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Tag: Nigeria Decides

  • INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials in Imo

    …stakeholders express worry over late commencement

     

    The distribution of sensitive materials for the Presidential and National Assembly elections started in Imo State at about 1.30pm on Friday.

    Stakeholders expressed worry that the delay in the commencement of the distribution of the materials may affect the conduct of Saturday’s election.

    But the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Francis Ezeonu, assured that voting will commence at scheduled time on the day of election.

    Read Also: In Imo, a crackdown on hardened criminals

    He said that the materials, despite the initial delay will arrive at the polling stations by 8am.

  • Police deploy four CPs for elections in Ekiti

    The Ekiti State police command on Friday said three Commissioners of Police have been deployed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu to monitor Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in the State.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, who disclosed in Ado Ekiti on Friday, said the Commissioners, whose names were withheld, would monitor each of the senatorial districts of the state.

    Ikechukwu added that the police have also devised new techniques to checkmate vote buying, revealing that plain-clothed operatives will be deployed to all the 2,195 polling units to arrest the perpetrators.

    “The operatives will mingle with voters and from there have the knowledge of those engaging in this electoral offence”, he said.

    Ikechukwu disclosed that the security details of Very Important personalities, including politicians in the state have been withdrawn, with the exception of that of Governor Kayode Fayemi and his deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi.

    The Command spokesman stated that three security men will be deployed to each of the polling units to secure the staff deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and both sensitive and insensitive materials to be used for the conduct of the elections.

    Read Also: Ekiti residents protest killing of farmer by suspected herdsman

    “The security arrangements have been made in such a way that there would be no room for security lapses. Three security men comprising police, NSCDC and immigration officers will man each of the polling units.

    “As of now, three police Commissioners are on ground to work with CP Asuquo Amba. Each of them will man the three senatorial districts to enforce compliance to restriction of vehicles, except those on essential services and to make sure that no one circumvents the laws of the land regarding these elections”.

    Ikechuckwu stated that the Special Tactical Unit of the Police Force will be deployed to each of the 16 local government areas of the state to attend to emergency situations that could undermine the conduct of the polls.

    “These are armed unit of the police who will be on standby and they are to tackle cases of violence, attempted ballot snatching and ballot stuffing. They would also help in putting politicians who may want to demonstrate abuses at check”, he said.

    He added that Special Protection Unit of the Command have been deployed to provide protection for international and observers and other groups accredited by INEC to monitor the election.

    He said policemen are already on ground in all the INEC offices across the state, including the headquarters in Ado Ekiti to prevent cases of arson.

    “CP Amba and other top officers will also monitor these elections and our hotlines are on. We are on ground to entertain complaints from the members of the public.

    “We are on ground to ensure that we have credible elections. In having credible election, violence and other infractions that could mar the process must be checkmated and that is what we are here to enforce not to interfere in electoral matters”.

  • I’m ready to cast my vote, says 82-year-old woman

    An 82-year-old woman, Hajiya Zainab Usman, says she is ready to perform her civic duty in the Feb. 16 and March 2, presidential and governorship elections.

    The octogenarian, who resides at Yelenguruza Quarters area of Gombe metropolis said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Gombe.

    She said it was the duty of every Nigerian to vote for candidate of his or her choice, adding that “the beauty of democracy lies in one’s ability to choose who leads the people.

    “I am ready to cast my vote. I have been doing that for years and I will do it as long as God gives me breath.

    “Election has been a vital part of governance where everyone has the right to choose whoever he or she wants to lead them. This is the beauty of democracy because of the power of choice.

    “ My grandchildren will be taking me to Dakin Kowa today ahead of tomorrow’s election, where my polling unit is so that I can cast my vote for my preferred candidates,’’ she said.

    Usman decried the level of political thuggery and violence that were recorded every electioneering year in the country, adding that election in the past could be likened to a political funfair of some sort.

    She also decried the low level of political participation by women, adding that women should make politics part of their lives by coming out to cast their votes during elections.

    The octogenarian appealed to the youths to shun violence, adding that the country belonged to them and whatever the actions taken may affect the youths in the nearest future.

  • Over 15, 000 security personnel for Rivers polls

    No fewer than 15,544 security personnel have been deployed to the 319 electoral wards, 4,442 polling units of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), of Rivers State ahead of the Saturday’s nationwide Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Usman Belel, disclosed this in a joint security news briefing held in Port Harcourt, the state capital Thursday.

    Belel promised a peaceful poll across the state, and urged politicians in the state and their supporters to cooperate security agencies to do their job.

    He said that, with the formation of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES), adequate security would be provided before, during and after the polls.

    “Here in the state we have had robust Inter-agency collaborations, and fantastic synergies culminating in holding meetings and sessions with critical stakeholders, where it was unanimously agreed that the narrative must change in Rivers elections.

    “There will be a radical departure from the past elections, usually characterised by violence.

    “Together we shall get it right. On our part, we promise to be neutral and professional and provide level playing ground for all the political parties to exercise their franchise.

    “We have deployed 15,544 officers and men to be complemented by other sister agencies, with the massive deployment made so far, we are undoubtedly good to go as far as this election is concerned.

    “We promise to do everything humanly possible to entrench and bequeath to the state, elections that will be free, fair, credible and devoid of violence.” he said.

    He announced restriction of movements on the election day, except those on essential duties, barring notable personalities and politicians in the society from going to any voting centre with their police orderlies.

    Speaking further, the State Police boss disclosed that all entry and exit points in Rivers would be blocked, adding that movement would not be allowed in and out of the state until the elections are over.

    The CP, however, demanded strict compliance to the orders given, warning that defaulters would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

    He emphasized that there would be religious adherence to the Prohibition Order, “as same is intended to provide a conductive atmosphere for free, fair, credible and violence-free elections that will stand the test of time”.

    The police chief warned against mounting canopies and shades by food vendors, and other businesses within 500 meters around polling units, stressing that it shall not be tolerated during the elections.

  • Be professional, INEC tells election observers

    Dr Rufus Akeju, the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, on Thursday advised election observers in the state to exhibit the highest level of integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties during the general elections.

    Akeju gave the advice while briefing accredited election observers and party representatives in Akure.

    The REC noted that an election monitor has some level of lawful authority over the conduct of elections and officials unlike observers.

    According to him, a monitor is a duly authorised personnel of INEC while an observer is independent and writes reports to his organisation and the commission.

    Akeju said that the clarification was imperative to avoid occurrences that could result in misunderstanding and confusion during the elections.

    “Under no circumstance should observers handle election documents in the polling station or physically assist the voting or counting process,” Akeju said.

  • Kwara retirees, pensioners restate commitment APC’s victory

    ….Pledge 100,000 votes

    Pensioners and retirees in Kwara state have said they are irrevocably committed to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in this week Saturday’s and March 2nd general elections.

    They also pledged APC would garner nothing less than 100,000 votes from them in the state.

    Chairman of the Concerned Retired Kwara state Civil Servants, Alhaji Mohammed Abioye spoke this Thursday in Ilorin, the state capital during an interaction with Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed.

    Alhaji Abioye said that “it needs be mentioned that we have come together in order to join hands with other well-meaning Kwarans who have been working to put a stop to the downward socio-economic development of the state due to poor governance in all ramifications especially since 2003 till date.

    “We are concerned because this ugly trend has come about because the civil service which is supposed to be the engine room of government has been largely bastardised. The reason for this ugly trend is traceable obviously to poor service condition, lack of respect and regards for the service and its personnel both serving and retired.”

    He said: “We must not allow this ugly trend to continue. We need to work with other progressively minded Kwarans to terminate the current political dynasty that is the major promoter of the various governments whose output has made our state the headquarters of poverty in Nigeria.

    “In this respect, we urge all retired and service civil servants in the state to ensure safe custody of their permanent voter’s cards (PVCs), disregard the fake memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently signed between the state government and some labour leaders and come out en-mass February 16th and March 2nd 2019 to vote for APC
    candidates.”

    He urged APC governorship candidate to be prepared to right all the wrongs already identified if voted in to power.

    In a remark, information and culture minister urged the people to come out and vote massively come February 16th.

    Alhaji Mohammed said the attention of the entire Nigeria and international community is focused on Kwara state in the forthcoming elections.

    The minister added that “this Saturday election is very vital for the sacking of Bukola Saraki from the state’s politics. It is the most important so that before the dawn of Monday Bukola Saraki would have been sent packing from the state.”

  • Atiku’s presidency will attract investment, says Saraki

    Senate President Bukola Saraki said on Thursday that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar’s administration will attract investment and generate employment.

    He added that former vice president’s background as a private sector man stands him in good stead.

    Saraki, who is the Director General of the PDP campaign said that the administration of Alhaji Abubakar would be youth driven.

    Speaking at the Kwara Central youth town hall meeting in Ilorin, Saraki said that PDP cabinet would give 40 per cent inclusion to Nigerian youth if brought to power on Saturday.

    Saraki, who answered questions from the youth on various issues ranging from economy, education and empowerment, said that they should not make the wrong choice of electing those that do not understand the
    dynamics of business and private sector.

    He said that Atiku Abubakar has private sector background that is capable of attracting investment and generating employment.

    Said he: “Saturday is a date with destiny. You should not be intimidated by presence of security agents. They will be there to provide security and protection to you. With your support, we will win and cause a turnaround in our national life. In 2015, number of unemployed people was 10 million, and it’s now 23 million.

    “The present administration does not understand how to cause change in people and economy. We all know government cannot provide job for everyone. It is the private sector that will do it. So, I want you to
    go out on Saturday and elect Atiku that understands private sector.

    Don’t make the mistake of voting for those that do not understand the dynamics because wrong choice can spell doom for the country.

    “We are no seasonal politicians that only reach out to you during elections. We’ve been with you all the time, providing infrastructure, health, education and empowerment.”

    Read Also: Saraki replies APC leaders

    Also speaking, the director general of the PDP campaign in the state, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman, said that the essence of the meeting with the youth was to correct some impression against the Senate President and elucidate achievements made so far to improve the welfare of the people.

    Sulaiman said that the youth should not be dissuaded to vote for politicians that would not be able to provide dividends of democracy to them, saying that they should vote in the Senate President to retain the number three seat in the state with attendant opportunities.

    The event was attended by youth groups like artisans, professionals, people with disabilities students, among others.

    The town hall meeting was at the instance of the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Mandate 2019 Campaign Organisation headed by Ben Duntoye.

    The Senate President re-echoed his message to the youths at another session with women from Kwara central at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin.

    He told the women who filed out in their thousands not to be intimidated by the heavy presence of security operatives, but should come out on Saturday and vote massively for Atiku and all the candidates of the PDP.

  • Thousands troop out in Katsina for Buhari’s campaign

    Thousands of APC supporters have taken over Katsina, the Katsina State capital, awaiting the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari for his campaign rally in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some of the supporters who arrived the city on Wednesday slept on the streets in spite of the cold weather.

    There are reports that the Muhammad Dikko Stadium, venue of the rally, was already filled to capacity.

    Already vehicle owners have to park five to ten kilometres away to trek to the campaign ground due to congestion as a result of massive human and vehicular movement.

    Buhari is expected to wind up his campaign this Thursday in Katsina from where he will proceed to Daura to cast his vote in the presidential election on Saturday in which he is a candidate.

    There are also reports of massive hold up on roads leading to the state capital through Jibia, Batsari, Kaita, Daura, Mani, Dutsinma and Kankia, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters come in from across the 34 local government areas in the state.

    So far, there has been no report of any security breach, as police, military and para military personnel keep vigil in strategic locations.

    NAN observed that traders were making brisk business, even as hundreds of APC supporters move round the city chanting praises of the president.

  • Niger APC to members: You must win your Polling Units

    The Niger state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ), Engineer Jibril Imam has declared that there will be no political position for any member of the party that cannot deliver his/her polling unit.

    He said it has been the policy of the party that political positions are given only to those who had secured victory for the party in their various polling units.

    Imam who stated this in an interaction with newsmen on Thursday said the time of taking from what one did not give is over.

    “This is not the time to stay in Minna and canvass for votes. Everybody must go back home, all stakeholders have been directed to go back and win their polling units as operation deliver your polling unit is still on course.

    “No delivery of polling unit, no political position. That is the position of the party because you cannot take on what you did not give and as everyone is a product if a polling unit, we expect everyone to go back to their polling unit and struggle to make sure the party wins the elections.”

    Read Also; APC, PDP in two-horse race: How the states may vote

    The Chairman further called on all APC members to embark on door to door campaigns and convince and mobilize the people in favor of APC.

    He urged the people to vote in favor of APC in order to ensure continuity in government adding that, “continuity is the key, it is the sweetest thing. If you bring in a new government, it will take another two years before the government can acclimatize and start work.

    “Please consider APC for the next election because of our antecedent and what the government at both the Federal and state had done.”

    Imam added that APC has the capacity to turn the state around and will do more when re-elected.

  • Buhari’ll win with or without your votes, Ubah tells Ndigbo

    The senatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra South, Senator Andy Ubah, has stated President Muhammadu Buhari will win Saturday’s poll with a landslide with or without the votes of Ndigbo.

    He said it was better the Igbos cast their votes for Buhari as voting against him would not stop his victory at the poll.

    Addressing party faithful on Wednesday at a rally in Nnewi, Ubah said the people of the zone should resist the mistakes of 2015 when APC was not voted for in the South East.

    He said Ndigbo should have nobody to blame if they were not seen to have massively voted for Buhari and every other candidate of the party in the zone.

    According to him: “It is obvious that President Muhammadu Buhari will be re-elected on Saturday. Whether you vote for him or not, he will win.

    “It is unfortunate that during the last election in 2015, only 10 million votes were recorded for Buhari in the South East.

    Read Also: Attack on Buhari, Osinbajo treasonable, says Falana

    “But this time around, I want Anambra South alone to give him not less than 1 million votes.”

    Candidate representing Nnewi North/South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituencies, Engr. Jude Onyeka said voting all APC candidates would guarrantee a team that would bring democracy dividends to the zone.

    On his part, National Auditor of the party, Chief George Muoghalu asked party supporters not to be confused with money or any other gratification.

    Other chieftains at the rally were the party’s deputy governorship candidate in 2017 in Anambra, Dozie Ikedife jnr, Nnewi North chairman, Tony Atuenyi as the host, Engr Forth Dike, J.C.Okeke, Omo Okeke, among others.