₦airaland Forum

@Naija Politico

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River says reports that an Appeal Court has sacked him as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , is the handiwork of his political opponents who have been “dazed by the reality that his re-election bid was a fait acompli”

Mr Christian Ita, the Chief Press Secretary to Ayade, in a statement on Thursday in Calabar, described as fake news, reports trending on social media claiming the governor has been sacked by Appeal Court in Lagos as PDP flag bearer in the Saturda election.

Ita, in the statement, said there was no such pending matter in the Appeal Court.

He maintained that the case instituted in a Federal High Court in Abuja by Mr Emmanuel Ibeshi ,was discontinued when he filed a legitimate notice of discontinuance and as such never went on appeal.

He therefore, urged members of the public and the governor’s teeming supporters to disregard the fake report.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/no-court-sacked-me-i-am-still-in-criver-guber-race-gov-ayade/

@Naija Politico[sup][/sup]

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has finally shown that his pre-election criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari was fuelled by ego, the Buhari Media Organisation said today.

Obasanjo’s insistence that he would continue to criticise the President until ‘he begins to do the right things’ is a further confirmation of this neurosis”, the organisation said in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke.

“It is worrisome that former President Obasanjo has always insinuated that all the past heads of state and Presidents he had criticised did not perform creditably in office.

“It is amusing that the former President gave the impression that his criticism of President Buhari which began in January 2018 is borne out of a need for him to do the right thing.

“Does it then mean that the President had been performing to Obasanjo’s expectations until then? If not, at what point did he realise that President Buhari had not been doing well; or did Obasanjo notice that only in January last year when he went public with the first of his open letters?

“Obasanjo’s comments at the public lecture in commemoration of his 82nd birthday can also be interpreted to mean that no President aside from former President Obasanjo did the right things in office.

“This shows that his criticism of President Buhari and former occupants of that position is largely ego-driven and is certainly not altruistic”

Naija Politico reports that the pro-Buhari group added that in terms of performance, former President Obasanjo had a lot of baggage in office and is not known to be tolerant of criticism.

“It is a matter of public record that Chief Obasanjo did not entirely cover himself in glory while in office, especially with the removal and attempted removal of state governors in violation of the constitution. His methods were simply brutal and were in most cases spearheaded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and in at least two cases, Anambra and Oyo states, led by his enforcers.

“And can anyone forget so soon how Senate Presidents were impeached unceremoniously on his watch, as well as the incident that eventually led to the death of former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo soon after he was tear-gassed at a political rally in solidarity with the then candidate Muhammadu Buhari in 2003.

“The previous election under Obasanjo in 2003 was hardly different. Chuba Okadigbo, the running mate of the opposition presidential candidate at the time, could not leave his house to vote for himself because soldiers had stationed an armoured tank in front of his house with the nozzle directly facing his gate. He was warned of dire consequences if he or any of his family members attempted to leave the house. That was the same election that INEC announced that the then Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, had been defeated by the PDP, even before the elections were conducted.”

BMO added that at 82, the former President is long over-due to take a back seat and adopt the decorum expected of former Presidents.

“General Yakubu Gowon is one Head of State who has no record of public criticism of his successors in office.

“He was Obasanjo’s boss for nine years, from 1966 to 1975 and not once did he utter a public criticism of the former President throughout his two tenures from 1976 – 1979 and 1999 to 2007.

“The same thing applies to General Abdul-Salam Abubakar, who handed power to Obasanjo in 1999; there is not a single word of public condemnation throughout Obasanjo’s eight years in power from a man who exuded only decorum and self-respect out of office.

“We hope that now that OBJ is 82, he would heed the words of wisdom of the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and be a true statesman, after all, eligible voters in his polling centre as well as throughout Ogun state opted to ignore his advice to massively give President Buhari a second term in office”.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/obasanjos-criticism-of-buhari-ego-driven-bmo/

@Naija Politico

The State Working Committee (SWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abia has suspended the 17 local government chairmen of the party for alleged anti-party activity.

The Chairman of the party, Chief Chidi Nwosu, announced the suspension on Wednesday, while adressing newsmen on the outcome of an expanded SWC in Umuahia.

The party also set up a seven-member panel to “further investigate appropriately the actions of the chairmen”.

Naija Politico reports that the chairmen were suspended for adopting Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu as their candidate for the March 9 governorship poll.

Aside from adopting Ikpeazu, the chairmen advised the SDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Blessing Nwagba, to drop her ambition and step down from the race.

Reacting, the SWC dissociated itself from the purported adoption, saying that the action of the chairmen did not represent the position of the party.

Nwosu said, “the chairmen took the unilateral decision, contrary to the position of our party at the national and state chapter, which amounted to anti-party activity.”

He alleged that the chairmen “were making frivolous financial demands from the governorship candidate and may have found who satisfied their quest for money bags”.

According to him, “the chairmen have placed personal interest above and higher than the interest of Abia people by considering financial gains from another political party against our great party.”

The SWC also expelled one Mr Chuks Abengowe for alleged “impersonation as the party’s State Organising Secretary”.

Reacting, Nwagba said that the action of the chairmen would not affect her fortunes at the polls.

She said that she remained strong in the race, adding that she was the most capable of all the candidates in the governorship poll.

The chairmen announced their adoption of the governor at a news conference on Tuesday in Umuahia.

They denied receiving financial inducement for the adoption, saying that their action was in line with the party’s adoption of President Muhammadu Buhari and Sen. Nkechi Nworgu both of the All Progressives Congress during the Presidential and National Assembly polls in Abia.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/abia-sdp-suspends-17-lg-chairmen-for-adopting-gov-ikpeazu/

chinavs9ja:
What is your domain name?

https://naijapolitico.com.ng

questechie:
For a 7 month old domain

That's a plausible feat, indeed!

Thanks

@Naija Politico

The inability of alleged kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, to pay for his legal representation has stalled two trials which are before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

Mr Chinoye Obiagwu (SAN), the counsel to Evans and Chiemeka Arinze his co-defendant in one of the kidnap cases, had written to the court to request for adjournment in both cases.

Portions of the letter dated March 4 and signed by Mr Noel Brown on behalf of Obiagwu was read in court by Mr Abiodun Alagbe, the state prosecutor.

Excerpts of the letter read: “Now that he (Obiagwu) is on hand to lead the defence, he finds that the families of the defendants are yet to provide some necessary yet critical obligations, which to prevent any embarrassment, and for the safety and well being of the defendants, who are still being held in custody, he (Obiagwu) would not want disclosed to the open court.”

After he had read portions of the letter, Alagbe noted that Evans’ defence team were also absent in court during the on Feb. 6.

Reacting to the letter, Justice Taiwo registered her displeasure at the request for an adjournment.

“It is ridiculous that we should wait for the first defendant (Evans) and his counsel to negotiate for a case that is already in court,” she said.

The Judge, however, acceded to the request and granted different adjournment dates for the two suits.

Naija Politico reports that in the first criminal suit, Evans is facing trial alongside Victor Aduba, a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army.

The defendants are charged with four counts of kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

Evans and the dismissed soldier are accused of kidnapping Mr Sylvanus Ahamonu, holding him hostage for at least nine weeks and collecting a ransom of 420,000 dollars from his family.

When the first suit was announced, Mr Emmanuel Ochai, Aduba’s defence counsel had told the court that he had also been served with a copy of Obiagwu’s letter.

“I will not be objecting to the request for an adjournment, I was also informed that the first defendant have filed their written addresses,” Ochai said.

Adjourning the case, Justice Taiwo said “The first and second defendants have filed submissions on the trial-within-trial, the prosecution has responded but are yet to serve the first defendant.

“The first defendant’s counsel had been absent for two dates in a row.

“This case is adjourned to March 20 for adoption of final written addresses.”

In the second criminal suit, Evans is facing trial alongside Joseph Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze and Udeme Upong over the attempted kidnap of Chief Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors.

They face a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms.

When the suit was announced, Justice Taiwo adjourned the case until March 29, for further hearing.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/alleged-kidnapping-evans-unable-to-pay-legal-fees-trial-stalled/

chinavs9ja:
Yes, mine was reduced drastically...I guess MOZ now include the age of the domain to be part of the criteria instead of backlinks alone

Mine is 7months old but the DA increased by 2 to be 29 and PA 33.
The PA was relatively same

@Naija Politico

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the suspension of governors Rochas Okorocha and Ibekunle Amosun of Imo and Ogun respectively, will not affect the party’s victory in the March 9, Governorship and State House of Assembly election.

Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the APC National Publicity Secretary, gave the assurance while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on the development on Friday in Abuja.

Naija Politico recalls that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) at its Friday meeting, suspended Okorocha and Amosun, alongside the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu and the Minister of Niger Delta Usani Usani.

“As to the effect it will have in the coming Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, the real negative effect will come when we allow our members who are in position of influence to undermine our candidates.

“We need to get it clear to every member who supports such actions that the party is watching them, and similar fate may befall them,” Issa-Onilu said.

He added that the suspension of the governors would not have come to the public as a surprise following their anti party activities over a period of time.

He recalled that the two governors had been sponsoring candidates against those recognised by the party.

This, he said, had been ongoing and so the party had to follow the right procedures; taking steps to first get them to see reason why they needed to retract their steps.

NAN recalls that in Ogun, Amosun is said to be backing AbdulKadir Akinlade, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) against APC’s Prince Dapo Abiodun.

In Imo, Okorocha is supporting his son-in-law Uche Nwosu, the candidate of the Action Alliance, against Senator Hope Uzodinma, the APC candidate.

“They occupy the position they are in today, courtesy of the ticket given to them by this party, to now use that opportunity to work against the interest of the party, you do not expect the party to look the other way.

“More so when you realise that APC is a party of discipline that has come to establish the fact that to deepen democracy, you must subject everybody to the rule of law, and that there must be equality for all before the law,” he said.

Issa-Onilu stressed that as far as the APC was concerned, no matter what position an individual held, the party would not give him any leverage when he flaunted the rules or the Constitution of the party.

He added that the party’s leadership had at a point, issued queries to the two governors and cautioned them against their anti party activities.

He recalled that when the APC presidential campaign train was led by President Muhammadu Buhari to Ogun, they were thoroughly embarrassed by a different party.

Issa-Onilu said this was done with the support of the governor, who he said, brought in certain elements who were not APC members to the campaign venue to create problems.

“This actually embarrassed our President, but we thought at that period, we were facing the Presidential and National Assembly Election and that it was not the appropriate time for us to do anything that might be destructive to our course, so we waited,” he said.

He added that though there was a window for the governors to show remorse and act appropriately to convince the party’s leadership that they would play by the rules, they never did.

He said rather Okorocha and Amosun came out openly to endorse their choice candidates against the party’s candidates.

“Which ever way you look at it, that is anti-party activity, it is beyond the limit, and tolerating such, will mean that our change mantra is just a mantra without meaning,” the APC spokesman said.

He further explained that the VON DG was suspended also, because of his anti party activities in the recent past, which he said had been documented.

The APC spokesman said that Okechukwu had also engaged in actions that undermined the party’s performance in Enugu, his home state.

He also explained that the Minister of Niger Delta was also found to have committed the same offence as the others.

He maintained that it would be injurious for the party to allow such actions to continue, adding that the suspension still stood.

He, however, said that the duration of their suspension would be determined by the time the report of the investigative committee on the matter was submitted to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

“I have forwarded the report to NEC, recommending their expulsion, the limit of the powers of the party’s NWC is to suspend; it does not have the power to expel.

“It is only NEC that can take that action, so we have exercised what the Constitution of the party allows us to do, the report of our investigation will be put in place and passed on to NEC for further action,” he said.

He added that the APC NWC had also decided to issue a query to Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State for anti party activities, adding that the party already had video evidence against him.

NAN reports that Akeredolu had earlier been accused by the Ondo Mandate Group, an APC support group, of working against the party and the presidency.

On the Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu, Issa-Onilu said the party had noted his comments, but had not seen him working against the party.

He said the minister had his grievance and had the right to express same within the law, but added that the APC, for now, did not have any evidence that Shittu was involved in any anti-party activity.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/suspension-of-amosun-okorocha-wont-affect-march-9-victories-apc/

@Naija Politico

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has appealed to United States Government to intervene in the prevention of what he called, ‘alleged harassment of electorate’ in next week’s governorship and state assembly elections.

Tambuwal made the request on Thursday when he received the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, in Sokoto.

Tambuwal of the PDP is seeking re-election and he is being challenged by his former deputy, Ahmed Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress.

He told Symington that the just-concluded Presidential and National Assembly Elections witnessed harassment of leaders and loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, many PDP members were hounded and arrested by security agents on the election day.

“Our appeal is to ensure the electorate in whatever political parties are not intimidated or terrorised.

” Because our people were intimidated to the extent of failing to discharge their civic duties in the remaining elections, scheduled for March 9.

“As such, I want to appeal to the US envoy to call on the Nigerian government to allow the will of the people be granted during the forthcoming Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

“The opposition has engaged in post-election violence, with attacks on citizens and razing many properties and houses within and outside the metropolis in the state, in a show of terror against perceived opponents and non-partisan members of the public.” he said.

He thanked the envoy for the visit, describing such as important for the peace and development of democracy in the state.

Earlier, Symington said that he was in Sokoto to encourage peace throughout the electioneering period and beyond.

“There is no any development that can come without peace, so I appeal on all stakeholders and the good people of Sokoto to ensure peaceful polls,” he said.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/tambuwal-seeks-americas-help-in-governorship-election/

kennyokoye3:
Do you have this theme please

yes I have it

@Naija Politico

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated President Macky Sall of Senegal on his re-election for a second term.

Sall was declared winner of the election held on Sunday 24 February, in the provisional results announced by the electoral body.

Naija Politico learnt that President Macky Sall won 58.27 per cent of the votes. Challenger Idrissa Seck, came second with 21 percent of votes.

President Buhari commended the people of Senegal on the successful and peaceful conduct of the presidential election, noting that the scenario of successful elections in West African countries is a sign of hope that democracy has come to stay in the sub-region.

While wishing the Senegalese people peace, stability and progress, President Buhari looked forward to working with President Sall to advance existing bilateral cooperation in various fields for the benefits of their citizens.

At the sub-regional level, the Nigerian leader expressed readiness to partner with his Senegalese counterpart to achieve greater progress in the economic, governance, peace, security and humanitarian fields.

Sall’s opponents, Seck, who came second and Ousmane Sonko, who placed third with 16 percent, said in a joint statement: “We firmly and full heartedly reject these results. [Sall] has disregarded the will of the people.”

“We will not make an appeal to the constitutional council,” they added, without specifying what their next move might be.

More than 66 percent of 6.7 million registered voters took part in the election.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/buhari-congratulates-macky-sall-for-winning-fresh-term/

@Naija Politico

The Federal High Court Abuja, on Thursday, sentenced AVM Tony Omenyi to seven years in prison for receiving N136 million bribe from Nigerian Air force, (NAF) contractors.

Delivering judgment, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, said that he was satisfied that the prosecution had proved its case and testimonies of its witnesses were not controverted.

NAN reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), arraigned Omenyi, for receiving N136 million kick back from Syrius Technologies and Sky Experts Limited , two contractors of the Nigeria Air Force.

Naija Politico learnt that he was charged on three counts bordering on abuse of office and money laundering but pleaded not guilty.

“The court did not believe that the evidence given by Omenyi in his defence was credible.

“The defence was a sham,” the judge held.

The judge noted that if actually the money the defendant received from Mrs Theresa Etu, a NAF contractor was a refund as he claimed, the said expenditure should have had receipts to show for it.

“For example the N15 million he said he helped her pay for refueling of two aircraft, he should have received a receipt from those who refuelled but no receipt or invoice was tendered in court by the defence.”

The judge wondered what motivation the defendant had in expending his own money in executing a contract on behalf of a contractor.

He further noted that it was pertinent for a public office holder to operate at arms length with a contractor, particularly one that was working for the office in which he had due influence over.

He further wondered how the defendant could claim to have made expenditure on behalf of Etu when he was a co-owner of the business she operated and her business partner.

The judge pronounced that:” In view of the above, I find the defendants guilty and convict them accordingly.

He sentenced the convict to seven years in prison on each of the three counts preferred against him to run concurrently with effect from Thursday.

He also ordered that the N62 million recovered from him by the EFCC be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The judge further made an order that the convict’s company, which was the second defendant in the suit be wound up having being used as a conduit pipe to perpetrate economic fraud.

Omenyi had said in his defence that the monies he received from Etu, were refunds for services he undertook on her behalf.

Counsel to the convict, Mr Gordy Uche had appealed to the judge to temper justice with mercy particularly since the convict was a first time offender and had served the country meritoriously.

The Prosecutor, Mr Mohammed Abubakar confirmed that the agency had no record of a previous conviction.

He urged the court to, inline with Section 15(4) of the Money Laundering Act, make an order winding up the second defendant, since it was a company registered in Nigeria.

Omenyi, retired, was the former Managing Director of Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited (AETSL), a company owned by the Nigeria Air Force.

In the cause of the trial, the first prosecution witness, Mr Hassan Saidu, an EFCC Principal Detective, informed the court that the investigation of the defendant was triggered by a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

He said that the letter had alleged that the defendant was operating suspicious accounts.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/avm-omenyi-goes-to-jail-for-receiving-n136m-bribe/

@Naija Politico

Alhaji Buba Galadima, one of the spokespersons of the defeated presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party has resurfaced days after he was allegedly arrested by Department of State Services.

News about Galadima’s arrest was spread by the PDP spin doctors, but the DSS promptly denied he was in its custody.

Naija Politico learnt that the spokesperson of the DSS, Peter Afunanya denied that he was arrested by the secret agency.

On Wednesday, Galadima appeared at the Press Conference addressed by Atiku in Abuja, apparently coming out from hiding.

Galadima’s arrest rumour was triggered by a statement credited to the spokesman of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo.

Keyamo on Sunday called on security agencies to arrest Galadima for allegedly plotting to announce Atiku Abubakar of the PDP winner of the presidential election.

This was quickly followed by ‘news’ that Galadima was arrested by DSS.

The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police (DCP) Frank Mba said the police were not aware of Galadima’s arrest.

His wife, Hajiya Fanna Galadima on Tuesday told Daily Trust that she received a handwritten letter at about 6 am, signed by her husband with assurances of his good health.

His son Dr Shettima Galadima, said the letter was brought to the gate of the house by an unidentified person.

Buba Galadima in the letter told them not to be apprehensive and did not disclose his whereabouts.

According to Daily Trust, Hajiya Fanna said Galadima was “arrested” moments after he drove out of the house. She claimed that an unmarked vehicle was noticed patrolling up and down their street in Wuse 2, Abuja before the alleged arrest.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/arrested-buba-galadima-surfaces-at-atikus-press-conference/

@Naija Politico

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained the Kwara state Commissioner of Finance, Nurudeen Banu and the Accountant General of the State, Sulaiman Ishola, over investigations into alleged slush funds for 2019 elections.

Daily Trust reported that the duo are being held at the Ilorin, Kwara state Zonal head office of the anti-graft agency to explain the utilisation of over N1 billion fund received from a commercial bank a few days to the election.

Both Banu and Ishola, are being held to explain why the money was received and how it was disbursed, the newspaper reported.

The EFCC had been asked by the Kwara Coalition for Good Governance and Accountability (KWARA-CGGA) to probe the over N1billion loan the State Government secured from a bank a few days before the general elections.

The secretary general of the group, Hassan Omoiya said it had intelligence that the state government obtained the loan on 13 February from a first generation bank using the remittance of Kwara State VAT allocation due in February and March 2019 as collateral.

“We urge the EFCC and indeed the Federal Ministry of Finance to determine the appropriateness of utilisation of credit facility of N1 billion by Kwara State Government at the twilight of general election.”

“The status of VAT Account as collateral for the credit facility in the absence of prior approval and authorization from Debt Management Office and Federal Ministry of Finance in tandem with extant laws and regulation on granting of loan to State Governments.

“It is our expectation that your investigation will extend to individuals and corporate institutions that participated in the unwholesome act with a view of prosecuting the affected individuals and institutions with attendant cost and penalty.”

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/efcc-detains-banu-kwara-finance-commissioner-accountant-general/

@Naija Politico

Prince Tony Momoh, former Minister of Information, on Wednesday advised the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Feb. 23 election, Atiku Abubakar to concede defeat and congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari.

Momoh gave the advice in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos while reacting to the declaration of Buhari as winner of the polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu while announcing the results of the polls on Wednesday in Abuja, said the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari polled 15,191,847 votes to the defeat his PDP counterpart, Atiku, who polled 11,255,978 votes.

Atiku had in a statement described the results as questionable, saying he would challenge it in court.

Momoh said Atiku would earn respect, nationally and international, if he accepts the outcome of the results as the wish of the people.

The former minister also advised Atiku not to go to court but call to congratulate Buhari like former President Goodluck Jonathan did in 2015.

He said the singular act made Jonathan an instant hero, adding that Atiku could earn the same status if he allows national interest to rise above his personal ambition.

“A beautiful thing happened shortly after the results were announced in the 2015 general elections; Jonathan called the winner (Buhari) and congratulated him.

“That singular act not only made Jonathan a respected national figure, but also an international figure.

“Therefore, as a national leader, I will call on our friend, Atiku to call Buhari and congratulate him.

“That will make him not just a national figure like Jonathan, but also an international figure.

“Though court is an option, I advise him not to go to court because time will tell if he will get any reckoning after doing so.

“He should not allow anybody to deceive him, instead, he should immediately call Buhari to congratulate him,“ Momoh said.

Momoh said he believed the outcome of the election reflected the wishes of the people, adding that it was the aggregate of the results from polling units across the country.

He said that INEC had done what was expected of it as an impartial electoral umpire.

Momoh said that he advised Atiku not because he did not believe in the court to seek redress as he went to court with Buhari in 2003, 2007 and 2011 to challenge election results.

Naija Politico learnt that the former Minister said he only gave the advice because Atiku would earn respect by conceding defeat, rather than challenging what he called the will of the people.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/emulate-jonathan-congratulate-buhari-tony-momoh-tells-atiku/

@Naija Politico

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI DURING THE PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF RETURN BY INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE ABUJA

27TH FEBRUARY 2019

Protocol

I am grateful to God for sparing our lives to witness another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development – namely conclusion of the Presidential election in an overwhelmingly peaceful manner.

2. I wish, Mr Chairman, to congratulate all the Presidential candidates and their teams on a hard-fought campaign. We may have had different views during the campaign, but the one thing most of us have in common is love of our country and our desire to improve conditions for Nigerians.

3. From the comments of several observers both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.

4. Now that the elections are over, and a winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country. That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat. Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition. All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future.

5. I therefore want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. Our Government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open. That is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous, and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices.

6. The hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, building on the foundations of peace, rule of law and opportunities for all. We will roll up our sleeves afresh, and give it our all. We have no other motive than to serve Nigeria with our hearts and might, and build a nation which we and generations to come can be proud of.

7. I am very grateful to the over 15 million citizens who voted for me, those who contributed in many ways in the running of our successful campaign, and those at home and abroad who expressed confidence in me and the APC Government. I thank you all.

8. I can assure that you will see a country moving to the Next Level, as we consolidate on our fundamental areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. Many other focal areas, as stated in our campaign manual, will be added, to the good things we plan for our country.

9. Let me pay tribute here to those who lost their lives either through accidents or mindless violence during the course of these elections. My heart and thoughts are with the families of the victims. May God comfort and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

10. Election is not war, and should never be seen as a do or die affair. I pray that we all accept this democratic approach to elections, however contentious.

Thank you all and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/buharis-full-speech-while-receiving-certificate-of-return/

@Naija Politico

Dear Nigerians,First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God Who has spared our lives to witness another victory for Nigerian democracy and victory for our party APC.I thank the millions of Nigerians who voted to re-elect me as your president for the next four years. I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to you for judging me worthy of continuing to serve you and for your peaceful conduct.In particular, I would like to thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his masterful leadership as Co-chair of the Campaign Council.

I would like to also thank the Party Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, the Director General of the Campaign Council Rotimi Amaechi, all members of the Presidential Campaign Council and other various Support Groups.My grateful thanks to all those who contributed to the logistical expenses of the campaign in such a vast country like Nigeria.Vice President Yemi OsinbajoI also thank the millions of volunteers, self-appointed overseers, canvassers, agents, escorts and sentries who sacrificed so much of their time and resources to ensure the success of these elections.

I do not have the words adequate to thank them.Although Saturday’s elections were relatively peaceful, troublemakers in a handful of states attempted to disrupt an otherwise orderly process. Security agencies will bring to justice all those arrested in the process.I am very sad at the grievous loss of lives during these elections. Security agencies will step up their efforts to protect voters in the forthcoming State elections.I would like to commend our security agencies, as severely overstretched as they are, for handling the difficult task of securing the country during the election period.

I will like to make a special appeal to my supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition. Victory is enough reward for your efforts.We give thanks also to our Domestic and International observers for contributing to the success of our elections and for their interest in our country and our developing democracy.The new Administration will intensify its efforts in Security, Restructuring the Economy and Fighting Corruption.

We have laid down the foundation and we are committed to seeing matters to the end. We will strive to strengthen our unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group will feel left behind or left out.

I thank you for your support and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/buhari-to-supporters-dont-humiliate-oppositionstatement/

@Naija Politico

Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso has asked the people of Kano state to accept the results of the presidential and national assembly elections in good faith.

The Video is contained in the twitter handle of Bashir Ahmad. You can watch it here

HAUSA: Sen Rabi’u Kwankwaso speaks on Saturday’s election result; asks Kano people to accept the results in good faith and be calm. #NigeriaDecides pic.twitter.com/Q6tXDvMjNl

— Bashir Ahmad, OON (@BashirAhmaad) February 26, 2019

The bigwig of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spoke in Hausa to placate the people over the loss.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) won all the three senatorial seats and many seats of the House of Representatives.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar failed to make the minimum 25 per cent of the votes cast in Kano and Yobe States, according to the results announced by INEC.

In the result announced in Kano, Muhammadu Buhari of the APC polled 1,464,768 (78.9%) of the vote cast, while Atiku Abubakar of the PDP polled 391,573 (21.1%).

A candidate must win at least 25 per cent of the votes in two thirds of the state, apart from winning majority votes to win the presidential election.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/kwankwaso-counsels-supporters-over-loss/

@Naija Politico

The President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki has accepted the outcome of the Kwara Central Senatorial elections which he lost and has congratulated those who emerged.

In a statement issued by Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu made available to Naija Politico, Saraki said that he was wishing those who emerged best of luck in spite of the reported inadequacies.

The statement reads:

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has stated that in spite of the reported inadequacies that attended last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in Kwara State, he is wishing the candidates who emerged from the election the best of luck.

Dr. Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu stated that while the election was generally peaceful there are inadequacies like the card readers not used in over 70 percent of the polling units while there were multiple voting, over-voting and other discrepancies that were reported by agents of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) across the state. He added that the state chapter of his party will take a position on the right response to these inadequacies.

“However, whatever the final outcome of the election, I wish the candidates that have emerged all the best in their attempts to serve our people. It is my prayers that the good people of Kwara State will always have the best from any government both at state and federal levels.

“As a product of a family and a political structure that is, from its foundation, devoted to the service and development of our state and its people, it is my wish that our people will always have a good deal at all times. The new development will even provide the people the opportunity to compare and contrast. After all, the people who have emerged from last Saturday’s election are not my enemies. They are fellow Kwarans.

“As we prepare for the March 9, 2019 Governorship and House of Assembly elections, let me reiterate my position that the candidates of the PDP in the election represent the best materials for our dear State, Kwara. Therefore, I enjoin our people to come out en mass on Election Day and vote for them. I am going to work with our party leaders to further sell the PDP candidates to the general public.

“I thank all Nigerians for their goodwill and to enjoin all of us that as we patiently await the outcome of the Presidential election, we pray for peace, unity and genuine development in our country. It is also our prayers that at all times, the wish of the people will always prevail in the choice of the leadership and the electorate will always enjoy the benefit of good governance”, Saraki stated.

Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to Senate President

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/kwara-central-saraki-accepts-defeat-congratulates-winner/

slivertongue:
even GMB won't believe this sycophant

Aswear
Oshiomole and Ameachi will just be looking at the sycophant

@Naija Politico

President Muhammadu Buhari will secure between 70 and 80 per cent of total votes to be cast in Saturday’s presidential election, Sen. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters said.

Enang, who spoke with State House correspondents on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, made available to Naija Politico said Buhari has demonstrated his commitment towards a free, fair and credible election.

He said the greatest re-assurance Buhari gave Nigerians is his stance that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ought to have been ready having being preparing for three and half years for the election.

“This has shown that Buhari is a democrat and is not in any manner capable of being accused of working in tandem to postpone the election.

`He is a true democrat; and that he is confident as all of us are that in the Saturday’s election, all Nigerians, great majority of Nigerians, 70 to 80 per cent of Nigerians will vote for him.

“From the campaigns on the field, all the feelers we had, the support we got from the East, the West, the South, the North and all parts of the country Buhari is the best person to go for a second term as president.

“This makes us confident. I am sure that in every state of the federation, Buhari is able to show what he has done.

“ In every state of the federation, the president showed that he is not partial, that he is not in any manner tilted in favour of one state against the other,’’ he said.

The special assistant said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is upbeat on victory going by the level of support it has garnered across the country.

According to him, Buhari has shown that he is a president for all and exclusively for none.

Enang said the president is for the rich, the poor, the unable, and every strata of the society as he has identified with everybody.

He said there were pointers that the APC would not only win presidential election, but secure the majority of seats in the House of Representatives and the senate.

On whether there would be sanctions against INEC, he said what the commission deserved is support and comfort to conduct a credible election.

On interference from the international community, Enang said that there is need to maintain diplomatic protocol.

“And when you are in a country, you are subjected to the laws of that country; there are limitations and red lines, which you must not cross.

“When you cross the red lines in diplomacy, you are capable of being declared persona non grata.

“But Nigeria has not gotten to that stage and that is why it is issuing simple reminders as to what is the best international practice in diplomacy,’’ he said.

On destruction of electoral materials in some states, he said he was confident that INEC would replace them before the rescheduled date for the poll.

He also expressed optimism that APC would win in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/buhari-will-win-70-80-percent-of-the-votes

wirinet:
This is Mbu's full statement;


In another occasion he made this speech;


So your hero Joseph Mbu was not talking about self defence, he was talking of Revenge.

Did he make this statement same time he made the one i posted?

@Naija Politico

Chief Kingsley Moghalu, presidential candidate of the Young People’s Party (YPP), says the endorsement of a particular candidate by Ohaneze Ndi Igbo is in vain.

Moghalu disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Awka.

Naija Politico learnt that the President General of the Igbo Socio-cultural group, John Nwodo, endorsed the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Nwodo said Atiku’s endorsement was for the sake of Peter Obi. However, the endorsement raised a lot of controversy within and outside the group.

Days after Atiku’s endorsement, the Secretary-General of the same group, Uche Okwukwu, endorsed the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking during the interview, Moghalu insisted that the group or its leaders had no power to influence the voting pattern of the Igbos.

He said youths in South East are now wise to know who to vote for and not for Ohaneze to compel them on what to do.

“We in the South East now know that our elders in Ohaneze have been economical with the truth, they tell us what they want us to believe for reasons best known to them.

“This time around the youth in the region have decided to vote for candidates that appeal to them in terms of development plans for the country,” he said.

Moghalu said he has done much for Nigerians to deserve their votes in Feb. 23, poll.

“I did so much for the country while serving as the deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“I introduced POS services; the ATM card was also my initiative as well as Bank Verification Number (BVN) for identification of accounts.

“I did all these to make the economy vibrant, it is also my contribution towards making ease of doing business possible.

“If given the chance, I will do more for the country to enable it join the league of developed countries where youths will be proud to stay and earn their living,” he said.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/ohaneze-deceiving-buhari-atiku-cant-influence-igbo-voting-moghalu/

Baawaa:
You are a liar,Mbu said we should not wait after we cast our vote and Jega saiid we should wait so we can participate in counting

Is that what I posted, Mbu said the police should shoot in self defence against ballot snatchers.
Buhari says even if the ballot snatcher is not armed, shoot and kill him

Nigeria: Polls - Mbu Orders Police to Shoot Electoral Offenders in Self- Defence

The Assistant Inspector General of
Police, Zone 2. AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu, Thursday
ordered his men to shoot any electoral offenders who first shoot at his men, as a means of self-defence during the general election.
Mbu who was visited the state Command, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. while lecturing the policemen on the general election.

And in reaction

Nigeria: APC Blasts Mbu for Advocating Killing of Civilians

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed the Inspector General Of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 command, Joseph Mbu over statements and utterances recently credited to him saying the utterances are capable of inciting mass killings, violence and anarchy.
The party in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described Mbu as a lawless and barbaric policeman who should urgently be called to order by his boss before he starts another around of nihilism in his new posting.

Same thing rejected by APC when PDP was in government and it was used as self defence and not for mindless shooting at people.
APC entered power and had to do every condemnable act committed by the then PDP government.
And not just that, this time, not in self defence.

Supporters of APC will say why are we afraid if we dont intend snatching ballot boxes?
But does it mean that if I condemn jungle justice on a criminal that I am also a criminal?
And with our trigger happy military and police force, the innocent wont be spared of stray bullets when such happen in a polling unit.

The question is what was the change promised by APC in 2015?

@Naija Politico

The leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo Youths Worldwide, has urged Igbo youths not to be demoralised by the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly Election.

The National President of Ohaneze Ndigbo’s Youth Wing, Mr Arthur Obiorah, made the appeal while addressing newsmen in Awka, on Monday.

Obiorah urged them to rather view the development as one of God’s divine plans for a better future for the country.

“As Christians, let us believe God is preparing us for better things, a better level in the near future of our dear country.

“I know it is not easy, but I want them to know it is a sacrifice we must all make to get the country working again,” he said.

He charged the youths to remain resolute and prepare to cast their votes overwhelmingly on Feb. 23 and March 9.

Obiorah, however, said the body had not changed its position of voting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Mr Peter Obi.

“The Ohaneze Ndigbo Ime-Obi has issued a statement to state where the Igbo belong; in restructuring we believe and in Atiku/Obi presidential ticket we believe because of their promise.

“The youth wing of Ohaneze Ndigbo is keeping to the rules of Ime-Obi Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, to support the joint ticket of Atiku/Obi presidential slot in the interest of the Igbos.’’

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/ohaneze-ndigbo-urges-igbo-youths-to-vote-on-feb-23/

@Naija Politico

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has debunked a statement by Doyin Okupe, crediting Senate President Bukola Saraki with his appointment in 2015, Naija Politico learnt.

The Minister’s Office described Okupe’s statement as a bold-face lie. Okupe is the Special Adviser (Media) to the Director General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council.

“The entire statement by Dr. Okupe is nothing but fiction writing, for which he deserves a hall of infamy award (in the fiction writing segment). Not one of the claims he made in his statement is true”, said Segun Adeyemi, special media adviser to the minister.

“For the record, Alhaji Lai Mohammed owes his appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to President Muhammadu Buhari and no one else. It is therefore laughable that anyone will seek to take credit for that appointment.

“We challenge Dr. Okupe, who concocted the story in question, to make available to Nigerians any evidence he may have to support his assertion that the President sought the permission of Dr. Saraki to appoint Alhaji Mohammed as Minister.

“We understand that Dr. Okupe’s cheap attempt at mud-throwing is nothing but a proxy fight, rooted deeply in the politics of Kwara State.

“We are aware that Dr. Okupe’s boss is feeling the heat emanating from the ‘O To Ge’ (enough is enough) movement in Kwara, and that even the strongest of men will become disoriented and disillusioned at losing the support of a people who once venerated them to high heavens. But that is a self-inflicted wound for which Okupe’s boss, an acclaimed slave master, has no one but himself to blame.

“Alhaji Mohammed is very proud to lead the ‘O To Ge’ movement that is set to finally bring down the Berlin Wall of political hegemony in Kwara State and send Dr. Okupe’s boss into political oblivion. That will also free Dr. Okupe himself from merely being his master’s voice, so he can fully devote his time to his new-found pastime – fiction writing”.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/saraki-did-not-make-me-minister-lai-mohammed/

@Naija Politico

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), has said it was time to hold accountable, any state institutions that strive to weaken democracy.

Oshiomhole spoke on Monday at the opening of the meeting of the caucus of APC in Abuja to deliberate on the rescheduled elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari was in a position to call such institutions to order.

Accusing INEC for having hidden agenda in the general elections, he said: “We must insist that elections should not be compromised and the Residents Electoral Commissioners (REC) that have compromised the elections should be made to account.’’

He said that APC would formally forward a letter to the Chairman of INEC. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to extract explanations to some vexing issues arising from the postponement of the elections.

For instance, INEC reported it was reconfiguring 180,000 card readers meant for 176,000 polling units, thus calling to question if the remaining 4,000 were enough to cope with emergencies.

He accused INEC of trying to deliberately deny the ruling APC of votes in its stronghold, explaining that the electoral body should have made provision for additional 176,000 card readers for emergency.

Oshiomhole asked INEC to explain what it was doing differently to address the sample ballot papers and result sheets already in public domain.

He said that INEC should tell Nigerians what it was doing between now and Saturday when the presidential and NASS elections would be conducted.

“INEC violated our confidence and must try to convince us to regain it,’’ he said.

He also said that APC would continue campaign as INEC had no power to ban campaigns said the action was illegal and unconstitutional.

“We are entitled to resume campaign until 24 hours to the elections.’’

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/erring-states-institutions-must-account-oshiomhole/

@Naija Politico

Following the opposition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ban on electioneering during the one week extension of poll, the commission will meet today to review the restriction.

INEC, according to its national chairman’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, would meet to review its position and decide whether or not to reopen campaigns.

The two leading parties have argued that the commission’s restriction has no basis in law.

The PDP also alleged that fresh facts have confirmed that officials of the federal government and the APC have been sabotaging INEC in a well-orchestrated plot to engineer staggered presidential election, contrary to simulated stance by the presidency and the party’s National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole.

The main opposition party also urged the electoral body to rescind its decision on the suspension of campaigns by political parties, a position backed by the Director of Strategic Communications of the ruling party’s Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, who described as illegal, the decision of INEC not to allow political parties to engage in further campaigns, despite the postponement of the presidential election to Saturday.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/inec-meets-over-ban-on-campaign/

@Naija Politico

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked Nigerians to blame successive governments since 1999 and the National Assembly responsible for the postponement of Saturday’s presidential election.

That will mean blaming 16 years of PDP administration and less than four years of APC for the election fiasco.

“Given the increasing tendency to postpone elections and the cumulative failures and corruption over the years, SERAP would, after the elections, pursue appropriate legal action against the government in power and the National Assembly leadership for the catalogue of breaches of constitutional and international obligations, and seek effective remedies for the citizens,”SERAP said.

In a statement signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare and made available to Naija Politico, the organization said: “The postponement of Nigeria’s elections since 2007 shows a systemic failure of leadership at the highest level of government, and suggests that our electoral process is deliberately skewed in favour of politicians’ interests, who continue to profit from the corruption and impunity that have characterised the process since 1999, and against those of the citizens.”

“Calling for the resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu rather than addressing the root causes of persistent postponement of elections is a blatant attempt by politicians to scapegoat the electoral commission.”

“While the INEC leadership ought to proactively push for reform of the electoral system, successive governments and leadership of the National Assembly that have the legal responsibility but have remained largely impervious to revolutionary change of the electoral system, should be held to account for this fundamental breach of public trust.”

“Foisting outdated electoral system on Nigerians, and spending huge public funds to sustain it, seems in uneasy tension with constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s international obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance to which Nigeria is a state party.”

“Rather than prioritising genuine and comprehensive reforms of the electoral system that would upgrade and modernize our voting processes, successive governments and leadership of the National Assembly would seem to prefer the status quo, presumably to undermine citizens’ right to participation and to continue to profit from the corruption and impunity that the current system and processes breed.”

“It is clear that the current electoral process is vulnerable to corruption but politicians would seem to have little incentive to comprehensively reform, upgrade and modernise it. It is unlikely that either the federal government or the National Assembly would take the steps necessary to sort out our electoral system, and improve transparency, accountability and integrity of the electoral process.”

“We urge Nigerians to take more active role in the fight against corruption, including by putting pressure on the authorities at the federal and state levels and the National Assembly to comprehensively reform, upgrade and modernize our electoral system and processes. Otherwise, citizens’ right to participate in the governance system will remain a ‘hollow right’.”

“Given that the right to vote is considered a part of an individual’s fundamental right to political participation, persistent postponement of elections in the country raises serious questions about the legitimacy and integrity of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.”

“Persistent failure to upgrade and modernize the electoral system has effectively relegated the right of participation to paper tiger status, undermining the ability of citizens to genuinely participate in the fight against corruption and to hold their leaders to account. Yet, a transparent, accountable and modernized electoral process is a prerequisite to the effective exercise of citizenship in a democratic society.”

“No right is more precious in a democratic country than that of having a voice in the election of those who represent us. That voice is not lost when the electoral process is skewed in favour of politicians’ interests and against the Nigerian voters. Other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined by the collective failure to upgrade and modernize the country’s electoral processes.”

“It is time to push for revolutionary changes in how Nigeria conducts its elections. The changes should effectively deploy modern technology, which has been successfully used in the business and other sectors in the country. Such changes may include the introduction of a national system of Internet voting, to innovative ideas on how to adapt the election systems to facilitate participation by different sectors of the population, to conform with twenty-first century elections.”

“The postponement is the by-product of a systemic and collective failure by successive governments and National Assembly leadership to provide Nigerians with reliable, efficient and secured electoral system, which has continued to undermine public confidence in elections as well as the public’s right to vote and participate in their own government.”

“SERAP would also deploy the Freedom of Information Act to seek information on details of spending by INEC since 1999, as part of our initiatives to improve transparency and accountability of governmental operations and promote respect for citizens’ right to participate in the processes of government and governance in the country.”

“SERAP notes that postponement of general elections has become a recurring feature of the country’s electoral process. For example, the 2007 general elections witnessed late arrival of election materials from South Africa in April of that year, contributing to denying millions of voters their right to political participation.”

“SERAP also notes that the 2011 general election suffered the same organizational lapses, with the elections postponed for two days after it had commenced. In 2015, the government of former president Goodluck Jonathan postponed the election for six weeks on the pretext that it needed time to reclaim the local governments reportedly taken over by the Boko Haram terrorist group.”

“The INEC on the morning of the elections shifted presidential and National Assembly elections to 23rd February, 2019. The Governorship, State House of Assembly and the FCT Area Council Elections are to hold on 9th March, 2019.”

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/serap-blames-pdp-apc-governments-nass-for-polls-fiasco/

@Naija Politico

The Nigerian Army female team has emerged the overall first winner of the third edition of the West African Military Semi-Marathon Tournament that took place at Niamey, Niger Republic.

The men’s team won the third position at event on Saturday.

The Semi- Marathon Event which was organised by the Niger Republic Defence Headquarters in conjunction with the West African Military Sports Organisation, featured male and female participants.

According to Colonel Sagir Musa, the army spokesman, the marathon was organised to build friendship amongst the militaries of the West African region.

In the Female Individual Events, LCpl Naomi Yunana won the gold medal, while Pte Amos Unity got Silver .

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has congratulated the team on the feat achieved, Sagir Musa said.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/nigerian-armys-female-team-wins-west-african-marathon/

@Naija Politico

Election Observation Missions of the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), United Nations (UN) and others have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to finalise all preparations and ensure that the new election dates are adhered to.

They said this in a joint statement signed by eight organisations and made available to the Naija Politico on Saturday, in light of the postponement of the general elections.

Other signatories to the statement are the election observation missions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commonwealth Observer Group and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa.

Some others are the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute.

They also said that INEC should provide regular updates and information to the public on its preparations in the coming days and weeks to enhance confidence and trust in the process.

The observers also called on Nigerians to remain calm and support the electoral process.

Text of the Joint Statement

We, the Heads of the international election observation missions and the United Nations present in Nigeria, have taken note of the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the 2019 general elections due to logistical and operational challenges.

While we note that this decision has caused disappointment for many, we call on all Nigerians to continue to remain calm and supportive of the electoral process as INEC works to implement its new timeline.

We urge INEC to use this time to finalise all preparations and ensure that the new election dates are strictly adhered to. We encourage INEC to provide regular updates and information to the public on its preparations in the coming days and weeks to enhance confidence and trust in the process.

As we continue to closely observe preparations across the country, we stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria in their desire for credible and peaceful elections.

1. Economic Community of West African States Election Observation Mission – Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia

2. African Union Election Observation Mission – His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia

3. Commonwealth Observer Group – His Excellency Dr Jakaya Kikwete, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania

4. Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa Election Observation Mission – His Excellency Rupiah Banda, Former President of Zambia

5. European Union Election Observation Mission – Maria Arena, Belgian Member of the European Parliament

6. National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute Election Observation Mission – His Excellency Festus Mogae, Former President of Botswana and Her Excellency Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, Former President of Latvia

7. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Ambassador Boubakar Adamou, Director of African Political Affairs

8. United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/election-postponement-observation-missions-urge-for-calm/