The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled election in at least 124 polling units in disputed areas in the state.

Head of Voter Education and Publicity in the state, Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, listed the affected areas to include Southern Ijaw, Ogbia and Brass Local Government Areas (LGA).


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had raised the alarm that elections did not take place in several parts of Bayelsa as the elections were highly militarised and characterised by intimidation, ballot snatching and manipulation of results.

Ifogah noted that a stakeholders’ meeting would be held with all concerned parties before the elections to acquaint them with their roles during the rescheduled polls.

According to the INEC boss, while elections will be conducted in six polling units in Brass, it will be carried out in 65 units in Ogbia, while in Southern Ijaw, 53 polling units would be affected.

Meanwhile, a PDP governorship aspirant in Bayelsa, Mr Keniebi Okoko, has said that INEC was yet to justify the huge resources made available to the electoral umpire by the federal government.

He noted that with the amount that was budgeted for the elections, the problem of logistics and Information Technology infrastructure shouldn’t be a problem for INEC.

Speaking during an interview in his country home in Yenagoa, Okoko, the businessmen and cleric, noted that the world had moved beyond the use of thumbprint in elections and urged Nigeria to embrace technology in the conduct of elections.

He also condemned the use of the military in the elections, describing it as an aberration.

He said: “In every democratic nation, the military man at any point in time is not supposed to be seen by any civilian. His duty post is in the barracks, combat ready to defend the sovereignty of the nation, combat ready to defend the borders of his nation with integrity.

“The duty of the military is to uphold the dignity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have not seen it in any civilised democratic nation where you deploy the military for elections. I have not seen,” he explained.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/fresh-elections-to-hold-in-124-polling.html

Abia State chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Hon. Chidi Nwosu, has urged the National Assembly and the presidency to comprehensively amend the Electoral Act to stipulate measures that would eliminate ‘cancerous and perennial electoral dysfunction in the country’s electoral system.’

Nwosu, who spoke to journalists in Umuahia, said after assessing both the national and state elections in the state, his party discovered that the gubernatorial and state Assembly polls in the state were characterized by massive irregularities.

He listed ballot snatching, harassment of voters, manipulation of results’ figures at Ward, LGAs and collation centres, use of some already uploaded Card Readers, which were found to be in bad working condition, as some of the anomalies. He added that at local councils and state constituencies collation, collation officers entered arbitrary figures, “in fact, rather allocated figures to parties of their interest, whereas it was a premeditated ploy to manipulate election results.”


This is just as stakeholders in Imo North and Okiwge South, led by Senator Nneji Achonu, enjoined Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain the delay in announcing the results of election in the constituencies.

The stakeholders’ intervention followed agitations in Imo State over INEC’s delay in announcing the result of the senatorial election for Imo North and Okigwe South Senatorial Districts, which were concluded on March 9, 2019. They listed the candidates for Imo North as Hon. Engr. Patrick Ndubueze (PDP), Charles Onyirimba (APGA), Ndubuisi Emenike (AA), and Senator Ben Uwajumogu (APC).

According to the stakeholders, the Returning Officer for Imo North, Prof. Ohajianya, allegedly announced Ben Uwajumogu as winner even while collation was still in progress, recalling that due to massive outcry and prompt intervention of INEC head quarters, the announcement was not recognized, and no Certificates of Return were issued in respect of the two constituencies.

“We gathered reliably in Owerri that the results have been moved to INEC headquarters,” the stakeholders stated, stressing that in the Federal House Okigwe South, the candidates were Jonas Okeke (PDP), Emeka Nwajiuba (Accord Party) and Achike Okafor (APC).

“After the first election on April 23, INEC ordered a rerun in Isiala Mbano LGA, Ehime-Mbano LGA and some polling units in Onuimo LGA, Ihite Uboma and Obowo due to irregularities. Till now final results are yet to be announced,” they added.

The Abia SDP chairman disclosed that Election officials, especially Ward and LGA Collation Officers compromised their positions by entering figures that never emanated from unit results Form (EC 8B) on Ward and LGA results EC 8B and EC 8C respectively.

To buttress his claim, he said SDP governorship candidate, Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nwagba, was allocated 2,191 votes, whereas his party presented 4,062 committed party agents in the 4,062 voting points in Abia State.

He added: “The electoral officers, by their conduct and actions, compromised their offices and positions. For the enthronement of good governance at all spheres and structure of the country so that poverty is reduced to its minimum, political parties should present only their credible members for elective offices.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/abia-sdp-faults-polls-as-imo.html

The Nigeria HIV/AIDs Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), 2018 has been inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari who made his first official appearance after the elections at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.

The survey which listed Akwa Ibom, Benue and Rivers states as having the highest prevalent rate of HIV/AIDS, is a data bank of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), a 3-year data covering 2019-2021 and the largest revised national HIV/AIDS Strategic framework.

Speaking at the launch, the president, who said there was no need yet to celebrate an HIV/AIDS free country, disclosed that there are still millions of people living with the pandemic who are yet to access treatment. He noted that data is crucial in combating HIV/AIDs, if the country is to succeed in getting rid of the scourge.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/no-need-yet-to-celebrate-hivaids-free.html

Dr Kayode Ajulo, a human rights lawyer, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately commence work on electoral reform in order to strengthen the country’s electoral process.

Ajulo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that the country could not afford a defective electoral process that allows for brigandage, voter apathy and manipulation.

According to the human right lawyer, it is imperative for the President to reform the electoral process as I do not see reasons people cannot go and vote with their Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

“Security agencies, journalists, health workers and other paramilitary should be able to vote and this is what the President should commence before his second term inauguration on May 29.,’’ he said.

He called for electoral reforms, particularly in states, saying that there was a need to address the issue of voter apathy as recorded in the March 9 Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

“If the President refused to embark on electoral reforms within 30 days, I will work in collaboration with the civil society and the international community to strengthen the discussion,” he said.

Ajulo said this against the backdrop of irregularities, manipulations and violence witnessed in the 2019 elections.

He said that the conduct of some political gladiators in the governorship and state House of Assembly elections was worrisome while commending Buhari for promising to leave a legacy of free and fair elections in Nigeria,

Buhari had on March 11 in Daura declared that he would want to be remembered as a leader who kept his words and that elections in Nigeria must be free, fair and credible.

The human right lawyer, however, called on Buhari to revisit the Justice Muhammed Uwais’ electoral reform which was set up by the late President Umar Yar’adua.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/commence-work-on-electoral-reform-now.html

It didn't surprise careful observers of Imo politics when earlier today, the erroneously declared governor-elect of Imo State was sighted at the residence of Chief Arthur Eze, where he was said to have gone to pledge his total allegiance to the Ukpo born billionaire. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is alleged to have got a bulk of his campaign funding and other technical supports from not just Arthur Eze, but other Anambra moneybags who are said to have fallen out with Governor Okorocha, over his refusal to share Imo's commonwealth with them.

Some Anambra billionaires led by Chief Arthur Eze are said to have coveted Imo, and would not miss any opportunity to annex Imo as part of their empire. Arthur Eze, a powerful godfather in Anambra politics had failed to install a stooge as governor in his own Anambra State, as his candidates in two previous governorship elections in the State were rejected, because Anambra voters were concerned about another Chris Ubah/ Chris Ngige saga playing out in their State again. Having failed to have his way in installing a stooge governor in his native Anambra State, Chief Arthur Eze was said to have looked in the direction of Imo as an option to achieve his godfather dreams. It is the general belief in some quarters that Chief Arthur Eze actually bankrolled some of Ihedioha's campaign expenses, while another Anambra billionaire, Sir Emeka Offor took another big chunk of expenses off his neck.

Chief Emeka Ihedioha was said to have gone to the Anambra billionaire's residence alongside the defeated Senatorial candidate of the PDP for Imo West Senatorial District, Hon. Jones Onyereri. Part of their discussions was said to have centered on how to upturn the victory of His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha as Senator-elect for Imo West Senatorial District and hand over the mandate to Jones Onyereri.

Some observers have expressed over the timing of this visit, warning that it would be dangerous to hand over the commonwealth of Imo State to some Anambra billionaires to the detriment of Imo's development and prosperity. According to Comrade Cletus Uwaoma, a human rights activist and social commentator; "Imo cannot afford to return to the hands of capitalist godfathers from Anambra State. I think the governor-elect was ill advised on this visit and he has alerted Imo people to where his loyalty lies, and we will be watching him closely from now on."

Mrs. Nkeiru Olumba from Ohaji-Egbema argued that it couldn't have been a mere coincidence that the Resident Electoral Commissioner who supervised the controversial election that produced Ihedioha as governor-elect is from Anambra and the first person Chief Ihedioha visited is an Anambra billionaire.

"There has been this insinuation that the Imo State REC is connected to Chief Arthur Eze, hence, his clear compromise during the election. With this visit to Arthur Eze by the governor-elect, there could be some credence in the allegation. But let's watch him, first."

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/how-imo-was-mortgaged-to-anambra.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responded to an allegation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it is working with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig elections in some states.

A statement by the PDP issued by Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP National Publicity Secretary and Director, Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, on Monday, had accused Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, of “overtly playing the script of the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) by declaring governorship elections in states where the PDP is in clear lead as inconclusive”.

PDP alleged that the INEC Chairman had become “overtly partisan, surrendered its independence to the APC and carries on as a compromised umpire with obnoxious impunity, thereby sending signals of being heavily bribed by the APC to alter results for its candidates”.

PDP also made references to states where elections were declared inconclusive.

However, the electoral commission has denied the claims by PDP, stating that its primary goal is to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

A statement issued by Rotimi Oyekanmi, spokesman to the INEC Chairman, on Monday, read: “It is quite unfortunate that at this particular period when the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) is busy trying to conclude the remaining governorship and state houses of assembly elections, the Peoples Democratic Party has embarked on making spurious and libelous allegations, without concrete proofs as usual.

“So far, the PDP has won in Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Enugu, Oyo, Abia, Cross River and Delta states according to the results declared by INEC. Interestingly, the PDP has not accused INEC of rigging the elections in these states.

“Sadly, the PDP has also not deemed it fit to commiserate with the families of our ad hoc staff and other Nigerians who lost their lives, including those who were injured in different parts of the country while trying to carry out their legitimate duties. This is rather unfortunate and regrettable.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission’s one and only interest in the 2019 general elections is to make votes count. It is to ensure free, fair and credible elections. When there is no interference with the electoral process and an election satisfies the provisions of the law, the Commission will always make a declaration of the results. But when there is interference or when an election fails to meet the requirements of the law, the Commission will not make a declaration.

“In the case of Rivers, the Commission was forced to suspend the election due to violence and threats to life, as a result of which it constituted a Fact Finding Committee to assess the situation and report back within 48 hours.

“In a couple of other states where a declaration was not immediately made, the elections did not meet the threshold required for such a declaration. The Commission will take the appropriate action prescribed by the law and make a declaration.”

The commission also appealed to Nigerians to “disregard allegations of bias being levelled against the Commission”.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/inec-responds-to-pdps-allegation-of.html

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen, who was suspended from office by President Muhammadu Buhari in January over assets declaration matters, was absent at his trial Tuesday by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, reportedly due to high blood pressure, it has been revealed.

The court had on Monday ordered a day-to-day trial of Justice Onnoghen over allegedly not declaring or disclosing his assets as prescribed by law, and for maintaining foreign bank accounts.

This was after the tribunal reserved ruling on his two applications challenging his trial till the day of its final judgment on the the substantive case.

However, when the trial resumed today, Onnoghen was absent in court.

‎His counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, explained his absence on medical grounds while tendering a medical report to support his claim.

The said report, among other things, stated that Justice Onnoghen was suffering from high blood pressure and needed a 72-hour bed rest.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/indicted-ex-chief-justice-onnoghen.html

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had for the past six weeks, put the application documents for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME/Direct Entry) on sale.The sale of the UTME and DE application documents commenced on Thursday, January 10th, 2019 and ended on Thursday, February 21st, 2019.

The number of candidates that registered for the 2019 UTME increased due to the fee slashed by the Federal Government from N5, 000 to N3, 500. Many candidates who were interviewed disclosed that they were encouraged to register when they discovered that they could afford the new fee.

The UTME is for candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics/monotechnics, innovative enterprise institutions and colleges of education. Direct Entry (DE) application is for direct admission to second year for first degree programmes. It is mandatory for all candidates to take the UTME to be eligible for admissions while the DE candidates would have had an advanced qualification before being considered for admission.

At the close of the sale of e-PIN on Thursday, February 21st, 1,855,633 million candidates had registered for the UTME and 93,748 candidates for DE application. Also 55,214 candidates who purchased the e-PIN on the last day were allowed to register before the close of registration on Monday, February 25th, 2019.

At the close of registration on Monday, February 25th, 2019, 1,881,488 million candidates registered for the 2019 UTME. In the 2016 UTME, before Prof. Is-haq Oloyede assumed office, the board registered 1,592,462 million candidates. An increase of 129,774 candidates was recorded in the 2017 UTME as the board registered 1,722,236 million candidates.

In 2017, the board introduced innovations such as profile creation to modification of the biometric capturing already in existence in the registration process to eliminate all forms of impersonationandimprovetheregistration process.

There was also asignificant improvement in the number of candidates registered in the 2018 exercise with much improved innovations which include live picture capturing, biometrics capturing of ten fingers. The process of profile creation was modified with candidates sending their names to a code for their profile to be registered.

This system made the registration process faster and eliminated cases of wrong spelling of names.The 2019 registration is peculiar in many forms. This is the first time in decades that the board application fee will be reviewed downward.

The slash triggered an upsurge of candidates registering for the 2019 UTME. Within six weeks, the board captured over 1.8 million candidates along with their biometrics, names and other forms of identities that could be used for the UTME and other developmental needs of the country.

The board at the commencement of the 2019 registration exercise announced that it would not reschedule it examination particularly for candidates with biometric challenges. It stated that all candidates whose fingers could not be captured at the point of registration must visit the headquarters of the board in Bwari, to have their issues addressed.

From the just concluded exercise, it was noticed that many of the challenges associated with biometric during registration were man-made. Before the close of the registration, about 50 candidates whose fingers could not be captured throughout the country were invited to the board’s headquarters, but only 22 out of that number reported for capturing.

Unlike the previous years’exercises where over 24, 000 candidates who claimed to have biometric challenges had their examinations rescheduled. It is the desire of the board that henceforth, all biometric challenges would be attended to at the board’s headquarters.

It is, therefore, imperative to note that the board has been able to surmount some of the challenges bedeviling not only candidates’registration but other aspects of national life as well with the courage of its convictions.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/jamb-registers-18m-candidates-for-utme.html

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its latest figures indicated that there were about 11.8 million licensed cars on Nigeria’s roads as at Q4 2018, compared to 11.6 million in the corresponding period of 2017.

According to the report, Nigeria witnessed a 2 per cent increase in the number of licensed cars Year- on -Year; that is between Q4 of 2018 and Q4 2017, respectively.

The NBS report disclosed that as at Q4 2018, commercial cars recorded the highest numbers of licensed cars on Nigeria’s roads, having made up 41% of the total cars.


Diplomatic cars recorded the least number of licensed cars, constituting of just 0.05% of the total licensed cars in Nigeria.

“With an estimated population of 198 million, Nigeria’s vehicle per population ratio is 0.06. Similarly, the Bureau’s report shows that 630,868 drivers’ licenses were produced in 2018”, the report said.


A total of 185,883 national drivers licenses were produced in Q4 2018

The number of recorded fresh licenses was 75,446, while the number of renewed licenses and reissued licenses stood at 14,802

Number plate production was put at 135,505 in Q4 2018.

Lagos and FCT produced the highest number of drivers’ licenses in Q4 2018

Zamfara and Kebbi States produced the least numbers of national drivers’ license in Q4 2018.

The report disclosed that with an increase in one car for every six people in Nigeria, the number of cars may have increased as at the fourth quarter of 2018; the reported increase in Nigeria’s population suggests the 2% increase is not a big deal. With Nigeria’s population pegged at 198 million, the figure implies that the country has only one car per six Nigerians.


Lagos State, according to the report leads states with highest number of driver’s license produced.In Q 2018, 42,402 licenses were produced, representing 22.8% of the total licenses produced.

Also, Abuja (FCT) and Oyo ranked second and third respectively with the highest number of driver’s license produced. FCT recorded 20,573 (11.1%) wile Oyo recorded 11.757 licenses representing 6.3% of the total licenses produced with the period under review.

However, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Yobe recorded the lowest number of licenses issued, with Zamfara (367), Kebbi (371) and Yobe (475).

“The number of people involved in road accident in 2018 increased by 19% in Q4 of 2018. According to the report, in Q4 2018, the number of people involved in road accident increased to 18,729, as against 15,696 people in Q4 2017. This represents a 19% increase in the number of road accidents Victims in Nigeria”, it said.

The report further showed that out of 3,495 vehicles involved in road accidents in Q4 2018, cars recorded the highest number with 1,312.

This is followed only by Minibus recording 821. Motorcycle recorded 747, while trucks involved in road accident were 460. The number of Tankers was 85 while Trailer recorded 182.

According to Bernstein’s Report, the total number of cars on the road around the world and kilometres flown in planes will nearly double by 2040. Cars are projected to reach the two billion mark by 2040, while air travel kilometres are set to hit 20 trillion in the same period.

“One of the economic impacts an increase in the number of cars has on the Nigerian economy is that more jobs will be created for automakers and car dealers. Although the Nigerian-based auto industry jobs have declined for several decades now, thousands of Nigerians still make a living designing, building and selling cars

“Beyond the initial purchase, every car continues to cost its owner money, hence, leading to a broader economic impact. For instance, cars require fuel, which itself constitutes a major expense. Regular maintenance and repair following an accident, along with car insurance, are all additional costs to car owners. It is also an opportunities for secondary businesses to thrive”, it said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/cars-on-nigerian-roads-hit-118-million.html

The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) Uche Nwosu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold the declaration of the winner of the election until the constitutionally outlined provisions are fulfilled.

Nwosu, who addressed journalists via a telephone chat, noted the leading candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, to be declared a winner must have met the mandatory 25 percent votes in at least two-third in the number of Local Government Areas where the election held.

According to him: “The constitution is clear that for a candidate to be declared a winner he must have the mandatory 25 per cent spread in at least two-thirds of the number of local government areas in the state.

“In this instance, the candidate of DP did not meet this requirement as he scored the mandatory spread in only 12 whereas it should be 18.”
Nwosu also alleged widespread irregularity in the three local government areas of Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu and Ezinihitte.

He wondered why the three local government areas could return such huge numbers in an election marred by voter apathy.

The AA candidate said: “This result is totally unacceptable and I am calling on INEC to declare the election inconclusive and arrange a fresh election within seven days as stipulated by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He also frowned at the conduct of INEC officials, who he alleged colluded with the PDP candidate to inflate the figures in the three contentious local government areas.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/imo-guber-poll-dont-declare-winner-yet.html

The collation of the results of the Imo State governorship election was suspended Monday morning when agents of a political party disposed officials of the result sheets and tore them.

The early morning incident forced electoral officials to flee their duties.

The agents were, however, arrested by security officials at the collation centre on Port Harcourt, Owerri while electoral officers ran for their safety.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/breaking-collation-of-results-suspended.html

The trial of suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Samuel Onnoghen over alleged non-declaration of assets will resume today before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Onnoghen at the last sitting pleaded not guilty to the six- count charge filed against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

He was accused of failure to declare his assets between June, 2005 and December, 2016 contrary to provisions of section 15(1) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 23(2) a, b, and c of the same Act.

Upon his plea, he was admitted to bail on self-recognizance.

Akelicious reports that while his arraignment was initially scheduled for January 14, the suspended CJN did not come to the tribunal. He also did not come to the tribunal on January 22, January 28, February 4 and February 13, which led the tribunal to issue a warrant for his arrest on February 13.

However, upon his presence at the tribunal on February 15, his lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN) asked that the bench warrant order be discharged with the defendant having appeared voluntarily without the execution of the bench warrant.

Delivering ruling on the application, the tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar held that “The bench warrant earlier issued, since the defendant made himself available voluntarily without the execution of the bench warrant, the tribunal hereby set aside the warrant on the condition that the defendant must henceforth make himself available throughout the trial.”

He subsequently adjourned the matter to March 11 for hearing of all pending applications.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/onnoghens-trial-resumes-today.html

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged stolen electoral materials meant for two constituencies.

The petition was addressed to the Resident Electoral commissioner REC in Anambra state, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji.

Addressing reporters on Saturday, Ngige said the two constituencies were Ihiala I and Awka South I, stressing electoral materials kept in the custody of the local government chairmen were stolen.

According to him: “So far, there are reported cases of pilfering of INEC materials at Ihiala I and Awka South I, where our party agents have reported that materials kept in custody of the Local Government Chairmen were no longer complete on the morning of the election at the RAC.

“We have petitioned the INEC through the REC, bringing his attention to that situation otherwise the elections in those two places would have been compromised ab initio”

“So we are on standby, we are waiting for the votes to be counted in many places and for elections to come in.”

On the election, the Minister said: “Anambra is not doing governorship, we are doing legislative House and it has somehow affected the turnout of voters”

“But be that as it may, it’s a very important election as it affords the Anambra people the opportunity to form one arm of the government, State Assembly which is for making state laws and which is the ambit of governance that is nearer to the people.”

However, he said Card reader was not much of a problem this time, adding INEC should look into it very seriously as majority were still rejecting peoples thumbs.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/ngige-apc-petition-inec-over-alleged.html

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Dr Samson Ayokunle, has called on all stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure free, fair and credible governorship and State Assembly elections devoid of bloodshed and all forms of electoral malpractices.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Ayokunle urged all eligible voters who have Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to come out en masse to exercise their inalienable rights without any fear of being intimidated and vote according to their conscience.

He observed that failure to vote is to allow the wrong candidates to occupy the position of leadership they did not deserve.

“We call on all stakeholders, politicians, security agencies, and the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the elections. Our politicians should avoid rigging, violence, vote buying, ballot box snatching and other electoral offences; our security operatives, especially the Police and the Army, must operate within the ambit of the law, while our youths should resist the temptation of being used to foment trouble.”

The CAN president called on all INEC officials and the security operatives involved in the conduct of the polls to remain impartial and apolitical before, during and after the poll.

He said: “The performance of INEC should be better than the previous elections and we task them to ensure that the collation of results is free, fair transparent, and accessible to all stakeholders. It is high time we told the whole world that our democracy has come of age”.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/can-calls-for-free-fair-and-credible.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on his 62nd birthday.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said Buhari joins Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, their children and other Nigerians to celebrate the vice president whom he described as “the erudite scholar, Minister of the Gospel and a very dependable deputy with whom I share a very special bond.”

President Buhari said he is grateful to God for preserving the life of Osinbajo, who in the past four years “has diligently championed the values of setting the foundation for the peace, progress, and stability of Nigeria, by working very hard to build a resilient economy while promoting transparency and accountability.”

On his birthday, President Buhari said he was appreciative of the vice president and wished him many more years of robust health, happiness, and fulfillment in his service to God, the nation and humanity.

Buhari said he looked forward to sharing many special moments of celebration with his vice as they take Nigeria to the ‘next level’ in the years ahead.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/buhari-celebrates-osinbajo-at-62-calls.html

An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Tosin Owobo, yesterday told a Federal High Court, Lagos how a former Chief of Accounts in the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun (rtd), used his companies to siphon N12 billion from the force’s intelligence account domiciled with a new generation bank.

Adigun is the second defendant in a N22.8 billion fraud charge preferred against erstwhile Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd).

Amosu is being tried alongside Adigun and another officer, Air Commodore Gbadebo Olugbenga.

The trio are standing trial alongside some companies, namely Delfina Oil and Gas Limited, Mcallan Oil and Gas Limited, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Limited, Trapezites BDC and Funds as well as Pricey Limited.


Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, Owobo told Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke that sequel to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and NAF, N3 billion was paid into the NAF Special Emergency Operation Account domiciled with the financial institution in three tranches of N1billion.

He further said the money was paid into Right Options Oil & Gas Limited, Judah Oil Limited, Delfina Oil & Gas, McAllan Oil & Gas Limited and Lebol Oil & Gas Limited.

The EFCC witness said: “As part of the investigation, we invited the Managing Directors of Right Options Oil & Gas, Judah Oil & Gas and Lebol Oil & Gas Limited, who stated in their statements that they were Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and not oil dealers.

“They said when the monies were paid into their accounts, they gave the dollar equivalent to the account officers of the NAF Special Emergency Operation Account for the second and third defendants.

Owobo added: “They also stated that their companies were registered as oil & gas companies because they were given a high threshold of monies that could be transferred with fewer deductions.”

He said the CAC documents in EFCC’s possession allegedly bore Adigun’s name as director.

According to him, investigations further revealed that certain monies that did not originate from NIMASA were paid from other NAF accounts into the NAF Special Emergency Operation Account. The money, he said, was in turn moved into several other accounts to the tune of about N15 billion.

The EFCC official explained that more inquiries revealed how the funds were expended on properties in Abuja, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lagos and United Kingdom.

The three defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The trial continues today.

Also yesterday, the anti-graft agency arraigned a one-time board chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc., Tunde Ayeni, before Justice Valentine Ashi of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Apo on a four-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust totally N4,597,500,000.

He was arraigned along with Timothy Ajani Oguntayo, the ex-MD, for allegedly conspiring at different times to fraudulently divert depositors’ funds for personal use.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After hearing their bail applications from counsel for the first defendant, Dele Adesina, SAN, who held brief for the lead counsel, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and that of the second defendant, Oyetola Oshobi, SAN, the trial judge admitted them to bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties each in like sum, who must be resident in Abuja and own a landed property “of sufficient value” within the metropolis.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/how-air-force-ex-chief-siphoned-n12.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that he would work harder in his second term which he described as his last lap to address the challenges facing the country, adding that he would not let them down.

He gave the assurance when he had an audience with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), when it paid him a congratulatory visit in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari said: “This is my last lap; I will try to work harder. I assure you I will not let you down.”

Chairman of the ACF’s board of trustees, Alhaji Adamu Fika, who led the delegation, said the visit was to congratulate the president on his victory at the poll.

Fika, recalled that in May 2016 when the delegation, led by late Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, Danmasanin Kano, they had drawn Buhari’s attention to projects of concern to the North and of benefit to Nigeria at large.

He listed the projects to include the Baro Dry Port, the Mambilla Hydropower, self- sufficiency in agricultural produce, road construction and rehabilitation, and above all oil and gas exploration.

“It is pleasing to note that since then, the Baro Dry Port has been commissioned, while all other projects have been reactivated and now being implemented,” Fika said.

The elder statesman said: “We pray that those organs of government charged with the responsibility for the implementation will double their efforts to ensure that these projects are executed fully to their logical conclusion within a reasonable time.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/its-my-last-lap-i-wont-disappoint.html

Ahead of the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections slated for Saturday 9th March, 2019, Minister of Transportation and leader of the All Progressive Congress Party in Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said that the APC will throw its weight behind the candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Engr. Awara Biokpomabo.

Amaechi made this disclosure in Eleme, Rivers State on Wednesday where he addressed party supporters ahead of the Saturday's elections.

Amaechi said, although the APC was still in Court over the non inclusion of the APC’s flagg- bearer in the governorship election, it was pertinent to adopt the candidate of AAC considering the closeness of the elections.

The AAC candidate Engr.Awara Biokpomabo hails from Kula community in the Riverine area of the Kalabari Kingdom.
Amaechi said, "This morning, the leadership of the party met and agreed that we’ll work with a party called African Action Congress, while we are still in Court to reclaim our mandate. So, on Saturday, we will vote for AAC. You must go home and vote for AAC. There should be no excuse not to vote because there will be security for everybody. You must prepare and make sure you win the governorship election”, he said.

Amaechi enjoined the people to vote for the candidate of the AAC as there were numerous benefits they would derive from government.

"The moment you win the governorship election this Saturday and the Governor is sworn-in in May, by June there will be Local Government elections. So, you should all go out and vote and make sure that you are not rigged out”, he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/rivers-guber-amaechi-backs-aacs.html

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has again assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari can’t Islamize Nigeria.


Osinbajo explained that he is a “born again Christian” and the Vice President, as such Buhari can’t Islamize the country.

Speaking during a Town Hall meeting in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State on Tuesday, Osinbajo disclosed that Buhari doesn’t interfere with the religions of those around him.


The Vice President maintained that Nigeria was too big for an individual to impose a religion against their wish.

According to Osinbajo: “One of the reasons our members have not benefited from most of our programmes is because the Government is not APC.

“Come Saturday by the grace of God, we shall change the present day government and enthrone APC through Uche Sampson Ogah.


“The PDP want to use the media to claim that APC does not favour Christians. The president is a Muslim, I’m a Christian.

“A born again Christian for that matter. Nobody can Islamize Nigeria because there is absolutely nothing like that.

“Buhari has no intention of Islamizing Nigeria. He is a man who doesn’t interfere in anybody’s religion.


“He doesn’t force anybody to follow his. Such talks are lies and are mere political propaganda. The biggest church auditorium in the world, with 100,000 capacity is in Abuja.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/osinbajo-explains-why-buhari-cant.html

A pan-Yoruba group, the Oodua People’s Congress, has warned ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and those planning to foment trouble during Saturday’s governorship and house of assembly elections to stay away from the Southwest in their own interest.


It also warned them to stop issuing inflammatory remarks and threats of attacks on the Yoruba.

Dokubo was widely reported in a section of the media a few days ago to have threatened to deal with the Yoruba in a video posted on Youtube, if non-indigenes were attacked during the polls.


In a statement issued yesterday by its President, Comrade Dare Adesope, the group said its men were prepared to protect Yoruba and their Igbo counterparts in Lagos State.

He said: ” Asari Dokubo and others should mind their choice of words while addressing Yoruba people because it is very clear that the Yoruba are not enjoying the privilege we give to the Igbo and other tribes in their land.

”The presidential election is over and we are looking forward to the governorship poll. We have decided to stand up to the task and protect our states by ensuring that the election is violence-free. Any group planning to disrupt the poll should have a rethink because OPC(R) is prepared to resist such act with our last blood.


”Heavy presence of our members would be adequately felt in all the polling booths across the Southwest.”

virtue of this , we are imploring all registered voters to come out and exercise their franchise without fear of attack from any quarters.

”And to all Igbo groups and persons threatening to attack Yorubas, I am sounding a strong warning that they should give it a second thought because we are very ready to defend our people. They should know that the gentility of a tiger is not is not an act of cowardice.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/elections-stay-away-from-yorubaland-opc.html

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said it generated N12.62 trillion revenue from taxes in the last three years.

FIRS made this revelation in a document on its achievements, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Abuja by its Head, Communications and Servicom Department, Mr Wahab Gbadamosi.

A breakdown of the amount showed that N3.3 trillion was generated in 2016, N4.02 trillion in 2017 and N5.32 trillion was realised in 2018, making it the highest revenue generated in the last three years .

According to the document, the FIRS under the leadership of Babatunde

Fowler, designed initiatives to ensure a robust tax administration that is beneficial to all stakeholders.

The organisation explained for instance that non-oil tax revenue increased to N2.149 trillion in 2016, N2.5 trillion in 2017 and N2.852 trillion in 2018.

The document quoted Fowler as saying that “the achievements mentioned above also demonstrate the diversification of the Nigerian economy by the Federal Government.

“This does not mean that we have left behind the oil tax revenues. It grew from N1.15 trillion in 2016 to N1.52 trillion in 2017 and N2.52trillion in 2018. Non-oil tax revenue is still over in excess of the oil tax revenue.

“We also do collect four per cent in terms of cost of collection but only for non-oil revenue collected. On oil revenue collection, we do not get any commission and we have been able to make sure that our services are more efficient and convenient to taxpayers.

“This has brought about a considerable reduction in the cost of collection of actual taxes.

“In 2016, it was 2.6 per cent, 2017, 2.49 per cent and 2018, 2.14 per cent, meaning that our actual cost of collection is heading downwards based on the efficiency and technology that we are deploying to tax collection.

“Some of the ICT initiatives that we have continued to build on are the e-payment channels which make it convenient and easy to pay taxes anywhere in the world and to also download receipts of payment from any point one so desires,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/firs-generates-n126trn-revenue-in-3.html

President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Engr. Adekunle O. Mokuolu, has warned against patronage of quack engineers in the execution of engineering projects in the country. Speaking during the inauguration of Bwari branch of the society at the weekend, Mokuolu also called on registered engineers to ensure strict adherence to professional standards for the development of the nation. He noted that the government at all levels in the country has promised good roads, water and electricity, noting that this could only be provided by qualified engineers. Speaking during the investiture, with the theme, ‘Reminiscences of Infrastructural Failures in Nigeria: Building Collapse in Focus,’ NSE president charged the executive and other members of the society to cooperate with government at all levels to provide affordable social amenities to the residents. Also speaking, the guest speaker, Prof Danladi Matawal, called for zero tolerance for quackery, noting that their activities had always been embarrassing. He called for training and retraining of site engineers and other enlightenment programme as a short term solution to the problem, just as he also called for a major training intervention for artisans and other labourers to ensure that the right engineering materials are used on site. “We are deficient in artisans and art craft men who if knowledgeable enough will correct some of the errors in designs in the site and resist directives from corruption ambitious developers who want to cut corners. Also certification of engineering materials is key those that are proprietary can be absorbed from blame from the world as well as more comprehensive and regulations from both town planning authorities and municipal town planning authorities to ensure that every structure that has been constructed has all it requires.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/nse-president-warns-against-patronage.html

Former Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost the presidential election, the day he left and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).


Speaking on Channels Television, Sunday night, Akpabio said his exit made the opposition party lighter.

“My former party lost from the day I stepped out of it,” the former Akwa Ibom Governor said.


Akpabio, however, admitted that PDP would not have been able to defeat President Buhari even if he was there, because Nigerians wanted continuity.

“I believe strongly that the President needed to be re-elected,” he said.

Speaking about his loss at the Senatorial polls following his defection to the APC, Akpabio insisted he was robbed.


He claimed the results from Ikot-Ekpene Senatorial District were mutilated, in a bid to deprive him of his mandate.

Akpabio added, “Those responsible, whether the REC in Akwa-Ibom State or those he instructed know the reality, my plea now is that they should announce my result.

“The reality is that I am asking for justice. Am saying that INEC should be bold enough to do the right thing.


“I am disappointed that a state with so much followership as far as the party is concerned, the state that loves President Buhari so much was not allowed as a result of a conspiracy to bring out the votes.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/akpabio-reveals-why-atiku-lost-to.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the suspension of Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun State) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo State) by the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no bearing on their fresh status as senators-elect, saying the disciplinary action was an internal party affair.

For the avoidance of doubt, said the commission, only the election petition tribunal could restrain it from issuing a certificate of return to anybody declared by it as winner of an electoral contest under the Electoral Act 2010 as altered.


The electoral commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, made these clarifications yesterday in Abuja while responding to enquiries from Akelicious over the suspension and possible expulsion of the governors by their party as well as the court order former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, secured, restraining INEC from issuing certificate of return to his opponent that defeated him in the Akwa Ibom North-west senatorial district, Mr. Chris Ekpeyong.

He said it was a common knowledge that whenever the country was within the orbit of post-election challenges and litigation, no new matter could be filed or adjudicated upon by the various courts arising from the conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Justice Valentine Ashi of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, had on Friday restrained INEC from issuing certificate of return to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Ekpeyong.

Justice Ashi gave the restraining order in a short ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Akpabio.

Akpabio in the suit No: FCT/HC/M/2680/19 and filed on February 28 prayed the court for, “an order granting leave to him to apply for a judicial review for the issuance of a writ of Mandamus, prohibition, injunction and other declarative reliefs sought against the respondent (INEC).”

He also prayed the court to direct the respondent to “particularly stay further action in respect of issuance of certificate of return to any candidate in respect of the seat of senator representing Akwa Ibom North-west senatorial district on the account of election held on February 23, 2019.”

But in a short ruling, Justice Ashi held that the case of Akpabio is meritorious and that there is need to keep things in status quo.

“Leave is hereby granted to the applicant to apply for judicial review for the issuance of a writ of mandamus, prohibition, injunction and other declaratory reliefs against the respondent.

“Leave granted shall operate as stay of further action of the respondent and particularly in respect of issuance of Certificate of Return to any candidate in respect of the seat as sought by the applicant,” Justice Ashi held.

However, Okoye said he was not aware the commission has been restrained from issuing certificate of return to any candidate.

He stated: “I am not aware that the commission has been served with any order relating to the issuance of certificate of return to any of the candidates returned as duly elected and arising from the conduct of the February 23, 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections.

“I am also not aware that the commission has been restrained from issuing certificate of return to any of the candidates returned as having been elected during the February 23 elections.”

Okoye explained that the commission is not a court of law or election tribunal, adding that the electoral body was only empowered to issue a certificate of return to candidates that were validly elected in the presidential and National Assembly Elections.

He explained further that when the commission is served with a court order, it will deliberate on it as a commission, satisfy itself that the order is from a properly constituted court of law and relates to the issues within its statutory and constitutional mandate.

According to him, the commission does not sit on appeal over orders from the various courts and does not pick and choose which order to obey and which one not to obey.

Okoye added, “However, it is a matter of common knowledge that the country is now within the orbit of post-election challenges and litigation and no new matter can be filed or adjudicated upon by the various courts arising from the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.”

The national commissioner stressed that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fourth Alteration, No. 21) Act, 2017 gives the High Courts of the states, the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja the exclusive right and jurisdiction to hear and determine matter with pre-election flavour.

He noted that the courts named are in the Alteration Act and empowered to handle matters relating to the conduct of party primaries, suits challenging the actions, decisions or activities of the commission in respect of the participation of political parties in elections or complaints in relation to the nomination or selection of candidates to participate in elections or actions or decisions of the commission disqualifying the candidates of a party.

Okoye stated: “The moment elections are conducted, all matters relating to whether anyone has been validly elected as a member of the National Assembly or whether a certificate of return was validly issued to a candidate reverts to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunals established pursuant to section 285 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The tribunals so established shall to the exclusion of any other court or tribunal have original and exclusive jurisdiction to determine matters and issues arising from the conduct of elections. These tribunals have been established and inaugurated and the registries of the tribunals are in place.

“Furthermore, section 75(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010(as amended) provides that a sealed Certificate of Return at an election in the prescribed form shall be issued within seven days to every candidate who has won an election under the Act.

“The proviso to the said section further provides that where the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court being the final Appellate Court in any election petition nullifies the Certificate of Return of any candidate, the commission shall within 48 hours after the receipt of the order of such court issue the successful candidate with a valid Certificate of Return.

“The operation word in the said proviso is that the appeal relating to the issuance of a Certificate of Return must emanate from an election petitions tribunal.”

On the suspension of Okorocha and Amosun who had both been elected into the Senate and were also suspended last week by the ruling APC, Okoye said that their suspension was a party affairs.

He stressed, “The validity of the returns made are within the purview of the commission and the Election Petitions Tribunals. The suspension or expulsion of members of a political party is within the domestic realm of the parties and has nothing to do with the presidential and National Assembly elections.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/amosun-okorocha-remain-senators-elect.html

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party of using money to canvass for votes in last weekend’s Presidential and National assembly elections.

The PDP governorship candidate in the state, Mallam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, who made the claim, alleged that members of the APC were seen tading cash for votes.

Ringim, declared to Daily Sun that, “an APC stalwart cum business mogul was seen roaming the state with the full police protection canvassing for votes and harassing PDP agents that resisted his offer,” he stated.

He said that the act of the unidentified businessman, who according to him, was given‎ police protection, was the height of impunity and partisanship of the police in state politics.

“While my personal security details were ‎withdrawn from me without any explanation,” Ringim said, “that businessman was allowed to use policemen to coerce voters into selling their votes in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to Ringim, “I am highly disappointed that after I have spoken to the commissioner of police about the matter, but nothing was done to stop the man from buying votes from our voters‎” Ringim said.

When contacted to confirm the allegations, state police commissioner Bala Zama Senchi denied abetting any political party during the Presidential and National assembly elections.

“I have revived complains from the PDP governorship candidate alleging that a businessman was given police protection to canvass for electorate’s votes of which I immediately directed the area commander in the area to investigate, arrest the officers if found to be true,” the commissioner said.

“But from the feedback I got from my men, the claim was not true, and the issue that I have withdrawn his (Ringim’s) security details is also not true. As I speak with you all his security officers attached to safeguard him are intact.”

The commissioner stated further that the police will remain impartial and professional in the discharge of their responsibility, regardless of accusations.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/03/2019-polls-jigawa-pdp-accuses-apc-of.html