Politics

Mass turnout of voters, heavy security presence greet Ekiti election

Published

2 years ago

June 18, 2022

Mass turnout of voters, heavy security presence greet Ekiti election

Unprecedented numbers of enthusiastic voters on Saturday thronged various polling units in different towns, villages and hamlets in Ekiti to perform their civic rights in the ongoing governorship election.

Also, there were combined security personnel on the ground to protect the lives and property in different parts of the state and as well their presence was noticed both far and near the polling centres.

At the Ekiti office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there was a heavy presence of security agents to forestall any eventuality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while monitoring the polling units, reported that security agents arrived at many polling units as early as 7.20 a.m.

Aside from the police, other security agencies and outfits providing security, include the Civil Defence Corps, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

At some of the border towns linking Ekiti with other states, military men were strategically stationed with officers and men, keeping vigil and conducting searches on vehicle owners and occupants.

The restriction placed on human and vehicular movement during the election was strictly obeyed by residents and travellers alike, as most inter-township roads were empty.

This development compelled many voters to trek long distances to their polling units, as there were no taxi or commercial motorcycle operators to convey them.

Besides, all markets, shops and eateries were under lock and key.

Some of the places visited included Ado-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Efon-Alaaye, in Efon Local Government area Ifaki-Ekiti, the home town of Mr Segun Oni, the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Other areas were Ise-Ekiti, the home town of former Minister of State for Works, Dayo Adeyeye, Emure-Ekiti, Ido-Ekiti and Omuo-Ekiti, the hometown of Sen. Biodun Olujimi of the PDP and Rep. Femi Bamisile of the APC.

In many of the places visited, scores of voters were seen already in queues, waiting for the attention of the electoral officers.

Those sighted among the crowd of the enthusiastic voters include students and artisans between 18 and 20 years bracket, old people and a handful of expectant mothers.

It was observed that in most of the places, officials including ad hoc staff, deployed by INEC arrived only a few minutes after 8.00 a.m, while some of them have no chairs to sit on.

NAN reports that 16 candidates from different political parties are slugging it out in today’s election, with only a female candidate, Mrs Kemi Elebute-Halle of ADP.

Others include candidates of ACCORD, AAC, ADC, APC, APGA, APM, APO, LO, NNPP, NRM, PDP, PRP, SDP, YPP and ZLP.

According to statistics at the disposal of NAN, over 17,000 policemen were deployed for the election, with NSCDC deploying 9,747, while the army and others also deployed appreciable figures.

When contacted, Mrs Morolake Odebunmi, the Public Relations Officer of INEC, told NAN that there was nothing much to do at the INEC office this morning.

Politics

Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

Published

2 months ago

February 22, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

By: Bodunrin Kayode

A Plateau elder Ambassador Yahaya Kwande has described the just concluded re-run election into the national assembly as a Triumph of Democracy.

In a release titled Congratulations to the Winners of Plateau State Bye Elections of February 3, 2024, he noted that the entire exercise was a victory to the people of the state.

“With great joy and profound gratitude, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Senator, (Plateau North Senatorial District), Prince Pam Mwadkwon Dachungyang, and the Member of the House of Representatives, (Jos North/Bassa Constituency), Hon. Daniel Asama, on their resounding victory in the recently concluded bye election held in Plateau State.

“Your triumph is a testament to the true spirit of democracy and the unwavering support of the people.

“I have no doubt that both Prince Pam Mwadkon and Hon. Daniel Asama will live up to the aspirations and expectations of the voters, as they embark on this noble responsibility of representing their constituents. May your tenure be marked by dedication, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of progress for our beloved state and nation.

“As we celebrate this momentous milestone, let us not forget the challenges we faced during the post-2023 elections period. It is my sincere hope that Plateau State will swiftly recover from the divisions and tussles that marred our unity. Let us unite as one, for the strength of our state lies in our togetherness.

“It is essential for the government and the people to undertake immediate measures to reconcile and bridge the gaps that have emerged. We must never forget that every citizen, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity, is entitled to their fundamental rights. The use of religion as a tool of disfranchisement must cease; we must affirm that citizenship rights are not conditional on faith.

“Let us also strive to recapture the lost glory of our state, when Jos was hailed as the political Mecca of Nigeria, attracting momentous political events and embracing politicians from all shades and ideologies. We can revive this legacy by nurturing an environment that exudes peace, openness, and security for all. Together, we can restore Plateau State as a beacon of democratic excellence.

“In conclusion, I express my utmost optimism for the future of Plateau State. I extend my deepest appreciation to all who peacefully participated in the bye election, be it as candidates or enthusiastic supporters. Our journey towards progress and development continues, and I am confident that we will stand united, empowered by the unwavering spirit of our people.” said Kwande.

Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

Politics

APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.

Published

2 months ago

February 13, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.

By: Jabiru Hassan

The National President of the APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG), Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening to ease the hardships affecting Nigerians.

In a message he issued to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Ambassador Tsoken described President Tinubu as a leader with listening war by giving a marching order for the release of different food items to ease hardships for the people of Nigeria, which is a good initiative.

”APC-IGG has recognized what Mr. President has done in order to ease the hardship affecting the people on the food price hike, which is very good foresight from our leader. We therefore thank all those who have helped with the implementation of the process to release the food items from the federal government reserves across the country for their well-deserved thought.” The statement was added.

Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken reassured the people of Nigeria that the APC Initiative for Good Governance would continue to work selflessly in order to ensure that Nigeria is progressive under the present democratic dispensation without bias.

Amb Tsoken emphasizes that the emergence of His Excellency Sen. Dr. George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation depicts the fact that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has reliable and credible individuals who have verse experience in governance from all ramifications; therefore, the deliverance of democratic dividends is something that Nigerians should believe in its workability and full efficacy in the near future, considering the fact that some of the policies and programs of the Renewed Hope Agenda have started gaining sway in the lives of the citizenry, he concluded.

APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.

Politics

APC Campaign Team in Chibok Town Rally Ahead of Bye Election

Published

3 months ago

February 2, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

APC Campaign Team in Chibok Town Rally Ahead of Bye Election

… Campaign Team Receives Decampees and Highlights Continued Development in Chibok

By: Our Reporter

Borno State’s Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, led an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign team to Chibok town in preparation for the upcoming House of Assembly bye election scheduled for Saturday. The event saw the presence of several notable APC figures, including the APC Deputy National Chairman for the North, Ali Bukar Dalori, and APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, among others.

Addressing a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters, Deputy Governor Kadafur urged the people of Chibok Local Government to come out in large numbers and vote for the APC House of Assembly candidate, Pogu Lawan. He assured them that the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is committed to delivering more dividends of democracy, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, education, and basic amenities.

Deputy Governor Kadafur emphasized the administration’s achievements in terms of infrastructural development, not only in Chibok but across the entire state. He promised that more developmental projects are in the works in the coming years. He encouraged the people of Chibok to support Governor Zulum’s administration by ensuring a resounding victory for the APC in the bye election.

APC Deputy National Chairman for the North, Ali Dalori, APC State Chairman, Bello Ayuba, and APC State Vice Chairman for Zone C, Yerima Aliyu, all took turns addressing the crowd during the campaign rally. They urged the people of Chibok to consider the significant achievements of the APC-led administration and to reciprocate the gesture by voting for Pogu Lawan.

The APC leaders reiterated that the party remains the strongest and most promising in the country. They expressed gratitude for the warm reception received from the people of Chibok and expressed confidence in the party’s victory in the upcoming election.

During the rally, thousands of individuals, including the local government PDP Party chairman, decamped from the PDP to the ruling APC. The decampees were warmly welcomed by the deputy governor and other APC party stalwarts, with a promise of equal treatment within the party.

The bye election in Chibok is necessitated by the vacancy resulting from the death of the winner of the 2023 House of Assembly election, Late Dr. Nuhu Clark. As per constitutional requirements, the bye election will fill the vacant seat.

APC Campaign Team in Chibok Town Rally Ahead of Bye Election