Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (PDP/Benue South), has described the local government elections held on Saturday in Benue as a rape of democracy.

Moro made the description in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Emmanuel John, and made it available to newsmen on Sunday in Makurdi.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship seats as declared by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) on Sunday.

The Senate minority leader said that reports from polling units across his senatorial district indicated that the election did not hold.

He said that election materials and officials of BSIEC were not seen anywhere in the area.

Moro said that he was disappointed in Governor Hyacinth Alia for not standing by the truth and due process as promised during his electioneering campaign.

“I expected the governor, as a priest, to push for a paradigm shift by doing what is right and not referencing and copying what was wrongly done in the past.

“Democracy is fiercely fought for, with some people paying the supreme price. Anti-democratic forces will not be allowed to destroy the system,” Moro said.

He enjoined members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm, as everything legally possible would be done to challenge the election in a court of competent jurisdiction. (NAN)

Youths in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have reiterated their desire to mobilise for the victory of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the party’s candidate in the Nov. 16 governorship election.

The APC Youth leader in the State, Mr Olalekan Adeyemo, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Akure.

Adeyemo described Aiyedatiwa as “a youth-friendly leader,” who has consistently demonstrated commitments to empowering youths in the state.

He said the little time the governor has been at the helms of affairs of the state, he had touched vital areas, especially things that would improve the lives of youths.

The APC Youth leader listed some of the remarkable achievements of the governor to include “disbursement of ₦373 million in bursaries to 5,928 tertiary institution students through the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission(OSOPADEC).

“Payment of ₦708 million in West African Examinations Council fees for 2023/2024 students in public secondary schools, and payment of ₦335 million in scholarships and bursaries to students of Ondo State origin among others.”

He said Aiyedatiwa had also improved the party members’ reward system by engaging more youths in various positions.

“Aiyedatiwa’s vision for Ondo State is clear; to complete all ongoing capital projects and sustain the state on the path of glory and development.

“He has also focused on key issues to alleviate poverty, banish hunger, and make Ondo State self-sustaining through the State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS).

“He has also provided 25 Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies and Toyota Land cruisers for judges and released ₦3 billion to offset retired civil servants’ gratuity backlog.

“Also, he has offered ₦300 million in soft loans to artisans, trade union members and entrepreneurs, and recruitment of 2000 qualified teachers and over 100 health workers,” the youths leader said.

Adeyemo urged youths in the state to join him in mobilising aggressively for the governor’s victory in the election. (NAN)

By Bridget Ikyado-Tikyaa

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has cast his votes in the State Local Government elections in his home town Mbagul in Vandiekya local government of Benue.

The governor performed his civic duties at exactly 2:42p.m with many citizens in participation.

It would be recalled that the governor had officially declared Friday, October 4th, 2024, as a work-free day for all citizens to prepare for the day.

He said that the declaration was necessitated by his desire to give the electorate of Benue State ample opportunity to travel to their respective local government areas in preparation for the elections

His Excellency commended the citizens of Benue for complying and participating activly in the electoral process.

He expressed confidence that with the right commitment and participation,as he has observed from various parts of the state,the elections will be conducted smoothly and fairly to the end

He restated the need for the citizens to prioritize peaceful conduct and collaboration during the elections, reinforcing the need for unity and cooperation among all parties involved.