Ekwutosblog has gathered that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated its strong support for Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, commending his loyalty and contributions to the party.

At a book launch held in Wike’s honour, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP, Taofeek Arapaja, emphasized that despite internal party challenges, including members with an “entitlement mentality,” Wike continues to earn admiration and respect. Arapaja described Wike as one of the most devoted and loyal leaders the party has ever had.

He stated: “Our mentor and principal, who has never left the PDP for a day, is one of the most committed and loyal party leaders we have ever had. He has done well, he is doing well, and we wish him well in all his future endeavours.”

Arapaja praised Wike’s steadfast advocacy for equity, justice, and fairness, highlighting his leadership role in the G5 group and his consistent support for fellow party members. He contrasted this with some leaders who only engage with the party when seeking help, affirming Wike’s integrity and dedication.

“We know you, and we always love and appreciate you. Some people believe in entitlement mentality, but we will always stand by you because you are a man of integrity, honour, and a performer,” Arapaja remarked.

The PDP official also responded to recent criticisms made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio about the party. Arapaja expressed disappointment in Akpabio’s negative remarks, pointing out that the Senate President, who was previously Governor of Akwa Ibom State under the PDP, owes much of his political career to the party.

“The foundation of all political parties is the PDP. I am surprised when someone who is a product of the PDP speaks negatively about it,” he said.

Arapaja further acknowledged Akpabio’s performance as governor under the PDP, noting, “Nobody can dispute the fact that the present Senate President Godswill Akpabio about the party. Arapaja expressed disappointment in Akpabio’s negative remarks, pointing out that the Senate President, who was previously Governor of Akwa Ibom State under the PDP, owes much of his political career to the party.

“The foundation of all political parties is the PDP. I am surprised when someone who is a product of the PDP speaks negatively about it,” he said.

Arapaja further acknowledged Akpabio’s performance as governor under the PDP, noting, “Nobody can dispute the fact that the present Senate President performed during his tenure as governor under the PDP.”

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has proposed sweeping reforms to improve the country’s electoral system, following lessons learnt from the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle polls.

Among the reforms being proposed are diaspora voting and phasing out of the use of Permanent Voter Card during elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed these on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.

He stated that INEC would soon present these proposals and more to the relevant committees in the Senate and House of Representatives.

He said, “Among the major highlights of the commission’s recommendations is the imperative of legal clarity in result management, with regard to manual transfer versus the electronic transmission of results.

“The commission also believes that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day should be reviewed. Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation.

“This will not only save cost, it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the diabolical practice of buying up the cards from voters in order to disenfranchise them.

There are also recommendations in support of diaspora voting, the unbundling of the commission with the establishment of electoral offences tribunal and a separate agency to handle the registration and regulation of political parties.

“Similarly, the commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to polling units.”

INEC Chairman explained that these recommendations were captured in a 524-page review report on the 2023 general elections

He said, “With the conclusion of five major off-cycle governorship elections and nine out of 21 bye-elections since the 2023 general elections, this is the most appropriate time for us to commence the implementation of the recommendations arising from our review of the general elections.

“From the internal and external engagements, the commission has identified 142 recommendations dealing with the general state of preparedness, voter management, voter education and public communication, political parties and candidate management, electoral operations and logistics management, election officials and personnel, partnership and collaboration, monitoring and supervision, election technology, voting and result management, election security, electoral offences and the electoral legal framework,” the chairman said.

Of these, 86 require administrative action by the commission, 48 depend on collaboration with stakeholders such as security agencies and civil society organizations, and eight involve legislative amendments by the National Assembly.

Yakubu noted, “Out of the 142 recommendations, 86 require administrative action by the commission. It is therefore pertinent that we engage first with our Resident Electoral Commissioners because of your frontline role in the implementation of the recommendations.

This is followed by 48 recommendations that require action by a variety of stakeholders, including security agencies, mobile network operators, statutory bodies, political parties, transport unions, civil society organisations and the media.

“On the legal review, there are eight recommendations that require legislative action by the National Assembly. Very soon, the commission will make a presentation to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters as they continue to deliberate on electoral reform.”

Central to the proposed reforms is a push for legal clarity on result transmission, specifically the roles of manual and electronic methods.

Yakubu noted that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System has highlighted the need for a more streamlined process.

He suggested the possibility of replacing Permanent Voter Cards with computer-generated slips or downloadable credentials for voter accreditation, a move aimed at reducing costs and eliminating voter card-buying schemes.

Yakubu also revealed plans to introduce early and diaspora voting to accommodate citizens unable to vote at their registered polling units, including INEC staff, security personnel, and Nigerians living abroad.

Additionally, INEC is advocating the unbundling of its responsibilities, with proposals for the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal and a separate agency to oversee political party registration and regulation.

Other key areas of reform include cleaning the voters’ register in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission and enhancing partnerships with transport unions to ensure the timely deployment of election materials.

The commission also plans to intensify voter education campaigns to combat misinformation and promote greater participation by marginalised groups.

“As a matter of urgency, the commission also intends to develop protocols for the cleaning up of the voters’ register in collaboration with other agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission and the National Population Commission. Other areas of reform include advocacy for affirmative action for greater participation of under-represented groups, a more robust voter education and public communication to combat fake news and misinformation,” Yakubu stated.

The recommendations, documented in a comprehensive report, will soon be made available to the public in hard and soft copies.

Yakubu urged the RECs to engage deeply with the report and contribute to the development of a more efficient and inclusive electoral system.

GOV FUBARA APPROVES EXTENSION OF ROAD TO IMO BOUNDARY
…Seeks greater support of the people
… Vows To Bring Massive Agricultural Development To Etche

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that his administration will tap into the huge agricultural potentials in Etche to boost food sufficiency and create wealth in the state.
Governor Fubara who spoke during the official flag-off of the construction of the 12.3 kilometers Egwi-Afara-Mba road in Etche LGA on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, said part of the preparation for the agricultural project in Etche is the construction of access roads in the area which is currently being embarked on by the government.
The Governor thanked the people of Etche for their support, and urged them to be vigilant and not succumb to the politics of blackmail and sabotage advanced by some people in the area.
“What we are doing today is to tell Etche people thank you. Thank you for supporting, believing and still standing by us. Our thank you is not limited to the construction of roads alone, it will still extend to the development of your people through manpower development.”
“If we finish the road without the right manpower, the rightful employment and engagement of the youths, the road is useless. We are not going to limit it to just the road.”
He noted, “We will bring agricultural development to Etche, knowing that Etche is the food basket of Rivers State. So, what I have come to do this afternoon is to do the preparation, the road that you are going to use to transport those products that you are going to produce here.”
The governor explained that the target is to complete the road project within a six month period and urged the community to give the necessary support to contractors for smooth execution of the project.
He directed the Commissioner for Works to as a matter of urgency extend the road project in line with the request of the traditional rulers to the boundary between Rivers and Imo State which is estimated to be 10 kilometers from Mba.
Speaking as special guest of honour to flag-off the road, a former governor of the State, Sir Celestine Omehia commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for embarking of rural infrastructural development to provide access to the agricultural belt of the State in Etche.
He said the agro produce of the Etche people is enough to feed Rivers State and Nigeria is given adequate attention just as the government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara is now developing the area for easy access.
Sir Omehia condemned those demarketing the State because of their personal interest and queried what they have attracted to the State since they got ministerial appointment.
He enjoined Etche people to continue to support and stand by the government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara as he will continue to provide them with the required development.
In providing description of the road the Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-amadi Commissioner for Works, Hon. Elloka Tasie-amadi said the road running from Egwi through Afara to Mba is a 12.3kilometer project with 9000 (8.5kilometers) meters drains and 10.3meters wide (7.3 carriage way & 3 meters shoulder) and it is expected to be delivered in 6 months
On his part, the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Hon Uzodinma Nwafor thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his love for Etche people especially with the massive projects in the area.
He assured the governor of their continued support adding that they will reciprocate the gesture by consistently standing by him and appealed that the road be extended to Imo boundary in line with the request of the traditional rulers from Etche.