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ECOWAS Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Elections in Nigeria
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has reaffirmed its commitment to efforts to foster peace, security and stability for Nigeria to achieve a peaceful elections in 2023.
The Director, Political Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr.
Remi Ajibewa, made this known on Friday during a sensitisation workshop in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers.He said that the South-South sensitisation workshop, with the theme, “Enhancing Media and Political Parties Roles in Promoting Good Participatory Process”, intended to get response from stakeholders on how to achieve a successful electioneering process in the 2023 general election.
Ajibewa, represented by Mr Emmanuel Okorodudu, the Head of Division, Democracy and Good Governance Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Regional Security at ECOWAS, said that the Commission would identify with Nigeria as ECOWAS member state during the elections.
Ajibewa said that ECOWAS would also deploy short-term and long-term observers in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to monitor and observe the elections.
He said that ECOWAS believed that with such support, Nigeria could achieve a peaceful and violent-free electoral process.
Ajibewa, on behalf of the President of ECOWAS Commission, also thanked the Rivers Government for being a perfect host.
He also commended the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers for partnering with the Commission, the security agencies, Civil Society Organisations and the media in making the workshop a success.
He also commended the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) for its support.
He urged IPAC to work cordially with the political parties to ensure a peaceful electioneering process in the 2023 general election.
Mr Kweku Asante, the Senior Programme Manager, Media Foundation for West Africa, Accra, Ghana, said that social media should be used as a tool during and after election.
Asante, who spoke on the topic “Upholding positive media values and Ethics during electioneering”, urged media practitioners to sustain a culture of facts checking on information emanating from social media and other sources before publication.
Asante also spoke on the topic: “Social Media and Positive Citizens’ engagement for Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, opportunities for Nigerian citizens journalists, social media practitioners and political parties”.
He advised stakeholders to be present and active on social media platforms to enable them know when issues of fake news on social media would cross the line of National peace and unity.
Mr Brenard Mornah, Former Chairman, Political Party, Human Rights Advocate and Citizens Activist, Accra, Ghana, who also spoke on the topic “The Campaign Strategy for Political Parties and Positive Citizens’ engagement for Nigeria 2023 election”, commended ECOWAS for peace building across West Africa.
Mornah urged political parties to focus on issue-based campaign, saying that the choice of candidates and their activities should reflect good governance for citizens and the nation.
Mornah, who also spoke on “Managing Thuggery and Vigilantism Group Activities”, said that much attention should be given to Vigilantism due to its importance to the nation to avoid crisis.
Mr Stanley Job Stanley, the State Chairman of the NUJ, commended INEC and ECOWAS for equipping journalists through trainings and workshops.
According to Stanley, the media are well equipped and set for the 2023 election reportage in Rivers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders, during the meeting, also recommended that the security agencies’ neutrality should be paramount while pledging allegiance to the people instead of parties in power or opposition.
They also stated that protection of journalists and electorates by security agencies, especially the police, should be paramount.
They said that the election entity by the police should be holistic not excluding the political parties.
They also urged the military to stick to its Constitutional roles and stay away from politics in order not to undermine participation.
They also said that sensitisation and advocacy for security agencies in terms of further operational procedures was necessary.
They also called for equitable deployment of security personnel to all areas.
They urged the security agencies, especially the police, to be proactive, especially on social media.
On the part of the media, stakeholders recommended that journalists should be professional and abide by the Code of Ethics of the profession.
They urged journalists and the media to keep to the electoral rules and regulations, adding that insurance policy should be taken out for journalists in the region.
They also recommended that journalists should be patriotic, nation builders, conflict sensitive and promote peace journalism.
They urged media organisations to use evaluation mechanisms to counter fake news, disinformation and misinformation, adding that journalists should also be security conscious and a live to report the news.
On the part of national interest and security recommendations for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the commission urged CSOs to be home based, obey rules and regulations and have proper understanding of the new electoral act process to be able to sensitise the public.
It urged them to promote disabilities and gender equality.
Speaking on vote buying, the commission also expressed the need for intensive education or sensitisation awareness on the disadvantage.
It urged the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to scale up its surveillance during the election, by having desk officers to counter fake news and misinformation.
It urged International Observers to be objective in their reports.
The commission also urged the electorates to go out in mass and cast their votes. (NAN)
The Coca-Cola Company has announced sale of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.) to UAC of Nigeria Plc.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Chivita|Hollandia
Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Zainab Obagun, on Wednesday in Lagos.
Chivita|Hollandia is a leading food and beverage player in Nigeria with portfolios across value-added dairy products, juices, nectars, still drinks and snacks.
The Hollandia brand is a market leader in evaporated milk and drinking yoghurt, while the Chivita brand is a market leader in fruit juice.
UAC is a holding company focused on domestic manufacturing, marketing and distribution of leading consumer brands in Africa.
According to the statement, the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, supports Coca-Cola Company’s strategy to operate a flexible and asset-light model and focus on brands that have the greatest potential to scale.
The Group Managing Director of UAC, Fola Aiyesimoju, said: “As a company with a strong presence in Africa, we are deeply committed to the continent’s growth.”
He said the acquisition presented significant potential to build on Chivita|Hollandia legacy of excellence and innovation.
“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.), a leading dairy and juice business in the region.
“I would like to thank the management and staff of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.) and look forward to working with the team to support the next phase of growth,” Aiyesimoju said.
The Managing Director of CHI Ltd., Eelco Weber, also noted that Chivita and Hollandia brands had become clear leaders in their categories.
“I would like to thank our over 5,000 employees for their hard work and dedication in bringing our business forward and earning us recognition as a Gold-rated Great Place to Work.
“We see a bright future for Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Ltd.).
”With the strength of our team, coupled with the dedication of UAC, there will be exciting opportunities for further growth,” Weber said.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Ahead of local government council election in Edo State, the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, for his role in the last governorship election.
According to the PDP, the actions of the REC during the last gubernatorial polls undermined the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, and “we cannot allow such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo State.
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee,
stated this in Benin City while briefing journalists on the preparation of the party for the fourth coming by- election.
“We however want to express displeasure that some electoral officers whom we are aware of, from their antecedent, have been compromised”.
“His actions during the last gubernatorial polls undermined the credibility and integrity of the electoral process, and we cannot allow such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections in Edo State.
The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, a matter of urgency meets this demand and boosts voters confidence and assures the credibility of the process.
They also demanded that the Electoral Officers (EOs) during the 2024 gubenaotiral who were in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo steer clear of the bye-elections. Their involvement in the alleged irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation unacceptable.
According to Aziegbemi, “Having completed this pre election process, our party in Edo State is highly prepared for the polls and are confident that we will emerge victorious. The areas in the contest are traditional strongholds of the PDP and with the quality and credential of our candidates and the support of the people, including our party supporters and members, we are sure of victory at the polls”. He stated.
The mantra, “One Man, One Vote”, remains our slogan and this we will uphold during the forthcoming bye-elections. As a party, we will not tolerate any form of electoral manipulation. We insist on a fair, credible, and transparent election and urge INEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders to ensure that every citizen’s vote counts and is protected.
“To those who have chosen to defect from our great party, we wish them the best in their future endeavors.However, we remind them that the natural laws of nature also apply to politics.
“As we go into the elections, we remain focused on winning the National Assembly seats and as a formidable political party that enjoys the love and support of the people especially at the grassroots, we are confident of coming out victorious.
“We urge voters in the various constituencies to remain vigilant, participate actively by coming out enmasse to vote the PDP and its candidates who have the capacity and ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, he said.
Prof Rufa’i Alkali Congratulates New National Chairman of APC
…Lauds Party for Smooth Leadership Transition
Former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Prof Rufai’s Ahmed Alkali has congratulated the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
In a congratulatory message made available to Journalists in Abuja, Prof Alkali applauded the APC for the rancour-free transition of power that saw the emergence of the new National Chairman.
According to Prof Alkali, “the well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.
”He added that some opposition political parties were taken unawares by the smooth process that saw the emergence of APC new National Chairman and that is a clear indication that the ruling party is a step ahead of other political parties in the country.
Part of the statement read: “I wish to convey my special congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well deserved appointment as the National Chairman of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“His well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.
“From their initial reactions, it appears some members of the opposition were taken unawares.
“This is how it should be. A ruling party should always be steps ahead.
“We wish Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda success in the challenges that lie ahead.”
…Lauds Party for Smooth Leadership Transition
Former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Prof Rufai’s Ahmed Alkali has congratulated the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
In a congratulatory message made available to Journalists in Abuja, Prof Alkali applauded the APC for the rancour-free transition of power that saw the emergence of the new National Chairman.
According to Prof Alkali, “the well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.”
He added that some opposition political parties were taken unawares by the smooth process that saw the emergence of APC new National Chairman and that is a clear indication that the ruling party is a step ahead of other political parties in the country.
Part of the statement read: “I wish to convey my special congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well deserved appointment as the National Chairman of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“His well thought out selection and the smooth process of his appointment by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party clearly shows that the APC has come of age.
“From their initial reactions, it appears some members of the opposition were taken unawares.
“This is how it should be. A ruling party should always be steps ahead.
“We wish Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda success in the challenges that lie ahead.”
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