one voted for by Nigerians”, the CNPP stated.

L-R, Mahmood Yakubu, chairman INEC/returning officer of Presidential election, Akeem Olawale Lasisi, SCOPE and Ayobami Salami, REC Ekiti State during the presentation of Ekiti State Presidential and Nation Assembly result at the collation centre, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

POLITICS

Opposition attempt to discredit election will fail - APC PCC

The All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential Campaign Council has called on the opposition political parties to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to do its job of collating the election result without interference.

A statement yesterday by Bayo Onanuga, Director, Media & Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Council yesterday said it has noticed the disingenuous attempts by the opposition parties, spokesmen of their campaign councils and their hired talking heads on Television and Radio Stations to discredit the presidential and National Assembly elections conducted nationwide yesterday.

“Noteworthy are spokespersons of Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council and that of the Peoples Democratic Party/Atiku

Deputy Majority Leader, Akpatason wins

Ako-Edo federal constituency

By Christiana Ekpa

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Peter Akpatason of the All Progressives Party, has emerged winner of the election into the House of Representatives to represent Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency for a record fourth term.

Professor Robert Okuonghae, the Independent National Electoral Commission collation officer, disclosed that Akpatason scored 14,982 votes to defeat Hon Kabiru Adjoto of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, who polled 9,293 votes, while the Labour Party polled 7,993

Presidential Campaign Council,” the statement said.

It said two persons it considered as respectable citizens, Professor Pat Utomi and Director-General of Peter Obi Campaign Council, Mr. Akin Osuntokun threw caution to the wind by their inciting and incendiary comments on social media and TV stations where they have been making baseless and irresponsible allegations of electoral manipulations and other malpractices against our party and the electoral umpire, all in a bid to cause disaffection and civil unrest in the country.

“We must also stress that we have noticed many partisan talking heads claiming to be Election Observers on radio and TV stations who are presenting skewed and patently false narratives about the general conduct of the election across the country.

“Both Labour Party and PDP have accused INEC of conspiracy to rig election result in favour of our party, anchoring their allegation on the agency’s inability to upload election results on its website.

“ While we call on INEC to expedite action on the process of uploading the results, we want to state categorically that there is nothing unusual about the seeming delay.

“INEC returning officers bringing the results to the National Collation Centre from the 36 states, may be contending with possible travel logistics as witnessed on Day One of the collation on Sunday, when only Ekiti state was ready with its result. There could also be technical issues with INEC Results Viewing Portal which we are sure the commission will quickly resolve,” the statement said.

It added: “It is worth stating that election results have been announced and made public at polling units and duly signed by accredited party agents in line with the Electoral Law. There is no political party that does not have election results from all the over 176,000 polling units across the country except for few locations election didn’t hold. The Abuja Collation is merely ceremonial.

“While the law stipulates that the INEC Chairman who is the National Returning Officer for the Presidential election should declare the result, it is also a fact that no party can claim ignorance about its performance from every polling unit through their Situation Rooms updates from party agents.

“This brazen attempt to discredit this election that is adjudged to be the most peaceful, credible, open, transparent, free and fair in the history of our

Election results: APC warns PDP, LP not to overheat polity

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Festus Keyamo, SAN, the spokesperson of the Tinubu/ Shettima Presidential Campaign Council of the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, has warned the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Labour Party, LP, to stop overheating the polity with remarks on the yet-to-

be-announced Saturday’s election.

In a statement to journàlists on Sunday, Keyamo cautioned opposition supporters to be wary of comments capable of causing post-election violence.

He appealed to PDP, LP and other parties to respect the peace accord they signed before the presidential election.

Keyamo urged that all parties

allow INEC to do its constitutionally assigned responsibility without intimidation.

He called on the international observers and communities not to be distracted.

“We have all campaigned hard and strongly. The Nigerian people have listened to all of us and made their decisions. Now is the time to hear the voices of Nigerians as the

results are released and not our own voices. The body officially designated to reflect the voices of Nigerians is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). No Party can bully them by threatening to do its bidding. Neither will the APC be cowed into silence by the disgusting antics of the opposition parties,” he stated.

country will fail.

“We suspect that the opposition parties making unnecessary fuss over the results of the poll are only afraid of facing the reality of their defeat. Elections are not a do or die affair. They are meant to be won by some and lost by some.

“The 2023 Presidential election has been successfully conducted and results announced at polling units, wards, local councils and at the state level.

“ We advise politicians to allow the remaining part of the process to go on without intimidation and harassment of INEC.

“We call on the security agencies to be alert and ruthlessly deal with anyone seeking to destabilise our country with reckless, subversive and obnoxious statements on the social media, TV and radio platforms.”

ADC reps member retains Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi

By Musa Baba Adamu

The candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Elder Leke Abejide, has won the House of Representatives election in Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State.

Abejide won in all three local government areas in the federal constituency (Mopamuro, Yagba West and Yagba East) in a landslide victory.

The results were announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation officer, Dr. Okpanachi Stephen on Sunday in Isanlu, headquarters of the Federal Constituency.

“Hon. Abejide polled 23271 votes to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Folorunsho Olafemi who garnered 10426 votes.”

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the race, Hon. Tolorunjuwon Faniyi managed to poll 6421 votes to come a distant third.

NNPP protest over alleged disenfranchised Kwara voters

Prof. Shuaibu AbdulRaheem, the Kwara governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has alleged that majority of the party supporters were disenfranchised in Saturday’s press and parliamentary elections.

The gubernatorial candidate made the allegation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Sunday.

AbdulRaheem, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, said that the issue of the logo of NNPP on ballot papers was a very

controversial one and should be resolved very soon.

“INEC printed the logo of the party, with fruit basket, but the colour separation and NNPP acronym were absent, so if you look at the ballot paper, the logo appears in a dark-brown colour.

“It takes a lot of effort for the eye to identify which is the basket and which is the fruit.

“If this appears to ordinary Nigerians, who are of average or little education, it will pose a challenge,” he said.

AbdulRaheem cited an instance where an electoral officer denied some NNPP voters the opportunity to vote, because NNPP was not written on the ballot paper, even with the presence of the party symbol.

He said that the act completely disenfranchised a lot of people, due to irresponsible conduct of electoral officers in polling units.

“Simply because the NNPP is not written against the logo, people were denied the opportunity to vote.

“There is no basis stopping

people, if the voters identify the logo of their party, whether there is a name or not, both name and logo are means of identity,” he said.

The Kwara NNPP gubernatorial candidate noted that the 2023 presidential and parliamentary poll was generally peaceful, but not flawless.

AbdulRaheem said that there was a need for more synergy between the political parties and the electoral body.

“It appears that either artificial or man-made distance had been

created among parties, to the extent that such parties like mine, NNPP, stood disadvantaged.

“This is as a result of poor or insincere communication between the party and INEC,” he said.

The gubernatorial candidate hoped that the next election would not follow the same method, saying that INEC and the party need to agree to correct the mistake.

“They can really disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters, if not corrected before the gubernatorial election,” he noted.

L-R: Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma and Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, during the official opening of the Presidential Collation Centre for the 2023 General Election held at the African Hall International Conference Centre, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has added Nigeria and South Africa to its “grey list” of countries that need to intensify efforts to tackle money laundering and terrorism financing.

FATF is a intergovernmental policy-making body that seeks to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

FATF said the two African countries were added to its list on Friday following a review.

The organisation explained that the inclusion of a jurisdiction to its grey list means that the country has committed to swiftly resolve the identified strategic deficiencies within

Financial task force adds Nigeria, South Africa to anti-money laundering watchlist

agreed timeframes and is subject to increased monitoring.

“Jurisdictions under increased monitoring are actively working with the FATF to address the strategic deficiencies in their regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing,” FATF said.

“New jurisdictions subject to increased monitoring are South Africa and Nigeria.

Oil production slows by 13% –Report

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

Crude oil production which accounts for around two-thirds of government revenue and 90 per cent of its foreign exchange reserves, contracted by 13 per cent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of last year, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics has said.

The bureau in its latest report said Nigeria recorded an average oil output of 1.3 million barrels per day in the fourth quarter, lower than the daily average of 1.5 million bpd registered in the same quarter of 2021.

“Although the agriculture sector grew … its performance was significantly hampered by severe incidences of flood experienced across the country,” the NBS said.

“The Industry sector was … challenged recording -0.94 per cent growth and contributing less to the aggregate GDP relative to the third quarter of 2022 and the fourth quarter of 2021.”

The price of diesel, which many businesses rely on to generate electricity, has soared in Nigeria due to high global oil prices, leading to increased costs of production.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, had recently blamed low crude oil production on vandalism of oil pipelines which led to theft.

The NBS report came on the heels of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Monthly Oil Market Report for January, that showed that Nigeria’s oil rig count had been on an upward trajectory in the last one year.

The country’s rig count went from nine recorded in the third quarter of last year to 13 as of this year’s January.

As of 2019, Nigeria’s rig count was 16. It dropped to 11 in 2020, and further decreased to seven as of the fourth quarter 2021. By first quarter 2022, it increased to eight, and then 10 by the second quarter 2022, and then 11 by July 2022, before dropping to nine as of Q3/2022. It had however been on a consistent rise since the fourth quarter of last year.

A check on the country’s crude oil production also showed that output was gradually increasing, going from 900, 000 barrels per day as of Q3/2022, to 1.1mb/d in Q4/2022, 1.2mb/d in December 2022, and 1.2mb/d this January, according to OPEC data quoting direct sources.

Kyari had during the official cutover ceremony for transforming NNPC to NNPCL held in Abuja last Friday, said the country was on its way to producing 1.8mb/d of crude oil as assigned by OPEC.

The country had for the past two years, failed to meet up with OPEC’s production quotas due to vandalism of the country’s pipelines and oil theft.

“As of yesterday, we had crossed 1.6 million barrels per day, this is not rocket science. We have a line of sight to recover to the quota level of 1.8 million barrels per day. I know it is not far away, probably two to three months maximum, but we will be there and that will bring back partners to invest, return the confidence of our investors and ultimately bring back growth”, Kyari said.

“The FATF and FATF-style regional bodies (FSRBs) continue to work with the jurisdictions below as they report on the progress achieved in addressing their strategic deficiencies.

“The FATF calls on these jurisdictions to complete their action plans expeditiously and within the agreed timeframes.

“The FATF welcomes their commitment and will closely monitor

their progress. The FATF does not call for the application of enhanced due diligence measures to be applied to these jurisdictions.”

For the “illegal, unprovoked and unjustified full-scale military invasion of Ukraine”, since February 24, 2022, the FATF also suspended the membership of Russia.

“The Russian Federation’s continuing and intensifying war of aggression against Ukraine runs

counter to FATF’s principles of promoting security, safety and the integrity of the global financial system and the commitment to international cooperation and mutual respect upon which FATF Members have agreed to implement and support the FATF Standards,” it said.

“As a result, the FATF Plenary has today suspended the membership of the Russian Federation.”

L-R: Former Ghananian President, John Mahama, Former Gambia Vice President, Fatoumaya Tambajang and Former Burkina Faso Prime Minister / Former ECOWAS President, Kadre Ouedraogo, during the West African Elders Forum media briefing on the Nigeria’s 2023 general election, held on Friday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

FG identifies new fields for 681,000bpd oil production

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

The Federal Government has identified new oil fields capable of delivering about 681,000 barrels of crude oil per day and 1.52 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily.

It disclosed this in a new document put together by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission titled “Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Sector: Value Optimisation, Energy Transition and Regulatory Perspectives.”

In the document, obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, explained that incremental volumes of crude were expected from new wells and well re-entry.

He said, “We have also completed the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round and issued 50 Petroleum Prospecting Licenses to deserving awardees. It is expected that with the existing discoveries in the awarded fields, an early Field Development Plan would be pursued by the awardees leading to incremental oil and gas production.

“The commission is facilitating timely approvals for expedited re-entry and early production. The estimated incremental production from the awarded fields is approximately 58,000bpd and 87mmscf/d.

“In the short/medium term, we expect an estimated incremental volume of 461,000bpd and 565mmscf/d from new wells and well re-entry. In the long

term, we expect an estimated incremental volume of 162,000bpd and 868mmscf/d from FDPs, which have been approved and are at various stages of execution.”

Komolafe further noted that the implementation of Host Community Provisions under Section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 saddled the commission with the responsibility of ensuring conducive and peaceful relationships among stakeholders within the host communities.

This, he said, would be done through the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust.

“The commission, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, has developed templates and gazetted regulations, which include that of the Host Community Development Trust.

“The essence of the HCDT is to integrate oil-bearing communities into the value chain and effectively cater for the development needs of impacted communities, thus positively curbing restiveness in such communities and offering an enabling environment for operators to thrive.

“This is expected to guarantee seamless operation, boost investor confidence, and provide an enabling environment for sustainable development of the country’s hydrocarbon resources,” Komolafe stated.

He added that the NUPRC was happy to disclose that over 60 Host Community Development Trusts had been approved by

the commission.

“This is indeed a milestone in the implementation of the PIA, 2021,” he stated.

The Federal Government and its agencies have been making efforts to grow the country’s crude oil output in a bid to meet the 1.8 million barrels per day quota approved for Nigeria by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

On Monday, for instance, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said the country’s oil production had increased to 1.6 million barrels per day, a few million short of the 1.8mbpd quota allocated to Nigeria by OPEC.

NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive, Mele Kyari, who revealed this at a meeting of industry stakeholders in Abuja, also stated that the rectangular security approach ensured the recovery of production from what it was in July 2022 to the current 1.67 million barrels per day.

Kyari, who was represented by the Head of Upstream Investment, NNPCL, Bala Wunti, at the event, said the implementation of the Detect, Deter, Destroy and Recover policy had paid off.

Other strategies that were deployed include the establishment of the Central Command and Control Centre for effective monitoring and coordination, the launch of the Whistle-Blowers Portal and the Crude Oil Validation Portal, as well as the deployment of surveillance tools in the fight against oil theft and vandalism.

Naira falls at official market amid cash crunch

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo, ABUJA

Naira fell slightly against the United States dollar at the Investors and Exporters window on Wednesday, a day after it recorded marginal gain at the spot market in the midst of currency scarcity across the

country. According to data posted on FMDQ website, where forex is officially traded, the local currency closed at ₦461.60 per $1 on Wednesday. This implies a 0.06 per cent depreciation from N461.50 to a dollar it traded in the previous session on Tuesday.

AfCFTA to boost intraAfrica trade by 60%’

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo, ABUJA

The African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to boost African nations’ trade by 60 per cent by 2034, it has been learnt.

The much publicised AfCFTA aims at eliminating almost all tariffs, among other things.

Currently, African nations currently trade only about 15 per cent of their goods and services with each other.

An International law and finance expert, Dr Jennifer Douglas, made the disclosure on the sidelines of the African Union meeting, held on February 21, 2023.

According to Douglas, the successful implementation of the AfCFTA has been identified as critical in boosting regional cooperation in the creative economy and the cultural industry in Africa.

Douglas, who spoke on the theme: “The Creative Economy: Strategies for Advancing the Industry in Africa,” said AfCFTA encourages regional crosspollination and gives opportunity to promote regional collaboration in the creative industry through co-production and joint projects.

A statement by Dr Douglas noted that AFCTA encourages each country to build its own domestic market, and then adopt the AfCFTA to create one huge “domestic market” for creatives across the continent.

Douglas, who is also the Founder of Gede Foundation, said, “A survey by Africa Filter Organisation on creative industry, in 2022, found some 48 per cent of African youths ages 18 – 35 years believe a traditional career in sports, for example, is more lucrative than a career in the creative industry. The report also found that 78% of youths in that age range spent little or no money on arts and on cultural past-time.

“But, the good news is that 82 per cent (up to 97 per cent in Nigeria and Kenya) of those interviewed admired the creative industry. The stats is important as youths are the propellers of the creative sector. How can we channel the 82 per cent admiration to concrete action? First, address the core challenges.”.

The don, who is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, England, stated that with accelerators, “we can copy from the equity market to build creative accelerators/

The Naira which opened the day’s trading at N461:35 per $1, hit an intraday high of N446.00 and declined to a low of N462.01.

The local unit eventually settled at N461.60 on Wednesday with $81.95 million posted as forex supply within the business period. In recent weeks, the naira has moved within the range of

N461.25 and N461.60 to a dollar at the authorised window.

The strongest rate the domestic currency has traded this week is the N461.50 per $1 dollar it exchanged Tuesday, the same rate it closed on Wednesday last week.

In Abuja, black market currency traders said the naira

was exchanged at N760.00 to a dollar and sold at N765.00 on Wednesday.

In Uyo, currency dealers said the dollar exchanged within the range of N745.00 and N750.00 to a dollar and sold at N755.00 on Wednesday amid increased demand for the greenback.

incubators. When something works well in one sector, why not clone it for another sector? Then we can tweak it for the real-life needs of creatives. Build exchanges for an art auction and platforms for policy advocacy. Build incentives for innovation that emerge from the incubators.”

The United Nations SecretaryGeneral, Antonio Guterres, had earlier during the opening session of the African Union meeting, said, Africa needs action.

“Africa is rich in potential but it is not rich in global support. Investing in Africa’s prosperity requires finance and developing countries are repeatedly left in the dark, the global financial system routinely denies them debt relief and concessional financing while charging extortionist interest rates,” Guterres said.

The International Labour Organisation observes that given the nature of the informal economy in Africa, the potential for development opportunities is significant, particularly for youth employment.

“Africa is home to 23 per cent global youth population and will increase to 42% by 2030 according to the ILO. Advancing the industry has now become imperative.”

CBN reviews tenure limit for bank MDs, others

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo, ABUJA

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced a revision of the tenure limit for executive management and nonexecutive directors of banks and financial institutions.

According to the review, the executives can only serve a cumulative tenure of 20 years across the banking industry.

In a circular addressed to all deposit money banks, signed by the director of financial policy and regulation department, Chibuzor Efobi, the bank said the review is part of measures aimed at strengthening governance practices in the banking industry.

“The tenure of executive directors (ED), deputy managing directors (DMD) and managing directors (MDs) shall be in accordance with the terms of their engagement approved by the board of directors of banks, subject to a maximum tenure of ten (10) years,” the central bank

said in the circular, dated 24 February.

“Where an executive who is a DMD becomes the MD/CEO of a bank or any other DMB before the end of his/her maximum tenure, the cumulative tenure of such executive shall not exceed twelve (12) years.

“However, for an executive (ED) who becomes a DMD of a bank or any other DMB, his/her cumulative tenure as ED and DMD shall not exceed 10 years.”

The bank said that nonexecutive directors (NEDs), with the exception of independent non-executive directors (INED), shall serve for a maximum period of twelve (12) years in a bank, broken into three terms of four years each.

“EDs, DMDs and MDs who exit from the board of a bank either upon or prior to the expiration of his/her maximum tenure, shall serve out a coolingoff period of 1 year before being eligible for appointment as a NED to the board of directors.

“NEDs who exit from the board of a bank either upon or prior to the expiration of his/ her maximum tenure of 12 years (three terms of four years each), shall serve out a coolingoff period of 1 year before being eligible for appointment to the board of directors of any other DMB,” he CBN said.

Affected bank executives Checks by Peoples Daily showed that top executives affected by the new directive included Segun Agbaje of GTB, Tony Elumelu of UBA, Jim Ovia of Zenith and Herbert Wigwe of Access.

Mr Agbaje joined GT Bank as a pioneer staff in 1991 and rose through the ranks to become an Executive Director in January 2000, and Deputy Managing Director in August 2002. He was later appointed as the substantive MD and CEO of GTBank in June 2011 when erstwhile CEO, Tayo Aderinokun, passed.

Mr Elumelu in his early career made a name for himself by turning the nearly bankrupt

Standard Trust Bank into a topfive player in Nigeria. In 2005 he led the largest merger in the banking sector in sub-Saharan Africa, acquiring United Bank for Africa (UBA). In five years, he transformed it from a singlecountry bank to a pan-African institution with over 7 million customers in 19 African countries. The business combination with UBA saw him become the chief executive of the new larger entity.

Mr Wigwe was appointed group managing director/CEO in 2014. He subsequently became a non-executive director of the bank effective May 2022.

On his part, Mr Ovia, the founder of Zenith Bank, was appointed as board chairman and non-executive director of the bank in 2014.

It is not immediately clear how the affected commercial banks plan to comply with the new directive but the CBN explained that the tenure review shall apply “effective the date of this circular.”

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Adamu, casting his vote during the Presidential and National Assembly election at the Polling unit 010, Angwan Rimi GRA, Keffi, Nasarawa State on Saturday

Crisis erupts in Niger community during polls

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Violence erupted during Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in Jima community of Lavun local government area of Niger state.

According to findings, many people from the community were injured with one victim critically injured, while no fewer than seven motorcycles were burnt down and cars destroyed during the process.

Jima is a community near Dokko area hosting three other

villages consisting of Edogi, Emiworo and Jumata.

At a polling unit, argument occured between the villages and supporters of different political parties leading to the crisis.

Sources told our reporter that a police personnel was injured while INEC officials were safely

taken away by some community Samaritans.

The residents in their separate interview described the incident as unfortunate and uncalled for hence the call for the state government and security intervention to forestall reoccurrence during the next

state elections. When contacted, the Niger State Police Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO DSP Wasiu Abiodun said he was yet to get official information about the alleged crisis.

PDP tasks INEC on transparent results collation

...Says Atiku is coasting to victory

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure very transparent and credible collation process in such a manner that guarantees that all votes count and that the will of the people is respected.

The party said this in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba in Abuja.

The leading opposition party stressed that INEC should not only ensure prompt uploading of results but also continue to make the result viewing portal available to

the public in the interest of transparency.

The PDP however asserted that from preliminary reports on the results coming from the February 25, 2023 Presidential election, it is confident that its Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is already coasting to victory.

The PDP noted that Atiku Abubakar is securing the highest number of valid votes cast as well as the statutory 25% in at least two third of the States of the Federation to ultimately breast the tape on the first ballot.

According to the statement, “Our Party appreciates Nigerians from across the country for putting their avowed solidarity and support for Atiku Abubakar into action

by coming out enmasse to give their votes to the PDP, irrespective of ethnicity, creed, age and even political affiliations.

“From preliminary results, it is clear that Atiku Abubakar’s message of hope, unity, security and rebuilding of our nation has been positively received by Nigerians who are eager to embrace a new era under a purposeful leadership which the PDP and Atiku Abubakar embody.

“The PDP assures Nigerians that the hope which Atiku Abubakar symbolizes as well as the very onerous task of unifying and returning our country to the path of stability, national cohesion and economic prosperity will soon begin.

“Our Party therefore calls on INEC to ensure very transparent and credible collation process in such a manner that guarantees that all votes count and that the Will of the people is respected.

“INEC should not only ensure prompt uploading of results but also continue to make the result viewing portal available to the public in the interest of transparency.

“The PDP congratulates Nigerians for peaceful elections despite the threats, resort to violence and desperation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to scuttle the process, while urging them to remain calm and resilient until the final declaration of results”, it said.

A voter casting his vote, during the Presidential and National Assembly elections, at Nyanya Polling Unit on Saturday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

METRO Minister explains appointment renewal for Boards’ chairmen, members of FCTA agencies

By Stanley Onyekwere

TheFCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has disclosed Presidential approval for the renewal of the appointment of Chairmen and Members of the Boards of agencies of the FCT Administration (FCTA).

Bello noted that most of the appointees were reappointed for a second term in office based on their commendable performance while others replaced persons that stepped aside due to other responsibilities or political realignments.

He explains: “As provided by relevant extant laws and regulations governing the respective agencies, some of the board members are institutional representatives”.

A statement from the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant (Media), Abubakar Sani, disclosed that among the appointees are a foremost Town Planner and former acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Mrs. Zaliha’u Ahmed, fnitp, who would serve as the Chairman of the FCT Urban and Regional Planning (URP) Tribunal while a renowned transportation expert and the former FCTA Transportation Secretary, Mr. Kayode Opeifa has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd. (AUMTCO).

It added that the Minister, while wishing all the reappointed officials a successful term in office, stressed that AUMTCO, would be expanded to take responsibility for the Abuja Light Rail Mass Transit System.

According to the statement: “The comprehensive list of agencies’ board membership as approved by the President; Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA): The FCDA Board is headed by the Hon. Minister of FCT as Chairman while the Executive Secretary, FCDA, is to serve as Secretary of the board. Other members are: Hussaini Mongono, Haruna Hamza, Alhaji Bala Mamman, Hon. Lawrence Onuchuku, Omasan Magrete Agbajoh, Solomon Ayuba Dagami,

Solomon Adebayo Jemilehin and Hadiza Ladi Abdullahi.

“Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL): The AICL Board is headed by Mal. Yahaya Ibrahim as Chairman. Other members are: the Group Managing Director, (AICL), Representative of FCTA Economic Planning Secretariat, Representative of FCDA, Salamatu B. Umar-Eluma, Alh. Yusuf Tsayyabu, Alh. Hassan Y. Gwagwa, Mamuda Lawal Musawa, Joash Ojo Amupitan and A’isha Ismail Mukhtar. Others are: Pius Odioko Ovbije, Kabiru Usman, Hon. Osita Opara and Kabir Muhammad Dankaura.

“Abuja Property Development Company (APDC): The APDC Board is headed by Mohammed Idris as Chairman. Other members are: the Managing Director/CEO, (APDC), Representative of Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), Representative of Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Representative of FCDA, URP Dept., Director Development Control, Hon. Yakubu Adamu, Shaban Ishaku Tete and Pastor Illoh Samuel.

“Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB): The AEPB Board is headed by Dr. Engr. Bawuro Yahaya as Chairman while the Director AEPB is to serve as the Secretary. Other members are: Prof. Muhammad A. Garba, Chairman, Abaji Area Council, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Chairman Kuje Area Council and Chairman Kwali Area Council. Others are: Director of Health Services, FCTA, Director of Planning, Survey, and Land FCTA, Hashimu Sa’idu Angama and Hon. Musa I. Jatau.

“Abuja Investment and Infrastructure Centre (AIIC): The AIIC Board is headed by the Secretary, Economic Planning RG & PPP as Chairman while the Coordinator AIIC is to serve as the Secretary. Other members are: Aisha Yakubu, Felix U.C. Uzozie,

Shagari Baba, Thomos Musa and Hon. Daniuma Dauda. Others are: Engr. Dahiru Dasin, Polycarp Nwabueze, Udah Ugochukwu Beke and Group Capt. Zagi Rabo Zakka.

“FCT Secondary Education Board (FCT-SEB): The FCT-SEB Board is headed by Alh. Musa Yahaya as Chairman while the Director, SEB is to serve as the Secretary. Other members are: Mr. Sunny Monedafe-Permanent Member I, Haruna Muhammad Nabayi- Permanent Member II, Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council and Chairman, Kwali Area Council. Others are: Mrs. Chimezie Nwaobiara J.O., Aliyu Danjuma Kawu, Hassana Nyelang, Usman Ibrahim and Mrs. Aisha A. Jijiwa.”

It continues: “FCT Scholarship Board (FCT-SB): The FCT-SB Board is headed by Barr. Yakubu Haruna Gana as Chairman while the Director, FCT Scholarship Board is to serve as the Secretary.

Other members are: HRH Alh. Jibrin H. Tanko Gomo of Kuje, Representative of FCDA, Haj. Safiya Tukura and Yunusa Dantani Sarki. Others are: Mr. Mathew Bejakai, Mr. Dogo Williams, Mr. Dogara Simon Ginnade and Alh. Abbas Baba.

“Abuja Broadcasting Corporation (ABC): The ABC Board is headed by Abubakar Jijiwa as Chairman. Other members are the Managing Director, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, Chairman, NUJ, FCT, Ayodele Samuel, Salamatu Bello Jibrin, Mr. Joshua Tokura, Comrade Adamu Muhammed, Hon. Aminu Danmaliki, Ibrahim Modibbo Hamman and Bala Muhammad.

Others are: Yusuf Nuhu, mni and Ibrahim B. Magaji.

“Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Limited (AUMTCO): The AUMTCO Board is headed by Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Gusau as Chairman. Other members are the

Managing Director AUMTCO, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, two representatives of AICL, Director Transportation, FCTA and Engr. Bello Ahmed Roni.

“FCT Urban Regional Planning (URP) Tribunal: The URP Tribunal Board is headed by Mrs. Zaliha’u Ahmed fnitp as Chairman while Tpl. Chinyere Patience Ome is to serve as the Secretary. Other members are: Engr. Ali Akawu, Surv. Kazeem Ajibike, Arc. Bashir Adamu Hussaini and Barr. Timothy Peter Manjuk.

“Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML): The AMML Board is headed by the Managing Director, Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) as Chairman. Other members are: the Managing Director, AMML, Abdulmalik A. Usman, Director Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Director Development Control, Representative of Economic Planning, RG&PPP Secretariat and Isa Ramat Sa’idu.”

Bwari: Church tackles water, sanitation deficit with N133M project

By Stanley Onyekwere

Worried by the widening gaps in water and sanitation delivery in Abuja, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a faith based organisation has stepped intervention measures through sponsorship of a 133-million Naira project in Bwari area council of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It was gathered that the project, fully funded by the Latter-Day Saints Charity (LDSC) is expected to be executed by WaterAid within a one-year period, in order to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) delivery in four selected communities namely; Dakwa, Barangoni, Zuma II and Tudun Fulani within Bwari Area council.

Also, the project will focus on increasing access to WASH services by constructing and rehabilitating solar-powered water facilities as wel as provision of gender-inclusive public sanitation facilities in the selected communities.

Speaking when the projected was recently

launched by FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate otherwise known as RUWASSA in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria, Elder Idyo Egbo, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the sponsors of the project, said the Church noticed the gap that exist in sanitation and water supply, and in its philanthropic nature decided to partner with WaterAid to provide water and sanitation for the people in the selected communities.

He added that the Church believe in uplifting the lives of the people, looking on how people can be better off and Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs) help to forge partnerships in such interventional.

According to him: “In Abuja, about 70% of people lack access to adequate water supply, and 52% of these people also suffer from living in unhygienic environment, and there is another 30% that seriously are affected by open defecation. So we believe that this project will assist in reducing that number. But particularly, it will

change attitude and behaviours.

“I believe with what we have done, we will see an improvement in the living standard of people especially in areas that are outside the metropolitan city of Abuja”.

Similarly, a representative of the WaterAid Nigeria, Kolawole Baruwo, Head of Advocacy, Policy and Communication, noted that over the next twelve months, the project will make life meaningful for the people as a start.

Baruwo said: “When people fall sick from water bone diseases, children cannot go to school, women cannot go to the markets and be productive, so society slows down generally.

“So to provide access to WASH in the selected communities in Bwari, with the hope of reaching 9,500 people especially women and children in schools, so that they can have dignity, good health and participate meaningfully in the society”.

Earlier, in his remarks, Executive Director, FCT RUWASSA, Mohammed Dan-Hassan, said the initiative will serve as a model for improved

access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in FCT communities.

Dan-Hassan disclosed that two communities will be provided with two new water scheme, one community will get rehabilitation of an existing water scheme, while there will be the provision of a sanitation facility.

On his part, District Head, Dakwa Community, Alh. Alhassan Musa, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiary communities, described the project as a critical intervention that would improve the wellbeing of people in the rural areas.

Highpoint of the event was the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by RUWASSA and WaterAid Nigeria, signalling the commencement of the project.

Also, some of the key stakeholders who witnessed the singing include; the Esu Bwari, HRH Ibrahim Yaro, Supervisory Councillor, Environment, Hon. Salihu Matthew, represented the Bwari Chairman, and HOD, Admin at the Council, Mary Ishaya amongst others.

Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki casting his vote in Polling Unit 0O5, Ajikobi Ward, Ilorin West LGA, of Kwara State,

Italy shipwreck: More than 40 migrants killed off Calabria coast

More than 40 migrants, including a baby, have died and dozens more have survived after their overloaded boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy.

The vessel reportedly broke apart while trying to land with about 150 people aboard near the coastal town of Crotone in the Calabria region.

Many bodies have been recovered from the beach at a nearby seaside resort.

Large numbers of people fleeing conflict and poverty make the crossing from Africa to Italy each year.

“At the current time, 80 people have been recovered alive, including some who managed to reach the shore after the sinking,” the coastguard said in a statement.

“Forty-three bodies have been found along the coastline,” it added.

Manuela Curra, a local government official, told Reuters news agency that the boat had left the Turkish coastal city of Izmir three or four days ago.

Those onboard were mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Iran, according to Italian officials, and President Sergio Mattarella said many were fleeing “very difficult conditions”.

One survivor was arrested on migrant trafficking charges, customs police said.

The vessel sank after it crashed against rocks during rough weather, the Adnkronos news agency said.

The Italian authorities have mounted a large search-and-rescue operation on land and at sea.

Video footage shows timber from the wreckage that has been smashed into pieces washing up on the beach, along with parts of the hull.

Survivors are seen huddled under blankets, attended to by Red Cross workers.

Some have been taken to hospital.

“There had been landings but never a tragedy like this,” the mayor of Cruto, Antonio Ceraso, has told Rai News.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Melonielected last year partly on a pledge to stem the flow of migrants into Italy - expressed “deep sorrow” for the incident, blaming the deaths on traffickers.

“It is inhumane to exchange the lives of men, women and children for the price of the ‘ticket’ they paid in the false perspective of a safe journey,” she said in a statement.

“The government is committed to

preventing departures, and with them the unfolding of these tragedies, and will continue to do so.”

Carlo Calenda, Italy’s former economy minister, said people in difficulty at sea should be rescued “whatever the cost”, but added that “illegal immigration routes must be closed”.

Ms Meloni’s right-wing government has vowed to stop migrants reaching Italy’s shores and in the last few days pushed through a tough new law tightening the rules on rescues.

According to monitoring groups, more

than 20,000 people have died or gone missing at sea in the central Mediterranean since 2014.

European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident, adding that the “loss of life of innocent migrants is a tragedy”. She said it was crucial to “redouble our efforts” to make progress on reforming EU asylum rules to tackle the challenges regarding migration to Europe.

Pope Francis, who often defends the rights of migrants, has said he is praying for the dead, the missing and those who survived.

Northern Ireland Protocol: UK on ‘cusp’ of new Brexit deal, says Dominic Raab

The UK “is on the cusp” of securing a new Brexit deal on Northern Ireland, the deputy prime minister has said.

Dominic Raab told the BBC the government had made “great progress” negotiating with the European Union.

The UK wants to change the Northern Ireland Protocol, an agreement with the EU which sees certain goods checked when entering from the rest of the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was giving the negotiations “everything” in an attempt to clinch a deal.

Speaking on BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Raab said: “We’re on the cusp, we’ve made great progress, we’re not there yet, but it would be a really important deal...

“I think it would mark a paradigm shift first and foremost for the communities in Northern Ireland, but I think it would be a significant achievement.”

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has complained about what it calls a “democratic deficit” with Northern Ireland being subject to EU rules while not having a say on them.

Mr Raab said the EU had “moved” on some issues, saying: “If there are any new rules that would apply in relation to Northern Ireland, it must be right that there is a Northern Irish democratic check on that.”

The protocol, signed by Boris Johnson in 2020, sees Northern Ireland continue to follow some EU laws so that goods can

flow freely over the border to the Irish Republic without checks.

The DUP believes the protocol undermines the nation’s position within the rest of the UK as well as having an adverse impact on trade flow.

The party has prevented a Northern Ireland devolved government from forming - leaving it in political gridlock.

Mr Raab said the UK wants to see a move away from checks on every consignment of goods coming into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. The EU is worried about goods posing a threat to the single market by moving between Northern Ireland and the EU.

He suggested an “intelligence-based” rather than “tick box” approach for goods - “which effectively means, they look at what is happening in the Republic with goods that go to Northern Ireland in case there’s a risk of them going into the wider single market - and if we can achieve that, it will be a massive win.”

What is the Northern Ireland Protocol?

The Northern Ireland Protocol is a trading arrangement, negotiated during Brexit talks. It allows goods to be transported across the Irish land border without the need for checks.

Before Brexit, it was easy to transport goods across this border because both sides followed the same EU rules. After the UK left, special trading arrangements were needed because Northern Ireland has a land border with the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the EU.

The EU has strict food rules and requires border checks when certain goods - such as milk and eggs - arrive from non-EU countries.

The land border is a sensitive issue because of Northern Ireland’s troubled political history. It was feared that cameras or border posts - as part of these checks - could lead to instability.

The UK and the EU agreed that protecting the Northern Ireland peace deal - the Good Friday agreement - was an absolute priority.

So, both sides signed the Northern Ireland Protocol as part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

It is now part of international law.

Rishi Sunak said on Saturday his government was “giving it everything we’ve got” to finalise a deal to fix issues with the protocol.

But he has been warned by Eurosceptic Conservative MPs not to rush into calling a vote in Parliament on the new agreement.

Asked if MPs would get to vote on any new deal, Mr Raab said: “Parliament will have its ability to express itself.”

Mark Francois, who heads the European Research Group of Eurosceptic Tory MPs, warned Mr Sunak it would be “incredibly unwise” to bring in any new deal without giving MPs a vote.

He told Sky News: “Don’t try to bounce Parliament next week because that is likely to go badly wrong.

“So, if they’ve got a deal they’re proud of, show us the text. Let us run it by our

lawyers. Let us fully understand what it means. Then, at that point, we might be ready to vote on it.”

He added that EU law needed to be “expunged” from Northern Ireland, bringing it in line with England, Scotland and Wales.

But former Prime Minister John Major urged Conservative and DUP MPs to not let concerns over the European Court of Justice get in the way of easing trade and restoring the devolved government in Northern Ireland.

He told BBC Radio 4 Westminster Hour: “Their involvement would be tiny... occasional involvement of the ECJ really ought not to stop an agreement being made.

“They talk of democracy. Democracy is thrown away when that [Northern Ireland] Assembly is not sitting. We need them back.”

Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Labour’s shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said his party would vote for a new deal in the national interest of the UK and restoring Northern Ireland’s Assembly.

“Our judgement is that any deal that emerges will be better than what we’ve got now,” he said.

On Saturday, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also said the deal was “inching towards a conclusion”, and urged the EU and the UK to “go the extra mile” to close the deal.

Source: BBC

Dozens of people managed to survive the boat’s sinking

Ghana’s love affair with reggae and Jamaican Patois

In our series of letters from African journalists, Mark Wilberforce looks at how Ghana’s rich musical scene has strong Jamaican links.

Afrobeats may be the dominant sound right now in Ghana, as in many other African countries, but the sounds of Jamaica can still be heard blaring through the speakers of Ghana’s roadside and beach bars almost every day.

Thursdays are reggae night in two big clubs in the capital, Accraturning up the heat in an already hot climate.

Jamaican musicians such as the late greats Bob Marley and Peter Tosh and the group Culture have long been credited with planting the seeds of reggae music on African soil 50 years ago - and Ghana shows the roots have grown deep, and gone on to produce homegrown talent.

This love of reggae has also had a cultural bearing on the language: it is not hard these days to hear Ghanaians talking a little Jamaican Patois, which is different from Pidgin English, a lingua franca spoken by roughly a fifth of Ghana’s population.

Take Livingston Satekla, one the biggest reggae-dancehall artists to come out of Africa, better known as Stonebwoy. The spelling of his stage name is a nod to Jamaican Patois.

The phrase “Who is that boy singing?” in Ghanaian Pidgin is: “Who be dat boy weh he de sing for deh?” In Jamaican Patois it is: “Ah who dat bwoy weh im ah sing fi deh?”

In a recent interview Stonebwoy and I discussed the growing use of Patois in Ghana, frowned upon by some Ghanaians.

“What’s wrong with learning to communicate in Patois, which comes as part and parcel of reggae-dancehall as a core tool of communication? If you love reggae-dancehall you ought to learn Patois,” the 34-year-old musician told me.

Born in the ghettos of

Ashaiman outside Accra, Stonebwoy would regularly listen to Jamaican dancehall dons like Capelton, Anthony-B and Beenie Man as a teenager - wanting to sound just like his Patoisspeaking heroes.

He would later go on to host some of the very same people at his annual BHIM Concert, arguably one of the most successful dancehall showcases in Africa.

It takes place in December as part of Ghana’s Beyond The Return campaign - a project designed to encourage people from the diaspora to visit the country.

It draws big crowds - me included - and last year featured Jamaica’s Busy Signal, who had many of his fellow countrymen and women singing along to his hits.

Some in the audience could be seen with dreadlocks - worn by Rastafarians.

Reggae has been instrumental in spreading the rasta message. It too has been a cheerleader for Africa - singing about the beauty

of the continent, boasting of its natural resources while calling for people in the diaspora to return to the motherland.

This has gone a long way to solidify the bond between reggae and Africa, especially during and after colonial rule.

It makes sense that Ghana, among the first African countries to gain independence (from the UK in 1957), gravitates to the sounds of struggle and strife associated with reggae. It has had plenty of struggle and strife, having experienced six military coups between the 1960s and 1980s.

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One of the first big reggae artists in Ghana was Kojo Antwi, also known as Mr Music Man.

Antwi started his career in the 1970s working with reggae band Classique Handles which later changed its name to Classique Vibes. Their debut 1979 album Higher: Suffer Hell on Earth addresses the economic struggles

of the ghetto and how a lack of job opportunities can lead to starvation.

By the mid-1980s Antwi would become better known for love songs with lyrics in his local language Twi - sung over the less political lovers’ rock reggae sound, which went on to inspire other big Ghanaian artists.

While Mr Music Man was serenading his homeland, a young northern Ghanaian, Rocky Dawuni, of royal heritage, was beginning to make waves on the global reggae scene with the 1998 hit In Ghana. His growing popularity saw some of his tracks featuring on various US TV dramas and three Grammy nominations to his name.

If reggae is the parent, dancehall is definitely its mischievous child - with skilful lyricism and the unmistakable tones of Patois.

One of the first successful descendants of this in Ghana is Samini, famous for his energetic live performances, singing in Pidgin, Patois and Twi.

Often referred to as Africa’s

King of Dancehall Music, he has received accolades from foreign and domestic organisations, including a Mobo back in 2006 for Best African Act and an MTV Africa Music award in 2009 for Best Live Performer.

Not being content with his solo accomplishments, Samini helped launched the career of top Ghanaian artist Mugeez as well as playing a huge role in kickstarting the career of Stonebwoy.

There is also another contender with a legitimate claim to Ghana’s dancehall throne: Shatta Wale.

As a student in Accra, he performed using the names Doggy and Bandana, producing one hit in 2004 and then disappearing into relative obscurity.

It took a trip to Jamaica to bring his resurrection.

He returned as Shatta Walenow with a devoted fan-base and catalogue of hits including an epic collaboration in 2019 with Beyoncé on Already. The 38-yearold’s golden touch has also extended to business and he owns a successful line of taxis known as Shaxi.

Currently, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy are two of Africa’s biggest reggae-dancehall stars and memorably participated in the Asaase Sound Clash at the height of Covid in 2020.

The onstage competition, a musical tradition that originated in Jamaica, was live-streamed globally and hosted by Grammy award-winning producer and BBC broadcaster Seani B.

As each artist tried to outdo the other, their fans shouted out their appreciation, with the phrase “dat tune deh mad” (Jamaican Patois for “that song is awesome”) ringing through the venue.

Both sets of supporters believed their man had won on the night. However, the real winner was GH dancehall - a true child of Jamaica.

The mission to save the biggest frog on earth

When Cedrick Fogwan had his first encounter with the goliath frog he was impressed by its mighty proportions.

Growing to the size of a cat, it’s the world’s largest living frog. Almost like holding a (human) baby, he says, having handled one in a rescue mission.

The Cameroonian conservationist was so captivated he set up a project to fight for the future of the endangered species.

“When I found this species was unique - the biggest one in the world - I said this is something that we cannot easily find elsewhere and I was proud of it,” he says.

“People in the area say they are blessed to have something like that; they attach to it a cultural value.”

For decades, the goliath frog has been over-hunted for food and the pet trade in Cameroon

and Equatorial Guinea. Its habitat beside rivers and streams is fast being destroyed and the frog is now classified as endangered on the official

extinction Red List.

The frog is little-known to science and even in Cameroon many local people are unaware of its value to the ecosystem, such

as preying on the insects that damage crops.

The conservation team works to persuade hunters to become citizen scientists, recording

sightings of the frog rather than using it for food.

They are also working with local groups to help set up snail farming to provide an alternative food source.

The conservation work is starting to pay off, with the goliath frog returning to new rivers in the Mount Nlonako Reserve.

A call from a former poacher to report a frog had been captured by a neighbour was a turning point. Cedric was able to rescue the frog and return it to the wild.

“I believe we can have it forever and we can continue to be proud of it,” he says.

The project to save the goliath frog is supported by the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) run by Fauna & Flora International, BirdLife International and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Source: BBC

The spelling of Stonebwoy’s name is a nod to Jamaican Patois

Cedric Fogwan holds aloft one of the record-breaking goliath frogs

N EWS FROM ASIA

Singapore’s rave scene offers freedom in a strait-laced city

Aloysius, a 23-year-old dancer, spends his day completing his mandatory military service in Singapore.

So at night on the weekends, “Loy” as he calls himself, goes raving. Under the lights and in the heat, he’s shedding a skin, seeking release.

Last November we met at a rave at Haw Par Villa - a hellthemed amusement park in the city’s west dotted with statues of figures from Chinese mythology: topless mermaids, warrior demons and wizened old sages like Confucius.

It was twilight, and Loy and his friends were jolting to a thumping bass drifting up from a space below.

Down in the “Culture Courtyard”, crowds were shuffling to a grimy funk track which morphed into revved-up disco then deep house.

Behind the DJ, projections of swirls crawled over a loop of a Chinese palace drama. In front of the decks, a moving mass lifted drenched faces to the screen.

Plunging into that crowd was like stepping into a greenhouse. The heat that encased everyone on the dance floor - a sea of bum bags, bucket hats and sunglasses - was a reminder as to why most Singaporean residents stick to air-conditioning.

But the space was buzzing.

“Now everyone’s revenge partying,” said Loy. “The Covid policies here were just so insane.”

For two years, Singapore enforced a no parties, no nightclubs rule - and only reopened live music venues in April 2022.

Bars couldn’t serve drinks past 22:30 and group hangouts were restricted to six people. “Red Shirt” officials patrolled streets looking for rule-breakers. Social distancing meant every second seat was taped off at a hawker centre or cinema.

Now the party scene has roared back to life - and the underground scene in particular has seen a boom. New collectives, niche groups borne out of lockdown, have emerged.

Next weekend, a dozen collectives will descend on the Golden Mile tower complex in central Singapore to play a farewell set to the 1970s brutalist building. It has been home over the years to mum-andpop shops, karaoke lounges and seedy cinemas - and was most recently a hub for the city’s Thai community.

But in common Singapore fashion, a developer sale means it’s due for the wrecking ball later this year. In many ways a final party at the tower is the perfect setting for a rave in the city.

Singapore’s sky-high rents and zoning laws mean finding a space is often the hardest issue, party promoters say.

So the settings are always temporary. Raves have been held in basements and arthouse cinemas. A regular techno event has a home in a Japanese izakaya on the river quays. One Afrobeat group played in a replica film set from Wong Kar-wai’s film In The Mood for Love.

Crypto bros and migrant workers

The rave scene is a meeting place for Singapore’s counter-culture. For many, it’s even a rebellion against the city’s commerce heart - a dark dancefloor the perfect counterpoint to skyscrapers and sterile malls.

Music journalist Kevin Ho has documented the city’s music scene for years on his site Life in Arpeggio.

He says the image of Singapore is “of a rich country with lots of rules, and that the party culture would be all about the commercial world”.

But Singapore’s real self, as a “crossroads of Asia”, comes out on the dancefloor, he argues.

It’s there you see the melting pot of nationalities, ethnicities and classes - a diversity that ranges, as DJ Dean Chew put it, “from crypto bros to migrant workers”.

At first it can seem like a “clash in culture”, says Chew, a 15year rave scene veteran with his Darker than Wax collective and now owner of music bar Offtrack.

But a dancefloor is a great unifier. “Everyone just starts partying with the music, getting loose. And you start seeing these great compositions.”

It’s that taste of freedom that draws many to the scene. At Haw Par Villa, I met two young women in the bathroom queue, who were still new to the scene. One had on a red Make Panda Mate Again cap while the other wore cargo pants and a crop top.

Both had returned to Singapore during the pandemic after university in Melbourne, Australia - which is where they first encountered rave culture.

They used to go out to the mega clubs in Singapore, where vast multi-level spaces blast commercial dance music. Often these venues have floor cheerleaders, strobe-light champagne bottles and other laugh-out-loud gimmicks like a ferris wheel inside a club.

But the music is terrible and the alcohol expensive, they say. “It’s more a status thing, like it’s not really satisfying,” one of the women, Eugenia, adds. She doesn’t deign to dance at those clubs - she says those spots are more about being seen.

“But I come here because I actually want to enjoy the music. Like I actually want to dance!”

Where difference is embraced

Later that night I spotted Loy and his friends again in the crush.

Bathed in red light, they were dancing with abandon, a sweaty sheen on their faces.

Earlier he’d told of how much more open and free the rave scene felt compared to other clubs in the city.

For one there’s the cost. Raves are typically a third of the price of clubs in Singapore which can charge up to SGD$60 (£37; $45) at the door.

“With the clubs and the beach clubs, there’s still like this capitalism thing where if you spend more money you can get a better spot. Like at a club, if you pay more you can get on to a higher level,” Loy said.

“But at a rave everybody’s on a level playing field. That’s my favourite part of it - everyone’s really just there to dance.”

Rave culture also celebrates an individuality often restricted elsewhere in Singapore’s conservative society.

Loy, who is gay, says the underground scene still offers that safe space.

“Definitely in recent years we’re opening up more, the queer scene’s getting more active and everything is happening,” he says.

“But you will still feel barriers - I mean it’s Singapore and it’s conservative. I feel it will be conservative as long as I’m alive.”

In Singapore, same-sex couples might feel free to walk down a street holding hands but the city still bars same-sex marriage, and censors media from depicting gay relationships.

Gay people are denied access to the housing market for years longer than their straight peers. And the country only repealed a law last year that criminalised sex between men.

“Even the word ‘rave’ has conflicting notions with a place like Singapore,” says Ho.

“I think when most people think of raves they think of

illegal, drug-soaked events in a warehouse or dark location.”

But there is little lawlessness in Singapore, where surveillance cameras dot street corners and warnings about etiquette fines are plastered on public transport.

The city-state strictly prohibits recreational drugs and carries out the death penalty for drug trafficking - a policy supported by the majority. Last year it executed a man who trafficked a tablespoon of heroin from Malaysia, despite pleas for clemency because he was intellectually impaired.

“What you would find in a rave anywhere else across the world, you won’t find in Singapore because of our extreme, excessive stance on drugs,” says Kevin.

The city’s rave scene is still fleshing itself out. Nonlicenced raves don’t really exist - any dancefloor needs the government’s permission, and promoters say there’s a mountain of red tape.

For the Haw Par Villa rave, organisers had to get applications approved by more than a dozen government departments.

“It’s really difficult to operate here. It’s one of the probably toughest places to get stuff done creatively,” says DJ Chew.

“But if you can, something beautiful and powerful comes out of it, like a flower pushing up from a crack in the concrete.”

Source: BBC

The underground dance scene is growing again in appeal among Singapore’s young people

The Haw Par Villa crowd that night

Visuals are a crucial part to the dance-all-night energy at a rave

L-R: Board Chairman Inclussive Friends Association (IFA), Mr. Jide Ojo Executive Director IFA, Grace Jerry, the Executive Director Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) Mr. Bukola Idowu and the Programme Manager IFA Mr. Molly Joshua, during IFA stakeholders briefing on the Presentation of KDI Pre-Election findings and Projections, held on Friday in Abuja.

NDE organises free classes for SSCE, UTME candidates

By Maryam Abeeb

The National Directorate of Employment has organised free supplementary classes for 300 students retaking Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Senior School Certificate Examinations in Gombe State, with about 36 graduates to serve as coaches.

Speaking during the commencement of the coaching scheme in Kumo, DirectorGeneral of NDE, Abubakar Fikpo, who was represented by the State Coordinator, Jediel Stephen, said the initiative was under the Directorate’s special public works programme.

He said that the classes were meant to encourage students to improve their grades and secure admission into tertiary institutions, adding that facilitators would be paid N20,000 per month totalling N60,000 for the three months.

According to him, the Graduate Coaching Scheme is designed to address the increasing number of school leavers. He added that 300 beneficiaries were selected across three senatorial districts following their educational backgrounds, “100 each across three senatorial districts.”

Fikpo said, “So that they can meet the university requirements for admission. This strategy is intended to revisit the revision of past question papers of WAEC, GCE, NECO and Jamb.”

NABTEB result: 76% of candidates obtain five credits

By Maryam Abeeb

The National Business and Technical Examination Board on Thursday released its November/December 2022 results with 21,103 candidates obtaining five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics.

The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe, who disclosed this said that the figure represented 75.96 per cent of the total candidates who sat

for the examination.

Isiugo-Abanihe also stated that 26,561 candidates also scored five credits and above with or without English Language and Mathematics representing 95.6 per cent.

She added, “The board has continued to strengthen its quality assurance mechanism, including measures to checkmate examination malpractice. For this examination, 123 candidates representing 0.39 per cent of the total candidates were found to be involved in examination

malpractice.

This is an improvement compared to 244 candidates representing 0.75 per cent of the total candidates that sat for the 2021 November/December certificate examination.

“Let me use this forum to remind everyone of the need to increase emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training at all levels in the country. The principal objective of TVET is to train youths and adults alike, preparing them to develop relevant skills needed

for today’s labour market and for academic progression,” she added.

She also stated that NABTEB was poised to conduct examinations and assessments leading to the award of vocational and business qualifications, adding that its curriculum and examination structures include a wide range of trade and general education subjects which prepare candidates to meet the dual purpose of the world of work and academic progression.

Lecturers on election duty not representing ASUU – ASUU President

By Maryam Abeeb

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that they were worried that “little or nothing has been done to ameliorate the excruciating conditions of Nigerians under which the 2023 general elections will be conducted.”

A release signed by ASUU president, Emmanuel Osodeke, Friday stated that life had become a nightmare for Nigerians and hoped that the general elections “will change the narrative.”

It added that “ASUU members who participate in the electoral

process are just exercising their civic responsibility, but not representing the academic union.”

“Owing to some unpalatable reports available to the leadership of ASUU, the union resolved and stated after the 2015 general elections that it would no longer recommend its members to participate in the conduct of general elections as representatives of ASUU.

However, the union understands that members as citizens have civic rights and can make individual decisions on playing roles in the electoral process apart from voting,” the release read in part.

Osodeke thumbed down the federal government for its currency re-design project that has put average Nigerians in excruciating pains.

For the majority hapless and helpless Nigerians, the business of existence has become nightmarish with the implementation of the illconceived currency re-design policy.

“On a daily basis, ordinary citizens are confronted with a gruesome sense of abandonment by federal, state and local authorities whose primary responsibilities are security and welfare of the citizens. Poverty, hunger, diseases and sundry

existential challenges have become daily companions of the citizenry.

Meanwhile, political elites carry on as if they have lost every idea about organising and running a decent society for the benefit of all. The country, no doubt, is in dire need of focused leadership that will restore order and inject life into a nation desperately gasping for breath.”

Osodeke said participation in the upcoming elections was a moral duty for all Nigerians, adding that “to change the narratives of ballot stuffing and snatching, thuggery, vote-buying and other electoral ills of the past, all hands must be on deck.

Photo: Justin Imoowo

Turkey earthquake: How survivors cope with trauma

The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that recently struck Turkey and Syria has climbed beyond 50,000 - and left many more people homeless. It has taken a terrible toll on mental health for those caught up in the tragedy, both directly and indirectly. The BBC has spoken with survivors, search and rescue teams, and experts.

It was past midnight when we arrived in Antakya, walking through darkness in a city left completely in ruins.

Our car had broken down and the replacement driver refused to take us to the city centre.

It was the third day after the earthquakes hit south-east Turkey. Our team had come from Maras, the epicentre of the quakes. Already thousands of people were confirmed dead and that number has continued to rise ever since.

As we advanced down the main road into Antakya, the constant siren of ambulances echoed through the rubble.

Aid trucks, bulldozers and volunteers were all stuck in queues of traffic that stretched for miles. It was a state of utter chaos in the freezing cold.

Burak Galip Akkurt and his team from Turkey’s voluntary rescue association, Akut, were working on a four-storey building. They suspected there were 10 people alive under the rubble, five of them children.

Their torches pierced the darkness of the wreckage as they shouted the question that has become so familiar it cuts through Turkey like a knife: “Can anyone hear me?”

They waited in complete silence, hoping for the faintest voice to call back or even to hear the sound of a simple movement, a tap of a finger, a click.

“When you hear a voice coming from under the rubble, how does that make you feel?” I asked Burak in a quiet moment.

He needed to be detached from his feelings in order to carry on with the rescuing effort, he explained, but it would hit him once the mission was over and he would seek psychological help to cope with everything he had witnessed.

“It is not very easy to recover

from the things you have seen. It is traumatic, and very dramatic as well.”

No-one survived from under the rubble of the apartment block they were working on that night.

The next day I met Dilek Eger. She was rescued from a building in the neighbouring town of Iskenderun, after being trapped for eight hours.

“The tremor was incredibly strong. I immediately got up from bed and ran to my parents’

room. I was screaming my lungs out. But my mother, father, brother, they were all silent. I thought I was going to lose my mind,” she told me.

Dilek’s parents and brother lost their lives under the rubble. She was stuck, surrounded by broken glass, with only the top of her head showing. A family friend was able to recognise and rescue her with his bare hands and a knife.

She couldn’t cry at all for the first two days, but as she lay on

the other room, and my dad was suffering in pain. This is when the whole world collapses. You are witnessing the death of everyone you love. I don’t feel anger or revenge. I just feel so empty.”

Dilek is one of tens of thousands of people to have survived the earthquake, but she now faces a life that may be scarred forever.

This week I received a text message from another survivor. He wrote: “Those of us who are now alive will stay under the rubble until the day we die.”

Psychologists say the survivors of such a traumatic event will be going through phases: the initial shock, anxiety and fear will soon be replaced by a state of denial.

Cagay Duru from the Turkish Psychologists Association said it was not easy to cope with a trauma on this scale, but talking about it, expressing feelings and thoughts about what has been experienced should be the first step towards healing.

He warned that if psychosocial support was not in place for those in need during this grief process, then many people could end up with serious disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or substance abuse.

“We all have to ask each other: How are you? Is there anything I can do for you?

“We have to say: I am here for you. We must give the message that we are in solidarity with those in need and we are trying to understand their experience, we are there to listen to them, help them and share all these emotions.”

Normality would not mean returning to how life was before the earthquake, it would be a new normal, he warned. That new normal would need to be built up and it would take time.

But the difficulty of that task was underlined when a new set of earthquakes hit the already devastated town of Hatay.

These were not as strong as the initial two, but still panic-stricken people were on the streets, crying in despair, wondering whether they were facing a nightmare without end. Some were furious, asking what more could have been done to save lives.

the sofa in her grandmother’s living room, talking me softly through her ordeal, she visibly started to go through all the emotions.

As she kissed and caressed a photograph of her mother and herself hugging, she began sobbing.

“My mother gave her last breath in my arms,” she said. “Even when dying, she saved me, as she was on top of me. I couldn’t do anything for her.

“My brother was stuck in

Now in Istanbul, I have left the disaster zone, but I am still surrounded by trauma; glued to my TV screen and mobile phone like millions of others.

As Turkey’s biggest city lies on a major fault line, people here cannot help but ask: Will they be going through the same tragedy in the future? What can they do to prevent it?

As grief sets in, mass trauma and how to respond to it has become another of Turkey’s big challenges.

Source: BBC

Dilek’s parents and brother lost their lives under the rubble. She was stuck, surrounded by broken glass, with only the top of her head showing. A family friend was able to recognise and rescue her with his bare hands and a knife.

Burak Galip Akkurt and his rescue team listen for the tiniest sounds coming from under the rubble

Homes were devastated in the port city of Iskenderun in Turkey’s Hatay province

Survivors of the earthquakes are trying to cope with trauma on a mass scale

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2.TO ENCOURAGE ITS MEMEBERS INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY TOWARDS THE IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR TAQWAH. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

CHRIST PECULIAR GRACE BELIEVERS CHURCH

PUBLIC NOTICE

KANO AGROCHEMICAL MARKETERS AND PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

1. IBRAHIM AMINU - CHAIRMAN

2. WADA IDRIS MUHAMMAD - SECRETARY

3. UMAR MUJITAPHA YAHAYA ( AKA YAHAYA MUJITAPHA)

4. DABAI SHAMSUDDEEN SANI (AKA SANI SHAMSUDDEEN)

5. RIMIN-KEBE YAHAYA HASSAN ( AKA HASSAN YAHAYA MUHAMMAD)

THE OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. UNITING MEMBERS TO DEVELOP THEIR BUSINESS ENTITIES IN KANO

2. ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDARDS THAT ARE APPLIED IN PRACTICE AND SUPERVISING OF THEIR APPLICATIONS AND REPRESENTATION OF MEMBERS IN THE AGROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY.

3. ORGANIZING WORKSHOPS ON AGRO-CHEMICAL DEVELOPMENT

4. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION AND REPRESENTATION BEFORE STATE INSTITUTION

5. COORDINATION OF MEMBERS INACQUIRING GRANTSAND LOANS FROM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

MUHAMMAD

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUHAMMUD MUSA OSUE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUHAMMAD MUSA OSHE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NO

PUBLIC NOTICE

FUNMI LOVE EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION.

12 AUGUSTINE ANOZIE STREET, LEKKI PHASE ONE, LAGOS.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART’C’OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2020

TRUSTEE ARE:-

1. FUNMILOLA ALABI- TRUSTEE CHAIRMAN

2. AYOOLA ALABI- FINANCIAL SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES-:

1. TO EMPOWER YOUTH, WOMEN AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED.

2. TO PROVIDE HOME FOR DESTITUTES.

3. TO EMPOWER CHILDREN ON SKILL ACQUISITIONS.

4. TO EMPOWER CHILDREN, YOUTH AND LESS PRIVILEGE ON SKILL ACQUISITIONS IN HAIR AND BEAUTY.

5. TO CREATE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR TRAINING AND SEMINARS.

6. TO CARTER FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) PLOT 420, TIGIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: AYOOLA ALABI - SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

DISCLAIMER ! DISCLAIMER !! DISCLAIMER !!!

THIS IS TO INFORM THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND OUR NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS THAT MR AJAYI OLADELE DANIEL WHOSE PHOTOGRAPHAPPEARS ABOVE IS NO LONGER IN THE EMPLOYMENT OF LIBERTY MERCHANT PARTNERS LTD. ANYBODY WHO DOES BUSINESS WITH HIM ON OUR BEHALF DOES SO AT HIS/ HER OWN RISK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE MANAGEMENT ON PHONE: 07031509648. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. SIGNED : MANAGEMENT.

BASSEY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT ESOR BASSEY AND BASSEY ESOR IS ONE AND SAME PERSON HOWEVER I NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BASSEY ESOR ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

SPACE FOR SALE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2023

Egypt 2023: Peseiro thumbs up Flying Eagles after two rockets see off Mambas

Super Eagles’ Head Coach José Santos Peseiro said he was impressed after scorching shots from the boots of forwards Samson Lawal and Ibrahim Muhammad gave Nigeria all three points and a deserved quarter-final ticket at the 23rd Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt on Saturday. Mozambique’s Young Mambas were the victims this time.

Buoyed in spirit by the win over host nation Egypt on Wednesday that shipped their campaign back on track, the Flying Eagles played with commendable selfassurance and dominated large swathes

of a game played under floodlights at an impressive facility in north-eastern Egypt.

Ayuba Francis had failed to put enough purchase on his strikes in the 6th and 24th minutes on the turf of Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, but Lawal, after receiving a pass from the nimble-footed Haliru Sarki, glided past two defenders before releasing a fierce shot that nestled safely in the net, beyond the groping arms of Kimiss Zavala in the 32nd minute.

With five minutes to interval, Muhammad, who ran rings round the

Mozambican rearguard a number of times, got into a vantage position for a lofty strike that flew past Zavala and found the top right corner for Nigeria’s second.

In the second half, Nigeria’s safe hands Chijioke Aniagboso was his imperial self as he denied substitute Edson Mucuana from close range in the 55th minute. At the other end, another scorcher from Lawal rocked Zavala but he managed to parry it for a corner kick.

In the 76th minute, substitute Adams Olamilekan failed to find the net after a sweet lay-on by Ahmed Abdullahi, and

with three minutes to go, Aniagboso again came up big when Jose Rabelina Zavala thought he was in a position to reduce Mozambique’s deficit.

Victory took the Flying Eagles to six points, and with Senegal pounding host nation Egypt 4-0 in Cairo, to finish top with maximum nine points from three matches, Nigeria finished a comfortable second and will play the winner of Group B (currently being contested by Congo and Uganda) in the quarter-finals on Thursday at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia.

Flying Eagles

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Trophy Tour to launch big plan for Super Falcons

By Albert Akota

Renowned sports marketing company, HotSports says it is at an advanced stage of baking an elaborate plan for a huge boost from Corporate Nigeria for the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons’ campaign at the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this summer.

“I am happy at the conversation we have had with the NFF President, which centred on doing something special for the Super Falcons around the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” HotSports President/ CEO, Mr. Taye Ige said after a meeting with President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau in Abuja on Thursday.

The Super Falcons will be one of the 32 teams to compete at FIFA Women’s World Cup Down Under between 20th July – 20th August, and Nigeria is one of only seven countries to have featured in every

edition of FIFA’s flagship women tournament since it was launched in China 32 years ago.

Ige added: “There is no gainsaying that this is the biggest Women’s World Cup in history and there is the need to get as much support as possible for the team to have the best preparations possible for the finals.” He disclosed that the meeting had been facilitated by a Member of the NFF Board and immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, Ms Aisha Falode, who expressed her enthusiasm to have Corporate Nigeria coalesce support for the Falcons ahead of the World Cup.

In a move that further underscores the desire of the present NFF administration to take the branding, marketing and general management of the women National Teams to levels never previously contemplated, Gusau said he agreed to meet with Ige in a turf-exploring meeting because the Federation is ready to consider proposals that will robustly boost

the women’s game.

“Women’s football has earned the right to greater attention, interest and funding, and we have to follow in the paths of what FIFA is doing for the game. We have 32 teams playing in Australia and New Zealand, making this the biggest-ever Women’s World Cup. Our Super Falcons definitely need all the support to prepare adequately for the finals,” NFF President Gusau said.

Ige says HotSports is excited that the original Women’s World Cup trophy is coming to Nigeria for only the third time and the organization will use the trophy tour of 26th March in Abuja as a launchpad for its project.

The Super Falcons are presently in Mexico for a Four-Nation Tournament involving the host nation as well as World Cup-bound Costa Rica and Colombia, after which they will take part in another tournament in Türkiye in April.

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LATEST Rashford scores double as Man Utd beat Leicester

How the 2023 elections will be conducted

The moment Nigerians and members of the international community have been waiting for, with bated breath, has arrived: the conduct of the 2023 General Elections. The moment represents the seventh election cycle since Nigeria democratized in 1999. The 2023 General Elections consist of a Presidential election; Governorship elections in twenty eight(28) States of the Federation as well as 1,462 legislative elections representing 109 Senate seats; 360 House of Representatives seats; and 993 State House of Assembly seats. Some 93,469,008 Nigerians have been registered to vote in the elections.The elections are coming at a defining moment. They are holding at a time when the country is at its nadir or keeping the rear in almost every department. Not less than 130 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty. Inflation has shot through the stratosphere. Insecurity bestrides the land like some grotesque colossus. And in the latest top ranking of universities in the African continent by WEBOMETRICS, none of Nigeria’s best is in the first fifteen!

Guest Columnist

By Nick Dazang

her Permanent Voter Card(PVC). Thereafter, the voter shall be verified and authenticated, using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System(BVAS) device. A voter who has been verified and authenticated shall be accredited and issued with a ballot paper. He proceeds to a cubicle, without a recording device or Android phone. He indicates the candidate/party of his choice in secrecy. He folds the ballot paper and proceeds to insert it in the appropriate box in the full glare of other voters, party agents, Observers, Journalists, INEC Monitors and the Poll Officials.

maintain a paper trail and to ensure that all the results collated(at the various stages) bear fidelity to the ones transmitted. The fact that the results are transmitted and collated in the full glare of eagle-eyed Agents, Observers and Journalists confers integrity and transparency to the process. Their vigilance also makes it impossible to manipulate the process or to whimsically change the results.

Federation. In this capacity, he shall be assisted by a number of National Commissioners and other Technical staff who input the results as they are forwarded and presented from the States by the respective Returning Officers. The results of other elections shall be returned by INEC Officials at their respective constituencies.

Marcus Rashford scored twice to continue his hot streak and help Manchester United overcome Leicester in the Premier League.

Rashford is in the form of his career and is leading United’s resurgence, taking his tally to 24 goals for the season with strikes in each half at Old Trafford.

Both efforts were clinical finishes, latching on to passes from Bruno Fernandes and Fred before bearing down on goal and coolly slotting past Danny Ward.

Substitute Jadon Sancho finished off a fine team move to seal all three points for Erik ten Hag’s side, but it could have been a very different story.

Leicester created the better chances when it was goalless and their failure to find a way past David de Gea proved costly.

The Spaniard made a stunning reflex save to deny Harvey Barnes from close range and kept out Kelechi Iheanacho’s diving header with another superb stop.

Defeat ended Leicester’s three-game unbeaten run and an inconsistent season sees them remain in 14th place in the table.

Manchester United face the most important week of Ten Hag’s short tenure, coming up against Barcelona in their Europa League play-off second leg on Thursday, followed by a trip to Wembley where they face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.

In the small hours of Saturday, 25th February 2023, not less than 1.4 million election staff of the Commission, shall fan out of 8,809 Wards/Registration Area Centres, to the 176,846 Polling Units(PUs) across the country. They shall be made up of Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, Supervisory Presiding Officers, Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers and Security Agents who would have camped overnight in these Centres, some of which are called SuperRacs(clusters of RACs).

This is one of the largest deployment of men and materials in peace time. The massiveness of this operation is best appreciated against the fact that the number deployed is more than that which would have been used to conduct elections in the entirety of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS), with the exception of Nigeria. It is reminiscent of Operation Overlord, the historic Battle of Normandy, which the War Correspondent, Cornelius Ryan, chronicled in THE LONGEST DAY. On 6th June 1944, 1,600,000 Allied troops under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, crossed the English Channel and invaded France, which was then under German conquest.

After setting up the PU between 8.00am to 8.30am and pasting relevant electoral information such as the list of registered voters, the Presiding Officer shall explain the accreditation and voting procedures to all present. He/She shall declare the PU open for accreditation and voting. The voter shall present his/

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

They go into those two huge games bang in form, having lost just three of their 22 league games, and ruthless finishing ended Leicester’s challenge on this occasion.

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After voting, a voter can elect to remain, so long as he does so peacefully and he does not disrupt the process. After every voter on the queue has voted, the Presiding Officer shall declare the voting closed. The ballots shall be sorted out according to the parties/ candidates contesting by the poll officials. They shall then be counted in the full glare of voters and party agents. The results shall be inputted into the result sheets, the Form EC8A and the Form 60E. A tear off of each result sheet, which original copy shall be signed by the Poll Official and Party Agents, shall be given to each of the Agents and the Security Agents, usually the Police who are the lead Security Agency, for their record. The Form EC8A shall be scanned using the BVAS device. The list of accredited voters shall also be scanned. Both shall be transmitted electronically to the Commission. The Form 60E, known as the Poster Form, on account of its size, shall be pasted at the PU for all to view. The Form EC8A and the list of accredited voters shall further be uploaded on the INEC Results Viewing Portal(IReV). Interested Nigerians can log onto this portal and view, real time, the outcome of the elections at each of the PUs across the country. By putting together all these results, one can determine the votes scored by each candidate.In addition to the electronic transmission at the PU, the results shall go through rigorous manual Collation at the Ward, Local Government and State levels(for the presidential election). What is key is that all the candidates shall be represented by their agents up to the Presidential Collation stage. The notion is to

At the level of the Commission, the conduct of the elections shall be monitored through its Situation Room and Collation Centre. Apart from the army of staff deployed to conduct the elections, thousands of Supervisors will be deployed at the Ward, Local Government and State levels. The remit of these Supervisors is to report and escalate, timeously, any untoward event(s) to the Situation Room for further and immediate remedy. The Supervisors also serve as Monitors. And in their capacity as Monitors, they can intervene and correct the process if there are lapses or challenges. In addition to the Supervisors, there are not less than 1,000 Registration Area Technical Support Staff(RATECHS) whose duty is to troubleshoot any glitches that might arise in the use of the BVAS devices.

On Election Day, the Situation Room and the Collation Centre are commanded by the INEC Chairman who is assisted by National Commissioners, Directors and Technical Staff. Reports in the field are received and attended to through the Commission’s Election Monitoring and Support Centre(EMSC), Electoral Operations Support Centre (EOSC) and the Inec Citizens Contact Centre(ICCC). The Commission’s social media handles(Website:www. inecnigeria.org; Twitter:@ inecnigeria;Facebook:www. facebook.com/inecnigeria) and telephone lines(070-CALLINEC(0700-2255-4632 etc) are open to Nigerians to send in complaints which are then responded to, real time, by a team of dedicated and ICT-savvy Staff.

Nigerians must note that for the presidential election, the INEC Chairman is, by law, the Returning Officer by virtue of his exalted position as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the

It should be noted that for a candidate to be declared winner, he must meet two salient benchmarks: He must win the highest votes cast in the election. In addition, he/she must win at least twenty five percent or a quarter of the votes in not less than two thirds of the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital, Abuja. In other words, the winner must win handily and his victory must have national spread. By the same token, for a candidate to emerge victorious in a governorship race, he/she must score the highest votes in such an election and win at least twenty five per cent of the votes in two-thirds of the Local Government Areas of the State.It should be further pointed out that it is assumed that on Election Day, all matters pertaining to campaigns have been exhaustively dealt with in the 150-day campaign window which terminates two days before the presidential election. Thus the actual focus of stakeholders is on the election proper. Consequently, the Electoral Act 2022 frowns at certain conduct or (mis)behaviors on Election Day. Such behaviors which constitute electoral offenses are captured succinctly in Sections 126-128 of the Act. They also prescribe sanctions. For want of space, permit me to reproduce Section 126(1)(a-k), namely:“No person shall do any of the following acts or things in a polling unit or within a distance of 300 meters of a polling unit on the date on which an election is held – (a) canvass for votes;(b)solicit for the