Ekweremadu Describes Election as Calm and Peaceful

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Ekweremadu Describes Election as Calm and Peaceful

PRESS RELEASE

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has described the conduct of the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Enugu State as calm and peaceful.

 

Senator Ekweremadu, who spoke to newsmen after casting ballots at Amachara Mpu Ward 010 in Aninri Local Government Area of the State, however noted that Saturday’s election had brought partisan politics to a temporary end, as attention must shift to governance in earnest.

 

Speaking to newsmen after casting ballots, he said: “The election is quite calm and orderly as everybody seems to be carrying out his or her own basic responsibility calmly. And you can see women, youths, and the elderly quietly waiting for their turns to cast their votes. I think it is quite peaceful here”.

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, however called on politicians to devote ample time to governance while also putting the bickering of partisan politics aside and work together across party lines to move the nation forward.

 

He added: “Essentially, partisan politics ends today and governance starts in full on Monday. We should be talking more about governance and leadership now. We are all going to come together to heal whatever wounds the elections might have brought on the country. It is very fundamental that both those who were elected and those who lost should come together to address the challenges of our people. Irrespective of our political parties, we are still one Nigeria, and all this politicking is all about Nigerians”.

 

Meanwhile, the Card Reader could still not accredit Senator Ekweremadu for the second time, as he had to resort to manual accreditation.

 

It could be recalled that although the Card Reader recognised the Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, of the Senator and his wife during the presidential election on March 28, 2015, the fingerprint authentication process failed despite several attempts.

 

 

Uche Anichukwu

Special Adviser (Media) to Deputy President of the Senate

11/04/15

INEC says no fake materials at polling booths in Rivers

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INEC says no fake materials at polling booths in Rivers

The independent National Electoral Comision (INEC) on Saturday stated that there were no fake materials at the polling booths in Rivers.

 

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner in charge of Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers, issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt.

 

The statement was reacting to rumours that the materials in the field were fake.

 

According to the statement, INEC has received, with dismay, news that materials in the field are fake.

 

”Please, we wish to inform the public and Rivers people that no fake materials are in the field and as such, voters should go out and vote their leaders,” the statement said.

 

Meanwhile, accreditation of voters in units 2, 5 and 1 of Ward 6, Woji, was going on smoothly as Card Ceaders worked well.

 

There was an average turnout of voters who were peaceful and orderly.

 

Security agents, comprising police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Prisons Service and Customs Service, were present at the booths.

Nigeria’s Democracy Fast Maturing – Obasanjo

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Nigeria’s Democracy Fast Maturing – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday said that Nigeria’s democratic process was fast maturing.

Obasanjo made the assertion shortly after his accreditation at Ward 11, Unit 22 at Olusomi Compound, Sokori area of Abeokuta South Local Government Area.

He said that although there was a drop in the turnout of voters compared with the presidential and National Assembly polls, the accreditation exercise could still be described as successful.

“Reports getting to me indicate a general low turnout across the nation; however, the exercise has been orderly and peaceful.

“The low turnout is not unusual and should be expected, because people normally show more interest in national elections than the state elections.

“I, however, commend INEC for improving on their last performance because many people who did not have PVCs in this area have now gotten their cards.

“There were apprehensions concerning the polls because of some people beating drums of war; but we thank God for taking control,” he said.

The former president, however, praised Nigerians, saying they should be proud of their electoral performance.

“We have done it for West Africa; we have done it for Africa and we have now done it for ourselves.

“Nigerians can now raise their heads in honour anywhere because there are evidences that our democracy is fast maturing,” he said.

In Ekiti, Gov. Ayodele Fayose got accredited at noon after several failed attempts to use the card reader.

The governor, who performed the exercise at the Afao Ward, Polling Unit 001 in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, later filled the incident form before being accredited.

In an interview with journalists, Fayose urged INEC to improve on the use of the card reader, just as he decried the low turn-out of voters.

The governor, who was accompanied to the accreditation centre by his cousin, Mr Adebayo Adeniyi, however, expressed the hope that more voters would turn out before the end of the exercise.

Also, a former Minister of Sports, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, has described the 2015 general elections as the best of its kind.

Abdullahi made the assertion at his residence at Anifowose area of Ilorin, the Kwara capital,  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Saturday.

“The 2015 elections have been unprecedented. “ The Independent National Electoral Commission has put in the best performance ever in the conduct of election exercise in this country,” he said.

He lauded the initiative of electronic voting system introduced by INEC describing it as a step forward in Nigerian history.

Abdullahi commended the peaceful conduct of the electorate and the security personnel, saying it showed an improvement in the country’s democratic culture.

The former minister urged Nigerians to unite and support the President- elect, retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to move the country forward.

According to him, irrespective of party, religious and ethnic differences, citizens must work for unity and live exemplary lives.

Abdullahi said that the 2015 elections had taught Nigerians to have confidence in the power of their thumb and also for politicians to respect the electorate.

“I believe that Nigeria will be better and greater than ever,” he said.

Card Readers Working Perfectly In Jos South

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Card Readers Working Perfectly In Jos South

From Terfa Naswem

During the Presidential and National Assembly elections that took place on March 28, 2015,  there were numerous situations of Card Readers failure and as a result, the elections could not hold on time and in some areas ended on Sunday March 29 as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had to resort to manual accreditation. Dadin Kowa and the entire Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State were not exempted from this situation.

The situation is entirely different today as all the Card Readers in the seven (7) Polling Units under my watch in Dadin Kowa area of Jos South were all working perfectly as accreditations of voters were done without any failure of Card Reader recorded.

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One of the accredited voters who gave his name as Musa said that he is very happy that INEC has identified and fixed the problem the Card Readers had during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

He said that if the usage of Card Readers continues in subsequent elections, it will seriously reduce the level of rigging.

The contacts from other polling Units in Bukuru market, Bukuru, express, Bukuru low-cost, Old Airport Junction, Anglo Jos, Rayfield, New Abuja, Kangang,  Rantya  and Zaramanganda all in Jos South indicate Ninety  percent (90%) success in the Card reader accreditations as many voters wait patiently to cast their which will commence by 1:30pm according to the INEC staff at the polling units.

APC cries out over PDP-instigated violence, voting disruptions in Lagos, Rivers, Ondo States

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APC cries out over PDP-instigated violence, voting disruptions in Lagos, Rivers, Ondo States

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alerted the security agencies to cases of violence and disruption of voting in several areas of Lagos, Rivers and Ondo states, urging them to swing into action to ameliorate the situation.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said in many parts of Lagos, thugs armed by the PDP are on rampage, shooting sporadically to scare away voters and carting away voting materials.

It said the development confirmed earlier statements by the APC that the PDP has been engaging in gun running in Lagos, with a view to arming thugs to disrupt the polls.

APC listed instances as follows:

LAGOS

– PDP thugs on rampage in Abule Okuta area of Bariga LCDA. Their sporadic shootings have disrupted the accreditation exercise in the area as INEC officials, voters and residents scamper for safety.

– PDP thugs are harassing and intimidating APC agents, and INEC officials are refusing to show result sheets to APC agents who demand such. There are fears that those results sheets may have been handed over to PDP.

– PDP agents storm Polling Units in Apapa Ward A Unit 009 with persons who who do not belong to the PUs and they were accredited

– OPC thugs under police protection attacking voters and INEC officials all over Lagos.

– No Electoral Officers in PUs in Ogudu, a known APC stronghold.

– PDP Secretariat in Apapa (Lander Close) off Liverpool Road filled with OPC men from Ajegunle

– Police in Iyana Ipaja arresting intending voters holding PVCs and locking them up in police stations, thus preventing their accreditation

– Electoral materials hijacked in many Polling Units in Ibeju Lekki. PDP thugs waylay INEC officials, vowed to kill them if they come to the PUs.

– Ballot boxes snatched in three Polling Units in Eti-Osa LG

– Shortage of Card Readers in many Polling Units in Ikorodu.

RIVERS

– Over 50 soldiers have been posted to Nyesom Wike’s residence in Old GRA area of Port Harcourt. The troops have been harassing people in the area.

– Home of Commissioner for Women Affairs in Rivers State, Joeba West, set ablaze in Buguma.

– INEC registration area centre in Kalabari National College in Buguma also set ablaze

– Police patrol vehicle also burnt in Buguma by suspected PDP thugs.

ONDO

– Electoral materials hijacked in Ilaje LOcal Government Aread of Ondo State by His Royal Majesty, Oba FRederick Obateru Akinruntan, THe Okoro Ajiga 1, of Ugbo KIngdom, in collusion with the PDP. The Oba’s son is a candidate of the PDP.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Lagos, April 11th 2015

PDP Thugs Attack Labor Party Chieftain With Acid In Ebonyi

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PDP Thugs Attack Labor Party Chieftain With Acid In Ebonyi

Information reaching 247ureports.com indicates that the feared election relation violence has come to bare. In the sleepy state of Ebonyi, violence appears to have taken over the smooth conduct of the elections.

As gathered, alleged voter intimidation by supposed security agents is reported according first hand sources to have resulted in the victimization of a Labour party supporter  Jude Ofoke. He was attack with acid. He suffered acid attack at Ndegu Okpuitumo ward 11 in Abakaliki L.G.A.

The security agents in Ndegu suspects  PDP thugs.

–

Stay tuned for the complete report

 

‎Fake Policemen Hired By Okorocha’s Inlaw and Lands Commissioner Nabbed by Soldiers

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‎Fake Policemen Hired By Okorocha’s Inlaw and Lands Commissioner Nabbed by Soldiers
rochas okoro (2)
Information reaching 247ureports.com has it that thugs masked in police uniforms imported by the Commissioner of Lands in Imo State, Hon. Uche Nwosu have been apprehended by soldiers and other security agents in his Country home at Eziama Nkwere. Nwosu is a son Inlaw to Governor Rochas Okorocha of the All Peoples Congress (APC) and a powerful figure in the administration.
Uloma-Okorocha & Uche-Nwosu-Wedding-January-2013
Uloma-Okorocha & Uche-Nwosu-Wedding-January-2013
According to eye witness reports, the security agents acted on a tip by concerned citizens who saw the thugs as they were being kitted in police uniforms and mobilized into hilux vans in readiness for Electoral malpractices.
Security agents contacted confirmed the arrests but declined further details.

The Man Who Will Be Senate President – By Nkechi Odoma

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The Man Who Will Be Senate President – By Nkechi Odoma

Nigeria-Senate

The nation is awash with stories and permutations as to who emerges the President of the Senate of the Eight National Assembly. In line with the constitution, Nigerians should know who takes this cake sometimes in the first week of June when the National Assembly is proclaimed. But beyond knowing who becomes the next Senate President, in the spirit of change, citizens should make their voices heard since democracy is all about participating in the processes leading up to the emergence of leaders. The elections that allow popular votes may be over but we can all still use the power of public opinion to weigh in on what happens.

We must weigh in because the wind of change that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has brought must not be allowed to mutate into a situation where we are collectively saddled with a parliament that will relish in running on the basis of business as usual. Should this happen, the Messiah of change in the person of General Muhammadu Buhari could find himself incapacitated by a parliament whose leadership may work at cross purpose with him. As the street parlance goes, this is why we must ‘shine our eyes’.

In shining our eyes, we are however constrained by several factors. One of these is that the APC must of necessity zone the Senate presidency to one of the six geopolitical zones. Feelers out there are that the North Central will again produce the Senate President. This brings us to the other factor that the Senate Rule allows only a ranking Senator to be selected for this purpose and being that the APC has the majority, the candidate must also come from within its caucus. Eligible Senators-elect have thus stepped up subtle and even open campaigns to be Nigeria’s next number three citizen. Top of the list of names being peddled are Senators Abdullahi Adamu, George Akume,Danjuma Goje and Bukola Saraki. Outgoing Senate President, David Mark and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who have been surprisingly mentioned in some of news reports are however out of the game for apparent reasons.

The zoning of the position to the North Central thus narrows the choices to Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa state, George Akume – Benue State, and Bukola Saraki of Kwara state.

With these three men left, several factors should be considered in narrowing down the candidates. In Nigeria issues of ethnic and religious affiliations still play key roles in determining who gets what and also gives this sense of “carrying everyone along”, akin to the concept of allowing occupation of public offices to reflect the principle of Federal Character. The number one man is a Fulani man and a Muslim, Abdullahi Adamu is also a Fulani man and a Muslim, this may not go down well with other groups as a good balance of power. This factor plus the fact that he just joined the APC recently when a group of politicians from the new-PDP decided to join the APC may make him less suitable for the position.

Next is Senator George Akume, a Tiv from Benue State. His ethnicity places him as coming from about the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, which cuts across at least four states in the north central region of the country. This should make him a massive unifying factor in that region and by extension the entire nation. Akume is a Christian so that provides that religious balance in the structure of government positions. He has been governor for eight years, senator for eight years now, and experience from other spheres and education that imbued him with the requisite knowledge.

He has been the minority leader in the senate; he has been the leader of all APC senators in the Senate in the last four years. In those four years, squabbles in the minority caucus are next to none existent so his ability to lead is not in doubt here. Also, since joining the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which later went into the merger that produced the APC, Akume has shown unquestionable loyalty to the party, a quality that would be useful in the days ahead as the new government pushes through needed reforms.

Apparently, it was this loyalty that made Akume, as a Senator, helped the APC to win the presidential elections in Benue state and even almost defeated the incumbent Senate President in his senatorial district. He won another extra seat for the APC with Barnabas Gemade and is equally still working hard to win the entire state and its neigbours like Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba and some parts of Kogi for the party. A politician this kind of clout is thus an asset to the APC as he already has a formidable network in place.

This leaves us with one man standing.

Senator Bukola Saraki though not Fulani, is also a Muslim from Kwara state is a strong contender for the position of Senate president. He has a lot going for him as his loyalists credit him for “working” while he was Kwara state governor. Senator Saraki’s contribution to the outgoing National Assembly has been robust particularly in the discharge of his duty as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment. While this record offers him the chances to take a shot at the Senate Presidency, he may however have to play catch up with the Akume, who appears as the leading contender.

Assuming Saraki can somehow boost his credentials within the few weeks left before the proclamation of a new National Assembly, there is yet another issue. Like Abdulahi Adamu being of the same ethnic stock as the number one man, some will argue that the former Kwara state governor as the third citizen would be of the same ethnic stock as the incoming number two even though his state is technically listed as north central.

So for Senator Bukola Saraki, great credentials as Kwara state governor for eight years and judged by his loyalists as a performer; a vibrant senator, but he faces a not too favourable ethnic configuration.

In conclusion, there are several permutations going on as to who emerges the Senate President just as intrigues play out underground. The leadership of the APC and the incoming government must however realize that now that the elections have been won and lost they are no longer answerable to only their party but to the entire 170 million Nigerians. The product they promised to sell is change that is premised fairness and getting the best hands to do the job. These are factors they must bear in mind when they instruct their members in Senate on what direction to choose as a caucus. And by the way, it is too early to make mistakes.

Lady Nkechi Odoma, Chairperson, AFRICA ARISE FOR CHANGE NETWORK, writing from Asokoro, Abuja.

Police Raid Gov. Amaechi’s Home, Senator Abe On The Run For Theft

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Police Raid Gov. Amaechi’s Home, Senator Abe On The Run For Theft

Rivers-State-Governor-Rotimi-Amaechi-660x330

The gubernatorial election in the south south region of Nigeria threatens to return Nigeria to the doorsteps of anarchy and bloodshed in an unfolding conflict between the law enforcement agents of Nigeria and the supposed thugs of the All Progressive Congress [APC]. This is according to information available to 247ureports.com reveals that the security agencies stationed in River State have begun execution of a broad campaign against the activities of thugs employed by political parties to wreak havoc against the gubernatorial election of April 11, 2015.

In the wake of the campaign, the ancestral home of the State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi located in Ubima was raided and searched by the security agents who were on the trail of alleged APC thugs who were tormenting a political gathering of chieftains of the People Democratic Party [PDP].

The thugs were believed to have escaped to the home of Governor Amaechi and were hiding inside the compound. When security agents arrived the residence and sought to gain entrance into the compound, according to security reports, the gateman delayed the agents long enough for the thugs to escape through the rear of the compound.

As they departed from the residence of the Governor, information leaked that the thugs had been relocated to the home of the chief of staff of the Amaechi administration, Mr. Tony Okocha near runuigbo. The agents were quick to locate Okocha’s residence. He was quickly arrested. He home and hotel were both searched thoroughly.

From Okocha’s residence, the special security agents moved over to the residence of the commission of agriculture, Mr. Emma Cinnda located at Location Road in Orazi town in search for weapons supposed purchased for use by the APC thugs – this was based on security intelligence. Mr. Emma Cinnda escaped before the Special Forces arrived. He escaped arrest.

Following the arrest and sweeping search conducted by the Special Forces, security has since been beefed up in Ikwere local government area – with most of the attention focused in Elele, Ubima, Isiokpo communities. Already, Special Forces have reported exchange of gunfire with the APC thugs stationed in Rumuigbo.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the All Progressive Congress Senator representing River State East Senatorial district, Senator Magnus Abe has been reported to be on the run. This is as information available to 247ureports.com indicates that the military stationed in River State have launched a statewide hunt for the Senator – over his supposed unlawful activities yesterday along Eleme road.

Senator Magnus Abe - at a London hospital
Senator Magnus Abe – at a London hospital

According to the solders, the Senator along with APC thugs acting under his instructions, laid an ambushed along Eleme road – and attacked workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] snatching away sensitive INEC materials being delivered to the Local Government Areas of Tai, Gokana and Khana – to be used for the gubernatorial and state assembly elections of April 11, 2015.

The military is reported to have written the APC headquarters in Abuja seeking for the whereabouts of the Senator.  Calls and sms messages sent to Senator Magnus Abe mobile phone were not responded to.

Silent Insignificant Nigerians [SIN] – By Martin Beck Nworah

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Silent Insignificant Nigerians [SIN] – By Martin Beck Nworah

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Sometime last year,I so much believed that my generation will bring about the much needed growth that will place Nigeria on the world map and make us proud citizens of this country. But with the events that has unfolded in the past three months,I can authoritatively state that this generation will be worse than our fathers. Everywhere you go,you see young Nigerians being treated like fools and in their fear,they cultivate the habit of silence,insignificance and stupidity. We’re cowed into silence by men who lack any material substance to drive our society and economy forward and everyday,we answer them Sir and accord them respect they don’t deserve. We see them,we know them,but can we speak? NO!  In Nigeria,you speak and be damned.  Silent Insignificant Nigerians (SIN)

In lecture halls and classrooms,you see frustrated men and women who have been rejected by life,given the responsibility of training and equipping us for a positive future they do not see themselves. They bring in their confusion and frustration into our brains by shouting that our generation is lost and we will never amount to anything. And happily,they make sure we don’t amount to anything by sexually assaulting our ladies and demanding money from the guys. They refuse to retire and swear that whatever it takes,they will never improve on their methodology of teaching or lecturing. We see them and we know them,but can we speak? NO!  In Nigeria,you speak and be damned. Silent Insignificant Nigerians (SIN)

You go to the government and see matured men(by age) who never grow up mentally but take up the responsibility of handling the affairs of the state. The same men who will appear on television and tell us that our GDP is growing at “God knows percent” is still the same men that will pilfer the public purse,build estates abroad and “sleep” with his daughter’s age mate as a lover. You see many of them,lurking around our campuses and having sexual escapades with our ladies. We see them,we know them,but can we speak? NO!  In Nigeria,you speak and be damned.  Silent Insignificant Nigerians (SIN)

We watch our parents,elder statesmen and mentors,jump from one party to the other because of their personal interests. You see men who have sworn to protect the interest of the masses(that’s a mirage),stand before you and totally dent everything he has said simply because he wants to remain relevant and “chop” from the party in power. As youths,we see these things happen everyday and you expect us to perform miracles when we get there? To be angels and make Nigeria better? But wait,can we be trained to be goats and we end up becoming cows? I doubt. But we know these bad eggs who are destroying our nation. We see them,we know them,but can we speak? NO!  In Nigeria,you speak and be damned.  Silent Insignificant Nigerians (SIN)

We see everything. The problem with Nigeria is not being Igbo or Hausa or Yoruba. Our fathers are the ones who are cultivating this evil seed of tribalism inside of us.  They are the silent insignificant Nigerians who would rather blame everything that made up Nigeria rather than find a way to build a better Nigeria for us. We see them,we know them,but can we speak? NO!  In Nigeria,you speak and be damned.  Silent Insignificant Nigerians (SIN)

As a youth,I will do my bidding in life to be my own voice. I will be my own inspiration and define my own path. I owe it as a duty to build a better society for my children and their children’s children. Posterity will never forgive me for knowing all these things and still fail to make things better.

Are you ready to join me?

Till we get to the Promised Land,I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.

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