News
Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi guber polls: INEC gets another chance to restore electoral confidence
Just 72 hours before the governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states, many Nigerians have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use these upcoming off-season polls as an opportunity to address the lack of confidence in the country’s electoral process. These calls have arisen amid a divided public opinion and controversies that followed the outcome of the 2023 general elections.
DAILY POST previously reported that one of the issues raised in the challenge against the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election was the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC. Presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) contended that INEC did not adhere to the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own regulations during the election. They argued that INEC failed to follow its rules by not using technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.
Although their claims were dismissed by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court did acknowledge that the non-functioning of INEC’s Result Viewing (IReV) portal could reduce public confidence in the electoral process.
Last month, when there were rumors that INEC planned to manually transmit the results of the upcoming November 11 Bayelsa governorship election, many Nigerians expressed concerns. However, the Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, denied these rumors and confirmed that the results would be transmitted electronically using the BVAS machine for accreditation and result upload on the INEC Election Result Viewing portal.
Yakubu also emphasized the importance of INEC staff maintaining non-partisanship during the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, emphasizing INEC’s commitment to credible elections.
The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yabagi Sani, advised INEC to use the upcoming off-season governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi as an opportunity to address the confidence deficit in the country’s electoral process and urged security agencies to remain impartial and resist financial inducements.
Additionally, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) warned that the credibility of the off-cycle elections in these states was at risk without the use of IReV and BVAS. HURIWA expressed disappointment that the National Assembly had not expedited the amendment of the electoral act to make electronic transmission of results mandatory.
In an interview, a media and communication scholar at Peaceland University, Nduka Odo, urged INEC to establish and adhere to clear voting and transmission guidelines to rebuild the trust of Nigerians. Odo emphasized the importance of INEC keeping its promises and ensuring that its technology functions without hitches to avoid a loss of trust from the public.
The Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has described allegations by the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, that he was inciting other governors against accepting N70,000 minimum wage as false.
Comrade Ajaero made the accusation during an interview on national TV.
In a press statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo denied that he was running an anti-workers government in Anambra, while also listing his numerous achievements for workers in the state.
According to the statement: “The state government wishes to categorically debunk these allegations.
“In fact, at no time did Governor Soludo incite or influence other state governors against paying the proposed N70,000 minimum wage.
“The government of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has enjoyed a smooth and cordial relationship with the labour leaders in Anambra State, even as at the time of issuing this statement, no letter of notice of industrial action has been received by the state government.”
Governor Soludo urged NLC and all workers in the state to disregard such allegations and recognise the substantial progress and numerous initiatives undertaken by his administration to enhance worker welfare and human capital development.
He said the proposed strike was unnecessary and counterproductive at this juncture, as it might seem like the NLC leadership is being politically influenced by desperate external actors to orchestrate an artificial industrial crisis in Anambra State.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal High Court in Lagos State has convicted and sentenced Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, founder of MedContour Services, for a botched plastic surgery that led to the death of Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020. Justice Mohammed Liman sentenced her to one year in prison but offered an alternative of a ₦100,000 fine.
Babatunde Irukera, former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), expressed his satisfaction with the verdict on his X handle. He wrote, “Today is a proud day for me as I personally prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Although I have left, the conviction underscores the importance of accountability for everyone in society, professionals included. This is how society should function and evolve. Anu Adepoju and her practice were convicted on all five counts charged by FCCPC. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but perseverance is key. A good day for consumers of professional services.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the dangers of purchasing pre-registered SIM cards, emphasizing that this practice is illegal and could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The NCC warned that individuals using pre-registered SIM cards might unintentionally become involved in crimes such as identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
Furthermore, the NCC noted that pre-registered SIM cards compromise the accuracy of consumer information and hinder efforts to track criminals effectively. Using these SIM cards undermines the reliability of data collected on consumers, making it difficult for authorities to identify and apprehend the true criminals.
The NCC’s message aims to educate the public on the risks associated with pre-registered SIM cards and to encourage adherence to legal guidelines to enhance national security.
Minimum wage: Soludo tackles Ajaero, denies inciting other governors
Lagos court jails medical doctor, Anuoluwapo Adepoju over failed plastic surgery
Finidi not on one-year contract – NFF boss, Gusau
What we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
LaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
Iran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
World News7 months agoWhat we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
-
Sports7 months agoLaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
-
World News7 months agoIran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
Tech7 months agoTop 10 AI Skills to Learn in 2023
-
Entertainment7 months agoBET Hip-Hop Awards: Black Sherif wins big as Burna Boy loses seven nominations
-
ICT8 months agoApple Bows To EU, Unveils iPhone With USB-C Charger
-
Entertainment7 months ago‘Black Panther’ star Lupita Nyong’o breaks up with boyfriend, Selema Masekela
-
World News7 months agoZelensky seeks defences for winter on visit to NATO