The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria Decides 2019

  • Umahi alleges plot to bomb Ebonyi lNEC offices

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi on Thursday alleged plans by some desperate politicians to import thugs to bomb some local government offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Umahi disclosed this during a live security situation briefing to the people of the state.

    He said: “I have been told that there are plans to bomb lNEC local government offices.”

    He said security agencies have been informed and have beefed up security in all INEC facilities in the state

    The governor frowned at the outbreak of violence, characterised by burning houses and killings at Mkpuma Akpatakpa in Abaja community of Izzi local government area, promising that perpetrators would be fished out and brought to book.

    He further condemned the attack on Ikwo local government area Vice Chairman, Mrs. Regina Iteshi who was attacked by hoodlums.

    According to the governor, the thugs inserted objects into her private part and cut the tendons of some of the people with her.

    He promised that the perpetrators must be punished.

    “My major concern is that we have free and a fair election on Saturday. There were few things we noticed on 15th February that were not in the character of Ebonyi people.

    “Inserting objects in the private parts of the vice chairman of Ikwo. Justice may be delayed but the law must take its full course.

    “Yesterday, I visited Izzi and saw the faces of defenseless father and mother whose son was killed and their houses burnt down.

    “All those who participated in the killing of the young man and burning of houses will never go scot-free.

    “Politicians are behind the killings and burning down of houses. My promise to all the victims, the young man that was killed and six others injured, all those behind it must be brought to book.

    “I appeal that there should be no reprisal attack. I have ordered that anybody that wants to kill our people should be shot at sight.

    “People must be allowed to exercise their right and vote for whom they want to vote for. I promised that if there is no reprisal attack, after the election, I will start the process of building the burnt houses.

    “Lives of Ebonyians are very important to us than positions and election. And anyone that takes the lives of others such will follow them to their fifth generation. Ebonyians must be alert and demobilize anybody that is parading thugs with police escort.

    The governor also had some warnings for INEC officers in the state.

    “Let me also warn INEC. I learnt that certain political party wants to cancel election. That they will go from polling booth to another killing people.

    “If you are INEC worker, discharge your duty according to the electoral law. I have asked the youths and Ebonyians to resist any INEC officials that wants to compromise. I learnt that collation officers are meeting, saying they nominated this and that.”

  • ‘Why Buhari gave directive on ballot box snatching’

    National Chairman of the Door-to-Door Campaign group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign, Bola Ilori, has explained why President Muhammadu Buhari ordered security operatives to prosecute ballot box snatchers during the Saturday’s election.

    He said the directive was to guard against manipulations during the polls, stressing the pronouncement would curtail killings and maiming during elections and prevent electoral stealing.

    Ilori, who spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while leading canvassers to different parts of the state in furtherance of the door-to-door and market -to-market mobilisation strategy of the Field Operations of the Directorate of APC Presidential Campaign Council.

    The former Osun state commissioner for Regional Integration said the APC was prepared for a free and fair election on Saturday.

    According to him, the achievements of the Buhari- led administration cut across the various sectors of the nation’s economy, assuring he would be re-elected.

    Ilori said Buhari’s administration has achieved in the areas of rural development, social investment programmes and far reaching reforms in other areas of the economy.

    He appealed to voters to choose Buhari and other APC candidates from Saturday.

    He assured the people that if President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are reelected on Saturday, Nigerians would enjoy more of the numerous social investment programmes their administration has embarked upon since inception.

    Ilori said: “God used Moses to take the Israelites from Egypt as He first led them into the wilderness, not five star hotel.

    “Some people complained about hardships in the wilderness and made another god to lead them back to Egypt, thereby unwittingly turned a journey of 40 days to 40yrs.

    “Eventually Moses led them out of the wilderness and handed them over to a Joshua that led them to the Promise land.

    “It is clear that Nigeria has left PDP’s Egypt through Moses Buhari, but currently in a wilderness Moses is laying a solid foundation for a Joshua to get Nigerians to the promise land.

    “The Next Level is not to go back to Egypt but to move to the Promised land and we shall get there.

    He said the President was against ballot box snatching, stressing that order was to check against the perpetration of extra judicial killings during elections.

  • Polls: Police reads riot act to politicians, hoodlums in Imo

    The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Southeast for the general elections, Micheal Ogbizi Anthony, has warned politicians and hoodlums not to underrate the resolve of the Police and other security agencies to deal decisively with anyone planning to subvert Saturday’s election.

    He warned that any person or group of persons found to be sponsoring violence or other acts capable of disrupting the election process will not go unpunished.

    The DIG who addressed journalists shortly after a joint meeting of Security Chiefs, said that politicians who procure fake military uniforms and arms for thugs to cause mayhem during and after the election will be fished out and punished.

    According to him, “the essence of this meeting is to underscore the importance of this election, we have a directive to ensure that no one subverts the election process and we will not allow that to happen.”

    He continued that, “we are assuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the voters of adequate security during and after the election. We urge the people to come out and vote for candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation”.

    Meanwhile the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brigadier General Hamza Bature, has warned against the announcing of election results by unauthorised persons or establishments.

    He noted that it is the sole responsibility of INEC to announce election results, adding that announcement of fake results is capable of triggering crisis.

  • Polls: DIG Baraya to police: be professional, avoid inducement

    The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of elections in the Northwest, Mr Aminci Baraya on Thursday urged officers and men of the force in Sokoto to be professional in their conduct and remain alert to situations during the polls.

    He accordingly warned against allowing themselves to be induced by political actors during elections” Don’t allow that. Not even with pure water. Go with your pure water please”, he begs.

    Similarly, the top police officer stressed the need for the police to adequately and urgently ensure all NYSC members on adhoc appointment by INEC were secured and protected accordingly.

    ” We want all on elections duties as well voters be secured and allowed to exercise their franchise under peaceful and friendly atmosphere”, he added.

    Baraya who was on tour of commands under his supervision to assess their readiness said the elections period was a prime and stressful moment for the police as such should endeavour to give out its best.

    ” Our credibility and image is at stake and all we need to do is to exhibit the best possible to lift Nigeria’s image during the elections.

    ” It is our duty to also provide voters enabling environment to cast their votes peacefully and return to their homes. Their security is paramount”, he stressed.

    Baraya who is of the Research and Planning at the Force Headquarters also alerted the personnel that thuggery was a crime that the police would not condone, pointing out that the police is ready to arrest anyone found culpable.

    He, however, noted that” we don’t expect to experience problems during voting but during counting and declaring results at polling units or voting spots. No police should retire until the results and votes gets to the collation centre or point.

    ” DPOs must detail their men to accompany results and must also write reports. You can only stand down three days after results are declared at the state level.

    ” Inexperienced officers like cadets must be deployed to LG headquarters and under the guide and supervision of DPOs in charge”, he explained.

    He further called on political actors to maintain the peace while police in collaboration with relevant security agencies would be fair to all.

    The AIG Zone 10, Muhammad Mustapha reiterated the need for all police personnel to demonstrate and bring to bare their professional skills by showing the world that they are capable and ready to give what Nigeria needed.

    ” You should know that there are international monitors and observers in the country”, he reminded.

    Mustapha further cautioned them against mistakes, adding” it is a national assignment and you should bring out your best”, he insisted.

  • Obaseki orders payment of February salary to Edo workers

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday, ordered the immediate payment of February salary to workers in the state, ahead of the February 23 general elections.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, disclosed this in a statement in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    Osagie said the governor’s decision to pay workers well ahead of the usual 26th day of the month, when salaries are usually paid in Edo State, was informed by the need to cushion the effect of the rescheduled elections and also provide support for those who will have to travel to their various voting centres to participate in the general elections holding on Saturday, February 23.

    He said the governor was aware that the rescheduled polls disrupted a lot of plans of residents and may have left many stranded, noting, “This is why he has decided to pay them earlier than the 26th day of the month, which is the payday for government workers in the state. Among other things, this gesture will enable them to travel to their various local government areas and fully participate in the February 23 general elections.”

    He added, “Edo workers will get their February salaries before the close of business today, Thursday, February 21, 2019. There is no denying that Governor Obaseki is committed to the welfare of workers in the state, and this amplifies this stance.”

  • Elections: FG closes borders tomorrow

    The Federal Government has announced the closure of all Nigerian land borders with effect from 12:00 noon on Friday, February 22 to 12:00 noon of Sunday, February 24, 2019.

    Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdrahman Dambazau who gave the order said the development is to restrict movements across the borders during the election days.

    Read Also: FG grants visa free waiver for accredited election observers

    According to a statement issued by the Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede and made available to The Nation: “Further to the Presidential Election taking place on the February, 23, 2019, the Honourable Minister of Interior has directed the closure of all Nigeria Land Borders with effect from 12:00 noon of Friday February 22 to 12:00 noon of Sunday February 24, 2019.

    “This is to restrict movements across the borders during the election days. The public is to take note and ensure compliance.”

  • ‘Buhari’ll win, handover to Igbo President in 2023’

    *Says PDP would lose states in the S’south

     

    A Christian cleric in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Prophet Udeme Bassey, has predicted victory for President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) over Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday.

    He also predicted that Buhari would handover to an Igbo president in 2023, after successfully completing his tenure and bowing out as the most celebrated president in the nation’s history.

    Prophet Udeme, who was spot on with his predictions in the 2015 election and Edo state 2016 governorship election, further stated that Buhari’s victory would defy the gang-up by former President Obasanjo and other prominent ex-rulers.

    “PDP kept Nigeria in the current situation that Nigeria is in today. They have killed and buried Nigeria for 15 years, but God is very pleased with President Muhammadu Buhari and even one million OBJs and Atikus cannot unseat him.”

    Bassey claimed that the PDP candidate is only on a mission to buy the remaining national assets that he failed to secure from 1999 – 2007 when he was Vice President.

    Similarly, the cleric who said his prediction followed 31-day fasting and prayers for the 2019 general election, predicted that 70percent of current elected office holders would lose their election.

    Read Also: Tinubu: Buhari didn’t order shoot on sight

    “The APC will take over four of the six South-south states and weaker candidates in weaker parties would be favoured. Seventy percent of current politicians would lose their seats to their opponents in 2019.

    “PMB will appoint more youths, women and Igbo politicians in his cabinet and his second tenure will be more friendly and his governance style will make Nigerians smile again,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Christian cleric has urged Nigerians to be tolerant of others’ political and general views, stressing that his experience had shown that people are not comfortable with unfavourable truth.

    He particularly lamented his predicament in the hands of his erstwhile landlord (names withheld) who allegedly threw him out of his apartment because of accurate prediction of the 2016 Edo state governorship race.

    “I was not owing him rent, but he said that he could not harbour a man who is against his interest in his own house.”

  • ‘Kwara result sheets mistakenly taken to FCT INEC office’

    Kwara state Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mallam Garba Madami, on Wednesday said the results sheets for last Saturday’s rescheduled presidential and National Assembly elections were mistakenly taken to the Federal capital Authority (FCT), Abuja’s INEC office.

    He added the ones for Lagos were inadvertently brought to Kwara while that of Lagos were taken to Nasarawa state.

    Madami added: “The result sheets for kwara was found in our FCT office in Abuja and they are going to be sent today .I will be here (CBN) till they bring it

    “Also the results sheet of Lagos was found here. I have sent it back, that of Lagos was also found in Nasarawa .You can see the reason the election was postponed,” the REC said.

    Madami said this in Ilorin, the state capital while addressing party agents at the commencement of distribution of sensitive elections materials from the Ilorin office of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to local government areas.

    It was witnessed by representatives of various security agencies including the Police, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Prison Service and media

    He however said the commission was expecting to take delivery of the results sheets to be used for rescheduled elections before the end of the (Wednesday).

    He informed the commission has taken delivery of other materials needed for the rescheduled polls.

    “The result sheets are not going to be used not until Saturday we would get it before then,” he said.

    Read Also: Buhari, APC arm-twisting security, INEC to rig polls, PDP alleges

    He said the commission began the movement of the election materials to various local government areas in the state to ensure those going to the difficult terrain arrive early enough.

    “We are stating with the local government that are far way, we are moving our materials to Baruten, Kaiama, Patigi where there are riverine communities, “he said.

    Asked whether the materials were secured, Madami said armed security personnel were already at the RAC rack centres to ensure safety of the materials and personnel.

    Speaking on the success of Permanent Voters card PVCS collection in the state, Madami said that the commission has recovered 82 per cent success with only a balance of 257,431 uncollected.

  • Nigeria more important than winner on Saturday, says Ribadu

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential campaign Council has said that while it is confident that President Muhammadu Buhari will emerge victorious at this weekend’s Presidential election, it also believe that the contest is not a do or die.

    Director, Field Operations of the Council, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu told newsmen that all those involved in the election should be aware that the contest is about Nigeria and should therefore not do anything that will undermine the interest of the country.

    Ribadu said: “The opposition party and those who we are contesting with, they should please understand it is not a do or die affair. It is about Nigerians.

    “Let Nigerians be the winner. If Nigerians are winners, then that is what politics is all about and that is what the future will look like. It is not about them or us, let Nigerians be the winners and the only way Nigerians can be the winner is if they play it fairly, honestly, justly, that is what is needed/required.”

    Ribadu assured that supporters and agents of APC would not be involved in criminal activities during the elections on Saturday, adding that the APC believes that Nigeria is more important than the party that wins the Saturday’s election.

    While saying that the APC was ready for the election, Ribadu said, “We would say we are prepared and we have worked hard. Twenty-four hours day and night we have been on this to prepare our supporters, particularly our volunteers and canvassers. We have over 300,000 of such people across the Country who has formally declared they are working for us.

    “We have given them all the necessary information they need to know that will help to sell our candidate very well and we have told them to do it peacefully in a way that we would have free and fair elections. They are ready and are all out there. We have sent a message across that we must conduct ourselves with all decorum, dignity with the APC/ PMB volunteers.

    “We have received very strong message from PMB and from everybody that no misbehavior will be tolerated. Our people will behave very well, our people will not be involved in any criminal activities, our people are going to conduct themselves according to the law and we believe that victory will be ours because we have prepared and worked hard.

    “I am very happy and excited with our level of preparedness towards the forthcoming exercise on Saturday. We only pray that we would be able to have it from all the players to adopt same attitude of free and fair election and let the winner emerge through a peaceful process.”

    On his trust on the Independent National Electoral Commission readiness, he said, “We hope that INEC is better prepared this time, we have witnessed what happened last weekend. We were all prepared and out then suddenly the got disappointed. We hope and pray that it is not going to happen again that they are fully prepared and everything is on ground for the elections on Saturday.

    “Also, the other players, the opposition party and those who we are contesting with, they should please understand it is not a do or die affair. It is about Nigerians. Let Nigerians be the winner, if Nigerians are winners then that is what politics is all about and that is what the future will look like.

    “It is not about them or us, let Nigerians be the winners and the only way Nigerians can be the winner is if they play it fairly, honestly, justly, that is what is needed/required.

    “My concern is that I hope they are also going to do exactly how we are doing, very well prepared, go to the field, convince the voters and let the vote count. Let Nigerians be winners in this matter.“

  • Buhari, APC arm-twisting security, INEC to rig polls, PDP alleges

    The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of arm-twisting key stakeholders in the electoral process.

    The main opposition party listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies as being arm-twisted to rig the February 23 elections in favour of President Buhari and the APC.

    At a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, accused the Presidency of launching ferocious plots with INEC and security agencies to ambush the rescheduled elections and foist Buhari on the nation.

    The PDP vowed the “evil plots” of the “fear stricken” Buhari and the APC come to naught.

    Commenting on the alleged plots, Ologbondiyan said: “Since the postponement, the Buhari Presidency and APC have been breathing down the neck of the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in a desperate and feverish bid to consolidate their control of the operations of the commission and execute their rigging plot.

    Read Also: Buhari will get 80 percent votes, Enang boasts

    “At a meeting held in Buhari Presidency/APC situation room in the Presidential Villa last night, where Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mustapha Boss, among others, were in attendance, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) were directed to issue out result sheets to APC agents to falsify and declare results in favour of the APC.

    “Intelligence at our disposal reveals that the INEC Chairman has succumbed to back channel bullying by the Buhari Presidency and APC to accede to their demand to replace Electoral Officers (EOs) in various critical states with APC agents who will vehemently execute President Buhari’s rigging plans in the February 23, presidential election”.

    The PDP said it is in possession of full details of how the Department of State Services (DSS) has allegedly been interfering with operations of critical departments of INEC, including the ICT department, to do APC bidding.

    The party also claimed to have details of President Buhari’s Tuesday night meeting with some APC northern governors and Service Chiefs where pressure was allegedly mounted on the Service Chiefs in connection with the APC rigging plans.

    Continuing, the PDP spokesman said: “We alert Nigerians that the INEC Chairman has been intimidated with threat of ‘Onnoghen’s treatment’ to accept a list of APC members and agents and post them to serve as EOs in various states including Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Bauchi, Akwa-Ibom, Zamfara, Benue, Sokoto, Lagos, Plateau, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Kogi, Delta, Ebonyi among others.

    “These APC EOs have been briefed to ensure the diversion of sensitive electoral materials from designated polling centres, delay the accreditation process, so as to frustrate voters’ enthusiasm, compromise the collation process to allocate and announce fictitious results for President Buhari and muddle up the process to pave way for result cancellation where it becomes impossible to rig for President Buhari.

    “The PDP stands with Nigerians in directly rejecting this latest arm-twisting of security agencies as well as the nefarious plots to use APC members as INEC Election Officers”.