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Tag: kogi

  • INEC to start mock accreditation of voters for Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo guber elections

    INEC to start mock accreditation of voters for Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo guber elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to commence a mock accreditation for the forthcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

    The test run will take place simultaneously in the three States on Saturday 14th October 2023 from 8.30am to 2.30pm,” said a statement by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.

    The commission explained that the mock accreditation would be conducted using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and upload of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

    See full statement below;

    MOCK ACCREDITATION OF VOTERS FOR THE FORTHCOMING OFF-CYCLE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS

    The Commission met today Monday 25th September 2023 and, among other issues, reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States scheduled for Saturday 11th November 2023.

    As was the case in recent off-cycle Governorship elections, the Commission will conduct a mock accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and upload of polling units results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). The test run will take place simultaneously in the three States on Saturday 14th October 2023 from 8.30am to 2.30pm.

    A maximum of three polling units in each Senatorial District have been identified across each of the three States, covering a total of nine Senatorial District and 27 polling units. Lessons learnt from the exercise will be taken into consideration in ensuring a seamless process on Election Day.

    Full details of the polling units, including their locations by Local Government Area (LGA), Registration Area (RA)/Ward, Delimitation Code and number of registered voters have been uploaded to our website and social media platforms.

    The Commission appeals to registered voters in the selected polling units to turn up with their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for the exercise.

    The public is advised that this is strictly a test accreditation exercise and not the actual election.

    Sam Olumekun mni
    National Commissioner & Chairman,
    Information and Voter Education Committee
    Monday 25th September 2023

  • BREAKING: Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello sacks aide, gives no reason

    BREAKING: Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello sacks aide, gives no reason

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Monday announced the sacking of his Special Adviser (SA) on Stakeholders Relations, Mr Anthony Ogah.

    The sack is contained in a statement issued in Lokoja by Mrs Folashade Arike-Ayoade, Secretary to the Government of Kogi.

    The government said that the sack takes effect from Sunday.

    ”Gov. Bello has issued a directive for the immediate dismissal of Ogah, who served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Stakeholders Relations.

    “The termination of  Ogah as the special adviser to the governor is effective from Sept. 24.

    *Gov Bello extends his best wishes to Ogah in his future endeavors, ” the state government said.

    No reason was given for Ogah’s dismissal.

    He was instructed to “promptly hand over his identity card and any other government property or documents in his possession to the Permanent Secretary, Administration, in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the state.”

  • Kogi Guber: Kogi ex-Dep Gov, Awoniyi, join APC

    Kogi Guber: Kogi ex-Dep Gov, Awoniyi, join APC

    Former Deputy Governor of Kogi Yomi Awoniyi on Tuesday officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the Nov. 11 Governorship Election in the state.

    Awoniyi, who recently declared his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was officially received into the APC at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, a statement issued in Lokoja on Tuesday by Bello’s Media Aide, Mr Onogwu Mohammed, read.

    The new entrant said that he was attracted into APC following his admiration for Gov. Yahaya Bello’s exemplary leadership, commitment to inclusivity, unity of purpose and governance.

    The former PDP chieftain acknowledged the complexities and challenges of the state politics and commended Bello for exceeding expectations.

    He said: “I served as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State between 2011 and 2015. I know the state very well, and I can tell you that the current governor has done exceptionally well in terms of leadership and good governance.

    “Bello’s humility is unmatched and his ability to unite the people is remarkable.

    “These qualities are some of the reasons I decided to join the APC and offer my support to him and the incoming administration.”

    Bello, while welcoming Awoniyi, whom he described as a “big fish”, said his decision to join the APC was significant.

    “Today, Awoniyi’s move is a clear demonstration of the people’s satisfaction with my achievements and their willingness to support my leadership for the state’s success.

    “I am pleased to welcome the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi, into our party today.

    “Awoniyi is a prominent figure, who has just joined a significant movement. I am delighted with his decision to join our party, and I can assure you that the APC will do more for the people of our state,” the governor stated.

    Also speaking, the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, commended Awoniyi’s decision to join the party.

    Ganduje expressed gladness over the influx of defectors from opposition parties to the APC in Kogi.

    “This progress happening under Yahaya Bello’s leadership is an evidence of the governor’s achievements and his ability to unite people for societal progress.

    “I’m assuring you, Awoniyi and other new entrants as well as those planning to join the APC that they will be given equal opportunities within our party,” Ganduje assured.

    Recall that Awoniyi had on Thursday, officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    His defection was contained in a letter, entitled “Letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party”, made available to newsmen in Lokoja.

    Awoniyi, who served as deputy to former Gov. Idris Wada had conveyed his resignation in a letter dated Aug. 31, and addressed to the PDP chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi.

    The letter partly read: “I hereby write to tender my letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party after 25 unbroken years of loyal and dedicated membership and service.

    “With this resignation letter, I cease to be a member of the PDP,” he declared.

  • Doctors to embark on indefinite strike as 21-day ultimatum to govt expires

    Doctors to embark on indefinite strike as 21-day ultimatum to govt expires

    The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH), Lokoja, has called the attention of the State Government to the expiration of the 21 days ultimatum given to it to meet its demands.

    The association had on Aug. 9, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Kogi Government to meet its demands or be ready for an indefinite strike action, after suspending its two-day industrial action directed by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

    The ultimatum was to give room for dialogue and engagement with the state government.

    The notification was given in a statement jointly signed by the ARD KSSH’s President, Dr Ameh Friday; and Secretary General, Dr Peter Samuel, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Lokoja.

    “The ARD KSSH, wishes to state that today, makes it 21 days since its last communique and one month since it suspended its industrial action as directed by the National Body – NARD – for government to look into the some of its pressing demands as listed below.

    “Having examined the inertia that has greeted our requests also keeping in view of our previous failure to join the national directive to suspend service delivery because of our commitment to the client and State Government which unfortunately has never been appreciated.

    “We will like to remind government of our modest demands once more.

    “Upward review of CONMESS 2014 to CONMESS 2023, and approval of Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023).

    “Review of hazard allowance as released by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission, 22nd December, 2021, and implementation and cash backing of promotion as well as the statutory Annual Increments with payment of arrears of both annual increments and promotion,” it said.

    “The association stressed that the statement would serve as a reminder of the association’s initial communique.

    “The association emphasised that the moral and psychic of its members in the Kogi State Specialist Hospital is at an all time low with respect to their concerns, unfortunately, the Hospital working environment, coupled with the unpalatable economic realities have further worsened the already sour situation.

    “The ARD will convoke a Congress meeting in seven days from now to have an appraisal of the progress made so far and take a decision on all its demands,” the association said.

  • APC saga: Yahaya Bello hasn’t conceded NWC positions – Chairman

    APC saga: Yahaya Bello hasn’t conceded NWC positions – Chairman

    Alh. Abdullahi Bello, Chairman, Kogi All Progressive Congress (APC) has denied reports that Gov. Yahaya Bello has conceded the positions of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on appointments of some national officers.

    Bello, who made the rebuttal in a statement in Lokoja on Friday said: “It’s falsehood being circulated by enemies of our party.”

    Recalled that Kogi APC objected to the appointment of Duro Meseko (Kogi) as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Ikani Shuaibu Okolo (Kogi) as New Zonal Organising Secretary, North Central Zonal chapter of the party.

    The state chapter claimed that the names of the officers,  unanimously agreed upon and sent to national party secretariat were discarded for unknown persons in Weseko and Okolo.

    The chairman added, “The purported compromise being circulated by enemies of APC in Kogi to the effect that the governor has been told to produce the zonal organising secretary and concede the deputy national publicity secretary is false.

    “There is no iota of truth in that report. We know the people behind such misinformation and falsehood but we remain committed to the position of the National Chairman of the party and we know all of us will ensure that the Constitution of the party is protected and preserved.

    “Nothing was discussed about concessions because it will be a violation of the constitution of our party and due process for which our party is known.

    “Gov. Yahaya Bello is a loyal party man, who will only accept what is constitutional. He has great respect for the President and the leadership of the party, ” he said.

    He went on to reveal that the matter of the party was almost resolved as all parties had agreed to honour the constitution of the party.

    “Our governor is only acting on behalf of hundreds of thousands of APC members in Kogi  and has nothing personal against any individual.”

  • Kogi APC rejects imposition of national, zonal officers

    Kogi APC rejects imposition of national, zonal officers

    The Kogi Chapter of the APC has rejected the choice of persons by the Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as replacements for the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party and the former Zonal Organising Secretary, who resigned recently.

    The State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello in a statement in Lokoja on Thursday, claimed that the positions were wrongly replaced with names that did not emanate from the state chapter

    “We hereby wish to disassociate ourselves from ratified replacement as the action of the NWC is a clear contravention of the party’s constitution.

    “This is because consequent upon the resignation of the two officers, the Kogi APC, under the leadership of Gov. Yahaya Bello, met to ratify and forward names of replacements for the national and zonal officers that left the party.

    “We are bold to state here that this unfortunate development or plot, is the handiwork of some known agents of distabilisation.

    “This is because as the state chapter, we had ratified Yahaya Ade Ismail as the new Deputy National Publicity Secretary and Isiaka Musa as the Zonal Organising Secretary for North Central.

    “In line with the provisions of the party’s constitution, we communicated the ratified replacements to the NWC, through the North Central Zonal Chairman of the party.

    “But to our dismay, the national working committee came up with strange names which didn’t pass through the state chapter nor the north central zone of the party and purportedly went ahead to ratify them, citing “Presidency interest” as the rationale for their action.

    “Of course, we strongly reject the action as we will not be parties to the blatant and flagrant violation of our party’s constitution,” the chairman said.

    Bello added that they believed in the President as a man, “who respects the constitution of our party and a man who believes in due process is unshaken in the face of the current confusion foisted on the party by people dropping the name of the President to achieve their selfish aims.”

    He then urged the APC NWC to reverse the unconstitutional replacements done on “our behalf without our ratification or approval, and revert to our ratified list as they occupy those offices on behalf of the state chapter of our party.”

    According to him, they have delivered Kogi to the APC and the least they will expect is for the party hierarchy to continue to support them to achieve greater heights.

    “It’s in this light that the Kogi chapter of the APC strongly rejects the decision of the NWC in its entirety and urge it to follow the constitution of our party and the due process our party is known for.

    “We are confident that the interest of the party is for Kogi to remain a stronghold of the APC, especially now that we march toward the Nov. 11 governorship election to retain the state, ” he declared.

     

  • We’ll win November 11 guber elections in Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa states – PDP boasts

    We’ll win November 11 guber elections in Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa states – PDP boasts

    The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has boasted that it will win the November 11 governorship election in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States, going by the level of its acceptability by the people.

    The  acting National Chairman, PDP, Umar Damagum, said this in Abuja at the inauguration of the party’s National Campaign Council for the election in the three states.

    According to him, all members of the council must work within the law to win the three states, which he described as PDP strongholds.

    He said, “What’s expected of you is to go there and remind them that this isn’t what we bargained for, and that there’s a time God in his infinite mercy, always gives us to change the course of history, and this is the time.

    “We’ll have Bayelsa, we’ll have Imo and we’ll have Kogi. These are PDP states. Somehow, they slipped away but Bayelsa has always had a PDP governor.”

    Also speaking, Osun State governor Ademola Adeleke, who is also the chairman of the Kogi State campaign team, expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to win the governorship election in the three states.

    According to Adeleke, the chances of the party in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi are ‘very great.’

  • Investigate alleged attack on Yahaya Bello’s convoy, it’s a ploy to rope Ajaka – Natasha

    Investigate alleged attack on Yahaya Bello’s convoy, it’s a ploy to rope Ajaka – Natasha

    Kogi Central Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial Candidate in Kogi Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that the recent attack on Gov. Yahaya Bello’s convoy is politically motivated.

    “It is a smear campaign against the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship Murtala Yakubu-Ajaka”, she alleged in a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday.

    She urged the appropriate authorities to investigate the crisis.

    She noted that both Bello and Ajaka are already accusing each other of assassination attempt, calling for investigation before it would go out of control.

    She recalled further that the attack occurred on June 3 on Lokoja-Abuja highway.

    “The attack was a ploy in to implicate Ajaka to be disqualified by INEC in the forthcoming Nov. 11 governorship election,” she alleged.

    But Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the state  Commissioner for Information, said that Natasha should better give her testimony to the law enforcement agents than going to the media.

    “If she was there when the incident happened, she should better go to the law enforcement agents and give vivid account of what exactly happened.

    “But if she wasn’t there, she isn’t fair to either Bello nor Ajaka by this accusation,” Fanwo said.

  • Yahaya Bello escapes death as gunmen attack convoy

    Yahaya Bello escapes death as gunmen attack convoy

    The Convoy of the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello was on Saturday attacked by suspected gunmen, on his way from Abuja to Lokoja.

    He was blocked and attacked by people believed to be supporters of Alh. Muritala Yakubu Ajaka

    The incident which occurred at about 12.30 hours left many people injured.

    According to a statement issued by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, the attack took place near the Naval Base, few kilometres from Lokoja.

    Fanwo noted that the convoy of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, having sighted that of the Governor, blocked the road and Ajaka’s armed thugs started shooting sporadically at the convoy of the Governor.

    The statement reads: “A Tundra branded with the logo of the SDP and with SDP flags also blocked the Governor’s vehicle and occupants of the SDP branded Tundra were armed with Rifles and short guns. The Governor left the scene unscathed and there is no cause for panic as the Governor is in high spirit.

    “Some security aides and other aides attached to the Governor sustained some degrees of injuries and have been rushed to medical facilities for medical attention.

    “We urge the people of Kogi State to remain calm as security agents are in full control to ensure the arrest of the hoodlums behind the attack. The State Government will ensure that law and order are maintained as the attackers will be brought to justice.

    “The Governor has warned that no APC member should involve in any reprisal attack as insecurity from any quarter will be met with stiff penalties” the statement concluded.

  • Yahaya Bello reinstates resigned officials who contest governorship ticket

    Yahaya Bello reinstates resigned officials who contest governorship ticket

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has announced the reinstatement of five of his key government officials that resigned to contest for the governorship ticket on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), for the forthcoming election.

    Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Ayoade, made this known in a statement issued in Lokoja on Monday.The SSG said: “The Office of the Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, has officially announced the immediate reinstatement of five key officials in the state.”

    Ayoade gave the names of the individuals approved to resume in their previous positions to include Jibrin Momoh, former State’s Accountant General; Pharmacist Jamiu Abdulkarim-Asuku, former Chief of Staff to the Governor; and Yakubu Okala, former State Auditor-General.

    Others were Idris Asiwaju Asiru, former Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning; and Momodu Ozigi-Deedat, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    “The reinstatement of the Auditor-General and the commissioners was subject to the scrutiny and confirmation of the House of Assembly before they could resume their duties,” the SSG said.

    “We trust that the reinstatement of these officials will further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the state government in delivering its mandate to the people of Kogi.”