Politics
EkitI Election: NSCDC Launches toll-free numbers to rescue electoral violence victims
EkitI Election: NSCDC Launches toll-free numbers to rescue electoral violence victims
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has set up a situation room at the Ekiti State Command Headquarters with support from USAID, UKaid, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) as
part of deliberate strategies to ensure effective monitoring of security in Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ekiti State,
A statement by the spokesman of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu on Friday said: “The situation room is a proactive measure to swiftly respond to emergencies especially as it relates to security breaches and rescue probable electoral violence victims. It will also help to update Ekiti people and the general public on the conduct of the election.
The Corps’ Acting Deputy Commandant-General (DCG), Operations, Haruna Muhammed, in charge of EkitI election operations, said that although the state was adequately secured, it was important to ensure the rights of women and other vulnerable individuals are protected before, during and after the election.
According to him, NSCDC will continue to partner all relevant organisations ready to ensure that the security and rights of citizens are not violated. To this effect, the Ekiti Election Monitoring Situation Room and Rapid Response Centre will be deploying the N-Alert security platform from the Ministry of Interior with three alert categories: See Something Say Something, Records and Election Monitoring.
In doing so, members of the public are provided with a Toll-Free line, which is 080046837467, to enable the public to link up with the Situation Room and furnish them with details from any part of the State to protect women and persons with disabilities who are more vulnerable ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
Haruna, disclosed that, NSCDC launched her Gender policy in 2021 and in recognition of the competence and capability of women, 160 armed Special Female Squad were drafted to ensure resistance of any form of violence, intimidation and abuse especially, against women involved in the political exercise in the state.
The Executive Director, Balm in Gilead Foundation, Tumininu Adedeji said that, the organisation has a mandate with the National Democratic Institute to have a survival center for stopping Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWIP). This is because women are more at risk before, during and after elections.
Adedeji advised citizens who are in the habit of attacking women during election to desist from such acts.
Country Director, NDI, Mr Stephen Snook, thanked the Corps for establishing a mandate that promotes the rights of women in politics, reiterating that, NDI has prioritized this so that women can enjoy a free voting and political process.
[6/18, 1:09 PM] Olugbode: Poverty Alleviation: Nigeria, China Strengthen Film Industry
Nigeria and China have mapped out ways to strengthen the movie industries of both countries as a collaborative effort at alleviating poverty in the West African country.
This was the focus of the launching of the Doc-China Festival, co-organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Abuja during the week.
Cultural Affairs Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr Li Xuda, in his remarks said the effort is to boost Nigerian Nollywood with some assistance to help use the platform to fight poverty in Nigeria.
Xuda said: “For many years, the Nigerian government has been working hard to lift more ordinary people out of poverty. From what I know, in 2021, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Inaugurated the Steering Committee of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) to achieve his mission of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within a decade.”
At the event a documentary entitled “voices from the frontline: China’s War on Poverty” jointly produced by CGTN and the Kuhn Foundation of the United States, was presented. The documentary provided an intimate portrayal of China’s historic anti-poverty campaign, which in the last 40 years has removed over 800 million people out of extreme poverty and the lessons for Nigeria.
The collaboration was also aimed to promote the cultural exchange between China and other countries, and to provide the world a better understand China, people as well as its culture. Over 50 of the CGTN’s best video production including award-winning documentaries will be screened at selected television channels from around the world during the Doc-China Festival, which will kick off with a grand ceremony in Beijing in June and go on till the end of this year.
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Those video productions will explore themes including food, travel, people’s lives, social development etc.
Xuda said: “As we know, both China and Nigeria are large countries with developed film and television industries. There are not only many film studios, productions companies in the two countries, but also numerous excellent professional talents including screenwriters, directors and movie stars. In 2021, China’s movie industry produced over 700 movies.
“Thanks to the rising living standard and entertainment demand in China, there were over 10, 000 cinemas in China. From this you can imagine how many moviegoers there are in China. The Box Office revenue was growing as well. In the same year, China reported the highest box office revenue worldwide, at over $7 billion.”
The Director, International Cultural Relations of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Memunat Ladi Idu-Lah, in her remarks praised the efforts of China in the movie industry.
She said: “China and Nigeria have huge potential for cooperation in the film industry. Nigeria film production ranks among the best in the world and China is the world’s film industry market and so we can see the collaboration.”
She noted that the Nigeria-China collaboration in the industry has a brighter future.
EkitI Election: NSCDC Launches toll-free numbers to rescue electoral violence victims
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a condolence visit to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast Youth Forum, Haruna Adamu Sardaunan, over the passing of his beloved father, Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, at Potiskum.
During the visit, President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, prayed for the repose of his soul.
Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, urged his son, Haruna, to draw strength from his father’s memory and continue along the path of dedicated services to our people.
Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, until his demise, was the chairman of the Yobe State Hunters Association.
Senator Lawan extended his deepest condolences to Haruna and his family and prayed that Allah (SWT) grants them the fortitude to bear this great loss.
“May the soul of Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama rest in Aljannatul Firdaus Amin, Sardaunan prays.
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called for the prosecution of those that were involved in electoral fraud in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State
A statement on Thursday by the NGO Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said:
“it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices.”
Mamedu said: “For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT, although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
“We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action.
“Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable.”
He added that: “The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire.”
Mamedu said: “A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity.”
He called for more roles for civil society organisations and international observers in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that: “Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct.”
He added that: “The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud.
“Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act.
“The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritising electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes.”
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
By: Michael Mike
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has extended his warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa on his election as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. In a congratulatory message, Ize-Iyamu praised Idahosa’s victory as a reflection of his dedication to public service, noting that the people of Ugboko in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Idahosa’s maternal hometown, are particularly proud of his achievement.
Ize-Iyamu highlighted that Idahosa’s success represents not only his hard work but also his deep connection with the aspirations of the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence in Idahosa’s ability, alongside Governor-elect Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to drive significant progress in the state, given his wealth of experience and passion for development.
He further prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage for the newly elected leaders as they take on the challenges ahead, emphasizing the hope that Edo State would experience peace, unity, and prosperity under their leadership. Ize-Iyamu also expressed optimism about the positive impact the duo would have on the advancement of Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Ize-Iyamu wished Idahosa success in his tenure as Deputy Governor and looked forward to the transformative leadership he would bring to Edo State.
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
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