Politics
Rivers: INEC, Wike Accused Of Plotting To Rig Gov Election
A coalition of five opposition political parties in Rivers State has pledged to prevent any effort to manipulate the upcoming governorship and State House of Assembly elections on March 18.
During a joint press conference held in Port Harcourt, the parties accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of collaborating with the state government to sabotage the election.
The political parties include the All Progressives Congress (APC), National Rescue Movement, Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, and Action Alliance.
Tonye Cole, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, alleged that Governor Nyesom Wike is planning to suppress opposition parties during the upcoming election.
Cole said, “We demand that INEC should stop all government officials from accessing the collation centres.
“We also demand INEC to restrict the movement of government officials, including the Governor and Local Government Chairmen at the collation centres, as their presence will compromise the electoral process.
“We want a peaceful, free and fair election. Only accredited party agents should have access to the collation centres.
Continuing, he said, “INEC should assure us that the BVAS will work this time and that results will be uploaded at the polling units.
“Then there should be adequate security at the Local Government collation centres on March 18.”
Similarly, the governorship candidate of NRM, Sobomabo Jackreech, accused INEC of colluding with Wike to rig the elections even before March 18th and urged the commission to come out clean.
He stated, “The information we have is that they have perfected plans to rig at the local government collation centres and INEC is in collaboration with them.
On his part, the ADC governorship candidate, Tonte Ibraye, vowed to resist any form of rigging.
When approached for comment, Mr. Mark Usulor, the Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Rivers for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), refuted the allegations made by the opposition political parties.
According to Mr. Usulor, the accusations are unfounded and lack any basis in truth.
Usulor said, “It is not true and can never be true. It is a false allegation, fake news and misinformation.
“Such allegation should be discountenanced because it is baseless and lack foundation.
“We are a transparent electoral commission even though we had some glitches in the last election.
“But that doesn’t mean we are colluding with any political party or government because it is not in our ethics.
“We are here to conduct a credible and acceptable election for the people of Rivers State.”
Also, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Chris Finebone, said the parties were expressing unfounded fears and propaganda.
Finebone said, “In the last election, the governor after several hours was able to vote because of the malfunctioning of the BVAS machine and thereafter he left for his house.
“Whatever you heard about him going around trying to influence people is fake news. Nothing of such happened and I believe you monitored the election.
“What is happening is that they are foreseeing their failure and trying to lay a foundation of a narrative that will explain their failure in the election.” He added.
Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to provide a comprehensive report on individuals displaced by natural disasters across Nigeria and neighbouring regions.
The request was made during a meeting with the Federal Commissioner of the Commission, Tijani Ahmed, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Kalu urged the commission to conduct a detailed needs analysis of those affected by climate-induced displacement, such as floods and erosion, as part of an initiative to address the rising impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. He highlighted the importance of allocating a specific intervention fund within the commission’s budget to address the needs of displaced persons effectively.
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“We want the commission to present a complete report on the challenges faced by Nigerians nationwide,” said Kalu. “Displacement isn’t solely caused by conflict. Natural disasters are increasingly leaving people homeless. The climate is at odds with us, and as a government, we must prioritize mitigation and adaptation measures,” he added.
Kalu requested that the commission submit its report within two weeks to guide the parliament in its upcoming budget allocations. He emphasized the necessity for greater public awareness, encouraging the commission to present its findings in parliament and through media to highlight the urgent needs of displaced populations.
Ahmed expressed gratitude for the support, pledging to deliver the report within the specified timeframe. He also appealed for increased funding to enable the commission to fulfill its mandate effectively. “We will compile the report to provide a clear picture of the situation, encompassing both refugees and internally displaced persons, to ensure parliament understands our funding challenges,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker’s call for data comes as climate-related displacements rise across Nigeria, raising concerns over resource adequacy for managing the situation.
In a significant development for residents of Araromi in Lagos State’s Ikorodu Local Government Area, House of Representatives member Babajimi Benson has launched the rehabilitation of the long-neglected Araromi-Adamo Road.
The 1.3-kilometer project is expected to be completed within three months, marking the first significant infrastructure upgrade for the community since 1996.
Our correspondent who visited the area reported that Benson, representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), urged residents to support the project and ensure that contractors face no disruptions.
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Speaking through Muyideen Sanwo-Ola, Executive Assistant on Parks to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Benson emphasised the importance of timely completion for the benefit of the community.
Local residents, who have struggled with poor road conditions for decades, expressed relief and gratitude for the intervention. Ademoriti Maruf, a community member, highlighted the road’s deteriorated state, recalling how floods often disrupt daily life, damage property, and leave residents stranded after heavy rains.
Chief Qazeem Oyeniran, the community leader of Olufuja-Mojoda Araromi, expressed optimism about the project’s impact, noting how it would ease access for residents, especially during the rainy season when flooding often makes the road nearly impassable.
Similarly, Baale of Upenyanwa, Chief Nurudeen Shiriki, shared his excitement for the long-awaited project, hopeful that the new road will finally provide the community with much-needed relief and improve overall accessibility.
In the wake of the 2024 US presidential election, political endorsements have sparked controversy.
Kamala Harris received support from high-profile figures such as P. Diddy, Cardi B, Barack Obama, and Beyoncé, while Donald Trump gained endorsements from the Tate brothers, Elon Musk, and rapper Lil Wayne.
Some supporters of Trump celebrated the outcome, claiming that Americans chose “God over the devil,” with implications for a shift in cultural content, including less LGBTQ+ representation.
A twitter user reacting to the outcome said: “Kamala Harris was endorsed by the likes of P Diddy (Devil with horns), Cardi B (prostitute) , Barack Obama and Beyoncé (devil). Donald Trump was endorsed by the Tate Brothers, Elon Musk. And Lil Wayne. The People of America chose God over the devil. We gonna see less gay content”
Another user @BafanaSuprise posted pictures of Barrack obama, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris noted that”Biggest losers in history 😂😂. Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Kama Harris!
These three were forcing Men to be pregnant, they were forcing Children to transition. They were enforcing evil into this World!”
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@SLH2806 said: “America is ready to heal…. He is the man who will take us there. Thanks to all of you (his family). & to all those who helped raise his voice”
@gautam_adani said: “If there is one person on Earth who stands as the embodiment of unbreakable tenacity, unshakeable grit, relentless determination and the courage to stay true to his beliefs, it is Donald Trump. Fascinating to see America’s democracy empower its people and uphold the nation’s founding principles. Congratulations to the 47th POTUS-elect”
Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election in a stunning comeback, securing more than 270 Electoral College votes, with a victory in the key swing state of Wisconsin.
Despite legal troubles and controversies, including multiple criminal indictments, Trump prevailed by capitalising on voter concerns about the economy, immigration, and rising prices.
His campaign focused on addressing issues like inflation and crime, while presenting Kamala Harris as unable to manage these problems.
Trump’s victory was driven by strong support from rural, white, non-college-educated voters, Hispanics, and lower-income households. The win also saw Republicans gain a majority in the Senate, though control of the House remains uncertain.
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