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CSOs Slam Planned Rivers LG Polls as Illegal, Demand Immediate Halt and Restoration of Elected Governor

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CSOs Slam Planned Rivers LG Polls as Illegal, Demand Immediate Halt and Restoration of Elected Governor

By:Michael Mike

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has strongly condemned the planned local government elections in Rivers State, describing the move by the state’s Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as unconstitutional, illegitimate, and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

At a joint press conference held in Abuja, The Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Expansion of Electoral and Democratic Space (ACCESS) and Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and halt the scheduled August 30, 2025, elections.

The coalition’s spokesperson, Engr. Kenneth Eze, who also serves as the Executive Director of Speak Out Africa Initiative, described the proposed polls as “a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic framework and a clear violation of both the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.”

“This is a joke taken too far. The imposition of a Sole Administrator in place of an elected governor is not just illegal, it is void ab initio. Now, an illegal administrator wants to conduct an election? That is a rape on our democracy,” Eze stated.

According to the coalition, the RSIEC’s announcement to conduct the LG polls violates Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires that local government elections be held not earlier than 90 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the previous office holders. The 21-day notice given by RSIEC—from July 28 to August 30—falls far short of this legal threshold.

The group cited the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling that nullified the October 2024 local government elections in Rivers for similar procedural violations, including inadequate notice and failure to update the voters’ register. They warned that RSIEC appears to be on the same unconstitutional path again.

“Any election conducted by a government established on shaky legal grounds is dead on arrival. It will not withstand legal scrutiny, it will waste taxpayers’ money, destabilize the state further, and deepen public mistrust in democratic institutions,” Eze warned.

The coalition further criticised the federal government’s silence four months after declaring a controversial state of emergency in the state, which led to the removal of the elected governor and the appointment of a Sole Administrator—an act they claim lacks constitutional basis.

ACCESS and SOAI urged President Tinubu to immediately lift the state of emergency and reinstate the democratically elected governor to restore constitutional order and rebuild trust in governance.

“Democracy must be protected, not trampled. Section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution is clear: No part of the Federation shall be governed except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution,” the group said.

They concluded by demanding the immediate suspension of preparations for the August 30 elections, calling on INEC, the courts, and all relevant stakeholders to defend the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy and ensure Rivers State returns to constitutional governance.

CSOs Slam Planned Rivers LG Polls as Illegal, Demand Immediate Halt and Restoration of Elected Governor

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Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue two victims in Plateau

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Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue two victims in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The troops responded at about 0345 hours on Aug. 29 following a report of an attempted abduction of Mrs Juliana Luka, 34, and Mr Luka Agwom, 43, at Road 12, Haske Quarters, Jos.

Military sources told Zagazola News that the troops’ quick intervention forced the suspected kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee from the area.

The troops subsequently rescued the two victims and conducted preliminary debriefing to obtain useful information that could assist in tracking and apprehending the fleeing criminals.

Security personnel have commenced efforts to locate the suspects, while patrols and surveillance have been intensified around the area to prevent further attacks.

The successful intervention highlights the importance of rapid response and timely information sharing in countering kidnapping and other criminal activities in urban communities.

Operation ENDURING PEACE has continued to sustain security operations across Plateau State, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable communities and denying criminal elements freedom of action.

Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue two victims in Plateau

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Troops investigate suspected Malicious poisoning of cattle in Plateau

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Troops investigate suspected Malicious poisoning of cattle in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have commenced investigation into the suspected poisoning of cattle belonging to a resident of Jol Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The troops, deployed at Dakku, responded at about 1530 hours on Aug. 28 following a report of suspected poisoning of cattle belonging to Alhaji Isah.

Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered one cow dead after reportedly grazing on a suspected poisonous substance.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the animal remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Military personnel have commenced investigation to determine the nature of the substance involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The development comes amid heightened sensitivity over farmer-herder relations in parts of Plateau State, where incidents involving livestock, farmland destruction and cattle rustling have the potential to trigger community tensions.

Security forces have continued to engage local stakeholders and encourage residents to promptly report suspicious activities to prevent isolated incidents from escalating into broader conflict.

Troops investigate suspected Malicious poisoning of cattle in Plateau

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Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto

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Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised several terrorists and recovered arms, motorcycles and rustled livestock during an encounter in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The troops, acting on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists attempting to move rustled livestock through the Maikujera general area, swiftly deployed to intercept the group.

During the operation, the advancing troops encountered an attempted ambush along the route. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, breaking through the ambush and neutralising several of the terrorists.

The remaining terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding bush as the troops intensified their advance.

Items recovered during the exploitation included AK-47 rifles, motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists and the rustled livestock.

The general area of Rabah and Maikujera is currently reported to be calm and stable, while troops remain deployed to maintain security.

The troops are also conducting routine patrols across the area to deter further terrorist activities and safeguard residents and their property.

Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto

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