Politics
#NigeriaDecides2023: NLC Expresses Concerns Over Violence In Some Polling Units
In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, Joe Ajaero, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president expressed concern over the occurrence of violence is some polling units and areas where thugs disrupted election activities on Saturday’s election.
“The experiences of yesterday ought to have prepared INEC to conduct a better election this year,” the statement said.
“We had hoped that voting materials would reach their destinations on time so that the various time frames would be strictly adhered to preventing the disenfranchisement of potential voters.
“Report reaching us paints a rather frightening picture that in many areas around the country, as late as noon; voting materials were yet to get to the polling units. We are worried about the reports of manifest incidences of violence in some polling units and areas where activities of thugs are pronounced (sic) even in the presence of security agencies.” he said.
According to Ajaero, INEC must deal with voter suppression and cases of ballot box snatching that were recorded in some parts of the country on Saturday.
“If voters are beaten at the Polling Units, the signal to other voters is to stay at home and not vote. This disenfranchises and is undemocratic and thus unacceptable.
“It is important that INEC understands that this election is also a referendum on its capacity to conduct free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
“It should not, therefore, fail itself and Nigerians again but prove wrong those who have come to believe that it would be difficult for INEC to raise the bar in election conducts in Nigeria,’’ he stated.
Mr Ajaero further said that there was no other institution that would be held responsible except INEC if it failed to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.
He added that given the huge resources invested in it, the pivotal nature of this election and the enormous time they had in preparing for this cycle, much needed to be done to ensure a free and fair election.
He said the commission’s experiences in election conduct must be brought to bear in this exercise to make it successful.
“Their monitoring mechanism must swing into action and correct what is already being observed to avert what we are already observing in the field.
“If INEC gets it right, Nigeria will get it right. This election offers us such hope and INEC is at the centre of this hope,’’ he said.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the appointment of six new officials to pivotal positions within his administration, effective from November 15, 2024.
The announcement was made public on Friday in a communiqué signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.
The newly appointed officials bring a wealth of experience to their roles and include: Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu as Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
READ MORE: Lagbaja’s Remains Arrive National Military Cemetery For Burial
Dr. Iyamu, an accomplished academic and business leader, holds a Doctorate in Petroleum Resources and an MBA. Prior to his appointment, he served as the CEO of Gabbem Integrated Services Ltd.
Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi as Managing Director of the State Waste Management Board. Enehita-Inegbenehi is a seasoned professional with expertise in human resources and leadership.
He previously led multiple businesses, including JEI Visions Service Apartments and JEI Visions Iron Metals.
CP Friday Ibadin (retd.) as Corps Commander of the Edo State Security Corps Governance. A former Commissioner of Police with international experience, including an assignment with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, Ibadin is renowned for his security expertise.
Stainless Ijeghede as Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency. Ijeghede, a mechanical engineer, previously worked in the petroleum sector with Shell Petroleum, focusing on well engineering and safety.
Lucky Eseigbe as Managing Director of the Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency. A legal expert with an LL.B and LL.M from Ambrose Alli University, Eseigbe has vast experience in legislative consulting and legal advising.
Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor as Commissioner for Finance-designate. With over 25 years in the banking industry, Okoebor has held senior roles, including Assistant General Manager at United Bank for Africa (UBA).
He is also a registered member of COREN and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
As the build up to the Ondo State’s off season gubernatorial election continues, the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated the list of contestants by adding the Labour Party’s Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus.
The umpire made the disclosure on Friday in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, where it made it clear that it was acting in compliance with an order of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.
The statement was issued under the subject, ‘update on the list of candidates for the 2024 Ondo governorship election’.
It reads, “The Commission was yesterday 14th November 2024 served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement of the Court of Appeal which set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja Division. The FHC, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024 had on 27th September 2024 ordered the Commission to accept Olusola Ebiseni as the candidate of the Labour Party for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election.
“However, in the appeal with reference number CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 filed by the Labour Party, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division struck out the judgement of the FHC for lack of jurisdiction.
“In obedience to the court order, the Commission has restored Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus, whose name was first published as the Labour Party candidate for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election and uploaded same to our website for public information.”
In the quest to ramp up the push against the negative effects of climate change, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved changes in the leadership of the state’s climate change team.
Consequently, Gov Adeleke directed the abolition of the office of Senior Special Assistant on Climate Change and the redeployment of the SSA on Climate Change, Prince Moruf Adedapo, out of the sub sector to the pool of SSAs.
To add bite to the changes, Gov Adeleke also directed the movement of the office of the consultant to the state on climate change and renewable energy from the Ministry of Environment to the Governor’s Office.
ALSO READ: Super Eagles’ Stanley Nwabali Loses Father
Biztellers reports that with the changes, the consultant, Prof Chinwe Obuaku will henceforth be reporting to Gov Adeleke directly.
A government statement underpins these to “a strategy to give bite to the administration’s push to fast track implementation of adaptation and mitigate climate actions”.
As part of the leadership reforms, Gov Adeleke further directed that liaison between the state government and federal agencies as well as development partners on climate matters should be coordinated by the state consultant.
It was gathered that stakeholders would henceforth be relating with the state consultant on climate related matters as the office of SSA on Climate Change no longer exists.
Mike Tyson Loses Comeback Fight To YouTuber Jake Paul
Edo State Governor Appoints Six New Officials To Key Roles
Paul Pogba’s Juventus Career Ends As Club Terminates Contract
CBN Warns Banks Against Sale Of Naira Notes To Hawkers, Announces Stiff Penalties
#OndoDecides2024: INEC Updates Candidates’ List With LP’s Olorunfemi
Lagbaja’s Remains Arrive National Military Cemetery For Burial
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
