The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2019 ELECTIONS

  • I’m better prepared for Senate – Al-Makura

    Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state has said that he is better prepared to give the people of the southern senatorial district better representation as a senator.

    He made this known in Lafia local government at the final campaign rally for his Senate bid.

    According to him, after a deep thought and beckoning by the people, in addition to what he has done in the area of development across the senatorial zone, he felt the only way to consolidate and ensure sustainability of the projects would be “if and when I am elected to represent my people at the National Assembly”.

    “I am more prepared for the senate than the incumbent to be frank with you, because if you look at what we have done in the past seven and a half years compared to the twelve years of the current occupant of the seat you would have every reason to support us than vote for what is best described as wasted years.

    “I want to assure you that my contribution at the floor of the National Assembly in terms of making laws will be what will benefit my constituents as well as strengthen democracy and add value to governance” He said.

    The Governor, however, assured the people of Awe that before his exit from office, he will make sure that the general hospital is completed and equipped for full health care service delivery, as well as the construction of a one kilometer intercity in Awe town in addition to the three already constructed.

    Al-Makura expressed satisfaction with the turn out of the people to the rally, saying it was most assuring that Awe people will vote 95% for APC in the upcoming elections.

  • Imo: Nwosu, Uzodinma, others sign peace pact

    …as Police, Army read riot act to politicians

     

    Security agencies in Imo State on Wednesday warned politicians ahead of the general elections to desist from acts that are capable of jeopardizing public peace and security in the State.

    The warning was coming at the heels of a peace Parley organised for politicians by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

    The Security Chiefs warned that any politician caught inciting violence in the state during and after the elections will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.

    Meanwhile the governorship candidates of the Action Alliance (AA), Uche Nwosu, All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Hope Uzodinma, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Ihedioha, Change Advocacy Party (CAP), Ikenna Emmanuel, Young Progressive Party (YPP), Linus Okorie and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ifeanyi Araraume, among others signed agreement to be of peaceful conduct during the election.

    Addressing the candidates shortly before the signing of the Agreement which was witnessed by Security Chiefs, Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), religious leaders and journalists, the State Commissioner of Police, Dasuki Galadanchi, urged the politicians to play by the rules and jettison all forms of violence.

    According to him, the State has witnessed relative peace when compared to other states in the Federation, as a result of the “cooperation and support of the people of the state”.

    He said, “you will agree with me that this hard-earned peace and tranquillity we enjoy and experience in Imo State should be guarded jealously, thus, we have no other option than to ensure this endures before, during and after the elections”.

    In his brief speech, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Pro. Francis Ezeonu, assured that INEC is prepared to conduct credible election that will meet the aspirations of all the parties

    He restated his commitment to provide level playing ground for all the political parties participating in the election, while pleading with the candidates to abide by rules and regulations guiding the election.

    Meanwhile, fake soldiers escorting and unnamed politician were paraded at the event, which held at the State Police Headquarters.

    Read Also: Buhari, Atiku, others sign second 2019 National Peace Accord

    Parading the suspects, who were fully dressed in Military fatigue, during a Peace Parley for candidates, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brigadier General H. I Bature, disclosed that fake soldiers have infiltrated the state to cause chaos during the general elections.

    He stated that desperate politicians have equipped hoodlums with Army Uniforms and weapons to perpetrate violence in the state, warning that all those involved in the ignoble act will be fished out and dealt with.

    According to him, “two of these fake soldiers were arrested escorting a politician. You will marvel at the kind of ammunition that was in their possession. But no matter how much they disguise, we have a way of finding out the fake soldiers.

  • Buhari, Atiku, others sign second 2019 National Peace Accord

    *Buhari: Let’s pray for our country

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday joined other candidates to sign the second 2019 National Peace Accord in Abuja.

    The Presidential election comes up on Saturday 16th of February, 2019.

    Buhari and Atiku called for free, fair and non-violent elections.

    While stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies have given their words in readiness to conduct free and fair elections, he urged the youths not to allow themselves to be used for violence.

    Noting that there is fear towards the election just like any other elections, he urged Nigerians to pray for Nigeria as it goes into the elections.

    The President also said that the only real party is Nigeria and that elections are only important to the extent to which they make Nigeria strong.

    Atiku again appealed to INEC and the security agencies to ensure free, fair elections.

    He recalled the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan where he said that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    Atiku said that the Nigerian democracy should emerge stronger than the 2015 general elections that was adjudged the freest and fairest in the country.

    The former Vice President specifically appealed to President Buhari for everyone who casts his or her vote to have confidence that the votes will count.

    “We must abide by the will of the people,” he stated.

  • Polls: Police to deploy gunboats to riverine communities

    Ahead of Saturday’s elections, the police have allayed fears of possible attacks by militants and miscreants in riverine communities in Lagos, assuring residents of maximum security.

    Concerns have been raised by residents of Ijedodo, Ijegun, Ishawo, Epe and other Lagos riverine communities plagued by activities of militants, and miscreants who usually capitalised on the inaccessibility of the areas to operate.

    But Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu Wednesday assured the residents of their safety and security before, during and after the elections, noting that gunboats would be deployed for constant waterway patrols.

    Read Also: 2019: Police warn against discouraging Nigerians from voting

    Reacting to a text message from our Correspondent on how the command intended to cover voters in riverine areas, Muazu said they have been captured in the operation order.

    He said the areas would be properly manned and patrolled by operatives the Marine Police.

    “Our operation order covers the riverine areas to be properly manned and patrolled by the Marine Police. We have serviceable gunboats for this purpose,” he said.

  • 2019:Police warn against discouraging Nigerians from voting

    The Police Command in Enugu State has warned individuals and groups to desist from discouraging Nigerians, especially the residents of Enugu State, from voting in the forthcoming general elections.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Presidential/National Assembly and the Governorship/State Assembly elections will be holding on Feb. 16 and March 2.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP. Ebere Amaraizu, gave the warning in a statement issued on Wednesday in Enugu.

    Amaraizu said that the command’s attention had been drawn to activities of mischief makers bent on inflicting fear in the minds of citizens with the aim of to discouraging them from coming out to exercising their franchise on the election day.

    He alleged that the mischief makers posted bills and posters, warning members of the public not to come out to vote.

    The PPRO said the command would not sit and watch these mischief makers go about causing fear in the minds of citizens under any guise.

    “Security operatives have been directed to fish out those in this habit in order to bring them to book.

    “Members of the public are once more advised to go about their normal lawful businesses and to feel free to visit any of their polling stations, booths and cast their votes as security has been provided.

    “They should always contact the police command through these distress numbers: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202 and 08098880172.

    “Or through the command’s social media platforms of twitter @policeNG_Enugu and Facebook @nigeriapoliceforceenugustatecommand for prompt and necessary action on event of such situation amongst others,’’ he said.

  • Tinubu: I’m not leaving APC

    National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said he has no plans to leave the party for any other.

    He said he would remain solidly behind the APC contrary to insinuations by some that he was leaving the party.

    A video where Tinubu, at the APC Presidential Campaign rally in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was seen throwing the party’s flag to National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, to give to the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, had been framed by opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)to mean he was throwing away the party’s flag.

    But in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser, Media, Tunde Rahman, the APC leader denied throwing away the party’s flag as being insinuated by PDP.

    “If you want to fault Asiwaju for anything in this matter, your critique can only be limited to the accuracy of his toss. Any attempt to enlarge the episode beyond this is fiction and mischief writ large,” he clarified in the statement.

    Agreeing that an incident did occur at the Ogun State APC rally, he said it was not the one PDP concocted.

    “The true incident that should be reported and condemned is that people who furtively oppose the party and the president, tried to infiltrate and disrupt this rally.

    “The attack by these operatives was disrespectful of the office of the President and could have potentially harmed the person of the President.

    “With but a few precious days until the election and with its chance of victory running out even faster than the time, the PDP now grasps at the most nonsensical and desperate tactics to salvage its falling enterprise.

    “However, a drowning man cannot toss himself a lifeline. Nor can the PDP succeed in turning the innocuous attempted exchange of a flag between the National Leader and National Chairman into a rift in the APC’s successful campaign.

    “Such antics have no place in our political discourse. The author of these misdeeds should desist before real harm is done.”

    The statement added: “Now to the crux of the opposition’s latest antics. If the issue of the flag has become the hotspot of the PDP campaign, then they are in serious trouble.

    “During that portion of the Ogun rally, the National Chairman and others were looking for a party flag. Asiwaju Tinubu spotted one within his reach.

    “He picked it up and attempted to toss it to chairman Oshiomhole so that the chairman could present it to the party’s gubernatorial candidate Prince Dapo Abiodun.

    “If you want to fault Asiwaju for anything in this matter, your critique can only be limited to the accuracy of his toss. Any attempt to enlarge the episode beyond this is fiction and mischief writ large.

    “As the National Leader, Asiwaju Tinubu is thoroughly faithful and committed to the APC. It is unthinkable that he would leave the party.

    Read Also: Why Lagosians should not vote for Atiku, by Tinubu

    “Moreover, there is no reason for him to do so. He has been hard at work for the victory of the APC and all of its candidates in the upcoming election.

    “Asiwaju understands the bigger picture. He knows what is at stake in this election. Either the nation moves forward along the progressive path of the APC or it will be forced to retreat into the ills of the past created by the PDP.

    “With the nation’s future hanging in the balance, Asiwaju will not allow himself to be deterred by petty mischief”.

    The statement advised those spinning the matter to make better use of their imaginations.

    It emphasised: “Asiwaju is not going anywhere. He remains gidigba (solid) in APC.

    “And after the election, he will be there celebrating the APC’s and this nation’s victory over those who would prevent us our rightful future”.

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

    Edo North senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) Engr. Abubakar Momoh got the shock of his life at the palace of the Otaru of Auchi, HRH Alhaji Aliru Ikelebe III on Tuesday.

    The monarch told the candidate Auchi people would vote for the party that fixed the gully erosion problem that ravaged the community for many years.

    It was former Governor Adams Oshiomhole that solved the gully erosion problem.

    Momoh was at the Otaru’s palace to seek endorsement of the monarch for Saturday’s polls.

    The Otaru reportedly told Momoh that he would only give his support to the party and people that rescued the community from total collapse when it was ravaged by erosion.

    The Daniyan of Auchi Kingdom, Alhaji Usman Abudah, who confirmed the development, told newsmen that the Otaru of Auchi also advised all political office seekers to desist from the “unacceptable efforts to involve the palace of the Otaru of Auchi with their misgiving political pursuits.”

    His words: “Specifically Hon Abubakar Momoh who has on numerous occasions been seeking for political positions at the wrong time in wrong places visited the palace of the Otaru of Auchi and on each occasion, HRH Otaru of Auchi explicitly advised him to find a way to fall into line of the realities of the moment.

    “The Otaru said he will never while alive not to be appreciative of any government that came to the aid of the community during the problematic erosion problem which Oshiomhole government in collaboration with the World Bank solved for the community.

    “Otaru will never in his life mislead his people he has spoken and will continue to speak the truth to the people of his domain.”

  • PDP accuses APC of burning INEC offices

    The People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ) said Tuesday that fresh facts available to it have shown that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was responsible for the burning of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices in various parts of the country.

    The main opposition PDP said it already has the details of how the APC mobilised misguided elements in its fold to burn INEC offices and destroy electoral materials and equipment in Plateau, Abia and Anambra states.

    Fire had gutted INEC offices in the three states within one week.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said, “Our party is also privy to clandestine plots by the APC to burn INEC offices in some other states, so as to paralyse the Commission’s operations in such states, and pave the way for the isolation and postponement of the presidential elections in those states; after which it plans to unleash compromised security agencies to muzzle the shifted polls in favour of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Having realised that President Buhari has no chance in a credible, free and fair general election, the APC now plots a violent staggering of the polls so as to use security forces to re-enact the same rigging formula it used in the 2018 Ekiti and Osun governorship elections”

    Read Also: Why we arrested PDP spokesman – DSS

    The statement added that in attacking INEC offices and destroying the card readers, the APC was is to cripple the Commission’s use of full benefit of technology that will guarantee a credible biometric voter accreditation.

    “The PDP in very unequivocal terms insists that it will never accept any attempt by the APC to postpone the Presidential election in any state of the federation. The Presidential election must hold in all the states on the 16th of February and President Buhari will be served his defeat certificate.

    “The PDP therefore charges Nigerians to resist the desperation of the APC, for which it has now resorted to burning INEC offices. The party also charges INEC to note that the APC is after it facilities and as such put stronger measures to protect itself from the assaults of this desperate party”.

  • Ogun: Abiodun is next governor – Osinbajo

    Vice – President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday expressed confidence that with God and support of the good people of Ogun State, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, would emerge the next governor of the state.

    Osinbajo advised the electorate to cast their votes for the All Progressives Congress(APC) candidates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for next Saturday, February 16 as well as the March 2 governorship and state House of Assembly polls in the state.

    The Vice – President who expressed optimism about Abiodun’s victory at the Palace of the Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, Oba AbdulRasaq Adenugba, in company of the APC governorship candidate, called on party members and supporters to be wary of those promoting division and candidates other than APC candidates.

    Osinbajo was in the Palace to seek the support of the monarch and chiefs in Ago – Iwoye ahead of the general elections.

    Read Also: Buhari endorses Abiodun as APC candidate

    He reiterated that APC controlled government in the state with Abiodun in the saddle, and reelected President Muhammadu at the centre, the Gateway state would be better for it.

    Responding, Ebumawe said Osinbajo and Abiodun are their true sons and urged his people to support and pray for their success.

    Earlier, the Vice – President also visited the traditional ruler of Idowa – Ijebu, Oba Yinusa Adekoya and his chiefs where he had private meeting with them.

  • Polls: Avoid all forms of intimidation, TUC urges FG

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria ( TUC ) has asked the federal government to avoid all forms of intimidations during the 2019 general elections and be transparent in the conduct of the Elections.

    Rising from its National Executive Council meeting, the Congress asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be as impartial as possible during the election, having the interest of all Nigerians at heart.

    In a communique signed by the President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal M. Ozigi, TUC also calls on the police, the military and other security agents to be professional in discharging their duties since no position is worth the blood of innocent civilians.

    They commended the House of Representatives for approving N30, 000.00 as minimum wage in the country and call on the Upper Chamber, the Senate to do the same without any further delay.

    The Congress said that the law establishing National Law Advisory Council (NLAC) should be reviewed to include major Stakeholders, like TUC and warned that TUC will no longer tolerate the violation of the trade union rights of its members to representation, collective bargaining and be consulted on labour matters in the country.

    On the state of Insecurity in the Country, the Congress call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to make sure that killing; kidnapping and insurgency in the country are totally wiped out and save the country from total collapse.

    It also frowns at the proposed increase of international passport and driver’s license by the Federal Government. It therefore calls on the Federal Government to maintain the status quo and formulate policies that will be more beneficial to the masses.

    On the Anti-Corruption crusade, the Congress commended the Federal Government for the fight against corruption in the Country and call on the Federal Government to respect the rule of law when doing so.