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Tag: Inec

  • Please let’s conclude Rivers gov poll, Yakubu begs Wike, Awara, others

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahood Yakubu, on Saturday appealed to the emotional side of Rivers indigenes.

    He begged them to allow the commission conclude collation of the March 9 exercise.

    Yakubu spoke at a stakeholders meeting with key actors in the governorship poll in Port-Harcourt.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Governorship candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) Biokpomabo Awara as well as security operatives and political parties were part of the parley.

    Yakubu said: “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the good people of Rivers State, our traditional rulers, market women, youths, leaders and members of political parties in the state, including the candidates in the elections and all other stakeholders to allow peace to reign in the state before, during and after the activities outlined for the conclusion of the elections by the commission.

    “We do not have any other state, apart from Rivers State, to call our own. Let us join hands together to make Rivers State even greater.

    “On the part of the commission, I wish to assure you of our commitment to free, fair and credible elections.

    “We intend to keep these promises. May God, in His kindness, grant Rivers State perpetual peace.”

    Read also: Wike, Awara clash at stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt

    The INEC chairman, who was represented by National Commissioner of the commission in charge of Rivers, Bayelsa and Edo States, Barr. May Agbamuche-Mbu, assured the results of the March 9 poll have not been altered.

    According to him: “The results of the March 9 elections in Rivers State are with us (INEC) in our strong room and they have not been tampered with.

    “A five-man fact-finding committee was therefore set up to ascertain the nature and verify the report of obstructive and lawless activities that generally attended the elections at the state collation centre, other collation centres and polling areas, occasioning the suspension.

    “I was a member of the fact-finding committee. So, I know what I am talking about.

    “The main objective of this meeting is to brief you on the schedule of activities and timeline, set by the commission for the conclusion of the governorship and state House of Assembly elections, and to solicit for your maximum cooperation towards the success of this exercise.

    “It is also to generate discussions among the stakeholders, with a view to achieving transparent, peaceful and violence-free conclusion of the elections, within the timeline set by the commission.”

     

     

  • Wike, Awara clash at stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt

    The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and the state’s governorship candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), Biokpomabo Awara  Saturday clashed at the commission’s stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt.

    Awara, an indigene of Kula-Kalabari in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers, accused Wike and INEC of doctoring results of the ‘bloody’ governorship and House of Assembly elections of March 9 in the state.

    Wike, however, accused Awara, other members of AAC and their backers in the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of promoting violence and scaring investors from Rivers.

    The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was represented by the National Commissioner of the commission in charge of Rivers, Bayelsa and Edo States, Barr. May Agbamuche-Mbu, a lawyer, who also chaired the stakeholders’ meeting, urged Rivers residents to allow peace to reign in the state before, during and after the activities outlined for the conclusion of the controversial elections.

    Also in attendance at Saturday’s meeting, which took place at Omni Event Centre, Eastern By-pass, Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt, ahead of April 2 resumption of collation of results of March 9 governorship and House of Assembly elections, was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, who was represented by the Garrison Commander of 6 Division Garrison, Brig.-Gen. Adeola Kalejaiye.

    Others included Rivers Commissioner of Police, Usman Belel, who is also the Chairman of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, (in Rivers state); and INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in Rivers, Mr. Obo Effanga, who was represented by the Administrative Secretary in the state, Elder Etim Umoh.

    Rivers Chairman of the PDP, Chief Felix Obuah; Ledum Mitee of Initiative for Credible Elections (ICE), who is a former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP); representatives of the Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Customs, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as top politicians and other eminent personalities were also in attendance.

    Awara said: “Surprised that the leaders of political parties involved in the elections were not asked questions by members of INEC’s five-man fact-finding committee. I doubt the reliability of the doctored result sheets and other electoral materials with INEC in the last three weeks. We have record of some of the results being mutilated, particularly that of Akuku-Toru LGA.

    “REC of INEC in Rivers State has refused to give reasons for charging the four compromised electoral officers of the commission, who lack integrity for being card-carrying members of PDP.

    “If the violence made the March 9 elections not to be credible, according to INEC, where did the commission get results for the seventeen LGAs, of Rivers 23 LGAs in the INEC’s possession? At what point did the elections become violence-free, for the commission to now have results for 17 LGAs? Why has INEC refused to release the results of the 17 LGAs it claimed to have and the remaining six LGAs it wants to do supplementary election?”

    Rivers governor, however, accused the AAC’s governorship candidate, members of his party and his backers in APC of being economical with the truth.

    Wike said: “I do not agree that Rivers is a violent state. Rivers State has never and it will not be a violent State.  Why are they raising too much alarm? What causes violence? Why is there violence each time there is election? The only way to have peaceful elections is when the security agencies refuse to interfere or manipulate any process.

    “How did people die? When INEC would go and collate results and people would resist and when people resist, they will shoot them. Rivers is not a violent state. It is most unfortunate that people would leave their state, come to another state, instead of them to make sure what obtains in their state obtains here, they do not want it, they want to cause problems for us.

    “With all due respect, the Garrison Commander (Brig.-Gen. Adeola Kalejaiye) is here. Throughout my political career, of not less than thirty years, I have never experienced the type of roles the army played. We must tell people the simply truth.

    “INEC set up a committee in 2016, during and after the reruns, where it was stated in your report that certain police officer manhandled your electoral official. He even went as far as naming the police officer. What has happened, as INEC? You could have said you did not want that kind of officer again. The same officer was also implicated in your report in these elections. Who are the people causing the violence?

    “Rivers State in not violent when they are drilling crude oil. Why must the violence be during the period of elections? Who are those responsible, in order to tell them? INEC can insist on not requiring the services of the violent security personnel; that is the only way we can have peaceful, free and fair elections in Rivers State. Let the army personnel remove their hands from elections. It is unfortunate that we had some people demonstrating and thanking the Nigerian Army for a job well done. That is Nigeria for us.

    “Who are the security personnel that will be in charge of the collation (between April 2 and 5)? Let us avoid sermon. You do not preach to me what you will not practise. The onus is on the security agencies to help INEC to do the right things, in order to achieve the results the commission wants to achieve. Rivers State is a peaceful state. Nobody should be driving away investors from us. Let personnel of Nigerian Army remove their hands from electoral process.”

    INEC chairman, at the “most-important stakeholders’ meeting,” stated that the elections were suspended on March 10, due to the high-level of violence that occurred during the March 9, 2019 polls in Rivers.

    Yakubu said: “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the good people of Rivers State, our traditional rulers, market women, youths, leaders and members of political parties in the state, including the candidates in the elections and all other stakeholders to allow peace to reign in the state before, during and after the activities outlined for the conclusion of the elections by the commission.

    “We do not have any other state, apart from Rivers State, to call our own. Let us join hands together to make Rivers State even greater. On the part of the commission, I wish to assure you of our commitment to free, fair and credible elections. We intend to keep these promises. May God, in His kindness, grant Rivers State perpetual peace.

    Read also: Tonye Cole, Accord Party assembly candidates call for fresh election in Rivers

    “The results of the March 9 elections in Rivers State are with us (INEC) in our strong room and they have not been tampered with.

    “A five-man fact-finding committee was therefore set up to ascertain the nature and verify the report of obstructive and lawless activities that generally attended the elections at the state collation centre, other collation centres and polling areas, occasioning the suspension. I was a member of the fact-finding committee. So, I know what I am talking about.

    “The main objective of this meeting is to brief you on the schedule of activities and timeline, set by the commission for the conclusion of the governorship and state House of Assembly elections, and to solicit for your maximum cooperation towards the success of this exercise. It is also to generate discussions among the stakeholders, with a view to achieving transparent, peaceful and violence-free conclusion of the elections, within the timeline set by the commission.”

    Rivers police commissioner also stated that the past few weeks in Rivers state, before, during and after the general elections had been very difficult and trying moment for everyone, stressing that all stakeholders had maintained decorum, outstanding maturity and dedication to peaceful resolution of conflicts in Rivers.

    Belel said: “As it is usual in every contest, winners and losers must emerge, but the maturity with which the contest’s results is accepted, determines how peaceful the society can be. I wish to appeal to all stakeholders to give peace a chance (in Rivers State) and be magnanimous, either in victory or in defeat, as there will still be Rivers State beyond these elections.

    “It is my humble appeal that contestants and parties’ faithful should prevail on their supporters to do away with thuggery and violence. The Rivers State Police Command is determined to provide security for all residents and stakeholders in Rivers State for them to exercise their fundamental rights.

    “As the lead agency and the  Chairman of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, (in Rivers State), I want to use this opportunity to thank all stakeholders for the synergy and oneness of purpose that has kept this state together this long. I hereby encourage all of you to do the needful, in furtherance of our interagency cooperation.”

    Rivers REC of INEC, in his welcome remarks, reiterated that On March 9, the governorship and House of Assembly elections were held in Rivers, but due to unexpected developments, especially security, the collation could not be concluded, maintaining that till now, INEC did not know the winners of the elections.

    Effanga said: “In order to ensure credible process, INEC has sent seasoned electoral officers, led by the National Commissioner in charge of Rivers, Bayelsa and Edo States, Barr. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who is the chairman of this occasion. Political parties that participated in the March 9 elections should submit the names of their agent. We are not conducting fresh elections. The status quo as at March 9 remains.

    “We have the results for these seventeen LGAs: Ahoada East, Akuku-Toru, Andoni, Bonny, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Omuma, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo, Port Harcourt and Tai. Their (17 LGAs) collation was at the local government level. Collation was not completed in the remaining six LGAs: Abua/Odual, Ahoada West, Asari-Toru, Degema, Gokana and Khana.

    “In Abua/Odual LGA, the materials and men did not even go out to the field. They were frustrated from going out and elections did not take place there. In Gokana LGA, materials and men went out to the field, but none came back, because there was outright violence and everything was destroyed. So, we do not have any result from there. In Ahoada West LGA, out of about 100 polling units, we have results in only 24 and that is not good enough. Asari-Toru LGA was not concluded, but we have the polling units’ results available, but they were not collated. Degema LGA has 17 registration areas, which we call wards in INEC’s context, and collation took place in ten, remaining seven. The seven wards, their results are in INEC’s strong room. In Khana LGA, there was no collation at the local government level, but we have results from the polling units and the collation from some wards available.

    “INEC, in its mandate to conduct free, fair and credible elections in Rivers State, decided to come with a timetable (timeline) to let the people know how to ensure the collation and to know the winners.”

    INEC’s REC in Rivers also stated that the stakeholders’ forum was not strange, but to carry everybody along and to know what INEC was doing.

    Effanga noted that before the suspension order came from Abuja on March 10, collation had commenced, with INEC now resuming the collation.

    REC of INEC in Rivers disclosed that the collation, scheduled for between April 2 and 5, would hold at the INEC’s office on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.

  • INEC issues certificates of return to Bauchi gov elect, 31 Lawmakers

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday issued certificates of return to governor-elect of Bauchi State, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, his deputy,  Alhaji Baba Tela, and 31 members-elect of the state House of Assembly in Bauchi.

    Presenting the certificates, the National Electoral Commissioner in charge of Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe States, Alhaji Baba Shettima-Arfo, said the event was historic in the democratic transition of the state.

    Shettima-Arfo noted that the process used to be peaceful in Bauchi, but lamented that this time around, there were pockets of violence in few places in the state, which resulted in inconclusive elections in some parts of the state.

    He assured that the commission would investigate the circumstances to enable it tackle same during future elections.

    The national commissioner called on stakeholders in the state to work closely with INEC to enable the commission excel during future elections.

    He commended organizations in the state that contributed towards the success of the last election.

    On his part, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in charge of Bauchi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, observed that elective positions in the state were keenly contested, describing the situation as a positive development.

    Ibrahim assured political actors  that the commission would remain an impartial umpire in the discharge of its responsibilities.

    In his remarks, the  governor-elect, Mohammed, commended INEC for conducting free and fair election in the state in spite of intense pressure from certain quarters.
    He also commended the Bauchi electorate for exhibiting maturity during the polls and the confidence reposed in him by giving him their mandate.

    The governor-elect pledged not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the people and called on all and sundry to join him in developing the state.

    Out of 31 House of Assembly members-elect, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has 22, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got eight while ANPP had one.

  • Tonye Cole, Accord Party assembly candidates call for fresh election in Rivers

    RIVERS State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain,  Tonye Cole and Accord Party assembly candidates have called for fresh a governorship and legislative election in the state.

    They alleged that many controversies have trailed the March 9 exercise, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  to organise a fresh poll. Affirming the lack of confidence in the system by the two major parties involved in the contest, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Action Congress (AAC), Cole said any result emerging from the March 9 poll will not be acceptable to the losing party.

    He (Cole)  was however silent on what will be his involvement in a fresh election in his statement titled: “A plea for righteous intervention in Rivers State.” Noting the mutual suspicion between the two parties and the acrimony triggered by the contest, Cole pleaded for a fresh start under heavy security to guarantee the will of the people.

    He said: “If there is one thing that I am certain of, it is that the entire election of March 9 is totally and completely compromised from head to toe. There are no results that would be announced today that would reflect the will of the people in any form or manner.

    “There are just as many people who do not trust and will not accept an election that delivers PDP today because of the belief that the umpire has granted unfettered access to the result sheets and a yeoman’s job has been done on the collated results that is guaranteed to withstand any scrutiny through the Election Tribunals or any court of law thereafter just as there are as many people who will not accept a result that delivers the AAC because of the belief that the election day results were structured to favour them by the direct involvement of the military as insinuated by the PDP. “INEC must, therefore, declare the entire elections of March 9 null and void and set out a new date for fresh elections.

    Read also: DSS denies working against electoral process in Rivers

    “This time around, there are no distractions left and every eye is upon Rivers State now.” Speaking yesterday in Port –Harcourt, the Accord Party assembly candidates said the call for fresh election followed the confirmation that the March 9, exercise was characterized by violence which affected the holding of the polls. In a communiqué presented by the group’s spokesman, Duke Alamboye, the candidates called on INEC to set up a new date for fresh governorship and house of assembly elections in the state, within the stipulated time as approved by the Electoral Law.

    Alamboye who contested to represent  Akuku-Toru State Constituency II also called for the redeployment of Obo Effanga, the Resident Electoral Commissioner “and other critical staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC who participated and were involved in the March 9 election in Rivers State, especially given the fact that they have been victims of the intimidations, harassments, abductions and hostage situations they were exposed to during the elec tion.” “We also state clearly, that we have completely disregarded any earlier declared results in connection with the March 9, polls in Rivers State, as these figures are products contrived from very faulty processes, which have rendered them inchoate and unreliable.”

  • I’ll not betray Lagosians, says Sanwo-Olu 

    Lagos State Governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday promised not to betray Lagosians when he assumes office on May 29.

    He pledged to run an all-inclusive government and fulfil other campaign promises he made to the people.

    The governor-elect spoke at the state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from Resident Electoral Commissioner Sam Olumekun.

    Describing himself as a winner of a free, fair and credible election, Sanwo-Olu said the electoral commission deserved applause for conducting a peaceful exercise.

    He also extended a hand of fellowship to the 40 opposition candidates who competed with him, stressing that their input are required in tackling the myriad of challenges in education, health, transportation and the environment.

    “A victory for one is a victory for all. It is a victory for all Lagosisns. No victor, no vanquished. We will all make life better for Lagosians,” he said.

    Read also: PHOTOS: INEC issues certificates of return to Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat

    Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by his wife, Dr Ibijoke; his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and wife, Oluremi; Lagos State APC Chairman Tunde Balogun; party secretary Dr. Wale Ahmed; Governorship Advisory Council (GAC) deputy leader Prince Oluyole Olusi; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Chief Demola Seriki.

    Also at the ceremony were Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Pa Sunny Ajose; Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Hakeem Bamgbala; Joe Igbokwe; Abiodun Salami; Bayo Ajisebutu; Ayodele Adewale; Fausat Gbadebo; Emmanuel Bamgboye and Imam Shakiru Gafar Mofesayo of Lagos Central Mosque.

    Thanking the stakeholders, Sanwo-Olu commended INEC and other apparatus of government involved in the election, saying that the reward for hard work was more work.

    He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for showing leadership example.

    The governor-elect also applauded the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Lagos APC GAC leaders, and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he noted, was in birthday celebration mood.

    He prayed that all the critical stakeholders would be present at his inauguration on May 29.

    However, in an emotion-laden voice, Sanwo-Olu said the inauguration date would coincide with the post-humus birthday of his mother who had passed on a few years ago.

    Reiterating his commitment to an all-inclusive administration, the governor-elect said his doors were already open to stakeholders, including the opposition, to make their contributions to governance.

    He promised to re-enact the true greatness of Lagos which the stakeholders stand for.

    Sanwo-Olu added: “We will not betray public confidence. Better times are coming. Lagosians deserve the best. We must get it right in Lagos. If we get it right in Lagos, we will get it right in Nigeria.

    “We are ready. We are committed. We will do the job that Lagosians have given to us.”

    Imam Gafar, who paired with a Christian priest to pray for Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, urged them to work for public good.

    The cleric, who also advised them to beware of sycophants who peddle falsehood, wished the governor-elect a successful tenure.

    Also, he charged Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Mrs Oluremi Hamzat to be prepared for the challenges of adjustment to new life and cooperate with their husbands.

    The REC reflected on the election, saying that it was adjudged credible, smooth, peaceful, free and fair by the international community.

    Hailing Sanwo-Olu for his victory, Olumekun said: “Lagosians have spoken, Your Excellency, and I dare say that they spoke loudly and without equivocation. Therefore, the journey to a better Lagos is laid squarely in your court. May God Almighty be your lode-star in this journey.”

  • PHOTOS: INEC issues certificates of return to Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat

  • INEC plans issuing certificates of return to PDP candidates in Rivers, says APC

    The campaign organisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) IN Rivers state have alleged that even before the conclusion of collation of results for the governorship and state house of Assembly election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have concluded plans to hand over victory to the People’s Democratic Party in the state.

    Director of Strategic Communication of the campaign, Prince Tonye Princewill said information available to them indicate that the Commission has already prepared certificates of return for all PDP candidates in preparation to formally declaring them winners.

    Copies of the unsigned certificates allegedly prepared by the commission bearing the names of PDP candidates were dated March 14, 2019 and are supposedly issued for the outcome of an election held on the 9th of March 2019.

    The certificates bearing the name of the INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and are for 20 state constituencies across the state.

    Princewill said; “Even before the conclusion of the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections which it suspended in Rivers State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared the candidates of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, winners.

    “The Commission has also prepared their Certificates of Return, including that of Governor Nyesom Wike. The certificates, which have the name of the National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, are reportedly in the custody of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Obo Effanga, who was the mastermind behind the certificates-before-election-results deal with PDP.

    “Though the electoral umpire had suspended the Rivers’ elections via a statement on March 10, 2019, the certificates bear dates later than the April 15 date INEC said collated results would be declared. In its latest press statement on the election saga in Rivers State, INEC gave April 19 as the date that certificates of return will be issued to winners.

    Read Also: Former Sports Minister Adedoja, dumps PDP for APC

    “The recent revelations that INEC had prepared Return Certificates in favour of some Candidates in the purportedly suspended Governorship and House of Assembly Elections in Rivers State which took place on the 9th of March, 2019, came to few political watchers, participants and activists as a surprise given the many ‘Electoral Faux pas’ and open bias shown by INEC in Rivers State electoral matters.

    “To others, especially optimal optimists who still believed that INEC at a point in time, may perhaps carry out its duties impartially and independently like its name suggests, the revelations totally destroyed the slim hopes that INEC in Rivers State would do the right thing and allow the people of Rivers State to choose those they want to govern their affairs in the Brick House and House of Assembly.

    “It should be recalled that INEC conducted the Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the entire country on the 9th of March, 2019, Rivers State inclusive. It should also be recalled that whilst results were collated, declared and announced at seven (7) ward Collation Centers in Rivers State in clear violation of extant Electoral laws and totally ultra vires its powers under the Electoral Act (2010) as amended, purported to suspend an electoral process on spurious and unfounded allegations.

    “What is particularly noteworthy is the fact that it was ONLY IN RIVERS STATE that this kind of electoral faux pas took place in Nigeria and furthermore, that the purported suspension only took place when INEC as well as observers and participants in the elections had seen that the Governorship Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Engr. Biokpomabo Festus Awara, had taken a clear and seemingly unassailable lead over the obviously preferred candidate of INEC in Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike, current and outgoing Governor of Rivers State.

    “What is most curious and begging for answers however, is that while INEC purportedly ‘suspended’ the Elections in Rivers State, it nonetheless secretly and in a manner totally devoid of even the slightest pretences of neutrality, went ahead to prepare in anticipation of the results it intended to declare, ‘Certificates of Return’ dated 14th of March, 2019.

    “This was a time when the process was purportedly suspended by the imperial INEC in Rivers State led by the famous/infamous Obo Effanga, the State REC who could not conclude a bye election held in Phalga Constituency 3, again when he saw clearly that the PDP candidate was being trounced by the APC candidate.

    “INEC had meanwhile severally announced plans for resumption of the final processes of the election in Rivers State but had jumpstarted that process by preparing in advance the said Certificates of Return in favour of mostly PDP candidates it intends to announce as returned.

    “Why then one must ask, is INEC taking Rivers People for a ride

  • INEC presents Certificates of Return to governor-elect, 25 others in Gombe

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) on Friday presented Certificates of Return to Gombe State Governor-elect, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, his deputy, Mr Manassah Jatau and the 24 elected members of the State House of Assembly.

    Alhaji Baba Arfo, the INEC National Commissioner Supervising Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe States who presented the certificates to the elected officials in Gombe, congratulated them.

    Arfo said the outcome of the elections in the states under his supervision had shown that democracy had developed, adding that every vote counted during the elections.

    He commended the security personnel, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for partnering with INEC for the success of the elections and all the international partners and observers for their technical supports.

    “I congratulate the elected officials. The presentation today is a constitutional requirement.

    “ The outcome of the elections has shown that democracy is developing and every vote now count. This is due to the high level of awareness by all stakeholders and we appreciate that,” he said.

    Arfo, while reassuring the commitment of the commission to free and fair elections in the future, requested the elected officials to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people by developing the state.

    Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Alh. Umar Ibrahim, thanked all the stakeholders for the success of the elections and the people for conducting themselves peacefully during the elections.

    Ibrahim thanked the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar III, who he said, personally “recorded sound bites to encourage electorate to come out to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)”.

    The governor-elect thanked the people of the state for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the elections, adding that his election was a product of true democracy.

    Yahaya extended his hands of fellowship to all who contested and conceded defeat, adding that: “We have no other place, but Gombe and the aim of contesting is to take Gombe to the next level.”

    He sought the understanding of all citizens of the state to develop and make it a shining example in the North-east sub-region.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that certificates of return were given to 22 elected members who were present at the venue out of the 24 elected members scheduled for the presentation.

  • Breaking: INEC declares Fintiri winner of Adamawa guber election

    Rt Hon Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been declared winner of the Adamawa State governorship election.

    This followed the conclusion of collation of results of the supplementary governorship election which was conducted in 44 polling units in 14 local government areas of the state on Thursday.

    Fintiri polled a total of 376,552 from the I main election on March 9 and the supplementary election of March 28 to beat his closest rival, Governor Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who got a total of 336,386 from both elections.

    Read also: Adamawa supplementary election result collation shifts to 8pm — REC

    Sen Abdulaziz Nyako of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came third with 113,237 and was followed by Chief Emmanuel Bello of to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who polled 29,792 votes. Rev Abel Behora of the Alliance for New Nigeria came next with 2,545 votes.

    Making the final declaration over the election in the early hours of Friday, the returning officer, Prof Andrew Haruna, said Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, having polled the highest votes and satisfied other requirements, “is hereby declared winner and returned elected.”

  • Appeal Court okays Fayemi’s election

    THE Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the victory of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election.

    A three-man panel of the court, in a unanimous judgment yesterday evening, dismissed the appeal by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election, Kolapo Olusola, for lacking in merit.

    The court upheld the January 28, 2019 judgment of the Ekiti State Elections Tribunal, which sat in Abuja owing to problem of insecurity in Ekiti State.

    The tribunal had, in its judgment, upheld Fayemi’s victory and dismissed the petition by PDP and Olusola on the grounds that they failed to prove their allegations, among which was that the election was marred by irregularities.

    Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgment, resolved the seven issues identified for determination in favour of the respondents – Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC and Fayemi.

    Justice Adah, at the commencement of proceedings, at about 7.05pm, noted that the day was fast spent and elected to read a summary of the lead judgment.

    Read also: Breaking: Osinbajo, Fayemi, Yari meet in Aso Rock

    After announcing that the seven issues were resolved against the appellants, Justice Adah proceeded to uphold the earlier judgment of the tribunal.

    He subsequently dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

    Other members of the panel, Justices Tinuade Akomolafe Wilson and Emmanuel Agim, agreed with the lead judgment.

    The proceedings lasted less than 30 minutes.