News

Borno PDP Petitions INEC Over Tampering of Electoral Materials

Published

2 years ago

March 28, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Borno PDP Petitions INEC Over Tampering of Electoral Materials

By: Michael Mike

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP)‘s Borno Central Senatorial Candidate in the last election, Hon. Mohammed Kumalia has petitioned the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu over alleged tampering of electoral materials in the custody of Borno State office of the electoral body a month after the conduct of the Presidential/National Assembly elections.

Kumaila in the petition personally signed by him, noted that: “Based on the outcome of the elections, I have filed a Petition before the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Maiduguri. We obtained a court order to inspect materials used for the elections which includes the Ballot Boxes, used and unused ballot papers as well as obtain Certified True Copies of the result and collation sheets among others.”

He said: “I wish to draw your attention to the commission of electoral offence by some Ad – Hoc staff of the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Electoral officer in charge of Mafa Local Government, who were caught thumb printing and stuffing Ballot Boxes within the premises of the Maiduguri INEC Headquarters on Tuesday 22nd March, 2023, almost a month after the Presidential and National Assembly elections that was held on 25th February, 2023, in order to tamper and distort evidence to be presented before the Election Petitions Tribunal.”

He added that: “While our team of lawyers were undertaking the inspection of materials on 22nd March 2023 in the premises of the INEC Headquarters, our inspectors discovered some INEC Ad Hoc Staff within the same premises, sorting out and rearranging and counting ballot papers and stuffing them in different Ballot Boxes in respect of Mafa, Ngala, Kala Balge and Dikwa Local Governments. Our inspectors immediately raised alarm and accordingly reported the incident to the Borno State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). They drew the attention of the REC that the actions of the Ad-Hoc staff amount to tampering with evidence.

“The REC assured our team that the Ad Hoc Staff were only rearranging the documents that were dumped on them by the respective Local Government Electoral Officers who brought the materials from the local governments. Although we were not satisfied with the explanation, we gave them the benefit of the doubt and continued with the inspection.

“To our surprise, by the next day, Thursday 23rd March, 2023, our inspectors this time caught red handed some Ad-Hoc staff actually thumb printing ballot papers and stuffing them into Ballot Boxes for Mafa Local Government right inside the premises of the INEC office in Maiduguri. Our Inspectors immediately arrested the two staff involved in the thumb printing and stuffing of Ballot Boxes and took them to the Bulumkutu Police Station together with the bundles of Ballot already thumb printed papers and the indelible ink they were using. We were surprised that no official of the Maiduguri INEC office took interest to accompany our team to the police station in order to ensure the arrest of the Ad-Hoc staff and undertake investigation of any possible crimes.

“The police officials took the statements of the complainant and the two Ad Hoc staff and arrested the two Ad-Hoc staff. They also invited the Electoral Officer for Mafa Local government who brought the materials to the Maiduguri INEC office from Mafa Local Government to give a statement. Our team was informed by the police at Bulumkutu Police Station to come back the next day so that the case will be transferred to the Maiduguri Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation and prosecution.”

Kumalia informed the INEC Chairman that: “Sir, you are aware that the main reason the court gave the order for inspection is to determine whether the results as recorded on the result sheets and announced at the polling units are the same with the actual ballots that have been cast by voters. This will be achieved through counting of the ballot papers in each Ballot Box and accounting for the valid, invalid, rejected votes as well as the unused ballot papers. Therefore, any attempt by any official, permanent or Ad-Hoc to thumbprint or move ballot papers from one ballot box to another amounts to tampering with evidence.

“When our team arrived the police station the next day as requested, for the case to be transferred to the CID, the DPO informed our team that the suspects have been released and the bundle of Ballot papers and the indelible ink (Exhibits) have been returned to the INEC office in Maiduguri. They opined that the case is not within their jurisdiction, forgetting that they had on the day of the complaint informed our team that the case will be transferred to the Maiduguri CID department. The action of the DPO in our opinion amounts to obstruction of justice and failure to carry out his lawful duty.

“One issue that begs for an answer is who are the INEC officials that came and collected the bundles of Ballot papers from the Police station and returned to the INEC office? Those INEC officials that collected the ballot papers from the police station and returned them back to the INEC office are as complicit as the Ad-Hoc staff that were caught thumbprinting the ballot papers. It is therefore obvious that the INEC officials and the DPO are involved in suppression, concealment and aiding of crime as well as tampering with evidence.”

He also alleged that: “A similar situation occurred on Thursday 16th March, 2023 when the ANPP Governorship candidate caught some Ad-Hoc staff thumb printing and stuffing ballot papers in respect of Limanti Ward of Maiduguri Metropolitan, right inside the Maiduguri Metropolitan INEC office. The incident was also captured on video and has been circulating in the social media in the last one week.”

He said: “With these actions, it is apparent that the INEC officials that were involved in manipulating the results of the elections of 25th February 2023 are hell bent on tampering with evidence to ensure that the work of the Election Petitions Tribunal is frustrated.”

Kumaila told the INEC Chairman that: “Sir, we believe that there is collusion and conspiracy between the INEC Headquarters in Maiduguri, the Ad-Hoc staff and the Electoral officer for Mafa Local Government to commit the offence of tampering with evidence and they found the DPO Bulumkutu Police station willing to help them cover their tracks. We also believe the same level of connivance, collusion and conspiracy took place between the respective Electoral officers, the Ad-Hoc Staff and the INEC officials in the Maiduguri Head office in respect of Dikwa, Ngala, Kala Balge and Maiduguri Metropolitan Local governments, all within Borno Central Senatorial District.

“We have already petitioned the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) to investigate the matter and bring any culprits to book.

“We therefore call on you sir to undertake an urgent and independent investigation into this matter in order to fish out bad eggs from within the INEC administration who are hell bent on tarnishing the image of the electoral umpire.”

Borno PDP Petitions INEC Over Tampering of Electoral Materials

News

KACRAN Asks Northern Governors to Drop the Idea of Establishing State Police

Published

29 minutes ago

November 21, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

KACRAN Asks Northern Governors to Drop the Idea of Establishing State Police

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on governors of states in the north not to consider the agitation for the establishment of state police in the country especially in the north.

The association in a statement by its National President, Khalil Bello said should state police be established in the north, it would not solve the challenges of insecurity but rather add other challenges.

The statement read: “Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) wishes to express its deep concerns and firm opposition to the proposed establishment of State Police in Northern Nigeria. This proposal has significant implications that could impact financial stability, administrative efficiency, and social harmony in the region.”

The association added that key concerns over the establishment of state police include financial burden, insisting that establishing a State Police force entails a substantial financial commitment. “For example, a state with 15 local governments could require approximately 10 billion Naira for initial setup costs, including recruitment, training, equipment, and infrastructure development. In larger states like Kano, these expenses could rise to about 30 billion Naira. Additionally, maintaining such a force would demand around 3 billion Naira monthly for salaries and operational costs. These expenditures could divert critical resources from essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are vital for the development and well-being of the region.”

Bello, added in the statement that there is concern over job security and crime rates, noting there lis a significant concern regarding the job security of newly recruited officers. If budget constraints or administrative changes lead to job losses, these trained individuals might resort to criminal activities, potentially increasing crime rates within communities. Ensuring stable employment for these officers is crucial to maintaining peace and security.

He added that the impact on state police on national police is another concern as the creation of State Police could weaken the existing Nigeria Police Force (NPF) by drawing away experienced officers. “This shift could compromise the effectiveness of national policing efforts, leading to reduced coordination and communication between state and federal law enforcement agencies.”

He further raised the alarm that state police may be opened to political abuse, insisting that: “The potential for political misuse of State Police is a major concern. There is a risk that these forces could be used to serve the interests of local political leaders rather than the broader public, leading to the victimization of opposition parties and creating an environment of lawlessness and anarchy. Such a scenario could undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in law enforcement.”

Bello said KACRAN have the following questions for proponents of State Police in Northern Nigeria, where the issue or ₦70,000 minimum wage is still being debated:

“Where will the funding for State Police come from? Will it be a permanent special grant from the Federal Government? If so, what happens if that funding is discontinued?

“In the event of a budget deficit, what will happen to conventional civil servants and retirees?

“Looking ahead 37 years, what will be the impact on the North if State Police are established and then retire or resign? Some states in the Northeast already have over 15,000 retirees, exceeding their active workforce.

“Why do State Governments prefer relying on force to address security issues instead of investing in social services and creating an enabling environment for businesses to empower our youth?”

KACRAN Asks Northern Governors to Drop the Idea of Establishing State Police

News

Nigerian Groups in Americas Resolve Dispute, Unite

Published

56 minutes ago

November 21, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigerian Groups in Americas Resolve Dispute, Unite

By: Michael Mike

The warring charters of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas have resolved their dispute and agreed to unite for a common goal.

A statement jointly signed by the parties and e-mailed to ThisDay on Thursday, said NIDOA’s historic unification took place during an extraordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on November 16 in Bloomington, Minnesota, United States.

The statement read: “In a groundbreaking move, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) has united under one cohesive umbrella, marking a historic milestone in the organisation’s journey.”

In the statement signed by Bukoka Olaoye and Zee Nagberi (Board of Trustee member; Chika Emmanuel, Brazil; Lillian Alli-Balogun, Canada; Doyin Owobamirin and Collins Ikegwuonu, USA; the members described the unification as a significant achievement to push the progress of the organisation.

During the unification meeting with the theme, “NIDOA: Building A Strong & United Nigerian Diaspora Community,” a peace deal was sealed, bringing all chapters into a single, cohesive body, the statement disclosed.

“After months of dialogue and collaboration, representatives from NIDOA’s chapters across the Americas— including over 20 USA chapter presidents, continental chairs from Canada and Brazil, and past leaders—came together to resolve long-standing divisions within the organization,” it said.

It identified an international mediation expert as key to the success of the November 16 reconciliation.

The unification agreement was formally signed by leaders from both sides, including Mr Zee Nagberi, Mr Bukola Olaoye, Dr. Toni Ogbanufe, Mr Uche Uzoigwe, Mrs. Chinyere Ibezim-Adom, Pastor Doyin Owobamirin, and Mr. Collins Ikegwuonu, the statement explained.
Nigerian Groups in Americas Resolve Dispute, Unite

News

Zulum approves pay rise for Borno doctors, to match FG level

Published

1 hour ago

November 21, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum approves pay rise for Borno doctors, to match FG level

.. Releases N400m for residency training

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved a pay rise for medical doctors in the state civil service to match the one earned by those working with the federal government.

Governor Zulum announced the approval on Wednesday while delivering his address at the 65th National Council on Health Meeting which was held at Muhammadu Indimi Hall, University of Maiduguri.

The Health Council Meeting hosted for the second time by Borno State was themed, “Aceleating Pathway to Universal Health Coverage Strategies for 2030.”

Zulum directed the state head of service and the commissioner of health to liaise with the relevant federal government agency to bridge gaps in payment between medical doctors working for the state and those with the federal government.

The governor ordered that the pay rise be implemented from the 1st of December 2024.

“Link up with the relevant federal government agency and ensure there is no disparity between salaries of the federal government workers and those working with the state government,” Zulum said.

He added, “As of December 1, medical doctors working with Borno State government will receive the same salary as those working with the federal government.”

The governor also stated that Borno has since complied with the Abuja Declaration, which requires every state of the federation to allocate at least 15% of its annual budget to health care.

“I am proud to share that Borno State has taken significant steps towards meeting the Abuja Declaration. In our recent budget, we have prioritised health infrastructure, increased access to maternal and child health services, and allocated resources for critical disease control programmes,” the governor reiterated.

Governor Zulum also recalled that the state government has paid for the residency allowance amounting to over N300m for doctors working with the state hospitals and over N100m to support the indigenes of Borno working with other health facilities across the country.

In their separate remarks, the minister of health, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate and his counterpart, the state minister, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stressed the need for collaborative efforts to achieve universal health coverage by 2023.

Professor Pate also noted that President Tinubu is committed to upgrading the health infrastructure.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on revitalising the health sector to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030 through prioritising training and retraining, infrastructural upgrade and maternal health coverage,” Prof Pate said.

The Shehu of Dikwa, Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, who was repressing the Shehu of Borno, led other Emirs, chiefs, and traditional title holders to attend the occasion.

Others in attendance include heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Health, the 36 commissioners of health across the country, UN health agencies and development partners.

Also in attendance were senior government officials, including the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salim Ibrahim Anas, Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uzu Rochas-Anwikah, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom, among other delegates.

Zulum approves pay rise for Borno doctors, to match FG level