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President Bola Tinubu has urged for a peaceful governorship election in Ondo State, emphasizing the importance of a democratic process that accurately reflects the will of the people.
He expressed his hope that the upcoming election will empower citizens to freely choose their leaders without fear or intimidation.
Tinubu’s call for tranquility and fairness underscores his commitment to upholding democratic values in Nigeria, aiming for an election that not only respects the voices of the electorate but also strengthens the foundation of governance in the state.
As the election approaches, the President’s message resonates with the need for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
The President also urged all political stakeholders and the electorate to uphold peace and decorum and fulfil their civic responsibilities without fear before or after the elections.
President Tinubu in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reminded all political stakeholders, especially the candidates, that the people bestow the privilege to govern, and this right must be respected and not undermined.
The statement partly read: “President Tinubu anticipates a democratic process in the state that will genuinely reflect the people’s will and power to freely choose their leaders.
“The President commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its diligent preparations for the election, particularly its timely distribution of sensitive materials across all 18 local government areas in the state.
“He also acknowledges the deployment of security men to maintain law and order. He appreciates the assurances from the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff that the personnel will act professionally and adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure a credible electoral process.
“President Tinubu reminds all political stakeholders, especially the candidates, that the people bestow the privilege to govern, and this right must be respected and not undermined.
“He emphasises that it is in the best interest of all Nigerians to ensure a free and fair election and consolidate our over 25 years of democratic governance.”
Dunder Mifflin once employed the sexiest man alive.
The Office alum John Krasinski was revealed as People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2024 during the Nov. 12 episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
And when host Stephen Colbert noted that it was Krasinski’s kindness and thoughtfulness that earned him the honor, the actor quipped, “I think it’s that—and the biceps.”
So, how did Krasinski react when he found out he won the coveted title? “Just immediate blackout, actually. Zero thoughts,” the 45-year-old told the magazine in an article published Nov. 12. “Other than maybe I’m being punked. That’s not how I wake up, thinking, ‘Is this the day that I’ll be asked to be Sexiest Man Alive?’ And yet it was the day you guys did it. You guys have really raised the bar for me.”
Krasinski—who shares daughters Hazel, 10, and Violet, 8, with wife Emily Blunt—revealed that the Devil Wears Prada actress was “very excited” when she learned about the honor, and even promised to use his magazine cover as wallpaper in their Brooklyn home.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Isah Jibrin, aka Echocho, has asked the newly elected chairmen and councillors under the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kogi East senatorial district of Kogi State to demonstrate true leadership by prioritising the needs of their communities and working diligently to create a lasting impact.
The lawmaker, in the statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mikhail Ibrahim, urged them to continue working towards the development of their respective local governments and to uphold the values of service, accountability, and dedication as they embark on their new responsibilities.
Echocho, who represents Kogi East senatorial district in the National Assembly, attributed their electoral success to the outstanding leadership and governance of Governor Usman Ododo, whom he hailed for facilitating a smooth and efficient electoral process.
He emphasised that the transparent and well-conducted elections reflected the trust and support the governor has garnered from the electorate across the state.
The lawmaker, who also chairs the Senate Adhoc Committee on Ways and Means, noted that the positive outcome of the local government election was a testament to the governor’s successful governance and the people’s confidence in the APC administration.
An observer group which monitored Saturday’s local government elections in Rivers State, The Peoples Advocates, TPA, has said that the exercise was not credible due to a number of irregularities.
TPA made the observation in its report on the election.
The highly contentious election was held across 23 local government areas in Rivers State, despite moves by the camp of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike, to stop the exercise.
Governor Sim Fubara went ahead with the poll, defying a court order which retrained the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, from conducting the election.
Candidates of the All People’s Party, APP, believed to be Fubara’s loyalists, won 22 out of the 23 LGAs.
However, although it commended the Rivers electoral commission for conducting the election, TPA noted that the poll witnessed several irregularities.
Parts of the report read, “While we appreciate the effort of RSIEC to conduct this election at such a tough time as this in the political history of Rivers State, we believe that there is need for improvements in order to set a fair playing ground for all political parties and candidates in order to ensure a free and fair election.”
The irregularities, which the observer group said undermined the credibility of the election, include absence of result sheets, violence and improper collation process, among others.
“At Phalga LGA, D. Line Ward 1 units 8,9,10; Ward 4 units 48, 49, 50, 51; Ogbunabali Ward 3, Ward 2, Oroworukwu Ward 9 units 5,6,7,8,9 etc, the absence of Result Sheet undermined the credibility of the process because Agents of Labour Party and other interested Political Parties asked for Result Sheets and moved to stop the polls if the Result Sheets weren’t produced.
“This systemic flop of RSIEC affected the credibility of the polls and risked the life of the Ad-hoc staff.”
The group further faulted the manual voting process used in the election. According to TPA, manual voting is not only outdated but is also prone to manipulation of results.
“The Manual Voting process of RSIEC and use of incident form is archaic and prone to manipulations. Electronic Voting and transmission of results is the best way to go in order to have a credible free and fair elections wherein the votes of the electorates or voters will truly count.”
The report added that “early closure of polls disenfranchised some electorates”.
Continuing, the report said: “Materials did not arrive in time or at all in some polling units and cubicles were not used for secret balloting. The implication is that such open balloting may sway the votes of electorates who may suffer reprisal attacks if they don’t vote a particular party or candidate.
“Our Situation Room observed that the process did not create any solid internal mechanism for grievance or dissent before the results are announced. Such pattern may encourage violence or discourage genuine candidates who have legitimate complaint.
“Irregularities in some polling units should be addressed before results are announced. This is to avoid announcing results in polling units where elections did not hold or where the election was fraught with fraud, snatching of ballot materials, violence etc. and some of such incidents were witnessed in this election and the candidates affected, would be left with the only option of going to court.
“This is a systemic flaw, capable of occasioning injustice.
“Our observers were lost as to where your Ward and State Collation should take place and who is allowed into your “holy sanctuary” to witness the collation and how you arrived at your results.
“A closed collation process is prone to manipulations and should be avoided. Cumulated Results should be fact-checked with polling unit results for credibility. The truth is that the entire election lacks credibility.”
TPA, in its report, added that the phone contacts of electoral officers in-charge of LGAs and wards were not given to observers, as such when an incident occurred, observers were lost as to who to contact to respond to such incident(s).
Further reporting what it described as “less room for opposition”, the group added, “The entire process is skewed to favor the candidate or party of the Government in power. If the Government of the day was in a good relationship with PDP, PDP would have won the entire seats.
“Such a pattern stiffens fair competition and churns out unpopular or incompetent leaders who may just be enjoying political patronage or settlement.”
To ensure an improvement in future elections, The Peoples Advocates forwarded a number of recommendations to the Rivers electoral commission.
“Result sheets should be provided in all the polling units to ensure a credible process and also ensure the safety of ad-hoc staff. Rivers State Electoral Laws be amended to adopt electronic voting. Cubicles should be provided in all polling units in the circumstance of manual voting. Rivers State Electoral Laws and RSIEC guidelines should make room for practical grievance mechanisms (especially in cases of overwhelming evidence of irregularities) before election results are announced in order to encourage genuine aspirants.”
Other recommendations are, “The Collation process should be more transparent and open to all. Ad-hoc staff should be appropriately trained and should be advised to only close polls at the closing time stipulated by RSIEC. A fair playing ground should be set for all candidates to have a fair chance of winning. Democracy is a government of the people not a government of the government by the government and for the government.”
Ondo South Senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, has described the victory of the Edo State governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo in the just-concluded governorship election as the will of the people.
Ibrahim said the people of the state have spoken and taken their destiny in their hands by electing the personality they believe would be able to turn the fortune of the state round for the benefit of all.
In a statement he personally signed, the senator enjoined the people of the state to give Okpebholo’s administration the support he deserves when he forms his cabinet.
Ibrahim stated: “I, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, congratulate the people of Edo State for speaking in one voice by electing Senator Monday Okpebholo as their new governor.
“I also congratulate my brother, Senator Okpebholo on his victory at the poll.
“The outcome of the election is the true representation of the will of the people of Edo State. They have taken charge through the ballot and they have chosen the man they believe has the capability and capacity to turn the fortune of their state around for the benefit of every indigene of the state.
“Having successfully elected your governor, you only have one effort to make. When he forms his government, give him all necessary support for him to succeed.
“I also want to charge Senator Monday Okpebholo to be magnanimous in victory by ensuring he carries everyone along in the implementation of his people-oriented programmes as he has become the governor of all and not of APC members and supporters alone.”
On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo of the APC winner of the Edo State gubernatorial election.
Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Esue Ighodalo scored 247,274.
The Sokoto State government has expressed concern over the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sponsoring a campaign of lies to distract and derail the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
A statement issued by Abubakar Bawa, his Chief Press Secretary, noted that the orchestrated campaign is targeted at hindering the constructive engagement with the good people of Sokoto State through the delivery of good governance by the governor.
Ordinarily, the Chief Press Secretary said that the state government would not have honored PDP with a response, but given the fact that the Governor Aliyu administration is accountable to the people of Sokoto State, who overwhelmingly voted for him, the statement offered this explanation.
According to the statement, “First, the Governor Aliyu government did not award any contract worth N30 billion for a ‘street fence’ in Sokoto State, as maliciously claimed by PDP in its tale of lies against our dear state.”
It also explained that the government has no plans to award any “street fence” contract valued at N30 billion, stating that it exists only in PDP’s imagination. The statement called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the phantom “N30 billion” expenditure, which it described as a mere academic exercise.
The facts, as the statement further explained, concern the ongoing urban redevelopment of the state metropolis, which is one of the focal points of Governor Aliyu’s administration. It clarified that the state government awarded a contract valued at N800 million, which covers the much-needed and necessary wire fencing of selected major roads/highways within the metropolis.
The project, the statement added, was primarily awarded to deter people, especially school children, from running across major roads and getting knocked down by speeding vehicles. It stressed that the Sokoto State capital had recorded preventable deaths from accidents involving vehicles and people running across major roads.
The statement said that the provision of preventive facilities across major roads in the state has led to a reduced rate of accidents involving pedestrians and animals, as road crossings are now restricted to designated points. It pointed out that since the wire fence was erected, there has been a drastic reduction in cases of accidents involving pedestrians and animals along the major roads in the metropolis.
The wire fencing project, the statement observed, is also part of the present administration’s effort to beautify the city, which was previously filled with heaps of refuse and darkness. It noted that the PDP, as the opposition party in Sokoto State, is not happy with the development.
It added that during its eight years in charge of the state, the PDP did not consider saving the lives of the people a project worthy of attention. The statement stressed that in those eight years, the party failed to take any action towards upgrading the urban infrastructure of the state capital.
The state government explained that it is aware that PDP could not have accomplished any of these tasks because it was never present among the people, as it preferred to govern from Abuja.
It noted that this is the basic reason the people of the state overwhelmingly rejected the PDP in the 2023 governorship election and preferred the All Progressives Congress (APC) through Governor Aliyu, who has so far not betrayed the trust of the people of the state.
The statement urged PDP to exert more energy towards revamping its battered image and seek better ways to reposition itself. It has become obvious that malicious lies, aimed at inciting the people against Governor Aliyu, will only hit brick walls.
It called on the good people of Sokoto State, who are already aware of the antics of the State Chapter of the PDP, to disregard all the lies against Governor Aliyu and stand firm with him as he works diligently and accountably to deliver the Sokoto of their dreams and restore their confidence in government.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has warned the All Progressives Congress, APC, to be ready to face the wrath of Edo voters if it keeps on with its conduct of attacks and harassment of innocent citizens of the State.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, issued the warning at a media briefing in Abuja.
Ologunagba said the warning became necessary in the light of continuing attacks, harassment and illegal arrest of innocent citizens of Edo State, by APC leaders in connivance with certain compromised police operatives, as part of a desperate bid to scare the people from coming out to vote and seize the opportunity to rig the September 21, 2024 Governorship election.
According to him, since it became clear that the PDP Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo is coasting to a landslide victory with the overwhelming support of over 68 per cent of the expected votes, the APC and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, have been desperate to use violence and harassment to break the Will of the people of Edo State
He said the PDP had on Monday, September 2, 2024, raised an alarm on how the APC in connivance with certain compromised security operatives have been harassing, arresting and detaining innocent citizens of Edo State.
“On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, an attempt was made by the said APC-controlled operatives to arrest Chief Francis Inegbeniki, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP.
“Also last week Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the APC’s agent stormed the house of one Shina who decamped from the APC to the PDP three weeks ago and forcefully took him away while shooting sporadically to scare the people.
“Only yesterday, Sunday, September 8, 2024, thugs and hoodlums recruited by APC leaders attacked a PDP rally in Edo North and destroyed campaign materials in an assault that was decisively resisted by our courageous members and supporters in Edo North, where our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo commands overwhelming support and solidarity,” he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the Court of Appeal judgement reaffirming Asue Ighodalo as the candidate of the PDP in the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election, has quashed a ploy to frustrate the people’s aspiration and hinder the party’s victory.
The party national spokesman, Hon Debo Ologungaba, said the award of cost by the Appeal Court against the Appellants in favour of Dr. Asue Ighodalo and other respondents is an emphatic judicial rebuke against frivolous and vexatious court proceedings aimed at frustrating the outcome of a legally conducted democratic exercise of a political party.
The PDP described the judgment as “another landmark ruling which further strengthens democratic practice, validates the credibility of PDP nomination process and reinforces the Will and aspiration of the people of Edo State as embodied in the candidature of Dr. Asue Ighodalo.”
Ologungaba, in a statement, said the earlier verdict of a High Court and reaffirmation by the Appeal Court upholding Ighodalo’s candidacy, stop a ploy “designed to distract the PDP and frustrate the aspiration of the people of Edo State.”
The PDP restated its call on the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo to step down from the race and face the issues of alleged forgery of voter’s card and birth documents.
Recall that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Monday upheld the nomination of Ighodalo as the governorship candidate of the PDP in Edo State.
In a unanimous judgement delivered by Justice, A. M Lamido, in the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/642/2024, the court dismissed an appeal brought by former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu challenging the May 27th judgement of Justice James Omotosho of Federal High Court, Abuja.
Justice Omotosho had affirmed the nomination of Dr. Ighodalo as the rightful and duly nominated candidate of the PDP in Edo State.
In its ruling, the Appeal Court held that the trial court was right and unassailable in its ruling that the Appellant (Shaibu) did not satisfy the condition precedent before instituting the action, therefore the suit was premature.
The court also affirmed the trial court’s decision that the Appellant failed to prove his allegations of votes allocation against the Respondent, stating that that the conduct of an election as well as results are presumed regular until the contrary is proved and there was no evidence from the affidavit of the Appellant to show votes were allocated to the 4th Respondent.
Consequently, the court dismissed Shaibu’s case and awarded N1, 000,000 (One Million Naira) as cost against him and in favour of the respective respondents.
LEADERSHIP recalls that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had penultimate week also affirmed Ighodalo as the governorship candidate of the PDP.
As plans for the August 1 nationwide protest over the hardship in the country continue, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said any attempt to suppress the rights of the people to peaceful protest is unconstitutional and a direct affront on democracy.
He said a responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.
Atiku, who stated this on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, said it was deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle people’s rights were themselves leading protests in 2012.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are ENSHRINED in the Nigerian Constitution and AFFIRMED by our courts. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
“Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned protests is an exercise in futility when it is obvious that Nigerians, including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are caught up in the hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government.
“It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a SAFE and SECURE environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to PEACEFUL PROTEST. Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy,” the former Vice President wrote.
As plans for the August 1 nationwide protest over the hardship in the country continue, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said any attempt to suppress the rights of the people to peaceful protest is unconstitutional and a direct affront on democracy.
He said a responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.
Atiku, who stated this on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, said it was deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle people’s rights were themselves leading protests in 2012.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of citizens to protest are ENSHRINED in the Nigerian Constitution and AFFIRMED by our courts. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
“Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned protests is an exercise in futility when it is obvious that Nigerians, including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are caught up in the hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government.
“It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a SAFE and SECURE environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to PEACEFUL PROTEST. Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy,” the former Vice President wrote.
In defence of Senator Monday Okpebholo, a former Edo State governor and APC stalwart, Senator Adams Oshiomole, has berated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in State, insisting that Okpebholo is the people’s choice for the upcoming September 21 governorship election.
Oshiomhole’s comment comes amid growing criticism and political tension in Edo State ahead of the governorship election.
Oshiomole said: “Monday Okpebholo is the man the people want,” adding that the ruling party in the State should accept the reality.
The statement comes in response to the PDP’s ongoing criticisms of Okpebholo’s candidacy, questioning his suitability and the legitimacy of his support.
Oshiomole, known for his direct and unapologetic style, did not mince words in his endorsement of Okpebholo.
“Monday Okpebholo has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the people he represents. His record speaks volumes, and the overwhelming support he has garnered is a testament to his effectiveness and dedication. The people have spoken, and it’s clear they stand with Okpebholo,” Oshiomole stated.
He went on to challenge the opposition’s narrative, asserting that their criticisms were unfounded and merely a reflection of their political frustration and jealousy.
“The PDP needs to come to terms with the reality that Monday Okpebholo is the chosen representative of the people. Rather than resorting to baseless accusations and attempts to undermine his credibility, even threatening his life and security, they should respect the democratic process and the will of the electorate,” he added.
For his part, Senator Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central in the Senate, and has been a vocal advocate for various social and infrastructural projects in his constituency, expressed gratitude for Oshiomole’s support. “I am honoured to have the endorsement of a leader like Adams Oshiomhole and now the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu. My commitment to the people remains unwavering, and I will continue to work tirelessly to fulfill their trust and expectations,” Okpebholo remarked.
The political landscape in Edo State has been highly charged, with both the APC and PDP competiting for dominance.
Okpebholo’s candidacy has been a focal point of contention, highlighting the broader struggle for political influence in the state.
Oshiomhole’s defence of Okpebholo underscored the APC’s confidence in his leadership and their belief in his ability to deliver on his promises. It also serves as a call to action for Okpebholo’s supporters to rally behind him in the face of opposition.