The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2019 ELECTIONS

  • Polls: Bayelsa warns against violence

    …vows to prosecute offenders

    The Bayelsa State Government Thursday warned against electoral violence and vowed to use the instrumentality of the law to punish anyone or group found to be disrupting the existing peace in the state.

    The government at its 104th Executive Council meeting said it deliberated extensively on a report before it that some politicians in the state were stockpiling arms for the purpose of causing mayhem.

    The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Arthur Andrew Seweniowor said the government would not fold its hands and watch unscrupulous politicians turn the state into a killing field.

    He said the government would not allow what happened during the 2015 and 2016 governorship election to repeat itself, stressing that it had a constitutional mandate to protect lives and property.

    He maintained that elections were not war but a healthy contest to pick leaders and called on youths not to allow themselves to be used by selfish politicians to commit atrocities.

    Seweniowor said: “The violence that characterized the 2015 governorship election is still fresh in our minds. If you recall the government did set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the crisis that engulfed parts of the state in course of the election.

    “A white paper was later produced after the panel submitted their report. It is sad to note that those indicted in that report are still the same persons who are stockpiling arms today.

    “We want to make it clear that on no account will anyone be allowed to launch a reign of terror and brigandage. We are determined to bring anyone or group of persons found culpable to book. We call on our youths not to allow themselves to be deployed as tools for electoral violence and manipulation”.

    On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson said opposition politicians in the state were not preparing for elections but war.

    Iworiso-Markson said because the opposition was unpopular, it had resorted to creating instability and turning the state into a theatre of war.

    Read Also: 2019 polls: FG will cooperate with international observers, Says Presidency

    He appealed to parents and guardians to talk to their children to stay away from desperate politicians and their evil plots.

    According to him, rather than take up arms, they should keep their PVCs closer in order to elect responsible leaders that will bring more development to the state.

    He said: “We have said it over and over again that the opposition party in the state is not pretending about their intentions to cause violence and pave the way for the hijack of electoral materials by their hired thugs. They are preparing for war and not election.

    “These diaspora politicians have not contributed anything to the development of our state. They only come back home when there is election and because of their lack of popularity they institute violent means to get into power”.

  • Buhari, Osinbajo under divine protection, says APC

    All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice Yemi Osinbajo are enjoying divine protective shield from God.

    The party added that the divine protection has was responsible for the Osinbajo’s narrow escape from death.

    Patron, Buhari Campaign Organisation Mallam Yakub Gobir said this in Afon, Asa local government area of Kwara state at a sensitization rally, adding that the duo and all other candidates of APC would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.

    Mallam Gobir, APC governorship aspirant in the state said the party is ready to win at the polls

    Gobir added that “in terms of previous elections I will say our preparedness is at the highest point it has never been. So we are prepared.”

    On the reception accorded his team, the Wazirn Hausa said: “The reception is fantastic. This is not my first time of coming to Asa.

    This local government is very important. This is the first local government that results would be announced.

    “The second thing is that it is a very rural local government in Kwara central and there are great distances between polling units.

    Read Also: Osinbajo calls for unity ahead of elections

    “People had to travel between seven and eight kilometers to get to their polling units. From previous elections, historically Asa local government is where a lot of rigging and electoral malpractices take place, because it is remote and hard to reach.

    “People are able to do a lot of manipulation. That is why in our preparedness to end campaigns for the forthcoming elections, I have chosen that the council is a key area. The people you are seeing here today will make Victory happen in this month’s election. We will deliver victory to President Buhari beyond his expectations and also for all other APC candidates.

    “I therefore plead with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agents to pay special attention to INEC.

    “INEC in the state to let the elections to be free and fair. People’s will should be allowed to prevail.”

    Also APC Kwara central senatorial chair Abdullateef Alakawa said that APC has become a movement in the state.

    “It is very obvious that APC is very well prepared to win the elections in the state. APC is not just a political party in Kwara central, it has become a movement.

    “That is why there is serious mobilisation of our people. Our people are enthusiastic and very much at alert for the monumental transformation that will happen in the state.

    Our people are ready to effect a change from a situation of stagnation to progress. They are ready to do that through a democratic process.

    “This local government is an integral part of Kwara central. Come February 16 that readiness of our people will manifest for the epoch making event of changing government and reaffirming their support, belief and confidence in the party and its leadership at the national level and in bringing a true government of change to our state.“

  • I’ll tame crime by checkmating drug abuse -Sen Nyako

    Sen Abdulaziz Nyako, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State,
    has said he would tame crime through checkmating drug abuse if he becomes the next governor of the state.

    He made the commitment in Dumne, a rural community in Song LGA, when he paid a campaign visit there, stressing that crime would be reduced to near nill across the state if youths are taken off drugs.

    Drug abuse is a major challenge in Adamawa State and Nyako’s remark called to mind a recent assertion by the state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that most crimes are committed under the influence of drugs.

    Sen Abdulazeez Nyako, reiterating his commitment towards ensuring eradication of drug abuse in the state, said it would be achieved through concerted efforts and he would enthusiastically lead and power the efforts.

    “We must checkmate drug abuse for our society to prosper. We should be in the vanguard in eliminating drug addiction which increases crime in the society,” he said.

    Read Also: I have no plan to dethrone Lamido of Adamawa, if elected Governor- Nyako

    At another campaign venue, in Wurude, also in Song LGA, Abdulaziz Nyako pledged a rice milling factory along the banks of a massive body of water called River Kilange.

    He said the rice mill would help the local farmers as it would facilitate dry season irrigation and benefit the people because it would ensure food sufficiency.

    He said the project’s blueprint was conceived by his father, former Gov. Murtala Nyako, and would be implemented next year by the ADC government if voted into power.

    He said the rice mill would complement food security, which he said is his priority plan.

  • Elections: SPU, CTU to protect INEC staff, NYSC members

    …May withdraw personnel attached to personalities

    The Inspector-General of Police has disclosed that the Special Protection Unit (SPU) and Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Force will be in charge of the protection of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff, National Youth Service Corp members and other Adhoc staff.

    The Ag. Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu said this in Abuja during a meeting with Commanders of both units.

    To ensure full mobilization, the IGP also hinted that he may withdraw SPU and CTU operatives that are currently attached to certain categories of personalities.

    The IG while highlighting the roles both units will play during the election said: “The Counter Terrorism Unit was established as a specially trained strike Force with capacity to address the threat of terrorism and sundry insurgency threats to our national security, while the Special Protection Unit is a Police detachment that is dedicated to the provision of specialized security and escort duties for high-risk individuals and corporate organisations that may be under security threat.

    “The Two Units were established to complement the Police Mobile Force towards supporting the conventional police in addressing critical internal security threats and civil disorders.

    “By virtue of their training and expertise, personnel from the Counterterrorism Unit and Special Protection Unit are critical components of the broad election security plan of the Nigeria Police Force.”

    He continued: “Within this context of the Strategic Election Security Operational Plan of the Force, you shall be required to deploy your personnel to provide specialized protection for INEC staff, and NYSC and other ad-hoc personnel of the Commission that will be deployed for the elections and secure INEC facilities across the country.

    Other roles include: “To undertake patrols of the public space before, during and after the elections, act as reserve Forces that could be deployed for rapid response to crisis areas during the elections, provide specialized security for local and international election observers, escort sensitive electoral materials and provide specialized protection to critical national assets during the exercise.

    On the likely withdrawal of operatives, Adamu said: “In order to ensure full mobilization and deployment of personnel for these duties, we shall in the coming days prune down or order the withdrawal of SPU and CTU operatives that are currently on non-essential duties including those attached to certain categories of personalities.”

    He also assured the personnel that proper arrangements have been made for their welfare.

    “In performing your election security duties, let me assure you that adequate provisions have been made for your welfare. In return, we expect the highest possible level of professionalism from you, knowing that your conducts will be subjected to national and international scrutiny.

    “I am confident, on my part, that you have the professional depth, strength of character and strong sense of commitment to duty which is needed to guarantee your optimal performance and the success of the exercise.“

  • I did not call for violence, says El-Rufai

    …says, trailing reactions are false outrage

     

    Following massive reactions that greeted his statement, Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has clarified his comments, saying the reactions that followed his comments were false outrage, which he said must stop.

    In a statement he issued through his media aide, Samuel Aruwan, El-Rufai insisted that his comments were not call for violence, but a powerful defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    The Governor said he merely stood up for Nigeria’s dignity in the wake of those who would traduce their country and reduce it to the status of a colony in their vain quest for power.

    According to him, “A notorious trait of the characters that constitute the opposition in Nigeria is the manufacture of outrage on flimsy grounds. However, contriving anger on false premises and summoning a din of feverish commentary will not alter the facts. Election season is regarded as silly season in some quarters, but it is a very serious moment.

    “When Malam Nasir El-Rufai appeared on NTA’s Tuesday Night Live, he made comments every patriot can understand. He stood up for Nigeria’s dignity in the wake of those who would traduce their country and reduce it to the status of a colony in their vain quest for power.

    “The video of his comments is in circulation. Any fair-minded person with modest familiarity with the English language and unimpaired comprehension can understand it. It does not contain any call for violence. What it is a powerful defense of sovereignty? Are some sections of our political class implying that they will acquiesce in or collaborate with foreign intervention in our country?

    “Affirming that a country will defend itself against needless intervention is the kind of statement you expect to hear from a patriot. It is not a call for violence. Warning about the consequences of meddling in another country’s affairs is legitimate.

    Read Also: Poll: EU replies El-Rufai, says observers invited by FG

    “Non-interference in the affairs of other countries is a basic principle of international law. Threatening to intervene in another country implies the use of force. Those who are basing their electoral calculations on foreign intervention need to be discouraged. Only the lawful votes of the Nigerian people should make or unmake governments.

    “Malam Nasir El-Rufai has issued a powerful call for vigilance and a clear notice that other countries should not mistake the supine posture of the opposition for national weakness.

    “Malam Nasir El-Rufai has stood firmly against those who have been trying to divide Nigerians on ethnic and religious lines. He is resolutely opposed to violence, and firmly committed to peace and harmony.

    “Let the false outrage stop,” El-Rufai said.

  • Why Nigerians should vote for my husband, by Titi Atiku

    Mrs Titi Atiku-Abubakar, wife of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday urged Nigerians to vote her husband on Feb. 16 to move the country forward.

    She made the call in Lagos while addressing PDP faithful and residents at an interactive meeting of the party.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that prominent members including a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George; the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje; and his running-mate, Mrs Haleemat Busari, attended the meeting.

    A former governor of Ogun State and Director-General of Atiku Campaign Organisation, Otunba Gbenga Daniel was also among hundreds of party faithful present.

    Mrs Abubakar said the task to reposition the country and set her on the path of prosperity required somebody with the right capacity like her husband.

    The candidate’s wife said her husband had the experience and the passion to further the country ‘s progress, adding that a vote for Atiku is a vote for a better Nigeria.

    “Atiku is what Nigeria needs right now to move her forward. My husband is experienced and he has the capacity to improve the fortunes of the country.

    “He is an educationist, a philanthropist, a businessman and a lover of the masses. Atiku is committed to a new Nigeria. So, on Feb. 16, I urge you to vote my husband to end all the sufferings in the country,” she said.

    She decried the high rate of poverty in the country, saying the situation had turned many Nigerians, especially young people, to crime and prostitution.

    Abubakar blamed the situation on what she called absence of the right policies and programmes to create jobs and empower the youths and women.

    The candidate’s wife said her husband would fulfil the promise to run an all-inclusive government to create opportunities for all segments of the society, especially youths and women.

    “Atiku knows the youths and the women of this country are suffering and he wants to put an end to all the sufferings.

    Read Also: How pastor confessed to defrauding Atiku’s wife, by EFCC detective

    “Atiku cares about young people and women and he will create opportunities to make their lives better.

    “For the women, he said he is going to give us 30 per cent in his cabinet and that he is going to give the youths 40 per cent.

    “Our youths are jobless, our ladies are roaming the streets, everywhere you go, what you see is suffering and this must come to an end, and for this to come to an end, we need to vote the man Atiku to get Nigeria working again,” she said.

    According to her, Nigeria witnessed great leaps in the economy when her husband was in charge of the economy as Vice-President to former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

    She said some of the economic legacies of Obasanjo/Atiku government like banking consolidation, pension reforms and telecommunication revolution were still standing.

    The candidate’s wife said her husband would also bring his business acumen to bear on the economy to create jobs and prosperity.

    She said Atiku would unify the country as he was a detribalised Nigerian, not given to bigotry or nepotism.

    Abubakar urged Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying citizens were better off in the 16years of PDP than the three and half years of the present government.

    She said that Agbaje was committed to a better state and urged residents to vote him along other PDP candidates.

    The candidate’s wife commended George for facilitating the meeting, saying the chieftain had always demonstrated commitment to the progress of the party.

    Speaking on the chances of PDP in the state, Daniel said victory was sure for the party with Atiku as presidential candidate.

    “By the time Atiku wins the presidential election on Feb 16, the people of the state would automatically vote for Agbaje in March,’’ he said.

    Daniel urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the election to vote Atiku to deliver what he called the right leadership.

  • 3 million votes voided in 2015 presidential election – NOA boss

    … Holds stakeholder’s meeting on 2019 general elections

     

    No fewer than 3 million votes were voided in the 2015 presidential election, Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), David Dogo revealed Wednesday.

    Dogo expressed worries and urged voters to try as much as possible to avoid such calamity in the forthcoming general elections.

    He said this in Abuja at a stakeholder’s meeting on the 2019 general elections organized by the NOA and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

    Civil and public servants were also present at the meeting.

    The NOA boss said government is working towards ensuring that the elections are peaceful and how voters can vote without errors, to avoid voided votes.

    He urged those who may not be satisfied with the election results to accept it in good fate or seek redress in the court of law.

    Dogo said: “In the FCT we consider the public servant very critical segment of the society. Nigerian is known as a country where you have extended families. So if you talk to the public servants you are guaranteed that you are talking to a large number of people.

    “And that is why we thought we should organize this programme and we do sincerely appreciate the fact that the FCT minister gave us the approval to talk to their civil servants so that they can go and talk to their families and communities and by that you would have succeeded in extending this sensitization to a large number of people.

    “The message is that we need this forthcoming elections to be peaceful. This is very important because peace is very important for us to be able to conduct an election so we need peace before, during and after the general elections. We are also talking about other technicalities that are involved in this elections. For example how to vote properly so that people do not waste their votes and again to talk about the issue of vote buying which has become very worrisome.

    “In the 2015 presidential election, we had about 3 million voided votes. Votes that were declared invalid and that is a very huge number. And so we think that in 2019 we either eliminate that or reduce it. That is why we are focusing on how to avoid voided votes.

    “Accept results of the elections in good fate. Or seek redress. We cannot because of elections allow this country to be divided.”

    FCT minister, Malam Musa Bello called for synergy from civil servants as the elections approaches adding that due process should be followed to achieve positive results.

    Bello caution civil and public servants to shun violence and avoid been used by politicians as tools to disrupt the elections.

    The minister who was represented by the Acting Secretary Social Development, Hajia Sefia Umaru said: “this type of interaction has never been accorded the civil servants. Unfortunately, the civil servants are the engine house, and the heartbeat of the nation. Before the political era there was the civil service. They are the foot soldiers. Politicians just came in along the line and meet us at the junction. They tried to overrun us and make us as tools.

    “So this programme is very critical to the civil servants, to educate them as to knowing who to vote and not to vote someone that will come and overrule the rules and regulations. We are the system. Civil servants should wake up and not be allowed to be used as tools. One on one touch is better. We need to reorganize ourselves on who to vote. We have the larger community with us. We must not be bought over by anybody.“

  • Election: Be neutral, former IGPs tells Adamu

    Former Inspector Generals of Police (IGP) have tasked the Acting IGP Mohammed Adamu to be neutral and professional in the discharge of his mandate especially as the election draws near.

    The former IGPs who stated this in Abuja during the decoration ceremony of 18 newly promoted Assistant Inspector General (AIGs) and 33 Commissioners of Police emphasized the need to stop god-fatherism in the Force and show respect to all.

    The former IGPs Aliyu Attah, Mohammed Abubakar, Suleiman Abba, and Solomon Arase also reminded the senior officers that no seat of power was permanent.

    The former police chiefs while charging Adamu to take advantage of the 2019 elections to write his name in gold in the history of the country also advised him to refuse to be used by anyone.

    Earlier in his remark, the Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu assured Nigerians and the international community that the police has perfected plans and mobilized available assets towards giving the nation peaceful and credible elections.

    Adamu also charged the decorated officers to be professional in their conduct.

    He said: “Let me remind the promotees that the 2019 general elections are around the corner and the Nigeria Police Force, being the lead agency in the electoral process are expected to exhibit Optimal level of professionalism and to undertake their mandate within the dictates of rule of law.

    “I can assure the nation and the international community that we have perfected plans and mobilized available assets towards giving to the country peaceful and credible elections.”

    He also disclosed that all the new senior officers will be deployed for election duties.

    “All of you, the newly promoted officers, will be deployed to play active roles in this process, The Force leadership and indeed, the nation looks up to you to manifest your sense of professional excellence in the election security task you might be deployed to perform. I trust that you shall not fail the Force, neither will you fail the nation in this arduous national duty.”

    “The elevation of these seasoned senior Police Officers is a clear testimony to their history of professional excellence, loyalty, zeal and invaluable experience. That their promotion was guided by the principles of seniority and merit are also a clear testimony to the new focus of my leadership in relation to promotion policy.”

    Read Also: Adamu to Obasanjo, Atiku: explain N16bn spent on port harbours reconstruction in Lagos

    The promoted AIGs are; Maurice A. Yusuf; Ibrahim A. Lamorde, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC); Murtala Usman Mani, Wilson A. Inalegwu, a former CP, FCT; Dibal Paul Yakadi, Haruna Huzi, Mshelia, Mohammad A. Mustafa, Hyelashinda Kimo Musa, former CP, FCT, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom Commands, Adeleye Olusola Oyebade, a former Oyo State Command CP; Olusola Kamar Subair, Basen Dapiya Gwana, David Oyebanji Folawiyo, Zanna Mohammed Ibrahim, Nkpa N. Inakwu, Chris Okey Ezike, until now CP, Abia State; Moses Ambakina Jitoboh, D.M Obembe and Wilson O. Akhiwu.

    The new CPs are; Uche J. Anozie, Nwamhi Felix Yame, Mohammed Abdulmumini Gimba, Musa Adze, Philip Sule Maku, Umaru Haruna Miringa, Usman Sule Gomna, Adamu Usman, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, Ahmed Mohammed Azare, Adamu Saleh Jajeri, Maigana Alahi Sani, Audu Adamu Madaki and Dajuma Mohammed Lawal.

    Others are; Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, John Ogbonnaya Amadi, Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, Mohammed Bagega, Bello Makwashi, Buba Sanusi, Suleiman Balarabe, Rabiu Ladodo, Ndatsu Aliyu Mohammed, Yunusa Edwin Ogwuche, Cyril I. Okoro, Awosola Awotunde, Ayodele Andrew Olatunji, Garuba Danjuma, Bello Sani Dalijan, Imaikop Asuquo Okpongkpong and Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya, Jerome E. Bentem, Idris Nagoyo, Ibrahim A. Gora and Edna Obiageri.” Ugbebor.

  • I won’t back down on anti-graft war, Buhari vows

    President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to intensify the ongoing anti-corruption, saying he will not back down despite criticisms from looters.

    Speaking before a mammoth crowd at the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential rally in Makurdi, Benue state capital, Buhari said he will expose corrupt elites, recover more money and build roads, railway and power stations to boost the economy.

    He scored himself high on delivering his electioneering promise of fighting corruption, providing security and improving the economy.

    On economy, he said he has made fertilisers available to farmers and stopped importation of food thereby providing food security to farmers and Nigerians.

    He assured Benue residents on provision of security for peaceful elections and solicited their votes for next week’s presidential election.

    APC Leader in the north central and Senator representing Benue North west senatorial zone, George Akume, described Buhari as a selfless leader refused to enrich himself despite Minister of petroleum and Head of State.

    Read Also:  I won’t change if reelected, Buhari assures

    Despite his access to wealth, he told the crowd that Buhari has lived a modest life with a simple house in Kaduna town.

    Akume argued Buhari has managed the economy very well with landmark projects in rail and Power and Social Investment Programme (SIP).

    The former Benue governor said Benue people have no problem with the Fulanis as they have lived with them peacefully.

    He alleged the State government has armed Livestock Guards who go about killing innocent people and blaming it on Fulanis.

    Akume assured Buhari Benue people love him and will reward him with at least 70 percent votes, leaving Atiku Abubakar with “miserable 30 percent votes.”

    Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong urged Benue people to vote APC governorship candidate Emmanuel Jime, who he said is capable of providing leadership and tackling security challenges as he had done in Plateau.

    Lalong stated when governors cannot provide projects and pay salaries, they hide under crises to blame others for their failure.

  • INEC commences deployment of sensitive, non-sensitive materials to states

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has commenced the deployment of sensitive materials and non-sensitive materials to states ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

    Sensitive materials are the ballot papers, result sheets and others.

    Besides, the commission said it has taken a decision on APC Rivers.

    Read Also: ‘INEC should postpone Rivers elections’

    According to Barrister Festus Okoye, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) state officers have started receiving the sensitive materials

    On the burnt Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), Okoye said the commission would look at the possibility of printing new ones for those affected.

    Besides, INEC has directed its offices in the states to beef up security.

    Details shortly…