By Folasade Akpan

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Mahmood Yakubu, says the commission will continue to place premium on the security of corps members on election duty.

Yakubu said this on Friday in Abuja when he led management staff of the commission to pay a courtesy visit on the Acting Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Christy Uba.

He described the role of corps members as the most critical in the election process.

According to the chairman, the corps members operate at the most important level of election, which is the polling unit, the only level where citizens actually vote.

“So, for that reason, we will also extend insurance cover in case of injury or other emergencies to all corps members involved in election duty.

“Working with the security agencies, we will also extend protection and security to the youth corps members’ lodges when they are deployed to the field on election days.

“This is because we have had some unhappy experiences before, when some hoodlums raided the corps members’ lodges in some places, while they were on election duty.

“So, we will continue to take whatever step that is necessary to protect and guarantee the security and welfare of the corps members,’’ Yakubu assured.

The chairman said the commission would continually operate within the framework of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the commission and the NYSC.

He also assured that there would be training and retraining of the ad hoc staff, majority of who were youth corps members in the handling of election technology.

“They will be responsible for the management of the polling units, management of elections resources including sensitive materials, accreditation of voters, using the Bimodal Voter Registration System (BVRS) on election days.’’

According to Yakubu, the corps members are more involved immediately the voting processes are over.

“They record the results on the result sheets.

“When all the party agents have signed, then, they will be responsible for snapping the result at that level, using the BVRS, and transmitting same in real time.’’

Yakubu said the commission was fully ready for the forthcoming general elections.

The chairman said that INEC would ensure that all materials and staff got to their respective places of assignment on time, and that the polling units, too, would open promptly.

Responding, Uba expressed the NYSC’s continued readiness to partner with the commission, adding that a lot had been achieved over time.

According to her, regarding the forthcoming election, the corps members are eager, as the youths are very interested in it, and will make sure that they work hard to make things right.

She, however, said that the scheme and the commission were expected to play their roles.

“On the preparation for the 2023 general elections, we have directed state coordinators to encourage corps members to register on the INEC portal, and I believe they have done that.

“Corps’ Welfare and Service Department is expected to visit states to assure corps members and staff of the commitment of INEC and NYSC, of their safety while on election duties.

“This is to further encourage them, given the situation we have found ourselves. They need to be assured that their security is being taken care of.’’

Uba said that state coordinators had been directed to combine names and phone numbers of key security personnel in the states and local government areas for dissemination to corps members who wish to participate in the exercise.

She said that all state coordinators had also been directed to liaise with all Directorate of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to identify crisis-prone areas in the state.

According to her, such volatile areas will be forwarded to the NYSC headquarters for monitoring.

Uba said that in view of the number of corps members that would be required by INEC, the scheme had concluded plans to hold the 2023 Batch A Stream One course in January.

This, she said, would add to the number of corps members, who would be available to participate in the process.

“We need to work in our present reality, there is the need to review the allowances paid to the corps members.

“The chairman should please look at the conditions and ensure some level of improvement as contained in the MoU,’’ Uba said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both organisations signed a review of the MoU in March 2022, in preparation for the general elections in February. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Abuja, Jan. 5, 2023 (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established committees for National Situation Room and Collation Centre for the 2023 general elections.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, on Thursday in Abuja.

Okoye said that INEC at its weekly meeting on Thursday, deliberated on several issues, including the venue for the national situation room and collation centre for the 2023 general elections.

Okoye said that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, would head the Collaboration Secretariat Committee, National Chairman while the National Commissioner, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, would chair the Situation Room Committee.

”As general elections approach, the commission establishes a national situation room and collation centre where the results of presidential elections are collated.

”Once again, the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja will serve as the venue for this important exercise,” he stated.

Okoye said that the commission also established two committees for the purpose.

He stated, ”First is the Collation Secretariat, where presidential election results from the states will be collated.

“This will be headed by the chairman of the commission, in exercising his constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election. In addition, a few technical staff will assist him.

”The second is the Situation Room and Collation Centre Committee.

”This shall be responsible for the preparation of the venue, seating arrangement, utilities and services, security, the accreditation of party agents, as well as the national and international observers, media, etc.”

Okoye said that the committee members were National Commissioners: Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, and Festus Okoye; director of electoral operations; ICT; Planning and Monitoring.

Others were: directors of security; election and party monitoring; international cooperation and protocol; research; health services as well as director estate, works and transport.

Also listed as members of the committee were chief technical adviser to the chairman; special adviser to the chairman; chief press secretary to the chairman; while director of the Commission Secretariat will serve as Secretary.

Okoye said the situation room and collation centre committee was inaugurated by Yakubu, who charged it to start work in earnest and to discharge its responsibilities diligently.(NAN)

By oluwatope Lawanson

The Lagos Mainland All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Committee has kicked off activities for members and voters sensitisation ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The Committee Chairman, Mr Ayodeji Abdulrauf made it known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Abdulrauf said campaign activities started on Wednesday at Ward A Mainland with Members Engagement and Voters Sensitisation held at Otto Primary School.

According to the committee chairman, activities laid down includes, Members Engagement and Voters Sensitisation taking place across the Wards in both Lagos Mainland Local Government and Yaba LCDA respectively.

He said: “These programmes are slated for Jan. 4 to 22 at 4.00 p.m. daily while there will be a Re-visit of some wards from 22 to 30.

“This is necessary for strategic purposes.

“Thereafter, from Feb. 1 to 10, Wards House to House campaign begins and it will be monitored by the local government campaign committee members for effectiveness.”

Abdulrauf added that on Feb. 11, a ‘Walk Thru Rally’ would be held for APC Candidates while on Feb. 18,
Lagos Mainland APC would hold its Unity Rally.

For effectiveness and successful outcome of the election, the chairman noted that Yoruba and Pidgin jingles would also be deployed to complement the party’s campaigns activities.

He, therefore, sought the support and understanding of members and voters for a successful outcome of the election.

Abdulrauf also appealed to the people to get their PVC’s while ensuring they came out to exercise their civic rights on election day.

He noted that without the PVC, the electorate would not be able to exercise their power, adding that it was the only tool that could be used to do the best for the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Peter Obayuwana

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Pastor Peter Obayuwana, Lagos State Accord Party (AP) Governorship Candidate, has advised residents of the state not to make 2023 a year of mere wishes, but year of decisive action by electing credible leaders.

Obayuwana said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that 2023 should be made a turning point for the state by electing leaders that would address challenges facing the people.

“We all need water, electricity, food, shelter, good transportation system, security and a government that cares about the needs of the people.

“Borrowing the wise and honest words of President Muhammadu Buhari, I believe that the leadership of Lagos had tried its best.

“It is for us the good people of Lagos to decide whether this best deserves another four-year mandate in a state where there is rising insecurity, corruption and many other problems challenging the growth of the economy.

“Globally, there is economic incoherence. Even world powers are affected,” he said.

He added: “Sadly, economic downturn cannot be arrested like we did (near excellently) with COVID-19 and Ebola where a lot of funds were spent to provide the needed structure and prevent further spread of the diseases.

“An economic downturn requires strategy and sincerity of purpose, openness and a leadership that gives hope to its people.’’

He said that 2023 should not be a year for populist views, but one for introspection for both candidates and the electorate.

“As a candidate you should ask yourself what have you done? What will you do?

“As a citizen, for whom will you vote? It is a year for you to ask yourself tough questions devoid of sentiments.

“Make this year 2023 your leap year. Not according to the Gregorian calendar but the transformation agenda.

“Take a leap of faith. Vote for an unusual candidate,’’ he said.

Obayuwana promised to address the needs of Lagos residents and transform the economy of the state, offer a leadership that restore the excellence Lagos known for, when elected the state governor.

He said that when voted he would use his expertise, quality team and experience to transform the state.

“Like you, I am a Nigerian, a Lagosian and I am badly affected by the incessant price hikes, rising, yet subtle insecurity within our cosmopolitan city of Lagos.

“I understand the needs of the people and can identify with your pains,” he said..(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa
===

By Amina Ahmed

The Heal Disability Initiative, an NGO, has advocated for braille ballot papers to enable visually impaired citizens participate in the 2023 general elections.

Mr Mainas Ayuba, the NGO’s Executive Director, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Tuesday.

“We are advocating for production of ballot papers in favour of the visually impaired to enable them vote for candidates of their choice.

“This will be better than relying on someone to lead the visually impaired in the process,” he said.

Ayuba said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should ensure friendly user facilities during the election.

He noted that sensitisation on voter education had started in earnest to ensure that eligible voters participate in the election process.

He also said that meetings were held with Community Based Organisations (CBOs) that worked with People With Disabilities (PWDs) on voter education in 2022.

“We conducted a meeting with CBOs to ensure that eligible voters collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

“We are working on vote buying to protect their civil rights,” the executive director said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Naomi Yusuf, INEC’s Gender Officer in the state, said that adhoc staff would be trained on the use of assisted devices ahead of the 2023 general election.

She said the device would support people living with disability during the election process.

Yusuf said the commission had identified six clusters amongst the PWDs including the Physical, Albinism, Speech, Hearing, visually impaired and leprosy.

She added that special consideration would be given to PWDs during election day.

“Special priority will be given to PWDs on election day such as separate queues.

“In 2019, Random Access Memory (RAM) was constructed in polling units; but those without RAM staff will come down to the level of the PWDs for accreditation for easy access,” she explained.

Yusuf said that INEC had also made a three-day provision in its office to conduct a Continuous Voter Registration for PWDs to ensure they register. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Ishaq Zaki

The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has donated 1,000 bags of rice and corn flour to the Christian community in the state for the celebration of the 2022 Christmas and 2023 New Year in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Tuesday by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.

“The food items which comprised 250 bags of rice and 750 bags of maize flour were handed over to the Christian community in the state by the State APC PCC Coordinator Sen. Kabiru Marafa.

“The gesture was aimed at joining the Christian community in celebrating the festive season in the zone which is Coordinated by Gov. Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara.

“Marafa called on the beneficiaries, the Christian community leaders in the state to ensure that the gesture reached the majority of their members especially those in need throughout the state,” Idris said.

Idris also quoted the PCC Coordinator as calling on them to contribute in creating more awareness on the candidature of the APC presidential and vice presidential candidates, Matawalle and their ability to move the nation and the state to greater heights.

“Marafa called on them to continue to pray for the growth, development, security, peace and unity of the nation as well as the state beyond the 2023 general elections,” he added.

In their remarks while receiving the items, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Eze-Igbo Zamfara, Ahmad Haruna and Igwe Egbuna Obijiaku, respectively, commended the council for the gesture and promised to extend it to the beneficiaries.

The two leaders also assured that the Christian community would always pray for the growth and wellbeing of Nigeria and Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Adeyemi Adeleye

The All Progressives Congress Committee of Diaspora Chairmen (APC-CDC) has affirmed its commitment to mobilise Nigerians to ensure victory for the party’s presidential candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, in the Feb. 25 election.

The committee in its New Year message signed by Prof. Adesegun Labinjo and Mr Bola Babarinde, the APC CDC Chairman and General Secretary respectively, said that 2023 would birth renewed hope for all Nigerians.

Wishing Nigerians a Happy New Year, the group commended party members in all Diaspora chapters for their commitment, dedication and loyalty which they said would not be taken for granted.

“The APC-CDC is 100 per cent committed to the Tinubu/Shettima ticket and would be supporting the Diaspora Directorate to deliver on its mandate in ensuring the mobilisation of resources, both human and material from the Diaspora towards the realisation of the Tinubu/Shettima aspiration.

“The APC-CDC has donated campaign materials and souvenirs already while promising to do more in the year 2023 to support the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign,” it said.

The committee said that President Muhammadu Buhari had laid a solid foundation for Nigeria and the party.

It said that the APC-CDC appreciated Buhari’s leadership and support towards the APC ticket.

“We will continue to support the country, our party and its leadership as led by Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu and all NWC (National Working Committee) members.

“We are elated that our President Muhammadu Buhari is ready to join us on the campaign trail to campaign for the incoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We also gearing up in Diaspora to be part of this campaign train.

“We pray 2023 will usher in progress, excellent health and success for all,” the group said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

By Alex Enebeli

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, said that 2023 will be a year of hope, socio-economic transformation and industrialisation for Enugu State.

He also congratulated the people of the state for making it to another year, saying it’s a new dawn and a new beginning in the state.

Mbah stated this in his New Year message contained in a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen by Dan Nwomeh, Head, Peter Mbah Media Office in Enugu.

He enjoined the people of the state to keep hope alive with his candidacy and the PDP as the year would be special one in the annals of the state if elected as the next governor.

The governorship candidate noted that in spite of the economic crisis that bedeviled the nation in 2022, Enugu State recorded improvement in infrastructure, citizens and workers’ welfare, healthcare and human capital development.

He stressed that the giant stride was made possible by the Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led administration.

While assuring the state that he was well prepared for the task ahead, Dr Mbah stated that the state, under his leadership in 2023, would witness exponential growth.

According to him, the growth will lead to unprecedented socio-economic transformation and Industrialisation which will be driven by technology and innovation.

The renowned oil and gas magnate reiterated his unswerving commitment to support the citizens in areas of businesses and investment by creating a friendly, transparent and enabling environment for ease of doing business.

Others are the provision of basic welfare for the people, further improvement on human capital empowerment through support for the youth, special training and skills acquisition for them.

Dr Mbah maintained that he had set the agenda and the pace for the “New Enugu State of our dream where everyone will have a voice in the decision making process, participate actively in governance and vigorously pursue their dreams.

“This will be achieved in the most accommodating, encouraging and inspiring environment as envisioned by my social contract and manifesto,” Mbah said.

He added that nobody would be left out in the journey to make the state one of the top three states in the country in terms of gross domestic product and moving Enugu economy from its present $4.4 billion to $30 billion in the next 8 years.

“We have measurable indicators for you to assess us. We are going to make 2023 a year that will mark the beginning of unprecedented, massive development.

“I am aware of your numerous needs and sincerely assure you that the solution you seek is not far-fetched because our tomorrow is here.

“Having prepared for the task ahead, I’m delighted to let you know that I am that person who’ll take Enugu State to the pinnacle of its dreams,” he said.

Mbah said his ambition was fueled by the desire to see the beloved Enugu state flourish.

“This journey is all-inclusive and you are part of the journey because it’s all about our future and the future of our children.

“Today, as I join you in celebrating this new year of hope and beginning of unexampled development in the history of our state, I want to reiterate my willingness to offer myself to serve you with forthrightness and diligence.

“I urge you to trust me with your votes, and together we’ll make Enugu State the pride of the nation,” Mbah said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation says the “subjective support” for Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo is his personal wish.

The Spokesperson of the organisation, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said in a statement in Abuja that Obasanjo’s wish did not reflect the opinion or position of overwhelming majority of Nigerians across the country.

He however said while the former president was entitled to his personal opinion; as remarkable as it may appear, it remained individualistic.

He added that the wish could not redirect Nigerians from their determination to rally with the more experienced, more proficient and more accepted Presidential Candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to rescue and rebuild the nation.

Ologbondiyan said surprisingly in the face of the alarming challenges facing Nigeria, which required a tried and tested hand, Obasanjo was not suggesting a candidate with experience in governance at the national level.

Ologbondiyan said that in any case, Obasanjo’s opinion could not sway Nigerians remembering he made similar endorsement in last election.

He added that it would be extremely difficult for Nigerians, particularly the youth demography, to accept Obasanjo’s opinion as the solution to the myriad of challenges facing the nation today knowing the reality of the country today.

“Our campaign holds that none of the Presidential candidates has the experience, capacity, tenacity of purpose, presence of mind and readiness to serve like Abubakar.

“Abubakar remains the most widely accepted candidate, whose choice is not predicated by sectional, tribal, ethnic or religious sentiments or the endorsement of any individual, high or low.

“This is predicated by record of ability and performance, authentic vision, honesty and character; physical and mental capacity; the very indices set by the former President,” he explained.

Ologbondiyan said it was instructive to state that every claim by Obasanjo on the success of his administration is a reflection of the performance of Abubakar as his Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council.

This, he described as the period during which our nation achieved unprecedented economic growth to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

“It therefore amounts to a disservice for the former president to make subjective suggestion.

“This is even when it is clear that if a hand like Abubakar with their shared experience is brought to the forefront of governance, our nation will be rescued from this current sullen state,” asserted the spokesman.

Ologbobdiyan said the PDP campaign team therefore urge Nigerians not to be distracted by subjective opinions.

He also advised the electorate to remain focused on the resolve to salvage the nation by electing Abubakar as the next president of Nigeria on Feb. 25. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Muhammad Nasir

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Council of Obas and residents communities in Sokoto State have thrown their full weight behind all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

This development came to the fore when the leadership of the two groups visited APC leader in the state, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North).

A statement issued on Monday by Bashar Abubakar, Wamakko’s Special Assistant on Media said that the first to visit was the Oba in Council led by the Chairman, Alhaji Surajudeen Sahabi, who spoke on behalf of the group.

Sahabi informed the lawmaker that on their part, they were ready to work together with the APC leadership towards ensuring the success of the party come 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

“This is especially the presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the APC gubernatorial candidate in Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, among other candidates of the party,” he said.

Similarly, the Association of Sokoto State Residents Community under the Leadership of Alhaji Salmanu Oke told Wamakko that they came to register their unflinching support towards the victory of APC in the state.

He further said that the residents community in the state would not forget the invaluable gestures extended to them by Wamakko when he was the Governor of the state.

Responding, Wamakko, while welcoming the two groups said: ”Nigeria is one indivisible nation,” adding, “therefore, Sokoto is a home to all the tribes irrespective of where one comes from.”

The lawmaker said that one of the reasons why APC brought Tinubu as its candidate was to ensure the unity of Nigeria as a indivisible nation.

“Nigeria is for all of us hence the need to come together and work for a better tomorrow,” he urged.

Wamakko also recalled that when he was elected as the governor of the state, he abolished what was then called ‘school fees to non indigenes in the state’.

He further stated that he also appointed one of them to serve as his Special Adviser in his government just to ensure that they were carried along.

Wamakko assured the visitors that APC would consider them in its affairs, if given the mandate during 2023 polls.

During the visit, the representatives of the different tribes of Yoruba, Igbo, Tiv, and Hausa, among others, were allowed to speak in their languages as a sign of one nation.

The visit was graced by APC North West Zonal Secretary, Mr Bello Muhammad-Goronyo and some important dignitaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani