Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed disapproval of the improper application of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in Nigerian elections, particularly during the 2023 polls.

Obasanjo observed that the issues encountered were not due to the technology itself but rather the result of intentional human interference.

The former President made these remarks while delivering a significant keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University on November 15, 2024, where he highlighted the persistent leadership crisis in Nigeria and advocated for comprehensive reforms to tackle the nation’s governance issues.

In his address, themed “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo revisited Chinua Achebe’s enduring assertion in The Trouble with Nigeria: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”

He cited the insights of political scientists who have pointed out that bribery, intimidation, and violence are factors that allow unqualified individuals to rise to leadership roles.

Obasanjo urged the establishment of a governance framework that emphasizes integrity, competence, and the education of voters.

Referring to the 2023 elections as “a travesty,” he proposed several measures aimed at restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

He underscored the necessity for legal reforms to enhance electoral laws, administrative changes to ensure the credibility of electoral officials, and technological protections to secure election results.

Obasanjo advocated for stricter ballot security, precise voter registration, and improved cybersecurity measures to avert electoral manipulation.

He also highlighted the critical need to prevent electoral violence and maintain the integrity of voting infrastructure, which should be validated through transparent and internationally monitored testing procedures.

Obasanjo emphasized the necessity of revitalizing education as a cornerstone for democratic engagement and effective leadership, referencing Nelson Mandela’s statement that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

He reiterated Achebe’s assertion that a viable democracy depends on an informed electorate and ethically sound leaders.

In his closing remarks, Obasanjo cautioned against the dangers of complacency, calling on both Nigerians and the international community to confront the nation’s leadership and governance challenges directly. He characterized Nigeria as too significant to fail, underscoring its vital contribution to the stability and prosperity of Africa.

Reflecting on Achebe’s insights, he contended that the failure of leadership is the fundamental issue behind Nigeria’s difficulties, exacerbated by systemic threats such as electoral malpractice, terrorism, and pervasive corruption.

Obasanjo voiced his apprehension regarding the nation’s economic downturn, pointing out that Nigeria’s GDP had plummeted from $510 billion in 2014 to $199 billion in 2024, as reported by the International Monetary Fund.

In contrast to this decline, he highlighted his administration’s accomplishments, noting that Nigeria’s GDP growth averaged 6.59% during his time in office, reaching a peak of 15.3% in 2002.

He attributed this economic progress to reforms in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and pensions, along with debt relief efforts, all executed under a capable team’s leadership.

The widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Mariya, has pledged her eternal love to her late husband.

Mariya also reminisced on the connection she shared with her husband of nearly 17 years, describing their relationship as one built on friendship, love, and unwavering support.

In an emotional tribute to her late husband, included in the burial programme pamphlet, Mariya Lagbaja reflected on their time together.

PUNCH Online reported that Lagbaja passed away on November 5 and was buried on Friday, November 15.

Though she acknowledged that their time was cut short, she expressed gratitude for the moments they shared, which she said she would always treasure.

“Meeting you over 17 years ago left an indelible mark on my life. Our friendship stood the test of time and meant the world to me. We shared a bond that was meant to last a lifetime. Though this was cut short, I treasure every moment with you, my shining light,” she wrote.

Mariya recounted their journey, which began on December 29, 2007, the day they vowed to spend their lives together.

She described her late husband as a man who loved, cared for, and devoted himself to her, calling him her strength and source of joy.

She also pledged to love Lagbaja forever, vowing to hold on to their cherished memories and the enduring bond they shared.

She said, “On the 29th of December, 2007, we chose each other for a lifelong journey. But death has taken away the man who loved, cared for, and cherished me with all he had. You carried me when no one was watching, you wiped my tears when I could not hold them back, and your shoulder was my strength to face the world.

“You brought so much beauty and joy to my life. In a world of ordinary moments, you created extraordinary happiness for me. As I look back on how great, amiable, kind, compassionate, generous, and adorable you were to me, I make bold to say that my love for you is forever.

“I will hold our memories, time, moments spent together so dear to my heart and cherish them throughout my lifetime because your love and support were my rock and guiding force always. If only you could hear me now. I love you infinitely.”

Mariya described Lagbaja as the spiritual leader of their home, adding that he inspired her and their children to love and serve God wholeheartedly.

She said, “As the spiritual leader of our home, you taught us to love Jesus and serve him in spirit and truth. At all times, you always sing and dance so joyfully in the presence of God, regardless of your status and this gives me the hope and assurance that you are in a better place, doing just the same with the host of heaven. You were truly our pastor and our priest, and I have no doubt that you are watching over us, my guardian Angel. “

She said despite his busy schedule, Lagbaja was a dedicated father who created time for his children.

Mariya said, “A true and dedicated father you were. The job never gave you enough time to spend with the family or share in the milestones of the children, but those short moments we spent together can never be taken away from us. At every opportunity, you created time for Emmanuel and Dara.

“You looked at their school work, solved mathematical problems or just simply played with them. To us, you are our hero and you will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in our children and they promise to make you proud.”

Mariya said her husband fought a good fight to the very end, wondering who would now ask her about the latest trends, call her “Boss,” or hug her every morning before heading to work.

She said, “On the 5th of November, as I looked at you lying there on that bed, I knew you had fought the good fight to the very end. Though you are gone, you will surely be missed by your loved ones, all who knew you, and the countless lives you touched. For me and our children, you will always be in our hearts.”

She continued, “Who will ask me, ‘What is the latest?’ Who will call me, ‘The Boss?’ Who will give me that morning hug before heading off to work?

“I will surely miss all these and so much more, my Jump Master. My leader, my friend, my husband, our father, my hero, my love and God’s General, I salute you. Till we meet to part no more, sleep on Daddy!.”

Alice Loksha, a nurse abducted by ISWAP terrorists, has regained freedom after six years in captivity.

She was abducted alongside two other female health workers on March 1, 2018, while working at a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) facility in Rann, Kala Balge LGA of Borno state.

Speaking with journalists at Maimalari cantonment, Maiduguri, on Friday, Kenneth Chigbu, deputy theatre commander of the joint task force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai, said Loksha was found in Geidam, Yobe state, on October 24.

He said the 42-year-old nurse had been subjected to forced marriages with two ISWAP commanders and endured dire conditions before her eventual escape.

“She was initially taken to Tumbuma, where she was held for two days,” Chigbu said.

“From there, she was relocated to Kwalleram where she spent seven months and was forced into marriage with a terrorist leader named Abu Umar.

“The marriage led to the birth of a son, Muhammad. All this happened before Abu Umar was eliminated during a gunfight with troops in 2022.

“During that fight, he was found dead, and it was alleged that his colleagues had actually eliminated him.

“Ms Alice Loksha was again forced into another marriage to another ISWAP commander named Abu Simak in 2022 before the latter was banished by his fellow terrorists to Dogon Chukwu camp.

“It was from Dogon Chukwu that she managed to escape through the Diffa axis  to Geidam on October 24, 2024, where she reported to troops of the Joint Task Force on October 29, 2024.

“She has since been subjected to medical evaluation and other humanitarian support.”

FAYINA, SISTER OF LATE SOLDIER, ALSO RESCUED

Chigbu also confirmed the escape of Fayina Ali, younger sister of late Samuel Andrew, an army officer who served under the 212 Battalion.

He said Fayina was abducted by ISWAP terrorists on October 19, 2022, while travelling to Maiduguri to process the death benefits of her late brother.

“Since then, she was held captive at Kangarwa enclave for nine months before she was taken to Tumbuma, where she remained for four years under one of the terrorist leaders, Muhammad Sheikh,” he said. 

“She was later taken back to Kangaruwa, where she stayed for another year before her eventual escape.”

Both women were received on behalf of the Borno state government by Zuwaira Gambo, the state’s commissioner of women affairs and social development.

Gambo assured the military that both women would receive adequate care.

“The women will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being handed over to their families for integration,” she said.

Toke Makinwa, Nollywood actress, has expressed her desire to remarry.

The 40-year-old said marriage is one of the most beautiful institutions despite its challenges.

She spoke in a recent podcast interview with British-Nigerian media personality, Madame Joyce.

She said, “People always think I hate men or a feminist who bashes men. I have been married before and marriage is one of the most beautiful institutions.

“I see marriage like the relationship between siblings. If your siblings come to visit, the first couple of days are exciting. You guys wear matching pyjamas, sleep in the same bed, and catch up on all the lost years or lost moments. By the third day, it’s like, ‘Close my f*cking door. Who wore my shoes? Where are my earrings? Please, when are you going back to your house? Please, I am tired.’ And that was how I saw it.

“There were days when I would rush home to tell my ex-husband everything I had been through. And there were days when I woke up in the morning, I said, ‘God, you must hate me for me to marry this idiot. This is not life; this must be hell.’ That was how I saw it. And it didn’t work out many years ago. But I still fancy the institution. I do want to get married again.

“It hasn’t happened yet. I’m not ruling it out. I am just taking my time. Maybe it’s not God’s time yet. Whenever he is ready, I just hope I am not wrinkled [laughs].”

Toke Makinwa was previously married to businessman, Maje Ayida. They got married in 2014, but their marriage ended in 2017.

Recently there were reports that she has tied the knot with with her rumoured longtime partner, Farouk Umar.

But the actress swiftly debunked the rumours, claiming they were just “besties” and that the alleged wedding ceremony was her thanksgiving event.

Human rights lawyer, Effiong Inibehe, has advised the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to withdraw from defending the government of President Bola Tinubu.

Effiong Inibehe said this while reacting to Pastor Adeboye’s statement that God’s intervention through his prayers saved naira from falling to ₦10,000 per US dollar.

Adeboye also praised President Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy which he said was the root of the country’s financial problem.

In his reaction to the RCCG Pastor’s words, Inibehe advised him to “retire and go home“.

He accused Adeboye of deceiving Nigerians by stating the government stopped paying for subsidy.

“Pastor Enoch Adeboye should retire and go home. His controversial statements on the state of the nation offends the sensibilities of right thinking members of the society.

“In life, it is always better to know when to exit the stage. The fact that Adeboye is holding brief for this incompetent and oppressive government is a mockery of Christianity.

“Many people in our country have stopped going to Church due to the sickening hypocrisy and connivance of these religious leaders,” he said.

Inibehe continued, “Tinubu has paid billions in fuel subsidy, contrary to his public statements.

“Tinubu’s government has not addressed the rot and corruption in the oil sector. We are not all naive and gullible.

“It is preposterous for Adeboye to say that it is his prayers that has made the Naira not to depreciate further. Prayers do not have any effect on the exchange rate. Exchange rate is determined by economic and monetary policies, and the productivity of a country.

“Adeboye has been praying for decades for Nigeria and Nigerian politicians and things haven’t improved. It is either his prayers are not working or God is not listening to him.

“Some of the most corrupt and evil politicians and political leaders in our country today are disciples and followers of Pastor Adeboye.“

Daniel Anidugbe, the famous Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Kizz Daniel, has announced that he would be going on sabbatical after his next EP.

The singer said he would not release why song till 2026, after his upcoming EP, ‘Uncle K’, drops on November 29, 2024.

“After this I no dey drop anything again until 2026,” he wrote on his X handle on Friday.

Following the announcement, fans have been pleading with him not to embark on sabbatical, saying they would miss his music.

Kizz Daniel has established himself as the one of the most consistent artistes in Nigeria since his debut in 2016 with the hit song, ‘Woju’.

He has released five studio albums and dozens of hit songs since gaining prominence.

Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO), says some politicians have been inducing voters with money, food items, and fertilisers during the Ondo governorship election.

Speaking on Arise TV on Saturday, Paul James, Yiaga Africa’s election programme manager, implored security agencies to monitor vote buying activities and apprehend offenders.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to collaborate with security personnel to safeguard the integrity of the election.

“We saw glimpses of vote buying in the buildup to the election, where politicians, in their usual theatrics, were giving voters between N2,000 and N5,000 at campaign rallies. There was also the usual distribution of food items,” he said.

“At some point in October, we observed politicians distributing fertilisers to farmers. It’s challenging to draw the line between palliatives and vote buying, especially during the buildup to elections.

“What we fear is that political public campaigns commenced late, most of the campaigns didn’t start until the middle of October.

“We were apprehensive that they may be saving up resources to buy votes on election day.

“We have called out to the anti-graft agencies and the Nigeria police to keep an eye on the process and ensure that people involved in nefarious activities are apprehended and brought to book.

“We don’t want them to territorialise the conversation. We have seen instances when these things happen in public and security officers say they can’t do anything until INEC asks them to.

“We expect the officers to be professional in the discharge of their duties.”

Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), are the frontrunners in the election.

Seyi Law, the stand-up comedian, says he is confident that Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, will secure a “clean sweep” in the Ondo election.

Aiyedatiwa, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Mimiko of the ZLP are the frontrunners in the election.

Speaking with TheCable, Seyi, the senior special assistant on entertainment and tourism to the governor, said the election has been “peaceful in my polling unit”, with timely accreditation and a massive turnout of voters.

The comedian said he believes that the “people are voting for Aiyedatiwa”, who he thinks “deserves to remain as Ondo governor”.

“The election has been very peaceful in my polling unit. You can see that everything is going very well, people were accredited on time. People are casting their votes, it has been an amazing turn out, massive turn out,” he said.

“That means the people are truly ready for the election, they are ready to cast their votes for the man that they believe deserves to be the governor of Ondo state. For me personally, it is honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“I can tell you for a fact that I know it is a clean sweep in this polling unit. So we are still here awaiting the collation, people are on the queue casting their votes. It is beautiful to see.”

Agboola Ajayi, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo, says he does not trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible election.

Ajayi spoke on Saturday after casting his ballot at his polling unit in Ese-Odo LGA.

The former deputy governor criticised the commission’s pace, saying it is a deliberate attempt to rig the polls.

“The system is not perfect, things are not working,” Ajayi told reporters.

“A lot of complaints here and there… INEC cannot organise elections in just one state.”

In a previous interview, Ajayi alleged that Oluwatoyin Babalola, the state’s resident electoral commissioner (REC), met with Lucky Aiyedatiwa, incumbent governor, and the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I think it’s deliberate on the part of INEC and the part of the REC,” he said.

“We can’t trust you. The system is compromised, people are complaining about vote buying, BVAs are not working. It’s very shameful.

“I think Nigerians should call on the chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. If he cannot do the job, he should just resign. This is embarrassing.

“This is sad and Nigerians are not happy.”

Ajayi also faulted the presence of armed military officers.

According to the PDP candidate, their proximity “intimidated voters”.

Ajayi, who served as deputy governor between 2017 and 2021, is running against Aiyedatiwa and 15 other candidates.

He however said he would win the election “convincingly”.

A suspected vote-buyer has been apprehended by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) during the ongoing Ondo governorship election.

The individual was apprehended with two bags of money believed to be intended for voter inducement, according to SaharaReporters.

The arrest occurred at Ward 4, Polling Unit 007, outside St. Stephen’s Primary School in Akure, Ondo State, around 9am on Saturday day.

It had earlier been reported that some of the political parties participating in the ongoing governorship election in Ondo State including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were caught engaging in vote buying.

SaharaReporters observed that the parties predominantly engage in the vote buying in Irele Local Government Area of the state.

It was observed at polling unit 007 (PU007), Ajagba Ward 2, Irele Local Government Area, some political party agents are handing out signed papers to voters as tickets to get paid after casting their votes.

Some voters said that the papers would be used to collect cash from the agents after the election, but they said that they didn't know the exact amount they would be paid.

Earlier, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, participated in the ongoing election by casting his vote early in his polling unit.

The governor arrived at Igbo Ward 4, Obenla community, in Ilaje Local Government Area at 8:46 am, accompanied by his security aides. 

He completed the voting process at 8:48 am.

This marks an important moment in the election as Aiyedatiwa seeks re-election under the APC platform.

Some voters had complained about malfunctioning of some Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.

Speaking to SaharaReporters at Polling Unit 004, Apoi Ward 2, Kiribo, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state, a voter, Omotayo Akinlami, had said the malfunctioning BVAS was affecting the election in their polling unit.

He had said it would be better if INEC allowed them to adopt manual accreditation.