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Tag: 2019 election

  • Emmanuel conscripts 1,000 persons to defend PDP votes

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will engage 1,000 men and deploy them to each polling unit to defend votes that would be cast for the party on Saturday, February 16 and March 2 elections.

    Emmanuel said the measure is aimed at frustrating the plans by the opposition to rig the elections and stop a free, credible and peaceful poll in the state.

    The governor disclosed this during the PDP grand rally at Onna Sports Stadium on Tuesday to mark the end of the campaigns round the 31 local government areas of the state.

    He said the opposition APC in the state has adopted all sort of sinister plots to weaken members of the PDP but to no avail.

    He commended PDP youths who have embraced the peaceful disposition of his administration and have worked so hard to maintain peace throughout the electioneering, even in the face of intense provocation.

    Such conduct, Emmanurl said, has further frustrated the opposition’s initial plan to arrest and detain some key members of the party till after the elections.

    Read also: Auchi monarch to PDP: we’ll support party that fixed Auchi gully

    The governor thanked all the other 30 LGAs in Akwa Ibom State earlier visited for remaining steadfast on the side of his party throughout the campaigns.

    He also commended the National Working committee of the party represented by the National Legal Adviser, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem and expressed optimism that the PDP will produce the next president of Nigeria.

    “PDP is unstoppable. There is no way we would not win, we have gone round the whole Akwa Ibom. PDP is like a religion in Akwa Ibom.

    “They planned evil, God did not allow it to happen. God has disappointed and will continue to disappoint them.

    “We started in peace and ended in peace and success. Akwa Ibom is 100 percent PDP and 100percent we shall win.

    “They wanted to arrest and intimidate some key members of our party but God has disappointed them.

    “People came up and talk like Pharoah and Nebuchadnezzar but God has disappointed them. Akwa Ibom youths have rejected thuggery, they have embraced peace” he said

    Reacting to a statement credited to some key members of the APC that elections would be done in 30 minutes, Emmanuel argued that election takes a process.

    The governor maintained that Akwa Ibom people would resist any attempt by anyone to truncate a free, fair and credible process.

    Addressing the rally, Speaker Onofiok Luke said Emmanuel has performed creditably well as he has conscientiously and prudently managed the resources of the state.

    He recalled that the recently induced defections of some members of the Assembly and the crisis thereafter were sponsored by enemies of the state against governor Udom Emmanuel.

    The National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem applauded the peace Emmanuel has restored to the state. He noted; “No accident throughout the campaigns, it can only be God”.

    Enoidem who expressed satisfaction that PDP is making waves in the country, advised Nigerians to avoid any form of mistake that would further drag the country backward.

    “Make no mistake in this country. The man on the throne has neither the physical nor mental capacity to govern Nigeria”. He said

    The Director General of the Divine Mandate, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga described Governor Emmanuel as a pride to Africa.

    He thanked the people of Onna for giving to the state a man who has ended kidnapping in churches and politically motivated killing in the state.

  • Why we arrested PDP spokesman – DSS

    The Kaduna state Command of the Department of state services ( DSS ) has explained that it arrested the Director General of the People’s Democratic Party campaign, Ben Bako because of inciting statement that if left unchecked, was capable of leading to a “complete breakdown of law and order in the state and beyond”.

    The PDP Campaign DG was arrested after a video in which he called for anybody that fails to vote for the PDP in the forthcoming election to be killed.

    The PDP in the state, however, said his arrest was part of a plan by the All Progressive Congress in the state to clamp down on opposition elements.

    But in a statement issued in Kaduna, the DSS said the PDP chieftain was arrested in order for him to “shed more light on his inciting statement.

    The statement signed by AI Koya, state director of Security of the state Command said “other people with similar tendencies are also being investigated and would equally face the same fate of found culpable.

    The statement reads: “On the 9th February, 2019, this service invited Mr. Ben. Bako to shed more light on his inciting statement and call for violence in the state. Earlier on the 7th February, 2019 Bako had addressed a rally at Kafanchan, Jema’a local government area of Kaduna state.

    “During the rally, Bako was recorded calling his followers to kill anybody that votes for any party other than the PDP. The video has already gone viral through the social media.

    “Bako, a former commissioner for information in this state and a leader in his own right made this call along with other inviting statements at Kafanchan, deliberately with the intention to cause violence in the state.

    Read Also: Polls: DSS vows to deal with lawbreakers, purveyors of fake news

    “This development, if left unchecked, could lead to complete breakdown of law and order in this state and beyond. Consequently, Bako is under investigation by the service and would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed. Other people with similar tendencies are also being investigated and would equally face the same fate if found culpable.

    “The service assures the good people of Kaduna state that in collaboration with sister security agencies would ensure that citizens are free to exercise their right to freedom of association and choice without hindrance,” the statement read.

    But the PDP in the state has accused that the action of the DSS was premeditated, saying that, the party was aware of the ruling party’s plan arrest top leaders of the opposition party.

    Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Felix Hassan Hyat who addressed the press at the party’s secretariat in Kaduna said, “in the first week of December, 2018 we started hearing rumours that the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i in collaboration with State Security agencies will arrest strong PDP members, days before the elections.

    We took it as mere rumours. The reality is now on ground and the action has started.

    “On 2nd February, 2019, Alhaji Imam Lawal was escorted by security agents along Coronation Road, Kaduna in the evening. His car was thoroughly ransacked but nothing incriminating was found.

    “On Thursday, 7th February, 2019 Alhaji Audi Yaro, Makaman Rigachikun, a former State Chairman and National Ex-Officio was invited to the Kaduna State Police Command Headquarters. His crime was recalling the Campaign speech of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2011 General Elections, where Buhari as Presidential Candidate then has said in Hausa, “ku kasa, ku tsare, ku raka, ku jira, in ba a baku ba ku buge.”

    “On Saturday, 9th February, 2019, Hon. Ben Bako, a strong PDP member a former Commissioner of information in the State and now Director of Media in the present PDP Campaign Organization, was picked by operatives from DSS and taken to Abuja that same night and is yet to be released.

    “On Monday, 11th February, 2019, Alhaji Imam Lawal was again invited to the State DSS office where he was interrogated for sometimes before he was later released. On the same Monday, Alhaji Audi Yaro, Makaman Rigachikun, was again invited by the State DSS operatives and taken to Abuja and is yet to be released.

    “Democracy is seriously under threat in Nigeria, starting with Kaduna State. We as a Party will continue to fight the cause of justice to ensure that Democracy finds its roots firmly in Nigeria and Kaduna State in particular. Now that the security agencies have come out openly to fight the opposition Party in the State on behalf of the ailing ruling Party, we have no alternative than to view them as an integral part of the APC.

    “We want to use this opportunity to appeal to all our cherished supporters and the public to remain calm. Arresting our leaders cannot stop PDP being voted into office on 16h February and 2nd March, 2019 to replace an unwanted monster in the corridors of power loading it over innocent citizens humiliation/intimidation will only strengthen our resolve to keep on the struggle.

    Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the security agency for the arrests, saying that, Carriers of violent message to scuttle the democratic setting that has been set particularly the forthcoming election must be put under watch.

    Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, Chairman of the party, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada and Director General of its Campaign Organization, Ben Kure said, carriers of violent message to scuttle the democratic setting that has been set particularly the election that is coming forth on Saturday the 16th of February 2019 must be put under close watch.

    According to them, “the will of government should not be tested. Attempt or an attempted attempt to try to scuttle the nursing democratic setting by way of conducting a peaceful election I want to believe will not be left without any question or measures taken. Therefore, the propagators of violence orchestrated by the PDP should be warned and other people who want to follow suit in order to scuttle the planned peaceful conduct of the elections that is coming on Saturday.

    “We have followed the PDP carefully and have understood that they are rolling out an orchestrated ground plan to scuttle this election. President Muhammadu Buhari will by the grace of God win, which we are confident of because of his integrity because of the leadership he provided in Nigeria that has restored peace in the country.”

  • Polls: Displaced residents urge INEC to provide alternative voting venue

    The displaced people of Peremabiri, a coastal settlement in Bayelsa, have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) to provide alternative voting venue to enable them exercise their franchise.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that hundred of the displaced persons led by their traditional ruler, Chief Progress Neverdie, submitted a petition to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Monday Udoh.

    Addressing officials at INEC’s headquarters in Yenagoa, Neverdie said that no fewer than 3,000 adults had fled Peremabiri to Yenagoa and neigbouring communities over threats to their lives my militants.

    He said that under the prevailing circumstances, it would be impossible for INEC to conduct elections in the area as the place was not conducive for political activities.

    “The reason we are here today is to bring to the attention of INEC the situation in Peremabiri, the community has been deserted following insecurity created by an ex-militant leader from Peremabiri.

    “People are not free to go about their normal businesses and because of the violence they (militants) unleash on innocent people.

    “The place is like a ghost town; we do not want to be disenfranchised on Feb. 16 and March 2 elections.

    “That is why we are here with a written request that alternative arrangements be made for my subjects to vote.

    “I am conversant with the provisions of the law to pave way for displaced persons to vote.

    “It is our hope that there is a window of opportunity for INEC to act so that my community people can exercise their civic responsibilities in the forth coming elections,” Neverdie said.

    Also, Mrs Polomi Suanaimi, the Vice Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government, said the council was making concerted efforts on the welfare of over 2,000 displaced persons currently in makeshift shelters.

    She said that both the local government and traditional institutions had resolved to wade into the crises so that the people could participate in the electoral process.

    However, Mr Lebai Samsi, Administrative Secretary of INEC in Bayelsa told members of the community, who carried placards in a protest march to the office that security was beyond the commission.

    He, therefore, urged them to report the situation to the police and other security agencies, adding that INEC relied on the law enforcement agencies to do its job of conducting elections.

    Samsi reassured that INEC remained committed to the conduct of free and fair credible polls on Feb 16 and March 2.

  • Saraki replies APC leaders

    Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki yesterday reacted to the remarks made by All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders during the party’s presidential campaign rallies at the Metropolitan Square in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    APC leaders, including Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and Information, Culture & Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed had called for an end to the Saraki “hegemony” in Kwara by casting their ballot for President Buhari and candidates of the APC on Saturday and March 2.

    But in a statement by his Media Adviser Yusuf Olaniyonu, the Senate President said theattacks on him showed the frustration of the APC leaders.

    The statement stated that the APC leaders knew that their party would lose the elections.

    It reads: “That is why in their desperate mood they are only hurling abuses instead of discussing issues and telling the people what they will do for them. They came to Kwara State to hurl insults at me and my people, instead of explaining to the people what they want to do differently and what contributions their flagbearers and other leaders in the state have made to our various communities to justify the people shifting their loyalty to their dying party. They promised nothing concrete that will improve the standard of living of the people and provide infrastructure.

    “My problem with them has always been that after we worked with our people to support them to win in 2015, they refused to work on infrastructure and other policy issues that can bring direct benefit to our people.”

    The statement alleged that of Tinubu’s grouse against  Saraki was that the latter blocked him from becoming Buhari’s running mate in 2015.

    “As far as he, Tinubu, is concerned, I stopped him from realisng his ambition then. However, I believe my action then and now is in pursuit of national interest. Again, I supported President Buhari in 2015 because I believe he could make a positive change. I left the party when I realised he lacked the capacity and the desire to make any change,” Saraki was quoted as saying.

    Saraki, theory had earlier been dismissed in a statement by the former Lagos governor’s ally, Mr. Tunji Bello.

    Bello, who is Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), gave an account on the role Tinubu played in promoting Prof Yemi Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate in the run-up to the 2015 presidential poll. Osinbajo had also corroborated the claim on several occasions.

  • Drama at Ogun APC Presidential rally

    The presidential rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, ended abruptly yesterday.

    Scores of hoodlums chanting the slogan of a rival party and its governorship candidate seized the main bowl of the stadium, pelted dignitaries, including President Muhammadu Buhari, with stones.

    But the President’s security aides shielded him from harm.

    President Buhari arrived the stadium around 3 p.m in company of Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former APC Interim Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    Others are: former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Segun Osoba and the party’s governorship candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

    The party’s leaders hurriedly raised the hand of Abiodun after addressing the rally.

    Trouble began when Oshiomhole took the microphone and announced that they were in the state for the presidential campaign and to give Abiodun the emblem of the party as the governorship candidate.

    The hoodlums were apparently waiting for the announcement as they immediately started hurling stones and other objects at the APC leaders and other dignitaries.

    There was chaos and apprehension everywhere.

    The people scampered for safety while the hoodlums refused to be calmed when Governor Ibikunle Amosun pleaded with them not to “disgrace” him.

    Before the arrival of President Buhari and other dignitaries, scores of the hoodlums, who had continued singing the slogan of a rival governorship candidate and his party, had sacked supporters of the Prince Abiodun from the stadium.

    Other APC members and supporters seated and awaiting the arrival of the President were also chased away as the thugs hurled stones, shoes and other weapons at them.

    Many were injured in the sustained attacks, forcing thousands of people to leave the stadium while they awaited the President’s arrival.

    The attacks began few minutes to 1 p.m and peaked about 45 minutes later. Within 10 minutes, all the seats and positions occupied by Abiodun’s supporters and others APC members were deserted.

    The stones and objects the hoodlums hurled at the guests fell on them in torrents.

    Some of the hoodlums were overheard brazenly boasting that “this is Ogun and nobody can intimidate us”.

    The thugs kept throwing stones even when the APC members and supporters of Abiodun began to flee from the venue.

    Elderly men and women and party supporters laboured to scale the stadium’s fence in desperate bid to escape the attacks many alleged was sponsored by the governor.

    Outside the stadium, gunshots rang out repeatedly.

    Dozens of armed soldiers and other security agencies battled to prevent the entry of another batch of hoodlums who were allegedly ferried to the venue to sustain the assault on the rally inside the main bowl of the stadium.

    Many were appalled that the Fuji musician called to entertain at the event, prodded the hoodlums on with inciting lyrics.

    Security agents, who ought to ensure orderliness at the venue, acted as though it was not their business.

    There were fears about the safety of APC chieftains, like former deputy governor, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Abiodun’s running mate, Noimot Oyedele-Salako, Chief Tolu Odebiyi and others.

    Many wondered if they were able to leave the stadium unscathed.

    Senator Kaka accused security agencies of unprofessional conduct.

    He added that they looked away while dignitaries were attacked by political thugs.

     

  • INEC seeks collaboration with security agencies in managing election risks

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the collaboration of security agencies and community leaders to effectively Manage election risks in five violence-prone local government areas in Sokoto state.

    The Commission’s Administrative Secretary, Alhaji Yunusa Jika-Kura, gave the indication at a workshop on Election Risk Management (ERM) on Monday in Sokoto.

    He explained that ERM is a systematic efforts to identify and assess election risk.

    Jika-Kura said the approach enabled the organisation to understand risk that could affect the integrity of electoral processes followed by coordinated undertaking to initiate timely preventive and mitigating measures.

    He said ERM allows for effective Planning and implementation of security situation management, knowledge and training of personnel and map strategies.

    Read also: Buhari hails Osinbajo for role in economic recovery

    He added that efforts would be made to ensure monitoring and reporting of violent situations among INEC workers, political parties, security officials, civil society organisations, election observers and media for appropriate actions.

    “Risk factor is any element that makes the electoral process prone to risks, risk factors can trigger or contribute to election violence, diminishing the quality and integrity of electoral processes,” he said.

    The INEC Head of Operation in Sokoto, Malam Lawal Ladan, said five local government areas were identified as high risk areas.

    He listed the local government areas as: Isa, Wurno, Raba, Tureta and Goronyo.

    Ladan adduced possible ways to ensure hitch-free elections, with each local government team.

    He added that transportation of materials, personnel and proper equipment functioning, as well as security situation management, were Paramount in each group discussions. (NAN)

  • PDP kicks against alleged clampdown on members

    The People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ) has kicked against what it described as the on-going clampdown, unlawful arrest and detention of its officials and members in various parts of the country.

    Accusing the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of instigating the clampdown, the PDP viewed the development as highly provocative and a direct invitation to anarchy and a political crisis capable of derailing the democratic order.

    At a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, the PDP spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, expressed concern over the arrest of the Director of Media Committee of the Kaduna State PDP Governorship Campaign Organization, Mr. Ben Bako.

    Bako has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since weekend.

    Ologbondiyan said, “We are aware that Mr. Ben Bako’s arrest is prelude to the planned clampdown on our campaign officials by the Buhari Presidency and the APC, whose aim is to instil fear in the polity, incite crisis and derail the electoral process, having realised that they have lost in this election ahead of the polls.

    “It is instructive to state that the DSS has given no reason for Mr. Ben Bako’s arrest and detention, but only acted on the orders of the APC as expressed by the Assistant Publicity Secretary of Kaduna APC, Salisu Tanko Wusono, who openly stated that Mr. Bako deserved his ordeal”

    The PDP spokesman said reports reaching the party indicated that some prominent chieftains of the party in Kaduna State have been marked for arrest and detention.

    Read Also: PDP is biggest election rigger, says Edo lawmaker

    Among those listed as being targeted for arrest include two former Governors of the state, Ahmed Makarfi and Ramalan Yero.

    Also listed were the chairman of the Kaduna chapter of the PDP, Chief Felix Hyat and a former chairman of the chapter, Alhaji Yahaya Makama, who the party spokesman alleged were being trailed by agents of the APC.

    “We have also been informed of plots by the APC and the Buhari Presidency to track down and detain PDP critical stakeholders in other parts of the country, so as to put them out of circulation before and during the general elections.

    “However, the PDP unequivocally cautions the Buhari Presidency and the APC to note that their plot, as well as the continued detention of Ben Bako, is setting the stage for a vehement resistance by the people, which is capable of triggering crisis and disrupting the fragile peace in Kaduna state.

    “The PDP therefore demands the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Ben Bako by the DSS without hurt or further harassment,” Ologbondiyan added.

    The main opposition party said it would hold the APC and the Buhari Presidency directly responsible should any harm befall any of its leaders or members, particularly in Kaduna State ahead of the elections.

    Describing Kaduna State as a stronghold of the PDP, the party vowed never to stomach any further harassment of its leaders, officials and members; before, during and after the general elections.

    It called on the National Peace Committee to note and speak out against the alleged provocations by the APC and the Buhari Presidency against its party, in contravention of the spirit and letters of the peace accord.

    “The PDP states this because Nigeria belongs to all of us and we will not hesitate to call out our members, in their millions, should this aggression by the APC and the Buhari Presidency against our party is not curbed,” Ologbondiyan said.

  • Polls: Police to deploy over 12000 personnel in Edo

    Edo State Police Command said over 12,000 security personnel would be deployed for Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The elections would be conducted in 192 wards across 18 local government areas.

    State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosun, who stated this at a media briefing on Monday said three additional Commissioners of Police would be deployed to be in charge of each senatorial district.

    Odumosun said voters would be allowed to be at polling units even after voting but would be made to stay 300 metres away from where actual voting is taking place.

    Read Also: Police arrest Uber driver ‘s alleged killers, recovers car

    The Edo Police boss warned youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used for any act of violence during the conduct of the election.

    He promised to provide level playing field for all political parties and cautioned politicians not to see the election as war.

    According to him, “Other sister security agencies will support us. The people should not be afraid of arrest. We are adopting various strategies to ensure peaceful elections.

  • PDP kicks as DSS arrests Kaduna PDP campaign spokesman

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has kicked over the arrest of its Campaign Council’s Director of Media and Publicity in Kaduna State, Ben Bako, by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    The Nation gathered the campaign’s spokesman was arrested Saturday night and whisked to Abuja after honouring an invitation by the DSS office in Kaduna.

    His arrest, it was gathered, was informed by video clips that have gone viral on social media, showing Ben Bako making inciting comments during the PDP campaign rally in Kafanchan last week.

    However, reacting to the development in Kaduna Sunday afternoon at a press conference  Deputy Director General of the Campaign Organisation, Danjuma Sarki called for immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Ben Bako, arguing that, he has been harassed and illegally detained without trial for over 24 hours.

    Sarki also alleged the arrest of Ben Bako was part of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) goverment’s plan to intimidate and silence the opposition in the state.

    He alleged a number of party leaders including himself two former governors, former minister and former party chairman had been penciled down for arrest ahead of the elections.

    According to him: “We are very much aware that long before now,  the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, under the leadership of Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has penned down a long list of influential PDP members in the state for intimidation, arrest and detention over spurious charges few days to the general elections. The list includes the following:

    “We also aware that several youth leaders of the PDP in the state, women leaders and  staunch supporters of the PDP, including some public commentators are also to be locked up shortly before the elections.

    “The plan is to lock away 150 leaders of the PDP at the State and Local Government Areas on trumped up charges of “hate speech” during campaign rallies. The intention is to send fears and weaken the spirit of the campaign or to stir crisis in the state.

    “But, unknown to governor El-Rufai and the DSS, the more he arrests us, the stronger the PDP gets.

    “It is too late to reverse the determination of the traumatised people of Kaduna state. They have been fleeced by a narrow group of friends and family under a government of tyranny, propaganda, bigotry, disunity and backwardness.

    “The world today is still outraged by the murderous threat of governor Nasir el-Rufai to International Election Observers, when he vowed that should any of them intervene contrary to the designs and expectation of the APC during and after elections, they would return home in body bags.

    “Curiously the Presidency, came out in full support of that crude, barbaric bravado which carries a costly diplomatic price, should any harm befall any International Election Observer in the course of their legitimate duty in Nigeria during the polls.

    “The PDP in Kaduna state will not be drawn into any violent conflict no matter the provocation. Let us reiterate for the records: The PDP in Kaduna state is determined and totally committed to a violent free polls.

    “No member or supporter of the PDP must be involved in breaking the law. In the same manner, the PDP is solid serious about ensuring that every vote cast in the state counts.”

    He called for the immediate redeployment of Kaduna State Director of the DSS, alleging he won’t be neutral.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has kicked over the arrest of its Campaign Council’s Director of Media and Publicity in Kaduna State, Ben Bako, by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    The Nation gathered the campaign’s spokesman was arrested Saturday night and whisked to Abuja after honouring an invitation by the DSS office in Kaduna.

    His arrest, it was gathered, was informed by video clips that have gone viral on social media, showing Ben Bako making inciting comments during the PDP campaign rally in Kafanchan last week.

    However, reacting to the development in Kaduna Sunday afternoon at a press conference  Deputy Director General of the Campaign Organisation, Danjuma Sarki called for immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Ben Bako, arguing that, he has been harassed and illegally detained without trial for over 24 hours.

    Sarki also alleged the arrest of Ben Bako was part of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) goverment’s plan to intimidate and silence the opposition in the state.

    He alleged a number of party leaders including himself two former governors, former minister and former party chairman had been penciled down for arrest ahead of the elections.

    According to him: “We are very much aware that long before now,  the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, under the leadership of Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has penned down a long list of influential PDP members in the state for intimidation, arrest and detention over spurious charges few days to the general elections. The list includes the following:

    “We also aware that several youth leaders of the PDP in the state, women leaders and  staunch supporters of the PDP, including some public commentators are also to be locked up shortly before the elections.

    “The plan is to lock away 150 leaders of the PDP at the State and Local Government Areas on trumped up charges of “hate speech” during campaign rallies. The intention is to send fears and weaken the spirit of the campaign or to stir crisis in the state.

    “But, unknown to governor El-Rufai and the DSS, the more he arrests us, the stronger the PDP gets.

    “It is too late to reverse the determination of the traumatised people of Kaduna state. They have been fleeced by a narrow group of friends and family under a government of tyranny, propaganda, bigotry, disunity and backwardness.

    “The world today is still outraged by the murderous threat of governor Nasir el-Rufai to International Election Observers, when he vowed that should any of them intervene contrary to the designs and expectation of the APC during and after elections, they would return home in body bags.

    “Curiously the Presidency, came out in full support of that crude, barbaric bravado which carries a costly diplomatic price, should any harm befall any International Election Observer in the course of their legitimate duty in Nigeria during the polls.

    “The PDP in Kaduna state will not be drawn into any violent conflict no matter the provocation. Let us reiterate for the records: The PDP in Kaduna state is determined and totally committed to a violent free polls.

    “No member or supporter of the PDP must be involved in breaking the law. In the same manner, the PDP is solid serious about ensuring that every vote cast in the state counts.”

    He called for the immediate redeployment of Kaduna State Director of the DSS, alleging he won’t be neutral.

  • Obaseki mobilises teachers to vote for APC candidates

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged teachers in the state to support candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections, which will enable his administration sustain ongoing reforms in transforming the state’s basic education sector.

    The governor made the appeal while speaking at a forum organised by the Association of Primary School Heads of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Oredo Local Government Chapter, to honour the governor for the successes recorded in transforming the basic education sector.

    Obaseki, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, said to sustain the transformation and developmental strides by his administration, stakeholders in the education sector should come out en masse to vote for candidates of the APC in the forthcoming general elections.

    “The success recorded by my administration in the education sector was due to the support received from the legislative arm of government. In order to sustain the tempo and even do more, there is a need to elect those whose aspirations will be in consonance with that of our government,” he explained.

    He said he has made verifiable progress in transforming various sectors of the state as a result of the support from members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), urging teachers to join hands in voting in candidates that will ensure formidable representation in Abuja, to fast-track development in the state.

    Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, expressed appreciation to governor Obaseki for the tremendous support and transformation in the education sector.

    She urged teachers to reciprocate the gesture of the governor by supporting the candidates of the APC to ensure victory for the party across all levels in the 2019 general elections.

    Chairman, Oredo LGA Chapter of AOPSHON, Comrade Imafidon Sunday, whose speech was delivered by the Secretary of the association, Enogie Noragbon, thanked governor Obaseki for the developmental strides in the education sector and for impacting on the lives of teachers in the state.

    “You introduced Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme through which over 7,000 teachers have been trained. Teaching methods have also been migrated from analogue to digital. We appreciate your prompt payment of teachers’ salaries, allowances, gratuities, and pensions.”

    Imafidon also applauded the governor for the ongoing renovation of 230 primary schools across the state.