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Tag: Nigerians

  • Osinbajo to Nigerians: don’t be discouraged

    From Bisi Olaniyi, Precious Igbonwelundu, Adekunle Jimoh, Gbenga Omokhunu, and Rosemary Nwisi.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the earlier postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The vice president made the plea in Ilorin during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

    The vice president was in Ilorin to conclude the door-to-door campaign to mobilise votes for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Osinbajo said the only way Nigerians could assist to sustain the nation’s democracy and promote good governance was to come out en mass on Saturday and vote for continuity.

    He commended the monarch for his fairness toward political parties and their candidates in the state.

    The vice president  said he did not envy the monarch who “has his sons vying for different positions across different parties in Kwara.’’

    The vice president prayed for the victory of the president and all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the general elections.

    The emir, in his remarks, welcomed the vice president and wished him and his entourage well in the elections.

    The vice president was accompanied by Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is the leader of  APC in Kwara.

    Also on the entourage were the governorship candidate of the APC in  Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the party’s chairman in the state, Bashir Bolarinwa,  and other party stalwarts.

    The vice president and his entourage were welcomed by an unprecedented crowd who thronged the streets leading to the palace and were chanting “ O to ge’ (Enough is Enough).

    From Adabata to Pakata and on to  Isale-Aluko as well as Oja Gboro and Ipata,   the people in their thousands, particularly women and youths,  lined up on the streets with brooms chanting that they were tired of the old order and in need of  a change in Kwara.

     

    APC, PDP clash over attack in Ilorin

     

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday accused suspected thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of attacking its supporters after the convoy of the Vice President Yemi Osibajo passed through an area in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. But the PDP last night denied the allegation.

    Two supporters of APC sustained injuries.

    A police source revealed that the incident happened around Isale-Koko, Ilorin suburb, after the vice president’s convoy had left the area.

    Police spokesperson Ajayi Okasanmi could not confirm the incident.

    The APC governorship candidate in the state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, condemned “the brazen attack today in Ilorin on the convoy of the Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo by armed PDP thugs.”

    In a statement, Abdulrazaq’s media aide Rafiu Ajakaye said: “The vice president was at Isale Aluko suburb of Ilorin on a door-to-door campaign when some dare-devil gunmen opened fire at his convoy which included thousands of APC members and supporters.

    “In what is a reminiscence of the Offa robbery, this attack is the height of recklessness on the part of these street urchins who have long been empowered and armed by the discredited dynasty to terrorise our community and anyone who has contrary views to their amala politics.

    “Coming just a day after two of our supporters were killed in Ojoku in the convoy of our senatorial candidate Arc. Lola Ashiru, this is becoming too much and the madness must stop.

    “Going into an election with these thugs clearly on the loose is an existential threat not just to all of us challenging the misrule in our state but to the entire people of the state and their properties.

    “We call for immediate arrest and prosecution of these thugs. We also demand investigations to reveal those who gave the orders for these deadly attacks. We call for all measures to be taken to ensure safety of lives and properties and sanctity of the ballot box in Kwara and beyond.

    “No one’s political interest should be at the expense of human lives and their properties.  We insist that a political contest is a contest of ideas and no one must be allowed to cow or kill others in the process.”

    The PDP, in a statement by its spokesperson, Tunde Ashaolu, said the incident was an intra-party issue involving members of the APC.

    The statement reads: “It was also gathered that the money released to be shared among party supporters triggered the violence.

    “Our party has no time for violence as we have been busy preparing for the presidential and national assembly elections coming up on Saturday as well as the governorship and State Assembly elections.”

     

    Rivers polls: Wike, kinsmen, Cole, APC leaders in fight to the finish

     

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, his Ikwerre kinsmen in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Tonye Cole and other APC leaders in the state are in a fight to the finish over the general elections.

    Wike, yesterday in a broadcast, urged APC members to allow  peace in Rivers to continue and to prepare for 2023 polls.

    PDP kinsmen of Rivers governor in the four Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Emohua, also alleged that unending atmosphere of hostility was being foisted by the unholy relationship between the Rivers APC and the security agencies, which was described as a major source of worry, threatening peace and communal tranquility.

    Cole and some leaders of APC in the state, at a news conference in Port Harcourt, however, declared that candidates of the party would not only participate in the 2019 elections, but would win.

    Wike, in the broadcast, called on the leaders of the APC to accept the reality that their party would not be on the ballot for the 2019 general elections in Rivers.

    The governor said: “Truth be told, the Supreme Court has spoken. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed. It is the will of God and there is nothing anybody can do to return the APC to the ballot for the 2019 general elections in Rivers State.”

    The leaders of Ikwerre ethnic nationality, at a world news conference yesterday at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, through a former Rivers governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, stated that they would not sit idly and watch Minister for Transportation Rotimi Amaechi cause their people unnecessary harm.

    Ikwerre PDP leaders said: “The Minister for Transportation has the penchant for fomenting trouble, which had caused the loss of lives in the past. Keen watchers of political events in our state have also noticed the bitterness exhibited by the minister (Amaechi) towards the governor (Wike).”

    At a news conference yesterday, Cole said: “I want to start by telling our supporters in APC and around the state that not only will we participate in the elections, we will win them. It is better to be prepared than for the opportunity to come and we are not prepared. The opportunity is coming. Be prepared.”

    A chieftain, Chidi Lloyd, while also speaking, stated that what could have resulted in a colossal loss of human lives and property in Rivers State was avoided by the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country on February 16, through violence and thuggery displayed by PDP members across Rivers, while again mobilising to unleash mayhem in the state on February 23.

    The party’s spokesman Chris Finebone condemned “the shameful use of card-carrying members of the PDP” by the INEC office in Rivers  as ad hoc staff, insisting that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Rivers, Obo Effanga, and his staff were collaborating with the PDP to rig the elections, declaring that they would not get away with it.

    Read also: Avoiding excessive bleeding after childbirth (2)

     

    Rivers APC crisis:  Appeal Court strikes out Abe’s suit

     

    The Appeal Court Panel sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital yesterday struck  out a case filed before it by the Senator representing Rivers South East in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe, for lack of merit.

    Abe and 42 others filed the suit shortly after the Federal High Court upheld the judgment of a State High Court which nullified the state congresses and primary elections conducted by the Ojukaiye Flag Amachree-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and disqualified all its candidates.

    At a news conference in Port Harcourt, shortly after the ruling, Abe said: “We had approached the Court of Appeal to help with the logjam arising from the current situation in the APC in the state.

    “We believe that that is not the sum of the judgement of the Supreme Court so in  consultation with our legal practitioners, we’ve asked them to approach the Supreme Court for a final response on that matter.”

     

    Group berates Atiku

     

    A prominent group, Media for Morals, has expressed support for the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, for vowing to ensure the armed forces remain apolitical and professional in the discharge of its duties.

    In a statement by its National Coordinator, Dr. Mairo Mudi, the group also berated the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),  Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for “encouraging lawlessness in the armed forces by asking soldiers to disobey orders made by its superiors”.

    “All the hullabaloo about President Buhari’s warning for the military and the police to deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers is only indicative of the fact that some politicians, obviously of the opposition stock, were reliant on that method to get to power through rigging.”

     

    Lagos CP warns ballot box snatchers, others

     

    Lagos State Commissioner Zubairu Muazu yesterday warned ballot box snatchers and other electoral offenders to have a rethink or face the wrath of the law.

    Muazu spoke at his maiden interaction with reporters.

    According to him, the command would stop at nothing to ensure that offenders are prosecuted and convicted, reminding residents that the earlier deployment of 30,000 security personnel for the exercise would be maintained.

    Muazu said:“A very robust operation order to cover deployment of security personnel for the elections is on ground; so we will ensure there is a safe and secured environment for electorate in Lagos to go and cast their votes without fear and intimidation.”

     

    Police arrest INEC official, two others with card reader

    A senior official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and two others were Wednesday night arrested by policemen attached to the commission’s head office in Lagos for alleged illegal possession of card reader.

    It was learnt that the officials were taken to SARS office at Ikeja where they allegedly spent the night and were later escorted by policemen back to the commission following directives from the Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu.

    Muazu confirmed policemen escorted Bello to take the card reader back after it was discovered that he did not steal it.

    The police chief said: “We confirmed that the official was posted to Surulere. The card reader in question had problems and he was supposed to turn it over. But there wasn’t enough security and he decided to hold on to it.

    “The said card reader has not been configured. We verified from INEC and as such, we detailed policemen to escort him back so that he will safely return the card reader. I am not aware of any attempted bribery incident.”

    INEC spokesman Olufemi Akinbiyi said he was not aware of the incident.

    He said: “I do not have that information. I am part of the team at the CBN ensuring that electoral materials are moved out without hitches.”

     

    Clerics cautioned against meddling into politics

     

    Clerics in Bauchi State have been cautioned against dragging religious matters into politics.

    Muslims youths and students leaders, in a statement by Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, Comrade Alhasseenor  Adam and Babangida Bindis, said they were not happy with the way religious matters were being dragged into politics in the state.

    They said: “We are not happy as future leaders the way and manner religious leaders are dragging religion issue into politics in the state.”

    “In the history of politics since 1999 to date, Bauchi State has not produced a leader like Rt Honourable Yakubu Dogara, Speaker and National Assembly member representing Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa Balewa Federal constituency. He built more than 1000 mosques in all the nooks and crannies of Bauchi State, he sponsored  many Muslims to Hajj, he assisted both Christians and Muslims in Bauchi State, he catered for both religion in Bauchi State, he should not be condemned,”the group said.

    ‘Buhari’s directive on riggers has exposed PDP’s antics’

     

    The Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) yesterday praised President Muhammadu Buhari for exposing the rigging plot of the opposition through his directive to the military and other security agencies that they should deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers and other election riggers during Saturday’s elections.

    Buhari’s support group noted that reactions from the camp of the opposition to Buhari’s order were a clear indication that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate are planning to rig the 2019 polls.

    In a statement issued in Abuja by its Director of Communication and Strategic Planning, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, the BCO stated that what the president did with his directive was to uncover a hornet’s nest in the camp of the opposition and stirring it up for Nigerians to know their plan to rig the polls.

    Ibrahim said: “We in the BCO give kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari for this marching order. Only the evil minded should be afraid of the order. The opposition are criticising President Buhari for his comment on ballot box snatchers because they want Nigerians to see nothing of those who denied them electricity and other infrastructure in the past 16 years.

    “The president said exactly what we have always wanted him to say: thuggery and ballot box snatching have no place in a credible democracy. The president is absolutely right, otherwise we will encourage the opposition and their thugs to dictate democracy for us. “

  • As Nigerians make their choice

    …When conscience dies, eyes go blind, and ears deaf.

    The political landscape has been quite active in recent time and even more so in the aftermath of the shift of the presidential elections from February 16 to February 23. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) citing “logistics” as the main reason behind the 11th hour shift has assured Nigerians not only of its readiness but that the elections will reflect the wishes of the people as well as free and fair.

    The main actors have been on the field crisscrossing states across the country selling their manifesto to the electorate. The ruling party All Progressives Congress, APC, poised to consolidate on the gains recorded so far in various areas has promised to do better and take Nigeria to the Next Level. At various rallies across the country, the party has continued to list some of its success story in the last three and half years of its administration.

    Despite the initial challenges faced consequent upon neglect, corruption and mismanagement of the Peoples’ Democratic Party administration which held sway for 16-years, the ruling APC which rode to power under the Change mantra has recorded some outstanding achievements in the areas of rail transportation, airports rehabilitation and completion of the Abuja-Kaduna rail project.

    The ruling APC administration embarked on the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs), an intervention programme designed to lift the mass of indigent citizens out of poverty.  Among the specific programmes under the SIP are the N-Power programme initiated to cater for unemployed graduates, the Home Grown School Feeding (HGSFP), which is targeted at feeding school children in schools across the country, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), targeted at supporting one million of the most vulnerable and poorest Nigerians, and Government Enterprises Entrepreneurship Programme (GEEP), that enables entrepreneurs have access to affordable credits to fund businesses, especially in rural areas, just to mention a few.

    In the wise words of Socrates, the way to gain a good reputation is to endeavour to be what you desire to appear. No doubt the APC has started the change that Nigerians desire.

    On the other hand, the party that looted and plunged the country into penury has reassembled and rebranded – sworn in its determination to take the country back to that perilous road again.  The emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, once described in unflattering terms by his boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his book, MY WATCH’ as ‘disloyal human being’ as the presidential candidate of the PDP says it all.

    Of him, Obasanjo had written: “Atiku Abubakar’s name was among names sent to us. Up to that time, EFCC had enjoyed close cooperation and collaboration with law enforcement agencies in the UK and the USA. I gave the green light to Nuhu for the investigation as requested by the authorities and forwarded his report to the USA. The report was uncomfortable and unsavoury about Atiku and his associates”.

    This is the arrow-head of the push by the PDP, a party that failed during its years of administration despite the fact that the crude oil prices were trading on an average of $100 per barrel in the international market.

    Expectedly, on board is Senate President Bukola Saraki as the Director General of the PDP campaign organization. Saraki’s antecedent as governor of Kwara State is certainly still fresh in our memories. During his reign as the governor of Kwara State, he turned governance to comedy and impoverished the state. To consolidate his emergence as the lord of Kwara politics, he had to edge out his late father, Olusola Saraki, in the deeply rancorous 2011 general elections to install his candidate and now incumbent governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed as governor.

    As head of the National Assembly, Saraki used the legislative-arm of government to fight personal battles. Although of the same ruling APC, he thought little about undermining the executive-arm of the government, permitting and tacitly endorsing frivolous motions to unjustly attack the president and the government that he leads, thus, constituting a clog in the wheel of progress of the development of the country and the implementation of the policies of the administration.

    Nigerians would recall how Saraki and his cohorts shut down the National Assembly when he was required to answer questions by the Code of Conduct Bureau. The unseemly sight of over 90 lawyers following him to the CCT and shutting down the Senate will certainly remain evergreen in our memories. He also ensured non-confirmation of EFCC chairman, Mallam Ibrahim Magu, and so ensured that the Buhari administration’s fight against corruption was impeded.

    As it is, Nigerians could not have been presented with a clearer choice. For Atiku, Saraki and crew, the election would present another opportunity for their party to gain access to public funds to enrich themselves and their friends. Happily, the Nigerian electorate are wiser and smarter and so will never allow the PDP and their cheerleaders to gain access to the position of trust again. As for the ruling APC, the gains recorded in the last three and half years are no doubt pointers to the commitment and seriousness of the administration correct and restore the years the locusts have eaten. The journey to the Next Level starts tomorrow, Saturday as Nigerians troop out to make their choice.

     

    • Olowu, a public analyst writes from Lagos.

  • Posers as Fed Govt flags off speed train

    Are there pending issues with the Lagos-Ibadan speed train? Many Nigerians would readily say yes. ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE writes.

    When the Federal Government had a test run of the speed train from Iju, Lagos to Abeokuta the penultimate week, it was with a promise to offer free commuter service to Nigerians for three months.

    Fielding questions from reporters after the  test run, Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who performed the function, accompanied by Ogun State Governor  Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, promised Nigerians a free ride for three months.

    But checks as at last Saturday showed that nobody has benefited from the free ride on the corridor, and no Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) official is willing to offer explanations on why nothing has happened on the much publicised line since February 6, when the test run held.

    Where are the trains?

    A tourist, ‘Lanwa Adeyemo, who wanted to spend some time at the Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, could not hide his disappointment last week, after three fruitless shuttles to Iju. He had to proceed to Abeokuta by road with a colleague.

    “Where is the free train? When will the shuttle leave Iju? And how can we board it?” he asked.

    Adeyemo is not alone. Many Nigerians who had looked forward to boarding and enjoying a free ride in the air-conditioned  first class coaches, which are expected to run the Lagos-Abeokuta corridor, were disappointed.

    To them, it is frustrating that the train was yet to begin the promised shuttle. “When they knew they were not ready for service why then did they promise?”one of them reasoned.

    On the contrary, the NRC Lagos District Manager, Mr Jerry Oche,  who is in-charge of the new operation , said the Lagos-Abeokuta line is working.

    “The Lagos-Abeokuta line is working, but just couldn’t run on  Friday. It would resume on Tuesday,” Oche assured.

    Although the District manager could not provide much information on  how many passengers had boarded the train since the test run, he was optimistic that more people would patronise  it as they become aware of its operations.

    According to Oche, the line, when fully operational, would be oversubscribed, given Lagos proximity to Ogun State.

    Although the test run was a little above an hour between Lagos and Abeokuta, when the speed locomotive finally arrives the 54-kilometre ride would  be made within 45 minutes .

    Oba Gbadebo expressed joy that with the stoppages at all the stations, travelers would be able to make Abeokuta, from Lagos or return within 45 minutes when the service begins fully.

    To the monarch, whose great grand- father rode on the narrow gauge when it was test run in 1906, witnessing the take-off of the speed train is epoch-making.

    The prognosis had pointed at the possibility that many travelers would opt for the train because it is cheaper and safer.

    Amaechi  said he has directed that two more coaches be diverted from Itakpe-Warri line, which they presently shuttle, to Lagos-Abeokuta and ultimately Ibadan, when it is finally delivered.

    “We anticipated that more people would like to patronise the trains on the Lagos-Abeokuta-Ibadan line and I have directed that two coaches be brought from Itakpe-Warri line to bring the one on this line to four. These four lines would serve this  line until more coaches arrive,” Amaechi said.

    The test run

    Many had wondered why the government would promise three-month free ride window to Nigerians on the Lagos-Abeokuta corridor.

    Proffering an answer in one of the monthly routine meetings, Amaechi said the free ride is to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the speed train while the tracks are being put to test.

    To him, it is better than freely burning the fuel on shuttling the locomotives on the tracks during the test run.

    The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), had given a commitment to deliver the rest of the 156 km project with a running bill of $1.6 billion within 90 days.

    Within the period, the CCECC would start working on delivering on the 10 modern railway station meant for the corridor.

    While four of these stations – Apapa, Lagos, Agege and Agbado, are in Lagos State, to be sited in the western districts are Kajola, Papalanto (Itori), Abeokuta and Olodo stations, in Ogun State, while the Ibadan end of the project would have Ibadan and Omi-Adio stations.

    All the stations are to have facilities such as conveniences, shopping malls, police posts, and a park and ride option and round the clock service when fully on stream.

    Although work has begun at the new Lagos station (known as Ebute Metta Junction EBJ), located at Alagomeji, in Yaba, all other stations are yet to take off.

    Between Iju and Abeokuta, where the tracks presently terminates, are eight stations, and stakeholders are already expressing doubts that some of them may not take off, not to talk of materialising in the next 90 days.

    Speaking at the test run event, Amaechi  indicated that the stations may actually take longer, adding that the government expects them to come on stream within a year.

    “We are happy the third standard gauge in Nigeria, which is Lagos-Ibadan line, has taken off. Itakpe-Warri is the first while Abuja-Kaduna is the second.

    “The line also brought the first standard gauge tunnel in Nigeria to Ogun State. This train will run free of charge and I will compel them to do about three trips a day so that more persons can go to work in the morning and come back in the evening.

    “We are also trying to build our stations and in a year’s time, we would have finished the stations and everything will be running normally and then you will be paying for your tickets.”

    Amaechi’s position has left many to wonder what happens after the three months free ride, especially since the stations, which are to provide passengers with the requisite comfort when they want to obtain their tickets and wait for the train, are yet to be in place.

    “Worst case, Nigerians may have to make do with temporary arrangements to purchase tickets and platforms to board and disembark from the trains at each of the stations,” said the railway corporation’s Managing Director Mr Fidet Okhiria.

    But while Nigerians await clearer directive from the corporation on the modalities for operations, Governor Amosun has lauded the project.

    The governor said the Federal Government must be commended for bringing life-changing infrastructure closer to the people.

    “This is a life-changing event for us and I congratulate all Nigerians because this infrastructure will take Nigeria to the comity of emerging markets and nations.

    “There is no way there can be any socio-economic development without modern transportation infrastructure. What we are doing today will revolutionalise Nigeria in a very special way. The travel time between Abeokuta and Lagos has drastically reduced and that will affect so many things and the  way of life of our people. It will affect prices of agricultural commodities as our people in Abeokuta and environs can take advantage of the ready market in Lagos, and those trading in other commodities can also readily go to Lagos to trade and return on time. It would also affect the housing stock and burst the high rent rate in urban metropolis of Lagos as many people can live in Abeokuta and its environs and commute to their work place in Lagos, without stress,” he said.

    The governor, who stressed the import of the event, which he described as historic for the state, said: “This is not a political forum, we are not window dressing, we are simply working our talk and not campaigning.”

    The governor also said the commencement of the ride will reduce the pressure on most roads, boost productivity and create more employment.

    He said: “With this ride, pressure on our roads will reduce and goods that used to take days through the roads to get to their final destination will get there in good time and in good condition. Burden will be off our roads.

    “This will also create employment and transfer of technology by the Chinese to our people, who are about 90 per cent of workers on site since the construction of the project began.”

    Chairman Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa hinted that the project has the potential to open jobs to qualified Nigerians, adding that over 11,000 workers had already been employed by the NRC and about 2,000 others are presently undergoing study in China ahead of full operation of the rail line.

    To Ashafa, the railway is the way to go if the nation is to tackle traffic gridlocks that are taking over all the nation’s urban centres.

    Without a functional intermodal system, the nation, according to him, will continue to grapple in the dark for solution to the transportation crisis that has continued to debase the country.

  • CDHR asks INEC to apologise to Nigerians, others

    REACTIONS continued yesterday to trail last Saturday’s postponement of the elections as the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to apology to Nigerians and representatives of international communities observing the country’s elections.

    In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday and signed by its President, Malachy Ugwummadu, the CDHR demanded for a thorough inquiry by an independent panel to ascertain what happened that led to the postponement.

    It also demanded for a clear explanation from INEC as to the circumstance and exact reason why the election was postponed, appropriate sanction to relevant persons, who failed in their responsibility.

    The rights group said this would serve as a deterrent, adding that consideration for decentralisation and unbundling of INEC along the multifaceted responsibilities of that commission have now become imperative.

    Ugwummadu blamed INEC for allowing itself to be caught in the interplay of power when the National Assembly foot-dragged on the consideration and approval of INEC budgetary allocation, leaving them with serious time constraints in sourcing and procuring election materials.

    He noted with disappointment the postponement of the general elections on account of general poor logistics, saying that this development, few hours before the elections, raises so many questions as to the capacity of INEC to conveniently discharge on its mandate.

  • Nigerians count losses from polls shift

    • We’ll lose billions of naira, say NACCIMA, others • Lagos, Aba markets record low patronage

    How much could Nigeria have lost to the unexpected postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections?

    Although, we may never have an accurate figure, the millions of Nigerian traders, artisans, farmers and motorists who had to stay at home yesterday doing nothing are already counting their losses on account of the polls shift.

    The Vice President, National Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, (NACCIMA), Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye, says Nigeria will lose billions of naira.

    Ejinkeonye, who is also the Director, Business Development for Africa, Esilknet Africa Network Ltd., told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the postponement would affect the economy adversely.

    “It is quite unfortunate that the election was postponed. Economically, billions of naira have been lost and will be lost in the coming weeks. Industries, businesses, including airlines, were affected by the movement restriction.

    “We expect also the same thing happening in the coming weeks. Most important effect is the perception of the international financial community.

    “Situations like this will create panic with massive withdrawal and stoppage of funds inflow to Nigeria. I dread the effects in the stock market on Monday,” he said.

    Ejinkeonye, who said that it would be difficult to determine the actual figure of the loss but would be in billions of naira, said however that the real cost would be the loss of investor confidence.

    Also speaking, the President, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTs), Mr. Ken Ukaoha,  said the country would  lose more than N140 billion due to the postponement.

    Ukaoha noted that the postponement would affect the economy adversely in terms of money that the government, political parties and ordinary Nigerians had already expended on logistics and otherwise.

    He described the election postponement as appalling and unfortunate which could make the nation become a laughing stock among the comity of nations.

    “The loss is monumental; if you look at the economic consequences, essentially if you look at trading; Nigeria depends so much on daily turning of fund through distribution and redistribution of goods and commodity.

    “I am telling you that with this calculation I have just done here, we are losing nothing less than 140 billion naira, because we all got this information so late

    “If you go round now, you will see that the shops are closed, so we are losing a lot  of money just for this incident.

    “We are not talking about the manufacturers and the industrialists because they have all sent their workers away to go and perform their civic duty.

    “Farmers did not go to their farms because they want to exercise their franchise. If you do the computation, your guess is as good as mine in terms of what the nation is losing, we should learn.”

    An economist, Mr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, believes the  postponement of the elections will affect credit rating and already threatened portfolio investments in the country.

    Ekechukwu noted that the investments would likely flow out in large value.

    According to him, beginning from Feb. 16, the stock market will go bearish due to the postponement.

    “What will the international observers who already had their return tickets for Monday or Tuesday do after the failed election.

    “They will indeed fly back and not come back as they didn’t budget for any extra cost and extra stay.

    “What will happen to school children who are at home presently because of the election.’’

    Ekechukwu expressed worry that Nigerians would be made to bear the losses.

    A Lagos businessman, Damilare Akinseye, said INEC completely destabilised him by the postponement announcement.

    He said: “They have thwarted all my plans. Things I was supposed to have done on Friday, I had to shelve them so that I could be around for the elections. Now, they want me to incur losses again next week?

    “It continues to baffle me why a country that has spent so much preparing for this election will at the last minute cancel it. Considering all the monumental sums that have been given to INEC, what is the issue of logistics here?

    A tomato seller at Mile 12 market lamented low patronage, stating that most of their customers had either travelled for the polls or were scared to  come out.

    She said: “You can see how everywhere is still empty. A lot of people travelled to their villages to vote. They should have made this announcement some days back so that people would not travel. Now, they have made us to lose money and next Saturday we will not sell. They should be considering the sufferings of ordinary Nigerians before taking such decisions,” she said.

    Island Club Manager, Olubunmi Fasan, said: “ a lot of economic gains that would have accrued if today had not been chosen earlier could not be achieved.

    “A lot of people had their occasions cancelled, students came back from school, foreign delegates who travelled to Nigeria to monitor the conduct of the election are now forced to stay back or go back to their base to come back next week for the same exercise.”

    Edo food vendors lament

    Food vendors in Edo State were hard hit by the postponement.

    Some of them had already arrived polling centres as early as 6 a.m. with cooked food to sell only to be told that the elections had been shifted by a week.

    One Mrs. Theresa Igbinosa, a food vendor at Western Boys High School in Ikpoba-Okha ward 2, said she spent about N50,000 to prepare the food.

    “I am not only sad but very angry. I spent so much money and woke up as early as 2 a.m. to prepare this food. I have not even slept at all,” she said.

    “My problem now is what to do with the food because nobody is here to sell to and I am so confused right now. I even borrowed the money from my neighbour with a promise to pay back after sales.

    “INEC is not fair to us at all. Why did they have to wait till this morning to cancel the elections?”

    Osifo Lucky, another food vendor, said, “there is no hope for the poor in the country. Nobody puts you into consideration before taking any decision. They just wake up and do whatever that pleases them.

    “As you can see for yourself, I am looking at my food and the food is looking at me too. No buyer; the school is empty.”

    A Kano resident, Madam Martha Moses was full of pity for one of her friends, who according to her, had to reschedule the marriage of her son from yesterday to Saturday, February 23, the new date picked by INEC for the postponed elections.

    “You can see this kind of situation, where parents have committed a lot of money to prepare for the wedding.

    “Now, the wedding cannot even take place on February 23. This is a shame, as we have lost a lot of money to the inefficiency of INEC leadership to organise this election.”

    Commercial activities in most parts of Lagos were dull for much of yesterday.

    Most markets and petrol stations remained shut until late in the day while vehicular traffic was very low.

    The situation was the same in Aba North and South, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa West, Umuahia North and South as well as Isiala Ngwa North and South in Abia State.

    Patronage at some of the markets in Umuahia and Aba, including Ubani Market, Ariaria, Eziukwu and  Ahia Ohuru  was very low.

    Kano residents count losses

    Mixes feelings trailed the sudden postponement of yesterday’s Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Kano as residents lament the adverse effects of the Independent National Electrical Commission’s decision.

    Apart from engaging in panic purchase of food stuff and unsolicited withdrawal of money through ATM, a number of non-natives resident in the state had travelled to their various home states for fear of the unknown.

    Speaking to our reporter, cross-section of residents condemned the postponement, citing its economic implication on the part of the citizens and the federal government.

    According to Chief John Ikuku, “the postponement of this election is totally unnecessary. How can INEC suddenly wake up from slumber and said it was no longer ready enough to conduct the elections when sensitive materials have already been distributed across the nooks and crannies of the country?

    “Look, my brother, I have never witnessed this kind of scenario and I don’t think it has happened this way anywhere in the world. I have a feeling that this could be a ploy to rig the election.”

    Madam Martha Moses said, “I am disappointed with INEC. I think they are not serious, despite all encouragement and support given to them by the federal government to conduct the election. More so, despite assurances from INEC leadership, they came at this 11th hour with this laughable postponement without recourse to the negative effects and consequences upon the average Nigerian.

    “INEC leadership has totally lost credibility and the chairman should resign in shame because he has failed Nigerians, and I don’t think he can ever get it right.”

    Madam Martha added that, “the most painful aspect of it is that a friend of mine is to wed today, but the wedding was put off and slated for February 23. You can see this kind of situation, where the parents have committed a lot of money to prepare for the wedding.

    “Now, the wedding will not hold next week. As such, this is a shame on the part of INEC as we have lost a lot of money due to the inefficiency of INEC leadership to organise this election.”

    The Nation reports that INEC in Kano has started retrieving sensitive materials conveyed to various Local Government Areas for onward deposit to the Central Bank of Nigeria for safety.

    Kano remains calm and quiet as at the time of filling this report, as everyone is moving about their businesses unhindered.

    Security operatives were however sighted at strategic positions, performing their normal duties.

    Speaking to our reporter, the spokesman of Kano State Police Command, Haruna Abdullahi, said there was no cause for alarm as police is on top of the situation.

    He urged residents to remain law-abiding and go about their normal businesses without fear.

    Sani Bello calls for patience

    Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has described the postponement of the general elections by one week as unfortunate development but appealed to Nigerians to exercise understanding and patience

    He said INEC must have weigh the various options before arriving at the painful conclusion of postponing the election.

    In a statement signed by his Media and Publicity Coordinator, Mr. Jide Orintunsin, the Governor expressed hope that the decision of the electoral body is to ensure a credible election that would be satisfactory to the people.

    “The postponement of these elections are unfortunate but going by the INEC Chairman’s statement the decision to shift the election was necessary for the commission to successfully deliver its mandate of conducting a credible, free and election and for the consolidation of our democracy.

    Bride-to-be laments elections postponement

    The postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections has left a bride-to- be in a dilemma as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s  (INEC) timetable has disrupted her marriage plan for a second time.

    Miss Rita Osawende’s wedding was originally fixed for yesterday but was unexpectedly re-scheduled for Saturday, February 23, the same date she had picked because of the earlier clash of date.

    Osawende told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin that all arrangements for her big day had been concluded for February only for INEC to upset her plan again.

    “INEC please help me revisit this issue,” she said.

    “The original date was fixed for February 16, but as soon as I knew its elections day, it was postponed to February 23rd.

    “What do I do? All arrangements have been made.

    “I have printed and distributed my invitation cards for the wedding. I am so confused,” NAN quoted her as saying.

  • Different strokes for different states

    As Nigerians troop out for the presidential and National Assembly elections today, the mood across the country is mixed. Caution is the word as many gauge the mood of the nation on a daily basis in order to know how to respond to any situation.

    Findings made by The Nation across the country indicate that the political mood within the states and local government areas tend to shape individuals’ moods and expectations from the elections. This informs the rather different moods of the people in different states as the nation prepares to elect its leader in the next four years.

    All calm in Lagos

    Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Lagos State has been a fortress for progressive politics, save the emergence of the late Chief Michael Otedola of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) as the governor of the state in the short-lived Third Republic after profiting from internal squabble in the camp of the progressives.

    Since then, the state has returned to the progressives’ fold and has been the bulwark for progressive politics. Most Lagosians interviewed saw no need for any special arrangements as vehicular movement would only be restricted for one day.

    “Nothing dey happen (nothing is happening) It is just elections and nothing else. The mood is the same in most parts of the state,” said a Lagosian, Mr. Sikiru Anjorin.

    No thoughts for IPOB’s sit-at-home order in Anambra

    As the people of Anambra State prepare to cast their votes today, there is no sign of panic whatsoever. In fact, some of the state’s residents who spoke with The Nation believe that the so-called pre-election hype is a normal phenomenon.

    The purported sit-at-home order issued by the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), may not work as the residents did not appear to be giving it any consideration.

    Asked whether they were stockpiling food items or making withdrawals from banks on account of the tension created by IPOB’s directive, respondents told The Nation there was no need for such. A petty trader at the Eke Awka Market, Ebere Uzochukwu, an indigene of Abia State, said he registered to vote in his state but would not be travelling home to vote for people he said would not remember him at the end of the day. For Amaka Ezimora, who hails from Enugu State but lives in Onitsha, whoever God had destined to win would win, even as she implored the government to reduce the sufferings in the land.

    It was, however, observed that many eligible voters in the state were yet to obtain their PVCs in Anambra State, while some who did said they were not ready to cast their votes for anybody, asking, “The one we voted before, have we benefitted anything?”

     

    IPOB’s threat real in Abia, other South East states

    Unlike Anambra, the calls by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on the people of Abia State to boycott today’s elections may have yielded some fruits in Abia State, with disclosure by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that about a quarter of the two million registered voters in the state were yet to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs).

    Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joseph Ilo, said that more than 500,000 of the 2 million registered voters in the state had not collected their PVCs a few days to the elections.

    Ilo, represented by Achibie Chigozie, the Head of Department of Voter Education and Publicity disclosed this in Umuahia, the Abia State capital at a conference organised by Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to sensitise the Abia electorate ahead of the 2019 general elections with the theme, ‘Towards evolving a sustainable and responsible leadership culture in Abia State.’

    According to the pro-Biafra group, today was marked out as a day for Biafran referendum in Biafra land.

    The Pro-Biafra group warned that anybody who disobeyed the order and came out would have him or herself to blame as such a person would be regarded and treated as someone who disobeyed the directives to vote against the realization of the independent state of Biafra.

     

    Deltans stockpile essentials in preparation for polls

    Residents of Delta State are making provisions in case of election or post-election crisis. The Delta State government, not willing to leave anything to chance, has declared that schools will break from February 13-18 and February 26-March 4 respectively to allow for hitch-free polls.

    But many who fear that the elections could be crisis ridden have started making contingency plans among which is stockpiling foodstuffs.

    But some others are optimistic that the elections will be violence free, hence they are not under pressure to make contingency plans.

    An Asaba resident, Mr. Tony Efe, a father of five, wants Deltans to support INEC to deliver elections that will be peaceful and credible. He said he was not under pressure to stockpile essential commodities in anticipa tion of election crisis.

    He said: “I believe that those in authority should be supported in their mandate to deliver a free and fair election. Everyone is watching them. The electoral umpire cannot afford to fail Nigerians.”

    Another resident, Mr. Jake Aimuan, said the widespread apprehension was premised on the fear that there might undesirable reaction as a result of the presidential election.

    He said he had stocked his home with non-perishable food items.

    His words: “There is fear of possible undesirable reaction from the presidential polls which might disrupt commercial activities. The implication is that prices might go up as traders will find it difficult to open for business.”

    Aimuan said he would ensure that he has enough money during the weekend, adding that banks are known to run out of cash during festive periods.

    Mr. Joshua Okpanefe, a civil servant, says he has concluded plans to stockpile food items and keep large amount of cash at home, adding that he had already bought fuel for his vehicle.

    Mrs. Debby Oyowe said that her family would stock up food items and make arrangements to hold cash in case of any eventuality.

    Her words: “I am a little bit apprehensive about the coming polls. I have decided to stock up on foodstuffs. This is just contingency plan should there be anything untoward.”

     

    Residents stockpile food as tension grips Rivers

    Residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State are feeling a sense of insecurity in the build-up to today’s elections and have resorted to stockpiling food items and making provisions for sufficient fuel such that there would be no reason for them to leave their homes after casting their votes.

    Gilbert Okoro, a businessman and tiles dealer, said: “I am not very interested in this election because it looks as if it will be bloody, especially with what is happening in Rivers State now; I mean the APC and PDP tussle. I have already made plans on how to play safe.”

    Asked how he plans to play safe, he said: “First of all, I will bring my children back from school. Three of my eldest children are in boarding school. I will bring them back home by Thursday so that they will remain at home until after the presidential election.

    “After that, I will buy everything we will need in the house for the whole weekend and buy enough fuel for my generator, so that nothing will take me out of the house the whole of the weekend.

    “I want to make sure that my house is secured, because whatever happens, the election will still hold. So, I will play my part well and wait for the rest.

    “The good thing is that my polling unit is just in the compound where I stay. So if the environment is rowdy, I will not bother coming out.

    “We don’t know what this election is coming with, so I will protect my family first and allow God do the rest.”

    For Nyeche Owhonda, a land agent, his wife will not vote because of the already existing political tension in the state.

    “I don’t have any plans. If that day comes, I will cast my vote and wait for the results. But my wife is not going to vote on that day. She will have to stay at home with the children.

    “I will make sure she finishes everything and anything that will bring her out that day. She will cook and make everything available for the children.”

    As for Mrs. Judith Echeche, a mother of two, the safety of her family matters more than the election. She will ensure that the two lads never step outside the house throughout the event, as their food and upkeep for the period will not be an issue.

    She said: “For that day, my husband has already fixed our faulty generator. With that, I can assure you that my children and I will not step out of the house. I will buy enough food and biscuits for them.

    “What I will need to do now is to ensure that I get good kiddies song CDs and others to keep them busy until the day goes by. As for my husband, he is a man and he knows what to do.”

    It is not different with a female primary school teacher identified simply as Joyce. For her, it is a day of good rest, which should be well utilised.

    “I am not going to vote for anybody on that day, so I am not making any plan for the day.

    “There is too much tension and power tussle in the country and the state in particular, so I don’t want to get involved. I will just stay in my house, sleep and wash my clothes. Nothing more.

    “However, I advise those who would want to participate to be careful and stay out of trouble.”

     

    Election blues in Kano

    As the political headquarters of the North, and indeed, one of the major deciding states in terms of the presidential election, the ancient commercial city is in the grip of election fever. Tension is rife in the state in the aftermath of last Sunday’s presidential campaign rally of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which led to pockets of violence in the state. Houses were burnt, cars smashed while there were serial attacks on the residences of some political figures.

    Innocent citizens were not also spared in the ugly development as miscreants and political thugs took advantage of the situation to unleash terror on residents, snatching cell phones; picking people’s pockets and stabbing whoever resisted their demands.

    Last Sunday, thugs suspected to be loyal to the PDP allegedly attacked the home of the state chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, where cars were smashed and the children were also maimed with severe machete cuts. In what looked like a reprisal, another set of thugs allegedly attacked the home of the governorship candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, burning parts of his building.

    Apart from these, pockets of attacks were also recorded across the state as jobless youths moved about with dangerous weapons, harassing innocent pedestrians. The PDP office was also reportedly torched. Hate speeches have continued to rent the air as rival parties threaten fire and brimstones. The rising tension, expectedly, put fear and apprehension in residents, especially the non-natives, some of whom have engaged in panic travelling as a result of distress calls from their home states.

    Speaking with The Nation, Mrs. Ijeoma Uwakwe, who was sighted at New Road Luxury Bus Park, ready to travel to the South East with her children, said she was forced to engage in the unplanned journey due to several calls she had received from the village.

    She said: “My brother, it is life first before wealth. I prefer to go back to my home state and starve there than stay in Kano and die as a result of this election. You are aware of what is happening in town. Since they have started this way now, who knows what will happen after the elections?”

    Another traveller, Mr. Adeola Oyetunde, recalled how he lost his wife in the 2015 post-election violence, saying: “I came back here to Kano because of the contract I was executing before that ugly incident. The death of my wife is still fresh in my memory. The atmosphere is already becoming tense. I have to run before it is too late. After the elections if nothing happens, I may come back.

    Checks carried out at the markets also revealed that residents engaged in panic purchase of goods, particularly foodstuffs whose prices had also skyrocketed. There are also visible queues in ATM stands as residents are seen withdrawing money in preparation for the unknown.

    However, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Waziri has cautioned politicians against instigating violence, warning that anyone found breaking the law would be made to face the wrath of the law, no matter how highly placed.

    According to him, already, 50 persons have been arrested for arson, thuggery and other election-related offences. Wakili pledged his preparedness to ensure a safe environment before, during and after the general election, adding that politicians and political parties participating in the exercise should play by the rules, as the police will ensure fair and equal treatment to all.

    According to him, “we will not allow a few people among us to operate as if there are no laws. We will not allow them to operate as if Kano is a jungle. We will not allow what happened on Sunday (10 February) to repeat itself. The position of the law in brandishing and carrying arms and dangerous weapons during political rallies, electioneering campaigns, elections and even ordinary days, is clear, and at all times, the law is in place.”

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has expressed dismay over the recent political unrest which led to several bloody attacks on innocent residents by hoodlums in the state. Addressing Journalists at his palace on Tuesday, Sanusi, who frowned at the resurgence of political thuggery in the state, called on the security agencies to live up to their responsibilities in curbing the ugly trend

    According to him, the resurgence of political thuggery calls for immediate concerns in the state. The Emir said the state is not at war and therefore, “we should not rise on to each other’s throats in the name of politics. We should avoid shedding the blood of innocent citizens and wanton destructions of lives and properties.”

    However, the Ethnic Community Leaders Association, Kano State (ECLAK) has made a clarion call, urging non-indigenes to remain in the state and perform their civic responsibilities as adequate measures have been taken to ensure security of lives and property during and after the 2019 general elections. In a Press Statement signed by ECLAK President-General, Dr. Jimoh Patrick Jimpat Aiyelanbge, ECLAK charged all members of ethnic communities’ registered voters resident in Kano to go out en mass and vote candidates of their choice during the general election.

     

    Niger residents in relaxed mood amid security beef-up

    In Minna, Niger State capital, most residents are relaxed about today’s elections and are not anticipating possible outbreak of violence. A resident, Samuel Yisa, said: “Well, my PVC is handy and I’m trusting God to see Saturday 16th February, 2019 to perform my civic duty as a citizen.

    “There is no need for me to rush to the market for any emergency purchase because the election is just for a day and the next day, I am optimistic that the markets will re-open on Sunday”

    Another resident, Valda Martins, believes God is in control: “Hmm! Saturday (today) election? God will have his way. I pray people go out to vote instead of going to sell their freedom and well-being for a token of 500 or 1000 naira.

    “I am not making any plans to withdraw more money than I need or making extra buys because I am not expecting any form of violence. We have been praying for peace and the Prince of Peace will make the exercise peaceful.

    “I have not voted before, but this time around, I intend to vote. I don’t think there will be any violence of any kind. So far, the campaigns have been peaceful, so why won’t the elections be peaceful?”

    Also speaking in the same vein, Mohammed Lawal, a resident of Minna, said: “I do not see any need for last minute purchases or withdrawals. And regarding security, I have confidence in INEC’s preparation and security arrangements. I have located my voter’s card, identified my polling station and sensitised friends on need to vote with advice on following guidelines on voting. I have also prayed and committed all things to the hands of God.”

    Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) disclosed that 2,250 of its officers would be deployed across the state for today’s elections.

    The state Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Philip Ayuba, also said the command would deploy plain clothe operatives in all the polling units in the 25 council areas of the state to that effect. He said the state is not known for electoral violence, but they would not take chances as efforts were being made to ensure the state does not encounter any election violence during and after the elections.

    Also, the Niger State Police Command vowed to deal decisively with any person or group of persons found disrupting the Presidential election.

    Apprehension in Benue

    There is palpable fear of violence in Markudi, Benue State capital. Many residents who spoke with our correspondent vowed to remain indoors today.

    A trader in Wurukum Market in Makurdi, Mrs Kate Emmanuel, told The Nation that since the market would be closed in the morning, she would stay indoor until the result was announced.

    She said: “I have stocked my kitchen with enough food because the political actors are talking tough and I’m afraid there would be violence. So I will remain in my house until the results are announced.”

    At Modern Market located on Naka-Adoka Road, a civil servant, Paul Adakole, who was seen buying foodstuffs, expressed fear that there might be outbreak of violence because most of the politicians are seeking second term in office.

    “There is anxiety and tension in this election because the incumbent wants to win at all cost. So on the election day, I will vote and rush home to be with my family,” said Adakole.

    Adakole said also that he had stocked enough food for his family in case of violence. He appealed to the politicians to caution there followers to play according to the rules.

     

    Concerns in Imo over IPOB’s threats

    Political parties and the electorate in Imo state are eager to participate in today’s elections. This much can be seen in their level of preparation. For the political parties, it has been a beehive of activities as they crisscross the length and breadth of the state canvassing for votes and making last-minute preparations to secure their votes, while the electorate are making desperate efforts to ensure that they collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    Major politicians and candidates participating in the election are in last-minute push to beat the deadline to end political campaigns, while most public schools will be shutting down from Thursday, 48 hours to the election.

    Security operatives have also stepped up preparations to ensure hitch free exercise. There is increased police visibility at various places regarded as flashpoints.

    Meanwhile the general mood in the state is devoid of the usual anxiety that precedes general elections. The people are going about their duties without any form of fear.

    But one major concern is the renewed campaign by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for people to boycott the election. Already, no fewer than three persons have been killed in pockets of clashes between the Biafra agitators and security agencies. Even though the Police has assured voters of adequate security during the election, the IPOB threat is a source of concern for the electorate.

    A voter, Chief Ukanwa Michael, who spoke with The Nation in Owerri during an interactive session organised for the electorate in Imo State by the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said: “We are eager to cast our votes on Saturday. We are also satisfied with the preparations by INEC and security operatives.”

    Would be voters who spoke with our correspondent also expressed their readiness to vote in Saturday’s election.

    Meanwhile the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Francis Ezeonu, has reassured the voters that the Commission will ensure a level playing ground.

    Plateau voters enthusiastic

    Residents of Plateau State, particularly Jos, are set for today’s elections. The enthusiasm to participate in the final processes of the election is very high.

    However, some of the residents are apprehensive that there could be trouble as a result of the election. Such feelings in some quarters does not reflect the minds of the majority. Only a few number of residents are nursing such fears.

    Some residents spoken to Terminus Market spoke their minds. One of them, Mrs. Dominic Aboh, said: “Yes, I’m buying foodstuffs ahead of the election. It is not for fear of the unknown; it is because you know it’s a routine that there is no movement on election day. So you have to buy ahead of that day so that you will have no reasons to go out and look for things to buy.

    “Of course there will be no market on that day. So, it is good to buy all you need for that day. If not, hunger will teach you a lesson.

    “You know that voting falls into weekend. The next day would be Sunday. So it is going to be two days off the market. That is why I’m buying foodstuffs ahead. I don’t have any fear that there will be trouble after the election.”

    Another resident, Michael Ozor, said there are fears of the unknown because of the two heavyweights involved in the presidential election, but nothing will happen. “Some people exercised such fear in 2015 but nothing happened. So, for me, I don’t have any fear in mind at all. The election is going to be peaceful,” he said.

    My Daniel Izang, a miner, said: “If there is any fear of violence during the election, there fear could be elsewhere, not in Plateau State, because there is no record of electoral violence in the state. The conduct of national election in Plateau State has always been peaceful, so I expect this one to also be peaceful. But some people who are naturally cowards are exercising fear. I don’t think such fear exists.”

    A taxi driver, Abel Ashom, said: “I have confidence that nothing will happen in this election because the two presidential candidates have carried out their rallies in Jos peacefully. Since their supporters did not clash, they will not clash during the elections. It’s going to be peaceful in Plateau State”

  • President reassures foreigners, Nigerians of safety

    NIGERIANS and poll observers were reassured yesterday of their safety before, during and after tomorrow’s presidential poll. The reassurance came from President Muhammadu Buhari in his broadcast to the nation.

    Besides, the President restated that the elections will be free, fair and credible.

    In the 20-minute nationwide address, Buhari urged observers, especially international observers, to take whatever threats issued to them as personal opinions of those who issued such.

    “I want to assure all Nigerians, the diplomatic community and all foreign election observers of their safety and full protection,” the President said.

    The address reads: “On Saturday, February 16, 2019, you will, once again, be called upon to choose the leaders who will pilot the affairs of our great nation for the next four years. This is a constitutional right which should be freely exercised by all eligible voters.

    “I wish, therefore, to start by assuring all Nigerians that this government will do its very best to ensure that the 2019 elections take place in a secure and peaceful atmosphere.

    “It was indeed such free, fair and peaceful elections that made it possible for our Government to emerge, despite the fact that we were contesting against a long-standing incumbent party.

    “And as your president and a fellow Nigerian, I ask that you come out and queue to fulfill this important obligation you have to yourselves and your fellow citizens – and to our common future.

    “Let me at this point, reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Government to the conduct of free and fair elections in a safe and peaceful atmosphere. Just yesterday, I signed the Peace Accord alongside 72 other presidential candidates.”

    According to the President, comments or threats of intimidation from any source do not represent the position of the Federal Government.

    The President also pointed out that citizens, just like the government, have a critical role in maintaining the democratic traditions.

    He added: “I therefore urge you all, as good Nigerians, to take a personal interest in promoting and maintaining peace in your respective neighbourhoods during the elections. This is certainly not a time to allow personal, religious, sectional or party interests to drive us to desperation.”

    The President renewed his plea to youths, urging them to avoid violence.

    He said: “Do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence and destruction. The people who want to incite you are those preparing the ground for discrediting the elections. Having lost the argument, they fear losing the elections.”

    The President chronicled the landmarks of his administration.

    He said: “When you elected me in 2015, it was essentially in consequence of my promise of CHANGE. We committed ourselves to improving security across the country, putting the economy on a sound footing and tackling rampant corruption, which had in many ways become a serious drawback to national development.

    “Our government spent the last three years and nine months, striving faithfully to keep this promise, in spite of very serious revenue shortages caused mainly by a sharp drop in international oil prices and an unexpected rise in the vandalisation of oil installations, which, mercifully have now been curtailed.

    “We nevertheless pressed on in our quest to diversify the economy, create jobs, reduce commodity prices and generally improve the standard of living among our people.”

    The President described as incalculable the damage done to the collective livelihood of Nigerians by insecurity and corruption.

    He added: “However, it is pleasing to note that our frontal attack on these twin evils is gaining momentum and bringing about visible progress.

    “The recovery of the economy from recession is complete and Nigeria is back on the path of steady growth.

    “The key to creating more jobs lies in accelerating this momentum of economic growth. Happily, we have succeeded in making the fundamental changes necessary for this acceleration, and we are now beginning to see the efforts bearing fruit.

    “Our ease of doing business policies and programmes are already impacting medium, small and micro industries, as well as manufacturing, mining and agriculture, among other key sectors.”

    He said that the economic recovery that his administration promised was being implemented, as demonstrated by the recently released statistics.

    Buhari said: “In 2018, the economy grew by 1.93 per cent with the Fourth Quarter growth being 2.38 per cent, up from 1.81 per cent in the Third Quarter.

    “Remarkably, the strong economic performance was driven by the non-oil sector, which grew at two per cent as at full year. Indeed, non-oil growth rose to 2.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2018, up from 2.32 per cent in the third quarter. These results further underscore our commitment to diversifying the economy away from the past dependence on oil.

    “Other indicators confirm the economy’s steady recovery. Our monthly food import bill has declined from $664 million in January 2015 to $160 million as at October 2018. Inflation fell from 18.72 per cent in January 2017 to 11.44 per cent in December 2018. Our external reserves have risen from $23 billion in October 2016 to $43.12 billion as at 7th February 2019.

    “Now that the recession is well behind us, our next task is to redouble our efforts, accelerate the growth and use it to create even more jobs for our people.

    “The Executive Orders, No. 5 and No. 7 issued by me, and the recently approved National Infrastructure Maintenance Policy demonstrate our commitment to accelerated job creation and infrastructure development.

    “We believe that governments cannot simply proclaim jobs into existence. Job creation will only expand as a result of economic policies that enable the private sector to flourish, and this is the approach our Administration has taken.

    “Executive Order No 5, which promotes Nigerian Content in Contracts, as well as Science, Engineering and Technology, will preserve and prioritise job creation for our citizens.

    “Executive Order 7, on the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, seeks to mobilise private capital and capacity for infrastructure development.”

    The President told Nigerians that the landmarks of his administration would be built upon with their endorsement for a fresh mandate in tomorrow’s poll.

    He said: “I will conclude by going back to where I started: that our choices have had consequences about employment and cost of living. In making your choice this time, please ask yourself whether, and in what ways, others will do anything different to address the issues of agriculture, infrastructure, security, good governance and fighting corruption.

    “If they are only hoping to do what we are already doing successfully, we are clearly your preferred choice. Think carefully and choose wisely. This time, it is a choice about consolidating on growth for Jobs and Prosperity.

    “February 16th is all about a choice. But it is more than a choice between APC and the opposition. It is a choice about you; it is a choice between going back or keeping the momentum of CHANGE.

    “The road to greater prosperity for Nigeria may be long, but what you can be assured of is a Leadership that is not prepared to sacrifice the future well-being of Nigerians for our own personal or material needs. You can be assured of my commitment to remain focused on working to improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

     

  • Use general elections to elect credible leaders, Aare Adams urges Nigerians

    The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, on Wednesday urged Nigerians to use the forthcoming general elections to elect Godfearing and credible leaders for the country.

    Adams also urged all politicians contesting the elections to go to the polls with civility, saying that Nigerians’ attitudes matter in ensuring a peaceful election.

    He, however, expressed the believe that restructuring would be the best option for Nigeria as a nation.

    “We are in the crucial week as election is few days away. Elections will come and go, but the future of Nigeria is very important to us as a people.

    “One of the mistakes we do make as Nigerians is that we place much premium on who becomes the President without setting strong agenda for the future.

    “There should be agenda setting for the Nigerian future, and that is why this election is the key.

    “It is the duty of all eligible Nigerians to vote, and in doing that, I am appealing to everyone to bear in mind the overall interest of the country,” Adams said.

    He also urged political leaders and candidates, irrespective of their political parties and affiliations, to put Nigeria first before their personal ambitions.

    “For instance, in the build-up to the 2015 general elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan meant well for the nation.

    “When he said his personal ambition is not worth the blood of a Nigerian. As the president, he spearheaded an election, and eventually lost to the incumbent and heaven did not fall,” he said.

    Adams, however, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not to disappoint Nigerians, saying that there should be enough security at the polling units.

    “There should be adequate election materials for Nigerians to vote, ” Adams said in a statement in Lagos. (NAN)

  • Nigerians: Your fate in your hands

    To be dragged into issues arising from the campaign trails of the two leading candidates in the presidential contest could be unfair to an octogenarian. He had watched how Herbert Macaulay led the struggle, how the baton was passed to Nnamdi Azikiwe and the eventual emergence of other strong rivals from the ranks, equipped with clear visionfor the Nigerian people. The old man saw how OludotunRansome-Kuti,Eyo U.Esua, EyoIta, Michael Imoudu, MatthewA. Tokunbo, Saad Zungur, Zana Bukar Dipcharima, the inimitable Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and others roused Nigerians from slumber to high-powered activism in all facets of life. And you now want him to comment on issues of a people now being again woken from their stupor of 16 years of PDP’s negative leadership by a man whose only tools, at the moment, are his integrity and sincerity, but lacking the backing of high-minded persons of vision and valour, unlike in the past. It is a hard nut for him to crack.

    First was the letter, 16 pages, by Olusegun Obasanjo, exposing what he did to draw Nigeria back during his eight-yearrule. Obasanjo brought Scotland Yard detectives to probe the Supreme Court of Nigeria, with Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais as his target. Where were the so-called senior advocates of Nigeria whenthat sacred institution was being brought to ridicule? If I were Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, I would have resigned by now because my conduct was being undeniablyfaulted. That is the path of honour. The Court of Appeal found in 2003 that 600,000 fake votes were added to the score of candidate Olusegun Obasanjo in Ogun State alone in that year’s presidential race.Stretch that to other 35states. And he talks of rigging of election? The world holds him in scorn.Obasanjo sent the Nigeria Police Force to illegally topple Governor Chris Ngige without any legal authority.He roasted TafaBalogun the police boss, later, when he disobeyed another order of the kind subsequently. Obasanjo was the president who conducted the election that the late President Umaru Musa-Yar’Adua personally confirmed in 2007 as flawed. That election brought him,Yar’Adua,to power, yet he was truthful enough to accept the facts, evidence of good breeding, not of an indigent and non-descript home. The world condemned that election. Obasanjo overruled Supreme Court judgment on Lagos State allocation. He disobeyed court orders. There is no repeating the fact that Obasanjo and his vice president, Atiku Abubakar,carved up this nation like a chicken, selling its assets for a song. They and their party left Nigeria beleaguered without electricity, passable federal highways;put dams in disrepair, farms desolate and the industrial life extinguished. It took seven hours to travel from Lagos to Abuja during Sani Abacha’s regime, but Obasanjo made the same distance to be 14 agonising hours trip because all federal roads collapsed in the presence of his Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). He acts like a dog in a manger, haunted by the evils of his past deeds. He talks of Abacha,but that chap was better behaved and felt more for the people’s needs. He ran a first-rate economy, though being hounded by the West, whose bidding he refused to bow to as a Kano radical. Abacha sanitised the economy and laid to rest the ghost of SAP. Obasanjo in a roundabout cavalier manner revived the carcass of SAP he once lampooned.

    One has seen some frivolous comments from some so-called politicians and one wonders why Nigeria slumped so badly in political thoughtsto parade such individuals as leaders.

    President Muhammadu Buhari presented his vision in 2015 and although some said it was ambitious, he promised to make every Nigerian to work for it. He did not pledge free lunch for all, but he explained that it was better to teach someone how to fish than to make one dependent on your catch. It is on this he should be judged.

    No country of worth in the world has made itwithout the sacrifice of labour, self-denialand collective effort to buy the dream driven by the state.

    So if Nigerians now have Ekpoma, Ebonyi, Anambra, Nassarawa, Kebbi and Ogun rice, it is forward marchfor the country. Nigeria now has Wells Hosa Green Farm and many of its type springing up to return this country to those years of yore when it fed its citizens and exported semi-finished agricultural goods. Willie Obiano and many other governors arein this boat of progress motion to feed and export. Why did it not happen in the PDP 16 years of rule, part of which AkinwunmiAdesinagrew rice and other produce in the telephone he carried about,containing names offarmers, but who did not grow any acre of crops? Givecredit to AuduOgbeh and Buhari. The man is building rail tracks, he has dredged the Niger for haulage of heavy goods to commemorate Samuel Ogbemudia, whoconceived it during Yakubu Gowon’s regime,for which he founded theCentral Water Transportation Company jointly with the governments of East Central and Kwara states 46 years ago. Buhari is reviving our steel mills and allowing states to build power plants to fuel industrial growth and agricultural development. Buhari realises the downward trend in education which can only be changedby good legislation. But the National Assembly has been the worst drawback to Nigeria’s self-fulfillment. Atiku is promising to dispossess us of our remaining assets to enrich his friends. He would sell NNPC. What a joke by a jester! Does he think we are morons?

    At the time he and Obasanjo were selling prime assets between 2000 and 2007, the Organised Private Sector in Nigeria had collapsed. The UAC declared loss. Dunlop, Michelin, PZ, and other blue-chip multinational corporationsmoved production out of Nigeria. Pharmaceutical corporations followed and also the textiles sector, with devastating effect on staff turnover and joblessness.

    And it was when that sector gave a vote of no confidence in the Obasanjo-Abubakar administration for not providing municipal functions of power, water and transportation that the duo said they were public corporations.

    Why is Atiku so backward in social, political and economic matters? Privatisation is now a dead-letter word in public discourse. Like SAP it ran its course and garnered hatred in Russia, Britain, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and other Latin American countries. It enjoyed no support in Europe and with the Asian Tigers, China, Vietnam, and Malaysia all being socialist states. Japan, South Korea, North Korea have their own peculiar systems based on their history-loyalty to the Emperor in Japan, loyalty to the state in South and North Korea. Singapore, a city state, is no good example. Atiku is shouting himself hoarse about attracting investments to 21st century Nigeria. Is he so handicapped in political thoughts? Other countries talk of mobilising their peoples to solve their challenges. And as usual, he wants to run a do-nothing government that will collect rents from contractors to the detriment of Nigerians.This was how the PDP made Nigerians lazy and poor, harnessing their thoughts to betting, ritualmurders, armed robbery and other crimes.

    As for Peter Obi, how does he think he will get the votes of Yorubas, Hausas, Fulanis, Kanuris, Edos and others when he expelled them from hisstate public service? He did not spare Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia. Well, he thinks he has Catholic bishops in his pocket. That is a tall order. That is a fake order.

  • ‘Nigerians can learn from China’

    The chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tunde Balogun, has said Nigerians can learn a lot from China.

    He spoke on Monday when  Chinatown in Lagos celebrated the Chinese New Year eve.

    Balogun said the Chinese has a lot of intelligent and brilliant people and hoped Nigerians can emulate them.

    “The Chinese people have shown the world how to make the best use of technology to conquer nature; they have shown the world how to use technology to develop economically. They have shown the world that with determination, with focus and with a sense of commitment, the world can be conquered,” he said.

    He added that “you can’t imagine what a great wall is, until you go to china to see the great wall of China”.

    The colourful festival held at the Chinatown complex, Ojota, Lagos, hosted  Chinese and Nigerian personalities. The event kicked off with dancers wearing lion and dragon costumes accompanied with fireworks and firecrackers.

    The Chinese community chairman and CEO of Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria, Eric Ni, said February 4 is significant to Chinese all over the world.

    “I am so excited today because it is our New Year eve, which tallies with February 4 here in Nigeria. That is why we gather as family and community based here in Nigeria to celebrate our significant New Year.

    “We decide to host ourselves, including some Nigerians to celebrate our new year. Celebrating our new year here in Nigeria serves as a cultural exchange; that is why we host some Nigerians on the high table because we also join Nigerians in celebrating their holidays. We are like a family celebrating our rich cultural together.

    “This time in China is a midnight; everybody is still celebrating this same event all over the world ; that is why we are celebrating the same time with them here in Nigeria,” Eric said.

    Also speaking, Consul General of China in Lagos, Chao Xiaoliang, said China and Nigeria share a lot of similarities.

    ”We have been here for many years, some of our Nigerian friends know our traditional holidays, they know some of our culture. We are happy to welcome all Nigerians here today to join this Chinese event. China will continue to work together with the rest of the world, including Nigeria and promote a community with a shared future for mankind.”

    Special traditional foods served include pork fish noodles, vegetable taro cakes, glutinous rice cake and apples. To encourage good fortune, children were also handed ‘lucky money’ in red envelopes.