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NDDC mass streetlighting to continue across Niger Delta

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Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the mass street and road lighting across the Niger Delta.

The initiative, known as ‘Light Up the Niger Delta,’ is being implemented in the nine Niger Delta states, comprising Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

Ogbuku disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku explained that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Niger Delta.

The initiative, he said, involves the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the region as part of broader strategy to address crime, promote peace, and create a conducive environment for residents.

“We are delighted that this project has transformed how people live and work, fostering peaceful coexistence and improving security in previously unsafe areas.

“We decided to adopt the clean energy approach, which will not only light up our streets and roads, but also help mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment.

“In addition, it has reduced crime in various communities that were previously hideouts for criminals operating under the cover of darkness,” he remarked.

Ogbuku noted that the initiative stems from a needs assessment, which revealed that in many communities, the root cause of their agitations was not merely the absence of water or school buildings.

“Instead, it was because of perceived inequality compared to those living in International Oil Companies (IOCs) camps.

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“These camps enjoy uninterrupted electricity and other basic amenities, which often heightens the sense of inferiority among those in less developed areas,” he explained.

The managing director emphasised that the adoption of solar-powered streetlights reflects NDDC’s commitment to clean energy, which not only illuminates streets but also mitigates the effect of climate change.

He reported that the initiative has garnered widespread commendations from beneficiary communities, with plans underway to extend the project to more locations.

To ensure sustainability, Ogbuku said that the commission has engaged a consultant to develop its carbon credit framework.

“NDDC aims to recover carbon credits generated through these projects, further contributing to environmental sustainability,” he added.

The NDDC boss urged Niger Delta youths to continue supporting Federal Government policies and programmes, reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the region.

“President Tinubu has the best interests of the Niger Delta people at heart, and we urge everyone to collaborate in realising these goals,” Ogbuku concluded. (NAN)

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Recall election costlier than constituency election – INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is more expensive to conduct a recall election than a constituency election.

Special Adviser to INEC Chairman, Mohammed Kunna, made this statement during an online discussion on “INEC Regulation and Guidelines for Recall 2024.” The discussion also covered BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths.

The event was held on Saturday via the X social media platform.

Kunna explained that conducting a recall election was similar to conducting three constituency elections.

“Once a petition is received and verified to meet legal requirements, INEC must first conduct a verification exercise at the affected polling units.

“For that verification to happen, we have to use the Bi-Modal Voter Verification System (BVAS) because those who signed the petition must be verified as genuine registered voters in those units.

“Then, INEC needs to establish 50 per cent plus one signature from the constituency.

“After that, we proceed to the final stage: conducting the referendum, which involves a yes or no vote by registered voters in the constituency,” Kunna said.

He added that this process involved mobilising staff, deploying election materials, transportation, and other resources, much like conducting three senatorial district elections.

“In my opinion, the recall process is much more expensive than conducting a single senatorial district election,” he said.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, acknowledged the high cost but emphasised that INEC must adhere to the law.

“What is important is what the law says we should do in each case if constituents wish to recall their representatives,” Oyekanmi said.

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Earlier, Oyekanmi explained that INEC’s regulations and the Electoral Act specified the process for conducting a recall election.

“The law allows a recall election only if the petitioners meet constitutional requirements, including submitting signatures from at least half of the registered voters in the constituency.

“Once the petition is received, INEC performs a preliminary check and then verifies the signatures.

“The lawmaker facing recall is informed and has the right to deploy agents to observe the process.

“Observers and media personnel can also participate in the verification and referendum,” he said.

Oyekanmi also addressed the possibility of online voting, stating that the Constitution did not permit INEC to conduct electronic voting.(NAN)

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Ekiti governor approves waterway dredging to prevent flooding

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the dredging of more waterways in various communities to prevent flooding as the rainy season begins.

The Chairman of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency (EKSEPA), Chief Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, confirmed this to journalists on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti.

Oguntoyinbo stated that some affected waterways are in Ado-Ekiti, Otun-Ekiti, Ido-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti, and Ekiti West Local Government Area.

He emphasised that the initiative is necessary to curb flooding and urged residents to stop blocking waterways with refuse.

“I sincerely thank the governor for approving the dredging of waterways in towns and communities across Ekiti.

“EKSEPA has begun dredging in Otun-Ekiti, Ido-Ekiti, and other parts of the state to prevent flooding in all areas.

“I appeal to residents to refrain from dumping refuse in waterways to avert flooding,” he stated.

Oguntoyinbo commended the governor for taking proactive steps to protect life and property from flooding.

“I thank the governor for his efforts in safeguarding lives and properties. I urge all residents to dispose of their refuse properly at designated sites,” he said. (NAN)

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INEC: BVAS, IReV not electoral scam, but tools for electoral transparency

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) are not scams.

INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr Lawrence Bayode, made this clarification during a conversation organised by the commission on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday in Abuja.

In his presentation, titled “BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths,” Bayode said both BVAS and IREV were technological innovations aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s electoral process.

He emphasised that INEC had taken bold steps and made concerted efforts to improve the credibility, transparency, and accuracy of elections through technology.

Bayode described BVAS and IREV as key components of Nigeria’s election process, noting that various misconceptions had created doubts about their functions.

“There is a belief that BVAS and IREV are scams.

“This misconception arises from misunderstandings, technical issues, and general distrust in the electoral process. However, this belief is incorrect,” he said.

“BVAS verifies voters using fingerprint and facial recognition, ensuring that only accredited voters cast their ballots.

“IREV is an online portal that allows the public to view scanned polling unit results for transparency. It does not count votes or collate results.”

He dismissed the notion that technical failures, such as slow uploads, server downtimes, or network issues, equated to fraud.

“These challenges do not mean the system was designed to deceive voters. Rather, they highlight areas that need improvement in election management,” he explained.

Bayode further debunked the myth that BVAS transmitted election results, stressing that its primary role was voter accreditation and authentication.

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“BVAS does not directly transmit election results. Instead, results are recorded on Form EC8A, which is then uploaded to IREV,” he stated.

“BVAS is used at polling units for voter accreditation. IREV is an online platform where scanned polling unit results are uploaded for public viewing.”

“BVAS significantly reduces voter impersonation and over-voting, other electoral malpractices, such as violence and vote-buying, can still occur,” he noted.

He also dispelled the myth that voting could not continue if BVAS failed, explaining that INEC provided backup devices, and in rare cases, elections in affected polling units might be rescheduled.

Bayode highlighted BVAS’ role in reducing electoral fraud, stating that voter impersonation and multiple voting had been significantly curbed since its introduction.

“IREV has also enhanced transparency by allowing citizens to verify polling unit results in real time.

“Before IREV, election results were not easily accessible to the public. Now, discrepancies can be identified, which proves the system enhances transparency rather than being a scam,” he said.

INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Victoria Eta-Messi, added that the commission was collaborating with the National Assembly and stakeholders to amend the Electoral Act, particularly on election results management.

She also reiterated INEC’s commitment to voter education to build public trust, reduce voter apathy, and promote credible elections.(NAN)

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