The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Tuesday released the processes and procedures for the elections as well as the processes of releasing the results during the polls by the presiding officers.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ summit with political parties, Jega informed those present that accreditation of voters would take place from 8a.m. till the last person to join the queue at 1p.m. is accredited, while voting would commence at 1.30p.m. and would end when the last person on the queue has voted.
The INEC chairman further said only persons with the permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) would be accredited, stating that the card readers would be used during the accreditation process.
He said each political party is entitled to an agent at the polling station and that the agent must be properly accredited in accordance with the regulations and guidelines.
According to Jega, “On March 28, three ballot boxes will be used in each of the polling/voting points. Ballot boxes with red cover is for putting a thumb printing ballot paper by a voter for the presidential election, ballot box with a black cover is putting thumb printing ballot paper by a voter for the senatorial election and the green ballot box is for putting thumb printed ballot paper by a voter for the House of Representatives.
“Each ballot paper has corresponding colour stripes to assist voters in putting the right ballot paper in the right ballot box. For each polling /voting point, there is a designated official called overseer, whose primary job is to ensure that voters put the right ballot paper into the right ballot box. Political parties need to factor this into their campaigns to minimise putting the ballot paper into the wrong ballot box.”
As a result of this, he said there shall be two sorting of voting at the polling units, explaining that it was meant to ensure that any wrongly placed ballot papers re removed and put back into the right ballot boxes and the second is meant to determine the votes cast by voters for a political party/candidate.
According to the INEC chairman, “At the end of the sorting and counting of the ballot papers, the results are to be announced to the rearing of all and a result poster is to be completed and pasted at the polling units. Copies of the result sheets are to be given a accredited party agents who are present while the original is to be conveyed to the ward level coalition centre by the presiding officer accompanied by the security agents and the party agents.
“At the ward level collation centre, if there are complaints and/or evidence of alteration of accreditation figures on the result sheets, the information on accreditation saved on the card readers used would be used by the collation officer to decide on the case.”
Jega further explained that hard copies of result sheets from the polling units would be scanned, converted to PDF format and put in a database, which be made accessible for viewing an download via the INEC website. This, he said, is to ensure the accuracy of the collated results.
He also used the occasion to assure Nigerians of a credible, fair and transparent election at all level.
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Nuhu Ribadu Explains How GEJ will Defeat Buhari Come Elections
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s governorship candidate in Adamawa state, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has talked about his resolute belief that President Goodluck Jonathan will come out victorious and get get re-elected for a second term on Saturday.
He granted an interview to Premium Times editors and talked about his plans for his state and how his campiagn trail has been so far.
Nuhu Ribadu.
Excerpt:
It’s just a few days to the general election, which your party hopes to win. So how has the campaign been so far? What are your chances in the election?
Thank you very much. I believe that whoever works hard will see results. If you work hard and sell your programmes properly to the people, you will get listening ears.
If you reach out to most of the people in the rural areas where the majority reside, and sell your message properly and correctly, you are likely going to get a favourable result and that is exactly what is happening with the PDP.
We have worked very hard especially in the last couple of weeks or months; we have reached every part of the country. In my own case, here in Adamawa, we have worked very hard; we have visited almost all the districts, wards and of course the local governments and we are beginning to see the result of such visits. Already, four gubernatorial candidates of other parties have stepped down for me. And more than two thirds of the state executives of the APC have decided to dump their party to join our own. Again, the director general of the PDM campaign organisation has relinquished his post to join us. These are all good results of our intensive work.
If you reach out to most of the people in the rural areas where the majority reside, and sell your message properly and correctly, you are likely going to get a favourable result and that is exactly what is happening with the PDP.
We have worked very hard especially in the last couple of weeks or months; we have reached every part of the country. In my own case, here in Adamawa, we have worked very hard; we have visited almost all the districts, wards and of course the local governments and we are beginning to see the result of such visits. Already, four gubernatorial candidates of other parties have stepped down for me. And more than two thirds of the state executives of the APC have decided to dump their party to join our own. Again, the director general of the PDM campaign organisation has relinquished his post to join us. These are all good results of our intensive work.
The party is on ground and widely accepted. We simply sold a simple message of unity, peace and security, progress and development.
It is resonating very well with our people. I am very happy with the level of work that we have put in and the outcome we are seeing. I believe we are going to win this election; we will win at the national level and we will certainly win also at the state level.
People say there is underdevelopment here resulting from the actions of your party in the past; how do you convince the people that it is now a new deal?
Incidentally, what is happening in Adamawa, just like in many other states, is like a twisted thing; the people in the opposition today were the ones in the PDP and they were the ones who ran the state down. They did so badly and then moved on to the APC. Today, PDP is surely the new deal; it is the change in Adamawa.
The state began to see relative development when the speaker became the acting governor after taking over from an APC government. The PDP of today in Adamawa has nothing to do with what happened in the past. We were never part of the government, we did not participate in the government; so what we have is new and fresh. As the flag-bearer of the party today, I had nothing with the former government. It is therefore only fair to exclude us from the failure we are talking about.
It is resonating very well with our people. I am very happy with the level of work that we have put in and the outcome we are seeing. I believe we are going to win this election; we will win at the national level and we will certainly win also at the state level.
People say there is underdevelopment here resulting from the actions of your party in the past; how do you convince the people that it is now a new deal?
Incidentally, what is happening in Adamawa, just like in many other states, is like a twisted thing; the people in the opposition today were the ones in the PDP and they were the ones who ran the state down. They did so badly and then moved on to the APC. Today, PDP is surely the new deal; it is the change in Adamawa.
The state began to see relative development when the speaker became the acting governor after taking over from an APC government. The PDP of today in Adamawa has nothing to do with what happened in the past. We were never part of the government, we did not participate in the government; so what we have is new and fresh. As the flag-bearer of the party today, I had nothing with the former government. It is therefore only fair to exclude us from the failure we are talking about.
He then talked about why he left the APC to the PDP despite being a former presidential candidate of the ACN
I think it is politics. You always look at your options and go for what you believe best suits the interest of your people. Don’t be afraid to take it. At the time I moved, I had the interest of Adamawa people at heart. I stand in a better position to contribute to the good of Adamawa state in my present condition. I believe my new party is the one that will give me the opportunity to achieve that objective.
Party differences are just in names; they are basically the same. You may not know it, but close to two-thirds of the APC gubernatorial candidates were in the PDP. Very few of us are the opposite. What matters is the individual. What he has to offer and his intentions and capabilities on what he wants to do for the people.
Adamawa is almost exclusively a PDP state and that is a fact. When the people that you relate with, those who are part of you continue to pass strong messages, a time will come when you have to listen. It makes sense not to feel that you are always right, and everyone else is wrong. What is important, as I said in the beginning, is that you put the people first; you put Nigeria first and I feel that I will serve my country better and do my best in my present party.
I also believe that there is need for unity in our country. We need to build a nation, not just a geographical entity. We need to build a bond of brotherhood and trust each other. It is in the best interest of Nigeria that President Goodluck Jonathan continues to be the president of Nigeria.
Adamawa is almost exclusively a PDP state and that is a fact. When the people that you relate with, those who are part of you continue to pass strong messages, a time will come when you have to listen. It makes sense not to feel that you are always right, and everyone else is wrong. What is important, as I said in the beginning, is that you put the people first; you put Nigeria first and I feel that I will serve my country better and do my best in my present party.
I also believe that there is need for unity in our country. We need to build a nation, not just a geographical entity. We need to build a bond of brotherhood and trust each other. It is in the best interest of Nigeria that President Goodluck Jonathan continues to be the president of Nigeria.
Ribadu then explained why he has been campiagning for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election and perfectly explained why he feels the president needs another four years.
Because first of all I know him fairly better than most people. Secondly, I also know a little bit more than many people in this country. Thirdly, I am an unrepentant advocate and believer in the unity of Nigeria. I respect people no matter where they come from. This country should give all of us equal opportunity to be whatever we want to be. At a time, this country worked hard to promote unity; we worked hard to produce a president from the South West and he was there for eight years and it helped the unity of Nigeria.
It helped us to stabilize, especially those of us who knew what was going on in 1999. I can only imagine what would have happened to Nigeria if we had terminated the administration of President Obasanjo in 2003 after just one term.
Many people also saw what Obasanjo did in his second term. So, it is based on that understanding that I feel that this man, this simple, honest person that I know, who is unfairly being painted in the opposite, should be allowed another term. I feel there is need to hear about the opposite side of him.
It helped us to stabilize, especially those of us who knew what was going on in 1999. I can only imagine what would have happened to Nigeria if we had terminated the administration of President Obasanjo in 2003 after just one term.
Many people also saw what Obasanjo did in his second term. So, it is based on that understanding that I feel that this man, this simple, honest person that I know, who is unfairly being painted in the opposite, should be allowed another term. I feel there is need to hear about the opposite side of him.
READ ALSO: 10 APC Exco Members Defect To PDP
People say a lot about him that is not true. For instance, I don’t think that a single act of corruption can be traced to him as an individual. I know that he is the only president in recent years who did not allocate a single oil bloc to anybody, not to talk of himself. And these are the areas where you can tell corruption in its true colour. He did not allocate oil bloc to himself, family or friends up till now. He also did not give a single marginal field to himself or anybody else even though he is the only president that comes from the Niger Delta where the oil is coming from.
He then addresed the supposed notion that GEJ loves to appoint corrupt people into his government
That also is another different thing. That does not necessarily mean he is a corrupt person. Governance is a very complicated and difficult thing.
All my life I have been an anti-corruption advocate. I have always tried to be honest in my life. I dislike corruption. At the same time, I know situations do come up where certain issues may be far more important than other things.
Today, the unity of Nigeria is at stake, our continued existence as one united country is far more important than any other thing. Presently, the unity of our country is threatened.
Are you saying it is only a Jonathan presidency that can foster the unity of this country?
What I am saying is that we are facing an insurgency. We face a very serious threat. Many countries that face the same problem we are facing now have turned upside down. The government of Mali had to collapse, and France had to come to their aid. It is basically the same problem we are facing today. The same thing is going on in Somalia and Yemen.
So wherever you see this type of insurgency, the unity of the country is threatened. It is the same thing with Afghanistan and so on. So I am saying we need to be careful not to add other problems to the ones we already have.
All my life I have been an anti-corruption advocate. I have always tried to be honest in my life. I dislike corruption. At the same time, I know situations do come up where certain issues may be far more important than other things.
Today, the unity of Nigeria is at stake, our continued existence as one united country is far more important than any other thing. Presently, the unity of our country is threatened.
Are you saying it is only a Jonathan presidency that can foster the unity of this country?
What I am saying is that we are facing an insurgency. We face a very serious threat. Many countries that face the same problem we are facing now have turned upside down. The government of Mali had to collapse, and France had to come to their aid. It is basically the same problem we are facing today. The same thing is going on in Somalia and Yemen.
So wherever you see this type of insurgency, the unity of the country is threatened. It is the same thing with Afghanistan and so on. So I am saying we need to be careful not to add other problems to the ones we already have.
I recently made the point that you do not need to change your commander-in-chief in the middle of a war, especially if there is success. We are presently recording huge success in bringing back peace and order and recovering our territories hitherto taken over by the insurgents. At this point, it makes sense for us to be calm and stable to ensure that we do not add other problems.
If we had terminated Obasanjo’s government in 2003, only God knows what would have happened to this country. He did well after 2003 and I believe it is going to be the same with President Goodluck Jonathan. I am not saying he did not do well, but that he will do even better in his second term.
If we had terminated Obasanjo’s government in 2003, only God knows what would have happened to this country. He did well after 2003 and I believe it is going to be the same with President Goodluck Jonathan. I am not saying he did not do well, but that he will do even better in his second term.
When asked if the only reason he wanted GEJ back was for pay back to the South South for supporting the north in the past.
He said: As far as I’m concerned, we could achieve all at the same time. It doesn’t mean that you will forsake one for the other. Please accept the fact that this is a federating environment. In a federating entity, people come to the centre from different backgrounds, locations and different interests. It makes sense for you to exhibit equity, fairness, justice and equal opportunity for all.
It makes sense for everyone from every part of the country to aspire to whatever office and others will be comfortable with it. I feel that it is in the best interest of Nigeria that this man should continue.
You must be speaking based on what you heard me telling the people in my rallies. It’s okay because I am communicating with the people of my own federating unit. I was reminding the people of Adamawa that we are a just and fair people and that we are such that if you do us a favour, we will return it at any given opportunity.
I gave them instances where people from the South-South stood by northern politicians in the past. They give us 100 per cent support, always. They took the same position with the Tafawa Balewas in the 60s. They supported the Prime Ministership of Tafawa Balewa. They voted 100 per cent for Shehu Shagari. They voted for Umaru Yar’Adua. Now, one of them, for the first time in the history of this country, has emerged as President. The constitution says you can only serve two terms of four years each. I think it is only fair that we give them the chance. So it is not about sacrificing one for the other. We can achieve both. Getting power should not be the monopoly of any one person or group.
I gave them instances where people from the South-South stood by northern politicians in the past. They give us 100 per cent support, always. They took the same position with the Tafawa Balewas in the 60s. They supported the Prime Ministership of Tafawa Balewa. They voted 100 per cent for Shehu Shagari. They voted for Umaru Yar’Adua. Now, one of them, for the first time in the history of this country, has emerged as President. The constitution says you can only serve two terms of four years each. I think it is only fair that we give them the chance. So it is not about sacrificing one for the other. We can achieve both. Getting power should not be the monopoly of any one person or group.
On the issue of Adamawa elections being diffficult, he explained: Primaries are usually very difficult. It’s not just in Adamawa. You may be surprised, but this is the first time that primaries took place in Adamawa. We have never had it before. In the past, somebody is just picked and he will be governor. Boni Haruna never went through primaries. Neither did Nyako.
Many states have had difficulties and challenges. What matters is what happens after. In our own case, we reached out to those who we could and spoke to people, appealed to their right thinking faculties and convinced them that we should put Adamawa first and come together to salvage our state.
It worked because majority are reasonable people. It is natural to have disagreements but it is also normal for you to settle and work like we have done.
Ribadu defection from the APC to the PDP was said to be due to the fact he was promised a governorship position by President Goodluck Jonathan.
READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/409077-nuhu-ribadu-explains-how-gej-will-defeat-buhari-come-elections.html
Drama as OAU students stone President Jonathan, Ekiti Obas & Gov. Fayose & chased them out of lle-Ife
A group calling themselves Concerned Yoruba Leaders, within PDP in the South West, had planned a one-day conference to drum support for President Jonathan’s second term. Venue was the Oduduwa Hall.
As the President arrived for the programme, the students, who had planned very well to unleash their anger against Jonathan, had laid siege to the premises of the hall. As he alighted from his vehicle, hail of stones greeted the President.
The authorities of the school calmed down the restive students temporarily to “cool their temper” until Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State arrived the campus followed by two 52-seater Ashok Leyland school buses loaded with Ekiti Obas.
Fayose was so confident that the students would receive him with open hands. But as he arrived the campus with a horde of his boys in another bus shouting “oshoko oshoko”, the enraged students of Ife in large numbers rushed towards his entourage and dealt a vicious assault on them.
He was lucky to run for his life, as his security aides shielded and ferried him to the hall. But the Obas, some of whom had already disembarked from the buses, were not so lucky, as the students descended on them. Instantly, one of the buses made a detour and immediately took some of the Obas out of Ile-Ife, but Oba Adamo Babalola of Itaji Ekiti and Alara of Aramoko Ekiti were not lucky, as the vehicle with which they came drove off in a high speed, leaving the duo behind.
One of the Obas quickly removed his beads and gave his horse tail to his security guard to disguise his identity, and Dipo Anisulowo came to the rescue of one of the Obas, as he helped to carry his crown inside a nylon bag back to Ekiti State. Eventually, one of the stranded Obas was later seen in the town by the road side trying to catch Ado Ekiti-bound bus.
However, the students that had earlier mellowed down, regrouped and waited for the President for Part 2 of anti-Jonathan drama. Within minutes, the students had taken over the long stretch of road leading to the town from their campus., and the programme was abruptly brought to a close as Jonathan and his handlers hurried into waiting helicopters that ferried Jonathan, Fayose and other leaders and supporters out of the campus amid shouts of “ole ole ole”
OAU Ile-Ife students today displayed what they are noted for: to humiliate corrupt and inept leaders who are making life uncomfortable for them and who care less about what future holds for young Nigerians.
Buhari Assures Nigerians On Religious Neutrality
 THE presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Maj.-General Muhammadu Buhari, has assured Nigerians of his neutrality on religious issues. He urged the electorate not to be bothered by the propaganda tagging him an Islamic extremist. In a grand finale south-east rally speech at the Imo International Conference Centre (IICC), Owerri, Imo State capital on Monday, Buhari, accompanied by the governors of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, Rivers, Chibuike Amaechi, Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, APC chieftain, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige, and other party chiefs, noted that in past elections as a presidential candidate, he picked Christians as his running mate, wondering the reasons for the hate campaigns against him. According to him, he was worried why in the last 16 years, the nation’s economy has experienced a great downturn orchestrated by the “high level of corruption, insecurity and decay in infrastructure among others,” adding that he would address this if elected into office. His words: “The case of religion as a vote against me cannot hold. Now you have to cough out N230 to get a dollar. In the past 16 years the price of crude oil has dropped from $140 to $50 per barrel. The economy is in doldrums. Everything has failed – security, economy. We are really in crisis in this country.” Earlier, Rochas Okorocha, had stated the relevance of the people of the south-east in the nation’s politics, stressing that their desire was to ensure that Igbo are not made to go through a total of 28 years before the presidency could get to the zone. Okorocha decried the alleged sealing off of the premises of Imo Council of Traditional Rulers by security operatives, accusing the Presidency of this action. He also decried the posting of state commissioners of police from their present posts to other states except the police boss in Imo. Onu, in his contribution lamented the allegations of Islamic extremism against Buhari. He said the APC presidential candidate is a man of honour, having served Nigeria in various capacity, including being head of state. |
Obasanjo Warns Jonathan Against Handing Over To The Military
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned against a military government in Nigeria, saying such move will undermine the integrity of the country in the comity of nations.
Mr. Obasanjo gave the warning when the wife of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Aisha Buhari, led South West Women of the party to his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Mr. Obasanjo gave the warning when the wife of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Aisha Buhari, led South West Women of the party to his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
The former leader said he was happy Nigeria has gone beyond the rumour of Interim National Government.
”I do hope we will get things more right. A lot of rumours are flying around, I think we have gone away from the rumour of Interim Government because that is not in our constitution,” Mr. Obasanjo said. “I hope we will soon go away from the rumour of handing over to the military because the military is not meant to run affairs of a nation in terms of running government.”
Ahead of Saturday’s presidential election, there have been speculations about a possible military intervention, and the formation of an Interim National Government in Nigeria.
Denials by President Goodluck Jonathan that his government is not planning to surrender power to an interim body, should the opposition win, have not totally doused those fears.
Prominent lawyer, Femi Falana, said on Sunday that there were still no indications the elections will go forward. He warned against a coup d’etat.
Denials by President Goodluck Jonathan that his government is not planning to surrender power to an interim body, should the opposition win, have not totally doused those fears.
Prominent lawyer, Femi Falana, said on Sunday that there were still no indications the elections will go forward. He warned against a coup d’etat.
Mr. Obasanjo said the international community especially the African Union will not accommodate or recognise any government that emerges outside Nigeria’s constitution.
“The intentional community will not condone it, particularly African Union. We have said and it is part and parcel of the constituting act of the African Union. Any government that is not brought about on the basis of the constitution will not be accepted, will not be tolerated and will not be a member of the AU until that government is dismantled,” he said.
Mr. Obasanjo said Nigeria has all it takes to dictate the pace for other countries in Africa, adding that Nigerians should blame themselves for where it is today.
“The intentional community will not condone it, particularly African Union. We have said and it is part and parcel of the constituting act of the African Union. Any government that is not brought about on the basis of the constitution will not be accepted, will not be tolerated and will not be a member of the AU until that government is dismantled,” he said.
Mr. Obasanjo said Nigeria has all it takes to dictate the pace for other countries in Africa, adding that Nigerians should blame themselves for where it is today.
”We are the largest country in Africa, we should be a model, setting examples, we shouldn’t be drawing Africa backward. I hope we will not. I hope at the end of this exercise, we would be where we should be, leading Africa and showing examples for the rest of Africa and indeed the rest of the world.
”We have the goodwill of many people. I watched, last night, President Obama talking about our constitution, I watched our brother from Ghana, the current Chairman of ECOWAS talk about our constitution, they are all interested, they all wish us well, should we wish ourselves anything less?”
Mr. Obasanjo said political parties should focus more on what unites the country and avoid hate campaigns. He said anyone who is interested in the future of Nigeria should focus on issues of insecurity, economy, employment.
”How are we going to get them, what are we going to do, not trivial issues of certificate, no certificate, not trivial issues of when somebody are talking about someone is a Nigerian and not a Nigerian.
Mrs. Buhari, who had earlier embarked on a rally in company of all wives of APC Governors in the country at Moshood Abiola Stadium in the town, thanked Mr. Obasanjo for being what she described as a true nationalist, saying that he acted beyond party level while solving issues affecting the country.
”Baba exercises his prowess as a father, as a former head of state of Nigeria twice. Very few Nigerians have the opportunity to rule the country twice, we are here today to show our appreciation the way you handle things as a statesman and also a nationalist.
”We thank you so much for acting beyond party in getting things right, thank you for that, may you live long to continue solving out problems,” she said.
Jonathan Will Overcome Buhari With 7.01% Margin
According to another independent poll organized by the Nigeria Polls and Survey group the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan will overcome General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential aspirant.
The margin in the poll made a 7.01% on March 28 presidential election.
This is even as two other original survey firms, Forward Magazine and Zevland Ventures Limited tilted the president who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate to win the election with at least a margin of 17 per cent.
According to the Nigeria Polls and Survey group, it its result were based on a five-item survey managed on a total of 10,294 registered electorates picked from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of which 6,592 were males and 3,702 were females.
Dr. Ayo Alao, the coordinator of the group, in his comment said its questions were enclosed in a way that the opinion poll sought to draw information on what participants knew about political parties in Nigeria.
The questions included in the survey were whether participants took permanent voters’ card (PVCs) and whether they were aware of the poll date as well as whether they were eager to vote on Saturday and who the respondents’ preferred presidential aspirant would be in the 2015 presidential election.
According to the survey, a total of 5508 citizens specified their readiness to vote for the PDP presidential aspirant, Mr. Jonathan compared to a total 4786 respondents who prefered APC’s Buhari.
The comment further stated: “The data analysis shows that the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, may likely have a better showing in the next Saturday’s presidential election in south-south, south-east, and the Federal Capital Territory, while General Mohammed Buhari of the All Progressive Congress may poll more votes in north-west and north-east.
“South-west and north-central remain largely the battle ground that may swing victory either way.
“A new dimension to the social class dynamics is the fact that enthusiasts for the restructuring of the Nigerian State in this category may find exciting, the steps just taken by President Jonathan to ensure the implementation of the recommendation of the National Conference. This would be a plus for the president’s candidacy.”
The primary primeval factors like ethnic affiliations, religion and social class were also indicated in the analysis as factors that may influence the poll.
However, Forward Magazine, a research and publishing company since 1995 anchored by Chike Uchime and Zevland Ventures Limited, another leading research and security consultancy firm led by Daniel Dickson-Okezie, said in its poll that President Jonathan was set to defeat General Buhari of the APC with at least a margin of 17 per cent on Saturday.
According to the Naij.com online poll, which you can participate right now, the APC presidential candidate overcomes the incumbent president.
Mr. Buhari takes 34 709 votes, while President Jonathan receives 14 606 votes.
Group To Jonathan: Some Of Your Aides Are Working For APC
Barely three days to the presidential election, a group loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan, has asked him to be conscious of some of his Ministers and aides, alleging that they were actually working for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Not specifically mentioning who the traitors are, the group known as the Coalition of Nigeria Leaders for Stability (CNLS) also stated it has passed a vote of no confidence on the APC presidential candidate, General Mohammadu Buhari on his recent comment not to probe past corrupt leaders and individuals from 1999 to date should he win the presidential election.
According to CNLS, Buhari’s comment does not portray the APC presidential candidate as a serious person who wants to fight corruption.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, March 23, the National Coordinator of the group, High Chief Mike Loyibo said that the group has thrown its support behind the reelection bid of the president.
He said: “We call on Mr. President and the PDP to be wary of those who claim to be working for his return as facts on ground has revealed that some Ministers and other personal aides in Jonathan’s government are seriously working for the APC. With this unacceptable act, it has shown that some of them are PDP in the day time and APC at night.
“As a group, we have have passed a vote of no confidence on the APC presidential flag bearer, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari over his recent comment not to probe people indicted for corrupt practices from 1999 till date.
“Nigerians should not be deceived by the antics of the APC because it is obvious that Buhari lacks the wherewithal to preside over the affairs of Nigeria. Nigerians should guide their votes jealously and vote for Jonathan, so that the ugly incident that happened in Lagos will it repeat itself.
“Therefore as a legitimate group, we have come to note that after a careful review of the activities and performance of the incumbent administration of Dr. Jonathan, particularly, the laudable and painstaking transformation in key sectors of the Nigerian economy such as the unbundling of the power sector, revamping of the agricultural sector and the courage to give a new lease of life to both the aviation and the rail sectors as well as uncommon courage to convoke the national conference among other mouthwatering achievements, we have decided to throw our weight behind the reelection bid of our impeccable and respected icon of our generation, His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan”.
Nigeria Closes All Borders Ahead Of Election
Nigeria has announced the closure of all land and sea borders ahead of Saturday’s presidential elections Premium Times reports.
The Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday in a statement that all borders will effectively be closed from midnight March 25, to midnight Saturday, March 28.
The release, signed by the permanent secretary, Abubakar Magaji, said the borders would be closed “to allow for the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming national elections”.
It also said the Nigeria Immigration Service has been directed to ensure that non-Nigerians do not participate in any part of the election process.
Buhari’s Eligibility Suit Suffers Great Setback
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned all the suits challenging the eligibility of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Maj Gen Muhammadu Buhari, till April 22 and 23, 2015.
Justice Adeniyi Ademola fixed the dates after he dismissed applications by two intended parties to join the suit as defendants.
The judge said the adjournment would affect all the pending suits against Buhari in his court.
Recall that Justice Adeniyi fixed today for ruling after taking arguments from parties on the merit or otherwise of the applications filed by about five people, including a group, the Fiscal and Civil Rights Enlightenment Foundation.
Also seeking to be made a party in the suit are a Lagos lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, and APC members in Rivers state, Chukwuma Orchu, Sunusi Musa and Ahmed Maitarki (who said they were delegates at the party’s last presidential primary election).
Meanwhile, the main opposition force has said that the party’s presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, cannot be disqualified from the forthcoming elections, stating that it would to trigger chaos and turmoil across the country.
READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/408780-buharis-eligibility-suit-suffers-great-setback.html
82% Of Eligible Voters Have Collected Their PVCs - Jega
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boss, Professor Attahiru Jega, has revealed that the distribution of sensitive materials for the elections will begin today, March 25.
Jega who was speaking to Gbenga Aruleba, anchor of ‘Focus Nigeria’, a political magazine programme on Africa Independent Television earlier today also revealed that over 82% of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) have been collected by eligible voters.
Speaking extensively on the PVC and card readers, Jega said, “most of the cards taken in the last three weeks are remnants of the CVR and those who requested for transfer.
He continued, “Even if people steal PVCs they cannot use them for the 2015 elections with the use of the card readers. All PVCs stolen from our office that were reported early enough have been recovered and redistributed.
“We are using a card reader that would read only PVCs, the card reader will help us ensure that no cloned card will be used for this election”.
READ ALSO: IGP Unveils Security Priority List For Elections Asked to clarify the controversies surrounding the card readers against the background that some political parties have been protesting against the use of the machine, Jega said the decision to use the card readers for the election was agreed by all political parties way back in November 2014.
He said, “The card reader does 4 things, it passed 100% in 3 and 60% in 1. So what’s the justification of saying we shouldn’t use card readers?” he asked rhetorically.
He went on, “The voter does not handle the card reader and it doesn’t require literacy to obey simple instructions. People need to distinguish between literacy and intelligence”.
Jega also gave insights as to how the voting process will go on at polling booths across the country. He said, “The commission decided to use 3 ballot boxes since we’ve 3 elections this weekend, as well as using 3 ballot papers. The polling clerk issuing the ballot papers tells voters where to put the ballot papers.”
Jega had earlier admitted in a different forum that the postponement of the elections from the earlier dates of February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11 gave the INEC more time “to perfect the electoral process for the delivery of free, fair and credible elections”.
He also recently advised National Youth Service Corp members billed to participate in the conduct of the general elections to shun all forms of temptation.
Meanwhile, the secretary to the Delta state government, Ovuozorie Macaulay, has criticised the scheduled use of electronic card readers by the INEC in the forthcoming polls saying the card readers have never been tested, used and proven successful anywhere.
READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/408833-82-of-eligible-voters-have-collected-their-pvcs-jega.html
Pictures Of The Nigerian Team From 1994 World Cup
30 JUN 1994: DANIEL AMOKACHI OF NIGERIA CELEBRATES AFTER SCORING FOR NIGERIA DURING THE 1994 WORLD CUP MATCH NIGERIA V GREECE IN FOXBORO, MASSACHUSETTS
|
Nigerian football team pose on June 21, 1994 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas prior their World Cup match against Bulgaria. From L to R (2nd row): Okechukwu Uche (5), Samson Siasia (12), Augustine Eguavoen (2), George F (7), Chidi Nwanu (6), Peter Rufai (1). From L to R (1st row): Rashidi Yekini (6), Emmanuel Amunike (11), Sunday Oliseh (15), Benedict Iroha (3), Daniel Amokachi (14).
10 Likes
|
Italian Gianfranco Zola (R) is consoled by Nigerian Sunday Oliseh after he received a red card for a tackle on Nigerian Augustine Eguavoen on July 5, 1994 during their World Cup second round match at Foxboro Stadium.
|
One of Nigeria Best
They first put smile on our faces with their superb display |
Nigerian Augustine Eguavoen (2) heads the ball during the World Cup second round match against Italy at Foxboro Stadium on July 5, 1994.
|
5 JULY 1994: RASHEED YEKINI OF NIGERIA DRIBBLES AROUND THE FALLEN LUCA MARCHESIANI OF ITALY DURING THEIR SECOND ROUND MATCH IN THE 1994 WORLD CUP AT FOXBORO STADIUM IN MASSACHUSETTS. ITALY WON THE GAME, 2-1, IN EXTRA TIME.
9 Likes
|
5 JULY 1994: AUGUSTINE OKOCHA OF NIGERIA OUT DRIBBLES ALESSANDRO COSTACURTA OF ITALY IN THEIR SECOND ROUND MATCH DURING THE 1994 WORLD CUP AT FOXBORO STADIUM IN MASSACHUSETTS. ITALY WON THE GAME, 2-1, IN EXTRA TIME.
|
1994 World Cup Second Round, Boston, USA, 5th July,1994, Italy 2 v Nigeria 1,aet, Nigeria's Daniel Amokachi challenges Italy's Alessandro Costacurta
1 Like
|
1994 World Cup Second Round, Boston, USA, 5th July,1994, Italy 2 v Nigeria 1,aet, Nigeria's Rasheed Yekini beats the Italian defence
1 Like
|
BOSTON - JULY 5: Peter Rufai of Nigeria comes out of his goal to clear the ball from Antonio Benarrivo of Italy during the FIFA World Cup Finals 1994 Second Round match between Nigeria and Italy held on July 5, 1994 at the Foxboro Stadium, in Boston, USA. Italy won the match 2-1 after extra-time.
|
The ball gets past Nigerian midfielder Samson Siasia (R) as he is held by Greek midfielder Anastassios Mitropoulos in the second half of their World Cup match at Foxboro Stadium on june 30, 1994. Nigeria defeated Greece 2-0
1 Like
|
Argentinian forward Gabriel Batistuta (R) is blocked by Nigerian Michael Emenalo on June 25, 1994 at Foxboro stadium in Boston during their World Cup first-round match. Argentina won 2-1.
|
Nigerian forward Rashidi Yekini (R) attempts to steal the ball from Bulgarian defender Peter Houbtchev (L) during the World Cup match on June 21, 1994 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. At the half, Nigeria holds a 2-0 lead.
3 Likes
|
TAN Shuts Down Lagos For Jonathan (photos)
The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) on Tuesday shut down the commercial city of Lagos for President Goodluck Jonathan and Jimi Agbaje in an unprecedented mega rally at the National Stadium.
Thousands of delegates from all parts of the state representing various professional groups, artisans, organised business groups, teachers, traders, small scale business operators, doctors, drivers and transporters. Others present were landlord associations, tenants associations, nurses, nursing mothers, bus conductors, importers, association of clearing agents, students, and others from all parts of the country, especially the South-west geopolitical zone started arriving for the rally as early as 7 a.m. There were about 786 of such registered groups that participated. Also on parade was the “association of the over-marginalised Lagosians,” who claimed to be tired of the tactics/antics of the city’s godfather and his numerous godsons and daughters. They now want identify with the transformation movement of President Jonathan and want to fully identify with TAN so that the transformation wind would sweep through Lagos and the entire geopolitical zone. Addressing the gathering, the leader and coordinator of the over one thousand groups that turned up for the rally, Somtochukwu Anaeli, paid a glowing tribute to the international non-governmental organisation (NGO) for giving a sense of direction to the nation at the crucial time in the nation’s history when the opposition political party was having a field day through deceits and propaganda. Anaeli noted that with the mammoth crowd that trooped out for the rally, and those who always honour calls by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it was sincerely obvious that Lagos State was solidly behind the election bid of Jonathan. The President of Igbo Youths in Lagos, Emeka Agbo, described the TAN boss as the eye and voice of Ndigbo. He pointed out that all Igbos home and abroad are behind Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah in his struggles to mobilise Nigerians massively for a resounding victory for Jonathan and other PDP candidates in the coming general election. He said the need for the PDP to take over Lagos State was imperative because of the draconian and discriminatory system of governance by the opposition party in the state. Ben Chukwukelu, the leader of Anambra community in Lagos, said all the 177 communities of the state are solidly behind the president in the second tenure project. He said the people of Anambra State took the decision to swim with Jonathan because he had performed much more than all his predecessors in their first tenures. The National Vice-Chairman of TAN and a member of the Presidential Campaign Organisation of the PDP, Ubah in his remarks, said that TAN had made a statement with the Lagos mega rally that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock Presidential Villa till 2019. He therefore urged Lagosians to join the political avalanche called TAN train and be part of progress even as he warned them against listening to those who have made up their minds not to see the revolution the transformation agenda has caused in the country. He said that his group would not spare anything humanly possible to liberate the people of Lagos State from the stranglehold of the opposition. The PDP governorship candidate for Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, in his speech, promised to run a fair and open administration, which will give everybody irrespective of tribe and religion the opportunity to actualise their potentials. He pointed out that the only way they can put an end to the oppressive government of the opposition is to troop out on March 28 and April 11 and vote for the PDP. Agbaje also urged the mammoth crowd not to be intimidated by the noise of the opposition, which has proved beyond every reasonable doubt that they are not really interested in the welfare of Lagosians or Nigerians. The crowd latter moved out of the National Stadium for the street to street sensitisation march along the ever-busy Ikorodu road round some major streets of the city, while the entire Lagosians cheered them on. Captains of industries, eminent politicians and other interest groups like the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) took out time to identify with TAN and her Lagos Mega rally. http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/tan-shuts-down-lagos-for-jonathan-agbaje/205014/
4 Likes 1 Share
|
More
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)