Connect with us

News

Review Kaduna Election Results Now, Protesters Tell INEC

Published

on

The Citizens Coalition For The Restoration Of Kaduna Mandate, have protested at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the review of the just concluded gubernatorial election in Kaduna State.

According to the group, INEC officials and returning officers showed total disregard for the use of BVAS which billions were spent to purchase.

The leaders of the protesters, Edward John John Auta, Spokesperson; Hadwyah Samuel, Convener and Bello Jallo, Co-Convener, while handing over their complaint letter to INEC, appeal to Nigerians and the international community to come to the rescue of the people of Kaduna State, by putting pressure on INEC to immediately review the result of the governorship election in the state.

“As you are aware, the governorship and HoA elections took place across the 36 states of the federation on Saturday, 18th March, 2023. In Kaduna State, the exercise, as monitored by many observers, was short of a democratic process as the outcome did not reflect the choice of the people or complied substantially with the provisions of the law.

“Ahead of the 2023 general elections, INEC announced to the whole world that BVAS would be deployed to the elections to prevent multiple voting and also ensure the results of polling units are uploaded to the INEC IREV portal immediately after voting and collation at the polling units. It was also meant to serve as a point of reference in the event of a dispute during collation. Regrettably, while the results for most of the PUs were uploaded on the platform, the collation officers at all levels refused to consult the IREV portal despite numerous calls for it by opposition agents. A case in hand is the rejection of the Lere LG figures by opposition agents and call for the state’s chief collation officers to consult the INEC portal but were dismissed

ALSO READ:  Nigeria Eyes Fourth Africa Cup Title Victory— Peseiro

“We also witnessed the arbitrary cancellation of results in strongholds of the opposition, and all efforts to draw the attention of the INEC officials to use the results already uploaded on the IREV portal to address the concerns of agents were also refused. In particular, the entire results of election in Kukui ward of Kagarko local government with six thousand and eighty-four (6084) number of registered voters and all permanent voters cards (PVC) collected were cancelled at the ward collation centre, despite protest against that by party agents, knowing that all polling units result sheets have been uploaded on the IReV. Our members observed how collation centers in Kaduna South, Igabi, Birnin Gwari, Zaria, Lere became cancellation centres.

“It was also clear that the manipulation of the elections in many areas was supervised and aided by some corrupt agents of the security forces. In Birnin, Kachia, Kagarko, Lere, and Kudan LGAs, there were incidences of such fraudulent activities, which ultimately proved effective in altering the election outcome in favour of the APC candidate,” the group said adding that since the law provides for seven days to review, INEC should do the right thing.

“In view of the fact that the law provides for a 7-days window for INEC to review the results of an election where evidences of widespread irregular abound, we call on the commission to immediately commence the review of the results of the governorship elections in Kaduna State to ascertain the true winner of the elections.

“We demand that no certificate of return should be issued to the candidate of the APC or anyone for that matter unless this process is concluded and resolved in his favour.

ALSO READ:  NAFDAC shuts down Aba Cemetery Market producing fake wine, beverages, confiscates N5bn products

“The commission can not invest billions of taxpayers’ money into BVAS and still fail to take advantage of the opportunities it provides to protect the votes of the electorates and enhance the integrity of the elections.

“We demand the immediate sack of the INEC Administrative Officer, Mal
Auwal Mashi, who colluded with the APC and supervised the rigging of the elections in the state. We also demand an investigation into actions Prof. Ladi, the RO for Lere LGA and Prof. …., the RO for the state who allegedly collected huge sums of money from the APC to alter the results in their favour.

“Failure to do as we have demanded will mean an endorsement of the election theft that happened in Kaduna State by the commission.

“We also appeal to Nigerians and indeed the international community to come to the rescue of the people of Kaduna State, by putting pressure on INEC to immediately review the result of the governorship election in the state,” the group added.

Receiving the protesters, INEC deputy director in charge of security, Ndidi Okafor, said their letter will be forwarded to the commission for necessary action.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National

Eid-el-Fitr: Unity, Prayers Key to Security – Matawalle

Published

on

As Muslims in Nigeria and around the world celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle,
urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

has praised the resilience and dedication of the country’s Armed Forces and security agencies.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ahmed Dan-Wudil, Dr Matawalle commended the tireless efforts of security personnel in safeguarding the nation.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

While acknowledging that security challenges have not been entirely eradicated, the minister expressed confidence in the administration’s achievements, rating its performance in tackling insecurity at 9 out of 10. He assured Nigerians that, by the end of the year, the country would be “99 per cent free from insecurity, by God’s grace.”

“As we celebrate today, let us remember the families of our fallen heroes—those who have paid the supreme price in defending our sovereignty. Their sacrifices shall never be in vain,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring the welfare of our troops and their loved ones, as well as strengthening our military capabilities to address security challenges effectively.”

Dr Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national security, economic growth, and social development.

ALSO READ:  NAFDAC shuts down Aba Cemetery Market producing fake wine, beverages, confiscates N5bn products

He highlighted ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities through enhanced military operations, strategic partnerships, and intelligence-driven approaches.

However, he stressed that security is not the sole responsibility of the government and security forces, but a collective duty of all citizens.

He urged community leaders, religious scholars, and traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by providing timely information and fostering peace.

“Eid-el-Fitr is a time of love, kindness, and reconciliation,” he said. “Let us use this period to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, forgive one another, and embrace the spirit of tolerance and understanding.”

The minister also called on Nigerians to extend a helping hand to the less privileged, including orphans and widows, emphasising that the true essence of Eid lies in sharing and caring for others.

“As we mark this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, and good deeds. May He grant us peace, prosperity, and continued progress as a nation. May He protect our gallant Armed Forces, bless their efforts, and reward them abundantly for their sacrifices.

“Eid Mubarak to you all! May this celebration bring renewed hope, joy, and divine blessings to our homes and communities.”

Continue Reading

Politics

SSAP-SDGs Felicitates with Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Calls for Unity and Sustainable Development

Published

on

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and beyond as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement released in Abuja in her behalf by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the SSAP-SDGs emphasized the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for gratitude, reflection, and unity. She highlighted the values of compassion, generosity, and solidarity, which define the season and align with the principles of sustainable development.

“Eid-el-Fitr is not only a period of celebration but also a moment for renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society where no one is left behind. The teachings of Ramadan inspire us to uphold peace, unity, and selflessness. These are values that are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she stated.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire called on Nigerians to use the occasion to promote harmony, foster mutual understanding, and work together in addressing socio-economic challenges. She reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating progress on key SDGs targets, including poverty eradication, access to quality education, gender equality, and economic empowerment.

“As we mark this joyous occasion, let us remember those in need and extend kindness to the less privileged. Together, through collective action and a shared vision, we can advance sustainable development and create a better future for all,” she added.

The SSAP-SDGs concluded by wishing all Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid celebration, urging them to continue embodying the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.

ALSO READ:  NAFDAC alerts Nigerians on fake cancer treatment drugs
Continue Reading

News

Recall election costlier than constituency election – INEC

Published

on

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.

ALSO READ:  Police Save Young Man From Suicide

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)

Continue Reading