The Nation Newspaper

Tag: national assembly

  • Tinubu to constituents: thank you

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commended the people of Lagos Central Senatorial District for electing her to represent the district in the National Assembly for the next four years.

    The senator renewed her commitment to move Lagos Central and Nigeria moving forward.

    Senator Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 131, 725 votes to defeat her closest rival, Adesunbo Onitiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 89, 107 votes.

    In a statement released yesterday in Lagos and personally signed by her, Mrs. Tinubu said she was humbled by the support and confidence reposed in the perspective she brought to bear on to the Senate.

    The statement reads: “In an overwhelming show of patriotism and loyalty to Nigeria, the people have through their votes, exercised their power to elect leaders and determine the course of our Nation for the next four years. Nigerians have let it be known that we are willing to put in the work necessary to get Nigeria moving forward.

    “The good people of Lagos Central Senatorial District have once again elected me to represent them at the Upper Legislative Chamber. I am humbled by the support and confidence reposed in the perspective I bring to the Nigerian Senate.

    “I am honoured to represent Lagos Central for another 4 years and I remain dedicated to ensuring that our youth are sufficiently empowered, that social security is a priority, and that the Nigeria of our dreams is realised.

    “Thus, I want to extend my gratitude to my family, members of the Appreciation 2019 Campaign Team, and volunteers who have served, knocking on doors, going from market to market, shaking hands and mobilizing the electorate to exercise their civic rights. It is time to get to work, consolidating on the foundations we have put in place.

    “It is time to address the critical issues of infrastructure development, accessibility and affordability of education, and increased employment among others.

    “The victory of the APC in today’s elections is a victory for our democracy and the protection of our commonwealth. Thus, I urge the electorate to come out en masse again on Saturday 9th March, 2019 for the Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections.

    “I would also like to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on ensuring that the elections were well organised, free and fair; and our security agencies for keeping the peace.”

  • 2019: PDP wins all nine National Assembly seats in Ebonyi

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has cleared all the National Assembly seats in Ebonyi State.

    The party defeated its main challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the three senatorial seats and six House of Representatives seats.

    The senatorial candidate of the PDP in Ebonyi South Senatorial zone, Michael Ama Nnachi polled a total of 103,751 votes to defeat his closest rival of the APC, Nweze Onu, who got 19,663 votes.

    Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) candidate, Eze Igwe Ogbofia got 5, 805 votes to clinch the third position.

    In Ebonyi North Senatorial zone, Senator Sam Egwu of the PDP won his second term bid with 80,711 votes while his challenger, Matthias Adum, of the APC got 38,375 votes.

    For Ebonyi Central zone, Senator Obinna Ogba of the PDP also won a second term with 62,452 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Senator Julius Ucha, who scored 46,676 votes.

    Livinus Makwe of PDP has also been declared the winner of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency with 68,136 votes. He defeated the APC candidate, Ifeanyi Oddi, who came second with 10,178 votes.

    Anayo Edwin Nwonu of the PDP won Ishielu/Ezza North federal constituency with 34,473 to beat Michael Ifere of the APC who got 13,372 votes.

    Sylvester Ogbaga of the PDP won the Abakaliki/Izzi federal constituency for the fourth term.

    He got 40,890 votes to defeat Uchenna Nshii of the APC who got 21,814.

    Idu Igariwey of the PDP won the Afikpo North and Afikpo South federal constituency with 28,691 votes to win the APC candidate, Tony Ekoh Jnr who got 9,967 votes and Maria Ude Nwachi of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) who got 8, 485 to place the third position.

    For Ebonyi/Ohaukwu federal constituency, Chukwuma Nwazunku of the PDP got 39,598 votes to win APC candidate, Peter Ogeali who got 18,213 votes.

    For Ezza South/Ikwo Federal constituency, Laz Ogbee of PDP got 31,296 votes to defeat Chinedu Ogah of APC who got 27,700 votes.

  • Airlines resume normal operations, 72 hours after polls

    Seventy two hours after the Presidential and National Assembly elections, domestic carriers on Monday resumed normal operations on major routes.

    The pickup of flights operations follows the lull that characterized flights a few days before the February 23, rescheduled elections.

    Speaking in a telephone interview, Corporate Communications Manager Air Peace, Chris Iwarah said the carrier has had good run of flights on major routes except on the Lagos – Kano route.

    According to Iwarah, passengers’ load factor remains high on other routes including Lagos- Abuja, Lagos- Owerri, Lagos- Enugu, Lagos- Calabar, Lagos – Uyo and other routes.

    Read Also: Breaking: Akpabio loses senatorial seat

    He however said operations on the Lagos- Kano route have remained not too impressive.

    He did not give reasons for the lull for the flights.

    Also speaking, spokesman of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa, said flights have been normal on all routes the carrier flies.

    Ezenwa said: “Our flights have remained normal, not drop in passenger traffic on all routes.”

    A source said both terminals of the Lagos Domestic Airport remained a beehive of activities.

    Sources hinted that Arik Air, Aero, Overland Airways recorded normal flights.

  • Oyo Speaker loses Reps slot to ADP

    The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Joshua Olagunju Ojo has lost his bid to represent Ogbomoso North South and Oriire Federal Constituency at the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

    Ojo, who contested under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), lost to the candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) Captain Ajao Adejumo.

    While Ajao scored 31,640 Olagunju scored 17, 582.

    The result was announced by the Independent National Electoral commission INEC collation centre at Soun Ogunlola Hall, Oja Igbo Ogbomoso.

    Adejumo, who is a political associate of former governor of Oyo state, Otunba Alao Akala, won in Ogbomoso North and South local government while Ojo won in Oriire LG.

    Below is the breakdown of the result:

    Ogbomoso North LGA

    ADC: 2007

    ADP: 14772

    APC 4811

    PDP 8074

    Read also: Ekweremadu wins 5th terms

    Ogbomoso South LGA

    ADC-3145

    ADP-10818

    APC-3450

    PDP-6675

    Oriire LGA

    ADC-1603

    ADP-6050

    APC-9321

    PDP-8005

  • Former Senate leader Folarin returns

    A former Senate leader, Senator Teslim Folarin has made a return to the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly by emerging the winner of Oyo Central Senatorial District election.

    Announcing the result, the Returning Officer for the senatorial district, Prof Idowu Falayi, said Senator Folarin of the All Progressive Congress (APC) polled 91,080 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Bisi Ilaka of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who got 83,600 votes.

    While the incumbent, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu of the ADC scored 41,657 votes, a serving member of the lower chamber, Hon Temitope Olatoye got 41,377 to emerge third and fourth respectively.

    The results were announced amid heavy security with major political party agents around.

    This is third time the former Senate leader will be elected into the Red chamber of the National Assembly having served in 2003 and 2007 on the platform of the PDP

    The announced result of the Oyo central Senatorial/result is as follows:

    Afijio LG

    APC:5522

    PDP:6728

    ADC:2,326

    ADP:1539

    Oluyole LG

    APC:9490

    PDP:9004

    ADC:5654

    ADP:1762

    Egbeda LG

    APC: 15346

    PDP:11007

    ADC:4370

    ADP:3371

    Ona Ara LG

    APC:8225

    PDP:8040

    ADC:3255

    ADP:887

    Akinyele LG

    APC:8938

    PDP:9244

    ADC:8349

    ADP:5442

    Surulere LG

    APC:9141

    PDP:3907

    ADC:1222

    ADP:8204

    Ogo Oluwa LG

    APC:5688

    PDP:4276

    ADC:1023

    ADP:4628

    Oyo East LG

    APC: 6122

    PDP:9368

    ADC:4109

    ADP:2391

    Oyo west LG

    APC:6593

    PDP:8453

    ADC:3375

    ADP:2659

    Atiba LG

    APC:6932

    PDP:6825

    ADC:4824

    ADP:5424

    APC:9083

    PDP:6748

    ADC:3147

    ADP:5070

    Total results:

    APC: 91080

    PDP:83600

    ADC:41,657

    ADP:41377

  • Turnout of voters impressive in Kebbi

    Accreditations and voting commenced simultaneously in most polling centres across the state as the Presidential and National Assembly elections got underway with an impressive turnout.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Burning kebbi on Saturday that personnel of the Nigeria Police,  Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) were sighted at polling units and strategic locations.

    Many residents complied with the restriction order on vehicular movement in spite of the massive turn out for the exercise.

    While officials of INEC arrived on time with the necessary voting materials at many polling units, they met large number of voters on the queue.

    At Marafa ward 004, Baiti Liman Poling Unit, in Birnin Kebbi metropolis, voters were on the queue but voting was yet to commence as at the time of this report.

    Read Also: Kebbi: Bagudu signs 2019 N151bn budget

    The officials of INEC arrived at 7.30 a.m at Magawata polling unit, in Marafa ward, Birnin Kebbi while accreditation and voting were yet to commence at 8:30 a.m.

    At 9:00 am, accreditation was yet to commence at Mai-Alelu poling unit in Nasarawa ward 2, where Gov. Atiku Bagudu is expected to cast his vote.

    Prospective voters were seen in groups discussing about the delay in the commencement of accreditation/voting in the unit.

    When interviewed, a cross section of voters in Dangaladima 003, Dangaladima ward; Shehu Zalaka 004, Gorabu and Zoramawa wards,  expressed displeasure for the delay in the accreditation/voting.

    NAN

  • COSEG, CAIDOV call for peaceful polls

    As Nigerians throughout the country troop out enmasse to cast their votes to elect a new leader and members of the National Assembly, a call has gone to the youths to eschew violence during and after the elections.

    The call was made yesterday in Lagos by the leadership of the Coalition of Oodua Self-determination Group(COSEG) in a statement signed by Dayo Ogunlana, the Chairman of its Coordinating Council, stating that free and fair elections are what the people should work towards and that it is only in peaceful atmosphere that progress can be recorded in the country.

    The group said: “We wish to call on Nigerians to eschew violence as we go to the polls today to elect our president. The youths being the most vulnerable should not be allowed to be used as instrument of trouble during and after the elections.

    “The country can only progress in an atmosphere that is peaceful and conducive. These elections shouldn’t be a do-or-die affair ,but efforts should be made at voting credible and trusted persons into positions of authority.

    In the same vein, the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) also called on Nigerians to go out  and conduct themselves peacefully during the elections today and stressed that no matter the outcome, peace should be maintained all through as the process has been open and transparent so far.

    The position of the CAIDOV was made known by its Executive  Director, Gbenga Soloki, in a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Lagos yesterday, maintaining that the umpire and the security have all assured Nigerians of professionalism in the conduct of the elections ,so it behoves on Nigerians to shun any violent act that may cast aspersions on the integrity of the process.

    The CAIDOV boss equally appealed to those in charge of the elections to carry out their duties without favour and in a professional manner that will be satisfactory to all the parties in the elections as that will invariably confer legitimacy on the elections to be conducted.

    The CAIDOV said: “This is an appeal to the people of our great country to eschew any violent act as we vote today to elect those that will pilot the affairs of our country in the next four years. Nigerians should conduct themselves in peaceful manner, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as the police and others concerned, should endeavour to discharge their functions appropriately without favour.

    “We need a peaceful process that will usher in progress and development in our country. Our politicians too must play the game, according to the rules and desist from acts that will jeopardise the process, “ the CAIDOV said.

  • ADC candidate to provide quality representation at National Assembly

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Candidate for the House of Representatives for Ijebu Central Federal Constituency, Prof Gabriel Babasola Onolaja, has pledged to provide quality representation that will attract “meaningful projects” to his constituency.

    Onolaja, who spoke at separate rallies in Ijebu Ode, Erunwon, Iwesi, Igbeba and environs, lamented that his constituency had “lost a lot” due to inexperience and non-commitment by lawmakers in the constituency.

    He said: ”We ought to have achieved better development in Ijebu Ode and its environs if only those representing the constituency had been committed to the ideals of better governance.”

    Read also: Court quashes Edo Speaker’s suit

    Onolaja vowed to provide “the desired service” at the National Assembly under the ADC platform and promote transparency, integrity and the rule of law.

    The Physics professor and security expert said his focus will be on job creation, empowerment for the youths, widows and the aged.

    He promised to work towards the establishment of a federal polytechnic in Ijebu Central Federal Constituency and also ensure that federal roads which pass through Ijebu Ode are rehabilitated to cater for the rising population.

     

  • CODER deploys 380 election field observers

    The Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) has said it has been granted accreditation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the 2019 Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly elections.

    It said to fulfill this mandate, it has trained 380 field observers and deployed them to their assigned states since February 14.

    CODER, which was founded in 2009 by a coalition of individuals and organisations committed to supporting the electoral reform process in Nigeria, stated this in a statement to The Nation yesterday.

    The statement explained that the organisation is currently undergoing a restructuring process led by its Executive Director and Chairman of the Transitional Committee Dr. Wunmi Bewaji.

    According to the non-governmental group’s convener, Chief Ayo Opadokun, CODER’s objective is very simple: “to ensure that every vote counts”.

    The letter added: “Since the first phase of the struggle for electoral reform concluded with the enactment of far-reaching reforms initiated by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, following the recommendations of the Uwais Committee, CODER has continued to be in the forefront of safeguarding the electoral process by participating in election observation activities, as well as educating and engaging voters.

    “Each election cycle, many Nigerians have relied on POLLWATCH, the CODER election reporting platform, for up-to-date, verified election reports. #NigeriaDecides2019 will not be different.”

  • National Assembly to resume Feb 26

    THE National Assembly yesterday shifted its resumption date earlier scheduled for tomorrow.

    According to a statement by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, senators and House of Representatives members will now resume plenary on February 26.

    Omolori said the shift in resumption of plenary was informed by the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections, which is now to take place on Saturday, February 23.

    The statement read: “This is to inform all distinguished senators and honourable members that resumption of plenary session earlier scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, 2019, has been postponed to Tuesday, February 26, 2019, due to the postponement of the national elections.

    “All distinguished senators and honourable members are expected to resume plenary session by 10a.m. on the February 26, 2019.”