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The Honorable Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Commission’s members continued today with its quarterly consultative meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee On Election Security (ICCES) in preparation for the #EdoDecides2024 and #OndoDecides2024 Governorship Elections at the Commission’s Conference Hall in Abuja.

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The National Security Adviser and Co-Chair of ICCESS

The Inspector General of Police
National Commissioners of INEC
Representatives of various Security, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agencies
Other Members of ICCESS
Secretary to the Commission
Other Senior Officials of the Commission
Members of the INEC Press Corps

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. I am pleased to welcome you all to our second regular quarterly consultative meeting for the year following the first meeting held on Friday 22nd March 2024.

2. However, this is our third meeting this year with the security agencies in the last four months. You may recall that on 23rd January 2024, we met to review the security arrangement for the bye-elections and Court-ordered re-run elections in 26 States of the Federation. I am glad to report that except for two State constituencies in Enugu and Kano States, the elections in 45 constituencies have been concluded without major incidents and winners declared. I wish to place on record my appreciation and that of the co-chair of ICCES (the National Security Adviser) for the proactive measures taken by the security agencies in ensuring the peaceful conclusion of the elections involving 4,904,627 registered voters spread across 80 Local Government Areas, 575 electoral Wards and 8,934 Polling Units.

3. Following consultations with stakeholders, the Commission is remobilising to conclude the outstanding re-run elections in Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State and Ghari (formerly known as Kunchi Local Government Area) for the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State. Similarly, I would like to inform you of vacancies in four States of the Federation that will necessitate bye-elections in three State Assembly constituencies and one Federal Constituency, as a result of death or resignation of Honourable Members. As soon as necessary preparations are concluded, the Commission will announce the dates for bye-elections in Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers State, the Bagwai/Shanono State constituency of Kano State, the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State and the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State. Again, we look forward to working with the security agencies to secure the environment for peaceful elections.

4. In addition to these bye-elections, the Commission is preparing for two major off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. The Edo State Governorship election is holding in the next four months on Saturday 21st September 2024 while the Ondo Governorship election holds in the next six months on Saturday 16th November 2024.

5. There are two activities relating to the forthcoming Governorship elections that we need to draw your attention to. First is the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States that will enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so. Similarly, those who are registered voters will also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other States of the Federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the States. Complaints about lost or damaged voters’ cards will be considered during the registration period. The CVR will take place simultaneously in the two States from Monday 27th May 2024 to Wednesday 5th June 2024 from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily including the weekend. During the period, uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) from previous registrations in the two States will also be available for collection by registered voters.

6. The CVR will take place at Ward level and our State headquarters. This means that there will be 192 Ward registration centres in Edo State and 203 centres in Ondo State in addition to our State offices in Benin City and Akure, making a total of 397 registration centres in the two States. Each centre will be managed by two officials drawn from our regular staff and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). We need security protection for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers and journalists that will cover the exercise. The detailed locations of the registration centres have been compiled in a detailed 28-page document included in your folders for this meeting to guide your operational plans to secure the process.

7. The Commission has published the final list of candidates for Edo following the conclusion of party primaries and the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates as provided in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election. Campaign in public by political parties commenced on Wednesday 24th April 2024 and will end at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024 i.e. 24 hours before the date fixed for the election as provided by law.

8. I urge you to keep your eyes on the electioneering process with a view to preventing violent attacks or negative mobilisation by political parties, candidates and their supporters during their campaigns. Similarly, the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities such as Radio and Television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies often result in the breach of the peace. These actions, including the mutual destruction of campaign materials and facilities, violate the provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. The security agencies have a duty to ensure the enforcement of the law.

9. Once again, I welcome you all to this meeting. I thank you and God bless.

Politics

We’ve Just Finished Renovating Conference Centre With N39B When Our Children Don’t Have Light- Peter Obi ‎

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‎Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has condemned the extravagant lifestyle of Nigerian politicians while basic education infrastructure remains in shambles.

‎Speaking during an interview with SYMFONI TV where he donated computers to Chibok girls, Obi decried the disconnect between political spending and the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, especially students.

‎”We have just finished renovating our conference centre with 39 billion naira when our children in school don’t have light, they don’t have computer, their classrooms are leaking, they don’t have water.”

‎Peter Obi who is Known for his meticulous approach to governance and strong emphasis on education, reiterated that no nation can progress when its leaders prioritize personal comfort over the welfare of its youth.

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Politics

I’ll continue to give Tinubu’s enemies high blood pressure – Wike

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has vowed to ensure that President Bola Tinubu’s enemies develop high blood pressure.

Wike said he had realised that Tinubu’s opponents are unhappy with his good works since assuming office in 2023.

The minister made this statement during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), along with other roads in the Katampe district of capital city, by President Tinubu on Wednesday.

Wike recalled how he came to understand, while watching television, that some individuals harbour resentment towards Tinubu.

The minister vowed to continue rolling out commendable projects that would cause further dismay to the President’s critics.

He said: “Sometimes, I don’t know, spiritually I was touched. I was just touched to turn it (TV) on, and I was watching, and I didn’t realise that people could be in pain, but now I know that such people are in pain.

“I now must make sure I continue to give them high blood pressure. As they continue to be in pain, it’ll be sweetening us, and that’s now my job.

“I’ll be happy, moving around, and laughing every time, and they’ll be there shouting, fighting, and killing themselves. So, Mr President, thank you for being part of this revolution.”

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Politics

Democracy Day: ‘Nigeria is not where it should be’ – Niger Gov, Bago

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Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has expressed concern that despite over two decades of uninterrupted democratic rule, Nigeria still falls short of its potential.

The governor spoke in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.

Bago stressed that more needs to be done to translate democratic rule into tangible development.

“It is worrisome that despite the uninterrupted democratic rule that Nigeria has been having from 1999, the Nation is still not where it should be. More needs to be done,” Bago said.

He called for electoral reforms and enhanced civic participation for inclusive governance and strong democratic institutions that protect the vulnerable, ensure justice and provide equal opportunities for all, thereby, advancing democracy in Nigeria.

Bago also called on Nigerians to reflect deeply on progress made, renew their commitments in the democratic process and uphold the principles of democracy.

According to him, “Democracy symbolises the victory of the collective will of the people, over dictatorship. It also reminds every patriotic Nigerian of the struggles, sacrifices, aspirations, and resilience of our past heroes and heroines.”

He also stated that semocracy has brought about transparency and accountability in governance, vibrant political competition, expression of diverse viewpoints and increased civic engagement, among others.

Bago reassured the people of Niger State that through responsible leadership and inclusive governance for a sustainable development, more dividends of democracy will be provided.

He also called for continuous prayers, support and understanding, while reiterating his firm resolve in the task of building a more secure, transformed and prosperous state under his New Niger Agenda.

“I urge you all to continue to pray for leaders at all levels for a purposeful leadership. I reaffirm my commitment to the New Niger project, which is a possibility,” the governor stated.

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