POLITICS
Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Election will be Conducted Without Interference- NSA
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has assured Nigerians that Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi off-cycle governorship elections would be conducted without any form of interference.
Ribadu stated this at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting on Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections held on Friday at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.He said that the security agencies would work with INEC to ensure that the election was free, fair and credible.“We want to give assurance to Nigerians that this election will be even better than what we have had in the past. This election is going to be free and fair.“This election will be without interference. This election is going to be without violence. This election is going to be credible.“It is going to be litmus test for us. Three important states, one in the North-Central, one in the South-East, one in the South -South and we are ready.“We will provide what it takes to provide credible elections and we are impressed with the preparations we have seen from INEC and we will work together. Collectively it is our responsibility to deliver,’’ he said.Ridadu, who said that the security agencies were fully prepared for the states elections, saying nothing is as important as free and fair election in a democracy and President Bola Tinubu-led government is ready to provide that.“Mr President has given his orders. He said he wants to see free, fair, credible election and this is going to be the first election under his watch.“ He said that we should take this message to INEC and to Nigerians that he is going to be very much available to support you to make sure Nigeria have free and fair elections.“I also to tell everyone including the politicians, nothing much important than to have a free and fair election, if we want this country is to move forward.“ He is a democrat, he believes in democracy. He will support you. Already we have seen it as the entire requirement we have putting out to him, he has given us the go ahead.“The entire security forces and all our requirement has been met, the rest is for us to deliver,’’ he said.Ribadu commended INEC Chairman for his efforts toward improvement of Nigeria electoral process.He said elections conducted so far under Yakubu had been progressively, improving and Nigeria now moving towards meeting expected standard.Earlier in his remarks, Yakubu who is also the co-chair of ICCES urged the security to take decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence in the three state elections.He said that Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi were not the easiest States in Nigeria to conduct elections because of their difficult geographical terrain and prevailing insecurity.These according to Yakubu were compounded by negative mobilisation by political actors, especially since the commencement of campaign in public on July 14.“Ultimate responsibility for election security lies with the security agencies. Our message to the security agencies is to take decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence.“This is the surest way to guarantee a safe environment for the peaceful conduct of elections and electoral activities.“In doing so, security personnel on electoral duty should remain neutral and committed to the established professional code of conduct and rules of engagement,’’Yakubu said.He called on politicians in states where the election would take place to call their candidates and supporters to order.The INEC Chairman said that violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process must stop.He disclosed that out of the 5,409,438 registered voters in the three states, 5,169,692 had collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).Yakubu who said that two polling units in Bayelsa and 38 in Imo were without registered voters, added that eligible voters were expected to vote in all the 10,510 polling units in their states“Similarly, election results will be collated in 649 Registration Areas/Wards, 56 Local Government Areas and three state collation centres.“This gives us a cumulative figure of 11,178 voting and collation locations to deploy security personnel in the three states.“This is in addition to ensuring a secure environment for the ongoing campaigns and rallies by political parties and candidates, security of voters, the escort of personnel and materials, protection of assets and general security for all persons with legitimate reason to participate in the election and electoral activities.(NAN)
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegation made against him by the chairperson of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi.
Aziegbemi had in a statement on Sept. 14, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election, using Ribadu and the Department of State Service (DSS).
He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.
S Dollars to the APC governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.
“We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled “Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered.”
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, “$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies,” the letter said.
The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.
According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption.
“It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.
“Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand a written apology to our Client and a full retraction of the publication in its entirety.
“We also demand a publication of the retraction in a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers; 10 reputable and well-read online news sites; seven national and international television stations, and 10 radio channels with national and international reach,” they said.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputational and other injuries.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added. (NAN)
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has described the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State as a true representation of the aspirations of the people of the state, promising to use his contacts and cultural ties with the people of Edo State to ensure the victory of the party and its candidate in the Edo governorship election.
Ododo made the declaration at the APC youth rally in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area at the weekend.
The Kogi State Governor who was received by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu promised to galvanize support among the large population of youth and women in the area for the victory of the APC candidate in the September 21 governorship election.
He appealed to the people of Akoko-Edo to shun all acts of violence but to resist intimidation by defending their votes for the APC in the election.
He assured the people that the APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo will replicate the outstanding performance of the past APC leadership in the state led by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, stressing that the APC and its governorship candidate will deliver on their campaign promises by according topmost priority to the welfare of the people as currently being exemplified in Kogi State under his leadership.
Ododo who spoke in English and Ebira languages commended the people of Akoko-Edo for their peaceful conduct in the course of the campaign and assured that their support will be rewarded by the APC and its governorship candidate once the party emerges victorious in the September 21 governorship election.
Ododo has since arrived in Benin City, the Edo state capital ahead of the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally on Saturday where he is expected to address the rally along with other leaders of the party in the final push for the party’s victory in the Edo state governorship election.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed profound sadness over the death of Joseph Haruna Duza, the member representing Munya State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Intelligence.
In a condolence message statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago described the passing of the lawmaker as both shocking and a significant loss, not only to the people of Munya but to the entire state.
Bago highlighted Duza’s invaluable contributions and active role in combating insecurity within the state, as well as his unwavering dedication to its growth and development.
The Governor emphasised that only God can fill the void left by Duza’s demise.
Bago extended his heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barr. AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, other members of the 10th State Assembly, the immediate and extended family of the deceased, and the people of Munya Local Government.
He urged them to accept Duza’s death as an act of God.
Bago prayed for the repose of Duza’s soul and for comfort for all those affected by this loss.
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