By Abdul Hassan / Bashir Rabe Mani

The Zabarkano Association of Nigeria has called for the establishment of a National Minority Tribes Development Commission (NMTDC).

“To this effect, we are urging that lets an executive bill be sent to the National Assembly for the immediate establishment of the proposed commission.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the National President of the association, Alhaji Isa Sahabi-Bankanu made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the inauguration of its national and state executives.

NAN also reports that the association is the umbrella of all
Zarma/Zabarmawa associations in the country.

Zarma is one of the most languages in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger States.

Isa-Bankanu said:”The proposed commission will help to preserve the national heritage of the country and foster sustainable harmony.

“It will also bolster national unity, cement the relationships between the various ethnic groups and boost socio-economic prosperity of Nigeria.”

Isa-Bankanu also commended the efforts of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III in keeping Nigeria as an indivisible nation.

He said that the association was formed 17 years ago to unite the Zabarma people and emble meaningfully contribute their quota to national development.

Isa-Bankanu urged the members of the association to united and work for its progress and facilitating peace and unity of Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Secretary General of the association, Dr Lawwal Sani-Kasgada said:”We are people that have been coexisting peacefully with our fellow citizens.

“The need for this association and the need for us to support the democratic values of our dear nation cannot come at a better time than now,”he said.

The Guest Speaker, Mr Aliyu Ishaq-Lolo urged the new leaders to build bridges of unity and give all the members a sense of belonging.

Ishaq-Lolo, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs said: “All hands must be on deck to ensure peace of love and patriotism.”

The Traditional Ruler of the Zabarma people in Abuja, Alhaji Aminu Maizinari described the members of the association as peace loving, industrious and patriotic.

The national leader of the association (Jagaban), Alhaji Murtala
Hassan-Tela cautioned the members against involvement in criminal activities and any untoward activity.

NAN further reports that the event was attended by delegates from the 36 States and FCT, as well as Canada, Belgium, Sudan, Niger Republic, Ghana, Chad and Saudi Arabia, among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Alex Enebeli

Stakeholders and the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone in Enugu State have adopted Dr Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as their preferred governorship candidate ahead of the March 11 gubernatorial elections.

They openly ditched the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP) and other minority political parties.

They stated this during a well-attended rally of dignitaries and supporters across various political parties held in Enugu on Friday, tagged “Enugu East Senatorial District Endorsement Rally for Dr Peter Ndubuishi Mbah: Our Choice for Gubernatorial Election,”

The spokespersons of the various professional bodies and civil society groups pledged to work for the victory of Mbah at the polls, adding that they had already taken ownership of the project.

They Commended Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for honouring his words not only by adhering to the established zoning principle in the state but also for the choice of Mbah whom they extolled as the most outstanding, competent and dependable candidate among the candidates.

The Chairman, Planning Committee of the rally and Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr Edward Ubosi, said the zone would always show gratitude for the uncommon gesture.

Ubosi, who noted that the mammoth crowd gathered at the Michael Okpara Square for one reason, stated that the agenda was to inform the governor and the people of the state that the only gubernatorial candidate they recognise and would support was Mbah.

He recalled that Mbah had been enjoying massive endorsements, acceptance and support from different sections of the state, including traditional rulers and elder statesmen, which lent credence to the rally.

The chairmen of the six local government areas in the zone, said they attended the rally to reassure Mbah and the state of their support, saying they would deliver their local governments for the candidate.

The former governor of the old Anambra, Chief Jim Nwobodo, while expressing joy over the overwhelming support to the PDP gubernatorial flag bearer, maintained that feelers from the political atmosphere pointed that Mbah would win with landslide.

He commended the governor for his foresight and selfless commitment to the development of the state, urging him to disregard the few disgruntled elements hurling abuses on him because of his goodwill.

Describing Mbah as young, vibrant and intelligent, the elder statesman called on the people to avail themselves the opportunity provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to collect their permanent voter’s card and vote for the PDP.

In their separate speeches, representatives of the traders association, academics, traditional rulers of Enugu East Senatorial zone, religious bodies, the National Assembly, and the women’s wing, Mr. Steve Aniagu, Prof. Christian Ngwu, HRH Abel Nwobodo, Rev. Emmanuel Edeh, Mr Ofor Chukwuegbo, and Mrs. Rita Mbah, respectively, disclosed their support for Mbah.

While enumerating the various empowerment programmes Gov. Ugwuanyi created to assist traders in the state, Aniagu explained that traders in the state had bought into the project, pledging that they would keep spreading Mbah’s outstanding message of hope among their members.

Prof. Ngwu, who commended the governor for being a man of integrity whose words are bankable, declared that the academic community had unanimously adopted Dr Mbah’s candidacy and keyed into the laudable governorship project.

For Rev. Edeh, who is also the State Chairman of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), promised that their teeming members would queue behind the PDP gubernatorial frontrunner on the election day.

Similarly, chieftains and supporters of the APC in the state rolled out drums in celebration of the gubernatorial candidate, saying they believed in Mbah’s ability to deliver good governance and transform the state if elected.

Addressing the people on behalf of the APC card-carrying members at the rally, a former state chairman of the party and member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, Dr. Ben Nwoye, disclosed that they resolved to support Mbah.

Nwoye said they adopted Mbah’s candidacy in spite being members of the opposition party because of the robust and excellent manifesto presented by him.

He said they had studied the contents of the manifesto of the PDP gubernatorial flag-bearer and found it exceptional for the development of the state.

Dr Nwoye, who is also a renowned lawyer, revealed that they were attracted to Mbah because of his integrity, character, capacity and ability to deliver exponential economic boom and change the face of the state.

He also emphasised that members of the APC in the state believed in competence and leadership qualities rather than party sentiments in the choice of who rules the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Kingsley Kubeyinje

By Naomi Sharang

Stakeholders in Abuja, on Friday, disagreed over the proposed establishment of Police Pension Board.

The stakeholders’ position was made known during a public hearing, organised by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, and chaired by Sen. Haliru Jika.

The bills are “Police Pension Board (Establishment) Bill, 2022, and the “Nigeria Special Forces (Establishment) Bill, 2022.

In his submission, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Usman Baba, said that the police require a distinct board on its own for management and administration of pensions of retired police personnel in the mode of the Military Pension Board.

Baba was represented by Deputy Inspector-General Sanusi Lemu.

He said: “The Police as clearly stated by the title of the bill “Police Pension Board Establishment Bill 2022”, deserves to have a separate body for management and administration of pensions of its retirees.

“Exiting the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), being run and managed by Pension Commission (PenCom), is long overdue for the police on account of poor services being subjected to.

“The proposed board will boost the morale of police personnel to dispassionately discharge their duties of fighting crimes,” he said.

And kicking against the proposed board, Chief Executive Officer of Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, Mr Oguche Agudah, urged the committee not to legislate liabilities.

He said that since the proposed body would be solely funded by budgetary allocations, avoidable burden would be placed on the Federal Government currently battling with N10.7 trillion budget deficit in 2023 fiscal year.

“We cannot in good faith, legislate liabilities,” he said.

President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, in his presentation, called for prompt payment of gratuities of retired police personnel or those who died in active service.

He said that the proposed board was well envisioned but the problem is sustainability as regards funding, adding that “the mistake of moving from known to unknown should not be made.”

Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Jika, said that the police deserved to be given the type of special treatment being enjoyed by the military with a special pension board.

He, however, assured the police that given the importance of the bill, the committee would before the expiration of the ninth assembly, pass the bill.

“I assure you that before the expiration of this assembly, we will pass and transmit the bill to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.”

Meanwhile, the stakeholders overwhelmingly supported the proposed bill for the establishment of Nigeria Police Special Force Academy, sponsored by Sen. Mohammed Ndume (APC-Borno). (NAN)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Angela Atabo

Yiaga Africa ,a civil society organisation, has pledged to promote the intergrity of the 2023 General Election, through its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT).

Executive Director, Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, said this at the Yiaga Africa Watching The Vote (WTV) Media Roundtable on the 2023 Presidential Election and Deployment of PVT, in Abuja on Thursday.

Itodo said  that the aim of the round table was for Yiaga Africa to reel out its intervention for the elction and to keep journalists abreast with its programmes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PVT was an election day observation methodology that leveraged on statistics and technology for the observation of the process of voting, counting and tallying of results.

The process involved the deployment of citizen observers to randomly sampled polling units to collect data on the conduct of the elections and official polling units results.

Itodo said that with the results assembled from the sampled polling units, a citizen observer group could release projected estimates and verify the accuracy of results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He said tha PVT allowed Yiaga Africa WTV to present an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the election day processes.

He said that Yiaga Africa would deploy 3014 statutory and 774 LGAs as well as 48 mobile citizen observers to a representative random sample of 1507 polling units across the 36 states and the FCT.

“For us at Yiaga Africa, when we think about the upcoming 2023 general elections there are a few things that actually come to mind because our vision is a people driven democratic and developed Africa.

“We see that there is a decline in the level of public participation not just in elections but in governance.

“However, there is also the added need to protect the integrity of elections because one of the reasons why people don’t show up at elections, is a lack of trust and faith in the electoral process.

“So we have seen, based on our work and engagement, that there is a need to protect election integrity because if we protect election integrity people will believe that their vote will count in elections,” he said.

Itodo said that although the electoral process had witnessed growth in the use of technology deployment,there was need to create a balance so as to avoid marginalisation .

He said that was why Yiaga Africa thought it was important to frame strategic objectives to align and respond to the technology trend.

He said that the organisation was poised to achieving four objectives in the 2023 election.

Itodo said that the first objective had to  do with providing citizens with a repository of accurate, simplified and concise information on the electoral process to improve turnout.

He said that the second was to limit election manipulation through Yiaga Africa’s trends analysis as well as strategic observation.

He said that the third was to protect the integrity of the 2023 elections through data driven election observation and the fourth was to provide technical support to marginalised groups.

Itodo called for the extension of the PVC collection to enable eligible voters get their cards.

Speaking,the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo,commended Yiaga Africa for the initiative adding that it showed a sense of commitment to ensuring a credible election.

“This is a very crucial election that has the capacity to make or mar the corporate existence of our beloved country, but we believe that by the time we go through this democratic process that we are going to emerge even stronger as a country,” he said.

Isiguzo said the media remained highly strategic in the electoral process and urged them not to encourage the dissemination of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

He also advised journalists not to allow political actors take advantage of them and to also not pander to their whims at any time.

”We must therefore via our reportage ensure that we promote development journalism,” he said.

Also speaking,Ms Ladi Bala, the National President of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said journalists had critical roles to play in the electoral process as Nigeria election is a project that should be placed above any other issues.

Bala said the 2023 general election would define the future of Nigeria, saying that as critical stakeholders, journalists should play their role well in an unbiased way. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

By Douglas Okoro

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebonyi chapter, on Thursday in Abakaliki inaugurated the Governorship Campaign Council (GCC) with a charge to drive the party to victory in the March 11, governorship election.

The campaign, comprising 100 members, was inaugurated by Chief Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, the PDP governorship candidate who also is the Chairman of the council.

Odii explained that the task before the members was to work to ensure a resounding victory for the party at all levels in the state.

The governorship candidate, in a post-inaugural speech, said that the council had been given a marching order to develop a blueprint embodying the calendar for the campaign rallies in the state within 24 hours.

He said that if elected the next governor, his administration would be committed to the provision of good governance anchored on credible leadership; wealth creation and restoring Ebonyi to economic greatness.

He said: “We are here for serious business, we are not joking until the day we are declared as the winners of all the elections in Ebonyi; this is why we have carefully selected you as members for this campaign council.

“Under our watch, Ebonyi will move tremendously from being among the poorest states in Nigeria to be one of the richest states in the country.

“I have said before and let me reiterate it, that I will use the natural resources Ebonyi is endowed with to develop the state and we are going to use our arable lands to generate wealth through agriculture.

“When I started my business, I started with zero balance sheet and I was able to grow it into a thriving business that now cuts across the entire African continent and the world and I am ready to deploy that business ingenuity to create wealth for Ebonyi people.”

Odii congratulated members of the council for making the list, noting that more members would still be added into the council in the course of time and reminded them that there was work to do.

On the rumoured delisting of all the candidates of the party in Ebonyi from the website of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Odii noted that it was the handiwork of the opposition who were afraid of the influence and popularity of the PDP in the state.

“The opposition, in their mischievous propaganda, was trying to confuse the people but the truth remains that the people love us and we remain the candidates for the elections,” Odii said.

Earlier, Mr Ifeanyi Nworie, state deputy chairman of the PDP, said that it was set to prove that it remained the most dominant and popular party in Ebonyi by replicating victory in the 2023 general elections like in the previous elections in the state.

According to him, the party won elections in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 before Gov Dave Umahi left the party with its mandate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I stand here to say believing in one voice that we are going to win again the March 11 governorship of the state and this time, we are going to elect a man that has the fear of God in him and who will not leave the party after voting him to power.

“We are believing that God who has sustained PDP in Ebonyi from 1999 till date will encourage each and everyone of us, including those to be inaugurated as members of the campaign council, to deliver on the mandate,” Nworie said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sen. Sam Egwu, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, is among the members of the council while Chief Austin Edeze, a governorship aspirant on the platform of PDP was appointed Director-General of GCC.

NAN also reports that all senatorial and House of Representatives candidates of the party were appointed into the council. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

======================
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Idris Abdulrahman

By Femi Ogunshola

Stakeholders on Thursday tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recruit locals as ad hoc staff for 2023 general election, instead of non-residents of the state.

The stakeholders said this at the European Union (EU) Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Publication series 2 seminar in Abuja.

“INEC should recruit locals as ad hoc staff electoral officers instead of non-residents of the state.

“The usual norm of deploying National Youth Service Corps members may portend more danger in the 2023 election. 

It is therefore, recommended that INEC should recruit staff who will use its local offices from the communities, for instance in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger and Sokoto, communities have been in dialogue with armed groups.

“These individuals will be better placed to work out a plan or agreement to enable their participation in the general election.

 This should not supersede the need to deploy technical staff to LGA offices who can train the election officers ahead of time,” the stakeholders said.

They urged INEC to engage with social media platforms and government agencies toward developing a code of conduct for engagements between the platforms and INEC.

“INEC should engage with social media platforms and government agencies with the aim of developing a code of conduct for engagements between the platforms and INEC.

“The commission may also propose a pledge between political parties on the use of the social media in election.

“INEC should device a plan with alternatives to move election materials promptly and safely to and from polling units in a way that inspires trust in the electoral process.”(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Ali Baba-Inuwa

By Naomi Sharang

Seyi Tinubu, son of the APC, Bola Tinubu on Thursday, visited Alhaji Abdullahi Bodejo, National President, Miyetti-Allah Kautal Hore Association.

The visit, in company of members of City Boy Youth Movement (CBYM), a Tinubu/Shettima support group, was to seek the association’s support for the Presidential bid of Tinubu.

Tinubu also called on the youth to vote for the APC during the Feb. 25 and March 11 general elections for renewed hope for Nigeria.

He said: ” Let us all go and collect our PVCs before the deadline and vote APC.

“A vote for Tinubu/Shettima will carry the youth along as a priority as stated in their manifesto.”

Tinubu also stated his unreserved gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for endorsing his dad, the APC Presidential candidate and his running mate Kashim Shettima.

He further said that the youth wing of the APC/City Boy Youth Movement would always work with the Fulanis in ensuring that the APC won the general election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was confered with the chieftancy title of “Sokajo Fulbe” (the Ambassador of the Fulani Youth).

Leader of the youth movement, Mr Favour Abayomi who also canvased the support of Miyetti-Allah, described Tinubu and Shettima as the best candidates for the presidency.

In his response, Bodejo said that the association’s decision to endorse and support the candidacy of Tinubu/Shetima, was due to the group’s community engagement with stakeholders and community leaders across the country.

He urged the group to remain focused to ensure victory of the APC during the polls.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Muftau Ogunyemi

More than 386,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are awaiting collection in Ondo State, INEC declared in Akure on Thursday.

Mrs Olufunmike Segun-Osifeso, head of INEC’s Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Civil Society Organisations in the state made the declaration when she spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“As at the last count on Friday, 1,686,082 PVCs out of the 2,072,092 PVCs received from Abuja have been collected leaving 386,010 cards yet to be collected.

“A lot of youths and women have been collecting their cards since the collection moved to the ward level more than two weeks ago.’’ She said.

She attributed the faster rate of collection to INEC’s sensitisation programme which involved youths and women.

She said INEC had also created an Inclusivity Department to make for easier collection of the cards by the physically challenged.

“Large numbers of people with disability are now involved in the electoral process, the result of efforts by INEC for inclusivity,’’ she added.

Segun-Osifeso urged potential voters yet to collect their PVCs to expedite action and collect the cards.

She noted that those who engaged in double registration might not have any card to collect.

“ Segun-Osifeso appealed to those yet to collect their PVCs to hurry and do so, now that the cards were being distributed at the ward level.

She stressed that after Sunday, the cards would be taken to INEC offices at local government secretariats for onward distribution. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakem