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Group Calls for Investigation on How Politicians Got Original Result Sheets Before Election

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

A group, Forum for the Advancement of Development and Democracy, (FADD) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to urgently investigate the circumstances that led to politicians holding results sheets before the commencement of voting in Kogi State Governorship election held on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference in Lokoja on Sunday, the Legal officer of FAAD Oruma Ayuba Musa Esq,charged INEC to condemn in strong terms the pre-filling of result sheets and start a transparent process that gives confidence that the electoral body is serious against electoral offenders.

“The off-circle elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi, the first since the Supreme Court affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has generated a lot of interest and thrown up new issues on the pre-filling of results sheets ahead of voting.

“This is the new thing. The pre-filling of election results sheets is a new thing in Nigeria introduced first in Kogi State. This new development has woken us up from slumber” he stated.

Musa, who commended  INEC under the leadership of Prof. Yakub Mahmood  and the  Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) Professor Gabriel Longpet for their fairness in ensuring a transparent electioneering process, observed  that,  the Kogi REC refused to allow external intervention in it’s affairs and disallowed some compromised Electoral Officers free environment to do their usual four yearly cycle of business to the highest bidder.

Continuing, Musa said “FADD monitored the commencement of distribution of polling materials and noted that the vigilance of the general public has helped to improve the performance of the election in the State and put the Electoral Officers and other Staff of INEC on their toes, with some still failing in their responsibilities to due process and the law probably due to threat to life or pecuniary interest.

“FADD is pleased to note that INEC has reacted to the report of allegation of pre-filling of result sheet with clear indication that INEC rules and processes seem to have been flouted in Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Ajaokuta and Ogori/ Magongo LGAs.

“We have discovered that in many polling units in these local Government Areas where BVAS were used for accreditation, the number of alleged voters were in excess of the number of people who were said to have presented for accreditation.

“INEC rule and the Electoral act is clear on this, particularly Section 51(2). It is therefore shocking that trained INEC staff can allow this to appear on the IREV portal without flagging it. Further investigation should unravel this or otherwise.

“More worrisome is the comment on the IREV portal that the attention of the public has been drawn to the effect that “the figure is not the final figure and might be changed after synchronization.” This comment was not made for either the Kogi West or Central Senatorial district. Why such an inconsistency? INEC has an explanation to make here.

While noting that Section 51(2) is the remedy for over voting, Musa admonished INEC to condemn in strong terms the pre-filling of result sheets and start a transparent process that gives confidence that the electoral body is serious against electoral offenders.

“INEC advertised that its own staff were going to be Returning Officers in the Local Government Area. INEC should audit if this improves the status quo given what has happened in Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Ogori Magongo and Ajaokuta.

INEC should investigate how the original INEC result sheets got into the hands of politicians, and also determine if fake result sheets were also in circulation, or if the same person who prints for INEC was hired by Kogi politicians to print for them” Musa added.

Also speaking, the data officer of FAAD Ibrahim Collins while calling for cancellation of election results in Kogi Central for alleged pre-filling of result sheets said”It is repugnant to natural justice when someone is said to have given birth when she was never pregnant.”

POLITICS

Rivers Assembly passes 3 Bills, Adjourns Plenary Indefinitely

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The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday passed three bills into law before immediately proceeding on an indefinite recess.

The bills include the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025.

Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced the passage of the bills during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The Powers and Privileges Bills seeks to grant the state lawmakers the authority, privilege and immunity necessary to carry out their legislative duties.

The RSIEC Bill aims to repeal the RSIEC Bill Law No.

2 of 2018, thereby redefining the establishment, composition, and functions of the commission.

The Rivers State Local Government Bill 2025 seeks to repeal the existing Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024.

The Deputy Leader of House, Mrs Lynda Somiari-Stewart, concluded the debate on the three committee reports before their final passage, having scaled the third reading.

Following the passage of the bills, Amaewhule adjourned plenary indefinitely, effectively preventing Fubara from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

The governor had earlier written to the House on Thursday, requesting to present the state budget on March 19, following two previous failed attempts to meet with the lawmakers.

It remains uncertain whether the indefinite plenary adjournment is a deliberate attempt to further delay the budget presentation, despite the directive by the Supreme Court. (NAN)

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Group Urges Senate to Reverse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

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A group, FixPolitics Africa says it is standing in solidarity with Sen.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Nigerian Senate for allegedly violating  rules.

The Executive Director of FixPolitics, Dr Anthony Ubani, in a statement ,on Thursday, faulted the senator’s suspension, calling  for her immediate reinstatement by the Senate.

Daily Asset recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is serving a six-month suspension, had accused the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power.

Ubani said: “We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and commend her courage in speaking out on this matter.

“The Senate’s response sets a troubling precedent that may discourage other victims from speaking out for fear of retaliation or dismissal.

“The FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially – free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”

He urged the civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the Nigerian public to join the group in demanding a legislative environment where all members could perform their duties without fear of harassment or unjust reprisal.

He added, “The integrity of our democracy depends on institutions that serve all Nigerians without bias or discrimination.”

According to him, the FixPolitics is a research-driven, citizen-led initiative committed to addressing the deep-rooted challenges of poor governance by recognising the central role of politics in building effective states and shaping Africa’s development, beginning with Nigeria.

He said that the group remained steadfast in its commitment to advocating an inclusive, transparent, and accountable political system.

“We will continue to monitor this situation closely and support all efforts that promote justice, equity, and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria,” he added.

Ubani described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as a threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law.

According to him, by imposing the suspension, the Senate has not only silenced Akpoti-Uduaghan but also disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central senatorial zone, depriving them of their constitutional right to representation.

“Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.

“Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50 per cent – from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly.

“This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.
“The unconstitutional suspension of a duly elected legislator denied constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly.

“In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised – an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). (NAN)

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Shettima Calls for Unity to Sustain Tinubu’s Reform

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, called for unity and collaboration among leaders to sustain the gains  of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

Shettima made the call during an Iftar hosted by President Tinubu for Senate leaders at the new State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Shettima emphasised that Nigeria had reached a crucial point where Tinubu’s bold leadership and well-thought-out policies must be properly executed to create lasting change.

He noted that Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of these reforms, such as falling food prices, lower petrol costs, and stability in the forex market.

He also highlighted the economy’s projected growth of 4.

3 to 4.6 per cent in 2025, commending Tinubu’s “bold vision” and courageous decisions.

Shettima urged political leaders to collaborate in maintaining this momentum, stating that unity was essential for the nation’s progress.

He expressed gratitude to the Senate for its cooperative relationship with the executive branch and urged lawmakers to see themselves as one family, regardless of political affiliation.

“What unites us supersedes whatever divides us,” he said, assuring of continued collaboration between the two arms of government.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked President Tinubu for his support of the 10th Senate and pledged continued cooperation.

He prayed for divine wisdom and good health for both the President and Vice- President, to ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event was attended by key senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.(NAN)

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