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Davido, the Afrobeats star, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of “incompetence” in the ongoing gubernatorial elections in Edo.
On Saturday, residents went to the polls to elect a successor to Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is completing his two-term tenure of eight years.
Seventeen political parties are participating in the election, with the major contenders being the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP).
The key candidates include Monday Okpebholo (APC), Asue Ighodalo (PDP), and Olumide Akpata (LP).
During the election, there were reports of vote-buying and the presence of political thugs at some polling units.
Ighodalo also accused the police of voter intimidation.
“One of our supporters was arrested by men in mufti carrying guns. Nobody should carry a gun to a polling unit; that’s against the law and regulation,” he said.
Davido, who recently expressed enthusiasm for the election and supported Ighodalo, criticised INEC, labeling it “the most dangerous institution in Nigeria” and “very incompetent”.
He also urged the commission to enhance its operations, adding that the world is watching the unfolding events in the state.
“The most dangerous institution in Nigeria @inecnigeria,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Very incompetent @inecnigeria fix up! The world is watching #Edodecides.”
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The singer continued his tirade against the electoral body on X. He also revealed why he is interested in the state election.
“My mom is from Edo for those wondering why I’m interested in the election … but we as Nigerians should be concerned sha .. @inecnigeria shame on you I know how many times I had to come in here and rant before they got it right in Osun ! It’s really bad . God help us,” he wrote.
The governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has won his polling unit.
Obaseki had after casting his vote said commended the electoral process at his polling unit. He commended voters who came out to vote despite the heavy rain experienced in the state.
His words: “You can see despite the inclement weather people have turned out in their large numbers. You can see the enthusiasm.
“It is not mid-day yet and the ballot box in my polling unit is already full. And so clearly that tells you that people are very interested because they have been mobilized. And have been very interested in this election. This is why I am not surprised.
“For now I am glad with what I see, the process in my units has been smooth. I hope the collation process will be the same. It will be peaceful and the results will be counted and there will be no destruction.
“I am glad with the extent of military presence in the state. As you know the federal security agencies have taken over the state. I am not the Chief Security Officer of the state, the Inspector General of Police, IGP is the Chief Security Officer”.
On the other hand, the candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Olumide Akpata has lost his polling unit.
He pulled 32 votes against PDP that got 41. At polling unit PU11, Ward 06, Oredo LGA, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Monday Okpebholo, garnered 19.
Recall that Akpata had advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that what he experienced at his polling unit was replicated all over the state and allow the peoples’ vote to count.
According to him “The process went well, I want to hope that this is the experience of every Edo voter, but I’m not going to make that assumption standing here, I want to wait for feedback from my agents across the state, its 192 wards, 4500 polling units.
“We are hopeful that this will be the experience of every Edo voter and I am calling on INEC that the playing field should remain level, nobody should be given any undue advantage, all of our agents should be allowed into collation centres, the agent of all parties, nobody should be hindered, prevented from going into the collation centre, so that we can all witness the process, and be able to confirm that it was done in the manner as provided by law, the electoral act and the constitution.
“So, INEC has no excuse, this is an off-cycle, and they have the luxury to deploy their resources.
“All eyes are on INEC, the entire country is on INEC, and we are hoping that they will do a good job.
“It left to see if the heavy deployment of security personnel to Edo is for the people or the certain individual”.
Naija News reports that the funds are intended to aid thousands of people whose lives were upended by the flood.
During his visit, Seyi emphasized his focus on supporting the youth, a demographic severely affected by the disaster.
Seyi stated that this initiative marks the beginning of long-term support for those in Borno.
When he was received at the state government house by the state Governor, Babagana Zulum, and other important dignitaries, Seyi addressed the people of Borno state and highlighted their resilience in the face of past insecurity that had affected the state.
He commended the remarkable strength and resilience shown by the people of Borno, acknowledging their ability to rise above numerous hardships and challenges faced in recent years. He expressed optimism that the state would recover and emerge stronger from the flood’s devastation.
He said, “We are here today, not just as representatives of our family but as members of a collective effort of young Nigerians to bring hope and relief to those who need it most. This is a moment for solidarity, compassion, and immediate action.
“Maiduguri and Borno State have rich histories. The people are resilient. Despite the issues of the past few years, they have braved all odds which is why such a painful national tragedy that befell the state deserves our collective effort, support and prayers. Even more, it deserves our active collaboration and contributions.
“When my dad, President Bola Tinubu, visited Maiduguri earlier this week, he spoke about the urgent need for the private sector and individuals alike to step up in support of the communities affected. Inspired by his call, my wife Layal, and I through the Noella Foundation, my brother Yinka, our friends, and numerous private sector partners have joined hands to respond swiftly to the needs of those displaced by this tragedy.”
The donation package contained a range of essential relief materials, including:
– Food Supplies: A variety of staple foods such as rice, maize, flour, loaves of bread, groundnut oil, spaghetti, tomato paste, salt, and other items crucial for daily sustenance.
– Medical Supplies: Seyi ensured the provision of critical medications for nearly 50,000 people, including anti-malarials, pain relievers, anti-diabetics, anti-hypertensives, antibiotics, and other necessary prescriptions.
– Household Items: To further ease the burden of the flood victims, the relief package included 10,000 mosquito nets, mattresses, blankets, buckets, mats, kettles, sanitary pads, wrappers, and other household essentials
Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), says the rest of the country will bear the consequences if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “messes” with the Edo governorship election.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Odinkalu said there is hardly anywhere one can go to in Nigeria without passing through Edo.
“If Mahmood Yakubu & @inecnigeria mess with #EdoDecides2024, all of #Nigeria will suffer it: there is hardly anywhere u can go to in Nigeria without passing through Edo,” he wrote.
On September 14, the ex-NHRC chair chastised Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chair.
He was subsequently rebuked by Kamson Chidubem, convener of Civic Integrity Initiative (CII), for “biased criticisms and media abuses”.
On Friday, former President Goodluck Jonathan appealed to INEC and security agencies to remain neutral in the discharge of their responsibilities during the governorship election.
Jonathan said INEC and security agencies have a “moral burden” to act as “independent arbiters” during the poll.
Seventeen candidates are battling for the votes of 2.2 million electorates, in the race to succeed Godwin Obaseki, incumbent governor of Edo.
The founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has warned Christians to stop sharing fake testimonies in churches.
He asserted that those behind embellished testimonies are playing pranks with God.
The clergyman shared his reservation on his Facebook account on Thursday
He stressed that people who engage in the acts ‘are being used by the devil’.
This comes amid controversial miracle testimonies shared by church members of Lord’s Chosen Church in viral videos that have since ignited social media discussions.
Bamiloye wrote: “PLAYING PRANKS WITH GOD! If you stand on the Lord’s Altar to give fake testimonies deliberately, you are playing pranks with God! If you mount the Altar of God to deliberately tell lies that
“God has done what He knew nothing about, you are playing pranks with God!
“If you arranged a fake testimony to be said on the Lord’s altar just to pump up congregation, you are playing pranks with God! If the devil set you up to embarrass the church through all his reckless bloggers, you are playing pranks with God!”
The preacher also warned bloggers who are eager to condemn the body of Christ for money, reiterating that they are unaware that they are led by the devil.
He noted that God is supreme, emphasising that he can do all things as established in the Holy book.
“And you BLOGGERS looking for things to write against the Church of Christ, employed and paid by the devil to drag His Body in the mud and stripe the church naked in the market place for monetisation, come on, you are ignorant of the fact that you are being used by the devil.
“As for me, God is unlimited. There is nothing, absolutely nothing He can not do! He can do ALL THINGS! He brought water out of the rock. He walked upon the sea. He brought out a coin from the fish’s mouth. He turned water into wine and multiplied bread in the hands of disciples.
“The entire Bible is full of mind-blowing miracles! Luke 1:37 KJV For with God, nothing shall be impossible. But if the Devil has given you a gift and you come to the Lord’s Altar to give God the glory, You are playing pranks with God,” he added.
The Labour Party’s candidate in the Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Olumide Akpata has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to maintain a level-playing field for all candidates and parties in the ongoing election.
Akpata insisted that the electoral body cannot afford to confer undue advantage on any candidate or political party.
Akpata made the call on Saturday shortly after he cast his vote at exactly 10:30 am at his Ward 6 in Oredo local government area of Edo State, maintaining that INEC has no excuse not to deliver a free, fair and credible election.
He said, “I want to hope that this is experience of every voters, and that I am calling on INEC that level-playing field should remain, and nobody should be given any undue advantage, and all of our agents should be allowed into the Collation Centres.
“Nobody should be prevented, so that we can confirm that it (the election) was carried out in the manner as prescribed by the electoral guidelines and the Constitution.
Details later…
[Leadership]
African philanthropist and business leader, Tony Elumelu, will make Africa’s transformative economic growth, youth employment, and energy transition central to the discussions at this year’s United Nations General Assembly.
The 74th United Nations General Assembly will take place late in September in New York, United States of America.
Elumelu will call for urgent action in a series of engagements, including a roundtable discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative with former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and at an event co-hosted by the World Food Programme and Tony Elumelu Foundation, led by WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain.
He will bring his perspective both from extensive experience in building industry-leading businesses across the continent and the success of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s catalytic programmes empowering young Africans.
Elumelu is a realist, challenging Africa and Africans to solve their problems, bringing African solutions, and also recognising Africa’s responsibility to act.
As Chairman of United Bank for Africa Group and pan-African investment company, Heirs Holdings, as well as Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu is a leading driver of Africa’s transformation agenda, helping shape the continent’s narrative on the global stage.
His thought leadership and advocacy challenge conventional views, offering innovative strategies for collaboration and growth.
The success of his Foundation in promoting youth entrepreneurship as a pathway out of poverty has featured in case studies from Harvard, Chicago Business School, Stanford and Cambridge.
With over 60 percent of Africans lacking access to electricity and young people making up more than 60 percent of the continent’s 1.3 billion population, Africa faces challenges that impact the world.
Africa, most recently with tragic floods in West Africa, is suffering climate driven environmental crises caused by global emissions, whilst its development is held back by huge infrastructure deficits.
In a recent statement, Elumelu emphasised: “I have often said that there is nowhere else in the world you can reap the kind of investments as in Africa.
“However, I am acutely aware of the fundamental challenges our continent faces.
“Addressing the issues of sustainable economic growth, youth unemployment, gender inequality, and Africa’s energy transition is critical not only for meeting the continent’s basic developmental needs, but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and unlocking the immense economic potential that Africa offers.”
An economist and visionary entrepreneur, Elumelu’s economic philosophy of Africapitalism serves as a blueprint for accelerating Africa’s economic transformation, advocating for the private sector to take the lead in delivering social and economic wealth, and shared prosperity for all.
Alongside Elumelu’s advocacy, the United Bank for Africa, which he chairs, will host a networking gala on the sidelines of UNGA, a platform to spotlight investment opportunities on the continent.
The Gala will convene prominent leaders across four continents in commemoration of UBA Group’s 75th anniversary and the Group’s 40 years of operations in the United States.
[EagleOnline]
Edo Decides: PDP candidate, Ighodalo condemns late arrival of election materials at polling unit
Admin
The governorship candidate the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Asue Ighodalo has condemned the late arrival of electoral materials in his voting unit at Okaigben Ward 1, Unit 3.
DAILY POST reports that Ighodalo, who spoke to newsmen when he arrived at the voting centre at 10:30 am, also decried the arrest of the party’s chieftains in Uromi in Esan North East LGA.
He also condemned the late arrival of materials in Owan West LGA.
DAILY POST reports that electoral materials arrived at the Ighodalo’s polling unit after 10:00 am.
[DailyPost]
A former Edo Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has voted at his Ward 10 Unit 01 Estako West Local Government Area.
Senator Oshiomhole voted after waiting in the queue for over one hour.
His nonagenarian mother, Aisha Oshiomhole, voted at the same polling unit.
Speaking to journalists after he voted, the former Edo Governor said his projects endeared the people to him.
He denied the All Progressives Congress (APC) stock-pilled money to buy votes adding that he has not received any report of violence from anywhere across the state.
“It is laughable when I heard this kind of allegation. Have you seen anywhere where they are sharing money? People turned out in large numbers to vote for us because they want good government. During our campaign people came out to see me not because I wanted to give them something but because of what I have done for them while I was in the office as the governor.
“All structures that I have put in place 12, 13 years ago are still there but the ones put up by the present administration, in one year , they are washed off. So our people have seen the difference. Some people do tell me that since I left the government, they haven’t seen the real presence of government in their communities.
“The voters know what they want. I am happy the media are here showing live pictures from a rural village like mine. Other people will watch it and see the election is peaceful. Rural people deserve a greater share of the federal budget than state budget. You can see that the people are peaceful.”
[TheNation]
The Independent National Electoral Commission National Commissioner in charge of Edo, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, has promised not to collect bribes during the ongoing state governorship election.
In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday, Gumus asserted that nobody would dare approach her with a bribe because of her reputation.
The INEC Commissioner added that the commission will conduct the Edo governorship election in a free, fair and credible manner, adding that it would be the best conducted.
She said, “I am in charge of Edo. I want to do the right thing, even though I will not be everywhere. We will conduct this election in a free, fair and credible manner. I cannot take bribes, no matter how much. I don’t have to take billions to do what is right.
“Nowhere, nobody will try. Nobody will try me. You know, in any office you are in this country, they know everything about you. And when they know they will not come near. If I see it, I will not allow it.
“You won’t believe that since we started this process every day, I am on the platform with the EOCs. In five two-minute or five-minute intervals, I will enter the platform to learn what is happening. If there is anything, I would correct it. That is what I have been doing.”
[Punch]
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President Bola Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to Oluremi, his wife, on her 64th birthday.
In a heartfelt message via Instagram on Saturday, the president described Oluremi as his “rock, confidant, and greatest support” and the “heart” of their home.
Tinubu expressed gratitude for his wife’s “unwavering strength, grace, and love” to him, their family, and the entire nation.
The president also prayed for “boundless joy, peace and happiness” in Oluremi’s life.
“My Dearest Oluremi, on this beautiful day, as we celebrate your 64th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman you are. Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life,” he wrote.
“Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria. You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom.
“Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady. On your special day, I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you. Your love sustains me, wisdom guides me, and strength lifts me.
“I could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life. As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come. With all my love and appreciation, now and always. Your Bola.”
Bola and Remi tied the knot in 1987. Their union is blessed with three children.
[TheCable]
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a notorious gunrunner and seized 20 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles near Buruku Bridge in Igabi Local Government Area.
The Command’s PPRO, ASP Mansir Hassan, in a statement said the arrest occurred around 4:00 pm when officers from the Buruku Division were conducting routine patrol near Buruku Bridge.
“Upon stopping a black Golf III saloon vehicle, police conducted a thorough search and found the rifles hidden in the booth, along with an empty Type 06 magazine.
“The suspect, identified as Bitrus Gyang, hails from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State,” ASP Hassan stated.
The PPRO further explained that during questioning, Gyang admitted to his involvement in gunrunning and disclosed that he had previously transported fabricated rifles on at least three occasions.
“He is currently cooperating with the police as investigations continue to identify his accomplices.
“Commissioner of Police Audu Ali Dabigi commended the officers for their diligence and commitment to duty.
“He assured the public that the police will continue to intensify efforts against kidnappers and bandits throughout the state, ensuring they face relentless pressure,” the PPRO added.
A 30-year-old man, Joseph Efe, who was arrested for stealing from a commercial sex worker, said he committed the crime to raise money for his sister who has sickle cell anemia.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, briefing journalists yesterday, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday at the Top View Hotel in Abuja.
Efe, during his confession before newsmen, said he met the victim on a “hookup site” before inviting her to the said location.
The suspect said he tied the victim to prevent her from getting help as he exited the hotel after stealing from her.
“I tied her so that she would not run after me as I fled. I told her to take off her clothes so that even if she is able to untie herself, before she puts on her clothes, I would be long gone,” Efe said.
He added that prior to his arrest he had stolen from four victims in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja.
Narrating her ordeal, the woman (name withheld) said she had been on the hookup site called “coded site”.
She said: “I met the suspect some months ago. I live in Enugu but visit Abuja for other business reasons.
“When I got to the hotel, the suspect asked me whether I feared death.
“He said if I cooperate with him, he would not hurt me like other girls. He said his friend was outside, and if I made any wrong move, he would inject me with something.
“I pleaded with him. He slapped me and asked me to strip my clothes. I tried to get to the door but it was locked by him and he held the keys.”
She alleged that he used her dress to tie her hands, but when it was not tight enough, he took out a cellophane tape.
“He turned the television volume very high and blocked my mouth with a handkerchief,” she said.
She further said that he stole her phone, unlocked it with her thumb, asked for her bank app details then realised she had no money in the account.
“He warned me not to make noise, that he was stepping out, then locked me in the room.
“I later noticed a movement outside the door and saw the colour of the uniform the person wore was that of the hotel staff.
“I struggled and dragged myself to the window then started banging it. Luckily, the guy heard me and I immediately gave him a sign to run after the person that just left the room. He did and he was caught.”
According to the NSCDC FCT Commandant it was in the process of the suspect trying to escape from the hotel premises that his movement became suspicious, and in the process of trying to stop him, he took to his heels before he was chased and caught by NSCDC operatives.
Odumosu said that the video circulated on social media of the lady and the victim in the hotel room was not recorded by NSCDC operatives.
“Let it be made clear that the video in circulation on this incident was not shot by the operatives of the NSCDC, as we only became aware of its existence when it went viral on social media,” he said.
He added that after preliminary investigation, both suspect and victim would be handed over to the relevant agency for further necessary actions and investigation.
“We are duty bound and empowered to do due diligence before taking necessary steps towards prosecuting or handing over a suspect as the case may be to any relevant sister agency,” he said.
The commandant warned hotel operators to be more vigilant and should do better in protecting their guests.
“Ensure your hotel facilities and premises are not used as a place to perpetuate crime.
“Let me also caution all young ladies also known as ‘runs girls’ to desist from such acts that will endanger their lives but rather engage in legitimate businesses to earn a living,” he said.
In another development, he said that four alleged vandals were arrested in the territory for theft and vandalising public infrastructure.
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned that there are substandard and falsified antimalarials, antibiotics, antihypertensives, anti-diabetic agents and life style drugs in circulation.
The agency stated this during a community sensitization workshop for stakeholders on standard and falsified medicines in Nigeria, held in Kaduna yesterday.
Speaking during the workshop, Director North West Zone of the Agency, Bala Mshelia, said the workshop was meant to sensitise stakeholders on substandard and falsified medicines which have become a global problem presenting enormous public health challenges to National Medicines Regulatory Authorities.
He said NAFDAC was maximising efforts to curb the menace in the state, noting that unpatriotic business men/women involved in the illegal manufacture, importation and distribution of substandard and falsified medicines target medicines with high volume of use for the treatment of diseases of public health interest.
He urged them to join in the fight to ensure that all drugs are safe for usage. “As we proceed with this workshop, let us remember that the fight against substandard and falsified medicines is not one that can be won in isolation.
“It requires collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public. Together, we can create a future where every medicine on the shelf is safe, genuine, and beneficial to the health of our communities,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Kaduna, Mr Sunday Ukoh, appreciated NAFDAC for the timely sensitization, adding that all stakeholders’ hands must be on deck to do the needful.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, Abosede Garba, said the prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines is not just a challenge for healthcare professionals but a grave public health concern that affects the lives of millions.
She said the counterfeit products jeopardise the health of patients, undermining the credibility of our healthcare system, and threaten the progress we have made in fighting diseases.
“It is with great honour that I stand before you today, representing the Association of Community Pharmacists, as we gather for this vital sensitization workshop organised by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“The theme of this workshop—addressing the menace of substandard and falsified medicines—could not be more timely or relevant, especially in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
“As frontline healthcare providers, we pharmacists bear a crucial responsibility in combating this challenge and ensuring that only safe, effective and high-quality medicines reach our communities. Community pharmacists, as trusted healthcare professionals, are uniquely positioned to be the first line of defence against counterfeit medicines.
“Our proximity to the community and our daily interactions with patients give us the opportunity to play a pivotal role in identifying, reporting and preventing the distribution of substandard products.”
She added that the workshop is a significant step towards empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to further strengthen their role in the fight.
She commended NAFDAC for their unwavering commitment to protecting public health by tackling the issue of substandard and falsified medicines.
“Your efforts in regulating, educating and raising awareness are invaluable in safeguarding the well-being of our citizens. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this cause,” she said.