Politics
Anambra: Journalists, Party Chairmen Left Stranded At INEC Office
Several party chairmen and journalists were left stranded at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Awka on Thursday, as the state’s Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Dr Queen Agwu, declined to address their inquiries.
The group had gathered to observe the transportation of electoral materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria in Awka, but were unable to gain entry.
At around 8 pm, party chairmen and agents were seen at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office, where they claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had loaded voting materials onto trucks without providing them with the necessary serial numbers for documentation.
The state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ndubisi Nwobu, spoke to journalists and expressed disappointment with the attitude of the INEC officials.
He stated that the party agents were eager to obtain information about the voting materials so that they could communicate the details to their party officials and cross-check them upon arrival.
“We want to believe that the materials will not leave this night. We are hoping that by tomorrow morning, INEC will avail them of the serial number of the materials before leaving CBN,” Nwobu stated.
He, however, said they saw some of the INEC officials though it appeared they were very busy.
“We are hoping that tomorrow morning before the materials leave CBN, INEC officials will avail us with the serial numbers of various local government councils. It is already 8 pm,” he said.
In a separate statement, the state chairman of the Young Progressive Party, Prince Moses Obi, expressed surprise that INEC officials had loaded the voting materials without acknowledging their presence or addressing their concerns.
Obi said, “We were here to inspect the arrival and the leaving of INEC voting materials from the CBN for the Saturday elections. I am not happy with the process they adopted. INEC needs to avail us of the details of the serial numbers of materials to local government councils.”
Journalists who had gone to cover the distribution of voting materials were also unable to access the Resident Electoral Commission (REC). Furthermore, less than 24 hours before the general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra state had not yet accredited journalists for the election.
Despite visiting the INEC office in Awka since Wednesday, journalists reported that the commission kept giving excuses for their failure to distribute the necessary accreditation tags.
A journalist who doesn’t want his name in print said, “It was the same story that was given again when we visited on Wednesday. We were told to check back on Thursday.
“None of the INEC officials offered cogent reasons. The PRO only told us that tags have not come and that they will soon come and until now we have not gotten any.”
Journalists who had gathered at the commission on Thursday to obtain their accreditation tags left the premises disappointed and angry as they were informed that the tags were not yet ready for distribution.
According to sources, journalists in other states have already been accredited and received their tags.
Politics
US Election: Davido Celebrates Voting For The First Time
Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, known as Davido, is thrilled to have cast his vote in the ongoing US elections, marking his first time of participating in an American election.
Born in Atlanta, Davido shared his excitement about the milestone.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Minors Freed By Nigerian Govt Arrive Presidential Villa
Sharing a picture of himself shortly after casting his vote, the singer wrote, “First time voter !! ”
Earlier, he shared a post on X urging Americans to go out and cast their votes peacefully.
“Election Day yall be safe as you perform your constitutional rights ❤️,” he wrote.
However, he refrained from publicly endorsing any candidate.
Politics
JUST IN: Minors Freed By Nigerian Govt Arrive Presidential Villa
The minors who were just released by the Federal Government for their involvement in the end bad governance protest have arrived at the presidential villa, where they will meet briefly with government officials.
Recall that the Federal Government dropped the treason charges levelled against them for their participation in the protest that was held across the country.
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However, a source within the presidency confirmed that the governors of Kano and Kaduna States are already on ground to receive the minors and thereafter hand them over to their respective families.
The source also noted that the meeting will commence by 2pm at the Auditorium in the State House.
Following the directive of the President, Bola Tinubu on Monday, the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had early Tuesday morning, took over the case file and notified the Federal High Court in Abuja of his decision to discontinue the case against the protesters.
Politics
US Election: Cardi B Expresses Nerves
Grammy-winning rapper, Cardi B has shared her intense feelings about the upcoming U.S. presidential election, admitting that her nerves are so high she feels as though she’s running for president herself.
With the election only a day away, Cardi B took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express her anticipation, telling her 36 million followers, “I don’t know why I’m so nervous for tomorrow. I feel like I’m running for president.”
The Bronx-born rapper and cultural icon recently made headlines for her passionate endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s candidate, at a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Cardi B gave a rousing speech, highlighting her concerns about the Republican Party’s candidate, former President Donald Trump. She criticized Trump’s stance on women’s rights, calling him “a hustler who is trying to hustle women out of their rights and hustle Americans out of their money.”
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The rapper, known for her outspoken political views, did not hold back, asserting that Trump is “selling more than watches and sneakers” and accusing him of promoting “bigotry, misogyny, division, chaos, and confusion.” Her words resonated with supporters, many of whom see Cardi B as a voice for younger voters who care about issues like women’s rights, racial equality, and social justice.
Addressing rumors circulating online, Cardi B also clarified that she was not paid to endorse Harris, dispelling speculation that financial incentives were behind her appearance at the rally. “I did this because I believe in the future that Kamala Harris stands for, not for any money,” she tweeted.
Cardi B has been vocal about her political stance throughout the election season, using her platform to encourage her fans to vote and make their voices heard. Her support for Harris has added significant star power to the Democratic campaign, especially among younger and minority voters. As the election approaches, her rally speech and social media statements have brought renewed attention to the high-stakes issues on the ballot.
With her passionate stance, Cardi B has become one of the most influential celebrity advocates in this election cycle, drawing both praise and criticism. As Americans prepare to vote, her message continues to reverberate across social media and beyond, emphasizing the rapper’s commitment to political engagement and advocacy for her beliefs.