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.
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!”
READ MORE: US Election: Cardi B Calls For ‘Hail Mary’ As Kamala Harris Faces Defeat
@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.
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.
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.
READ MORE: Don’t Ignore These Hidden Health Clues In Your Urine
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.
JUST IN: NNPC Ltd Disclaims Video Of Adulterated Fuel Sold in Bottles, Jerrycans
New Terrorist Group Emerges In Northwest Nigeria – DHQ
Osun Declares Three-Day Mourning For COAS, Lagbaja
Shallipopi Splits From Record Label, Dapper Music
Lagos Gov’t Launches Bid For 500MW Gas Power Hubs Amid Energy Crisis
BP, Trafigura, Vitol Lead Global Offtake Of Dangote’s Refined Products
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
