Politics
Protests Rock Enugu Re-run Election
Labour Party (LP) members in Enugu staged a protest on Saturday, in dissatisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) inability to provide the original result sheets for the Enugu South Urban State Constituency re-run election.
The demonstration took place at Robinson Primary School, Uwani, and Uwani Secondary School, where party members claimed INEC did not present the necessary original result documents for the election.
In contrast, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staged a counter-protest, asserting that they had already seen the result sheets and insisting that the scheduled election must proceed.
The by-election, limited to eight polling units at Robinson Primary School, Uwani, and Uwani Secondary School on the same street, had not commenced by 12 noon, despite a significant presence of military, police, and DSS operatives due to the ongoing protest.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, arrived at the election venue around 11:45 a.m., urging voters to allow the election to proceed, but the appeal faced widespread rejection.
The REC, earlier briefing reporters on his cellphone around 10 a.m., stated he had not been informed about the reason for the delayed start of the election.
In response to the issue, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial district, and Chimaobi Atu, the member representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, accused INEC officials of compromise.
Senator Chukwu specifically alleged that the election had been compromised.
He said “I got to this place; I met with the Electoral Officer and told him to do the simplest thing by showing all the candidates the original result sheets which he has not produced.
“That is what is causing the tension. I am worried because since INEC has yet to show the result sheets, the election may not hold.
“I have spoken with the Assistant Commissioner of Police and the army officer in charge. I have told them what is required. I told the INEC man to show the people the result sheets, very simple. If that is not done, there will be no election.” he added
On his part, Atu expressed frustration on behalf of his constituents, emphasizing their readiness to defend the electoral process.
He highlighted the absence of result sheets upon reaching the venue and stressed the importance of displaying them to ensure a transparent election.
Atu insisted that the people were demanding the presentation of result sheets for a free and fair electoral process.
PDP’s re-run candidate, Chief Sam Ngene, accused LP members, including National Assembly members Chukwu and Atu, of disrupting the electoral process.
He said “The election was about starting before Sen. Chukwu and his supporters came here to disrupt it.
“Yesterday night, the entire agents were shown the result sheets, but coming this morning, these people came here and started demanding for the result sheets.
“They should allow INEC set up their booths before demanding for the result sheets. How can you be demanding for result sheets when they are yet to set up their booths?
“They are jumping the gun. I am also calling on the security agencies to do the needful by moving Chukwu out of this place. He is not supposed to be here,”he added
The coming days promise a lot of intrigues in the Ondo State political circle with the former Governor, Segun Mimiko, set to play a big part.
Biztellers reports that delegates of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) on Wednesday, in Akure, chose Abass Mimiko as its candidate for the November 16 governorship election in the state.
It was gathered that Abass is Segun’s younger sibling.
He was reported to have been chosen through affirmation in the party’s primary election at its Secretariat.
On emergence, Mimiko assured that if elected governor of the state, his priorities would be education, health, economy, and security.
On if his older sibling would be supporting his ambition, with both of them being in different political parties, Abbas revealed that the former governor would be rooting for him to become Ondo’s next governor.
According to him, “My brother is happy that I am coming out because he knows I would build on his achievements.”
In a show of solidarity, the 37 chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed support for the party’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, despite reports of his suspension by his ward in Dawakin-Tofa local government area of Kano state.
The chairmen representing 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) conveyed their vote of confidence during a visit to Ganduje at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.
Acting chairman of the APC state Chairmen Forum and Lagos State chairman of the party, Cornelius Ojelabi, stated that those behind the purported suspension were not recognized by the party.
He said, “We are here to let you know that we are solidly behind you. The purported suspension is not from members of the party but coming from people that want to derail the party.
“We’re here to show our solidarity and sincere commitment to appreciate what members of the National Working Committee have been doing in standing by you by giving you a total support.
“We feel it’s important that the act of that solidarity should not be limited to members of the NWC alone.”
In his retort, Ganduje pointed fingers at Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, accusing him of orchestrating the purported suspension by impostors.
He derided the move as nothing more than a theatrical spectacle, likening it to scenes one might expect on Africa Magic’s Nollywood channel.
He said, “We were so astonished when we heard the news but we were not surprised when we discovered that the great threat that APC overwhelmingly poses to other parties is real and Kano State is not an exception.
“The government in Kano State is behind this drama. Even the drama is one kind of drama that is called Africa Magic. This is Africa Magic and it is not leading democracy anywhere.
“It is a negative innovation where members who belong to a different political party, not even our members, let alone being elected executive members of either the ward or to the highest level at the state.
He added “Our party cannot be distracted, we assure you. Our attention cannot be diverted. We are focused. We know where we are heading to. We know our objectives and we know to achieve our objectives.”
At the same time, the Ganduje-led National Working Committee of the APC has officially received the report of the party’s Ondo Governorship Committee, headed by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
In a formal handover ceremony, Ganduje commended Governor Ododo for his exemplary leadership and acknowledged the committee’s diligent work.
He expressed pride in the governor’s successful execution of the party’s first national assignment under his stewardship.
Ganduje said “This is your first assignment and we are happy that you did well. I was in our Situation Room watching you live while you were declaring the results and I am proud of the way you handled it.”
In his earlier remarks, Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to the APC national leadership for entrusting him and his committee members with such a crucial national assignment.
He highlighted that the committee’s report meticulously documented all events surrounding the primary election, offering comprehensive recommendations to address the aftermath.
Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of these recommendations in fostering party unity and preparing the APC for success in the upcoming November governorship election in Ondo State.
In a display of legislative power, the Rivers State House of Assembly has overridden Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s veto to pass the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into law.
Despite the governor’s initial refusal to assent to the bill on March 13, 2024, the assembly stood firm in its resolve, led by Majority Leader Hon. Major Jack, to fulfill its constitutional duties.
Following the procedures outlined in Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the Rivers State House of Assembly exercised its authority to override Gov Fubara’s veto by a two-thirds majority vote.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule facilitated the decisive moment, paving the way for the enactment of the bill into law.
In a separate development, the House undertook the screening and confirmation of nominees for key positions within the Assembly Service Commission.
The confirmed nominees include Barr. Sampson Worlu as Chairman, along with Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, Mrs. Blessing Belema Derefaka, Mr. Gbaranen Robinson, and Madam Dorcas Amos as members.
On March 22, 2024, the Rivers State House of Assembly passed the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill into law, granting itself the authority to appoint the Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission.
This legislative action marked a significant shift in the appointment process for key positions within the commission.
On a somber note, Speaker Rt. Hon. Amaewhule sadly announced the passing of Mr. Lucky Amadi, the husband of Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, the honorable Member for Obio/Akpor Constituency II.
In a gesture of solidarity and support, Members expressed their condolences and announced plans to pay a visit to their grieving colleague, reflecting the assembly’s sense of camaraderie and compassion during times of loss.
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