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Tag: LG Elections

  • APGA kicks, calls for cancellation of Benue LG election

    APGA kicks, calls for cancellation of Benue LG election

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has called for the immediate cancellation of the just concluded Local Government (LG) polls in Benue State.

    The Benue Chairman of APGA, Mr Joseph Ogli, made the call in an interaction with newsmen on Monday in Makurdi.

    Ogli said that APC winning all 23 local government areas in the election was an embarrassment to the state and to Gov. Hyacinth Alia.

    He said over N6 billion was released to the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for the conduct of the election that did not hold.

    According to him, candidates were forced to pay between N250, 000 and N500, 000 outside screening fees, which different political parties paid.

    “APGA in the state encouraged its’ members to contest for the local government election on the ground that Benue has a clergy and a priest as governor.

    “We believed that he would provide a level playing field for all political parties to contest in state.

    “We were shocked that a clergy can conduct an election that APGA or any other political party cannot win a councillor were we had popularity.

    “This is purely a setback for our democracy and a miscarriage for the third arm of government.

    “We are calling on all lovers of democracy to speak against this “afternoon robbery” called an election by the BSIEC chairman who has succeeded in destroying the integrity of the governor,” Ogli said.

    Ogli said the party candidate, Mrs Winifred Azumi, the chairmanship candidate for Agatu Local Government area, would seek legal redress in court and called on their supporters to remain calm.

  • What Fubara did with Rivers LG election is auspicious, creative – Bauchi Gov

    What Fubara did with Rivers LG election is auspicious, creative – Bauchi Gov

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers as a true democrat, even as he commended the ‘successful’ conduct of Saturday’s local government elections in the State.

    Muhammed, also the Chairman, Governors’ Forum of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stated this in a statement issued by Fubara’s Press Secretary, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Port Harcourt.

    He affirmed Rivers as a PDP state, notwithstanding the fact that the 23 newly-elected local government chairmen and councillors, who were sworn-in on Sunday, were not only from the party.

    The governor also commended his Rivers counterpart for being proactive in the delivery of good governance at the local government level, irrespective of party allegiance or consideration.

    “He didn’t have a structure of the PDP in the state for certain reasons and he had to go out to make sure that he allowed other parties to participate within the political space so that there won’t be any vacuum.

    “I think this is auspicious and creative, and I am very proud of him. Yes, we have lost as a party, and that is why we want to run away from this,” he said.

    Muhammed also assured of possible reconciliation of the current crisis bedevilling PDP so as to achieve the desired unity within the party.

    Meanwhile, speaking to the press after attending the swearing-in ceremony of 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State, the Bauchi State Governor expressed admiration for Governor Fubara’s proactive leadership.

    “As the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, I commend Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his unwavering dedication to strengthening democracy through inclusive governance.

    “Speaking to the press after attending the swearing-in ceremony of 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State, I expressed my admiration for Governor Fubara’s proactive leadership. His ability to navigate complex political challenges with strategic insight has allowed officials from various political parties to serve at the local level, reflecting a commitment to governance that transcends partisan lines.

    “Even though the PDP has lost control in some regions, Governor Fubara remains a loyal member of our party, and his democratic principles are widely recognized. His approach, which ensures governance without political barriers, serves as an exemplary model for other governors.

    “Drawing from my own experiences in Bauchi, where I have faced similar political challenges, I applaud Fubara’s ability to lead effectively despite the complexities he faces. His leadership demonstrates how to navigate difficult political terrain while prioritizing the greater good.

    “Furthermore, I reaffirm the unwavering support of the PDP Governors’ Forum for Governor Fubara.

    “In conclusion, I am confident that our efforts toward party unity and reconciliation will bear fruit. The PDP Governors’ Forum stands firmly behind Governor Fubara as we continue to support his leadership and the values he upholds,” Muhammed wrote via his official Facebook page.

  • Alia commends Benue people over peaceful LG polls

    Alia commends Benue people over peaceful LG polls

    Governor Hyacinth Alia has commended Benue people for their peaceful and overwhelming support for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the Saturday local government elections.

    Alia gave the commendation in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Makurdi.

    The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has declared APC winner of all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship seats.

    Alia, in the statement, described the outcome of the elections as a reflection of the maturity of the Benue people to engage in a democratic process with respect and dignity.

    The governor commended the people for upholding peace and unity, which were critical to the progress of the state.

    “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your active participation in the recent elections across our 23 local governments.

    “Your commitment to exercising your franchise in a peaceful and civil manner is commendable and reflects the maturity of our democracy.

    “The successful conduct of these elections, free from violence, is a testament to our collective resolve to uphold the values of peace and unity that are fundamental to our progress as a state.

    “I am proud to see our citizens trooping out to make their voices heard, demonstrating that we can engage in the democratic process with respect and dignity.” he said

    Alia emphasised the support given to the APC candidates as an indication that the people of the state appreciate his vision to take the state to more enviable heights.

    The governor assured that his administration was ready to continue to deliver on the terms of the social contract he has in place with the people of the state.

    He further promised to build a prosperous Benue, where every citizen would have the opportunity to thrive.

    Alia congratulated the winners for their victories and urged those who lost to join hands with the winners and his administration to move the state forward.

  • Akwa Ibom LG election: PDP wins 30 LGs, APC 1

    Akwa Ibom LG election: PDP wins 30 LGs, APC 1

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has won 30 chairmanship positions in the Saturday’s local government council election in Akwa Ibom.

    Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, announced this in a signed result released in Uyu on Sunday.

    Ikoiwak also announced that the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Usoro Effiong won as the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Council.

    The election was conducted in the 31 local government areas and 369 wards in the state.

  • APC commends BSIEC for transparent polls

    APC commends BSIEC for transparent polls

    The Benue chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has commended the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) for the transparent conduct of the local government elections.

    APC State Caretaker Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omale, told newsmen in Makurdi that the process was going smoothly. Omale expressed optimism that his party would emerge victorious at the end of the exercise.

    “The assessment has been good. The governor has done one of the great things that has ever happened in Benue by enabling one of the best local government elections in the state. This is the seventh polling unit that I have visited, and so far everywhere is peaceful and calm, and the turnout is commendable.

    “We are very hopeful of victory. We have all the structures and supporters on the ground to achieve the goal,” he said.

    Though the turnout was low and some polling units voting commenced late, the exercise was hitch-free. Meanwhile, there was massive deployment of security personnel in polling units, streets, and major highways within the state capital.

  • Why opposition shunned Jigawa LG election – SSG

    Why opposition shunned Jigawa LG election – SSG

    Secretary to the Jigawa State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, has claimed that opposition political parties shunned the Saturday’s local government polls to escape humiliating defeat.

    Ibrahim said this while fielding questions from newsmen after casting his votes in Birninkudu town, Birninkudu Local Government Area.

    He spoke against the backdrop of the boycott of the exercise by the opposition parties.

    He further disagreed with the reason in some quarters that the opposition boycotted the elections due to the high cost of the nomination forms fixed by the Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission (JISIEC).

    He said, “It is because of the overwhelming support APC enjoys in the state that intimidated them and they feel that they are going to waste their resources.”

    He said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) had been winning elections at all levels in the state since 20215.

    “APC is overwhelmingly strong in the state and is becoming stronger, more indomitable and indispensable by the day.

    “So, appreciate our opponents for refusing to participate in the election because they know they are going to fail,” he said.

    The SSG said that the party fielded credible candidates for both chairmanship and councillorship positions in the 27 LGAs.

    According to him, the party is poised to produce council chairmen with integrity, who will serve the people well.

    “The APC candidates are expected to work hand-in-hand  with Gov. Umar Namadi in order to serve people at the grassroots,” he said l

    He described the election as peaceful and gave assurance that the new leadership would provide dividend of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

    “Our expectation at the end of the election is to have credible leadership at the grassroots.

    “Our governor has been acknowledged as a very innovative governor as far as governance, social and economic development are concerned.

    “So, our elected chairmen will work hand-in-hand with him to develop the state,” he said.

    A correspondent, who monitored the exercise at Lambun fairah (442), View centre (004) and Guruzawa (047), reports that the election was generally peaceful.

    APC fielded candidates 27 Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates, PDP fielded two Chairmanship cndidates for Gwaram and Kafinhausa and Councillorship for Kudai in Dutse and Dubantu in Hadejia LGAs.

    The NNPP fielded Chairmanship candidate for Ringim Local Government only.

  • CUPP rates Rivers LG election high as RSIEC declares results

    CUPP rates Rivers LG election high as RSIEC declares results

    The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has congratulated the people of Rivers State on the successful conduct of the local government election in the State on Saturday.

    Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the coalition, described the elections as a triumph for democracy, citing the peaceful participation of the people as a testament to their unwavering commitment to democratic values.

    “In spite of past challenges, the people of Rivers have proven that their voices will be heard and their choices will shape the future. This achievement is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

    Ameh, speaking in Abuja, noted that the people of Rivers have sent a powerful message, demanding accountability, transparency, and effective governance. He emphasised that the collective resolve had given the country hope for a better national election.

    The CUPP National Secretary also highlighted the significance of the election’s success, stating that it had strengthened Nigeria’s democratic institutions, inspired hope for a brighter future, and demonstrated the power of collective action.

    “Your participation has proven that democracy can thrive in Nigeria. We look forward to a continued upward trajectory, where citizens’ voices are amplified and leaders are held accountable.”

    He added that the successful election had dealt a significant blow to external anti-democratic forces seeking to undermine the country’s democracy. Ameh concluded that the resilience of democracy in the face of external interference demonstrated the strength of democratic institutions and the people’s resolve.

    “The success of the election offers hope for democracy’s resilience and revitalisation, showing that citizens can unite to reject anti-democratic forces and affirm their commitment to democratic values”.

    APP sweeps 22 Chairmanship seats in Rivers LG polls

    Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had declared that the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Rivers swept 22 of the 23 Chairmanship positions contested in Saturday’s Local Government Elections.

    Chairman of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, announcing the results, described the elections as free and fair, and said the winners secured two-third majority votes in their respective wards across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA) in the state.

    “Results for 19 Wards in Etche LGA are still being collated, while the results for the 319 councillorship positions across the 23 LGAs will be announced in due course,” he said.

    Enebeli further said that elections were conducted in all the 6,866 units in 319 Wards, with 18 of the 19 political parties participating.

    “The elections, which concluded at 3 p.m., recorded a significant voter turnout, with many defying the rain to cast their ballots,” he said.

    He commended the political parties and residents for their dedication to ensuring a smooth election process.

    The RSIEC boss declared those who polled the highest number of votes duly elected Chairmen of their respective LGAs.

    The list of the successful Chairmen included Vincent Obu (Abua/Odual), Chibudom Ezu (Ahoada-East), Iyekor Ikporo (Ahoada-West), Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide (Akuku-Toru), Lazarus Nteogwuile (Andoni), and Dr Sule Amachree (Asari-Toru).

    Others were Dame Anengi Barasua (Bonny), Dr Harry Agiriye (Degema), Chief Brain Gokpa (Eleme), David Omereji (Emohua), Monday Dumiye (Gokana), and Isreal Abosi (Ikwerre).

    Also declared winners were Martins Nwigbo (Khana), Chijioke Ihunwo (Obio/Akpor), and Isaac Umejuru (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Ishmael Oforibika (Ogu/Bolo), Igwe Achese (Okrika), and Promise Reginald (Omuma).

    The rest were Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Opobo/Nkoro), Gift Okere (Oyibo), Ezebunwo Ichemati (Port Harcourt) and Matthew Dike (Tai).

    The declaration of the results was witnessed by agents of the 18 political parties, members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society groups, among others.

  • IPAC backs Saturday’s Rivers State LG election

    IPAC backs Saturday’s Rivers State LG election

    Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of all the registered political parties in the country says there is no going back on the October 5, Local Government Elections in Rivers.

    Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, the National Chairman of IPAC, Mr Yusuf Mamman, said that parties and candidates had submitted all necessary documents and were ready for the polls.

    He said IPAC was solidly behind the election and it remains committed in deepening democracy and upholding democratic values, ethos, ethics and ideas in the quest for a better society.

    “The Rivers State Independence Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled to conduct Local Government elections in the state on Saturday, October 5, in all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

    “Political parties have since submitted their nomination forms and complied with the guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the election and assured it would be free, fair, credible, transparent, peaceful and inclusive.

    “Be assured that political parties and their candidates for the positions of Chairman, deputy chairman, and councilor have prepared and are ready to participate in the election as scheduled.

    “There is no going back in this critical exercise that will further deepen the nation’s democracy at the grassroots level,” he said.

    Mamman said that IPAC would continue to strive to build an endurable democracy, strengthen democratic institutions, create an environment conducive for the conduct of credible elections.

    He said that the body would  work to ensure political stability and Judicial reforms as court orders and judgments have far reaching implications and consequences for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

    Mamman said that election is the beauty of democracy, particularly at the third tier of government, which is nearest to the people.

    The chairman said that Local Government elections must be supported and encouraged by all lovers of representative governance in Nigeria.

    “It is on this note that IPAC backs the Rivers State local government election and all other elections across the country,” he said.

    Mamman frowned at some political actors seeking court judgment to stop the elections, saying that it will lead to a repeat of the dark days that led to the events of June 12, 1993.

    He said as a major stakeholder in the democratic process, IPAC would  not fold its hands and allow political merchants to trade away the nation’s hard-earned democracy using the judiciary as a cover.

    “By issuing conflicting orders and judgments, the judiciary has become a tool in hands of powerful individuals to undermine our emerging constitutional rule. The integrity of the judiciary is at stake as the temple of justice and bastion of democracy,” he said.

  • Uncertainty beclouds Rivers LG election as PDP supporters protest

    Uncertainty beclouds Rivers LG election as PDP supporters protest

    Hundreds of supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday, staged a protest at the head office of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Police Headquarters in Rivers, over Saturday’s local government election in the State.

    The protesters, who marched through Port Harcourt Aba road office of PDP, stopped at the Forces Avenue office of DSS from where they proceeded to the Moscow road Headquarters of the Nigerian Police.

    They were armed with placards with inscriptions such as “RSIEC obey court order”, “Rivers State is not lawless”, “Say no to impunity,”.

    The protesters expressed anger that despite court order and judgement the State electoral body is going ahead to conduct the election.

    One of the protesters, John Amadi, who spoke with our reporter at DSS office, said, they were there to inform them on the need to obey court order which barred them and the police from providing security during the election.

    “We are members of PDP and are here at DSS office to protest against the Saturday’s local government area election in Rivers State. There was a court judgement barring both the DSS and Police from providing security during the election. We want to let them know that PDP will not participate in the election and that the security agencies should equally obey the court order by not providing security for the election.”

    The protesters were received by the officials of both DSS and Police who advised them to maintain peace and not take laws into their hands.

    There is uncertainty over the Saturday’s local government elections.

    While RSIEC has insisted there is no going back in conducting the election, both APC and PDP have aid they will not participate in the election.

    Chief Tony Okocha-led faction of APC in the State on Wednesday said the party would not allow the election to hold.

    Okocha, who faulted Governor Similanayi Fubara’s insistence on going ahead with the election, said he would challenge what he described as governor’s impunity in disobeying court orders.

    He said the local government election law states that a 90-day period should be given for all political parties that want to participate in an election to prepare for the election.

    He said the governor violated the law by scheduling election within 30 days.

     

  • BREAKING: Fubara declares 2-day public holiday ahead LG polls

    BREAKING: Fubara declares 2-day public holiday ahead LG polls

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has declared Thursday and Friday, the 3rd and 4th of October 2024 as public holidays ahead of election set to hold across 23 local government areas in the State.

    Governor Fubara, who made this known in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, disclosed that the 2-day public holiday is to enable citizens to travel to their respective communities and participate in the forthcoming local government election.

    The Governor also placed a total restriction on vehicular and human movements into, within, and out of the State, and the local government areas, from midnight of Friday 4th October 2024 to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 5th October 2024, except for persons and vehicles with valid identifications who are on election and other essential duties.

    The text of the broadcast reads: “My dear people of Rivers State, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the Chairmen and Councilors of the 23 Local Government Councils on the 17th of June 2023, I lawfully instituted Caretaker Committees to temporarily administer the 23 Local Government Areas pending when the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) would conduct the Local Government Elections in the State.

    “However, to entrench sustainable democracy and good governance in the country’s local government system, the Supreme Court of Nigeria by its judgement in SC/CV/343/2024: A-G Federation v A-G Abia State and 35 Ors delivered on 11 July 2024 effectively outlawed the administration of our local government councils with unelected officers and made several orders including the immediate stoppage of statutory allocations to Local Government Councils without democratically elected local government councils.

    “Following Mr President’s intervention, the period for compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment was graciously extended by three months, which will expire on the 15 of October 2024.

    “On the strength of these positive developments, I directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to take definite steps to conduct local government elections for the 23 local Government Councils of Rivers State.

    “Acting per this directive the RSIEC has since fixed and concluded all arrangements to conduct the Local Government Council election on Saturday 5th October 2024.

    “The legal impetus of RSIEC to conduct the local government elections was further strengthened by the judgment of the Rivers State High Court in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024 delivered on the 4th of September 2024, which positively directed the Governor of Rivers State, the Government of Rivers State and the RSIEC to conduct the scheduled local government elections on the 5th of October 2025 using the 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission’s Voters Register already in the custody of RSIEC.

    “As of today, RVSIEC has expressed and demonstrated concrete and verifiable capacity and readiness to conduct the 2024 Rivers State Local Government Elections on the 5th of October 2024.

    “As of today, 17 out of 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, have expressly and actively demonstrated their willingness to participate by filling candidates with RSIEC for the election.

    “As of today, over 10 States in Nigeria have conducted Local Government Council Elections using the 2023 INEC Voters’ Register since the Supreme Court’s judgment and Rivers State cannot be an exception.

    “As the Governor of Rivers State, I swore to uphold the Constitution of Nigeria and abide by the rule of law and the principles of democracy.

    “Any failure on our part not to conduct the Local Government election would be a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court’s mandatory order that no State Government must administer the Local Government

    “Councils in Nigeria with unelected officers with the attendant consequence of the State and the people being denied the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government areas of the State.

    “The Rivers State Government would also be acting in contempt of the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, which restrains the Governor, the State Government, and RSIEC from scuttling the conduct of the local government elections scheduled for October 5th, 2024.

    “Consequently, on the strengths of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, the Supreme Court Judgment in SC/CV/343/2024, and the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, I hereby reiterate that the Rivers State Government is irrevocably committed to conducting the local government elections on the 5th day of October 2024.

    “Against these backgrounds, I wish to assure every resident that the election for the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State shall be held on Saturday 5th October 2024 throughout the State.

    “The State Government has provided the necessary funds and logistics for RSIEC, which has assured me that it is fully prepared and ready to conduct and deliver a fair, free, and credible Local Government Council election as scheduled.

    “Therefore, I wish to advise and request all registered voters to go to their polling units to exercise their franchise by voting for the candidates of their choice as security personnel would be there to maintain order and ensure peaceful polls as a matter of constitutional duty.

    “We are leaving no stone unturned to enable all registered voters to travel to their communities to participate and peacefully exercise their civic responsibility at their polling units.

    “To this end, I hereby declare Thursday and Friday, the 3rd and 4th of October 2024 as public holidays for citizens to travel to their communities and participate in the election.

    “Furthermore, I hereby place a total restriction on vehicular and human movements into, within, and out of the State, and the Local Government Areas, from midnight of Friday 4th October 2024 to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 5th October 2024, except for persons and vehicles valid identifications who are on election and other essential duties.

    “The police and other security agencies have clear directives from the State’s Security Council to arrest and prosecute any person or group who attempts to violate the restriction on human and vehicular movements on election day.

    “I wish to appreciate the State’s Security High Command for their cooperation and commitment to effectively secure the State and ensure peaceful trouble-free local government elections.

    “As citizens, we all owe our State the commitment to support the RSIEC to succeed in delivering on its constitutional duty to conduct a free, fair, and credible Local Government Council election to usher in a new set of democratically elected leaders to administer the 23 Local Government Councils. Thank you and may God bless Rivers State”.