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Tag: election

  • PEPC: Fireworks as President Tinubu defends election victory today

    PEPC: Fireworks as President Tinubu defends election victory today

    President Bola Tinubu will on Tuesday, open his defence at the Presidential Election Petition Court,(PEPC) to defend his victory at the Feb. 25 presidential polls.

    This is in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku.

    Counsel to President Tinubu, Mr. Wole Olanipekun, SAN, made this known on Monday after the Independent National Electoral Commission,(INEC) closed its case against Atiku after calling a lone witness.

    The electoral umpire opened and closed its case against the petitioners after calling the lone witness, Mr Lawrence Bayode and tendering some documentary exhibits in evidence.

    One of the documents was a letter dated July 6, 2022, which Vice-President, Kashim Shettima,(the third respondent)  wrote to the commission.

    The letter was the notification of his decision to withdraw his candidature for senate under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) for the Borno central senatorial seat.

    Bayode who was led in evidence by INEC’s lead counsel, Mr Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, introduced himself as a Deputy Director of ICT for the commission.

    Under cross-examination by Olanipekun, the witness asserted that the presidential election was free, fair, credible and conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.

    The witness, also told the court that the technical glitch that occurred on election day did not affect the actual scores of the presidential candidates as manually computed by polling officers in the forms EC8As at the different polling units.

    According to Bayode, INEC does not have an electronic collation system and results of the presidential election were manually collated and not electronically collated.

    For his part, counsel to the APC, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN confronted the witness with a publication in Tribune newspaper where the commission had, a few days to the election said that it would no longer be able to go ahead with the electronic transmission of results.

    The document was admitted in evidence amidst strong opposition from counsel to the petitioners, Mr. Chris Uche, SAN.

    Uche, while cross examining the witness asked him if he was aware of the recently released European Union Observer Mission  Report on the Presidential Election.

    The witness said that he was aware of the report even though he had not read it.

    The respondents opposed the tendering of the document in evidence but reserved their reasons until the final address stage.

    The court, however, admitted the document in evidence and marked it appropriately.

    Uche proceeded to show the witness a certified true copy of the report and asked him to read a portion of the report where the EU said only 31 per cent of presidential election results uploaded on the IREV were mathematically correct.

    They further said that this was evident of the extent of training the commission gave to polling unit staff.

    The witness also read a portion of the report where the EU stated that the 2023 election was not a transparent and inclusive election as had been promised by the commission.

    The witness insisted that the technological innovations introduced by the commission into the electoral process were to guarantee transparency and integrity of the results.

    Uche, however, insisted that there was no technical glitch on the day of the presidential election and that the only glitch was human glitch or an INEC glitch.

    After the witness was discharged from the witness box, counsel to INEC told the court that that was the case of the commission as the had no other witness to call or documents to tender.

    Justice Haruna Tsammani, Chairman of the five-member panel of the court adjourned hearing in the petition until Tuesday.

  • 10th Senate: Election was transparent, Akpabio won – Uzor Kalu

    10th Senate: Election was transparent, Akpabio won – Uzor Kalu

    Aftermath of the 10th Senate Presidential election, Senator Orji Kalu has said that contrary to certain claims making the rounds, the election in the Senate was transparent, free and fair.

    Kalu while reacting to claims that some Senators under the umbrella of the ruling All Progressives Congress, might be trying to cross-carpet following the outcome of the June 13 election that saw Akpabio become Senate President of the 10th National Assembly.

    Akpabio had trounced Senator Abdul’aziz Yari to emerge the new Senate President, with the former Akwa Ibom governor being returned elected after scoring 63 votes defeating Yari who scored 46 votes.

    This decision did not sit well with Yari and the former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, alleged that he was betrayed by some of his colleagues.

    Reacting to Yari’s claims and to the assertions that this election might make some lawmakers move to another party in the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu said there was no funny-business conducted on the red chamber, adding that Akpabio won fair and square.

    “Let me be honest with you, the election in the Senate was transparent. Akpabio won the election. It was free, it was fair,” the lawmaker asserted.

    “I can’t lie to my conscience, Akpabio won the election hands down. There was no comparison on who won the election; if there is anything any other person has wants to say, that is their business but Akpabio to my conscience, to my seeing, to my honour, he won the election. ”

    Kalu who was Chief Whip of the last Senate, said everyone has congratulated Akpabio because all the Senators agree that election was fair to all who contested for the seat of the Senate President.

    While congratulating the CNA, the Clerk and all staff of the Senate, the former Abia State governor argued that the Senate is not divided.

    “There is no two Senate, there is only one Senate. On the 13th of June was the day we had one Senate.

    “There is no pro-Akpabio and against Akpabio. Even Yari himself understands that all the Senators need to work with Akpabio, he is the Senate President.”

     

  • How INEC, EU observers disagree over the conduct of presidential election

    How INEC, EU observers disagree over the conduct of presidential election

    Aftermath of the February 25 presidential election, the European Union Election Observer Mission  (EU EOM) disclosed that the Nigeria poll was marred due to multiple failures by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    According to the EU, the operational failures on the part of INEC were due to operational deficiencies and lack of transparency, among others.

    The EU chief observer and head of the delegation, Barry Andrews, in a media parley in Abuja while presenting the Mission’s final report on the election noted that the “election exposed enduring systemic weakness and therefore signal a need for further legal and operational reforms to enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability”.

    Although he observed improvements in the conduct of the election, especially the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), but  lamented that the 2023 general election did not ensure a well-run transparent and inclusive democratic process as assured by the INEC.

    “Early in the process, while enjoying a broad stakeholder trust, INEC introduced a series of positive measures to strengthen the conduct of the elections. However, closer to the polls some started to doubt INEC’s administrative and operational efficiency and in-house capacity.

    “Public confidence gradually decreased and was severely damaged on 25 February due to its operational failures and lack of transparency. While some corrective measures introduced before the March 18 elections were effective, overall trust was not restored”.

    He explained that the introduction of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) was widely seen as an important step to ensure the integrity and credibility of the elections.

    The chief observer said however that in practice, multiple missteps and lack of transparency before the polls, compounded by severely delayed display of the presidential result forms, dashed the public trust in election technologies used.

    “INEC failed to give a timely and comprehensive explanation for the failures of 25 February , hence the improved online display of results  forms from  the 18 March state elections just fuelled further speculations about what exactly caused the delays after the presidential poll.

    “On February 25 voting was critically delayed by the late arrival of sensitive materials and, during the early stages of the collation, presidential results form from polling units were not displayed real-time on the IRev as committed by the INEC and anticipated by all stakeholders.

    “A critical failure in the entire election process manifested at the collation stage on 25 February, due to widespread disorganisation, lack of adherence to the prescribed procedures and an unsuitable environment. By the time of the declaration of presidential results, one quarter of the results forms were still missing from the IReV, and a significant percentage of the forms uploaded on IReV, often needed for comparison with manual results, were not legible.”

    The six priority recommendations include efforts to remove ambiguities in the law; establish a publicly accountable selection process for INEC members; ensure real-time publication of access to election results; provide greater protection for media practitioners;  address discrimination against women in political life and punish  impunity regarding electoral offenses.

    But INEC in a reaction to the EU report,  defended the conduct of the 2023 polls, insisting that irrespective of the challenges, there were many positives in the election, even as it assured that the Commission was going to harmonise the EU recommendations with that of other election observers.

    INEC Commissioner of voter education, Festus Okoye, said, “Even from the reports presented you can see that the EU made mention of the fact that there has been significant improvement in our electoral process and there have been so many positives in this election.

    “You had one of the positives that we registered over 93 million Nigerians during this election. Not only that, if you look at all the reports that have been submitted you can see that in all the reports domestic and international observers attested to the facts that in terms of voter accreditation, the BVAS performed optimally. So, there is no issue with the BVAS.

    “Second, in terms of the Senatorial election, in term of the House of the Representatives elections, the governorship election and also in terms of the state houses of assembly election, you can see that almost all the domestic and international observers’ made mention of the fact that there were significant improvements in the conduct and management of the elections.”

     

  • JUST IN: Sierra Leone’s Bio declared winner of presidential election

    JUST IN: Sierra Leone’s Bio declared winner of presidential election

    Julius Bio, incumbent president of Sierra Leone, has been declared winner of the election in the country.

    Chief Electoral Commissioner Mohamed Kenewui Konneh said on Tuesday that Bio was re-elected with 56.17 percent of Saturday’s vote. His top challenger Samura Kamara, of the All People’s Congress (APC), came second with 41.16 percent.

    “By the powers invested in me… I hereby certify that Bio Julius Maada… [is] duly elected president,” Konneh said.

     

     

  • Sierra Leone Election: Tensions rise as opposition alleges rigging

    Sierra Leone Election: Tensions rise as opposition alleges rigging

    The anticipation mounts as Sierra Leone eagerly awaits the outcome of the general elections held on Saturday, 24th June 2023, with the tallying of results currently underway.

    The ECOWAS Observation Mission, responsible for monitoring the elections, has called for patience amidst a tense atmosphere.

    Reports have emerged of troubling incidents during the election process, including attacks and intimidation targeting election representatives of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party in three districts.

    International observers have also raised concerns about the transparency of the ballot tallying process.

    The Head of the ECOWAS Mission Mohammed Chambas, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic turnout of Sierra Leoneans and commended their disciplined conduct throughout the voting process.

    Chambas urged all stakeholders, especially political parties, candidates, and supporters, to remain patient as the post-election period unfolds.

    The Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) have also been urged to uphold its responsibility by expediting the tabulation process and releasing preliminary results in a professional and timely manner.

    An election observer and lawyer Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, emphasized the importance of transparency in addressing any allegations of unfairness.

    Sorting and counting of ballots commenced immediately after the closure of polling stations at 5:00 PM on Saturday. However, due to logistical delays, voting extended into the night at some stations under the guidance of the ECSL.

    The nationwide elections witnessed the participation of 3,374,258 registered voters across 3,630 polling centers. Citizens cast their votes to elect a new president, 135 parliamentarians, and 493 mayors and local councilors.

    Incumbent President Julius Maada Bio, 59, representing the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), is leading the race with over one million votes. His closest rival, Samura Kamara, 72, of the APC, who narrowly lost to Bio in the 2018 election, has garnered less than 800,000 votes.

    Sierra Leoneans anxiously anticipate the official announcement of the election results, which is expected by Wednesday. If none of the candidates secures the mandatory 55 percent of valid votes in the first round, a runoff election between the top two contenders will be held two weeks after the initial results are declared.

    This critical election period evokes memories of a devastating civil war that plagued the country from 1991 to 2002. The nation is acutely aware of the potential for unrest if a majority consensus is not achieved, underscoring the importance of a peaceful and credible electoral process.

    In a televised address following the publication of provisional results on Monday evening, President Bio called upon citizens to uphold peace during and after the announcement of the election results.

    He emphasized the collective responsibility of all Sierra Leoneans in maintaining stability.

    A team of 95 ECOWAS observers has been deployed to monitor the presidential, parliamentary, mayoral, and local council elections, further ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the process.

  • Sierra Leoneans await election results

    Sierra Leoneans await election results

    Sierra Leone voted on Saturday in a national election which the main opposition party hopes will see public frustration with deep economic hardship foil President Julius Maada Bio’s re-election bid.

    About 3.4 million people were registered to vote in the presidential and legislative ballot after a campaign marred by tensions that led to the cancellation of rallies in the final stages and clashes  at an opposition gathering on Wednesday.

    Bio, 59, is running for a second term against 12 opponents. The race is expected to be close between the incumbent and the All People’s Congress’ (APC) Samura Kamara, who narrowly lost to Bio in the last election in 2018.

    “I’ve checked with other districts, towns and polling centres and I’m happy with the process,” Bio said as he voted at a polling station in the capital Freetown in front of an excited crowd.

    But by the end of the day, there were reports that some polling stations had opened late or run out of ballot papers. Reuters was not immediately able to verify the reports.

    The main opposition APC also said their election representatives were attacked and intimidated in three districts, highlighting the tense backdrop to the vote.

    Polls closed at 5 p.m. local time and vote-tallying commenced. Provisional results are expected within 48 hours, according to the information ministry.

    While no leader in office has lost the presidency in the West African nation’s recent history, the APC has banked on an enduring cost-of-living crisis tipping the balance in its favour. Inflation soared to its highest level in over 20 years in 2022, while the national Leone currency slumped 60% in value.

    “We have been yearning for change,” said first-time voter Abu Koroma, 23, as he waited in an hours-long queue at a polling station in a hilltop district of Freetown earlier in the day.

    “We’ve had different leaders since gaining independence, but we are yet to have sustainable electricity, sustainable health, all these things a young person like me needs.”

    The current downturn has stalled hopes of economic progress in the wake of the devastating Ebola epidemic that peaked in 2014 and the 1991-2002 civil war. Widespread underemployment persists with over half of the population living in poverty, according to the World Bank.

    Bio’s camp blames the economic malaise on external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

    His chances have been boosted by the support of another opposition leader, Kandeh Yumkella, who came third in 2018 and is not running this time.

    Two days ahead of the vote, Information Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray said if Bio retains the presidency, he will focus on job creation and agricultural development to kickstart growth and improve living standards.

    “We will do a lot more things to ensure people are comfortable,” he told Reuters in an interview in a Freetown cafe.

    Unusually violent protests last year over rising prices have raised fears of political unrest.

    Bio and Kamara reported small-scale attacks on their supporters ahead of election day, while the APC’s recent questioning of the independence of election officials has raised tensions.

    Both sides have called for calm.

    However, there are concerns the situation could deteriorate, particularly if no candidate secures 55 per cent of votes cast, triggering a runoff between the top two candidates two weeks after the announcement of the first-round results.

    On Friday, Kamara told Reuters he was concerned about the possibility of vote-rigging.

    Asked if he would accept the outcome the vote, he said: “It’s not me. The acceptance has to come from the people … so it is the people we will listen to.”

  • LP kicks against delay in conduct of LGA election in Bayelsa

    LP kicks against delay in conduct of LGA election in Bayelsa

    Labour Party has vowed to stage a  peaceful protest over Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa’s alleged outright refusal to conduct local government elections.

    The  Factional  National Chairman of the party Lamidi Apapa, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

    Apapa  urged the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) to do the needful

    “If BYSIEC fails to issue a notice to commence the process of local government elections before month end, the party would resort to civil actions aimed at pressuring the governor to do the needful.

    “The civil action would be peaceful, but resolute, in our pursuit of electoral justice and democratic representation for the people of Bayelsa State,” he said.

    Apapa said that the governor would not deny the importance and significance of the grassroots to the development of a state, as local government areas were created to help establish, nurture sustain democracy and democratic political culture.

    He said that as such, LGAs needed to be given  powers to function effectively, to stabilise and strengthen the political system.

    He further said that the importance of local government in ensuring democratic representation for the people at the grassroots level could not be over-emphasized.

    “The people of Bayelsa State, particularly those at the grassroots deserve elected officials who can effectively advocate their needs and drive development initiatives.

    “We are concerned that funds intended for local governments in Bayelsa State are being withheld by the state government, instead of being allocated to democratically elected local government officials

    “We view the development as a deliberate neglect of the local area, contradicting the governor’s claims of pursuing a prosperous administration,” he said.

    According to Apapa, Labour Party strongly condemned the utilisation of civil servants to administer local government affairs describing it as an unconventional and backward approach.

    He said that the delay in conducting the  local council election may be driven by the governor’s political agenda, contrary to his earlier statements of prioritising the people’s development over political maneuvers.

    He said that the attention of the party had also been drawn to the slow progress of the ongoing case in Sagbama High Court, Yenagoa, aimed at compelling the governor to conduct elections.

    Apapa also expressed concerns about alleged potential interference with the judicial process.

    He, therefore, urged the governor to respect the independence of the judiciary, which played a crucial role in his assumption of office.

  • Tenth NASS: 24hrs to proclamation, aspirant, Jaji dares APC, says I’m not stepping down from Speakership race

    Tenth NASS: 24hrs to proclamation, aspirant, Jaji dares APC, says I’m not stepping down from Speakership race

    Barely 24hours to proclamation, ok NE of the leading aspirants for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, Aminu Jaji has denied reports that he has stepped down from the race.

    This is coming barely 24hours after two powerful contenders, Hon Aliyu Betara and Hon Abdulaziz Gadgi stepped down for APC anointed candidates.

    The lawmaker-elect from Zamfara State stated that consultations are still ongoing with his colleagues to drum support for his ambition.

    In a statement by his media office on Monday, he said reports suggesting his exit from the race was an attempt by his opponents to blackmail him.

    The statement read, “Jaji is still in the race. We have consulted widely, and our colleagues have shown support.

    “The fake news is unconnected with the massive support received in the last few days from Members-Elect across political divides, we urge our opponents to wait and allow members to choose their leaders.

    “Ignore fake social media reports. Jaji is experienced, qualified, and competent enough to lead the 10th House of Representatives. Nothing will stop him. He has the blessing of the President and other party bigwigs, while the majority of the members elect are excitedly waiting for the election tomorrow. By God’s Grace, he will win.”

  • Akpabio/Barau: Balanced diet to complement President Tinubu – Group

    Akpabio/Barau: Balanced diet to complement President Tinubu – Group

    A caucus of serving and former members of the House of Representatives under the auspices of the Faculty Board of Initiatives and the Coalition of South South Community for United Nigeria for Justice and Equity has said that the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau will provide the balanced diet that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu needs to rejig Nigeria.

    Dean, of the Faculty Board lof the Initiatives, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh who made the declaration at a world press conference in Abuja on Monday urged senators-elect to vote for the duo on Tuesday.

    “I want to tell my Distinguished Senators-elect that Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau are the only balanced diet that provide the required legislative impetus for the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu led administration to actualise its Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “It is on record that Senator Akpabio and Senator Barau have been tried, tested and confirmed competent reliable and efficient. And for one to be Senate president, one needs to be educated and competent and Senator Akpabio’s competence is not in doubt.

    “As an experienced and renowned lawyer, Akpabio will being his vast knowledge of law to bear on the running of the Senate. And this is what Nigeria needs at this time. We, therefore call on the distiguished senators-elect to reject Mercantile aspirants and vote for competence and experience”, he stated.

    He said with Akpabio as President of the Senate, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will deliver on its campaign promises.

    According to him, the 10th Senate, under the leadership of Akpabio, will initiate many reforms that will change the fortunes of the country around.

    Eseme, former spokesperson of the House of Representatives in the 6th Assembly said: “What is going on in the National Assembly is very democratic. It has given credence to the fact that the current administration is operating on the platform of democracy.

    “When the president called the senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect it was to simply appeal to all of them and they saw reason with him.

    “Out of all the people aspiring will not be able to stand side-by-side with Akpabio.

    “I have already mentioned the electricity act. Such a reform, it will lead to setting up the legal framework about its implementation.

    “States won’t just apply to generate electricity, there has to  be a standard process to which that is done because there will be FDI in that aspect.

    “There will also be a need to look at the issue of ease of doing business and Nigeria enterprise promotion.”

     

    Ends…

  • Speakership: 290 Reps-elect endorse Abass/Kalu joint ticket ahead proclamation

    Speakership: 290 Reps-elect endorse Abass/Kalu joint ticket ahead proclamation

    …as all 55 S’south Lawmakers-Elect adopt Abbas/Kalu as consensus candidates

    The joint ticket of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as announced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on May 7th has 290 Reps-elect already in its kitty ahead proclamation on National Assembly tomorrow.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports the joint ticket received further boost, following its unanimous adoption by all the 55 elected Representatives from the South-South geopolitical zone.

    The adoption which took place at the residence of one of the longest serving members of the House, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, (PDP, Delta) on Sunday night in Abuja has now brought the number of lawmakers backing the ticket to over 290.

    The event was witnessed by all members of the Caucus except two, with the Caucus made up of elected legislators from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers respectively.

    Addressing the Speakership candidate and his Deputy, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas PhD, and Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu at the meeting, one of the leaders of the Caucuses from the zone, Hon. Unyime Idem from Akwa Ibom stated that the zone has come to a point where it must key into the vision and agenda of the Abbas/Kalu ticket, vigorously promoted by the Joint Task – 10th Assembly Coalition.

    Idem, who’s also a zonal coordinator of the Joint Task, a coalition of 8 political parties that won seats in the 10th Assembly, expressed gratitude to his colleagues from the South South for trusting him with the task of conveying their decision to the Joint Task.

    “I consider it a great privilege welcoming our incoming Speaker and Deputy by the grace of God. As a coordinator of the Joint Task it gives me pleasure to announce to your Excellencies that we have 55 out 55 members of the South South Caucus who have penned their signatures in support of the joint ticket.

    “I therefore want to assure you that we will have the whole 55 as they are going to appear in the chamber on Tuesday to give you 55 votes from the South South geopolitical zone,” Hon. Idem said.

    In response to the announcement, the co-chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe), thanked Hon. Idem for his leadership so far in the course of the campaign.

    “This 55-over-55 is something we are not surprised, given the level of support we have enjoyed from key members of the Caucus including yourself who have been with us in this journey right from the start.

    “As I stand before you, raised by destiny and privilege to steer this ship, I have my elder brothers with me particularly from the South-South such as Hon Kingsley Chinda. I want to say that the zone has paid its due and what’s remaining now is for Hon. TJ Abbas and Kalu to reciprocate at the end of the day. And I want to assure you that by the character of the incoming Speaker and his Deputy, you will not be disappointed,”. Hon. Kumo said.

    The Deputy Speakership candidate, Benjamin Kalu expressed gratitude to the zonal Caucus for believing in their struggle to institutionalise a legislature anchored on the principles of equity and inclusiveness, adding that “what we started like a mustard seed has germinated and grown to this level of acceptance and support from our brothers and sisters across the regions of the country.”

    “I stand here also as part of the South and I said to myself that getting the South East and South West to endorse us, wasn’t going to be complete for me without having the South South, and thank God the South South has completed the circle by adopting us and we are so very grateful.

    “I want to appreciate you for coming in your numbers and you have also invested in this project, invested money-wise even when some people didn’t believe in us then.

    “But many notable South South lawmakers have shown great interest and commitment with some appearing on TV to shout it to the world about this project and today we are witnessing the result of that effort,” Kalu said.

    The former image maker of the House also spoke glowingly about the character and qualities of his principal, Tajudeen Abbas, saying: “and let me tell you that the man that I will be supporting in the course of the Assembly God willing from Tuesday is a man that I was told is hardworking and I have seen it in this last few weeks. I was told about his detribalised nature, that I have also witnessed. I was told about his ethics and transparency, I have encountered them. All the qualities stated about this man, I have witnessed in his actions.

    “And I want to tell you all here today that this is the right man to follow and you will not regret your actions.,” Kalu said, recalling that it was Hon. Abbas’ sterling qualities that inspired his Deputy chairman on the Land Transport Committee, a lawmaker also from the South South to start lobbying retuning members including the immediate past Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, pleading that his chairman, Hon. Abbas be supported to become the next Speaker.

    In his words of appreciation to members of the Caucus for unanimously adopting himself and his running mate, Rt. Hon. Abbas PhD acknowledged the pivotal role colleagues from the South South have played in bringing about the idea behind his Speakership ambition.

    “I have come here to tonight to say thank you, thank you to people that love me. I have been to many regions in the country where I’ve been shown love, but that which I have experienced from the South South in the course of this journey has been something else.

    “I can mention so many names who have stood by me right from day one including my deputy chair of the committee. And I want to assure you that I will not take this generousity and solidarity for granted,” he said.