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Tag: Bayelsa

  • Collation of Bayelsa results begins by 10am, says INEC

    Collation of Bayelsa results begins by 10am, says INEC

    By Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said collation of results for Saturday’s Governorship election in Bayelsa state will begin by 10 am today, November 12.

    The INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Obo Effanga, said the exercise would take place at the INEC office along Swali Road in Yenagoa.

    It was, however, gathered that voting commenced in some wards in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area on Sunday where materials could not arrive on time on Saturday.

    The results so far uploaded on the electoral umpire’s IREV showed that the incumbent Governor, Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in the early lead followed closely by the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Timipre Sylva.

    Read Also: Sit-at-home impeding growth in Southeast, says Deputy Speaker

    But a popular chieftain of the APC, Preye Aganaba, who hails from Diri’s Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area, said his party was confident of victory.

    While hailing INEC for the way it conducted the election, Aganaba lamented that all APC supporters in Sampou, the community of Diri, were chased away from the area before voting commenced on Saturday.

    He applauded security agencies for ensuring peace in his Odi community during the exercise but insisted that his party would triumph at the end of the day.

    Aganaba, who is the Coordinator of Local Government Areas in the APC camping council, said the violence was visited on APC members in some councils.

    He said an agent of the APC was shot in Famgbe adding that all the skirmishes and irregularities were reported to security agencies.

    Aganaba, who won his unit 3 ward 3 with112 votes against the PDP’s 107 votes said materials arrived on time on Odi and that BVAS performed optimally.

    On his part, High Chief Collins Corcodia, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Diri, said despite pockets of violence the election was largely peaceful and appealed to INEC for its performance.

    He said despite pockets of violence in some parts of Ogbia and Sagbama, the poll was peaceful.

    He stated: “There are no issues with the B-VAS and the security personnel did well. I commend INEC.

    “There has been peace in many areas so far and I must say that Bayelsa people have shown their love and belief for the PDP. There is no doubt that the PDP will not just win this election, we will win by a landslide.”

  • Bayelsa Polls: I’m disappointed my name is missing, says 86-year-old woman

    Bayelsa Polls: I’m disappointed my name is missing, says 86-year-old woman

    An 86-year-old woman, Mrs Mercy Okodo, has expressed disappointment that her name was missing on the voters register in her polling unit in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the woman said she trekked to Polling Unit 011 at Yenada Market Square, Epie III Ward, Yenagoa in order to vote for her governorship candidate.

    NAN reports also that the polling unit has 822 registered voters.

    Okodo expressed disappointment that her name was missing in spite of voting at the same polling unit in the past.

    “I’m surprised to be told that my name is not on the voters list; it’s very disappointing,” the octogenarian said.

    Read Also: Bayelsa poll: parties, stakeholders, score INEC high, exercise largely peaceful

    Okodo, who said she was at the polling unit before voting started, was eventually assisted by a good Samaritan to return home.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Sarah Godfrey, a 60-year-old civil servant, said, after casting her vote at the polling unit, that the election had been peaceful.

    She commended INEC for making special arrangements for elderly persons to vote without hassle.

    Godfrey, who recently had a surgery, said she came out to vote for the future of her children.

    “I had surgical operation, but I could not sit down at home without voting. I am doing this because I believe it will be the turn of my children tomorrow.”  

  • Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa polls

    Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa polls

    The three states of Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi went to the polls yesterday to pick their governors. The PDP will probably keep Bayelsa, and the APC, despite the worst efforts of the labour unions, will probably retain Imo. But Kogi’s APC and its insensitive and insular governor, Yahaya Bello, should not win the state for the ruling party’s candidate, Usman Ododo. Mr Bello plays abominable politics. He muscled out other governorship aspirants in the ruling party to pave the way for his candidate, who hails from his hometown. The governor sees nothing wrong in repudiating the fairness that should dominate politics in the state, perhaps because the Igala in Kogi East practiced the same folly for decades. Such narrow-mindedness should not be rewarded.

    Read Also: INEC uploads Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi election results on IREV

    However, the election in Kogi is a toss-up on account of the fragmentation of the opposition. Rather than cooperate with one another to punish Mr Bello’s audacious folly, the opposition think each party stands a chance. It remains to be seen, perhaps later today or tomorrow, whether their foolish gamble paid off or whether those rocky heights of the state and the rarefied metaphorical atmosphere in which they live and play their amateurish politics have addled their brains. Mr Bello is one of the worst governors among his peers, and he seems determined to reproduce after his kind. Worse, he reads Genesis literally despite fearing neither God nor man.

  • Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi election: group calls for calm, urges INEC to be professional

    Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi election: group calls for calm, urges INEC to be professional

    Following the ongoing election process in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, a political group under the auspices of Co Federation of All Progressives Congress Support Groups (CASG), on Saturday, November 11, called on Nigerians to remain calm and follow due process.

    CASG advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be professional and transparent as Nigerians await the results of the election in the concerned states.

    The Director General of the group, Dr. Kailani Muhammad while briefing reporters in Abuja on the state of the nation cautioned against any action that will truncate the electoral process.

    Muhammad also pleaded with security agencies to ensure live up to expectations and prevent violence during and after the election.

    He said: “Nigerians should shun violence especially those in the three states the election is ongoing. We should all ensure a peaceful process and not the other way around.

    “INEC should keep on doing its best to ensure a peaceful outcome of the election. I think there is a little improvement compared to the previous elections.

    “We hope in the near future INEC will buy a generator where there is no light or install a solar system to function better. They should be transparent and monitor proceedings. We pray that APC wins in all the three states without crisis.”

    Muhammad also faulted the recent disruption of flights by members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the recent assault on its National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero in Imo state.

    He described the development as unpatriotic and bad.

    The group expressed sadness that despite its pleading to NLC to shelve its planned strike and shun any act capable of disturbing the peace of the country, the leadership of the unions still ordered the strike.

    The group advised the NLC president to engage the government instead of causing more trouble for Nigerians.

    Muhammad said: “We are not happy over the disruption of flights by the NLC protest over the recent assault on its National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero in Imo state.

    “We condemned NLC’s action. NLC should engage the government and endure a roundtable discussion instead of causing more trouble.

    “NLC cannot be more powerful than government. We as groups will not take this action again. Nigeria belongs to all of us. We should always ensure and seek peace.”

  • JUST IN: Sorting, counting of votes ongoing in Bayelsa

    JUST IN: Sorting, counting of votes ongoing in Bayelsa

    Sorting and counting of votes have commenced in many polling units in Bayelsa after voting in the governorship election ended at 2.30pm.

    At PU 10, Agric Meeting Hall, Attissa 1, Yenagoa, the voting process ended at 2.30pm while sorting of ballot papers commenced at 2.35pm in the presence of party agents and security personnel.

    It was also ongoing at PU 05 Government House Agric, Attissa 1 Ward as at 2.55pm, and PU 047, Afin-Aken Play Ground III, Onopa, Attissa 1 Ward as at 3.02 pm.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sorting of votes commenced at 3.07 pm at PU 016 Fakulu Primary School (West), Epie lll Ward, while sorting was concluded at PU 035, Ekeki Central Motor Park, Epie lll Ward, where recording of the result was ongoing.

    Read Also: Vote buying rocks Bayelsa election

    Also at Fankien l and ll/Corpers Lodge Road, Epie lll WaWard Yenagoa, the sorting and counting had been concluded, while result was been uploaded to INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) as at 3.21pm.

    The PU Assistant Presiding Officer at the polling unit, Richmond Awipi, told NAN they had successfully uploaded the unit’s election results to the IReV.

    (NAN)

  • CODE reports concerns in Bayelsa, Imo elections

    CODE reports concerns in Bayelsa, Imo elections

    Connected Development (CODE) has shed light on significant development raised by its observers during the ongoing off-cycle elections in Bayelsa and Imo states.

    CODE is using its election intelligence tool – UZABE, to monitor the elections in the three states through thousands of its volunteer observers.

    The head of deployment at CODE’s situation room in Lokoja, Emmanuel Njoku acknowledged the positive efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security operatives, and the people in ensuring a commitment to a free and fair electoral process.

    However, concerns were raised about impediments faced by observers, including instances where they were restricted from taking pictures.

    Read Also: PDP’s Melaye wins polling unit despite poll boycott

    Njoku also said there was delayed voting in specific locations due to the absence of party agents, and incidents of vote buying were highlighted.

    He listed areas in which Uzabe observers have identified some concerns that demand attention.

    He said: “In Ajaokuta LGA, at 2nd 200 Community Open space borehole PU 043, Kogi state, our observers were impeded from taking pictures by security personnel, infringing upon observers’ freedom during the process.

    “Bayelsa witnessed delayed voting in Kanabiri comp Ward of Sagbama LGA due to the absence of party agents, and late arrival of INEC officials at Yenogoa-Fankpo Square Ward.

    “An incident in Ekeremor LGA (Azidekeoreyeine Square Ward), involved an individual attempting to abscond with INEC materials, but citizens resolved the situation without injuries. This stands as a testament to the collective power of the masses.

    “At Eke-mbutu Market Square Ward of Mbaitoli LGA, Imo state, the BVAS machine malfunctioned and displayed the Chinese language, causing a delay that was much later rectified.

    “While we cannot conclusively speak to voter turnout at this time, Low voter turnout has been reported in some parts of these states. Like we observed at Owerri North at Okwu Uratta Primary School Ward.

    “Disturbingly, in Bayelsa, Market Square Ogia Town Ward of Ogbia LGA, verified reports of vote buying have surfaced, with amounts going as high as N20,000. This was also observed at Ama-Ukwu Umuawaka Square Ward, of Njaba LGA, Imo state where votes were traded for as low as one thousand naira. This practice is disturbing and must be halted.”

    On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the CODE, Hamzat Lawal, called on all stakeholders, including security personnel and INEC officials, to ensure the peaceful ongoing electoral process.

    He also urged INEC to prioritise the electronic transmission of polling unit results, emphasizing transparency and timely collation.

  • Election: Bayelsa Deputy Gov. advises voters to be orderly

    Election: Bayelsa Deputy Gov. advises voters to be orderly

    The Deputy  Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has urged voters to exercise their franchise with decorum as the election “is a ballot affair not bullet affair”.

    Ewhrudjakpo gave the advice after casting his vote at polling unit 6, ward 2, Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area of the state. 

    He also told the people that election was a civic responsibility not a military activity.

    Thanking Gov. Douye Diri for choosing him as running mate, Ewhrudjakpo appreciated the people of Ofoni community for always standing by him.

    He said, “I  want to thank God for having the opportunity to come for this second contest and I thank the governor who nominated me to be his running mate, because it is not my right, it is a privilege. 

    “I want to  thank Bayelsa people for the massive support and solidarity and I want to thank the people of Ofoni community who have always  queued  behind me like a solid rock.

    “We thank INEC for the process so far, but we are concerned about what is happening in Nembe and few other places

    “We pray that the security agencies and all the other agencies should do the right thing so that people should not be disenfranchised.

    “Election is a ballot affair not a bullet affair, so people should make it a civic responsibility not a military responsibility.”

    Read Also: Bayelsa: Voting commences in Sylva’s ward after 3 hours delay

    Ewhrudjakpo expressed concern over glitches in the process in Nembe and called on the people to be patient.

    “We want to encourage Bayelsa people and Nembe people who have always had those glitches in every election circle.

    “There is always violence in Nembe, I think it is  becoming a little bit too much of a name for them to bear. 

    “We are confident that we are going to coast to victory because the candidates of the other parties have nothing actual to tell us.

    “We want to plead with the political actors and actresses to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • Bayelsa Decides: Early arrival of election materials, voting in Yenagoa

    Bayelsa Decides: Early arrival of election materials, voting in Yenagoa

    There was early arrival of election officials and commencement of voting in some Polling Units in Ward 5, Yenagoa Local Government Area in the ongoing governorship election in Bayelsa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, though few voters turned out early for the election, the atmosphere was calm as officials took charge of the exercise.

    At PU 11 Fanwa Ekenu Square, Ward 5 Epie II, Yenagoa with 1,067 electoral officers, set up was completed by 8.29am with security personnel on ground.

    Similarly, at PU 27 Yenizue Gene market, ward 5 (Epie II), Yenagoa, the Presiding Officers were waiting for voters as at the time NAN monitored the process.

    At PU 011, Ward 5 Apie II, Yenagoa with 1,430 registered voters, the electoral officers were setting up as at 8.35am, and voters were on the queue to vote.

    The presiding officer, Mr Awulonu David, said that everything was in order and all the needed election materials were intact.

    Read Also: INEC official abducted in Bayelsa as boat capsizes

    At 8.58, PU 27 Gene market, ward 5(Epie II), with 40 registered voters, the electoral officers had also finished seting up waiting for voters to commence the exercise.

    There was also the presence of security personnel at the polling unit.

    Similarly, election officials had finished setting up by 9.28am at PU 008, Kpansia Sisibi Primary School, Epie III, Yenagoa LGA, with 750 registered voters, but voting did not commence because there was no ink in the election materials bags.

    Voters and INEC electoral officers were still waiting for the ink as at 9.28am.

    (NAN)

  • IPCR calls for violent free election in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi

    IPCR calls for violent free election in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi

    The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called for violent free elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.

    Governorship elections will be held on Saturday, November 11, in the three states.

    The Director General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in a statement urged all stakeholders to ensure that the elections are without violence and bloodletting.

    He noted that the off-cycle elections present peculiar challenges because of violence in some of the states, adding that during the campaigns, pockets of violence were noticed and that the attitude by some political stakeholders to unleash violence should be stopped, because it has the capacity to distort the credibility of an election.

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    He stated that the key actors in this election have the responsibility of ensuring that the election is violence-free. They also have the responsibility of ensuring that people come out to vote to avoid voter apathy.

    He also advised that the key actors in the elections should ensure that the credibility of the elections is not questioned. They should play by the rules.

    He said the Army, Police, and other security agencies have promised to ensure that the elections are violence-free, but the stakeholders in the election should on their part ensure that their supporters maintain peace during and after the election.

    He recalled that at least 18 political parties taking part in Saturday’s governorship poll in Imo state have signed a peace accord to eschew violence before, during, and after the exercise.

    Ochogwu said signing of peace accords alone cannot guarantee peace, insisting that the actors involved in the elections should ensure that the peace accord signed is followed with action.

    He said: “The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution calls for violent free, rule-based elections so that the credibility of the elections is not questioned.

    “The key actors should play by the rules. The election is not a do-or-die affair. You have to be alive to be in politics. Politics is not done in isolation. The key actors should have it at the back of their mind that nothing can be achieved with violence.”

  • Protests rock Bayelsa over call for removal of police commissioner

    Protests rock Bayelsa over call for removal of police commissioner

    By Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    Two groups staged different protests on the streets of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital on Friday, November 10, in favour and against the state Commissioner of Police, Tolani Alausa, ahead of Saturday, November 11, governorship election.

    The first group of women dressed in black took to the streets chanting slogans and demanding the removal of Alausa.

    The women started their protest on Thursday and were addressed by the police authorities and asked to remain calm but they resurfaced again on Friday to continue with their demonstration.

    Read Also: Police ready to provide adequate security in Imo – DIG Mba

    Their efforts to march to the police headquarters proved abortive as they were reportedly dispersed with teargas by anti-riot policemen.

    The women were said to have been sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government of the state said to be uncomfortable with the disposition of the commissioner.

    But another crowd of residents staged a unity walk, titled Operation Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Sir. Tolani Alausa Must Stay.

    They expressed confidence in Alausa saying that the PDP government was plotting against him because he refused to do their bidding.

    The group commended the Inspector-General of Police for not succumbing to the blackmail of the state government, which they said was capable of breaching the peace.