jkpbestseries: i think na research work dey one carry d data do abi.... I recommend.... No longer at ease to them.
That's what Political Science is all about.
We bring down the data, and do everything possible with it..
Publish books.
Make international presentations..
And make suggestions too..
Nigeria will soon become a Political Case Study.
AND THAT'S GOOD NEWS.!! There will always be a point of turn-around for any situation,, and that point of turn-around would be the beginning of a new chapter for the already-existing story.
Whatever that can deepen and increase the participation of the Citizens in the Electoral Process,, and also make the citizens to be fully involved in the process of Auditing the INEC-Released Results,, I am fully in support of it.
INEC had responded to the FOI request he submitted on the 12th of November 2023.
He stated categorically that he wasn't expecting the response.
It all started with this tweet here which he tweeted on the 13th November, 2023.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST TO INEC
“To be optimistic is to assume things will work out. To be hopeful is to realize things can work out if you work at them.
"Hope requires responsibility and agency; optimism relieves us of both. In rooting for your sports team, choose optimism. In rooting for democracy, choose hope.” — Eric Liu
I have chosen hope over cynicism. I have chosen to ACT than despair. I have decided to place the future of our country as a democratic, diverse, and rule-governed society over and above personal gain, partisanship, or any of the categories that divide our shared humanity. I am hopeful because I will work for it.
The elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states are the FIRST FRUITS of the decision of our judiciary to reverse the gains in our electoral journey since 2015. I am not rooting for any candidate. I am interested in the sanctity of the process.
To this end, pursuant to the FOI Act (2011), I have made a formal Freedom of Information request to INEC Nigeria to provide data to ensure that the gains and investment in technology are not reversed. _______________________________ _______________________________ The Chairman National Electoral Commission Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent, Maitama District, FCT, Abuja, NIGERIA
Dear Chairman,
Freedom of Information Request – Accreditation Data from BVAS Machines
I am writing to submit a request form under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 concerning the recently concluded elections.
Specifically, I request the accreditation data generated by the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used during the elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states. The requested data should include detailed accreditation figures for all polling units, as well as aggregated totals for each Ward, Local Government Area, and the respective State as a whole.
The importance of this data cannot be overstated, as it is essential for ensuring the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. It will also serve as a vital tool for analysis and public discourse, contributing to the democratic process within the country.
Per Section 2(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which stipulates the right to request and obtain records and documents pertaining to administrative or operational activities within public institutions, I believe this request is well within the legal bounds.
In line with Section 4 of the (FOI) Act, I would appreciate if this information could be made available within three (3) days of receiving this request. This will allow adequate time for recourse to the seven (7) day period of administrative review as prescribed by S.65(1) of The Electoral Act, 2022, should it be necessary.
Please note that the public interest served by the release of this data outweighs any need for confidentiality. As citizens, we rely on the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability, as enshrined in the electoral law and democratic principles.
Should there be any fees for the processing of this information, kindly inform me in advance. I am committed to paying all reasonable costs associated with this request.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your cooperation in reinforcing the pillars of democracy in our nation.
Yours sincerely,
Osita Chidoka
Once this information is made public, I will provide free analysis to all the political parties and Nigerians to determine if the results from the Polling units uploaded on the IREV represent what happened.
Osita Chidoka 13 November 2023
On 14th of November 2023, Osita Chidoka tweeted again to announce that INEC had acknowledged his request.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 November 2023
Nigerians Called to Uphold Electoral Integrity as INEC Acknowledges Chidoka's FOI Request ……… Lawyers pledge Pro-Bono Service to compel INEC’s Compliance
[Abuja, Nigeria] – In a significant stride towards electoral transparency, Chief Osita Chidoka, Founder and Chancellor of Athena Institute and a concerned citizen dedicated to the enhancement of our electoral process has officially submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of Saturday, November 11, 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States.
This request which has been officially received and acknowledged by INEC seeks comprehensive accreditation data from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used in the election in the three States.
The acknowledgment of this request by INEC marks a crucial step in our collective pursuit of an accountable electoral system as it embodies our unwavering commitment to ensuring that our democratic processes reflect the people's true will.
Against this backdrop Chidoka called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in this journey to save the soul of our country.
“Let us not waver in our resolve. The request to INEC and its acknowledgment of the letter is the first step in our quest to reimagine Nigeria. We are hopeful that INEC’s response will be a beacon of hope, signalling that our voices are heard, and our efforts are recognized. It is a testament to our collective power to enact change and fortify the pillars of our democracy.
“I stand determined to fully pursue justice and transparency. Should INEC not respond substantively within the seven-day period mandated by law, I am prepared to initiate legal proceedings”, Chidoka said.
The former Minister of Aviation, revealed that some lawyers are on standby to pursue a legal enforcement of his right to information under the FOIA if necessary.
“I am bolstered by the solidarity of esteemed lawyers who have generously pledged to provide their services pro+bono to support this cause, should it be necessary.”
The former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) reiterated that “this is not a lone battle but a shared endeavour for all Nigerians who yearn for an electoral system they can trust. Let us unite in this effort, for the integrity of our democracy is at stake.
“We will remain vigilant and proactive, ready to take the necessary steps to protect the sanctity of our votes and the democratic values we hold dear", he said.
Signed:
Ikechukwu Okafor, Special Assistant (Media) To Chief Osita Chidoka 08033245326 Ikeigbo1@gmail.com
Yesterday, 30th November 2023, Osita Chidoka broke the news..
Today, against all expectation and in compliance with my November 12 Freedom of Information request, I received the BVAS Accreditation Report for Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States Governorship Elections. The report covers all the poll units.
I will issue a statement shortly
Final post (he deliberately redacted the details.)
INEC Has Complied with My FOI Request For BVAS Accreditation Report for Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states Governorship Elections
Today marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of transparent and accountable governance. With gratitude and sense of national pride I announce that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has complied with my Freedom of Information request, providing the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) report of voter accreditation for the recent Governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
This unprecedented compliance by INEC is a testament to what can be achieved through persistent efforts and the courage to venture into uncharted territories. I extend my sincere thanks to INEC for their commitment to respecting our laws and upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.
This act signifies a hopeful beginning in our collective effort to ensure that government agencies are not just answerable to the law but also to the people they serve.
I am pleased to inform Nigerians that the BVAS report was received in hard copy along with a certificate complying with section 84 of the Evidence Act (2011).
Recognizing the importance of making this information accessible and comprehensible to the general public, I have commenced work on digitizing and visualizing the report.
This initiative is driven by the belief that the solution to the democratic reversals across Africa lies in radical transparency, one that underscores the sanctity and integrity of elections.
Our journey towards a more democratic and transparent governance system is ongoing, and this development is a significant step in that direction. I look forward to sharing the insights from this report with all citizens, as we continue to work towards strengthening the foundations of our democracy.
Together, let us embark on this path of enlightenment and change, for a future where the electoral process is not just a procedure, but a true reflection of the will of the people.
I am hopeful about the future of our country because I, like many others, will work for the change.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says gunmen have attacked the residence of its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The commission in a communique made available to Channels Television, said the attack happened around 3:30 am today, Friday, December 1, 2023.
It noted that the armed men engaged security personnel in a gun battle for over 30 minutes until reinforcement arrived.
“While no lives were lost, property was destroyed in the ensuing gun battle. A team of combined security personnel have been deployed to protect the residence. This incident occurred a day after a mob besieged our state office,” the statement added.
The commission called for a thorough investigation and enhanced security protection for its personnel and assets in Kogi State.
UptownVibes: You're right.. So many rubbish on media these days,and the bodies that are supposed to be regulating these things doesn't even know their jobs.
There is no government body that regulates music in Nigeria..
The one that is supposed to regulate movies got totally defeated when skits and online content-creation took over..
garfield1: Remove his picture.only childish and petty people behave this way.a lot of people see you as a credible abd reasonable fellow
I say No. I am not removing it.. At least,, not now.!!
I didn't want anybody to see me as a credible and responsible fellow.. I am a CRAZEMAN. Don't ever forget that.
If that picture represented my particular opinion about that particular issue being discussed at the particular moment when I posted it,, then that's it.
If I change my opinion later,, then, I will release a caveat or a disclaimer.. Which suggested that I got better informed as time went on.
So,, it is still my decision to make., whether to pull it down or not..
And not because some people are telling me that some other people are looking up to a BLUNT-CRAZE-MAN, and expecting the Craze-Man to be a reasonable and credible fellow.
In responses, kindly quote: Ref No/CMDT/O12/CDPRU/FCT/ABJ/VOL 02/11.
Head of News Date: 30th November, 2023.
NO STUDENT KILLED AS NSCDC RESTORES ORDER TO JSS GWARINPA.
Contrary to claims in some sections of the media alleging the killing of two students of a secondary school in Gwarinpa, Abuja, it is noteworthy to point out that nobody was killed as alleged.
The facts of the matter are as follows;
For the records, the NSCDC FCT Command, was invited by the management of Junior Secondary School, Gwarinpa, for security coverage through a letter dated 21st November, 2023 and signed by the school Director/ Principal, Mr Akinfolajimi Olayinka.
His request was premised on the fact that the school was being terrorized by some criminal elements who always gained access into the school premises by jumping over the perimeter fence.
According to the school authority, the invitation of the Corps became necessary due to the increasing number of notorious students in the school and for the safety of other students and teachers.
However, on Wednesday 29th November, the school was invaded by some notorious elements, some of who were expelled students and their student collaborators to disturb the peace of the school and caused mayhem by destroying cars belonging to the teachers at the parking lot.
Armed with cudgels and other dangerous weapons, some of the hoodlums had launched attack on the deployed unarmed NSCDC personnel, staff and students of the school which necessitated the call for a back up by armed personnel.
In the melee that followed, two (2) students sustained bullet wounds unintentionally when warning shots were fired into the air in an attempt to prevent carnage by some notorious ex-students who were suspected cult members that had been expelled from the school.
On account of this development, and to avoid the situation getting out of hand, the NSCDC FCT Commandant intimated his police counterpart who immediately drafted police officers to the school and both agencies worked collaboratively to ensure that normalcy, peace and order was restored to the school premises.
The FCT Commandant, Odumosu Olusola had on receipt of the incident, immediately undergone an assessment tour of the school, and also paid a visit to the two (2) students currently undergoing treatment at a government facility.
Contacts have also been established with their parents and it can be authoritatively confirmed that the injured students are in a very stable condition.
Going by this development, Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi PhD, mni, in his avowed commitment to professionalism and transparency policing, has ordered the Forensic Psychological Examination Wing of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre to immediately commence evaluation of all armed personnel of the FCT Command.
Also, the Corps management has set up a panel of inquiry to get to the root of the matter and internal disciplinary mechanisms would be deployed to punish any of the personnel found wanting in the unfortunate incident.
The NSCDC FCT Command wishes to apologize to the parents/guardians of the two students who were injured unintentionally and promises to pick up the bills incurred in the course of their treatment.
The Command urges members of the public to disregard reports to the contrary as the Corps remained committed to the Federal Government's Safe School programme and would not allow miscreants under any guise to breach the peace in our academic environments.
Signed: ASCI OKOMANYI COMFORT CDPRO, FCT COMMAND.
Create a counter-thread with this news.. Put the link to the source of this news.
INEC reported that Accreditation with the BVAS recorded 98% success.
IREV itself (for instance, in the February elections), after one week showed a 81% success, and after 2-months showed that it had achieved 94% success.
Now,, what did the INEC do with all these success??
They still denied all these technologies.
At none of the tribunals across the nation did the INEC produce the report of the BVAS Accreditations that were captured by the BVAS.
THEY EVEN USED LEGAL ARGUMENTS TO CAUSE THE TRIBUNALS TO DISCARD THE DATA GOTTEN FROM THE IREV PORTAL,, WITHOUT BRINGING IN THEIR OWN DATA TO DISPROVE THE DATA FROM THE IREV.
So, what is Hamzat saying?? Is he saying that these technologies didn't do well?
PoliteActivist: The PEOPLE, through their ELECTED representatives, can do with them as they wish within the law, including reducing them to irrelevancy or removing all public funding from them!
PoliteActivist: If your ancestors ever engaged in wanton atrocities or subjugation and exploitation of other people through fear and intimidation, you'd know because you'd be one oba or close to it. Men that ought be made to live in a state of penance and apologies to atone somewhat for the atrocities of their ancestors are being worshipped! It's like a black American worshipping descendants of a slave owner, calling it "tradition"!
The bloodlines of such “great” ancient kings count in hundreds and thousands in our generation.
So, what are you saying? All those descendants (though royal blood) must have traditional positions in the traditional kingdoms as preserved and maintained into this current generation??
See.. If the current generation is tired of preserving the ancient traditional kingdoms,, then we do away with them totally..
Tampering with them, and still claiming to be preserving them is hypocritical.