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Election observers calls on INEC to cancel Abia North senatorial election

By Emmanuel Daudu

It could be recalled that the Nigerian 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections were held on the 25th of February, 2023.
A larger group of foreign and domestic observers while declaring their reports in sundry press conferences had a common tune as to how the elections weren’t credible, free, and fair, and how it falls below international standards.

Today in Abuja, at the Zoological Garden, Area 1, the Coalition of the 2023 Election Observers has called for the cancellation or rerun of the Abia North senatorial election stating that electorates didn’t exercise their political franchise in over one hundred polling units across the senatorial district, while where elections held, it was characterized with electoral violence and other malpractices.

The Head of the Coalition for Abia North 2023 Election, Rasheed Shuaib, while addressing the press alongside others from several organizations accredited by INEC to observe the 2023 general elections in the Abia North Senatorial District pointed out that its advice to INEC going by what they observed is to cancel or have a rerun of the Abia North senatorial election.
“The Abia North Senatorial District covers Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Umu Nneochi LGAs. And 11 candidates from 11 political parties vied for the senatorial seat in that election. They are:
Martins Emetu- ADC, Orji Uzor Kalu-APC, Carol Dike-okafor-APGA, Nnenna Emmanuela Nwosu-APM, Ifeanyichukwu Kingsley Adijeh- APP, Nnamdi Iro Oji- LP, Saidu Ahmed- NNPP, Chinonyerem Wogu-NRM, Mao Ohuabunwa-PDP, Uche Brown Echewie- SDP, and Ahanna Orji Igwe- YPP

“About 500 Accredited INEC Domestic Observers were deployed by The Coalition of Observers to all the 5 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Abia North Senatorial District for the February 25th General Election.
As Observers, it’s important to begin by saying that the Senatorial election that took place in Abia North on 25th February 2023 was below the standard and unacceptable electoral practice, contrary to INEC electoral Acts and guidelines, and against the wishes and expectations of the electorates/constituents.
According to the INEC Electoral Guidelines for the election, the Official opening of the polling units is by 8:30 am. But this was not the case in all the polling units visited by our field observers in the Senatorial District as there were almost general reports of the late arrival of INEC Ad-hoc Staff and electoral materials.
There was late distribution of Electoral materials to the various RAC Centers across the 5 LGAs in Abia North, especially in Arochukwu and Ohafia LGAs; where some candidates have to volunteer by releasing their vehicles to convey the INEC Materials to the various polling units.
In some instances, there were no attached law enforcement agencies that will escort the INEC Materials to the various polling units. As a result, a greater number of INEC Ad-hoc Staff could not proceed to their place of primary assignment on Election Day since the election time was almost up.

“A special case is Bende LGA, where election materials moved from the LGA headquarters early but took some time to reach most polling units, while voters were waiting. Some polling units received their election materials between the hours of 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm as reported by our field observers at the LGA.
This also led to missing or misplacement of Result Sheets in some polling units, while the voters were already in the queue ready to exercise their franchise.
Despite the late arrival of INEC Materials, the people came out en-mass in the early hours of the day to exercise their franchise. Some later went home and never came back, especially the elderly and sick ones. The youths remained till they were accredited and voted for the candidate of their choice.
The BVAS was supposed to be used to authenticate or capture the faces of the Voters in all the polling units where the elections were held, but our observers noticed that the machines were either not functioning or were not used in most of the Polling Units.

“We also observed that some INEC Officials which were originally posted to some areas were dropped and their names changed to entirely new persons as confessed by one of the Youth Corpers we interacted with.
The collation which was supposed to be done at the ward level was done at the LGA while some of the Youth Corpers disappeared with their result sheets and reappeared at the wee hours of the night with mutilated results and some never came back especially in some units in Bende LGA.

“On the election Saturday 25th February 2023 INEC returning officer after noticing some irregularities and logistic challenges announced to the observers, party agents, and others in Ohafia, after speaking with the Resident Electoral Officer in Umuahia, that there will be a rerun election on Sunday 26th February 2023 in some places in Abia North where elections didn’t hold as a result of logistics.

“We want to put it on record that there was no rerun election in those affected places. Later around 2 pm on that 26th of February, one of the officials of INEC informed us that the elections in places where elections were never held will be done on the 27th starting by 8:30 am. All the voters that turned up in their numbers were disappointed and while some were still hanging around their various polling units, information came to us that the EO and the collation Officers were about to announce the results.

“As observers, we rushed to the venue and tried to remind them of the number of voters they will disfranchise if they should go on to call the result of the unfinished election and the consequences, but it all went on deaf ears.
After every effort to appeal to them to do the needful both by the Party Agents and Security Personnel, the two collation Officers went ahead and called the result of what should have been regarded as an inconclusive election.
It took the presence of the heavy joint security officers on the ground to calm the situation before the INEC officers were squeezed out of the premises of the Presbyterian Church school in Ohafia.
We want to put on record that election didn’t hold in over 100 polling units across the Senatorial districts with over 80,000 registered voters.

“Again, the new electoral law makes it mandatory that counting and announcement of results should be made open by the presiding officer at the polling units, but this was ignored in most polling units visited at the Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, and Isuikwu LGAs. The Law also mandates that the results be posted in the polling units; this was also not the case in most of the Polling Units.
This action negates the transparency of the voting process across the board in most of the polling units in Abia North Senatorial District.
Also, the 2022 electoral Act provides that there should be online transmission of result sheets at the conclusion of voting through the INEC Result viewing (IRev) portal. The report we received from both CPALD Station and Roving Observers as well from other observer groups is that there is no transmission of result sheet at most of the polling units across the Abia North Senatorial District”.

While giving recommendations, he stated that INEC should as a matter of urgency helps to calm the growing agitation in these areas where elections were never held and fix a date to conduct a rerun election or cancel the elections as a result of irregularities which took place during the collation of the results which is not in line with the electoral new ACT.
“INEC should critically look into the distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials ahead of the Governorship and State Assembly election. As this was a major setback in the 25th February presidential election.
There should be an adequately attached police officer that will escort both the election materials and INEC Ad-Hoc Staff as this was one of the reasons why there was no election in some of the polling units in Ohafia, Arochukwu, etc. There should be an adequate arrangement between the commission and the major transport operators on how to convey the election materials to the polling units. There should be a proper orientation to the INEC Ad-Hoc Staff not to compromise or be influenced by any political party to do their bidding. There should be proper re-training of the INEC Presiding Officers who are going to handle the BVAS. To have a hitch-free March 18th rescheduled Governorship and States Assembly elections.
“INEC should properly communicate to both the State and Non-State Actors where there is any issue that will warrant a delay in the election processes”, he added.

Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, the perfect man for the Next Senate President of 10th Senate-Francis

A Public Affairs Analyst, strong Notable youth leader, Francis Cosmas Ezeude has said that Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu is the perfect man for the Next Senate President of 10th Senate.

According to him, when considering Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu for the position of Nigeria Senate President, some cognate reasons that may be taken into account to include:

Regional Representation/Balance of Power: The Senate is one of the key arms of government, responsible for making laws and overseeing government activities. As such, it is important that all regions of the country are represented in the leadership of the Senate. By electing a Senate President from the South-East region, lawmakers may be able to ensure that the region’s interests and concerns are adequately represented in the Senate.

Unity and Reconciliation: Nigeria has a history of ethnic and religious tensions, which have sometimes led to conflicts and divisions. Some people may argue that electing a Senate President from the South-East region could help to promote unity and reconciliation, by giving a sense of belonging and representation to the people of the region.

Experience: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has served as the Governor of Abia State and is currently a Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District and the Chief Whip of the House of Senate. He has also been involved in various business ventures and has experience in managing large organisations. This experience may be viewed as an asset when it comes to leading the Senate.

Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has a wealth of experience in politics and business, which could be seen as an asset when it comes to leading the Senate. He served as the Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, during which time he initiated several development projects in the state. He was also a member of the House of Representatives from 1992 to 1993 before being elected as Governor.

As a successful businessman, Orji Uzor Kalu has also shown that he has strong management skills. He is the founder of Slok Holding, a conglomerate with interests in shipping, banking, media, and other sectors. He has been able to grow the company into one of the largest in Nigeria, which could be seen as evidence of his ability to lead and manage large organisations.

Political Connection: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Nigeria and the current Senate Chief Whip. As such, he have strong connection with other members of the party, which could make it easier to garner support for his candidacy and to ultimately use this to get the attention of the government to easily approving all legislative proposals targeted at directly and indirectly affecting the lives of Nigerians positively without delay or rancours.

As a stunch member of the progressive party (APC), Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has supported central government controlled by the APC ably lead by President Muhammadu Buhari and all other cadres of the party structures in Nigeria.

Leadership Skills: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has been described as a charismatic leader with excellent communication skills. These qualities could be useful when it comes to leading debates and negotiations in the Senate.

Vision: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has previously outlined his vision for Nigeria, including plans to improve infrastructure and create jobs. If elected as Senate President, he will able to use his position to push for policies that align with this vision.

For executing massive developmental projects for his Abia North constituents, Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu has been honoured with the “Overall Best Constituency Projects and Human Relations Award”at the 2022 Senate Press Corps award.

Support of Colleagues: Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu will have the support of most of his colleagues in the Senate, who view him as a competent and capable leader. This support could be crucial for the position of Senate President, as he may need the backing of other lawmakers to win the election.

Support for the South-East region: The South-East region of Nigeria has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including infrastructural deficits, security concerns, and economic underdevelopment. Electing Sen. Urji Uzor Kalu as Senate President from the South-East region could help to address these challenges, by ensuring that the region’s concerns are given priority in the Senate.

Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu as a former governor of Abia State and a ranking Senator with cognate experience from South -Eastern part of the country in APC remains the best option for Senate President in the 10th assembly.

Northern community in Rivers State pledges support to Tonye Cole for Governor

By Emmanuel Daudu

…As Amaechi campaigns for Cole at Computer Village, Garrison, Oroworoko Community

According to the Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s Media Office on the 10th of March, 2023, the Northern Community in Rivers State has thrown its weight behind the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Arch. Tonye Cole.

This was confirmed by the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Haliru Imam when they played host to the former Minister of Transportation and former Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as part of his campaign rounds for the APC governorship candidate in Port Harcourt, Friday.

Imam said (to Amaechi), “We know Tonye Cole being a Pastor will be good like you. I remember when you were in power, people were shouting about Northerners, but you told us, ‘feel free, this is your home.’ During your tenure, the Christian Muslim Board existed, but today there is nothing like pilgrim board even to Christians, because of one man.”

The Northerners also complained about the current administration’s handling of Slaughter in Trans-Amadi and Taskforce issues. They expressed hope that Tonye Cole will do better when elected as Governor of the State.

Speaking, the Northern Youth Leader in Rivers State, Alhaji Shehu Ahmed, expressed delight over Amaechi’s visit, stating that Rivers people and party faithfuls would be better off with his presence and emboldened to reclaim the State. “Sir, your coming has emboldened us. We beg you to leave Abuja for now and stay with us in Rivers state.

Responding, Amaechi encouraged them to go all out and vote for Tonye Cole and protect their votes on election day. “All we need from you is to go out and vote, and protect your votes. Everybody should be his own policeman. When you vote, sit down there until they upload it. Even when they upload it, escort them to the Ward centre, let them upload it there. Another set of people should escort them to the Local Government centre. That’s how you become your own policeman. Me as Governor, you people can’t deny me. I made sure that as Governor, 1200 Christians went on pilgrimage, 500 Muslims also went on pilgrimage every year for 8 years and we appointed a Muslim pilgrims board, the same way we appointed a Christian welfare pilgrims board. Somebody talked about Slaughter; the reason why we did not build the Slaughter we wanted to build for you in Greater Port Harcourt was that when we came forward, you people stopped us and said you have a traditional way of killing animals and it is not the same way as the modern slaughter. So that’s how we left the Trans-Amadi Slaughter, if not we were to build one between Oyigbo and Eleme.”

On his part, the APC governorship candidate, Tonye cole, assured the Northern Community of change, urging them to come out enmasse and vote.

He said, “We are with you. Your suffering is our suffering. Rivers people are tired and are looking for change, and we will bring you that change. I want to assure you that we will do more. I have a business background and I have taken note of your complaints about taskforce and pilgrimage. Everybody is crying about it, the Muslims and the Christians.

“It is our business as government to help you succeed. That’s what government should be. We will make sure we give you the enabling environment to help you succeed. Pilgrimage, we will resuscitate the board. Please come out in your numbers to vote. What they are counting on is that you will not come out. After voting, stay there until they count the result and follow the result from the unit to the ward to the collation centre,” he said.

Amaechi also campaigned with Tonye Cole at Computer Village and other parts of Garrison axis, as well as at Oroworoko Community.

NiMet alerts public ahead of Thunderstorms, Other Hazardous Weather As Rainy Season Commences

By Emmanuel Daudu

As the rainy season commences in parts of the country, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned pilots and the general public to be wary of thunderstorms and other hazardous weather events.

In a release today signed by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim
GM/ Public Relations, he said, the Agency says this is in line with the public presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction made by the Agency in January this year.

“NiMet predicted rainfall onset to be earlier than the long-term average in most parts of the country during the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). The onset is expected to start from the coastal states of Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom in early March, progressively followed by the inland states and the Central states.”. It reads.
The statement noted that the recent thunderstorms recorded over parts of the coastal and inland states showed that the Agency’s prediction is on-point, reliable and accurate.

NiMet further cautioned that for areas where thunderstorms are expected, this weather hazard can cause significant disruptions, stressing that thunderstorms can lead to turbulence, lightning strikes, strong winds, heavy rainfall, downdraught, microburst, and hailstones.
“All of these pose significant threats to safety of lives and property.

The effects of thunderstorms are more hazardous to aviation industry, particularly the aircraft operations and passengers.

Thunderstorms can also cause delays, diversion and cancellations of flights, as aircraft are often grounded in the face of severe weather”.
The Agency assures pilots the aviation industry and airport users that it has installed weather monitoring systems, thunder detectors, satellite receiving ground-stations and Automatic Weather System (AWS) across the airports (and other stations) nationwide as a measure to mitigate the effects of thunderstorms to the aviation industry. The Agency has also developed a variety of products and services to help track the thunderstorms and its attendant hazards. The Pilot Briefing Rooms are always available for Services, it noted.

NiMet therefore advises all Pilots and Airline Operators to exercise caution during flight operations (during this adverse weather) due to the commencement of the rainy season.

The rains which are currently prevalent in the Southern parts of Nigeria and occasionally around the Central States, are usually accompanied by severe thunderstorms which are bound to affect air navigation. The Agency reiterated.

NiMet therefore enjoins Pilots/Flight Crew members to obtain adequate departure, enroute and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet offices prior to flight operations for effective planning in their air navigation operations.

Borno Fire: Umar Farouq Sympathizes With Monday Market Traders

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has expressed sadness over the fire incident which gutted the Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno state early Sunday.

The raging inferno which was said to have started at about 2 am spread to different parts of the market, destroying many shops and property worth billions of Naira.

Nneka Ikem Anibeze
SA Media to the minister in a press release on
26-02-2023, said, Umar Farouq described the incident as unfortunate and a great loss to the nation’s economy.

“We received the sad news early this morning of the fire disaster which engulfed the biggest market in Maiduguri. We understand that goods and shops worth billions of naira have been destroyed by the raging fire.

“This is a great loss to the country’s economy, especially Borno state which is just beginning to recover from the destruction and losses as a result of insurgency and banditry. We sympathize with the state government and people of Borno state, especially the traders whose livelihoods have gone up in flames following the fire incident.

“I have directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to help with Search and Rescue operations of property to see what can be salvaged and to ascertain the level of damage and loss at the Monday Market”.

The 35 year old Monday Market is the largest trading hub in the North East . Hundreds of shops and warehouses were said to be affected by the inferno.

Humanitarian Ministry Donates Food Items to Victims of Maiduguri Monday Market Fire

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has presented food items to victims of Maiduguri Monday Market fire incident in Borno state.

Nneka Ikem Anibeze,
SA Media to the minister in a press release on
03-03-2023, said, the Minister made the presentation to the Governor of Borno state, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum on Thursday when she paid a condolence visit to the state government.

Among the food items presented include 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spaghetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil.

The Minister who accompanied His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to visit the ruins left of the Maiduguri Monday Market, expressed sadness at the complete destruction of the biggest trading hub in the North East region while briefing the President.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, I deeply sympathize with the state government and people of Borno state on this unfortunate fire incident. I have directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to assess the level of damage but from what we are seeing now, it appears nothing was left by the inferno. Everything here was burnt.

“After the assessment, the Ministry will submit a full report to Mr President to seek special intervention for the victims.

“We are handing over 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spagetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil. Your Excellency, this is an emergency relief intervention but we will collaborate with the Borno State Government to provide building materials to rebuild the market”.

The Chairman of the Market Association, Awaji Bukar expressed deep appreciation to the President for the visit and appealed for more support from the Federal Government to assuage the colossal loss incurred by the traders.

Umar Farouq Commiserates with Train/BRT crash victims

The BRT staff bus and train collusion which occurred Thursday morning at PWD railway intersection has been described as unfortunate and unavoidable by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq.

According to Nneka Ikem Anibeze, SA Media, in a press release on
10-03-2023, said, while the minister sympathizes with the Lagos state government and victims of the crash which involved about 85 passengers, the Minister condoled with the injured victims and families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

“ I express my condolences to the Lagos state government and victims of this fatal train accident. This is tragic and very unfortunate especially when it could have been avoided by exercising a little patience. I am very saddened by the loss of lives through the carelessness of a BRT driver. May God rest their souls. We pray for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident as some of the survivors have been taken to hospital by the first responders for treatment.

“ We however need more sensitization programmes for BRT drivers and other railway line and road users on the dangers of crossing the rail when a train is approaching”.

The South West Zonal Coordinator, of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye however reported, that the State Government staff bus attempted crossing the PWD/Sogunle rail while the train was approaching but got trapped on the rail leading to the crash.

Farinloye said many victims were rescued by LASEMA, NEMA, Police, FRSC, Civil Defebce and the Nigeria Railway Corporation team while some died in the crash. Their bodies, he said, have since been deposited in the morgue.

UNESCO Laureate lauds INEC, congratulates President-Elect

By Maryam Aminu

The UNESCO Laureate and Vice-Chancellor, Crown University Argentina, USA His Excellency Sir Bashiru Aremu has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC while Congratulating the President-Elect, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Aremu made this known in a statement he made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, after the declaration of the 2023 Presidential election winner.

Aremu described the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a Political Warlord capable of transforming the Nigeria Economy within the shortest time stressing that in no distance time under Bola Tinubu’s administration, the country would be great again.
“Tinubu is a technocrat and hardworking Nigerian with a wealth of experience. We are optimistic that he would do well and there is no too way, he will!”

“Please accept my warm congratulations on your victory and my best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and challenges of your high office.”

Sir Aremu urged the incoming president to restore confidence in the Nigerian system for millions of Nigerians whose lack of confidence has become very clear in this election.

As a citizen of Nigeria, whose dream is to see Nigeria progress and her pride restored, the vice chancellor urged Tinubu to allow for unencumbered scientific research, encourage innovation to seek out those ideas which make us better as a nation, and to work tirelessly until they are seen through.

He further wishes the president-elect successful term in office and for his continued good health and well-being.

PARTICIPANTS OF ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA VISIT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

The Participants of Course 7, 2023 of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) today 7 March 2023 visited the Defence Headquarters ( DHQ) with an objective to understudy the functions and organisation of the Defence Joint Operations Centre ( JOC). Receiving the Participants, their Commandant and members of faculty on behalf of the CDS, General Lucky Irabor, the Acting Director Defence Intelligence and Security, Brigadier General ME Onoja said, the visit will avail the participants an opportunity to understand the roles of DHQ and other organizations on the security architecture of the nation. He further stated that the JOC is particularly important for security strategies and serves as coordinating body which also liaises with other security agencies in the country.
He revealed that the JOC has witnessed stronger evolution since. 2012 , adding that it was established in 2008, being the war room for planning and decision making for the AFN. “The JOC is also used for intelligence operations which helps to facilitate the CDS decision making”, he said.

A total of 74 participants comprising 6 foreign allied African nations members, one Nigerian Navy officer and one Nigerian Air force officer, all of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and its equivalents were led to the visit by the Commandant of AWCN, Major General BA Alabi. Highlights of the event featured a brief on administration, structure and management of the JOC with an interactive session and exchange of souvenirs between the College and DHQ

PARTICIPANTS OF UAE DEFENCE COLLEGE VISIT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Lucky Irabor on 7 March 2023 played host to the participants of Course 10 of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) Defence College. Making a remark during the visit, the leader of the participants, Brigadier General Mahdi Al -Ahbabi stated that the visit was informed by the need to share ideas with Nigerian Defence Headquarters on issue of national security. He noted that the UAE Defence College shares a similarity with
Nigerian National Defence College (NDC), but however pointed out that the 2 colleges differ in the constituents of participants. He explained that the UAE Defence College has
70 per cent civilian participants and 30 per cent military officers participants , unlike what is obtainable in Nigerian NDC.

The CDS represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP), Air Vice Marshal Jackson Yusuf, while welcoming the participants to DHQ noted that the visit was timely as it coincided with Nigerian election period, He expressed hope that the participants could draw much lessons from the electoral period, especially as it affects harnessing national security architecture for safe , free and fair election.
Highlight of the visit was a brief on the organization and roles of the Defence Headquarters for the participants, which dovetailed to an interactive session.