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Category: South South

Rivers APC to sanction Pro-Wike lawmakers for denying defection

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Chief Emeka Beke, has criticized 27 state lawmakers for denying their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Beke, a close associate of Rotimi Amaechi, stated that the lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, cannot retract their APC membership after publicly switching parties.

Speaking at a news briefing on Saturday, Beke addressed Amaewhule’s claims of still being a member of the PDP.

He stated, “I want to put it on record that those 27 members of the House of Assembly are still members of the APC. The law is clear on defection. They cannot run away from the truth because we all know and saw it when they defected to our party.”

“In our last meeting, we sent out invitations for them (the pro-Wike lawmakers) to attend, but they did not. Right now, we are focused on local government elections, and after that, we will take necessary actions concerning them,” he added.

He further confirmed that all APC candidates for the upcoming elections had successfully undergone screening and were cleared by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC,.

“The APC is fully prepared to participate in the local government elections on October 5. Our candidates have been duly screened and approved,” he affirmed.

Beke also praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all political parties in the upcoming elections.

“This marks the first time in the political history of Rivers State that a governor is genuinely committed to providing equal opportunities for all parties, allowing the people of Rivers to freely elect their preferred chairmen and councilors,” he remarked.

Recall that the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had issued an order to suspend all state expenditure.

The development comes after Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to propose the 2024 budget to the House within the seven-day deadline.

The Assembly had determined that the Governor is no longer permitted to approve or authorize expenditures from the state’s consolidated revenue fund.

09/23/2024
#EdoDecides2024: State REC Rates INEC’s Performance 92%

The Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha has rated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 92% in its performance so far, in the ongoing election process.

Addressing the media during a post-election briefing in Benin City, the REC commended INEC staff, security agencies, and the electorate for their roles in ensuring a largely peaceful and orderly voting process.
He highlighted that the commission had worked diligently to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls, attributing the high performance to several factors including enhanced staff training, timely deployment of election materials, and the functionality of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

“We are pleased that this election, in terms of logistics, voter management, and overall coordination, has been one of the best in recent times. Materials were delivered to most polling units on time, and the accreditation process went seamlessly in over 90% of the locations,” the REC stated.

However, Dr. Onuoha acknowledged that there were still some minor hitches, particularly with late arrival of materials in a few remote areas due to bad roads. He reassured the public that the commission has taken note of these issues and is working towards making improvements in future elections.

The REC also praised Edo State voters for their peaceful conduct during the voting process, urging continued engagement in the political process.
He emphasized that the collaboration between INEC and security agencies was instrumental in ensuring a secure environment for voting, with no major security incidents reported throughout the state.

While the 92% performance rating marks a significant success for INEC, Dr. Onuoha reiterated the commission’s commitment to achieving even higher standards in future elections, as part of its ongoing reforms to enhance electoral transparency and credibility in Nigeria.

Collation of Results

From results collated so far, within Benin city, PDP leading, APC following while LP comes 3rd

09/21/2024
Edo 2024 Guber Update: Voting Begins Amid Tight Security

The 2024 governorship election in Edo State has officially commenced, marked by a significant security presence and varying reports regarding the arrival of INEC officials and voter turnout across different polling units.

INEC Officials Arrive Late at Some Polling Units

At 7:43 a.m., INEC officials arrived at Unit 18, Oghede Ward 10, located at Oghede Secondary School on Ekenhuan Road in Egor Local Government Area. Despite the officials’ timely arrival, only a small number of voters were present at the polling unit.

In stark contrast, by 8:39 a.m., Units 7 to 10 in Ward 1 at Ezoti Primary School, Oredo Local Government Area, reported a large turnout of voters. However, INEC officials had not yet arrived. Security operatives were on-site to maintain order and ensure the safety of the gathering electorate.

Smooth Voting Process Amid Low Turnout

By 8:51 a.m., voting commenced at Units 19 to 28, Ward 4, Emokpae Primary School in Oredo LGA, where the electoral process was proceeding smoothly. However, at Unit 41, Ward 4, located along Idahosa Lane on Mission Road, INEC officials were present but reported no voters at the polling unit. Staff expressed concerns regarding the absence of security personnel at this location.

Reports from Unit 36, Ward 4 at Evbiemwen indicated that by 9:11 a.m., both INEC officials and security operatives were present, yet voters had not yet arrived. A similar situation was observed at Unit 32, Ward 4, on Ero Street, Wire Road in Oredo LGA, where voting was ongoing under the watchful eye of security personnel, although turnout remained modest.

Continued Presence of Security Operatives

By 9:30 a.m., INEC officials finally arrived at Unit 31, Ward 4, Azama Street on Wire Road in Oredo LGA. While security operatives maintained law and order throughout the polling units visited, voter turnout across these locations remained low.

Across all polling units monitored, there was a heavy presence of security operatives both within and around the voting areas, ensuring that the election process proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner as citizens exercised their democratic rights.

There have also been few incidents of alleged vote buying by some party agents.

As the day progresses, further updates on voter turnout and election proceedings are anticipated.

Security Threats

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Asue Ighodalo has raised an alarm over security threats during the ongoing gubernatorial elections in Edo State.

He alleged that the police had arrested a party member in Ward 8 Unit 3.

“In Uromi unit 3, one of our supporters was arrested there about an hour ago by men in mufti carrying guns. Nobody should carry guns into a polling unit. That is against the law. But you just see people behaving indiscriminately, oppressing and trying to intimidate our folks,” he said.

09/21/2024
Edo poll: IGP orders restriction of movement

In the usual tradition that never deters violence, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has directed the restriction of movement in Edo State ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The police boss said this is to ensure adequate measures are put in place for peaceful, transparent and credible elections.

At least 17 political parties will be participating in the election, with the major parties being the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.

In a statement on Friday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said the IG ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day.

He added that those on essential duties, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders, are exempted from the order.

Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police has announced comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

“In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.

“To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.”

Adejobi also said the IG directed that special attention should be accorded to People With Disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and old people, among others.

He said, “Furthermore, the IG has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all,” adding that the IG sternly warned residents against pranking the emergency lines released by the police to report cases of emergencies during the election.

Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes.

“The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process.”

Adejobi said Egbetokun urged the residents to report suspicious and other activities that could affect the integrity of the poll.

He said, “Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state.

“The Inspector-General of Police underscores the necessity of adhering to these directives to avert any undue interference and intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct themselves responsibly and in compliance with electoral laws, as any violations or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with the full extent of the law.

“The IGP reaffirms the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to promoting a safe and democratic environment. Through collaborative efforts, we can guarantee that the forthcoming elections in Edo, specifically and the future, are held fairly and peacefully.”

09/20/2024
Cross River gov assents to amended electoral law

Governor Bassey Otu has granted assent to the amended Cross River Electoral Law passed by the State House of Assembly which stipulated a four-year tenure for elected Local Government officials.

Signing the amended Law on Thursday in Calabar, the state Capital, Otu stated, “Let me thank Mr Speaker and members of the House of Assembly, and of course, our own Electoral Commission for making sure that we have an up-to-date act that is ready to put the third tier of government into office.”

The amendment by the House of Assembly was necessitated by the Supreme Court’s verdict granting autonomy to the local government as well as ensuring that states of the federation ensure local administrations are headed by elected officials in accordance with the constitution.

“Local government is very important. That is the government that is closer to the people than any other government that we have in the Federation.

“I want to appreciate the fact that you have done a good job and I know that Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), as they are going, they are going to announce the date for the election and people will be ready; so that we will follow the rules of the game,” adding that, “We want this particular segment of our government to be active so that the dividends of democracy will trickle right down to the downtrodden and the people who need it most,” he added.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem told newsmen that “what we have done today is in line with the Supreme Court judgment that was passed ab initio, and the Otu-led government being a proactive one, decided that the third tier government must come up almost immediately.”

“For some time, we have not had the opportunity of having substantive chairmen in their right places of authority. And the governor thought it wise that we need to come up with the conduct of local government elections.

“And the House of Assembly, in her wisdom, looked at the CROSIEC laws and realized that there were some grey areas that needed urgent attention. And those grey areas are the areas that have been largely attended to.”

Ayambem said one of the most cardinal points tackled in the amended Law was the review of the tenure of the office of chairmen and councillors from three to four years on par with their elected officials at the state and federal levels.

“As the Supreme Court judgment rightly had outlined the third tier government should enjoy the same status as that of the executive, the status of a governor and the status of a president where they have a tenure of four years in office and not three years at it were. So we looked at it in consonance with the Supreme Court judgment.

“All that we have done is align strictly with what the Supreme Court has outlined. So we looked at it in consonance with the Supreme Court judgment all that we have done is align strictly with what the Supreme Court has outlined,” the Speaker added.

Ayambem reiterated the state government’s stance on holding local government elections before the end of the year 2024.

09/20/2024
Delta recruits 120 officers to manage herders/farmers’ clashes

The Delta State Government has announced the recruitment of 120 State Livestock Management Officers to address herder/farmer clashes and ensure seamless farming activities across the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Val Arenyeka, made this known on Thursday in Asaba while urging journalists to engage in farming to bridge the hunger gap and enhance food security in the country.

Arenyeka explained that issues of criminality and the herder/farmer crisis fall within the remit of the Federal Government, adding, “As a state, we initially recruited 50 SLMOs and are now engaging an additional 70 officers to monitor farming activities across the 25 Local Government Areas.”

He continued, “I believe those involved in the herder/farmer crisis are criminal elements pretending to be herders, and it is up to the Federal Government to tackle these challenges.”

The Commissioner emphasised that addressing the current food shortage and ensuring food security requires everyone, including journalists, to participate in farming.

He noted that agriculture has evolved from manual to technology-driven methods, stressing that it is the responsibility of Nigerians to feed themselves rather than rely on other countries.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, encouraged the Commissioner to explore and deploy all available resources towards achieving food security and job creation, in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.

He added that the state’s empowerment programme, through the Ministry of Agriculture, would extend to those involved in farming.

09/20/2024
Delta Flags Off 4th Tranche of D-CARES to Boost Economic Resilience

Delta State government commences the fourth tranche of Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES), doling out grants of varying sums to 97,365, bringing the total to 110,000 beneficiaries.

At an event, today, Tuesday, 17th September 2024, at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, presided over by the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Francis O. Oborevwori, alongside key dignitaries, indigenes of the state had live-changing encounters as they were granted various sums in cash and tools to activate their economic potentials.

The Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen announced a formal name change of the programme, now titled Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES).

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (left) in a handshake with Mr. Sunday Ekedayen

This initiative, originally designed as part of a national effort to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been instrumental in supporting the poor and vulnerable across Delta State.

To date, over 110,000 beneficiaries have been impacted by grants, livelihood support, and improved rural infrastructure.

The 4th tranche aims to reach an additional 97,365 beneficiaries across six platforms, including cash transfers, public works, livelihood support, rural infrastructure, agricultural inputs, and MSME support.

The Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness in selecting beneficiaries.

With over 200,000 Deltans reached since the programme’s inception, the D-CARES initiative continues to play a pivotal role in fostering economic resilience and inclusivity across the state.

09/17/2024
Edo Election: Why NPF Banned Edo Security Network

Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, has said the ban on Edo State Security Network from participating in the September 21 governorship election, was in line with the Electoral Act.

Frank Mba said the Electoral Act did not recognize vigilante groups and other non-conventional security outfits during election exercises.

Mba, who stated this on Sunday, during Edo Election Security Townhall, explained that about 35,000 policemen have been deployed to Edo State for the Saturday election.

He said, “By law, by convention and by practice vigilantes and non-conventional security outfits are never part of the electoral process and you can fact-check this.

“Look at all our elections, our positions have never changed, we have never altered, we’ve not done anything, the Inspector General Police has not said anything or done anything that is out of the books and politicians knew this.

“But guess what? Politicians will always be politicians. In the last general election whether you are looking at the southeast or whether you are looking at the southwest look through the entire length and breadth of the country, we expressly and in very strong terms and we walked our talk in making sure that non-conventional security outfits did not or are not allowed to participate in the electoral process.”

Responding to a question if policemen would arrest Edo Security Network personnel if found around polling stations, he answered: “Exactly, because as a matter of fact that would be a breach of the Electoral Act. I mean under the Electoral Act, the law clearly states the agencies that can participate in policing the electoral space.”

Mba explained that except for Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, policemen attached to other politicians in the state will be withdrawn.

“We will clearly demobilize, and deactivate orderlies and VIP protection personnel 48 hours before the election but naturally, the governor and deputy governor will keep personal security but these personnel are not allowed to accompany them to the electoral ground,” he added.

09/16/2024
Police to deploy 35,000 personnel for Edo election

Furthering the usual routine which positive outcome remains to be seen, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Wednesday that 35,000 police officers will be deployed across Edo State for the September 21 governorship election.

Additionally, 8,000 personnel from sister security agencies, including the armed forces and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will be mobilized to support the police.

He also confirmed that security aides assigned to VIPs will be withdrawn to ensure neutrality and security.

Egbetokun stated this at the stakeholders meeting as part of activities ahead of the election organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where its chairman, Professor Mamhud Yakubu announced that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar was already in town presiding over the signing of the peace pact between contending parties and their candidates on Thursday.

The event had the representatives of the 17 participating political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representatives of the palace of the Oba of Benin, civil society groups and others.

In his remarks, Egbetokun also said the suspension of the activities of quasi-security organizations like the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) and others set up by the state government to check insecurity remain suspended and that they have no role to play on the day of election.

He said security aides attached to VIPs would also be withdrawn even as he reeled out the various election offences and warned that anyone caught against them would be treated according to the law.

According to him, “It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that elections take place and trhe security of all is the responsibility of the police and it will be supported by other security agencies to ensure safety. We understand the importance of our role in this election and we will ensure that everything is done in compliance with that.

“We will deploy sufficient personnel for the election. For the Edo state governorship election, we will deploy 35,000 personnel, there will be another 8,000 from other security agencies to complement us. We have undertaken several measures including a tour of hot spots, engaging stakeholders and operational visits and we will continuously engage all.”

He said all entry and exit points in the state would manned while movements would be restricted between 6 am and 6 pm and urged the political leaders to warn their members against any form of violence.

09/13/2024
APC pulls out of Edo election peace accord

Less than two hours before the signing of the Peace Accord between contending political parties ahead of the September 21 governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said it was not disposed to signing the peace accord.

This position is barely 12 hours after Governor Godwin Obaseki while receiving the Chairman of the Presidential Peace Committee, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar said his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not sign the peace accord because the party have lost faith in the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Addressing a press conference at the party secretariat, Emperor Jarret Tenebe said the reasons for their declining to sign among others was that for over two months after a police inspector Onuh Akor who was the orderly to the candidate of the party, Sen Monday Okpebholo was shot and killed along Airport Road, nobody has been arrested and prosecuted, despite claims by the former Commissioner of Police, Funsho who “told Nigerians that the command had the names of those who murdered Inspector Onuh Akor at the Benin airport.”

He said instead of them being arrested, Governor Godwin Obaseki is allegedly keeping them in the government house.

Tenebe said, “This failure of the police has emboldened the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Peoples Democratic Party to attack members of our political party at rally grounds and in their private business premises ceaselessly.”

He claimed that the governor has made inflammatory statements that have undermined his position as the Chief Security Officer of the State.

He chronicled the various attacks the APC campaign team have suffered in different communities Akoko-Edo, Etsako Central, Esan West local government area while mobilising supporters for the election.

“In the wake of this very worrisome and dangerous trend, Governor Obaseki kept mute and refused to condemn the attacks as the Chief Security Officer of the state. Instead, one Odion Olaye, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Edo State, while in the company of Obaseki, openly threatened the country that, “Nigeria will burn if INEC fails to declare the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.”

He mentioned several other chieftains of the PDP who he alleged have publicly boasted that they would do anything and go away with it and that the party’s petition to the police about these incidents with the names of suspects attached have not been treated.

He said “The summary of these episodes is the unwillingness of Obaseki to embrace peace and the refusal of the security agencies to guarantee a peaceful environment for the conduct of September 21st, 2024 scheduled election.”

As part of its demand to sign the peace accord, Tenebe said the police should be seen to taking steps to declare those fingered in the killing of the police allegedly being hidden in government wanted.

09/12/2024