Author: The Nation

  • Lagos, Oyo, Kwara, Katsina, Bauchi, Nasarawa speakers win

    Lagos, Oyo, Kwara, Katsina, Bauchi, Nasarawa speakers win

    Six Speakers of State Houses Assembly were yesterday announced as winners of their various constituencies by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    But Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker and    All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) candidate, Uchenna Okafor lost the election in his Ayamelum State Constituency to  Abuchi Udemezue of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The speakers that were returned are those of    Oyo, Kwara, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Bayelsa states.

    •Oyo

    Oyo   Assembly Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin was returned as a member representing the Ibarapa East State Constituency seat.

    Ogundoyin of the PDP polled 10,039 to defeat 12 other candidates.

    The  Speaker expressed appreciation to the people of    Ibarapa East for his re-election as their representative.

    He said the victory was dedicated to the people of the Ibarapa East State constituency.

    “Our people have spoken with their votes. It is their victory. It is their decision. The people of Ibarapa East State Constituency have given us their mandate once again hence I am overwhelmed and happy. This is God’s doing and it is marvellous in my sight,,”.  Ogundoyin promised.

    •Ondo

    The opposition  PDP in Ondo State won four  House of Assembly seats by defeating incumbent lawmakers elected on the APC  platform.

    The four winners are Afe Felix,   Akoko Northwest II;   Daodu Raymond, Akoko Southwest 1; Abulu Akeem,  Akoko Southwest II   and Oguntodu  Johnson, Akure South I.

    A spokesman for the  PDP , Kennedy Peretei, expressed optimism that the party would win more seats.

    But   APC’s candidate for Ondo West Constituency 1,  Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju defeated incumbent lawmaker, Tomide Akinrinbido of the PDP.

    •Kwara

    In Kwara State, Speaker  Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, won the poll in  Ilesha-Gwanara State Constituency.

    Danladi-Salihu of the  APC) polled 14, 949 votes, while his closest rival, Usman Abubakar of the PDP got 2,072 votes.

    He lauded his constituents for their support and assured them that he would continue to prioritisetheir welfare.

    “I wish to thank my constituents for the show of love and massive support that earned me this sweet victory at the poll.

    Similarly, Magaji   Abdulkadir of the  APC   was declared the winner of the election in   Magaji Ngeri Constituency in Ilorin Central.

    He  polled the highest votes of 14,080 to defeat, Abdullah Sodiq, of the   PDP  who scored 10,127;

    Bayero Yahaya of  SDP, who   had  1,257.

    Magaji expressed gratitude to Governor  Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq for giving him the opportunity to represent his people.

    He promised to consolidate the legacy of his late brother, Olawoyin Magaji.

    Also, 26-year-old Rukayat Shittu of the APC   won a seat in the   House.

    Rukayat, a former Senate President of the Congress of NOUN Students (CONS)   will represent the Owode/Onire constituency, Asa Local Government Area.

    She scored 7,521 votes to beat her  PDP  rival who polled 6,957 votes.

    Similarly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the Speaker of the House and candidate of the APC clinched the ticket of the Ilesha-Gwanara constituency. He defeated his main contestant, Usman Abubakar of the PDP.

    •Anambra:

    Okafor, who sought to represent Ayamelum State Constituency, for the third time scored 11,445.votes while Udemezue had 12,993 votes.

    Similarly, Deputy Majority Leader of the House and APGA candidate for Orumba North, Emeka Aforka lost   to Labour Party’s  (LP)  Paul Obu.

    Obu secured 10,212 votes against Aforka’s 7,675 votes.

    In the same vein, a member representing Awka North and candidate of the PDP, John Nwokoye, lost out to a fresher and candidate of APGA, Chimezie Ikwunne.

    LP’s candidate for Anaocha 1,  Nkechi Ogbuefi, retired the incumbent member and candidate of PDP, Ebele Ejimofor, who also sought a third term.   Ejike Okechukwu of APGA retained his seat for Anaocha 2 constituency.

    But the PDP  candidate, Douglas Egbuna and member representing Onitsha North 1, retained his seat with 7140 votes against LP’s    Chukwunenye Azuka, who got 7135 votes.

    APGA’s candidate, Jude Azotani, polled 7488 votes to defeat PDP’s standard bearer, Achike Onuah who secured 4333 votes.

    Also, results so far declared by INEC showed that Ebuka Igwe of LP won Idemili South;    Emma Nwafor of APGA clinched the Orumba South seat, and Emmanuel  Okpalaeke of APGA emerged winner at Aguata 1.

    Similarly, Young Progressive Party (YPP) flag bearer for Nnewi North, Augustine Ike emerged victorious, just as YPP candidate for Nnewi South 1, Nonso Atuchukwu and his colleague   Nnewi South 2, Johnbosco Akaegbobi retained their seats.

    •Kaduna

    The Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani of the ruling  APC  was  declared winner of Igabi West Constituency for  the   Kaduna State House

    According to the results  Zailani polled 45,849 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Ibrahim Usman of the PDP, who polled 23,163 votes.

    •Bayelsa

    The Speaker, Ingobere Abraham was re-elected to represent   Brass Constituency III.

    Declaring the results in Brass Local Government Area on Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Abraham,  PDP lawmaker scored 5,973 votes to defeat Yousuo Oberiakuma of the APC, who scored 981 votes.

    In Yenagoa Constituency II,  Waikumo Amakoromo polled 4,971 to stop the third-term ambition of the Chief Whip of the Assembly,  . Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, polled 4,583 votes.

    Also, in Nembe Constituency I, Ebi   Ololo’s third-term ambition was also aborted by Oteigbanyo George-Braah of APGA.

    INEC also declared  Tasiu Maigari, the speaker of Katsina  House of Assembly,  as the winner of the race in Zango Constituency.

    Maigari of the APC  polled 19,784 votes while his closest rival, Manzo Madaka of the PDP garnered 10,499  votes.

    APC wins Buhari’s   constituency seat

    INEC  declared  Nasir Yahaya of the APC winner of the poll in   Daura Constituency in Katsina State.  to become President Muhammadu Buheri’s lawmaker-elect.

    Nasir scored 24,913 votes to defeat his main rival, Aliyu Mage of the PDP, who secured 12, 240 votes.

    •Katsina

    INEC  declared  Nasir Yahaya of the APC winner of the poll in   Daura Constituency in Katsina State.  to become President Muhammadu Buheri’s lawmaker-elect.

    Nasir scored 24,913 votes to defeat his main rival, Aliyu Mage of the PDP, who secured 12, 240 votes.

    •Bauchi

    Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar  Suleiman, was also re-elected to represent   Ningi Central Constituency.

    He scored 16, 866  votes against   15, the 065 recorded by Ningi of the APC.

    Nasarawa

    Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim  Balarabe won his third term bid to represent  Umaisha-Ugya in  Nasarawa State.

    The returning officer, Abdullahi Hudu-Ramalan said that   Balarabe,  who was the candidate of APC,  polled 3,706 votes to defeat, Ibrahim Sa’ad of the PDP, who garnered 2,850 votes.

    •Akpabio’s cousin wins Assembly seat  for  PDP

    PDP defeats APC to win Bida North constituency in Niger

    In Niger State, PDP’s  Suleiman Wachiko of the APC lost the   Bida North  Constituency seat.

    Wachiko polled 12, 062 to beat APC’s Bako Kasim, who scored 11, 820. defeat APC’s Bako Kasim, who scored 11, 820.

    However, the APC candidate representing Bida South   Haruna Mohammed was re-elected.

    Haruna scored 11,742 votes to defeat the candidate of the PDP, Ndeji Kudu and  NNPP’s Abba Hashimu, who scored 10, 874 votes and 2, 868 votes, respectively.

    •Taraba

    Out of the seven results released as of 4 pm yesterday by INEC,  the PDP  won three;  APC,   two; New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP)  one seat each.

    The PDP lawmakers-elect are Abubakar  Tanko, Takum 1 Constituency; John Lamba, Takum 2; and  Nuhu Akila, Lau.

    Abel Peter Diah of the APC won in Mbamga Constituency; Uba  Mairiga also of the APC; Jalingo 2.

    Joseph Kassong of SDP won in Yorro State Constituency while Umar Adamu SarkI of NNPP triumphed in  Yorro State Constituency Jalingo 1 .

    •Niger

    In Niger State, PDP’s  Suleiman Wachiko of the APC lost the   Bida North  Constituency seat.

    Wachiko polled 12, 062 to beat APC’s Bako Kasim, who scored 11, 820. defeat APC’s Bako Kasim, who scored 11, 820.

    However, the APC candidate representing Bida South   Haruna Mohammed was re-elected.

    Haruna scored 11,742 votes to defeat the candidate of the PDP, Ndeji Kudu and  NNPP’s Abba Hashimu, who scored 10, 874 votes and 2, 868 votes, respectively.

    •Bauchi

    Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar  Suleiman, was also re-elected to represent   Ningi Central Constituency.

    He scored 16, 866  votes against   15, 065 recorded by Ningi of the APC.

    Nasarawa

    Speaker, of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim  Balarabe,   won his third term bid to represent  Umaisha-Ugya in  Nasarawa State.

    The returning officer, Abdullahi Hudu-Ramalan said that   Balarabe,  who was the candidate of APC,  polled 3,706 votes to defeat, Ibrahim Sa’ad of the PDP, who garnered 2,850 votes.

    “We, however, commend INEC for learning from their shortcomings and improving on the governorship.”

    •Taraba

    Out of the seven results released as of 4 pm yesterday by INEC,  the PDP  won three;  APC,   two; New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP)  one seat each.

    The PDP lawmakers-elect are Abubakar  Tanko, Takum 1 Constituency; John Lamba, Takum 2; and  Nuhu Akila, Lau.

    Abel Peter Diah of the APC won in Mbamga Constituency; Uba  Mairiga also of the APC; Jalingo 2.

    Joseph Kassong of SDP won in Yorro State Constituency while Umar Adamu SarkI of NNPP triumphed in

    6. Yorro State Constituency Jalingo 1   Constituency.

    •PDP decries violence, Rhodes-Vivour claims victory

    The PDP, in Lagos State yesterday condemned violence, attacks and snatching of ballot boxes during Saturday’s Governorship/House of Assembly Elections in the state.

    The Party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Hakeem Amode, in a statement in Lagos, said the violence led to the death of some persons.

    “We found it appalling that hoodlums, many of whom are said to be working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), were behind the violence at several polling units across the state, which disrupted the electoral process,” he stated.

    Amode called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to investigate the exercise and come up with a full report of the election and evaluate the whole process.

    Reacting to allegations against the ruling party, APC’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr. Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Saturday, said the party had no reason to be violent.

    Oladejo also urged the opposition parties to embrace peace and the spirit of sportsmanship.

    Meanwhile, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), says the results of the Lagos governorship election do not align with what his field agents recorded.

    The LP governorship candidate said he is “convinced beyond any doubt” that the outcome of the election does not represent “the wishes of the majority of peaceful Lagosians”.

    Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to declare a winner in the election that was marred by violence, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor, is on course for victory.

    He has won 18 of the 19 LGAs announced so far while Rhodes-Vivour has secured victory in one.

    But according to the LP candidate, “the results from our field agents and situation room indicated that we won this election”.

    Rhodes-Vivour reacted to the outcome of the election via a Twitter thread on Sunday.

    Opposition condemns manhandling of agents in Imo

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has alleged its party agents at Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area were manhandled by thugs and suspected supporters of the ruling party.

    Briefing newsmen on Sunday, the Local Government Area, Chairman of the party, Maxwell Nnabuihe, also alleged that the PDP candidate for Aboh Mbaise, Princewill Amuchie was also brutalised by the thugs and some security agents.

    Nnabuihe claimed that the thugs pounced on his members, including another assistant collation agent of the ward, Ben Chilaka over their refusal to allow them snatch electoral materials.

    Amuchie however, asserted that out of the 208 polling booths where elections were conducted, results of 183 polling units had been uploaded in the IREV .

    Reacting, the APC publicity Secretary, Cajeta Duke advised the PDP to go to court if it feels not satisfied with INEC results of the Assembly election in the state.

    INEC declares  Kano’s  Takai Constituency   election inconclusive

    The election for the Takai Constituency seat in  Kano State was yesterday declared inconclusive by the  INEC.

    The APC was leading with 24,573 votes while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) trailed with 23,569 votes before the declaration by INEC.

    He promised that  election would  be conducted again in the five affected polling units

    Returning Officer of the election, Usman Ibrahim   said five polling units s were cancelled due to “overvoting.”

    He said: “Even though the candidate of APC, Musa Ali, scored 24,573 votes while the NNPP candidate scored 23,569 votes, we still have no other option than to declare the poll inconclusive.

    “This is because elections in five polling units were cancelled due to over-voting.

    “The election will be conducted again in the five affected polling units,”

    NEC declares Kano’s Takai Assembly election inconclusive

    “We, however, commend INEC for learning from their shortcomings and improving on the governorship.”

    Meanwhile, INEC released   results from nine out of the 44 local government areas  the state  with  NNPP leading with 153,103 votes

    The results were presented on Sunday at the INEC Collation Centre in Kano to the Returning Officer, Prof. Ibrahim Doko, the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    According to the results, NNPP’s Abba Kabiru Yusuf is in the early lead, while Malam Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had so far won three local government areas with 142,981 votes.

    The NNPP had so far won in Rano, Rogo, Wudil, Karaye, Minjibir and Albasu Local Government Areas, while APC won in Tsanyawa, Makoda and Kunchi LGAs.

    The collated results also showed that Mr. Sadiq Aminu Wali of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) scored 1,237 votes from the nine declared LGAs.

    Meanwhile, the police command in Kano State said it has arrested 161 persons including a member state House of Assembly for alleged electoral offences during Saturday’s Governorship and States Houses of Assembly elections.

    Mr. Mohammed Usaini-Gumel, the state Commissioner of Police said this when he addressed newsmen at the command’s headquarters in Bompai Kano on Sunday.

    He said that the suspects were arrested by a team of security operatives after they were engaged in electoral offences like vote-buying and destruction of election materials among others.

    Ex-minister hails INEC

    A former Minister of Youths, Sports and Social Development, Alhaji Sani Ndanusa, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did well in the conduct of Saturday’s governorship and Houses of Assembly elections.

    Reviewing the election yesterday at Bida in Niger State, Ndanusa told reporters that “looking at the public outcry that followed the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, I will say that INEC has done very well”.

    He added: “INEC has taken up some of the challenges noticed in the presidential and National Assembly elections and worked on some of them to make the process better.

    “They have done better than what they did initially. We must give INEC the opportunity to succeed because they are operating in Nigeria where every sector has its challenges.”

    Ndanusa lauded the conduct of the election, especially in Bida area, saying it was one of the most peaceful.

    “I think this is one of the most peaceful elections we have witnessed, judging from about 14 polling units that I visited, including where I voted,” he said.

    The former minister and former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the f accreditation and voting was fast, transparent and detailed.

    He noted that many voters who he spoke with said they were satisfied with the elections, thereby giving it credibility.

    “In voting these days, our people are talking about the personality of the candidate and not the political party.

    “It is the candidate that drives the party and not the party driving the candidate,” he said.

    Ndanusa also said there had been a lot of voter education by the government and political parties to sensitise the electorate on the need to do the right thing.

    The former minister noted that although the election recorded minor skirmishes in some places, it was largely a success.

    “The tight security put in place by the Federal Government also contributed to the success recorded in the elections.

    “Many people were encouraged to come out and vote in Bida,” he said.

    •From NWANOSIKE ONU, Awka; EMMA ELEKWA, Onitsha; ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE, Kaduna; SIMON UTEBOR, Yenagoa; CHRIS NJOKU, Owerri,   Yinka Adeniran, Kolade Adeyemi, Osagie OtaborBassey Anthony,    David AdenugaVictor Gai,  Fanen Ihyongo  and Linus Oota

  • Nine states to know governors-elect today

    Nine states to know governors-elect today

    • Collation of Rivers, Kaduna, Plateau, Ebonyi results resumes today

    By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt; AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna; Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki; Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia; Kolade Adeyemi, Jos; Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba and Justina Asishana, Minna; Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

    NINE states – Rivers, Kaduna, Plateau, Ebonyi, Abia, Delta, Bornu, Adamawa and Niger – are to know their governors-elect today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced yesterday.

    The Returning Officers (ROs) for the affected states yesterday suspended collation and announcement of results till 10am today.

    They rescheduled the conclusion of the process pending the arrival and collation of the remaining results.

    In Rivers, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Siminialaye Fubara, was leading 17 local government areas so far declared by the electoral umpire at its collation centre in Port Harcourt.

    The collation of results was suspended by the Rivers State RO and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Delta State, Prof. Akpofurah Rum-rukeh, till today to receive the results from six local government areas.

    In the 17 councils declared by INEC so far,  Fubara trounced the candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Magnus Abe; All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole; Labour Party (LP), Beatrice Itubor among  others. The candidates were defeated in their local government areas.

    In Kaduna, the election continied to trickle into the state office of in Kaduna last night. The ruling APC candudate, Senator Uba Sani, overtook his closest rival, Isah Ashiru Kudan of the PDP.

    Before adjourning till 12noon today, INEC had collated results from Kaura, Giwa, Sanga, Kajuru, Makarfi, Ikara, Jaba, Jema’a, Zangon Kataf, Kauru, Soba, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, Kagarko, Sabon Gari, Kubau and Zaria local government areas.

    Ashiru won in 10 of the 19 local government areas collated – they Kaura, Sanga, Kajuru, Makarfi, Jaba, Jema’a, Zangon Kataf, Soba, Chikun and Kagarko.

    The APC candidate, who won nine local government areas of Giwa, Ikara, Kauru, Sabon Gari, Kubau, Zaria, Kaduna North, Kaduna South and Igabi, got more votes than the PDP standard bearer. The remaining results being awaited are those from Birnin-Gwari, Kachia and Kudan local government areas.

    Uba 617,627 votes as against PDP’s Ashiru’s 602,120.

    The electoral umpire could not declare the winner of the Ebonyi State election.

    But with 12 out of the 13 local government areas already declared, APC candidate Francis Nwifuri had won nine as against PDP’s Ifeanyi Odii Onicha local government area.

    The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Pauline Onyeka announced that the collation would resume at 10am today.

    She blamed postponement on the inability of the electoral officers of the remaining local government areas to accurately compute their results.

    The Abia LP candidate Dr. Alex Otti was leading according to the votes collated from the 10 local government areas that have been received at the headquarters of the INEC in Umuahia, the state capital.

    The candidate of the PDP in Plateau State had won in seven local government areas of the 13 council areas released so far while the APC candidate, Prof. Nentawe Yiltwada won in six councils.

    There are 17 local government areas in the Northcentral.   Results from  Qua’Pan, Jos North, Jos South and Bokkos LGAs were still being awaited.

    In Delta State, the ruling PDP had won 15 out of the 18 local government areas in the governorship election collated so far.

    The PDP polled 245,250 votes in 15 local government areas while its closest challenger APC polled 151,198 votes, winning in three local government areas.

    In Niger State, the APC candidate Umar Bago was leading from the results of 22 out of 25 local government areas collated.

    The APC was leading in 18 local government areas while the PDP had six local government areas in the bag as of 6.31pm.

    The APC won in Tafa, Gurara, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja, Katcha, Bida, Chachanga, Lapai, Rafi, Magama, Agaie, Wushishi, Agwara, Borgu, Mariga and Kontagora. The PDP won in Munya, Edati, Gbako, Mokwa and Lavun local government areas.

    The results of Rijau, Mashegu and Shiroro were being expected.

    In Benue before INEC adjourned collation, APC’s Rev . Father Hycinth Alia was leading by a margin of 156,739  votes

    The electoral empire had already declared results from 17 local government areas with only six remaining.

    The summary of result so far collated showed that that Alia polled 327,962 votes against Titus Uba of the PDP, who garnered 171,223 votes, leaving LP with 13,123 votes.

  • Rhodes-Vivour making false claim, says Lagos APC

    Rhodes-Vivour making false claim, says Lagos APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State yesterday cautioned the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, against making false claim about the outcome of the poll.

    The chapter said Rhodes-Vivour had been lamenting a hallucination about winning last Saturday’s lection.

    Lagos APC Publicity Seye Oladejo said in a statement that the LP candidate should  desist from acts  capable of disrupting  peace in the state.

    The statement said:”He threatened to make the state ungovernable if the election results did not favour  his warped imagination. There is  no doubt that  his disposition to anarchy is not representative of the position of true and well meaning Lagosians. That is not who we are.

    “The results of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections are the realistic and true reflection of the preference of the electorate.

    “It was a referendum on the remarkable achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his team, who excelled in the face of daunting odds.

    “It was a vote for tested, trusted, compassionate and committed leadership, rather than an infantile and needless experiment that was bound to set our state back.”

    “Lagosians spoke eloquently and loudly for a candidate who understands their expectations with the institutional experience to move our state forward.

    While we understand the shock that came with the disappointment  of the crash of the crass opportunism as a result of falsehood and propaganda, the experience of  Chinedu’s four earlier electoral losses should come handy.

    “We want to appreciate Lagosians who trooped out to vote for our party as an expression of confidence to continue on the path of progress that has given our state a pride of place in the federation.

    We want to assure all and sundry that the trust and confidence will never be taken for granted. We will definitely fulfill our part of the social contract.

    “Our government will continue on the path of non-discrimination, inclusiveness, compassion and total dedication.”

  • Haughty invader, war criminal

    Haughty invader, war criminal

    From 24 February 2022 (when Russia rolled its vicious tanks into Ukraine) and 17 March 2003 (when the International Criminal Court, ICC, announced his arrest warrant), President Vladimir Putin raced giddily from a feared global potentate to a potential war criminal — dragging his Russia with him as a terrorist state.

    It was a giddy race from infamy to infamy, in one brief year and a few days! It was as if, as in that Yoruba folktale, that Putin, like the tortoise, won’t quit until he was disgraced.

    Putin’s stumble is infamy to infamy because it’s bad enough to invade another country and brutally mow it down just because you can.  That’s brazen international outlawry, not diluted by Putin’s annexation of Crimea, Ukraine’s territory, on 18 March 2014.

    It’s worse — indeed, should be unheard of in the 21st century — to be fairly bruised in open battle, yet rain thunder and brimstone on defenceless civilian cities.  That is what Russia has done in Ukraine, in clear contempt of the Geneva Convention. 

    That’s even aside from crippling power infrastructure — and in bitter winter too — for millions of Ukrainians to freeze to death, in brazen siege!

    Putin’s ICC arrest warrant has to do with shipping away Ukrainian kids, changing their nationality to Russian and making Russian parent to forcefully adopt them.  So, as Russia ogles Ukraine’s land, it also covets Ukraine children, force-feeding with Russian culture, education and history, to brazenly lure away these impressionable kids, at the weakest juncture of their lives.  How vile!

    To be docked with Putin is Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for Children’s Rights.

    “The crimes were allegedly committed in Ukrainian occupied territory at least from 24 February 2022,” the ICC announced.  “There are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Putin and Ms. Lvova-Belova bear individual criminal responsibility” — just as well!

    But that charge might just be an open salvo, given the mass Russia slaughter of unarmed civilians in the occupied city of Bucha, near Kyiv, at the earliest period of the invasion, now stalled.

    Proponents of false equivalences have called on the ICC to also issue a warrant of arrest on ex-US President George Bush and ex-UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair for invading Iraq on virtual fibs over “weapons of mass destruction”.

    That call isn’t so unsound, given the hypocrisy, brazen power play and blatant cultural imposition by the West and their media.  Still, such concession hardly excuses Putin’s lunacy in Ukraine.

    Let everyone have their days in court, if you can force through international law.  But like Hitler before him, Putin’s threat to global peace, by his rash Ukraine invasion, is potent and real.

    Let him face the music without prejudice to whatever happens to others.  There must be appropriate sanctions for international outlawry.

  • PDP’s Umbugadu lead Gov Sule in Nasarawa

    PDP’s Umbugadu lead Gov Sule in Nasarawa

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate David Umbugadu is leading Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule with 12,000 votes on 13 local government areas announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

    Umbugadu is ahead of Sule in nine of the 13 local government areas.

    The PDP also won eight Assembly seats to APC’s nine. SDP and NNPP won two seats each while the result of one Assembly seat is pending.

    The Governorship results show:

    Doma LG
    APC 15,587
    PDP 19,737

    Akwanga LG
    APC 15,873
    PDP 23,787

    Obi LG
    APC 25,136
    PDP 29,467

    Toto LG

    APC 15,787
    PDP 11,636

    Nasarawa Eggon LG

    APC 16,692
    PDP 36,825

    Keana LGA

    APC 9,598

    PDP 7,173

    Kokona LG
    APC 18,182
    PDP 19,045

    Wamba LG

    APC 12,124
    PDP 8,089

    Keffi LG
    APC 27,737
    PDP 11,995

    The results in the remaining three local government areas of Lafia, Awe and Karu LGAs are being awaited.

    INEC has suspended collation to 10pm on Monday.

  • APC’s Radda is Katsina Governor-Elect

    APC’s Radda is Katsina Governor-Elect

    Katsina candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) Dr. Umar Dikko Radda has won Saturday’s governorship election.

    According to the governorship election collation officer, Prof Mua’zu Abubakar Gusau, Radda polled 859, 892 votes to defeats his closet rival, Senator Yakubu Lado Danmarke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 486,620.

  • Ex-Gov Nnamani loses senatorial seat, concedes to LP’s Chukwu

    Ex-Gov Nnamani loses senatorial seat, concedes to LP’s Chukwu

    Former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani has lost his Enugu East senatorial seat to Labour Party’s Sir Kelvin Chukwu.

    Chukwu is a younger brother to slain candidate of the party, Oyibo Chukwu, who was murdered three days to the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The LP candidate polled 69, 136 to beat Chimaroke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 48, 701 votes.

    Nnamani conceded defeat to Chukwu, saying the outcome of the election reflected the wishes of the majority of the constituents adding “the people have spoken”.

    In a congratulatory message, he said: “The result of the election is in tandem with the rave of the moment in the Southeast zone who have identified with Labour Party . A contrary result would have negated the trend .

    “I wish the Enugu East Senator -Elect a successful tenure in the upper legislative chamber”.

    He also told his supporters to remain calm and accept the outcome of the election in good faith.

  • APC wins 25 out of 27 Imo Assembly seats

    APC wins 25 out of 27 Imo Assembly seats

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared 25 out of the 27 Assembly seats in Imo State.

    All the results as follow:
    1
    Aboh Mbaise
    Hon. Edward Obinna Iheukwumere
    APC
    39,940

    2
    Ahiazu Mbaise
    Inconclusive

    3
    Ehime Mbano
    Ozoemena Bernard Ndubuisi
    APC
    5,585

    4
    Ezinihitte Mbaise
    Agbaso Henry Chinemerem
    APC
    7,036

    5
    Ideato North
    Udeze Ernest Okechukwu
    APC
    5,581

    6
    Ideato South
    Iheonukara Johnson Duru
    APC
    4,907

    7
    Ihitte Uboma
    Olemgbe Chike
    APC
    4,576

    8
    Ikeduru
    Iheoha John Leo
    APC
    9,238

    9
    Isiala Mbano
    Osuji Samuel Ikechukwu
    APC
    7,357

    10
    Isu
    Marred by violence

    11
    Mbaitoli
    Ikpamezie Innocent Ikechukwu
    APC
    10,367

    12
    Ngor Okpala
    Egu Obinna Ambrose
    APC
    7,908

    13
    Njaba
    Ebonine Benneth Ozioma
    APC
    5,917

    14
    Nkwerre
    Ojukwu Thaddeus Chisom
    APC
    8,358

    15
    Nwangele
    Iwanyanwu Amarachi C.
    APC
    15,699

    16
    Obowo
    Ibe Kennedy

    4,256

    17
    Oguta
    Nwosu Gilbert Chiedozie
    APC
    28,587

    18
    Ohaji/Egbema
    Osuoha Uzoma Francis
    APC
    9,736

    19
    Okigwe
    Hon. Ogbunikpe Chidi Samuel
    APC
    45,102

    20
    Onuimo
    Esile James Uba
    APC
    5,905

    21
    Orlu
    Ihezuo Ikenna Martin
    APC
    12,924

    22
    Orsu
    Agabige Uche Francis
    APC
    226

    23
    Oru East
    Nwaneri Chigozie Reginald
    APC
    30,676

    24
    Oru West
    Hon. Barr. Dominic Ezerioha
    APC
    11,036

    25
    Owerri Municipal
    Obodo Ugochukwu Augustine
    APC
    79,043

    26
    Owerri North
    Ofurum Kelechi Onumajuru
    APC
    23,980

    27
    Owerri West
    Onyemachi Kanayo
    APC
    6,226

  • PDP wins 13, APC nine seats in Edo Assembly

    PDP wins 13, APC nine seats in Edo Assembly

    The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo has won 13 out of the 24 Assembly seats.

    But the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious in nine constituencies while Labour Party (LP) has two seats.

    PDP won in Akoko Edo 1, Akoko Edo 2, Owan West, Esan Central, Igueben, Esan Southeast, Esan Northeast 2, Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon 1, Ovia Northeast 1, Ovia Northeast 2, Oredo 1, Oredo 2 and Ikpoba-Okha constituencies.

    APC emerged victorious in Etsako West 1, Etsako West 2, Etsako Central, Etsako East, Owan East, Esan West, Esan Northeast 1, Orhionmwon 2 and Ovia Southwest constituencies.

    LP won in Egor and Oredo West constituencies.

    In the House of Assembly election’s results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Esan West constituency, Jonathan Ibhamalu of APC polled 7,790 votes to defeat Ehizogie Ihenyen of PDP with 5,756 votes while LP’s Clifford Inegbedion had 4,476 votes.

    In Owan West constituency, Blessing Agbebaku of PDP polled 9,839 votes to defeat Michael Ezomo of APC, who had 7,565 votes.

    In Owan East constituency, Eric Okaka of APC polled 15,659 votes to defeat Aminu Kadiri of the PDP, who scored 9,333 votes.

    In Etsako East constituency, Kingsley Ogabi of APC won with 16,328 votes to defeat Emmanuel Akamba of PDP, who polled 11,959 votes.

    In Etsako Central constituency, Waziri Oshomah of APC won with 11, 014 votes, thereby defeating PDP’s Damian Lawani, who polled 6,405 votes.

    Edo Speaker Marcus Onobun, who represents Esan West constituency, has been declared winner of the rescheduled House of Representatives’ election for Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben constituency.

    Onobun, according to the Returning Officer of INEC, Prof. Solomon Omonigho, polled 17,611 votes to defeat the candidate of the APC, Patrick Idiake, who had 16,509 votes.

  • Bayelsa Speaker re-elected as APGA floors two PDP lawmakers

    Bayelsa Speaker re-elected as APGA floors two PDP lawmakers

    Bayelsa Speaker Ingobere Abraham has been re-elected to represent the Brass Constituency III.

    Declaring the results in Brass Local Government Area on Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s returning officer, Dr Jeremiah Samuel, said Abraham of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 5,973 votes to defeat Yousuo Oberiakuma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored 981 votes.

    Mr Daniel Otaribara of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) polled 253 votes.

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) created an upset in the Assembly elections by stopping two top PDP lawmakers.

     In Yenagoa Constituency II, Mr Waikumo Amakoromo polled 4,971 to stop the third term ambition of the Chief Whip of Bayelsa Assembly, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, who polled 4,583 votes.

    Also in Nembe Constituency I, Ebi Ben Ololo’s third term ambition in the legislative arm was also stopped by Mr Oteigbanyo George-Braah of APGA who polled 2,928 to defeat the former who polled 2,356.

    In Sagbama Constituency I, Oyinke Godbless Nanatumieyeseigha of the PDP scored 9,633 votes  to be declared winner by the RO, Dr. Anthony C. Okoye

    In Sagbama Constituency III, Ebizi Brown of the PDP was declared candidate elect, scoring 6,462 votes.

    In Nembe Constituency II, the APC candidate, Edward Brigidi, who scored 1,651 votes was declared winner against the AA candidate, Joel Francis, who polled 16 votes and Amiefamonyo FREDRICK of the ADC, who likewise polled 16 votes at the poll.

    In Nembe Constituency III, APC candidate, Douglas Sampson, scored 1,367 to beat the candidates of the PDP, West Alalibo, and the Labour Party (LP), Bridget Menanini, who scored 461 and 12 votes respectively.

    In Sagbama Constituency II, Bernard Kenebai of the PDP was declared winner by the Returning Officer, Prof Comfort Mbachu, after securing 5,780 to beat Highlife Peremobowei Humphrey of the APC who polled 2,684 votes and Wilson Felix of the LP who got 167 votes.

    In the result declared by the Returning Officer for Brass Constituency I,  Dr Mbosowo Etukudo, declared Charles Daniel of the PDP winner with 4,116 votes.

    Ekeremor Constituency II was won by Mitin Ebibaekebena of the PDP who scored 9,067 votes to beat Olorogun Kennedy of the APC (2,800) votes and Awolowo R.T. who polled 1,047 votes. 

    The Ekeremor Constituency I was won by Tare Porri of the PDP who polled 4,216 votes against APC candidate Dumbo Yokoro who got 1,562 and Gita Matthew of the SDP who scored 973 votes. 

    In Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency I, Werinipre Pamoh of the PDP scored 7,536 votes, Appah Kelvin of APGA scored 1,474 and Duabofa Duopamo of the APC polled  1,314 votes.

    In Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency II , Mr Wisdom Fafi of the  PDP scored 6,708 votes to be declared winner, while Isowo Priebi Cross of the APC got 3,362 votes.