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Elections ; Make usage of  BVAS  mandatory-Group urges  NASS

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The Concerned Kogi Citizens Forum, has called on the National Assembly to make  the usage of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during elections mandatory.

Mr Isaiah Ijele and Abdullahi Hamza, the conveners of the forum made the call while addressing newsmen after submitting a letter to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Abuja.

According to Ijele, the forum  made a demand that Sections 64 {4) and 7 (2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which made BVAS mandatory for accreditation during elections be strictly complied with.

This, he said, would justify taxpayers’ money used to deploy the technology.

“Our protest letter is premised on one issue which is the recent Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the just concluded Kogi Governorship Election on Nov. 11, 2023.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was established by the 1999 Constitution to among other things deliver credible elections in Nigeria.

“The Ninth National Assembly wrote its name in gold when it amended the Electoral Law to produce the 2022 Electoral Act with the hope that BVAS technology will be used to curb over voting and other electoral irregularities,” he said.

Ijele said that Kogi indigenes felt betrayed that after all the assurances given by INEC that BVAS machines would be used to curb over voting, some INEC officials allegedly compromised.

“As members of the Concerned Kogi Citizens Forum, we are here to appeal to you to use your good offices to save democracy in Kogi and Nigeria as a whole,” he appealed..

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Ijele said the forum called on the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency prevail on INEC to be impartial at all times in the conduct of elections.

He said that the forum further demanded that INEC should declare election results from the result viewing portal (IReV) after confirming the exact number of accredited voters in the BVAS machine.

Ijele said the forum also suggested  engaging  retired soldiers, religious and traditional leaders as returning officers rather than academicians.

He added that  using these alternative institutions would guarantee a more improved electoral process which would be free, fair and credible to the citizens.(NAN

National

APGA Urges Better Welfare, Conditions For Osun Workers

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The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed deep concern over the welfare of workers in the state, calling on the Osun State Government to prioritize the needs and aspirations of civil servants and public workers.

This was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Party, Wole Adedoyin, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo.

According to the statement, APGA recognizes and appreciates the indispensable role that Osun workers play in the administration and development of the state. Without the hard work, loyalty, and sacrifice of civil servants, governance would grind to a halt, and public service delivery would be severely impaired.

The party noted that while workers across the country face similar challenges, the plight of Osun workers demands special attention. Delayed salaries, pension arrears, poor working environments, and lack of adequate motivation have continued to diminish the morale of workers in the state.

“Osun workers deserve better,” Adedoyin said. “It is unacceptable that in 2025, workers still struggle with irregular salary payments, inadequate housing, and insufficient health coverage. This is a violation of their rights and a breach of trust between the government and its employees.”

APGA called on the state government to implement a comprehensive worker-friendly policy that includes prompt payment of salaries and pensions, professional training opportunities, and improved infrastructure in public offices. According to the party, a motivated workforce is the bedrock of any successful administration.

The party also urged the state government to engage directly with workers’ unions and associations to identify critical areas of need and to ensure a participatory approach to policy-making regarding labor and employment matters.

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APGA used the opportunity to salute the resilience and patriotism of Osun workers, especially teachers, health professionals, law enforcement officers, and local government staff, who continue to discharge their duties in the face of adversity. “Your commitment to the state does not go unnoticed,” the statement read.

Wole Adedoyin reaffirmed APGA’s commitment to the protection of workers’ rights, stressing that the party’s philosophy—Be Your Brother and Sister’s Keeper—would remain its guiding principle in standing with the workforce of Osun State.

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Akpoti-Uduaghan Is Guided By Patriotic Commitment – North Central Women

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Call Mgbeke Comedian

North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.

They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.

“It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women.”

The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.

“The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world.’’

They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.

Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.

They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.

The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.

The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.

“Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash.”

The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.

They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.

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“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment.’’

The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.

The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.

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Politics

Umo Eno: Political Parties In Nigeria Lack Ideology

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Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, says political parties should not be the reason for division among people.

Speaking on Comfort 95.1 FM in Uyo on Wednesday, Eno said it is time Nigerians moved past partisan conflicts.

“Why can’t we be peaceful? Why must political parties separate us? Why must we have issues because my brother is in one party? No, we are all Akwa Ibomites first,” he said.

The governor described political parties as mere vehicles to attain power, saying governance should be inclusive once the mandate is secured.

“I see party as a vehicle to get to power — and when you get there, please begin to govern. Govern everyone, relate with everyone,” he said.

Eno lamented what he called the growing culture of misinterpretation, citing a recent controversy about his comments on Ibom Air.

“I know every day, now, I say something, people go to town and misinterpret it. Yesterday, I made an analogy and they say, ‘Oh, the man is demarketing Ibom Air’. That’s far from it. Ibom Air is the best airline,” he said.

“I’m saying that much as I love Ibom Air — it is our airline, it’s a preferred airline. Much as I love it and have it as a state government, if I arrive at the airport and Ibom Air has a technical fault — which is possible — and I have an appointment in Abuja or Lagos, maybe to deliver a talk or meet investors, and there’s an alternative airline… will I not go?

“Will I say, because this is my airline and it is owned by the state government? So when people say, ‘Oh, he was demarketing Ibom Air…’ No! It’s an analogy. Come on, people know better than this.”

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Eno reiterated his position that Akwa Ibom people must remain united regardless of party affiliations.

“For me, what I’m saying is that Akwa Ibom is one, political parties are vehicles,” he said.

He said Nigerian politics lacks defined ideological boundaries, unlike in developed democracies.

“I’ve asked the question, and I want you to tell me: What’s the political ideology of this party and that party in this country?” he asked.

“We’re not like the Americans who say, ‘This is the ideology of the Democrats and this is the ideology of the Republicans.’ Everybody keeps going and coming, keeps going and coming.”

Eno said his message was one of unity and maturity, regardless of the platform anyone belongs to.

“Whatever thing I’m doing, I’m saying let us be one. Whether it is any party, any party platform,” he said.

“You have finished the election. We are now in governance. You are sworn into office to be a governor for Akwa Ibom.”

On Tuesday, Eno hinted at a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general election.

He likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, adding that the party is now fragmented and risks grinding to a halt before the 2027 elections.

In response, Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the ruling party welcomes the governor’s remarks and agrees with his assessment of the PDP.

“We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel,” the APC spokesperson said in a statement.

“We assure Governor Eno that a flight with us will be a mighty good ride to remember.”

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