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A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), has observed voter inducement at polling units (PUs) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
“Situation Room observers reported widespread instances of blatant vote buying and selling across several polling units, despite the huge presence of security personnel,” the group said in a statement on Saturday afternoon.
The statement was co-signed by Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Mimidoo Achakpa and Franklin Oloniju.
“The price of votes ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per voter in several locations, including PU08 and 09 Ward 2, Owan-East LGA; PU 02 Ward 2, Etsako-West LGA; and several polling units in Egor, Oredo and Owan-West LGAs.
“In some cases, voters were also induced with food items such as bread,” the group said.
The group, however, acknowledged the arrest of the alleged two vote traders in George Idah Primary School, Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area.
The Situation Room commended the peaceful conduct of voters and urged them to remain calm throughout the process.
The Situation Room is made up of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) including Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), CLEEN Foundation, Action Aid Nigeria, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), YIAGA Africa, are TAF Africa.
Others are Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability (formerly Alliance for Credible Elections, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Kimpact Development Initiative, Democratic Action Group (DAG), Women’s Rights to Education Programme, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), DIG Ebonyi, New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), Life And Peace Development Organization (LAPDO), Rural Youth Initiative, Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), Centre for Health and Development in Africa (CHEDA) and Josemaria Escriva Foundation.
Yiaga Africa has reported that the ongoing off-cycle governorship election in Edo State experienced instances of vote buying.
Their Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology and Watching the Vote (WTV) initiative indicated that some voters were offered N10,000.
This is contained in the mid-day election statement on the 2024 Edo State Governorship Election presented on Friday by Dr. Aisha Abdullahi and Samson Itodo, Chair of the 2024 Edo Election Mission and Executive Director, of Yiaga Africa respectively as well as other board members including Prof. Nnamdi Aduba, Ezenwa Nwagwu, Cynthia Mbamalu and Dr. Asmau Maikudi.
“Observers reported incidents of vote buying in Ikpoba/Okha, Igueben, Esan West, Akoko Edo, Owan West and Uhunmode LGAs. APC and PDP party agents were seen bribing voters with cash (N10,000) at the Igueben-Idumoka Primary School polling unit (12-10-03-004) Ward 1 in Igueben LGA.
“Party agents for APC and PDP were also seen handing out cash gifts (N10,000) in Enikaro- Enikaro Primary School IX Polling Unit (12-11-07-009) in Ugbekun ward, Ikpoba/Okha LGA,” the statement said.
The Yiaga Africa commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and security agencies for their swift action in arresting suspected vote-buyers at polling units in Egor and Oredo LGAs.
The statement said that as of 1:40 pm, the Yiaga Africa WTV Data Centre received 16 verified critical incident reports primarily relating to the late opening of polls; four PUs that failed to open as reported in two PUs in Egor, one in Esan South East, and one in Etsako West.
It also listed delayed commencement of voting due to BVAS Malfunction in Ayogwiri Town Hall, Ayogwiri PU, of Uzairure South East ward in Etsako West LGA, adding that as of 1pm, voting had not commenced in the PU.
On disruption of voting, the statement said that voters halted the accreditation and voting process in the Ikpoba -Army Children XI polling unit (12-11-01-011) in Iwogban/Uteh Ward, Ikpoba/Okha LGA because INEC officials arrived without the official stamp.
While at Ebua Market Square in Uhunwode LGA, an altercation between APC and PDP supporters over alleged bribery led to the suspension of voting and the destruction of the voting cubicle, political thugs disrupted voting at Anyaran Araromi Primary School in Akoko Edo LGA.
The statement among other recommendations urged security agencies to enhance their presence in PUs and wards where delays occurred due to the late arrival of INEC officials to prevent political thugs from exploiting the situation to compromise the process, especially if the process extends into the night.
An attempt by a 59-year-old man to commit suicide on the Third Mainland Bridge has been foiled by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command has foiled
The spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed this in a statement said the man identified simply as Yemi, attempted to jump into the lagoon from the bridge on Friday, September 20, 2024.
According to the PPRO, the man said he was overwhelmed by challenges.
“At about 1200hrs today, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) bike riders on routine patrol on the Third Mainland Bridge prevented a man from jumping into the lagoon. The man, one Yemi, aged 59 of Ilasa, Lagos stated that he was overwhelmed by challenges,” the PPRO stated.
“Commander RRS, CSP Shola Jejeloye has counselled the suspect and has directed he be kept in protective custody pending the arrival of his family members.”
Barrister Asue Ighodalo, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has raised the alarm over alleged voting buying in the ongoing election in the state.
Daily Post reports that Ighodalo made the allegation shortly after casting his vote at ward 1, unit 3, at Okaigben Idinrio in Esan South-East LGA.
He alleged that some political parties are buying votes with N15,000 and B20,000.
“The worst is that they go round trying to buy votes. They buy votes for N15,000 and N20,000.They are trying everything to subvert the process,” he said.
Ighodalo, who expressed optimism that he will win the election, noted that his major priority is to move the state forward.
“We are not comfortable with the little shenanigans that is going on particularly from the APC guys.
“There are rumours that they are trying to undermine the election process. Many of them have been caught with ballot papers, PVC’s.
“The Nigerian military has made me proud. They have taken charge and have shown great responsibility. They have shown that they can protect the people and I am extremely proud.
“We are not worried. We have spent ten months talking to people, telling them what we will do for them if they elect us.
“The people believed us and have accepted us all over the state. I don’t know the magic anybody will perform.
“I believe INEC will deliver a free and fair election until they prove otherwise. We will win hands down in this election,” Ighodalo added.
He also alleged that some chieftains of the PDP were arrested in Uromi.
“We are not happy with what is ongoing on in some places but we will remain confident. One of our supporters was arrested at Uromi by some people with security outfit.
“No one should carry a gun into a polling unit. It’s against the law. It’s against the regulation. You see people behave indiscriminately, oppressing and trying to intimidate our folks. It won’t happen. We can’t be intimidated.
“How come it’s only PDP supporters that have been arrested? Everyday you see APC supporters doing imaginable things. But nobody arrests them. Nobody investigates them.
“The person arrested was at his polling unit trying to be accredited. He was queuing up trying to be accredited. Authorities should create a free and fair playing field. This is getting too much, particularly from the Police Force,” he added.
I Realised My Relationship Was Abusive After First Slap – Actress, Monalisa Stephen Opens Up
AFOLABI
Monalisa Stephen, the Nigerian actress and content creator, has opened up about her experience in an abusive relationship.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, she stated that she did not initially recognise the abuse until she was physically assaulted.
She said, “I didn’t really know it was a thing. I used to hear other women talk about it, but I didn’t think it would happen to me. I used to believe, ‘I’m a huge woman with a big body, why would anyone want to beat me?’ But it has nothing to do with your body.
"You can be abused whether you’re fat or not. When I got the first slap, I was shocked. What led to the slap wasn’t even worth it. I was dazed. The experience was unexpected, and I felt really bad because this was someone I trusted. Even though he was below my league, I lowered my standards to date him.
“This person kept beating me and humiliating me. I asked him, ‘Why do you keep doing this to me?’ and he said his friend told him that people like me need to be ‘bent’ so he could dominate me. That made me see some men in a different light.”
She added that though many people think that public figures don’t have problems, reverse is the case.
She also stated that some people, including those who come to date them, see popular individuals as targets.
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.
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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]