Politics
INEC Lobbies CSOs for CVR, PVC Collection in Edo, Ondo
Published
1 year agoon
By
Ekwutos Blog
By Nathaniel Gana
14th May 2024
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has implored Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to support it in mobilising prospective registrants for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, scheduled to simultaneously commence in Edo and Ondo states on the 27th May.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the call during the Commission’s Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with members of the Civil Society Community, held at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday 14th May, 2024.
Only yesterday, the INEC Chairman announced the resumption of the CVR in Edo and Ondo States, to give room for prospective registrants and those who may wish to transfer their registrations, as well as people with cases of lost or defaced Permanent Voter Cards to get replacements.
Prof. Yakubu said: “The Commission appeals to CSOs to join us in mobilising prospective registrants for the exercise, particularly on the need to register early and not wait until the deadline approaches when the registration centres will be inundated by eleventh hour registrants.
“In addition to the registration of voters, the Commission will also make available the uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for collection during the CVR. In the coming days, the list of uncollected PVCs will be published in our offices in the two States and simultaneously uploaded to our website.
“We believe doing so will make it easier for voters to collect their PVCs. However, no PVCs will be collected by proxy. Registered voters should come in person to collect their cards. Again, we seek for the support of CSOs in encouraging voters to locate and pick up their PVCs as was done in the past.”
The INEC Chairman also urged the CSOs to submit their reports on the outcome of their monitoring of campaigns by political parties, while also appealing to them to also submit their applications for election observation early. He warned that the Commission will not entertain requests outside the deadline.
He said: “As we inch closer to Election Day in Edo State, it is also imperative to remind CSOs of the need to submit your applications for election observation in earnest along with the required supporting documents and a realistic number of individual observers.
“Doing so will enable the Commission to produce and deliver the identity cards for observers in good time. The Commission will not entertain requests outside the deadline for the receipt of applications from interested observer groups or process applications that do not meet the criteria.”
He added: “For emphasis, submission of reports from previous accreditation in the manner required by the Commission is mandatory for continuous participation in election observation. Since our last meeting two months ago, many accredited observers have submitted their reports but a few are yet to do so. We urge you to do the needful. Your reports are important for us in reviewing and improving our processes and procedures.”
Responding on behalf of the CSOs, the President, International Institute of Leadership and Governance, Dr. Paddy Njoku, appreciated the depth of information given on their responsibilities to the Commission and the electorate.
He said: “We also appreciate the fact that even though the Commission is independent, it is partially dependent on us for collaboration. We promise that we will fulfill all the demands placed on us and that this relationship will be strengthened and will continue to grow”.
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Benue: Name politicians behind killings, stop blame game – PDP challenges Alia
Politics
Benue: Name politicians behind killings, stop blame game – PDP challenges Alia
Published
3 hours agoon
June 7, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has asked Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, to name the politicians he said are behind the killings in the state.
The Benue chapter of the PDP, in a statement on Saturday, accused the governor of engaging in a blame game over the killings.
The opposition party was reacting to Alia’s comments during a live interview on Channels TV, where he accused Benue political office holders in Abuja of being behind the insecurity in the state.
PDP, in the statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, described the governor’s allegations as an attempt at political escapism which is not only irresponsible but also dangerously distracts from the urgent and substantive measures needed to address the crisis.
The party it views such reckless scapegoating by the governor as deeply disheartening and counterproductive.
“It is important to note that Benue’s security challenges are not in isolation in Nigeria. Neighbouring states such as Plateau and Taraba face similar threats, yet their governments have shown a more responsible approach by acknowledging the security realities and taking proactive steps to address them.
“Conversely, Governor Alia’s focus has been on blame-shifting, alternating between accusing Abuja politicians, foreign invaders and other scapegoats, instead of confronting the root causes of insecurity.
“We must ask: Are attacks in Plateau, Enugu, Taraba, or elsewhere solely attributable to Abuja representatives? Or is Benue being unfairly singled out in a political witch-hunt?
“The truth remains that herdsmen attacks in Benue predate Governor Alia’s administration, just as they did during the tenures of Governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam. ”
According to the PDP, previous administrations recognized the threat and called it by its name – attacks by armed herdsmen – without resorting to reckless blame-shifting.
The party noted that it is disconcerting that logic and reason seem to be absent from the Alia administration’s approach to insecurity.
“Instead of addressing the fundamental issues, the governor’s rhetoric is marred by distractions, false accusations, and propaganda.
“Benue’s security challenges must not be dismissed or sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
“To insinuate or outrightly claim that Abuja representatives are sponsors of herdsmen terrorism is not only irresponsible but a dangerous misdiagnosis of the problem,” the statement added.
PDP added that such reckless assertions by the Alia administration will surely undermine genuine efforts to address insecurity in the state.
The statement stressed that while the governor may enjoy immunity from prosecution, he must be reminded that the Abuja politicians he maligns do not share the privilege.
“If he genuinely believes his claims, he should present comprehensive security reports to the relevant authorities for appropriate action rather than resorting to baseless propaganda.
“The PDP urges Governor Alia to abandon the politics of blame and focus on concrete, inclusive, and responsible security strategies. Genuine leadership at this critical time requires honesty, responsibility, and a unifying spirit: qualities that are vital for a leader who also bears the moral responsibility of a Reverend,” the statement added.
Politics
Anioma State Creation “A Done Deal,” Says APC chieftain Ejiofor
Published
5 hours agoon
June 7, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
A prominent political strategist and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Delta State, has declared that the creation of Anioma State is a “done deal,” expressing strong backing for Senator Ned Nwoko’s legislative efforts to actualize the long-standing demand
In an exclusive interview, Ejiofor praised Nwoko as a “shining star in the National Assembly,” lauding his visionary leadership and commitment to the Anioma cause. He described the senator’s initiative as both timely and historic.
“Senator Ned Nwoko’s move is commendable and long overdue,” Ejiofor stated. “The creation of Anioma State is now a done deal. We are witnessing the culmination of years of advocacy—the time for action is now.”
The proposed Anioma State, comprising Igbo-speaking communities in Delta North, reflects a decades-old push for fair representation and regional development. According to Ejiofor, the current momentum is the strongest yet in the statehood movement.
“Anioma is ready,” he affirmed. “With Senator Nwoko at the helm, we are confident the goal will be achieved. He leads with integrity and courage—qualities all Nigerians should be proud of.”
With Ejiofor’s endorsement and continued momentum in the National Assembly, the campaign for Anioma State appears closer than ever to becoming reality.
Politics
Anyone who voted for Tinubu has no regrets – Masari
Published
6 hours agoon
June 7, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
A close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ibrahim Masari, has said that anyone who voted for the president in the 2023 general elections has no reason to regret their decision.
Masari, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made the statement during an interview with the BBC while speaking on Tinubu’s performance as his administration marks two years in office.
“Anyone who voted for President Tinubu between himself and God has no regrets,” he said.
He added that President Tinubu has recorded many achievements, especially in the areas of security and the economy, despite the current hardship being experienced by many Nigerians.
One of the major steps taken by the president, Masari said, is the removal of fuel subsidy.
However, he defended it as a bold and necessary decision that has helped the government save money and invest in development projects.
According to him, the president demonstrated rare political courage by removing fuel subsidy, a move previous presidents could not carry.
“Past presidents wanted to do it but couldn’t. He did it because of how much of the country’s money was being wasted.”
Masari also explained that the funds previously spent on fuel and electricity subsidies are now being redirected to important areas of national development, helping both the federal and state governments to function better.
He acknowledged the hardship many Nigerians are going through but insisted that the decisions taken by President Tinubu are meant to build a stronger and more stable country in the long run.

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