The Nation Newspaper

Tag: residents

  • Residents rue fuel scarcity

    Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have accused the Federal Government and marketers of petroleum products of being responsible for the biting fuel scarcity in the territory.

    The residents, who lamented the prolonged fuel scarcity, said the situation has worsened with commercial drivers increasing transport fares by 100 per cent because thousands of vehicles are queuing up for fuel at the filling stations.

    Samuel Donatus, a motorist, said he spent two days at the NNPC filling station along Kubwa-Zuba Expressway where over 2,000 cars were on the queue for fuel, with no hope of getting the product.

    “I have no fuel in my car and I have been sleeping at this filling station for the past two days. I eat and sleep here. I do not know when it is going to get to my turn when they eventually start selling the fuel and I cannot afford black market where one litre is sold at between N200 and N250.

    “The truth is that this fuel crisis is really a punishment on us. Imagine the suffering we are all going through because of the forthcoming handover. This is not fair. We should not be going through this challenges; we deserve better from the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan administration,” he said.

    Gloria Udo, a civil servant lamented that the prolonged fuel crisis has taken a negative turn on the residents because motorists that were considerate during the beginning of the fuel crisis have been forced to increase their fares.

    “From Kubwa village to town, I paid N200 instead of N100. The worst part of it all is that it is difficult to get the vehicles to board to town. Nobody knows what is going on and how long this fuel problem will last.

    “We are really suffering in the FCT. Things are getting harder by the day. When the fuel problem began, we thought that it will be just for a moment, but now, it has lasted up to two months and nothing has been done about it. We are suffering and smiling at the same time in this city,” she said.

  • FESTAC residents ask new leaders to walk their talk

    FESTAC residents ask new leaders to walk their talk

    Residents of FESTAC, Lagos State have called on the newly elected leaders from the area to immediately get to work upon assumption of office to see how they can tackle infrastructural gaps in the community.

    At the quarterly meeting of the Festival Town Residents Association (FTRA) its President, Mr Shola Fakorede, lamented the pitiable state of the fire service, saying that fire fighters cannot respond to emergency situations. He said that the fire station in the area has been in a derelict state for years, and has now been turned into to a drinking joint.

    The meeting held at 512 Road, offered residents the opportunity to also discuss poor road networks.

    Fakorede, admonished newly elected leaders to walk their talk as the perennial neglect suffered by the area is enough and can no longer be tolerated.

    He assured that FESTAC community would not relent in attracting more of government’s presence in especially in the improvement of facilities and employment opportunities for youths. The recent fire outbreak at 22 Road Fakorede explained, resulted in untold havoc because fire fighters could not respond promptly.

    When the fire station at FESTAC was alerted, the vehicle had no water, while the second vehicle that had did not have battery, Fakorede explained, adding that by the time fire fighters from Badagry and Ikeja stations arrived the scene, three buildings had already been torched.

    He said the FTRA would soon embark on a self-help initiative to revive the ailing fire station, so as to forestall future occurrences. The association, Fakorede stressed, would parley with kind-hearted individuals, companies and corporate bodies within FESTAC to discuss plans towards pumping life back into the fire station.

    “We should take our destiny in our hands. We will no longer leave town hall meetings for politicians to organise. It must not be party affairs either. It should be people’s affairs and we must get involved. It is our duty to make elected representative accountable to us.”

    Fakorede thanked residents for the peaceful presidential and gubernatorial elections, attributing the development to series of peace-meetings FTRA had with the key political actors in the area. According to him some of the events witnessed during the last elections point to the fact that power now resides with electorate.

    The Chairman of 512 Road, Tunde Ajayi, called for the construction of 512 Road by the next executive chairman of the Amuwo- Odofin council.

    “From its inception, 512 Road residents levy themselves to repair and maintain the road annually. But when the opportunity came for such three-digit roads to be reconstructed, residents of 512 were shocked when their roads were left out despite a promise by the former council chairman,” he said.

    Like Fakorede, Ajayi also urged elected leaders to justify the confidence reposed in them and work for the people. He commended the leadership of the association for the vociferous demand for the installation of free pre-paid metres in FESTAC by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

    The Divisional Police Officer, FESTAC, Ifeanyi Owo, praised residents for the exemplary conduct exhibited during the last election. Owo also expressed joy on the effective policing of FESTAC environs, a situation which has now restored peace in FESTAC.

    “This is the day of human rights. We follow due process, not battering or intimidation. I am a human rights police officer. We allow the law to take its course. I don’t believe in jungle justice. The synergy between the police and FESTAC community has been so cordial.”

  • New deal for council residents in Plateau

    New deal for council residents in Plateau

    Bassa local Government Area of Plateau State has had an unflattering profile, often seen as one of the least developed in the state.

    Well, that profile is changing, thanks to its chairman Hon. David Rancha. Communities in the council are picking up: water is running, roads are paved and there is electricity.

    Village heads and community leaders in the council have described the recent social infrastructural development in their locality as a “breath of fresh air”.

    The paramount ruler of the local government and President, Bassa  Traditional Rulers Council, the Utu Ugo Kiche of Rukuba Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Ati Adamu Adiuwu said he was pleased that such developments were happening under his reign.

    Indeed, the people of Bassa local government have begun to witness a new lease of life.

    All the three districts of the local government are witnessing infrastructural development in various communities.

    Bassa local government is as old as 38 years, created the same time as the state. But in spite of its age, Bassa remained poorly developed, being one of the least growing in the state. This is in spite of the fact that it is one of the closest local governments to Jos, the state headquarters, as well as being the gateway to neighbouring Kaduna State. It was believed by the residents  that the backwardness of the local government had to do with poor leadership by past administrators, particularly council chairmen.

    The leader of the Legislative Council, Hon Mrs. Rahila Yahaya Hamza, said, “A number of chairmen have come and gone, yet the local government remained under-developed.”

    This explains why, when the present administration led by Hon Rancha took over the mantle of leadership, many in the local government never gave him a chance. It was believed Hon Racha would only come to warm the office and leave like his predecessors without changing their situation. That was why he was given a cold reception when he assumed office. The cold reception notwithstanding, Hon. Rancha, himself an indigene and fully acquainted with the deplorable condition of things, set to work.

    Equipped with good knowledge of the locality as well as their yearnings and aspirations, the new chairman had no problem in outlining the areas of priority. He made a commitment to change the feelings of the people towards governance at the third tier. He spring into action almost immediately, and today, one year after, the story of Bassa local government has changed for good.

    When the council chairman Hon David Rancha marked his one year in office at Crest Hotel Jos, he merely rolled out series of unexpected achievements to the surprise of stakeholders of the local government.

    In the area of rural road construction, the council boss said, “As part of efforts to link rural communities and also enhance commercial activities, the administration has embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of several roads across the local government area. They include a ten kilometer twin Hills, Renwienku – Katumai road linking Irigwe and Rukuba Chiefdoms. 15.3Km Gurum – Assak – Bomo road linking Pengana and Rukuba Chiefdoms, 11.6Km Assak – Jebbu Bassa road linking Buhit and Assak Wards, 9km Rimi – Bakin Kogi road linking the two wards in Pengana Chiefdom.

    Apart from the rural roads which are capable of turning around the economy of the people, the chairman made efforts to provide electricity to villages that had been in darkness. Hon Racha said, “It is obvious that the resources of the local government is very low and we will not be able to provide electricity to all the communities in need, hence we decided to carry out such social services one in each of the three chiefdoms in the local government. In Irigwe Chiefdom we installed a transformer at Te’egbe to serve the electricity needs people of the areas, in Pengana Chiefdom a transformer was installed at Angwan Gabar in Jengre. And in Rukuba Chiefdom, we installed a transformer at Dutsen Kurra.

    The administration has also, within the one year in office made concerted efforts to solve the problem of scarcity of water to the people. According to Hon Racha, “A total of nine borehole projects were executed across the local government, each of the three chiefdoms having three. That of Pengana Chiefdom is located at LEA Primary school Lungu-Katako in Kadamo ward, Jengre market in Jengre ward and the third one is in Mista Ali market.

    In Rukuba Chiefdom, the three boreholes can be found in Abanizara, Nyakala and Uranden villages. While those of Irigwe Chiefdom are located at GSS Kwall, PHC Te’egbe and Chinye villages respectively.

    Besides, the administration secured two additional boreholes from the federal ministry of water resources, Abuja. The two boreholes are located at Baginji vegetable market and Miango market in Zobwo ward. In addition, the administration also secured two other water project from the federal government water project, the included the abandoned Minago – Kwall Water Dam Project. The water dam project has dual advantage to the people; for irrigation and hydro-electric power generation. The second one is the Ariri earth dam project located at Ariri in Irigwe Chiefdom.

    The executive chairman has also showed serious concern in the well being of citizens of the local government with series of health program. For instance, the chairman re-introduced the monthly sanitation exercise in the local government as the chairman took over the supervision of the monthly exercise from house to house. The comatose drug revolving loan has been fully revived and made functional to service the drug needs of the people. In addition, the local government had collaborated with the state ministry of health for massive distribution of treated mosquito nets to all primary school pupil and pregnant women to reduce the scourge of malaria in the rural communities.

    Leader of the local government legislative council, Hon. Rahila Yahaya Hamza while responding to the scorecard presented by Hon Racha at the one anniversary dinner said, “The record of achievement presented by the executive chairman was made possible through a combine efforts of the executive and legislative council. She added that the working relationship between the two arm of government have been smooth due to the leadership quality and understanding of the executive chairman.

    She appeal to citizens of the local government to support the administration and remain peaceful, law abiding so as the guarantee more benefiting projects.

     

  • Residents worry over heaps of garbage

    Residents worry over heaps of garbage

    Residents of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried the growing heaps of refuse and the inability of the council to evacuate them.

    The heaps of garbage at the front of the market along Kuje-Gwagwalada Road, General Hospital Junction and various dump grounds may lead to an outbreak of epidemic if urgent steps are not taken.

    Some residents who spoke with Abuja Review said the huge garbage heaps in their various communities have not been evacuated for a long time.

    Mrs. Blessing Gata, a resident of Sauka area behind the Gomo Palace said the garbage close to her house has not been evacuated for over a month.

    “I do not know why the area council authorities have not come to evacuate waste in this area for more than one month now. The huge garbage heap is breeding mosquitoes which make people victims of malaria. Now that the rains will start soon, it will be terrible. I am appealing with the Kuje Area Council to come and evacuate the refuse so that we can live a healthy life,” Gata said.

    Mr. Andrew David, who resides at Anguwan Gade Extension lamented the growing heaps of garbage which he said poses danger to healthy living.

    He, however, appealed to the relevant authorities in charge of evacuating waste in the area to take the necessary step in ensuring sanity in the area.

    “It has been a while I saw people evacuating waste in this area. We do not actually know what is happening. We are appealing to the authorities to come and evacuate the waste because it is malodorous.

    Reacting, the Kuje Head of Environmental Sanitation Department, Mr. Abdulkarim Abdulrazaq, said the waste evacuation exercise was no longer handled by area council, saying it is currently handled by the Satellite Town Development Authorities (STDA) and monitored by the department.

    He, however, called on residents of the area to stop the improper dumping of garbage by the road side.

    “The heap of garbage in some areas in the council results from improper disposal of refuse by some residents.

    “Despite the departments’ effort on evacuation and keeping the environment clean, some people have failed to comply with sanitation rules and regulations.

    “The council is also trying its best in terms of creating awareness on proper waste disposal but some residents have refused to do the right thing,” he said.

  • Residents urge Obiano to fix road

    Residents urge Obiano to fix road

     

    May-rose Road in Amawbia, said to have been in use since the pre-colonial era, links Nise and other communities in the state, but it has neither been maintained nor rebuilt over the years.

    Consequently, motorists face all sorts of challenges on the road. Pedestrians, too, especially women carrying farm produce or articles of trade sometimes fall and fracture their legs.

    The poor state of the road adds to the unflattering profile of the state through successive administrations.

    In his time, Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju did his best with meager federal allocations, but the only thing that collapsed his administration was the salaries owed to teachers and workers in the state, which led to the closure of schools for over one year.

    Despite these challenges, Mbadinuju deployed the meager resources at his disposal to open up some of the areas.

    Dr. Chris Ngige, who succeeded him brought what the people of the state regarded as liberation from the clutches of godfathers, when he fought them to a standstill to pave way for development. Many more communities opened up through new roads, schools and health centres, among others.

    Governor Peter Obi, who came after Ngige, continued to build on what his predecessor left.

    Today, Chief Obiano, who vowed to surpass what his predecessors did, is on the road to doing so. His one year in office has brought some changes in the capital city Awka, and tourism and leisure have returned to the city.

    But residents would have the hard-working governor go round capital territory to see the imperatives of prioritising infrastructure, some of which are access roads in Awka.

    This, according to the residents, will ease the traffic gridlock in the capital city.

    May-rose Road, for instance, has been abandoned for decades.

    If nothing is done by the government of Chief Obiano, there is the likelihood that some of the established schools, hotels and other facilities will be adversely affected.

    Some of these facilities along the 2.5km road include Kabe Primary School, Kabe Secondary School which boasts over 4,000-strong student population, Amawbia High School and May-roses Hotels, among others.

    They said the road has a long history, where the people of Enugwu-Agidi in Njikoka, Achalla in Awka North Local Government Area, among others, link Nibo in Awka South Local Government Area, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area and Mbaukwu in Awka South Local Government Area.

    The only means of transportation in the area is through motorcycle operators otherwise known as okada, while some of the residents who have cars park their vehicles outside their domains.

    Speaking with The Nation on the abandoned road, one of the community leaders, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Nwokoye, who is the Ide–Amawbia, said the only thing that will make the people happy is when the state government comes to the aid of members of the community.

    He said for the past 200 years, the road, which was once a path way in the olden days has become so important that no government could abandon it.

    Nwokoye further said that the community had, before now, taken their case to the state government for it to fix the road, but all to no avail, as the past government of Obi reneged on its promise.

    The community leader said: “Everybody here is sad; we are in pains because the children who are attending these schools are suffering; the women who walk through this road suffer pains.

    “Obiano is trying his best, but his best will just be enough if he comes to inspect this road and just award it to reduce the pains of the people. This road is very important to the people of Amawbia.”

    For another community leader, Edward Dije, an engineer, the road has become a nightmare to the people and the people are only waiting for a day to say “thank God.”

    Also, Kabe Onyeogu, an engineer and Okwy Erike, a lawyer, told The Nation that some of the children and women have fractured their legs because of the quantum of dilapidation.

    When The Nation visited the community some days ago, the only area that is good for vehicles to ply was the beginning of the Onitsha–Enugu end of the abandoned road.

    Apart from this road, there are other important link roads that require the attention of the state government, including the road at the back of the Governor’s Lodge at Amawbia that also links Nibo community and other communities.

    The proprietor of May-roses Hotel, who pleaded for anonymity because he didn’t want his name in print, expressed hope that both the state and local governments should appreciate the contributions of the proprietors of hospitality industry and accord top priority to tarring of the road.

    When The Nation visited the hotel, it discovered that it boasts a 24-hour power supply, hydraulic lifter, technological power water borehole and other enthralling facilities similar to what obtains in civilised climes.

    The sad story of dilapidated link roads was evident in other hotels at Nibo, Nise, Okpuno, Amansea and Mbaukwu, all in Awka South Local Government Area.

    The proprietor of the hotel, The Nation gathered, was former governorship candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the state and who is state coordinator of Muhammadu Buhari campaign organisation in 2007 presidential elections on the platform of All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in Anambra State.

  • Help rebuild our library, Iguobazuwa residents beg govt

    Help rebuild our library, Iguobazuwa residents beg govt

    Presidents of Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government have appealed to the Edo State Government to help renovate and rehabilitate the only library building in the community.

    The library located at the community public field is a shadow of its former self. The roofs have been blown opened while the doors are destroyed and hanging loosely. A handful of books could still be found on some shelves. Rodents and termites have since taken abode in the library building whose surrounding is unkempt.

    It could not be ascertained when the library was built but Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, Rev. David Ugolor, said he used to study in the library when he was in secondary school.

    The residents expressed their concern about the library at a stakeholders meeting organised by the League of Awareness in collaboration with Edo Study Groups (ESP).

    Rev. Ugolor in his speech recalled how he used to go to the library after school hours to read before joining his parents at the farm. He said it was the books he read at the library that helped to shape his present status.

    Ugolor who lamented the absence of a community bank at Iguobazuwa community despite it being a local government headquarters ascribed the situation to lack of unity among the people.

    He said the essence of the meeting was to educate the people on the wind of change blowing across the country to enable them key into it and warned against collecting money to vote during election.

    Rev. Ugolor said the meeting was for the people to cross check the development strides of Governor Oshiomhole with a view to knowing which political party meant well for the people.

    According to him, “Edo need a steady political system that would join forces with Iguobazuwa to ensure that the community is not forgotton by Oshiomhole’s administration”.

    “What is happening in Igoubazuwa cannot continue, we need change. I am not a member of any political party but I know Oshiomhole meant well for the people.”

    Former Commissioner for Investment, Public and Private Partnership, Dennis Idahosa, urged the people to work together for the purpose of developing the community.

    Idahosa said the community need industries, soft loans for farmers as well as a tertiary institution.

    Chairman of Iguobazuwa Development Association, Joseph Ohonbamu, said the money used to bribe voters during the general elections should have been used to create jobs for youths in the communities.

    In his speech, Chairman of Ovia South West local government council, Morris Ogunrobo-Ovia, described the meeting as the beginning for a better tomorrow for the community

    Lamenting the under-development of Iguobazuwa in spite of array of personalities from the community, the council boss revealed that his administration has taken deliberate steps to redress the situation by embarking on several developmental projects across the locality.

    The theme of the meeting was “ From Stomach Infrastructure to Sustainable Development,’’ in Edo State.

     

  • Our expectations, by Epe monarch, residents

    Our expectations, by Epe monarch, residents

    The Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, an indigene of Epe, is the governor-elect. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI, who monitored the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the coastal town, asked residents what they expect of Ambode.  

    The Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has thanked the people of Lagos for coming out peacefully to cast their ballot last Saturday, saying he would deliver on his promises of a positive change and an improvement in the living standard of Lagosians.

    Ambode, who spoke to reporters in his ancestral home in Epe after casting his ballot, said he was optimistic that he would win the election. He said now that his party would be controlling the government at the centre, his administration would be able to take advantage of the support from the Federal Government to make life better for Lagosians.

    He said: “There are two things that government is expected to do: to guarantee the safety and the wellbeing of the citizenry. We are going to have safer Lagos; we are going to have a Lagos that would make more people more prosperous. That’s the essence of governance and that’s what the APC stands to give the people of Lagos.”

    On what his reaction would be if he loses the contest, Ambode said what matters is the will of the people as expressed in the voting. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that he would the win the election. He said: “This is democracy; there is always a winner and a loser in a democratic election. What is important is to let our people speak and make their choice. We would respect their choice. Once we are able to do so, we’re on our way forward in the country.”

    Ambode said the conduct of INEC in this governorship and House of Assembly elections is an improvement on what was witnessed two weeks ago. He said the turnout in his polling unit is higher than that of two weeks ago and that the report he is getting from other polling units suggests that the turnout is impressive elsewhere in the state.

    The traditional ruler of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, said he expects the Governor-elect to complete the projects already started by the outgoing administration of Babatunde Fashola. “We know he has been part and parcel of the APC administration in the state and he knows what to do,” he said.

    Oba Animashaun who spoke during last Saturday’s electiions enumerated the demands of the people of Epe as: “One, electricity; two, water; three, roads; and, four, creation of employment opportunities for youths. We also want Ambode to facilitate the completion of the development projects initiated by the outgoing administration in and around Epe. These include: the Lekki-Epe International Airport project, the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Lekki Deep Seaport.

    “We also expect Ambode to support Dangote to complete the refinery project. Once all these projects are completed, there would be a lot of rooms to create jobs for our youths.”

    Some residents of Epe equally urged the incoming governor to prioritise the development of infrastructure in the area if elected governor. Mr. Jamiu Agbaje, a community leader said the people of Epe deserved a special attention because of long neglects by the previous government.

    According to Agbaje, Epe Local Government Area deserves such attention as one of the oldest council in the state, which would determine who becomes the next governor of the state. He urged the incoming governor to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Fashola.

    He said both Ambode and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje are familiar with the developmental needs of Epe and so they should not shirk their responsibility to the people.

    Indications are that the election was marred by low turnout in most polling units in Epe.

    From about 11am, most polling officers were idle, because prospective voters were coming for accreditation in trickles. A businessman, Mr. Otun Rafiu, attributed the low turnout to the tension associated with the mutual rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prior to the election.

    But, he believes the APC will win at the end of the day. He said the APC flag bearer Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s victory two weeks ago will help the party to carry the day. “Otherwise, the PDP could have gone ahead to win this governorship,” he said.

    Rafiu, who is a card-carrying member of the APC, said there was a little acrimony within the ranks the party members in Epe during the presidential election, which affected the performance of the party in Epe. But, he said the loopholes had been plugged before the current election.

    Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) performed better in the governorship and House of Assembly elections than it did two weeks ago. It appeared to have sorted out the transport logistics problems that nearly marred the presidential and National Assembly elections.

    INEC officials were on ground before 8am in all the polling units visited in parts of the town by our correspondent. Accreditation started promptly in almost all the polling units. But, unlike two weeks ago when people turned up in large numbers as at 8am, prospective voters took their time last Saturday.

    Besides, the tension that gripped the town two weeks ago appears to be absent. People sat in clusters in front of their houses, discussing. Others, particularly women, were busy with household chores. As at 8.30am however activities were already in full swing in most polling units.

    Ambode noted that the performance of INEC improved, compared to two weeks ago and that if it is sustained throughout the state, the election would be more credible.

    His words: “The last time we came for the presidential election, even as at 9am, we had actually not started. But, today, as at 8.30am, about 40 persons had been accredited already and I have already been accredited myself. I give kudos to INEC, so far, so good.”

    The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government Hon. Ahmed Seriki alleged that there were reported cases of ballot boxes snatching at Ibeju Lekki. He said: “We received a report from Ibeju Lekki that ballot boxes were snatched from INEC officials. I’m trying to get in touch with the Area Commander, to ensure that police gets there to keep peace, because we learnt that PDP thugs snatched ballot boxes from INEC officials, to prevent them from going to their polling units. This can lead to chaos in that area; that’s why I’m alerting the police,” he said.

    Against the background of the boat mishap on the day of the presidential and National Assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) provided over 300 life jackets for its workers going to riverine communities.

    The Electoral Officer of INEC in Epe, Mr. Okpighe Henry, said the commission also made provision for quality canoe and flying boats to convene workers outside the land to riverine.

    According to him, it was imperative to keep improving the nation’s electoral process for the integrity of the governance process and for deepening democracy in the country. He said: “l pledge to all Epe indigenes that we will continuously do our best under all circumstances to ensure free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

    “We have done our best under all circumstances and we have realised that a large number of indigenes utilized the opportunity and came out to exercise their franchise,” he said

    Henry lauded the contributions of a number of stakeholders to the successful conduct of the presidential elections. He said INEC had made adequate transport arrangement to convey workers and electoral materials with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

  • Epe monarch, residents task Ambode

    Epe monarch, residents task Ambode

    Barring any last minute development, the Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, an indigene of Epe, is poised to emerge as the next governor of the state. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI, who monitored the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the coastal town, asked residents what they expected Ambode to do for the town.

    The Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has thanked the people of Lagos for coming out peacefully to cast their ballot last Saturday, saying he would deliver on his promises of positive change and an improvement in the living standard of Lagosians, if elected into office.

    Ambode, who spoke to reporters in his ancestral home in Epe after casting his ballot, said he is very optimistic that he would win the election. He said now that his party would be controlling the government at the centre, his administration would be able to take advantage of the benefits and support from the Federal Government to make life better for the people of Lagos.

    He said: “There are two things that government is expected to do: to guarantee the safety and the wellbeing of the citizenry. We are going to have safer Lagos; we are going to have a Lagos that would make more people more prosperous. That’s the essence of governance and that’s what the APC stands to give the people of Lagos.”

    On what his reaction would be if he loses the contest, Ambode said what matters is the will of the people as expressed in the voting. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that he would the win the election. He said: “This is democracy; there is always a winner and a loser in a democratic election. What is important is to let our people speak and make their choice. We would respect their choice. Once we are able to do so, we’re on our way forward in the country.”

    Ambode said the conduct of INEC in this governorship and House of Assembly elections is an improvement on what was witnessed two weeks ago. He said the turnout in his polling unit is higher than that of two weeks ago and that the report he is getting from other polling units suggests that the turnout is impressive elsewhere in the state.

    The traditional ruler of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, said he expects the APC governorship candidate, if elected, to complete the projects already started by the outgoing administration of Babatunde Fashola. “We know he has been part and parcel of the APC administration in the state and he knows what to do,” he said.

    Oba Animashaun enumerated the demands of the people of Epe as: “One, electricity; two, water; three, roads; and, four, creation of employment opportunities for youths. We also want Ambode to facilitate the completion of the development projects initiated by the outgoing administration in and around Epe. These include: the Lekki-Epe International Airport project, the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Lekki Deep Seaport.

    “We also expect Ambode to support Dangote to complete the refinery project. Once all these projects are completed, there would be a lot of rooms to create jobs for our youths.”

    Some residents of Epe equally urged the incoming governor to prioritise the development of infrastructure in the area if elected governor. Mr. Jamiu Agbaje, a community leader said the people of Epe deserved a special attention because of long neglects by the previous government.

    According to Agbaje, Epe Local Government Area deserves such attention as one of the oldest council in the state, which would determine who becomes the next governor of the state. He urged the incoming governor to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Fashola.

    He said both Ambode and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje are familiar with the developmental needs of Epe and so they should not shirk their responsibility to the people.

    Indications are that the election was marred by low turnout in most polling units in Epe.

    From about 11am, most polling officers were idle, because prospective voters were coming for accreditation in trickles. A businessman, Mr. Otun Rafiu, attributed the low turnout to the tension associated with the mutual rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prior to the election.

    But, he believes the APC will win at the end of the day. He said the APC flag bearer Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s victory two weeks ago will help the party to carry the day. “Otherwise, the PDP could have gone ahead to win this governorship,” he said.

    Rafiu, who is a card-carrying member of the APC, said there was a little acrimony within the ranks the party members in Epe during the presidential election, which affected the performance of the party in Epe. But, he said the loopholes had been plugged before the current election.

    Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) performed better in the governorship and House of Assembly elections than it did two weeks ago. It appeared to have sorted out the transport logistics problems that nearly marred the presidential and National Assembly elections.

    INEC officials were on ground before 8am in all the polling units visited in parts of the town by our correspondent. Accreditation started promptly in almost all the polling units. But, unlike two weeks ago when people turned up in large numbers as at 8am, prospective voters took their time last Saturday.

    Besides, the tension that gripped the town two weeks ago appears to be absent. People sat in clusters in front of their houses, discussing. Others, particularly women, were busy with household chores. As at 8.30am however activities were already in full swing in most polling units.

    Ambode noted that the performance of INEC improved, compared to two weeks ago and that if it is sustained throughout the state, the election would be more credible.

    His words: “The last time we came for the presidential election, even as at 9am, we had actually not started. But, today, as at 8.30am, about 40 persons had been accredited already and I have already been accredited myself. I give kudos to INEC, so far, so good.”

    The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government Hon. Ahmed Seriki alleged that there were reported cases of ballot boxes snatching at Ibeju Lekki. He said: “We received a report from Ibeju Lekki that ballot boxes were snatched from INEC officials. I’m trying to get in touch with the Area Commander, to ensure that police gets there to keep peace, because we learnt that PDP thugs snatched ballot boxes from INEC officials, to prevent them from going to their polling units. This can lead to chaos in that area; that’s why I’m alerting the police,” he said.

    Against the background of the boat mishap on the day of the presidential and National Assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) provided over 300 life jackets for its workers going to riverine communities.

    The Electoral Officer of INEC in Epe, Mr. Okpighe Henry, said the commission also made provision for quality canoe and flying boats to convene workers outside the land to riverine.

    According to him, it was imperative to keep improving the nation’s electoral process for the integrity of the governance process and for deepening democracy in the country. He said: “l pledge to all Epe indigenes that we will continuously do our best under all circumstances to ensure free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

    “We have done our best under all circumstances and we have realised that a large number of indigenes utilized the opportunity and came out to exercise their franchise,” he said

    Henry lauded the contributions of a number of stakeholders to the successful conduct of the presidential elections. He said INEC had made adequate transport arrangement to convey workers and electoral materials with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

     

  • Residents protest ‘questionable bills’

    Residents of Mile 1 Diobu, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, yesterday stormed the Diobu Business District Office of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to protest what they described as ‘questionable bills’.

    The protesters said PHCN denied them electricity but  forced them to pay outrageous bills or have their lines disconnected.

    They carried placards with inscriptions such as: “No electricity, no NEPA bill”; “Give us electricity and get your bills” and “No electricity, no election”.

    The protesters, who converged near Education Bus Stop on Ikwerre Road at about 9 am marched to Mile 1 Police Station, chanting solidarity songs.

    On sighting the protesters, PHCN employees shut the entrance.

    The protest caused traffic snarl on both sides of  Ikwerre Road.

    A man, who spoke on behalf of the group, urged them to be orderly.

    He said: “Everyday they come with huge bills before the month ends, and before you know it, they will start disconnecting your lines.

    “For the past two weeks, electricity has not lasted for two hours, yet they want us to pay NEPA bills.”

     

     

     

  • Residents advised against post-election violence

    The Guard Nigeria Project (GNP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has called on residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other Nigerians to resist the temptation to do anything that may lead to post-election violence.

    The organisation also urged politicians and party supporters to accept the results of the election or channel their grievances through the appropriate quarters.

    GNP Executive Director, Mr. Promise Amahah who gave the advice at a media briefing in Abuja, said there was the need to respond to the growing apathy among residents of the FCT and other parts of the country. He also said there was the need to stir up the love for country and neighbour regardless of social status during and after the election.

    Amahah said it is also imperative to state that one of the core objectives of the Guard Nigeria Project is to restore Nigeria’s system whose absence has been the bane of the nation.

    “We are concerned and optimistic Nigerians. We are made up of several ethnic groups and social strata, united by our common identity and love for our country. As we go about during the general elections, the polity has been greatly heated up and has also led to the recent exodus of Nigerians to their respective places of origin nation-wide.

    “The situation is saddening and calls for prompt intervention on re-orientation and social engineering, which are parts of our key mandate. Some Nigerians are using the current socio-economic imbalance to manipulate Nigerians against Nigeria during this period. We have become enemies to ourselves and to our country.

    “For a paradigm shift to be achieved we must become intolerant of the negative status quo; for whatever you tolerate stays at your address. We are no longer comfortable with the status quo and Nigeria will no longer be the address of all kinds of vice during and after the elections,” he said.