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INEC has no plans to postpone 2023 elections, says Yakubu

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INEC has no plans to postpone 2023 elections, says Yakubu

The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu says the commission is not contemplating any adjustment to the election timetable, let alone postpone the 2023 general election.

Yakubu stated this at the presentation of electronic copy of the 93,469,008 voter register to leaders of political parties on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that more than ever before the commission was more prepared for the 2023 general elections and had now successfully implemented 11 out of the 14 activities on schedule for the elections.

“Already, substantial quantities of sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been deployed to various locations across the country.

“The last batch of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been received while the ongoing configuration of the critical technology in readiness for elections will soon be completed. In the last two days, we commenced the airlifting of other sensitive materials to States across the country.

“Already, some of the materials for 17 States in three geo-political zones have been delivered. Furthermore, 13,868,441 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been printed, delivered to States and are being collected by citizens as new voters or by existing voters who applied for transfer or replacement of cards as provided by law.

he added that similarly, following the display of the voters’ register nationwide and the conclusion of claims and objections by citizens, a new national register of voters has been compiled.

“In short, at no time in the recent history of the Commission has so much of the forward planning and implementation been accomplished 44 days ahead of a General Election.

“Therefore, the commission is not contemplating any adjustment to the election timetable, let alone the postponement of the General Election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday Feb. 25, 2023 while Governorship and State Assembly elections will hold two weeks later on Saturday March 11, 2023.

“The repeated assurance by the security agencies for the adequate protection of our personnel, materials and processes also reinforces our determination to proceed.

“The 2023 General Election will hold as scheduled. Any report to the contrary is not the official position of the Commission.’’

On the register voter, Yakubu said after the cleaning up of the data from the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) from June 2021 to July 2022, where 9,518,188 new voters were added to the exiting 84,004,084 voters, the preliminary register voters was 93,522,272.

He said that when the register was presented to Nigerians for claims and objections as required by law, INEC received 53,264 objections from Nigerians to the prevalence of ineligible persons on the register by virtue of age, citizenship or death, which were verified and removed from the register.

“Consequently, the register of voters for the 2023 General Election stands at 93,469,008. Of this cumulative figure, 49,054,162 (52.5 per cent) are male while 44,414,846 (47.5 per cent) are female.

“The distribution by age group shows that 37,060,399 (39.65 per cent ) are youth between the ages of 18 and 34; 33,413,591 (35.75 per cent ) are middle aged persons between the ages of 35 and 49;

“17,700,270 (18.94 per cent ) are elderly voters between the ages of 50 and 69 while 5,294,748 (5.66%) are senior citizens aged 70 and above.

“In terms of occupational distribution, students constitute the largest category with 26,027,481 (27.8%) of all voters, followed by 14,742,554 (15.8 per cent ) Farmers/Fishermen and 13,006,939 (13.9 per cent) housewives.

“The data on disability was not collected for previous registration. However, the cumulative figure of 85,362 persons from the recent CVR indicates that there are 21,150 (24.5 per cent ) persons with Albinism; 13,387 (15.7 per cent ) with physical impediment and 8,103 (9.5 per cent) are blind.”

Yakubu said that the softcopy of the breakdown and analysis would be uploaded to INEC website and social media platforms shortly.

He reiterated INEC commitment to transparent, credible and inclusive 2023 General Election, saying INEC would continue to take every step to protect the sanctity of the votes cast by citizens and to deal with infractions.

This according to Yakubu, includes the arrest and prosecution of persons that attempt to perpetuate illegality at Polling Units on Election Day, be they underaged voters or vote buyers.

On the collection of PVCs at 8,809 Registration Areas/Wards nationwide, Yakubu said that locations for collection could be identified by sending a short text message to any of the two dedicated telephone lines

In his response IPAC Chairman, Yabagi Sani commended INEC efforts in ensuring that power is peacefully transferred in the country; in spite the challenges and plots by anti-democratic agents to truncate the process.

Sani, who was represented by IPAC General Secretary, Yusuf Dantalle said that political parties were resolved to ensure to support INEC, security agencies and traditional rulers for peaceful conduct of 2023 general election.

He said that party leaders were confidence in INEC technology for the election including BVAS and IReV for electronic transmission of result.

Sani said the deployment of the technology would discourage vote buying and situation where people write election results from their rooms and ask INEC official to declare it for people to go to court..

“It makes evidence that so many efforts are in place to ensure that this did not work but we are equally appealing to political party leaders in the country to see that power belongs to God and He gives it to whoever He will.

“We will try the best we can, but we political leaders must the country forward. We do not under intense pressure as if we don’t want this democracy or this election will not succeed.’’

NAN reports that Lagos has the highest number of voters with 7, 060,195, followed by Kano State with 5,921,370 and Kaduna with 4,335,208 registered voters.

Ekiti State has the least registered voters with 987,647, followed by Bayelsa with 1,056,862 and Yobe with 1,485,146 registered voters.

INEC has no plans to postpone 2023 elections, says Yakubu

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PDP Chieftain urges Nigerians to vote for Atiku in 2027

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PDP Chieftain urges Nigerians to vote for Atiku in 2027

By: Yahaya Wakili

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Yobe State, and also a strong supporter of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Wazirin Adamawa, Malam Usman Mohammed Dan Takunne, has urged Nigerians, both Muslims and Christians, to come out en masse to vote for Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 general elections.

Malam Usman Mohammed Dan Takunne is from the Jakusko local government area of Yobe state. In 2023, he trucked from Yobe state to Yola, Adamawa state, barefoot to express his happiness because of the victory of Wazirin Adamawa in the primary election.

“Voting for Atiku Abubakar Wazirin Adamawa as the President of Nigeria is only the solution to the problems that are dividing the country now, and Nigerians are facing the consequences under the APC administration. They’re crippling the country’s economy, he said.

According to Dan Takunne, APC has failed Nigerians, and if Atiku Abubakar becomes the president everybody in Nigeria will enjoy, you will not hear the cases of suffering, hunger, poverty, insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, and other cases of criminality in the country.

“PDP rules this country for 16 years, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was the vice president for a good 8 years. Everybody enjoyed this country, both the PDP, APC, and even the other parties, religious leaders, and masses; everybody enjoyed the dividend of democracy, and there is no discrimination in PDP administration, Dan Takunne said.

Dan Takunne maintained that, now that the APC has scattered the country’s economy, life has become worse; therefore, there is a need to continue praying now in this country. Nigerians are in danger; let us sit down and rethink very well and vote for Atiku Abubakar Wazirin Adamawa as a president in 2027 to rescue this country from collapse. 

“I am sure the minds of Nigerians have turned now on Atiku Abubakar; everybody has abandoned that man and his party, and everybody is praying for Wazirin Adamawa to come in 2027, and we are praying no doubt he will win, Insha Allah, by the grace of God.” He added.

If Wazirin Adamawa becomes the president in 2027, within six months everything will be normal in this country; our economy will improve drastically, and the issues of insecurity, hardship, poverty, criminal activities, and other suffering of people will become a history in the country.

PDP Chieftain urges Nigerians to vote for Atiku in 2027

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Of Nigeria and Britain: Between Vice President Shettima and Kemi Badenoch

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Of Nigeria and Britain: Between Vice President Shettima and Kemi Badenoch

Of Nigeria and Britain: Between Vice President Shettima and Kemi Badenoch

By: Dr. James Bwala

The recent conversation between Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and UK politician Kemi Badenoch highlights the complexity of national identification and the responsibilities associated with heritage. Shettima’s condemnation of Badenoch’s harsh remarks about Nigeria emphasizes an important facet of leadership: the necessity to cultivate pride in one’s origins, particularly among public personalities. His bold proposal that Badenoch “remove the Kemi from her name” if she is not proud of her Nigerian heritage exemplifies a larger debate over leaders’ accountability to their native country.

Contrasting Badenoch’s words with those of Rishi Sunak reinforces Shettima’s claim; Sunak has maintained a positive narrative about his Indian origin, demonstrating the critical role that leaders have in shaping perceptions. While Badenoch affirms her right to discuss personal experiences and criticisms about Nigeria, leaders must strike a balance between open speech and constructive patriotism. This occurrence prompts contemplation on how people in positions of power manage their dual identities while representing their country on global forums.

Shettima not only defends Nigeria’s image but also stimulates a broader discussion about leaders’ roles in creating a balanced narrative that recognizes both challenges and accomplishments within their cultural heritage. In this context, Shettima’s leadership goes beyond criticism; it represents a challenge to leaders to engage in dialogues that not only solve concerns but also celebrate the rich tapestry of their cultural landscapes.

Shettima’s approach emphasizes the necessity of leaders functioning as both critics and ambassadors, inspiring positive change and harmony in their communities. Shettima’s approach urges leaders to accept a dual role in which they may be forthright about difficulties while still serving as guardians of hope and progress for their countries. Shettima emphasizes the importance of leaders constructively addressing their legacy with a feeling of duty that extends beyond personal complaints.

In light of this, Shettima’s remark is a heartbreaking reminder of the power leaders wield in influencing perceptions and instilling national pride. Shettima’s nuanced approach calls for a contemplative and forward-thinking leadership style, one that recognizes the complexity of identity while working to bridge gaps and encourage inclusivity. Shettima’s leadership calls on other leaders to reconsider their roles as cultural guardians capable of influencing global perceptions and fostering a sense of collective identity.

Shettima’s challenge to Badenoch’s narrative not only preserves Nigeria’s integrity but also establishes a precedent for leaders to engage in productive debates that foster understanding and mutual respect. Shettima’s gentle correction of Badenoch highlights the significance of respectful discussion and a shared commitment to truth in creating an environment in which traditional narratives are not only preserved but also embraced. In doing so, Shettima shows the role of a leader who views constructive criticism as a tool for empowerment rather than alienation, arguing for narratives that are both introspective and globally relevant.

Shettima navigates this difficult subject by emphasizing the importance of a balanced depiction of one’s background as well as acknowledging the different experiences that define individual identities. Shettima displays a leadership style that promotes constructive engagement over divisive language by creating an environment conducive to dialogue among various viewpoints.

In response to Badenoch’s statements, Shettima underlined the significance of respecting and enjoying one’s ancestry while engaging in constructive criticism. Shettima underscores the idea that constructive criticism should try to enhance rather than denigrate by drawing parallels with leaders such as Rishi Sunak, who appreciate their past without dismissing it. By contrasting Badenoch’s complaints with Rishi Sunak’s pleasure in his Indian background, Shettima effectively advocates for a balanced discourse that recognizes the complexity of one’s cultural story while calling for development and reform.

While this has created significant disagreement among Nigerians, many support Shettima’s approach. This support is due to a sense of national pride and a desire for constructive criticism rather than disparagement. Shettima’s claim that Badenoch’s words denigrate her Nigerian ancestry resonates with residents who believe that criticism should be based on love and a desire to improve, rather than contempt.

The divergent responses of Shettima and Badenoch illustrate opposing views on national identity. While Badenoch stresses corruption and insecurity in Nigeria, which are unquestionably important issues, many Nigerians believe her approach lacks nuance and fails to recognize the country’s potential. Supporters think that displaying achievements with criticisms promotes a more fair discussion about Nigeria’s future.

Nigerians’ support for Shettima demonstrates a shared desire for unity and pride in their country. Instead of perpetuating negative preconceptions, they argue for an approach that stimulates debate and seeks solutions. In this setting, supporting Shettima is interpreted as opposing external narratives that do not truly reflect Nigeria’s intricacies. Nigerians who support Shettima are not only defending their country’s image but also arguing for a more dignified narrative that embraces Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy and growth.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/umth-how-professor-ahidjos-transformation-agenda-impacted-the-information-unit/

This collective mood reflects a deeper desire by Nigerians to recover their narrative and exercise control over how their country is seen on a global scale. This shift to a more positive and self-determined narrative is critical for instilling national pride and encouraging residents to actively participate in the country’s progress. This change towards empowerment and self-representation is critical to redefining Nigeria’s position in the international arena.

I believe that this movement is about instilling in Nigerians a sense of ownership and responsibility to address their own difficulties while enjoying their triumphs, rather than simply responding to external criticism. Simultaneously, this support for Shettima’s position demonstrates a rising awareness among Nigerians of the importance of constructively engaging with their country’s difficulties rather than letting external criticism define their identity. This expanding consciousness is evident in public discourse, which is increasingly emphasizing constructive criticism and collaborative attempts to address national concerns.

Indeed, Kemi Badenoch’s recent utterances on Nigeria have raised serious worries about her potential disloyalty to Britain. Badenoch’s criticism of Nigeria, notably her categorization of northern sections as terrorist havens, appears to emphasize political expediency over a thorough understanding of her country. Such disparaging remarks not only alienate a sizable segment of the Nigerian diaspora but also indicate a readiness to abuse her background for personal advantage. This action could imply that if she can easily betray her native nation, she may also discard British ideals when politically expedient.

I am afraid that this pattern of denunciation may reflect a wish to disassociate herself from Nigeria’s poor image and appeal to British voters. However, this raises concerns about her honesty and loyalty. The “double agent dilemma” suggests that voters may interpret her comments as evidence of underlying disloyalty. Ultimately, Badenoch’s rhetoric may indicate that she is more concerned with political ambition than with defending the principles connected with any nation.

Her stance, marked by the strategic denunciation of her roots, could be interpreted as a tactical strategy to strengthen her position in British politics at the expense of true commitment. Such actions may give British residents the impression that her commitment is more motivated by personal ambition than by national loyalty. This view may weaken trust among constituents, who expect constant commitment to their country’s interests.

This loss of trust could have serious consequences for her political future, as people may look for leaders whose commitment is seen as absolute and steadfast. This sense of opportunism may cause voters to wonder whether her commitment is actually to the country she serves or whether it is only for her personal progress in the political scene. This doubt about her motives may lead people to gravitate toward candidates whose commitment to national interests is unquestionable. 

* Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Of Nigeria and Britain: Between Vice President Shettima and Kemi Badenoch

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Kashim Shettima: The personality traits of a leader in Nigeria’s growing democracy. 

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Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima

Kashim Shettima: The personality traits of a leader in Nigeria’s growing democracy. 

By: Dr. James Bwala

Visionary leadership is crucial for sustainable development in Nigeria’s dynamic and frequently volatile political environment. Nigeria’s vice president, Kashim Shettima, is a well-known example of this trait; his style of leadership has revolutionized his state and the national conversation. In addition to reflecting his own experience, his tenacity, compassion, and strategic vision also speak to Nigerians’ desire for stability and advancement. Shettima’s ability to govern is essential to building a stronger democracy in Nigeria.

Shettima’s strategic vision is essential for negotiating the complicated political environment in Nigeria. His progressive strategy places a strong emphasis on economic development programs and inclusive governance with the goal of empowering all Nigerians. In addition to solving current problems, this forward-thinking approach establishes the groundwork for long-term development within a democratic system.

For Nigeria’s democracy to advance, Kashim Shettima is a prime example of critical leadership attributes, including resiliency, empathy, and strategic vision. Leaders like Shettima will be crucial in crafting a future where growth and inclusivity flourish as the country’s politics continue to change. Adopting these traits can encourage other leaders to do the same in order to build a society that is more democratic.

During his time as Borno State’s governor, Kashim Shettima demonstrated his dedication to implementing smart policies that tackled important problems, including infrastructure and security. He placed a high priority on forming alliances with security organizations and funding regional infrastructure initiatives that promote community resilience in the face of the Boko Haram insurgency. In an area that had previously been devastated by conflict, his proactive actions not only increased safety but also sparked economic growth.

Shettima’s commitment to inclusive governance is a critical component of his leadership. He has built a participatory political atmosphere in which varied perspectives may be heard by actively interacting with numerous stakeholders, including traditional leaders, women’s groups, and youth organizations. This inclusivity has increased social cohesiveness and trust among citizens, causing them to be more invested in government activities aimed at communal progress.

Shettima’s emphasis on youth empowerment distinguishes him as a leader who recognizes the value of leveraging human capital for national development. He combats unemployment while encouraging creativity through projects that empower young people with vocational training and entrepreneurship chances. His vision inspires the younger generation to play an active role in defining Nigeria’s future.

Kashim Shettima’s progressive leadership is a source of hope in Nigeria’s political landscape. He solves urgent difficulties while also laying the framework for long-term stability and progress through strategic policies, inclusive government, and youth empowerment. Embracing such visionary leadership can motivate other leaders in Nigeria to take similar methods that value unity and growth.

By comparing his early governance approach to his more recent methods, we can see how his leadership style has evolved in response to shifting political and social contexts. And I’ll strive to highlight both his approaches’ strengths and faults, finally presenting a full assessment of his leadership effectiveness.

In the early years of his tenure as governor, Kashim Shettima’s leadership was characterized by a strong emphasis on security and stability. Faced with challenges such as insurgency and violence in Borno State, he prioritized military collaboration and community engagement. His proactive measures during this period laid a foundation for restoring peace but also faced criticism for their heavy-handedness.

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As time progressed, Shettima shifted towards developmental policies aimed at rebuilding communities affected by conflict. His initiatives focused on education, infrastructure development, and economic revitalization. This transition marked a significant contrast to his earlier focus on security alone; however, it also revealed challenges in implementation due to bureaucratic hurdles and resource constraints.

Shettima has taken on new political tasks in recent years, indicating that his leadership style has evolved. As he navigates national politics, there is a noticeable move toward coalition building and diplomatic interaction with various groups. This evolution demonstrates an adaptation to larger political processes, but it raises concerns about the consistency of addressing local difficulties vs. national objectives.

Kashim Shettima’s leadership journey includes substantial transformations that reflect both personal progress and external forces. While initially focused on security measures, he has expanded his horizons to include development initiatives and national politics. Comparing these phases illustrates not just the intricacies of good leadership but also areas where more changes are required for long-term progress.

The integrity and accountability of political leaders are essential components of efficient governance. Shettima’s leadership demonstrates a deep dedication to these ideas. Shettima has established himself as a model of integrity and accountability in public service by implementing transparent policies, engaging the community, and providing responsive leadership. Shettima’s devotion to community participation increases his leadership accountability. He constantly opens himself to listen to diverse constituents who want to express their issues and provide comments on policy. This transparency not only empowers citizens but also allows Shettima to make sound judgments as a leader. Maintaining these ideals is critical not only for individual leaders but also for increasing faith in democratic institutions as a whole.

Read Also: https://newsng.ng/southeast-crises-ipob-peddling-falsehood-disinformation-to-remain-relevant-army/

Kashim Shettima’s ability to connect with varied audiences originates from his compassionate leadership style, effective communication tactics, and dedication to diversity. These attributes not only increase his political appeal but also help to establish a more unified society in Nigeria. As he continues his political career, these ties will be critical in addressing the complicated requirements of a diverse population.

In the face of national challenges, resilience is a quality that defines true leadership. Shettima, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, exemplifies this resilience through his unwavering commitment to addressing the issues facing his constituents. It was argued that Shettima’s ability to remain steadfast amidst adversity not only inspires hope but also fosters unity and progress within the nation.

Shettima’s style of government has been distinguished by proactive initiatives to address major societal challenges. Despite economic uncertainty and security concerns, he has enacted programs that stress job growth and community development. His initiatives have boosted local companies and supplied critical services, displaying his commitment to improving the lives of everyday people.

Furthermore, Shettima’s resiliency is demonstrated by his ability to unite disparate communities inside Nigeria. In times of violence and division, he has always campaigned for discussion and cooperation among different ethnic and religious groups. This dedication to inclusivity not only increases social cohesiveness, but it also fosters a feeling of common purpose in overcoming national issues.

Additionally, Shettima’s personal story of perseverance serves as an inspiration for many Nigerians. Having faced numerous setbacks and overcoming them, he remains undeterred in his quest for positive change. His ability to rise above obstacles resonates with citizens who are grappling with their own struggles, reinforcing the idea that resilience can lead to triumph against all odds.

Shettima’s resilience amidst national challenges highlights the essential qualities of effective leadership. Through his proactive governance, commitment to unity, and inspirational personal journey, he embodies hope for a brighter future in Nigeria. As citizens rally behind leaders like Shettima, who demonstrate unwavering resolve, they pave the way for collective progress and national healing.

* Dr. James Bwala, PhD writes from Abuja

Kashim Shettima: The personality traits of a leader in Nigeria’s growing democracy. 

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