COVER
Bye-elections: APC, PDP Share Senatorial Seats
By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja; Jude Dangwan, Jos; Mike Tayese, Yenagoa and Joy Ekeke, Lagos
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday announced final results of the bye-elections conducted in some parts of the country with the All Progressives Congress (APC) winning in many constituencies.
The results declared by INEC showed that the ruling-APC and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) won three senatorial seats each.
While the APC won Lagos-West, Imo North and Plateau South senatorial districts, the PDP won Bayelsa West, Bayelsa Central and Cross River North. Former Governor of Bayelsa, Seriake Dickson, was among the six newly elected senators from Bayelsa West.
The election did not go without reports of irregularities as incidences of vote buying, and harassment of voters was alleged in many constituencies. A Lagos State politician of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Babatunde Gbadamosi, alleged that the Lagos Bye –election was clearly manipulated and he was rigged out.
In Imo North Senatorial zone, the ruling APC swept the votes but did not have a candidate to be declared.
…Winnings Affirm Trust in Party– Presidency
The Presidency in a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the gale of victories by candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in different parts of the country was a proof that Nigerians still trust the party.
The statement also lauded the leadership of the party, as being led by the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, as well as other layers of leadership within the party, for the efforts invested into retaining its relevance.
It further noted that President Muhammadu Buhari delighted in the outcome of the bye-elections and charged the APC to sustain the spirit of hard work, unity, progress and cooperation.
“Nigerians who appreciate the efforts of the administration in making life better for all citizens, especially under an economy facing the severest test from the global Coronavirus pandemic will not be disappointed.
“We thank them immensely for their trust in the party and government.
“We equally thank the Interim Management Committee of the party under the capable leadership of His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, the Governor of Yobe State, the Progressive Governors Forum under Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, all our governors, parliamentarians, state, local government and ward level APC chapters and the entire ranks of the membership for this brave and impressionable performance.
“While congratulating the successful candidates, President Muhammadu Buhari in particular, is very pleased with the election outcomes and urges the party to uphold the spirit of hard work, unity, progress, cooperation that forms the bedrock of these victories”, the statement said.
In Bakori Constituency of Katsina state, Dr. Ibrahim Aminu Kurami of APC was declared the winner having defeated Alhaji Aminu Magaji of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The returning officer of Bakori local Government State Constituency bye- election, Professor A. D. Kankia, declared that Dr Aminu Kurani of the APC scored 20,444 votes to beat Magaji of the PDP.
It would be recalled that the member representing Bakori State constituency in the House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdurrazaq Tsiga, died in May this year, after a protracted illness.
…Wins Plateau South Senate Seat
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Plateau south senatorial by-election, Prof. Nora Dabu’ut, has been declared winner.
The results announced by Prof. Idris A Male, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Lafia, Nassarawa state, said in Shendam, Dabu’ut polled a total of 83,151 votes while George Daika, his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rival, secured 70,838 votes.
Dabu’ut, a first female academic, defeated her opponent in four out of the six local government areas in the senatorial district, while the PDP candidate, Daika, won in two Local Government Areas.
Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Abiru, Saheed over Victory
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated the candidates for Lagos East Senatorial District, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru and Lagos Assembly Kosofe Constituency II, Mr. Obafemi Saheed for emerging victorious at the bye-elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while announcing the results, said Senator-elect Abiru defeated his opponent by wide margin in all the five local government areas in the senatorial district, polling a total of 89,204 votes against his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, who secured 11,257 votes.
House of Assembly member-elect, Saheed polled 12,494 votes to beat his rival, Mr. Sikiru Alebiosu of PDP who got 2,068 votes in Kosofe II Constituency.
Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said APC’s victory with wide margin in the by-elections is a sound testament to the confidence the people of Lagos State have in the party.
He commended the electorate for coming out to perform their civic responsibilities and for voting in large numbers for the two candidates put forward by the APC. He also appreciated chieftains of the party and members for working assiduously for the victory during the polls.
“I want to congratulate Mr. Tokunbo Abiru and Obafemi Saheed on their victory in last Saturday’s by-elections in Lagos East Senatorial district and Kosofe State Constituency II polls. Your emergence as federal and state lawmakers is a validation of peoples’ confidence in our dear party, the APC.
“Right from the commencement of the process, we never doubted that Tokunbo Abiru and Obafemi Saheed would win the elections based on their credibility and the massive campaigns in all the nooks and crannies of Kosofe II Constituency and Lagos East Senatorial District.
“The victory of the two candidates of our party in the by-elections clearly showed that APC remains a party to beat in Lagos, based on her achievements in the State since the beginning of the current political dispensation in 1999.”
“The successive administrations in Lagos have put the people at the centre of its action, resulting in several people-oriented programmes. This has continued to manifest in the voting patterns in the State”, he added.
Diri Mourns as Five Policemen Drown in Bayelsa River
However, the Bayelsa State bye-election ended in tragedy as some policemen, who escorted electoral materials and personnel were drowned in a river.
State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, condoled with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Mohammed Adamu, over the loss.
The boat conveying the policemen was said to have capsized on its way to Oporoma, the headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area with 11 policemen on board the ill-fated boat, in which five were rescued while six others drowned.
Diri, who also condoled with the families of the deceased policemen, said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, that their sudden demise, while on national duty, was very painful.
The governor, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth and fast process it put in place for the election.
Diri, who voted at his hometown in Sampou Ward 7 Unit 4 accompanied by his wife, Gloria Diri, said INEC’s decision of having accreditation and voting simultaneously saved time and energy.
“The process was faster and even more smooth. The card reader identified me as soon as my voter’s card was slotted in. “So I can describe the process as smooth, fast, and peaceful. Certainly, the simultaneous accreditation and voting enhanced the process rather than waiting for hours before coming back to vote. I think this decision of taking them at the same time is far better than what we used to do,” he said.
On the alleged hijack of election materials in Agbere community in Sagbama Ward 1, Senator Diri described the act as the handiwork of mischief-maker’s bent on discrediting the electoral process. The governor called on Bayelsans not to give a negative image about the state, saying that it is a state with people of integrity that work hard to earn a living.
While expressing optimism that his party would clinch victory judging by the pedigree and capacity of its candidates for the Bayelsa West and Central senatorial districts, Diri described the National Assembly as a place for serious-minded persons and not for jokers.
“We fielded quality candidates and you can see the difference between the PDP candidates and the others. The Senate is not a place for jokers. The Senate is not a place for school dropouts or people who were dismissed from service.
“The Senate is a place of people with integrity, for those who can comprehend, for those who will understand, for those who can bring an argument on the floor that would be able to convince and sway their colleagues. Having been a member of the National Assembly, I know that it takes that pedigree for you to be in the Senate.”
PDP’s Odey Wins Cross River North
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday declared the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Stephen Odey, winner of Cross River North Senatorial bye-elections.
While PDP candidate Mrs Maria Akwaji also emerged victorious at the Obudu State Constituency bye-elections, the Collation Officer for the senatorial by-election, Prof. Ameh Akoh of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, who announced the result said, the PDP candidate, Dr Stephen Odey scored 129,207 votes to defeat other eight contestants.
According to him, the candidate of All Progressives Congress(APC), Mr Joe Again (SAN) scored 19,165 votes to place second, while African Democratic Congress, Mr Gregory Agam came third with 388 votes, among others.
“The PDP candidate having scored the highest number of votes cast is hereby declared the winner in line with electoral guidelines”, he stated.
Also, PDP candidate Mrs Maria Akwaji emerges winner in the Obudu State Constituency by-elections by scoring 32,166 votes to defeat her closest rival, Mr Abor Adaji of APC who scored 3,546 votes.
The Collation Officer, Prof. Abel Ezeoha of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University of Technology, Ikwo Ebonyi State announced the result after Collation from different polling units.
“By this result, she takes over the seat of her husband who died a few months ago as the member representing Obudu State Constituency in House.
According to INEC, nine Political Parties contested for the senatorial by-election and six for the assembly. The senatorial by-election followed the death of Sen. Rose Oko, who died a few months ago in London
In his remarks, the PDP agent, Engr. Thomas Aruku, described the victory as well deserved.
“I see the victory as a well-deserved because among all the political parties in this election, it was the PDP that crisscrossed the 54 electoral wards. So, to me, we are just reaping the fruit of our labour,” he said.
PDP Kicks as INEC Declares Zamfara Bye-election Inconclusive
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Returning Officer for the Bakura constituency in Zamfara state, Prof. Ibrahim Magatawa, to step aside.
In a statement by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party accused Prof Magatawa of plots to rig the election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the election inconclusive, following the cancellation of election in some areas where the bye election held. INEC had fixed next Saturday to conclude the election.
But the PDP accused Prof Magatawa of saying that the cancellation of election in some areas and shifting the date for the conclusion of the poll, was to enable the APC to gain “upper hand over the PDP”.
The statement said: “The PDP demands the immediate removal of Prof. Magatawa as his embarrassing pronouncement has betrayed a plot to use the planned re-run in 14 polling units where election was cancelled under unclear circumstances, to rob our party of our victory in the Bakura State Constituency bye-election.
“Our party and Nigerians were shocked when, in declaring the election inconclusive, given that the total number of registered voters in the 14 polling units is 11,439 higher than the 2,181 difference between the 18,645 votes scored by the PDP and 16,464 votes garnered by the APC, Prof. Magatawa openly suggested that the rerun will give the APC upper hand over the PDP.”
The PDP quoted Prof. Magatawa as saying: “The APC may gain advantage, if there is another election in these units where election is cancelled, that they may get upper hand over the PDP and as a result, we have declared this result inconclusive.”
The party said Magatawa’s statement exposed the partisanship of the INEC official, triggering a dangerous crisis of confidence and pointing to a creepy plot to use the rerun to allocate fictitious votes to APC,” the very reason, Prof. Magatawa must not be allowed in any way to participate in the anticipated rerun.”
“Moreover, Magatawa’s comments raises apprehension that elections in the 14 units were cancelled to achieve a sinister design to rob the PDP of its victory.
“Currently, the PDP would not go into issues of allegations of plots by the APC to use huge financial inducements, in addition to compromised security operatives by the APC to manipulate this election to its favour.
“We however call on INEC to stop using individuals like Prof. Magawata in our elections. He has shown to be a biased umpire who could not even hide his abominable enterprise.
“The PDP therefore demands that the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, directly take over the conduct of processes in the Bakura State Constituency bye-election, where our party is in clear victory, as the people will never allow any final outcome that does not reflect the electoral reality already on the ground.”
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello will spend the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year days in Kuje prison, Abuja, following refusal of his bail application by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Justice Maryann Anenih yesterday adjourned the case until Jan.
29, Feb. 25, and Feb. 27, 2025 for the continuation of the hearing.The former governor is standing trial, along with two others, in an N110 billion money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Anenih had refused to grant a bail application filed by Bello, saying it was filed prematurely.
The judge admitted Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, to bail in the sum of N 300 million each with two sureties.
Justice Anenih, while delivering a ruling said, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent.
“Consequently, the instant application having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” she said.
Recalling the arguments before the court on the bail application, the judge had said, “before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on Nov. 22.
“The 1st Defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.
“That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi State. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.”
She said the Defendant’s Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, had told the court that he had submitted sufficient facts to grant the bail.
He urged the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously to grant the bail.
Opposing the bail application, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the instant application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before arraignment.
He said it ought to be filed after arraignment but the 1st Defendant’s Counsel disagreed, saying there was no authority
“That says that an application can only be filed when it is ripe for hearing.”
Justice Anenih held that the instant application for bail showed that it was filed several days after the 1st defendant was taken into custody.”
Citing the ACJA, the judge said the provision provided that an application for bail could be made when a defendant had been arrested, detained, arraigned or brought before the court.
Bello had filed an application for his bail on November 22 but was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on Nov. 27.
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Association (CONAECDA) has called on the federal government to intensify efforts in the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes.
The organization made this call at the end of its conference held in Jos, the Plateau State Capital weekend.
Thirty resolutions were passed covering security, economy, politics, governance, culture, languages, human rights and indigenous peoples’ rights among others.
The Conference President, Samuel Achie and Secretary Suleman Sukukum in a communique noted that the conference received and discussed reports from communities based on which resolutions were reached on securing, reconstruction, rehabilitation and returning communities displaced by violence across the Middle Belt.
“After considering the reports from communities displaced by violent conflicts, conference resolved, and called on government to focus on providing security to deter further displacements.
“Call on government to provide security to enable communities to return. Government and donor partners should assist in reconstructing and returning displaced communities,” the communique stated.
The GOC 3 Armoured Division Nigeria Army represented by Lt Col Abdullahi Mohammed said the Nigerian Army is committed to working closely with communities to achieve a crime-free society, urging communities to support them with credible information.
“Security is a collective effort, and we cannot do it alone, the community plays a crucial role in ensuring safety.
“We urge everyone here not to shield or protect individuals involved in criminal activities. Transparency and collaboration, together, with maximum cooperation, we can achieve peace, security, and prosperity for our society,” the GOC stated.
The National Coordinator of CONECDA, Dr. Zuwaghu Bonat in his address at the gathering noted that the theme of this year’s program, Returning, Resettling, and Rehabilitating Displaced Communities, was chosen as a wakeup call on the federal government.
He maintained that the organization is aware that President Bola Tinubu has expressed a commitment to ensuring that displaced communities return to their ancestral lands.
He said similarly, some state governments, including Plateau State, have set up committees to address the lingering matter.
The coordinator however cautioned, “It is critical that we avoid generalizations or profiling. For instance, Not all Muslims are involved in terrorism. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in Nigeria are peaceful and reject extremist ideologies.
“We also know that some terrorists exploit religion to mobilize support or rationalize their actions. However, their atrocities – slaughtering women, cutting open pregnant mothers, and killing children show a profound disregard for humanity and God. Normal human beings would not commit such acts.
“We must also be cautious about lumping banditry with terrorism. While statistics indicate that many bandits and kidnappers may share similar ethnic backgrounds, kidnapping has now evolved into a profit-driven enterprise. This distinction is vital to address the root causes effectively,” he stated.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon Daniel Kwada noted that the conference was apt to addressed the various underlying issues bedeviling the region and its people.
“We in the Middle Belt have long been standing at the crossroads of Nigeria’s complex history. Despite our tireless efforts to stabilize this nation, we have faced immense challenges, including underdevelopment, security issues, and marginalization.
“Often, we are unfairly maligned, but gatherings like this offer a chance to change the narrative.
“Such conferences set the tone for better discussions. They allow us to drive processes that bring development, ensure security, and elevate our people to greater heights,” Mutfwang noted.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called on banks to reinforce their corporate governance principles and risk management frameworks to boost investor confidence during the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.
Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, SEC, said this at the yearly workshop of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) held in Lagos.
The theme of the workshop is: “Recapitalisation: Bridging the Gap between Investors and Issuers in the Nigerian Capital Market”.
Agama, represented by the Divisional Head of Legal and Enforcement at the SEC, Mr John Achile, stated that the 2024–2026 banking sector recapitalisation framework offers clear guidance for issuers while prioritising the protection of investors’ interests
He restated the commission’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recapitalisation process.
The director-general stated that the key to bridging the gap between issuers and investors remained the harnessing of innovation for inclusive growth.
In view of this, Agama said, “SEC, through the aid of digital platform, is exploring the integration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent transaction processing to redefine trust in the market.”
He added that the oversubscription of most recapitalisation offers in 2024 reflects strong investor confidence.
To sustain this momentum, the director-general said that SEC had intensified efforts to enhance disclosure standards and corporate governance practices.
According to him, expanding financial literacy campaigns and collaborating with fintech companies to provide low-entry investment options will democratise access to the capital market.
He assured stakeholders of the commission’s steadfastness in achieving its mission of creating an enabling environment for seamless and transparent capital formation.
“Our efforts are anchored on providing issuers with clear guidelines and maintaining open lines of communication with all market stakeholders, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks through digitalisation.
“We also ensure timely review and approval of applications, and enhancing regulatory oversight to protect investors while promoting market integrity,” he added.
Agama listed constraints to the exercise to include: addressing market volatility, systemic risks, limited retail participation as well as combating skepticism among investors who demand greater transparency and accountability.
He said: “We are equally presented with opportunities which include leveraging technology to deepen financial inclusion and enhance market liquidity.
“It also involves developing innovative financial products, such as green bonds and sukuk, to attract diverse investor segments.
“The success of recapitalisation efforts depends on collaboration among regulators, issuers, and investors.”
Speaking on market infrastructure at the panel session, Achile said SEC provides oversight to every operations in the market, ranging from technology innovations to market.
He stated that the commission is committed to transparency and being mindful of the benefits and risks associated with technology adoption.
Achile noted that SEC does due diligence to all the innovative ideas that comes into the market to ensure adequate compliance with the requirements.
On the rising unclaimed dividend figure, Achile blamed the inability of investors to comply with regulatory requirements and information gap.
He noted that SEC had done everything within its powers to ensure that investors receive their dividend at the appropriate time.
He, however, assured that the commission would continue to strengthen its dual role of market regulation and investor protection to boost confidence in the market.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of CAMCAN, Mrs Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma, said banks’ recapitalisation is not just a regulatory requirement, but an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen the capital market, and drive sustainable growth.
Joel-Nwokeoma stated that the recent recapitalisation in the banking sector had brought to the fore the need for a more robust and inclusive capital market.
She added that as banks seek to strengthen their balance sheets and improve their capital adequacy ratios, it is imperative to create an environment that fosters trust, transparency, and cooperation between investors and issuers.
The chairman called for collaboration to bridge the gap between investors and issuers to create a more inclusive and vibrant Nigerian capital market.She said: “we must work together to strengthen corporate governance and risk management practices in banks, enhance disclosure and transparency requirements for issuers.” NAN
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