Opinion: The Child Who Did Not Cry

It was the day of my birth. I watched them silently as they hit me with great force. They slapped me on my chin, back and buttocks one after the other as an expert drummer would ram his konga drums, making sounds, unrhythymical.

I thought they were catching fun at my expense. I felt injury and pains. It was terrific. If this was how the sons of men were to treat me, then I would prefer to remain where I was accepted. The slaps increased.

I am a new born. At my birth, I had refused to drown in my own waters. Times before, I had visited here but left hurriedly; probably because I wanted to punish my family here or there, or wanted to check on this planet. There I was, a child of two worlds, I belonged to both.

I had lost count of times I'd journeyed through heaven and earth. This time, the midwives had slapped me over and over, making sure I cried to ascertain me alive. I refused to, I was not dead though. I looked into the eyes of the chief midwife... I was sure she was unfamiliar but could not saw if she was experienced or not- she must have seen the lines on my left foot.

Much wonder she knew little that I was an "ABIKU"

I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
From thence till this while
I've given my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

 

My first day on earth was terrible and the first week, hell, courtesy of every person I met from the occasion of my delivery. No thanks to them..

The medicine man placed the herb to the ground. He looked down into the small mirror placed opposite the bed where I laid. Then, He picked the local pencil in his left hand and a small knife in the right.

Loud cries proceeded from my mouth. He had made the first cut on my right cheek and rubbed the coaled ink off the pencil edge into the hole, drying up the blood and carefully making sure it dripped into a small calabash.
He soon made the second cut and another series of cries rolled out... I could not help it. Amidst tears, I watched him channel the drips of blood down to the small calabash.

“There are five things you need to know”, he told my mother. “Before we send him out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and he will remain with you till the day he wishes to die”

The next thing I heard was silence...

I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
Who gave my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

Fifteen years later...
My past has been plagued, my present, blasted and the future, opaque and bleak. I had just been released from prison... No! Not what you think- the government prison. It was actually a family prison, personal; the prison of my heart, where I was caged by the raging claws of consanguinity...
As freedom is slavery, I just did not know that I had come into a new rope. Probably this would tie me down into hell. In the last fifteen years of my life, I have been made into a young boy, excelling greatly amidst my peers and a seeming family of five children, all males. There was this peculiarity- we came in succession and after the order of history.
Obviously, I was a mysterious child; only little did know and I neither bothered to tell any who seemed ignorant.

15th September
Culture is the spring that has it's bounce, the proverbial ball that goes up and surely lands on people- it's remote victms. Today, I had my initiation ceremony... Not into a cult but into manhood. This very day was my circumcision. I felt lifted. Little did I know that...
I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
Who gave my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

2023 Polls: A Call on Millennials to rejig and Participate

Someone once opined, "it is as if Nigeria  only exists for elections", could that be true? Just immediately after the conclusion of the February 2019 general elections which ushered the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, the political space began to rally clouds in build-up for 2023 presidential election. The "2023 Agenda"  has since then become a terminology in the politcal setting. Politicians have started bolting regional affinities and lining political formations.

However, public affairs analysts have differed  that it is insensitive and premature to start holding 2023 discussion in spite of security and economic challenges, whereas some opined it is never too early to prepare for the future. Whichever end of the stick you choose to hold, you will agree that the troubles  that waylay the present day Nigeria are enormous.

We live in a time where over 600 people displaced by bandits live on football field in Katsina. A time when bandits and herdsmen spill blood of citizens on regular basis, Kidnapping  and rape is thronging, government is bloated and too expensive to maintain. People are not getting promised dividends of democracy. Police extort money from the poor on a massive revenue scale.That economy is millions of naira daily.There are regional militia and cries of marginalisation. It is difficult to do business in Nigeria. What a myriad of challenges!

In the reality of  these challenges, one would logically assume  that the fixation of our policy makers at this period would be to stand up to the challenges and find solutions to some of these problems. But sadly, the government  has been notoriously lethargic in taking decisive actions on events that so much threaten our welfare and coexistence as a people.

 

Harping on the responsibility of government  as propounded in the social contract theory, the primary essence of government  is the provision  of social goods . In the event that the government rescinds its  part of the social  contract, citizens can so withdraw their obligation and this is done through elections and other lawful means.

34.75% of registered voters  voted in the 2019 general elections, the lowest of all recent elections held on the African continent, according to the data from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA). Meanwhile, 18%  of that vote came from the youth density. This is a fact on record that puts one to marvel at the level of political apathy in the world's most populous black nation.There are about 61.3million Nigerians between the ages of 19 and 35. Appropriate to say that 33% of the population Is made of up of millennials. Who are these millennials?  Millennials are age cohorts of 19-38, regarded as digital natives, vibrant  population, analytical , ambitious, and achievement-oriented. Unfortunately,the peculiarities of these cohorts are yet to reflect in the electoral process. Perhaps the reason it is often said that the "worst of us is leading us".

The social media has become significant platform for economic, social and political development.Young people are talking to one another across ethnic and regional divides – though not always politely! But at least they are talking. Twitter and Facebook have become major political platforms.

 You will also agree that social media has proven to be a platform where momentum can be built, awareness can be raised and people can be stimulated towards a particular campaign. The Infectious disease Bill, Social media Bill as well as Hate speech Bill are some of Government's policies that have been influenced by social media blitz.

In 2018, Big Brother Nigeria recorded about 170 million votes cumulatively. Imagine if we could have a similitude of this participation in our  elections. But our electoral process is often marked with violence and malpractice you say. Yes you are right! It has remained so because we have tolerated it thus far. Thousands of Malians are presently on the  street of Bamako, calling for resignation  of their president following election violence and large scale corruption in the country. A step in the right direction!

Vision is the purview of youths not of old men.In other words, we need to harness the strength of our youths in the quest for true democracy and qualitative  leadership. A democracy where the voice of the majority is heard. A democracy where leaders apply intellect, adopt best practices and adequately proffer solutions.

If we must move forward, we must put an end to political disinterestedness and civic apathy. The 2023 General elections is about 33months away from now, another opportunity for us as a people to determine the kind of leadership we so desire for our dear country.

Once bitten twice shy, a mistake that must never be repeated. We have for long remained on the world's most deprived people chart. As potent as our feelings of frustration maybe, we cannot, must not allow them to immobilise us and render us comatose as a generation.

We are all involved in politics whether we like it or not. If you refuse to vote, you have still voted. You voted for whatever outcome emerges from the election. 

 

We can and we will create a Nigeria of tomorrow, the Nigeria of our silent dreams. A place you and I can fulfill destiny and maximise potential. It is up to us. But let it be said of the people reading this, that there were giants in the land in those days. Tomorrow is possible, but it is up to you, it is up to me.

Adeyeye Eyitayo is a member of Fourth Republic (a political communications and advocacy group).

   

June 12 Declaration: An Act of Approbriation or Desperation?

Barely two weeks after the conventional commemoration of the nation's Democracy Day on the 29th of May, the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari announced another historic day as Democracy Day. This has however generated a whole lots of commendations as well as knocks on Mr. President. This is not disconnected from the fact that not many saw the announcement coming. As the road to the future always starts from the past, it is pertinent we acquaint ourselves very succinctly with the rationale behind this celestial decision.

After the successful coup led by Gen. Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida which overthrew the military government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (as he then was), the government of the day took it upon itself to ensure the transfer of power back to a civilian government. This culminated into the 1993 general elections. The military government made for two-party system. With *Chief MKO Abiola* being the flag bearer of the *Social Democratic Party (SDP)* and *Alhaji Bashir Tofa* being that of the defunct *National Republican Convention (NRC)*,  the presidential election was conducted on the 12th of June, 1993 by the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) under the chairmanship of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu. Some declassified information had it that the then military government believed that Tofa would win the election and that it would be easier to handle Tofa if the election had to be annulled. However, the election which saw Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as the acclaimed winner with an unreported total votes of *8,341,309 (58.36%)* was eventually annulled by IBB. Irrespective of this, in a bid to protect and deliver this mandate given to him, history had it that Chief MKO Abiola kept on parading himself as the acclaimed President without a formal and official announcement of the election result which eventually led to his incarceration. History also has it that the subsequent government of *Sani Abacha* promised to acquit MKO Abiola provided the latter let go of his mandate, but Abiola declined. It was however while at the prison that MKO had his last breath. Since then, many Nigerian, particularly from the South West has had the notion that June 12 should be celebrated as Democracy Day. The spirit of nationalism shared reflected also in the way some Nigerians named their children after "Abiola". *Alhassan Ado-Dogura* (Chief Whip, NA) even went ahead to name her daughter after Abiola's wife, "Kudirat". After 25 years of this agitation, on the *6th of June 2018* specifically, President Buhari officially endorse and declared June 12 as the nation's Democracy Day.

Several groups, both regional and national, including the Nigerian Senate has praised Mr. President on this development, as this day (June 12) is even more significant as far as Nigeria's democracy is concern. In the words of *Senator Ahmad Lawan* (the Majority Leader), _" There is not history that could link May 29 to the actual democratic evolution of Nigeria that is greater than June 12"_.
This declaration on the other hand has been greeted with several knocks.  Notable among this criticisms is that of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, *Alfa Belgore* who questioned the legality and constitutionality of the declaration. *Dino Melaye* though admitted that Buhari's intention is right, he is of the opinion that his action is illegal. Citing _*Chapter 43(2) of the National Honours Act 1963*, he said, _"I am a democrat, I believe very sincerely that Chief MKO Abiola deserves even more than the president has pronounced because he was a true patriot, philanthropist and should be so decorated. But, we are governed in the country by the constitution and extant laws. No matter how beautiful a situation is, the law of the land remains the law of the the land. We should not be emotional about this. The law remains the law"_.

The declaration nonetheless is not without certain implications. The declaration, coming just about 9 months to another general election has been conceived by many, even in the South West as a mere political cake to please the Yorubas. *Ayo Adebanjo*, a leader of the Afenifere said, "Buhari shouldn't think Yorubas are fools". The question now is, if Mr. President really had the intention of this declaration in mind, why must he have to wait till few months to another general election, in which he himself is seeking re-election? Another implication is that of the declaration going against the *National Honours Act 1963* which frowns at national awards given to dead persons, save soldiers or other servicemen for their bravery. It should be noted that Buhari is to confer on Abiola, the highest title in the land, _Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)_, with his acclaimed Vice-President, *Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe* and *Gani Fawehinmi* _Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON)._ The last but not the least is the alteration of the *Public Holidays Act* which provides for May 29th as the country's Democracy Day.

Conclusively, I am of the opinion that efforts should be geared by our leaders to ensure the fortification of our hard-earned democracy for the betterment of the citizens and not as a mere machinery. *Richard Brookhiser* once said, _*"The most important form of honesty, especially in a leader, is discerning the great course of action and forthrightly pursuing it"*_. Much more than declaring June 12 as the nation's Democracy Day, our public and private institutions, parastals and agencies should be more strengthened, free from all unhealthy rivalry and political masturbations, in order to ensure their efficiency. Government at all levels should seek first the comfortability of the citizenry, and all other things can be added.
 

The labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain. God bless Nigeria!

 

Adesanya Abiodun Samuel is a student of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University

2023 Elections: Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears the Crown

 

With the 2023 election looming, many candidates have already made their ambition to run for various political post known to the public, and with time their manifestos will start rolling in. Different manifestos will be read to the attentive ears of the masses at strategic locations chosen for campaigning. At the end, the best man wins and is sworn in to his/her office after every ‘rite’ has been performed, with he/she resuming duties almost immediately.

                     The joy of being a leader is indescribable but what about the burden that comes with it? 

    The expectation to always outperform the former administration is always high as the present administration is expected to defy all odds but at the end of the designated term, the hype of the current government turns into a flop. This then leads to the question – How cumbersome or burdensome is the role of a leader?

   Having the prospect of becoming a leader would turn out to become a thing of regret if one does not envision how/she wishes to lead his/ her intended followers. Having the mantle of leadership is always an arduous task as the supposed leader is always deep in thoughts about how to make the society better and make progress.

Being a leader is not a decision you can just wake up one day and make. The situation of Nigeria’s leadership is extremely pitiable as different candidates have aspired out of the blues to becoming the leader of different posts without having pure intentions or a clear vision of how they intend to rule their country. Even leadership at the grassroots is not a joking matter. Some past leaders have died as a result of being a leader, others have been victims of heart attack and hypertension due to the problems faced with while in office. Perhaps, this might be a reason why leaders are celebrated for fulfilling a specific amount of days in office.

    Having the notion of becoming a leader is an abyss that no one should just plunge into. A candid advice for those who are aspiring to become leaders if various political posts us to think twice and be solidly positioned in order not to be shaken when they finally get their desired post. Remember, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

Politics can't affect my friendship with Udom – Wike

My visit not political but brotherly – Udomwe discussed how best to add value to governance in Nigeria – Ortom

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has disclosed that his relationship with governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State has not diminished irrespective of their political difference.

 

He stressed that ideally politics should never be allowed to create unwarranted friction between brothers.

 

Governor Wike stated these after a private meeting with governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State at his private residence in Rumueprikom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday.

 

Governor Udom , who is chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign council had paid governor Wike a private visit at his residence on Saturday.

 

The Rivers State governor, who described the meeting as convivial, said it was completely devoid of politics.

 

"Politics is not what will divide brothers and divide friends. Everybody knows my relationship with Udom, and we will continue to maintain that relationship. We may have different political affiliation or thinking, that should not divide the brotherly love or create a gap among us."

 

To corroborate this, governor Udom explained that his visit was not political, but a demonstration of brotherly love in the spirit of the yuletide season.

 

"Actually, this is the season of love. Within this period if we don't demonstrate that love, love not shown is love wasted. I think that is what we are trying to demonstrate, brotherly love, friendship. And then in the spirit of the season, we must visit one another."

 

Similarly, the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom explained that part of their discussion also centered on how they can best add value to governance in Nigeria.

 

"We are going into 2023 and we shared among ourselves how can we best add value to our government, how can we best add value to our people, how can we do things that will help add value to our country Nigeria.

 

"And that if there are any issues in the past which we have done wrong, we looked at it and said look let's forgive one another and move forward. They are private issues."

Ondomind 

British Envoy Sends Delegation to Rivers State PDP

The Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), His Excellency, Ambassador Desmond Akawor received in audience, a delegation from the British High Commission, led by the Political Counsellor of the Commission, Abuja Mr. Jonathan Bacon.

 

 

Ambassador Desmond Akawor thanked the delegation for the visit and their commitment to ensure a free, fair and credible polls in the country, as well as their readiness to ensure development touches all parts of the country.

Ambassador Akawor stated that Britain and Nigeria has enjoyed a cordial relationship, which should be encouraged to continue, as being a part of Commonwealth should be a productive partnership, that should ensure stability and prosperity in the nations across the Commonwealth, especially Nigeria which is currently experiencing pockets of insecurity.

 

About the upcoming elections, the State Chairman of PDP expressed readiness of the party to sweep the polls across the state, in a peaceful process, adding that Rivers State is a PDP stronghold since the inception of the party and the fortunes of the party is further strengthened by the fact that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (Africa), has worked assiduously to change the landscape of the state in terms of infrastructure. 

He noted that Rivers State has the best Law School in Nigeria as well as the best Cardiovascular Centre in Africa, as well as other notable projects, initiated, constructed and completed by Governor Nyesom Wike, which on its own is a frontline campaign for the party, as every well meaning Rivers person, both indigenes and known indigene will want to see a continuation of project delivery and will want to vote the candidate of the PDP, who is poised to consolidate on the landmarks of the incumbent Governor of the State. 

Ambassador Akawor expressed confidence in the new Electoral Act, which has promised to make the process a smooth and fast one, urging the British Government and other international observers to be proactive during the process and make their findings public instead of shelving them, as this will serve as deterrent to those who will default or want to promote violence.

He added that other political parties in the state should ensure a peaceful campaign, as agreed by other members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), where he is currently serving as the state Chairman, to maintain the existing peace the state is enjoying, under the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike. 

In his speech, Mr. Jonathan Bacon stated that Rivers State is a focal point in the electoral process because of its economic viability in the country, which cannot be underestimated, therefore, there was need to meet with parties across the state to assess their readiness of the upcoming general elections in the country.

 

He noted that the same assessment is being carried across notable states in the country, as Britain is interested in a Nigeria that is politically stable, which will ensure development in the country, adding that his home country is ready to place visa ban on any politician found to have engaged on violence in the upcoming elections as a first step to sanitize and rid the system of violence and electoral malpractice.

Mr. Bacon appealed to Nigerians to maintain a peaceful disposition and atmosphere before, during and after the elections.

 

Other members of the delegation of the British High Commission include, David Ukagwu, Head of Regional Offices, FCDO, Abuja, Dr Olachi Chuks-Runnie, Regional Coordinator, Southern Nigeria, FCDO and Ms Innie Obong, Office Manager, British Deputy High Commission, Port Harcourt.

From the PDP State Office, the State Secretary, Dr. Benibo George, the State Woman leader, Mrs. Mirian Ogbonna, the Assistant Secretary 1, Bellor K.Waite, the Assistant Financial Secretary, Hon. Humphrey Clinton Uranta and the State Publicity Secretary, Sydney Tambari Tambari Sydney Gbara were among the State Party Executives present at the meeting.

Fear And Uncertainty as APC, PDP Agents Harvest PVC details in disguise

Lebo Omini, a native of Ugep in Cross River State was not cautious when agents of the All Progressive Congress approached him to disclose his permanent voter card details and bank account on the pretense of an empowerment program by their party.

Mr. Lebo, who now fears what might have happened to his information said, “they moved in groups and they came to my house. They identified themselves as agents of the APC and that they were collecting information from people in the community to empower.”

He said he trusted them because they were people he usually saw around during APC activities.

Okoi Omini, another Ugep resident was met by a team from the major opposition party in the State, the Peoples Democratic Party and was promised N30,000 only for his voter card details.

“I was sitting right here in this place when the PDP coordinator in my ward met me,” Omini said. “He told me that those of us who are considered stakeholders were to get thirty thousand naira and others would receive ten thousand. I am a little bit worried because it seems I was lied to.” Omini stated.

He added that “I am still wondering what the information was for because I know it’s not for nothing.”

CrossRiverWatch investigation revealed that this scheme of collecting PVC details in disguise did not just happen in Ugep alone, but in some parts of the state too, and has the backing of those in power.

A party member who spoke to this reporter from Igoli in Ogoja on the condition of anonymity alleged that the APC had directed ward leaders to collect data across the State.

Also, a renowned journalist from Abakpa in Ogoja who has access to the leaders of the party in the state told CrossRiverWatch that in Ogoja, the APC has been collecting data of all the registered voters especially those whose PVC is still with INEC but yet to obtain them.

In Okpoma in Yala LGA, Gideon Akani also confirmed that agents of APC went around harvesting the identification number on voter cards and bank details of eligible voters.

Another eligible voter who is neither a member of the APC or PDP, Mr. Onah Ogar who also resides in Okpoma said APC agents had collected PVC and personal information from voters in Okpoma.

“I filled the form from APC. they said it was for empowerment,” Ogar said, adding that, “if they empower me I will still vote my mind, especially the president.”

But the ruling APC is not alone in the voter card data collection as the PDP is also involved.

A chieftain of the APC in Biko Biko ward in Ugep who did not want his name in print because he is not authorized to speak confirmed that both political parties went around in the community collecting voter’s information.

“The PDP was doing it before we joined them. When we in the APC commenced ours, the target for my ward was to get a minimum of 104 names. This number was shared across the 7 communities that make up the ward. So each community was to bring about 14 or 15 persons. The communities that had appointees of government were given extra numbers,” he said.

James Ofem, also in Ugep, told this reporter that PDP agents had visited him with a promise of empowerment.

They promised him N30,000, he said, adding that “the claim was that they needed the PVC number to verify the name on the account. So I gave it to them.”

None of those who gave their information have received the so-called empowerment and they now fear that their information has been harvested for something they don’t know about.

On why the party was harvesting voter card information in disguise, the state chairman of APC, Barr. Alphonsus Eba was not available for comment.

But the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang in an interview over the phone denied knowledge of the act and kicked against it.

He said it could be propaganda, adding that the party was not aware of such a scheme.

Barr. Vena Ikem, the State Chairman of the PDP also denied his party’s involvement. 

He said that “it is impossible for such a thing to come from my office” and that the party in the state does not have “resources for such ventures.” 

Vena pointed accusing fingers at the ruling APC saying that they are “going around offering as much as twenty thousand naira and above for people’s PVC and PVC numbers.”

Some political parties and CSO pointed out that collecting such details of eligible voters has no value but INEC should be prepared.

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) chairman in Cross River, Mr. Anthony Attah Bisong said he would engage INEC “to know the implications on the election.” 

Mr. Bisong who is also the State Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) Chairman added, “since it’s by the two major parties it cannot work, it’s an attempt to undo themselves.”

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) deputy gubernatorial candidate in the state, Mr. Dan Obo told CrossRiverWatch that it was an exercise in futility.

“It is of no value,” Obo said. “If you follow the trend of the voting system, the PVC can only be taken to the polling unit by the owner.” 

Obo who is also the chapter chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, pointed out that if the parties want to use PVC to rig the election, they are deceiving themselves. 

“Anything can happen but 2023 is a different ball game,” Obo said. “If they like, they should ask the whole community to submit their PVC. There is no threat, no value, and nothing to fear for me.”

Comrade Obedience Abang, the state coordinator of Voice of The Electorate, a nonpartisan organization canvassing for citizens’ participation in the electoral process, said that by his understanding of the electoral act of 2022, there is nothing the political parties can do with that information.

“The use of BVAS, by my understanding, has rendered useless the gathering of voter card information as the case may be,” Abeng said.

He warned INEC to be ready because the political parties have something planned. “The parties have expended a lot of resources on this, and they are not stupid. INEC should see their activities as a warning and should be ready for whatever they are planning,”he said.

However, Kehole Enya, rights and constitutional lawyer noted that the parties have sinister or fraudulent purposes for collecting such information.

“Two offenses come to my mind now,” he said. “improper use of voters card, section 117 and impersonation and voting when not qualified, section 119 of the electoral act, 2022. If it is established that they eventually used the information for something, it will be an act of impersonation because they might have a way to go around and use that to influence the outcome of an election.”

Both sections 117 and 119 carry fines for violators. 

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Yomere Oritsemolebi when contacted said the exercise by the political parties was just a waste of time because the electoral umpire has moved beyond them.

Prof. Yomere did not comment on the illegality or otherwise of gathering such data but said that “the BVAS is unlike the smartcard reader. The smart card reads the information from your PVC while BVAS reads the information from you – your fingerprint and your face. So when you show up at the polling unit, it compares your features with what is stored on the system. How can giving PVC information compromise that?”

Yomere advised the electorate to protect their voter cards like they would do their ATM cards.

But an ICT expert Dennis Isong warned that INEC should be worried.

“There are tendencies that in most centers they will deliberately make sure there is no network connection so that when they insert, they will find a way to bypass the verification,” he said.

He added that “every politician externally will say nothing is happening but internally you should be worried because this is technology. The internet is not that strong in Nigeria, as far as the database is connected through the internet, there is a tendency that it will fail.

“The technology for USSD would have been an easy technology to use but it might not be able to verify fingerprints. It can pass data and receive data even when there is no internet connection but cannot verify fingerprints.”

This investigation was supported by Civic Media Lab.

2023 Election: Ondo BATIPAG group meet SWAGA cordinator, get nod for structures put in place

The Ondo State chapter of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International poverty Alleviation group also known as BATIPAG has meet with the cordinator of SWAGA in Ondo State,Hon Ifedayo Abegunde in his country home for familirization and further step up a robust team work on the actualizatioon of Tinubu presidency in coming general election.As gathered by OndoMind, the meeting was held at the country home of Hon Ifedayo Abegunde popularly known as ABENA, in Akure on Thursday afternoon

In his introduction, the state cordinator of the group, Amb. Ologbe Adedoyin Explained in details on what the group stands for and the core objectives and achievements so far.

According to Amb. Adedoyin, as our name implied, poverty Alleviation group, we have put up structures in the eighteen council areas of Ondo State, aside that we also have Cordinators for each of the three senetoral districts in the state.Aside putting up these structures, we have been able to empower people across the state with educational scholarship in some private higher institutions here in Akure and neighbouring states.

Empowerments has been made expecially in the area of people welfare, payment of school fees and many others, having done all these we have come here to align with you been the cordinator of all support groups in the state.In his reactions, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde gives nod for the well done job of the group, refers the group structure and activities so far as a satisfactory service which are instrumental to the actualizatioon of Tinubu presidency.

According to him, am happy with all that your group have been able to achieve, we will work with you, within the little time spent in this meeting I have seen seriousness, commitment and dedication of this group to Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu project. Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde however announced the North senetoral districts cordinator of the group,Hon. Yusuf Bawa as the cordinator for all supports groups in the Akoko North West local government area of Ondo as a means of encouragement for the good job put in place by the group.

I must commend the cordinator of the group, Amb ologbe Adedoyin who has been able to gather up this special people of same interest,this group will be well recognised, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde concluded.In his remarks, Hon.yusuf Bawa commended the personality of Hon Ifedayo Abegunde as a good and accomdating leader whose worth of emulations, we want to appreciate the time given unto us, Bawa concluded.In attendance includes, the state cordinator of BATIPAG, Amb. Ologbe Adedoyin, senetoral districts cordinators, local government cordinators and some members of the group across the state.

Ondomind

PDP threatens as G-5 govs meet Tinubu in UK

The five aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party governors have met with the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu in London, the United Kingdom.The APC standard bearer was said to have lobbied for the endorsement of the five governors during the marathon meeting which was held on Tuesday.

Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu states and some political heavyweights from the South had vowed not to support the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over the refusal of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to resign after Atiku obtained the presidential ticket of the party.

But hours after the governors meeting with Tinubu, the PDP said it was not aware of their parley with the ruling party’s presidential candidate, noting that as far it was concerned, the governors were in the UK on vacation.

The main opposition party, however, threatened to punish the governors for any anti-party activities, stressing that it had the capacity to discipline the recalcitrant governors.

Shedding light on the London meeting, a source stated, “Tinubu met with the aggrieved governors yesterday (Tuesday) along with a delegation that included (Kayode) Fayemi, (Babajide) Sanwo-Olu, one other governor and an ex-governor. For now, we are only waiting for the G-5 governors to make the official pronouncement in January.”

On what the demands of the aggrieved governors were, the source declined speaking, saying he wouldn’t want to speculate.

“I don’t have details about that. What I know is that they have met and declared their indication at the meeting that they are not supporting any other candidate,” he stated.

The PUNCH could not independently verify the presence of the Lagos State governor and Fayemi at the meeting.

A source in the Lagos State Government House, stated, “I have received several inquiries on this report of the governor’s supposed travel with Asiwaju (Tinubu) and I can tell you that he is still in Nigeria. In fact, I spoke with him twice today (Wednesday). Even if he were to travel to meet the G-5 Governors outside the country, it is not something he would want to disclose, but he is very much in the country,”

But commenting on the governors’ reported alliance with Tinubu, a member of the PDP National Working Committee, Timothy Osadalor, said the party has what it takes to impose the necessary sanctions on the governors should they make real their threat of dumping the party’s presidential candidate.

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Just In: Thugs kill PDP chieftain

Political thugs have killed a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mudashiru Baraka, in Oyo township in Oyo State.

According to the report Baraka was killed in the early hours of Wednesday by rival political thugs.It was gathered that Baraka, a PDP grassroots mobiliser in the town, was macheted to death by his assailants at his father’s house. 

Lamenting the attack was allegedly backed by some individuals in the opposition party, the ruling PDP in the state said others who escaped from the scene sustained various degrees of injuries while appealing to the state Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Williams, to bring culprits of the dastardly acts to justice expeditiously.

A statement by the State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Akeem Olatunju, on Wednesday, December 28, indicated that the deceased was murdered in cold blood at his family house in Oyo town in the early hours of Wednesday and the matter had already been reported at Durbar Police Station in Oyo.

Efforts to get police reactions through the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, proved abortive as his mobile number was not reachable.

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It’s shameful for Buhari to hand over Power to opposition – Adamu

The national chairman of the rulling All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Adamu, has said it is a shame for President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over power to an opposition party in 2023.In an interview with BBC Hausa, the party chairman however said Buhari wants APC to win more than anyone else.

Dismissing the criticism alleging that President Buhari is withdrawing from campaigning for the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adamu said it is inappropriate for him to leave his job as president because of the electioneering.

He said, “Things go the way we want, we are grateful to God, everyone in our journey is seeing the signs that God shows us. We believe in success, all other parties know that we are ahead.”

On criticism that Buhari has withdrawn from party rallies, Adamu said it is untrue.

“Anyone who tells you that he wants (APC to) win this election more than Buhari is lying. My reason is that it is a shame for the President to hand over power to a political party that it is not his.

“What people don’t consider is that Muhammadu Buhari is the president and there is an oath on him that every citizen belongs to him. So he has to be careful because if he doesn’t do that, his critics will accuse him of working for APC instead of working for Nigeria,” he added.

On the crowd pulled by other political parties during their rallies, the chairman said APC is not scared.

“I didn’t see it and it will not scare us because it is normal. This is a country with about 200 million people, and there is no place where PDP can gather a million people.

“The Waziri of Adamawa who is contesting for presidency, so far he has not been able to unite members of his party,” Adamu added.

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Just In: Wike Seals Off Atiku Campaign Office

Governor Nyesom Wike has closed the Rivers State Atiku/Okowa campaign headquarters as part of his new offensive against the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign.The office, which is in Port Harcourt’s GRA axis, was shut down for causing loud political activities in residential neighborhoods without the state government’s consent.

Based on Executive Orders 21 and 22, Mr. Wike closed off the campaign office.

The Rivers branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council had submitted a written request for permission to conduct political activities on the property.

Before the venue was sealed on Friday, the application had gone unanswered for months.

The seal on the office was deemed anti-democratic and a breach of free speech by the state’s PCC’s media team.

“The public is hereby informed that the sealed premises had no bill board or poster, since the approval had not been given, yet it was sealed off, a sign that the delay in the approval is premeditated and computed to cause this sort of unlawfulness.

“We condemn this act because it rubs off on our fundamental right to free expression of interest. Furthermore, this egregious move by the Rivers State Government, seen in the prism of politics, tends to militarise our democracy and renders our dear state politically recessive when juxtaposed with other states in the country,” the media team said in a statement.

It also advised the state’s party leaders to file a lawsuit in accordance with the constitution’s requirements.

“We urge our dear leaders in the state to challenge this illegality in a court of competent jurisdiction so that friction can disappear from our political space.

“The right to campaign for preferred candidate is enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm from which every other law derives its power.

“Thus, every clash between the Constitution and any other made law should be resolved in favour of the Constitution. The Rivers State Government, we dare say, is subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).

“It is our duty to remind Gov. Wike and his co-travelers that they, like everyone else, are subject to the Laws of Nigeria.

“Meanwhile we charge the Rivers State PDP PCC, our dear leaders, to see to it that this unlawful disruption of campaign activities does not rattle their cage. They must continue to function as they always had prior to the existence of the Secretariat.

“Tyranny will expire in our state. If the Nazi Regime could die in Germany, then this facsimile of such will die even much faster to the glory of God and liberty of Rivers State,” 

it added.

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Fuel Subsidy will be remove, No Matter How Long You Protest, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said his government will remove fuel subsidy if he is elected president in 2023.Tinubu stated this while speaking at a business luncheon with business owners titled "Business Forward" on Thursday in Lagos.

The former Lagos governor said no matter how long people protest, he will remove fuel subsidy.

In a statement issued by his Media Office and signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, the APC presidential candidate said Nigeria would no longer subsidise fuel consumption in neighbouring countries.

He said, “How can we be subsidising fuel consumption of Cameroon, of Niger, of Benin Republic. No matter how long you protest, we are going to remove subsidy,” he said.

He, however, said his government will allow the private sector to thrive and be open to collaborating with players in the sector.

“My government will collaborate with the private sector to bring about massive infrastructure renewal that enhances economic opportunities, lower business costs and overheads while producing jobs that spur further growth and development through increased consumer demand. This is the virtuous economic cycle we seek to create,” he said.

He also promised to improve security in the country, saying several measures will be implemented if he is elected as president including increasing the number of military and non-military personnel.

“I am committed to securing Nigerians from violence and the fear of such violence. Terror, kidnapping and banditry have no place in the society I envision. Upon entering office, we will move to implement several measures,” he said.

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Bullion Van Politicians after CBN –Atiku

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has said that ambitious politicians that run activities with bullion vans are the ones after the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.Recall that the media space has been awashed by report on how plans has been hatched to frame Emefiele on allegation of financial terrorism.

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization has said that it has carefully reviewed the onslaught on the CBN Governor and called for restrain, given the sensitivity of his position to the nation’s economy.

 “This is especially on the backdrop of apprehensions that inordinately ambitious politicians that run activities with bullion vans and raw cash are out to destroy the nation’s financial institutions, particularly, the CBN, for their selfish political interests,” the campaign said.

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization, in a statement by its spokesperson, Ologbondiyan said, “it is instructive to caution that the stability of the CBN as Nigeria’s apex financial institution is critical to the economic and social health of our nation and must not fall prey to corrupt politicians who are out to annex and control our national patrimony as well as resources for their personal ambitions.

“Nigerians know the politicians who are desperate for political office as their ‘turn,’ who see our nation and her citizens as an estate for sale, and who believe that their vacuity, many gaffes, manifest incompetence, incapacity for leadership and allegations of smelly past can be perfumed through the dispensing of corruptly acquired cash.

“It is therefore important that those who are after the CBN and her Governor should be careful not to discredit the institution in the process as the consequential effect of such will be disastrous on our already ailing economy.

“Our Campaign counsels such politicians to rather market their programmes to Nigerians

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Community Launches Campaign Against APC Lawmakers, Other Elected Officials Over Failed Promises

Among the politicians targeted by the campaign is the House of Representatives member, Hajiya Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who represents Damaturu/Gujba/Gulani/Tarmuwa Federal Constituency on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).Also, Senator Ibrahim Geidam, who represents Yobe East Senatorial District on the platform of the APC and Mustapha Gwarime, a member of the Yobe State House of Assembly member, were accused of failing their people.

Some leaders of the coalition told SaharaReporters that there is no need to re-elect politicians, some of whom have spent over a decade in office without making any meaningful impact in their constituencies.

He insisted that politicians who have not discharged their duty, and fulfilled the promises they took, will no longer be voted again.

The coalition however noted that the campaign cuts across all the political parties and their candidates contesting for any position in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

They lamented that the House of Representatives’ member, Abba Ibrahim had spent 16 years in her office but no one from her constituency “can point out a project of N10 million she executed in the whole of Buni Yadi community.”

Similarly, the community said that in his three years in office since he was elected in 2019, Senator Geidam “only contributed in the health sector where he brought some medicine to the community which is the only project he did to the community and never forward any problem of the community to the Senate.”

For the State House of Assembly member, Gwarime, the community said “he has never executed a project of even N5 million and never forwarded a problem of the Buni Yadi to the state assembly.” 

Asked what motivated them to form the group, the chairman of the coalition, who simply identified himself as Alhaji Gambo, said the group was formed to develop the community in terms of social, political and economic development.

Stressing that the group was registered in 2021 with its constitution and objectives, Gambo noted that “the campaign is to launch an orientation on people of the community to vote out any of the candidates who haven't done anything to the development of the community.”

The coalition chairman listed the major challenges the community has been facing without the intervention of their elected representatives to include “annual clashes between headers and farmers for almost five years now.

“Community people are suffering in terms of having portable drinking water as the people buy 240 litres (one truck) of water between the sum of N500 and N700 if there is no light and the government did not do anything to solve the problem for the community.

“The community lacks employment by the government as they promised during their campaign. Lack of enough competent and qualified teachers in our primary school. The governor solicited educational appeal funds to the state, and up till now, we have not seen any of its effects.

“There are not enough professional workers in our hospitals, which include doctors and nurses,” Gambo said.

Also speaking, a female member of the coalition, Talatun Sambo, told SaharaReporters that female members of the coalition “will go sensitising other women to the objective of the association and not to vote for a candidate who hasn't done anything to the development of the community.”

Another female member of the coalition, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they will mobilise community women “not to vote for our house of representatives member, (Hajiya Khadija Bukar Abba) because she spent almost 16 years on the seat and no one can point any N5 million project she did in the community.”

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Photos: Tinubu Addresses Workers In Abuja as Nigerian Labour Congress Leadership ‘Secretly’ Withdraws Support For Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu, on Monday, says his government would be fair and just to the Nigerian workers if elected into power.Tinubu disclosed this while addressing workers at the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja.

A top official of the NLC told SaharaReporters that Tinubu’s invitation was part of the plans to withdraw the earlier support given to Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

“NLC appears to have broken ranks with Peter Obi of LP, and Tinubu was invited today to address workers at our headquarters,” the source said.

NLC had in June openly declared its support for Obi in the 2023 elections.According to Ayuba Wabba, the workers union president, Obi is one among the finest Nigerians and the first presidential candidate of the LP to be recognised by the labour centre.

Wabba said the NLC was solidly behind the LP and would fully mobilise to ensure the victory of the party at the 2023 polls.

He said the workers’ unions had realised that strikes and protests alone could not change the narratives in Nigeria, especially as regards workers’ welfare.

Ayuba added that labour must venture fully into politics “and work hard to support candidates whose mantra will make life better for their members and Nigerians at large”.

Meanwhile, in September the African Action Congress (AAC) party had advised the NLC to withdraw their support for Obi.

The AAC had said, “It is more than clear to all now where Mr Peter Obi and the new Labour Party (LP) stands on the removal of fuel subsidies and the privatisation of the commanding heights of the economy.”“Live on CNN on Saturday, Mr Peter Obi stated clearly that all subsidies should be removed and the private sector should start refining fuel.

“This is a contradiction to the NLC charter of demands and the congress position since the January uprising against fuel subsidy removal in the year 2012. NLC and TUC must note that millions of Nigerians rose up against the Jonathan regime over fuel subsidy removal, with the fear of the hike in petrol and cost of living.

“As of today, the subsidy removal protests have been justified. With the Buhari government’s off-and-on removal of subsidies as well as payment of fake subsidies, petrol price has risen ridiculously to N250 today.

“Gasoline is N800, while Kerosene and diesel sell for the same N800. Airlines are beginning to pack their loads as business is being stiffened as Aviation Fuel now cost about N1000 per litre.

“We call on President Ayuba Wabba and Festus Osifo to withdraw their support for Peter Obi as he has only hijacked the Labour Party from it’s moving towards pro-workerist ideas.“We also call on the NEC of NLC and TUC to rise and take a clear stand against this usurper of the sweat and blood of our heroes and matyrs as the labour movement.

“How can Labour centres be supporting an enemy of workers who oversaw 13 months of Doctors Strike, 2 years of workers strike and refused to pay 11 months pensions as Anambra governor?

“The same Peter Obi has commercialized the Labour Party to the extent that no incorruptible comrade can contest in the party as tickets are sold off in tens and hundreds of millions.”

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Show Your Family Members, Tell Us Your Real Name – Atiku Camp dares Tinubu

The PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has described the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a wicked man who is fleeing when no one is pursuing him.

The Atiku camp in a statement on Sunday alleged that Tinubu has too many skeletons in his cupboard to be allowed to become the next President of Nigeria.

It was further alleged that the many secrets are why Tinubu and his handlers have refused to participate in public debates so his secrets won’t be exposed.

According to the Special Assistant to Atiku Abubakar on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu who signed the statement, Asiwaju Tinubu was not recognized in 2007 by one of the known eldest members of the Tinubu extended family, Abdulrafiu Babatunde Tinubu who at that time was the head of the civil service of Lagos State.

“This perhaps explains why the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has refused to open himself up for scrutiny but continues to evade debates, non-partisan town hall meetings and live interviews.

“Tinubu’s entire life and persona is based on falsehood and thus he cannot address these questions hence his decision to continue to run all over the place. But these controversies did not begin today.

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DSS Summons Ishaq Akintola Over Allegations Against Seyi Makinde, MURIC Says Akintola Has Poor Health

The Department of State Security Service (DSS) has summoned the Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola.Akintola was summoned a few days after he accused Governor Seyi Makinde, of “aiding and abetting Oyo State school authorities, who are in the habit of forcing Muslim students and Muslim teachers to sing Christmas carol.”

He had alleged that “Under Seyi Makinde’s watch, Muslim students were herded like sheep to attend the crusade of a German Christian crusader, Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, in November 2021. Oyo State public schools were used for the crusade during school hours.

Again, under Makinde’s watch, Muslim applicants attending a screening exercise for appointment were made to answer questions on the Bible in August 2020. Under Makinde’s watch, Muslim teachers were forced to attend a screening exercise on Salah day in July 2022. Yet these are schools using public funds and Muslims are the majority among tax-payers in the state.

“Makinde has a plethora of anti-Muslim actions for which he has never apologized. We have no doubt that he will continue to condone the persecution of Muslim students and Muslim teachers until he is kicked out of office. We, therefore, remind Oyo State Muslims to take their destiny into their own hands by using their voting power to send away their traducer.”

However, DSS has now told Akintola to report to their office in Oyo within one week.

The message MURIC reads, "We are particularly disturbed by the insistence of the officers of Oyo State D.S.S Office that Professor Ishaq Akintola, the director of MURIC, must report to their office in Ibadan, Oyo State, for questioning despite Professor Akintola's poor health which he explained to the DSS. Although the caller agreed that our director could report in their office within one week, we still find this disturbing because they refused to tell him his offence."

Ondo: ODIEC announces date for local government election

The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC has announced December 16, 2023 as the date for the conduct of local government elections in the state.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof Yomi Dinakin, who disclosed this at a briefing in Akure, said the release of the time table was in line with Section 28 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Dinakin said conduct of party primaries by political parties would be between April 10th to June 10th, 2023 while campaigns would begin on July 17th and and ends midnight of December 14th 2023.

He said the body would meet with stakeholders for release of the election guidelines.

“ODIEC will continue to ensure that local government elections are conducted in credible and acceptable manner.

The ODIEC Commissioner in Charge of Training and Legal, Prof Tajudeen Ibrahim said training of Adhoc staff would hold between November 23 to December 1st, 2023.

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11,350 PDP members defect to APC

Another 11,350 members of the Katsina State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Katsina.This is coming barely one week after the state governor, Aminu Bello Masari received over 1,760 PDP card-carrying members from Danja LGA into the Katsina APC.

The gale of defection threatening the chances of the main opposition party in the state may not be unconnected with the unresolved leadership tussle between the Lado and Majigiri faction of the Katsina PDP.

Mashi LGA is the home of the embattled PDP State Chairman, Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, a loyalist of the former state governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

The decampees led by Abu Dabo Mashi were received by the Katsina APC Chairman, Alhaji Sani Daura.

Addressing the decampees and other supporters who turned out en masse to receive the Dikko-Jobe governorship campaign team, Dr Dikko Umar Radda reiterated his commitment to treat all members of the party fairly.

Dikko also assured that if he becomes the next governor of the state, he would bring rapid development to the state by prioritizing security, education, healthcare, agriculture, the economy and jobs creation for both women and youths.

He noted that his campaign team currently touring the Daura axis is embarking on ward to ward tour in the area in order not to leave any stone unturned in its bid to serve the state diligently and to the best of his ability if elected in 2023.

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