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BVAS Malfunctioning, Insecurity Mar Guber Polls – CSO
A Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has said that Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) malfunctioning and insecurity has affected the conduct of the gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections.
A report released and signed by the Executive Director, Kimpact Development Initiative, Bukola Idowu, said they observed cases of BVAS malfunctioning in the election.
“Most of these malfunctioning states of BVAS were due to system Issues; we also got a meagre report of BVAS failure to accredit. It is noteworthy to state that KDI Data Room confirms that at 11:45 am today, two results uploads were seen on the INEC’s IReV portal. Out of curiosity, we discovered an incomplete result in PU 029, Ward 07 in Port Harcourt LGA and a headshot of an individual in PU 068, Ojugbe, AABULOMA-amadi Ama Ward in Port Harcourt LGA in Rivers State. We see this as either a sign of a breach in the infrastructure behind IReV or incompetence on the part of ad-hoc officials.
“We call INEC to communicate early on this because that could reinforce the perceived trust deficits due to the failure of a real-time update on IReV in the presidential elections. INEC must ensure its system firewalls and infrastructures can beat any cyber-attacks because the commission must not miss the opportunity that today’s election portends, ” the report said.
“As of 15:00 hours today, the KDI Election Data room has confirmed 67 cases of violence, with 31.3% of these coming from Lagos – largely reports of intimidation and Harassment, ballot box snatching and physical attack. Cumulatively, southern Nigeria experienced 64.2% of these violent cases. This still points attention to the fact that more needs to be done in the south to mitigate violence.
“KDI EDR recorded ballot box snatching in PUs – a few of which are PU Kmaa Gabas 15 in Kiyawa Ward in Jigawa, PU 4, Amodu Ward in Enugu State and Ward 3 in Bayelsa. There were reports of voting being disrupted in most PUs observed. 12% of the 123 victims recorded are women that were intimidated and harassed.
“It is noteworthy to state that we observed low turnout in a large number of polling unit observed. Largely in Lagos and other parts of the country. However, we must talk about the large turnout largely reported in some northern parts of the country like Kano. We cannot disassociate this from the spate of violence that has dominated the electoral and political landscape before the elections. We hope all stakeholders use this moment to start making back-channel meeting to talk to political parties and their candidates to maintain law and order now that sorting, counting, and collation have started in some locations.
“We observed some level of open vote-buying at polling units nationwide. KDI is concerned with the sense of impunity most political party agents are to buy votes at PU- the secrecy of ballot is often jeopardised- which is against the tenet of democratic elections,” the report added.
“KDI, pleads with all stakeholders: INEC, political parties, candidates, youth leaders, security officers and political Stalwarts to please play by the rules and ensure a peaceful atmosphere post-voting.
“INEC is enjoined to ensure all election materials arrive at the various polling units timeously and election commences promptly to avoid violence.
“INEC must ensure that all the ad-hoc staff posted to the field are well-equipped and can handle the business of the polls, as any perceived ineptitude on the part of INEC staff could call for violence.
“The media is encouraged to use all platforms in a time like this to propagate more peace messages. Because we are at a critical stage of our electoral process, which has been the weakest for a while.
“All candidates involved in the f elections are requested to ensure a peaceful atmosphere by providing that their followers do not foment violence in any Ward or Local Government Area/Council as counting, sorting, and collation go on, ” the report added.
News
Borno Governor Zulum Sounds Alarm on Resurgent Boko Haram Attacks, Calls for Immediate Federal Action
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed serious concern regarding the recent surge in attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP, urging the federal government and security agencies to implement decisive measures before the situation deteriorates further.
In recent months, communities in Borno have faced increased assaults as insurgents target villages and military installations, notably in areas such as Sabon Gari, Wajiroko, and Wulgo.
During an expanded security meeting held at the Borno State Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum implored the federal government to prioritize security in the Northeast, especially in Borno State, which shares borders with Chad, Cameroon, and the Republic of Niger, as well as facing security challenges in the Sahel region.
Zulum stated, “While we value the significant support from the federal government and the military, it is essential to highlight that the current shift in focus away from the Northeast could reverse the progress we have made in combating insecurity.”
He further remarked, “Borno State has recently experienced sporadic assaults from Boko Haram insurgents, leading to the dislodgement of several military formations in Wulgo, Wajiroko, and Sabon Gari, among others. It appears we are losing ground.”
The governor emphasized the need for the federal government to give heightened attention to the Northeast, particularly Borno State, to effectively tackle terrorism in Nigeria.
Zulum added, “The recent uptick in Boko Haram attacks throughout the state is alarming. There is an urgent necessity for robust military action and actionable intelligence to counter the insurgency. The attacks in Sabongari, Damboa, Wulgo, Baga, and Monguno underscore the need for a more vigorous response to the Boko Haram threat.”
“I urge our armed forces to not only establish checkpoints and protect our towns and villages but also to take the fight directly to the enemy. We must not allow terrorists the opportunity to regroup, rearm, and launch further attacks. Through relentless patrols, strategic operations, and offensive missions, our troops should aim to decisively defeat the insurgency, facilitating our recovery efforts without obstruction.”
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to support the military and other security agencies operating in Borno State to achieve their objectives in combating insurgency.
He stated, “The Borno State government will continue to collaborate closely with the armed forces to implement our development and peacebuilding initiatives. We recognize the vital connection between development, security, and peace. Therefore, while we invest in essential infrastructure, we are also creating new opportunities for our citizens in agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.”
Zulum concluded, “None of these efforts will be feasible without adequately resourcing and empowering our security agencies to protect our territory and ensure the safety of our citizens’ lives and property. My administration will persist in supporting our defense and security forces while encouraging enhanced performance in addressing terrorism, insurgency, and criminal activities.”
Following the closed-door session of the security meeting, Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, informed journalists that the security council had voiced its support for the Borno State Government’s resettlement initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Major General Abubakar Haruna, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, as well as traditional rulers from the seven emirate councils of Borno and leaders from various security agencies.
The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has firmly demanded a public apology from the Rivers State Police Command within 14 days, following a disturbing incident where five journalists were violently attacked during a peaceful demonstration in Port Harcourt.
The union has warned that failure to comply will result in a comprehensive media blackout across the state.
In a press release jointly signed by Comrade Paul Bazia, Chairman of the NUJ Rivers State Council, and Dr Ijeoma Tubosia, the Council Secretary, the union expressed its outrage at the actions of police personnel involved in the incident.
The five media professionals affected by the attack were Charles Opurum from Channels TV, Allwell Ene of Naija FM, Soibelemari Oruwari of Nigeria Info, Ikezam Godswill from AIT, and Femi Ogunkhilede of Super FM. These individuals were reportedly covering a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt when police officers descended on them without justification.
According to witnesses, the journalists were tear-gassed, with Charles Opurum particularly singled out beaten and unlawfully detained by security operatives.
The NUJ categorised the entire episode as “barbaric and inhumane,” branding it a flagrant breach of the journalists’ constitutional rights and professional responsibilities.
The union, known for its advocacy in defending press freedom and ethical journalism, has described the assault as an unacceptable violation of human rights and journalistic freedom. “As society’s watchdog, the NUJ cannot stand by while its members are brutalised for doing their jobs,” the statement read. “The continued harassment of journalists will no longer be tolerated. We say, enough is enough.”
The NUJ also pointed out that this was not an isolated incident but part of a growing pattern of hostility towards media practitioners in the region. The union warned that such treatment of the press is not only unconstitutional but also dangerous for democracy and public accountability.
As part of its demands, the NUJ has insisted that all officers who participated in the assault be named and prosecuted according to Nigerian law. It called on the police authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that justice is served swiftly.
The union has further urged the Rivers State Police Command to take proactive steps in rebuilding trust with the media. According to the NUJ, the police must reaffirm their commitment to protecting citizens, including journalists, rather than infringing on their rights with violence and intimidation.
Despite the severity of the incident, the NUJ emphasised its willingness to maintain a constructive working relationship with the police. The union highlighted that cooperation between security agencies and the media is essential for peace, transparency, and national development.
“We remain committed to dialogue and collaboration,” said the NUJ. “However, we urge the police not to jeopardise this fragile relationship with further hostility.”
In light of the situation, the NUJ has called on its members to remain composed and continue to uphold the laws of the land while the union pursues justice through official channels. It expressed optimism that the police command would act responsibly by taking decisive corrective measures.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Member Representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Hon. Daniel Amos, has described Senator Barr. Sunday Marshall Katung as a man who exemplifies generosity by consistently giving back to the most vulnerable members of society.
Hon. Amos made this remark during the Senator’s birthday celebration held with orphans at the Gweimen Centre in Kwoi, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He noted that Senator Katung’s choice to mark his birthday with orphans and widows has become an annual tradition, reflecting his deep compassion and sense of responsibility.
“The Senator is someone we all know enjoys good health, and it’s no surprise that he’s celebrating this special day with his mother. He has continued to visit orphanage centers like this one in Kwoi, where he shares his joy and blessings with orphans and widows,” Amos stated.
He emphasized that Senator Katung’s gesture is not driven by politics but by a genuine concern for the welfare of the less privileged.
“The Director of the Gweimen Centre confirmed that Senator Katung has been their biggest donor for the past 18 years—even long before he became a Senator.
“This center has been in existence for 18 years, and since inception, he has remained their most consistent supporter. That speaks volumes,” Amos added.
He concluded by expressing gratitude and well-wishes on behalf of the constituents: “We’re truly grateful to him, and we wish him continued success and good health.”