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Tag: election

  • Presidential transition bill will address chaotic, hostile hand over after election – Dogara

    Presidential transition bill will address chaotic, hostile hand over after election – Dogara

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has said that the Presidential Transition Bill under consideration will help in solving the problems of a chaotic handing over and hostile taking over of power after any general election.

    Dogara stated this while declaring open a Public Hearing on A Bill for An Act to Provide for the Smooth and Orderly transfer of Power from One Government to another held at the National Assembly.

    He said the bill, when passed into law will ensure accountability and transparency in the system, and help minimize or avoid disruptions that might be occasioned by the transition.

    ” This Bill institutionalises the transition process and takes it out of the whims and caprices of the actors in the political arena”.

    “This Bill seeks to make provision for the smooth and orderly transfer of power from one government to another. It provides that where at any general election for the Office of the President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, the incumbent President is not re-elected, the President shall within 2 weeks of the declaration of the President-Elect as the winner of the election, provide space for not more than ten (10) persons designated by the President-elect to begin a review and analysis of the budgetary expenditures during the tenor of the current president, review all other necessary documents as may be requested by the President-elect transition team and to acquire a working knowledge of the various offices, departments, commissions, boards and other agencies of the executive arm of the Federal Government with a view to promoting the orderly transition of executive power when government changes hands”.

    The speaker who harped on the need to achieve peace and harmony during transition process saying, “the purpose of the Bill is to promote the orderly transfer of executive power in connection with the expiration of the term of office of a president and the inauguration of a new president. The national interest requires that such transitions in the office of the President be accomplished smoothly so as to assure continuity in the faithful execution of the laws and in the conduct of the affairs of the Federal government, both domestic and foreign. Any disruption occasioned by the transfer of the executive power could produce results detrimental to the safety and well-being of Nigeria”.

    While making reference to the practice in other climes, the Speaker further said, ” In the United States of America, ‘The Presidential Transition Act (PTA) of 1963, as amended, established formal mechanisms to facilitate presidential transitions and authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide facilities and services to eligible presidential candidates and the President- elect. A presidential transition facilitates the establishment of a new Administration and prepares it to govern. Additionally, as noted by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in a report on S. 1172 (114th Congress, Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015), planning for a presidential transition helps to ensure the nation’s security’.

     

    He called on members of the Committee to improve the Bill and be guided by best practices in other presidential democracies worldwide.

  • Why Lagos LG election was delayed – LASIEC

    Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, has attributed the delayed take off of the voting process in Saturday’s council polls in some parts of the state to heavy downpour.

    Speaking with newsmen while monitoring some polling units in Yaba area of the state, she said the downpour affected the movements of electoral materials.

    She appealed to those who were yet to vote on the affected area to exercise patience as the commission was addressing the situation.

    The chairman assured that all eligible voters would vote, as materials were being deployed to the affected areas.

    Philips said the commission would allow some people to vote beyond the 3 pm deadline if there was the need to do so.

    “The delay in the delivery of materials in some areas, hence voting, is caused by the heavy downpour.

    “However, we are addressing the situation and we are assuring that everybody in the affected areas will vote.

    “Once people have been accredited and are on queue, they will be allowed to vote even after 3pm,” she said.

    She expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct in most areas.

    Phillips said there were few incidences of violence in some areas but said security agents had quelled the situation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) correspondent who went with the LASIEC boss on the monitoring reports that that the turnout was low in some areas visited.

    At polling unit 028,ward G in Yaba, out of the 644 registered voters, only 82 had voted as of 1pm of the visit.

    The polling clerk in the unit, Mrs Mosunmola Taiwo, said the downpour contributed to the slow takeoff and low participation.

    She, however, expressed hope more people would turn out for the exercise before 3pm deadline.

    The situation was however different at polling unit 004 in the same ward as the Presiding Officer, Mr Bishi Usman said the turnout was impressive.

    “The exercise is going on fine. People are coming out. I have exhausted the first booklet; I am on the second voting booklet. It is so far, so good,” he said.

    NAN

  • Lagos LG polls: Early morning rain delays accreditation, voting process

    Early morning rainfall in Lagos on Saturday has created a temporary setback to the accreditation and voting processes in the Lagos Local Government election which is expected to commence by 8 am today.

    The local government election is expected to usher in new chairmen and councillors in the 20 local government and 37 local council development areas (LCDAS) across the state.

    The Chairman of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), retired Justice Ayotunde Phillips had earlier announced that

    Phillips, who made the statement at a pre-election media briefing, which held at the Commission’s headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, yesterday, said it is committed to conducting a free, fair and credible election today, as provided for in the relevant enabling laws.

    “Accreditation and voting will take place simultaneously between 8:00am and 3:00pm. I want o reiterate that the results of the Chairmanship election will be declared at the collation centres in each of the councils, while the results of councillorship elections will be declared at the Ward collation centres. The only condition that may warrant the declaration of results outside the collation centres is if it is discovered that the environment is not safe and conducive,” she said.

    Phillips noted that through its new innovation, the Election Support Centre, it would be monitoring developments at the various Collation Centres and other locations in the state through reports sent to the centre at the headquarters by the field officers of the commission.
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  • Lagos LG elections: Results will be declared at collation centres – LASIEC boss

    Chairman, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), retired Justice Ayodele Phillips, says Saturday’s councillorship results would be declared at ward collation centres, while results for the chairmanship would be declared at the local government collation centres.

    “The only condition that may warrant the declaration of the results outside of the collation centres is if it is discovered that the environment is not safe,” she said at a news conference in Lagos on Friday.

    “I wish to reiterate that the commission will provide a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates.

    “The commission shall remain committed to its responsibilities of conducting free, fair and credible elections.

    “Nobody, therefore, has any cause to entertain any fear or doubt on the neutrality of the commission as an electoral umpire at the local government level of the state.

    “We are very much aware of our responsibilities as provided for in the relevant enabling laws”, she added.

    Phillips confirmed that LASIEC had already moved all non-sensitive electoral materials to the 20 Local Government Areas and 37Local Council Development Areas.

    Philips reiterated that the restriction of movement from 7am to 3pm was to ensure order and impressive participation in the polls.

    She announced that accreditation of voters and the actual voting would commence simultaneously at 8am.

    The chairman urged residents to vote for candidates of their choice and appealed to candidates and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and shun acts of violence during and after the election.

  • 30,000 policemen, others set for Lagos LG election

    30,000 policemen, others set for Lagos LG election

    In preparation for the Lagos State Local Government, LG elections, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Owoseni, on Tuesday, announced that 30,000 police personnel and other security agencies would provide security during the July 22 LG poll in the state.

    Owoseni disclosed the figure while briefing newsmen on plans for the election and other activities of the command.

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission will on July 22, 2017, conduct election into 20 local government councils and 37 local council development areas of the state.

    The commissioner said that all sister security agencies, including the military, would carry out their constitutional roles during the election.

    “We have identified the black spots in the state where we think we need more men. The police and other security agencies have met and inter-agency’s consultative committee on the election was put in place.

    “All is now set for the election by all security agencies. There will be a capacity building programme for all security agencies to educate them of what is expected of them on the election day.

    “There will be interactive session for political parties’ candidates contesting for them to do an undertaking.

    “We hereby warn all elements planning to foment trouble during the election to have a rethink.

    “All security agencies have vowed to ensure that the election is devoid of violence. We urge all to play the game according to electoral laws.

    “Anyone that dares to foment trouble will have him/herself to blame. They will be made to face the full weight of the law,” Owoseni warned.

    He assured the public that the police would carry out their duties properly, stressing that all unprofessional conduct would be dealt with.

    (NAN)

  • Police vow to deal with IPOB, other groups threatening to truncate Anambra election

    Police vow to deal with IPOB, other groups threatening to truncate Anambra election

    The Anambra State Police Commissioner, Garba Umar has warned that security agencies in the state will deal decisively with any group that threatens to disrupt the upcoming governorship election in the state.

    Recall that the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had recently asked people of the state to boycott elections in the state and the South East in general until a referendum is granted by the Federal Government.

    However, Umar, in a statement he issued after a meeting of the Heads of security agencies in Anambra State said such directive will not be tolerated.

    Umar warned that security agents will not fold its arm and watch “disgruntled elements truncate” the peace in the State which they are working assiduously to maintain.

    The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn that some misguided elements have perfected plans to disrupt the relative peace through streets protests and to declare that the Anambra State Governorship Election Scheduled for November, 2017 will not hold.

    “This is to achieve their selfish political aggrandisement thereby threatening democratic processes causing serious security threats in Anambra State in particular, and the Country at large.

    “This is unacceptable and would not be tolerated. In as much as the Command and sister agencies respect the Right of individuals to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, we would however not fold our arms and watch disgruntled elements truncate the peace in the State which the Law Enforcement Agencies are working assiduously to maintain.

    “It is to be noted the Governorship Election has been scheduled for November, 2017 by the body responsible for elections in Nigeria and that is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and is the only competent authority that can make any pronouncement regarding the conduct of elections.

    “To this end, the security agencies wish to assure the good people of Anambra State that the Election shall hold as scheduled peacefully and successfully. We will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or groups under any guise that will disrupt public peace.

    “Finally, members of the public are enjoined to disregard such pronouncement and go about their lawful businesses. The security agencies further assure Ndi Anambra and all other residents in the State of their readiness to protect lives and properties.”

  • LG Election: Lagos Govt announces restriction of movement

    LG Election: Lagos Govt announces restriction of movement

    The Lagos State Government has announced restriction of vehicular movement on Saturday July 22, in view of the local government elections holding the state.

    The elections will hold across the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

    Mr Steve Ayorinde, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, in a statement on Sunday said that the restriction of movement would be enforced between 8a.m and 2pm.

    He said that the step was to allow for a smooth conduct of the polls and unhindered participation.

    Ayorinde urged residents to be peaceful and orderly on Saturday as they cast their votes in their respective wards for chairmen and councilors who were expected to drive development at the third tier of government.

    He said that the election would bring on board a new set of public officers for the next four years at the local government level.

    According to him, the restriction will allow the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and the security agencies to distribute electoral materials in good time and ensure the sanctity of free and fair electoral process.

    “The police and other security agencies are ready to ensure that the electioneering campaign and the voting on Saturday are conducted smoothly without public disturbance.

    “Every political party, candidates and their supporters, and the general public are hereby assured of safety throughout the period of voting and collation.

    “However, the government solicits the cooperation of voters and the general public by obeying the restriction order and the general electoral rules in order to ensure a peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections,” Ayorinde said.

    LASIEC had last week announced that 12 parties would participate in the July 22 election.

    It listed the parties as: All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Alliance (AA), Alliance for Democracy (AD), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Kowa Party, National Action Council (NAC), People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), United Democratic Party (UDP) and United Progressive Party (UPP).

    The electoral body had also displayed the list of validated candidates for the election at its headquarters.

     

     

    NAN

     

  • Biafra: Igbos in South Africa back Ohaneze, say no election boycott in Anambra

    Founder of Ohaneze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural group in South Africa, Chief Jonas Udeji, has affirmed that the stance of its national body not to boycott the Anambra governorship election is in order.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Kanu had recently warned that the governorship election in Anambra scheduled for November this year may not hold if the Federal Government fails to recognise the Republic of Biafra.

    However, in a counter motive, the Apex Igbo cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo on Wednesday said Kanu should not generalise the demand for a Biafra nation as some Igbos still believe in a restructured Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the group also cautioned Kanu not to arrogate himself as the supreme leader of Igbo land.


    Udeji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday that Kanu was not qualified to give such a directive on behalf of Igbos.


    “ Ohaneze Ndigbo remains the apex body of Igbos in Nigeria and world-wide.


    “ No single individual will give any order on behalf of Igbos if that person is not the elected President of Ohaneze.


    “ We understand Nnamdi Kanu`s emotions about the plight of Igbos in Nigeria. But, he should realise that we have a leader and that is Nwodo.


    “ He is the one to speak on behalf of Igbos,” he said.


    Udeji urged Anambra people and other South East states to ignore such directive from IPOB and elect their leaders when the opportunity comes.


    According to him, Igbos should collectively decide on such sensitive issues under the leadership of Ohaneze, their apex body, and not based on an individual’s directive.


    He said that Anambra people had the right to elect their governor and other representatives at the local government, state and national levels.


    Udeji said that Ohaneze under Nwodo`s leadership had been focused and remained determined to achieve set goals and objectives.

     

     

    NAN

  • UK election campaign resumes after Manchester attack

    UK election campaign resumes after Manchester attack

    Britain’s anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) will unveil its policy pledges on Thursday, restarting an election campaign which was suspended after a suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured dozens more in the northern city of Manchester.

    Britons are due to vote on June 8, with the latest polls, published before Monday’s attack, showing Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservatives comfortably ahead of the main opposition Labour Party, albeit with a narrowing lead.

    The two main parties will restart their national campaigns on Friday but UKIP, which was key to securing Britain’s exit from the European Union, said the best response to the attack was to begin as soon as possible.

    “We took the decision that the best way to show these people that we will not be beaten, that they will not win, is to get back into the saddle,” UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall said.

    Opinion polls providing the first insight into whether the bombing has affected voting preferences are due in the coming days.

    Before the attack in Manchester, May was forced to backtrack on her plan to force elderly people to pay more for their social care after her party’s opinion poll lead halved in just a few days.

    At the last election in 2015, UKIP received nearly 13 per cent of the vote but picked up just one parliamentary seat due to an electoral system in which smaller parties with support spread across the country rather than concentrated in certain areas are at a disadvantage.

    Since then, the party has hemorrhaged around half of its support, losing its raison d’etre since Britons voted to leave the EU and enduring two divisive leadership battles to replace charismatic figurehead Nigel Farage.

    The party is focusing its campaign on its “one in, one out” promise to bring down immigration and said it would make sure the government does not backtrack on commitments such an end to the freedom of movement of people after Brexit.

    “UKIP is the insurance policy for the country to ensure that we get the Brexit that people voted for last year,’’ Nuttall said.

     

    NAN

  • British PM, May meets queen, marks dissolution of parliament

    British PM, May meets queen, marks dissolution of parliament

    British Prime Minister Theresa May is on Wednesday met Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace to officially inform her of the dissolution of Parliament.

    Her meeting with the 91-year-old monarch today marks the formal start of campaigning for the June 8 general election even though all political parties have already begun canvassing.

    Under the British law, the Parliament must be dissolved at least 25 working days before a general election.

    However, the Parliament is “prorogued” several days ahead of being dissolved, meaning all parliamentary business stops but the Parliament still technically exists until dissolution.

    After the dissolution, every seat in the 650-member House of Commons becomes vacant and members of parliament temporarily lose all privileges associated with their station.

    But MPs with ministerial positions continue with their duties until the elections.

    May, who received the Parliament’s backing last month to hold snap polls, is currently leading in most opinion polls to win a majority mandate for her Conservative party which, she believes, needs to carry Brexit negotiations forward.

    Her decision to hold a snap general election took everyone by surprise, including the queen who will have to “dress-down” for the new UK Parliament opening next month due to shortage of time to rehearse for the event.

    The British monarch is responsible for the ceremonial opening of Parliament business every year, which involves considerable pomp and ceremony including being dressed up in flowing robes.

    However, this time the queen will wear a day dress and hat for the ceremony and not the imperial state crown as she delivers the queen’s Speech outlining the government’s plans for the year ahead on June 19.

    The date also means that the queen has had to cancel the Order of the Garter ceremony when she hands over royal medals at Windsor Castle, for the first time in 30 years.

    Buckingham Palace said in a statement that “to allow her majesty to attend in support of the parliamentary and constitutional process, the queen’s programme of engagements has been revised.

    “As a result, the annual service for the Order of the Garter, which had been due to take place on 19th June, has been cancelled. Additionally, owing to the revised calendar, the state opening of the Parliament will take place with reduced ceremonial elements”.