By Femi Ogunshola

Mrs Ibim Semenitari, Director, New Media, PDP Campaign Council for Rivers governorship election, says the party’s candidate, Mr Siminalayi Fubara will sustain Gov. Nyesom Wike`s legacies if elected.

Semenitari who said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, said that Fubara would sustain the dividends of democracy being enjoyed by Rivers people under the Wike-led administration.

She said this would be done through investment in infrastructure, to underpin a stronger economy and improved security and capacity development.

The director said Fubara had a proven track records of public service, having served meritoriously nearing two decades and rose to the position of Accountant General of the state.

She said the PDP candidate had a clear understanding of issues facing the people of the state, adding that he has a vision to create better future for his people.

Semenitari said Fubara was committed to creating a more prosperous future for the people and achieving the goals of inclusive development.

“His disposition and promotion of peace and stability is unparalleled, he is a fervent advocate of human capital development,“he said.

She said the governorship candidate would invest in energy solutions, to tackle electricity issues, installing CCTV cameras and drones to combat insecurity and reforming the public sector.

According to her, these would be achieved through industrialisation, creating more jobs and improved social infrastructure and healthcare.

“By executing these measures, Fubara hopes to transform Rivers into a modern, vibrant, and secure environment that enables its citizens to thrive,” she said.

She said his cabinet would comprise a sizeable number of youth and women that would truly reflect his beliefs in the untapped potentials of the groups.

Semenitari said this was aimed at leveraging their capacity to promote inclusiveness for a more efficient state.

The director said that this would foster an environment where Rivers people could take pride in their state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ODF/BEN/JPE

By Peter Okolie

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct credible, free and fair election on Feb. 25 in Imo, in spite of the violence in the state.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof. Sylvia Agu gave the assurance on Wednesday at a news conference to announce the commission’s preparedness for the election.

Agu said that about 2.4 million registered voters in Imo were eligible to vote during the election.

“As at the close of work on Feb. 3, about 375,004 Permanent Voter Cards (PVC), comprising 206,463 old cards, 116,734 new cards and 51,807 reprints have been collected,” she said.

Agu said that over 4,500 people who filled forms on issues relating to PVCs had been attended to.

The REC assured that the commission had made adequate arrangements to carry out voting in volatile areas of the state, particularly in Okigwe and Orsu Local Government Areas.

She noted, however, that election would not hold in 38 polling units in the state where the commission recorded zero registration.

Agu said that zero registration were recorded in Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Ezinihite Mbaise, Ideato North, Isiala Mbano, Isu, Njaba, Ohaji/Egbema, Orlu, Oru East, Owerri Municipal and Owerri North Local Government Areas.

“On level of preparedness, INEC in Imo State is fully ready for the elections.

“All non-sensitive materials have been received and distributed to various Local Government Areas.

“Diverse trainings have been concluded and the training of presiding officers and assistant presiding officers is still on-going.

“The next set of trainees will focus on registration areas, technical collation officers.”

Agu said that after the training, the commission would recruit a reasonable number of ad hoc staff for the elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that INEC had suffered up to four attacks on its facilities since 2022 in Imo, resulting to the death of some staff of the commission.

The commission has however, restated its determination to conduct the elections, in spite of the attacks. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Silas Nwoha

By Justina Auta

Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD), Tuesday, have demanded for inclusion in the electoral process at all levels and access to polling units nationwide.

The network, in collaboration with the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative(WRAPA) made the call during a walk and presentation of the charter of demand for women with disability to the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja.

Hajiya Zainab Abdulrasheed, Programme Officer WRAPA, said the removal of any physical barrier faced by PWDs during election day and in the electoral processes would enable them vote in line with Nigeria’s polling system.

Abdulrasheed, stressed the need for election management bodies and other stakeholders to protects the rights of women and PWDs, urging them to include them in the implementation of electoral processes in Nigeria.

“Part of it is ensuring polling units are accessible for PWDs and be able to participate meaningfully during election to exercise their franchise or voting candidates of their choice.

” And not be intimidated because inaccessibility of polling units can deter prospective voters from exercising their franchise.

“And this is the right time to promote PWDs especially women in the 2023 election and beyond.”

According to her, the aim of the rally is to create more awareness and promote the rights and inclusion of PWDs in the forthcoming election.

She added that an abridged version of a charter of demands that spells out what the provisions of the laws of Nigeria in disabilities rights are pertaining to the PWDs, particularly women in the forthcoming elections was also launched to make their demands known.

“We came to create awareness on this purpose for all stakeholders to come on board and ensure that the forthcoming 2023 election and beyond have to be very inclusive of women with disabilities.

” And to ensure that their rights are not infringed upon.

” They should not be discriminated for any reasons, they should be part of any development and governance in any society where they may exist.

“That is why we are here for people to know that they have a rights to vote and be voted for.

” This activity came at the right time towards the 2023 election, where we know that polling is about to take place and we hope INEC has put in place resources to ensure inclusiveness for PWDs and others alike,” she said.

Also, Ms Rose Daniels, Vice President, decried that women with disability have been relegated to the background in every sector, stressing the need for inclusion, which would empower them and contribute to national development.

“We want to be heard, To be included in the political sphere, we have capable women with disability who can run for offices and be voted for, to be in the parliament.

“We are demanding for our 10 per cent quota which I believe is not too much, to have our space in the national polity,” she said.

On her part, Ms Godiya John, Media and Communication Officer NWD, FCT Chapter, reiterated the need for inclusion of women with disability in all the affairs of the government, adding their right to inclusion should not be denied.

“All we are asking is inclusion in politics, governance, health, education. We are asking of inclusion, our rights to vote, rights to be voted for, rights to education, rights to gainful employment.

“We want government to include us in politics, we want them to know that there is so much ability in us, so much we can contribute to the political sphere of the government.

” So, we are asking for inclusion, women generally are asking for just 35 per cent, but we are asking for only 10 per cent from government.

“When you empower a woman with disabilities, you empower the nation because most are mothers.

“We have been discriminated and abandoned, but when we are empowered it will go along way in the contribution of the development of the country,” she said.

Responding, Representative of the Ministry of Justice, Winifred Oyekunle, assured the group that issues tabled will be presented to the relevant authorities with a follow up action.

Oyekunle said, “be assured that your issues are always considered as your interest will be protected.

“The Attorney General will do his best as your message will get across and you will be happy with his decision,” she said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Naomi Sharang

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) on Wednesday, tasked security agencies on the need to synergise to guard against break down of law and order during and after the general elections.

The Executive Director of the election observer group, Ms Faith Nwadishi made the call in Abuja, at the North-central stakeholders meeting in preparation toward the 2023 general elections.

While saying that security was a critical aspect of the electoral process that requires attention, security agencies should up their game in ensuring safety of lives during the entire electoral process.

She said: “INEC has recently raised an alarm indicating that insecurity may stall the 2023 elections.

“Citizens too have had cause to worry over the ugly and alarming trend of burning INEC offices and materials in recent times.

“This dangerous and criminal act if unchecked could pose a grave danger to the 2023 general elections.

“All men and women of goodwill should condemn these senseless attacks while joining hands to quench this ugly trend.

“We expect better synergy between the police, the lead security agency on election security and other members of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCESS) with stakeholders on election,” he said.

Nwadishi further urged the agencies to share important information with other stakeholders especially on flash points.

The executive director urged the electorate to say no to money politics, all forms of inducement and money laundering associated with politics and elections.

“Citizens’ choices must never be subverted by the negative use of money to influence votes including the criminal purchases of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by politicians.

“We recognise clearly that the symbolic presence of law enforcement agents at polling units on election has not deterred vote buying.

“It is, therefore, important that a more result-oriented method like covert operations be adopted to curb this menace.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were in attendance at the event.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Busayo Onijala/Adeyemi Adeleye

 The European Observation Mission Nigeria 2023 on Tuesday advised Nigerians to ensure international best practices at the nation’s forthcoming general elections.

A team of two EU Longer Team Observers – Mr Marko Logar and Ms Agnieszka Gorna –  gave  the advice during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

They were received by the Acting Head of Lagos Operations of NAN, Mr Abdulfatah Babatunde, and some other senior staff of the agency.

Lorga and Gorna are in charge of the 2023 General Elections observation in Lagos State on behalf of the mission.

 Logar said that the team had been observing election campaigns and  preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to him, the team has also been meeting critical stakeholders such as civil society organisations, the judiciary and the media.

Logar said that the mission’s observations as well as its final report on the elections would be presented by its chief observer.

“We are meeting people, gathering information, analysing them and providing information,” he said.

Gorna added: “We are not supporting any political party. We ask people what their thoughts are. We will be open to all comments and criticisms.

“We will like to be visible and transparent. We have nothing to hide,” she said.

Gorna said that the team expected the elections to be conducted in line with international best practices.

“Everything should be according to the law, the Electoral Law, following international practices,” she urged.

She added that the mission was doing its best to fact-check information pushed out on social media.

“We need to be very careful about misinformation and disinformation.”

According to her, the EU has 20 teams of observers in Nigeria for the general elections.

Responding, Babatunde, who welcomed the team, said that NAN remained a major media content provider, with  offices in the 36 states of the federation besides its headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that the agency had 12 zonal offices, district offices and foreign offices.

He said that the agency was extensively and objectively reporting the process of the general elections.

“Everything that will make it a success is what we are after. We can assure you that we are giving good reportage of all the activities.

“We have been covering all the political parties to give everyone of them a voice. We extend equal coverage to all of them. We do not discriminate.

“We give all political parties equal opportunities to sell their candidates and manifestoes. We report event as we see them,” he said..

Other senior staff of NAN at the event  included a Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Head of NAN Lagos  Editorial Operations, Mr Folorunso Poroye, and  a Deputy Editor-in-Chief,  Mr Joe Idika. (NAN)(www.nannewa.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Naomi Sharang

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create more sensitisation to the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the 2023 general elections.

Executive Director of the Civil Society Organisation, Ms Faith Nwadishi, made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was on the concluded mock trial of the BVAS by INEC, preparatory to the 2023 General Elections.

Nwadishi, who called for more sensitisation to the use of the BVAS, also called for the relocation of names to decongest polling units.

She said that the CTA, as an election observer group, had embarked on meeting with critical stakeholders across the six geo-political zones and came up with some recommendations.

The recommendations, she said, included proper enlightenment and training of party agents, more sensitisation of security agents to the do’s and don’ts at polling units on election days.

“More attention should be paid to potential flash points across the country.”

Nwadishi, however, commended INEC for the overall performance of the BVAS while also noting improvement in the performance of the system.

“As we move closer to the elections, we call on all stakeholders to support INEC towards achieving credible, peaceful, fair, inclusive, and conclusive elections in February and March.”(NAN)
(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Molly Phee, U.S Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, says her country has no preferred candidate in the Nigeria’s general election.
Phee stated this when she visited the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu in his office on Monday in Abuja.
She expressed confidence that the general election would be hitch-free and successful.
“Democracies are exciting experiment in human governance. It doesn’t matter whether you’re rich or poor, whether you live in a city or in the countryside, what your religion is, what your nationality is.
“Every single vote counts and Nigerian should have confidence in their electoral process. Thanks to the excellent work of INEC.
“We are honored to be here to see you today. We are proud of our contribution in technical assistance to help you meet the challenges of conducting such a large election. It is such a large and diverse country.
“We, like your other international partners are confident that you will succeed,” she said.
Phee said that although the U.S had no preferred candidate in the election, it would back the processes toward a credible poll.
She said that the U.S highly valued its partnership with Nigeria.
“We are both diverse democracy and we want to encourage a successful election that is free and fair and peaceful, and I’m happy to say that I have great confidence that you will have a successful election.
“Since 1999, Nigeria has been moving up in solidifying and consolidating its democratic trajectory.
“And now, with INEC under the leadership of the chairman, and the support of his superb team, all Nigerians can have confidence in the integrity of the upcoming election,” she said.

Phee advised Nigerians to ensure that there was peace in that the country before, during and after the election.

“I do want to emphasise the importance of conducting a peaceful election.

“I do want to emphasize that every citizen, every stakeholder, every party involved in in the election has a responsibility before the election, during the campaign period, during the election and after the election, to be peaceful,’’ Phee said.

In his remarks, Yakubu re-stated INEC’s commitment to free, fair and credible election that would uphold the will of the people as expressed in the poll.

“Like the United States, INEC is only interested in the process. The commission is not a political party. We have no candidates in the election.

“We only focus in the process, the choice ultimately belong to the people of Nigeria. The commission will uphold the choice made by Nigerians.

“We are committed to free, fair, credible, and inclusive and I must also add verifiable elections in 2023,” he said.

Yakubu said that INEC looked forward to consolidating its partnership with the U.S.

“If the United States is the largest presidential democracy in the world, which country is the second largest presidential democracy in the world? It is actually Nigeria.

“Yes, you may have other countries like India, Indonesia, other democracies, but they are parliamentary democracy, not presidential democracy.

“Based on the projection of Nigeria’s population in the next two years, who knows we may also utterly overtake the United States as the largest presidential democracy in the world.

“So we’re interested in ensuring that we consolidate our democracy. There is no system of government better than a democratic system where the will of the people will continue to prevail,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Editing by Ali Baba-Inuwa