Hoodlums set ablaze 345 INEC ballot boxes in A'Ibom – Newstrends
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Hoodlums set ablaze 345 INEC ballot boxes in A’Ibom

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Essien Udim Local Government Area has been set ablaze.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye, said on Sunday in a statement that the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to Okoye, the security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive.

“Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture.”

He recalled that on the eve of the 2019 General Election, INEC newly constructed prototype LGA office in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down while two more offices in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo LGAs were bombed.

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2027: Kwankwaso slams northern elders over choice of candidates

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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

2027: Kwankwaso slams northern elders over choice of candidates

The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has again commented on the next presidential election, coming up in 2027.

The former Kano State Governor expressed his discontent with individuals which he said claimed to be Northern leaders, who interfere in the selection of candidates, especially for the presidency, under the guise of representing the region.

Kwakwanso made the remarks in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service. He stated that such actions cause division among the people, disrupt democracy, and, most importantly, lead to the election of unqualified leaders.

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He emphasized that the lessons from past elections should serve as a warning to these so-called leaders, urging them to steer clear of interfering in candidate selection and imposing their will on the people.

Kwankwaso also emphasized that Northern elders, particularly those from the Northwest, should refrain from displaying favouritism in the selection of candidates.

It will be recalled that some time ago, the former governor dismissed rumours of an agreement between himself and former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, suggesting that each would serve a specific term in office.

Kwakwanso came fourth behind the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu, Atiku and Obi, in the 2023 polls.

 

2027: Kwankwaso slams northern elders over choice of candidates

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APC diaspora rejects group’s ranking Tinubu among most corrupt leaders

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

APC diaspora rejects group’s ranking Tinubu among most corrupt leaders

The former Secretary of the Committee of APC Diaspora Chairmen, Mr Ayoola Lawal has condemned the inclusion of President Bola Tinubu in the recent global corruption ranking by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

Lawal, the immediate past Chairman of the APC in Scandinavian countries in a statement on Saturday.

Questioned the basis and fairness of the ranking, which placed Tinubu amongst the world’s most corrupt leaders of 2024.

He described the ranking as “unjustified” and “lacking in merit,” emphasising that many of their allegations against Tinubu, cited as reasons for his inclusion, were historical and remained unproven.

According to him, Tinubu’s inclusion somewhat seems to be a mistake influenced by bias.

“It is utterly perplexing that the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu is being ranked based on allegations that predate his presidency and are still to be substantiated in any court of law.

“The OCCRP’s decision to include him in such a ranking appears to be more about perception than proven factual evidence,” he said.

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Lawal argued that the ranking failed to consider Tinubu’s current leadership and policy initiatives, which he described as bold and focused on economic reforms.

While acknowledging that some of Tinubu’s policies have sparked public debate, Lawal maintained that these should not overshadow his efforts to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

“ One will expect the OCCRP to focus on leaders whose actions in office have been proven to undermine public trust through corruption.

“Targeting President Tinubu with historical and unresolved allegations not only undermines his leadership but also, casts Nigeria and Nigerians in a negative light on the global stage,” he said.

Lawal urged the OCCRP to provide clearer criteria for its rankings and to avoid what he described as “selective judgment” that could harm international perceptions of developing nations.

He urged Nigerians to remain focused on holding their leaders accountable through constructive dialogue and democratic processes, rather than relying on controversial rankings that could easily be seen via bias

.“True leadership accountability comes from within, through our institutions and collective voice as a people.

“We must not allow external assessments that lack convincing standards to define our narrative without critically examining their validity.

“I hope the OCCRP will respond to criticisms of its methodology and the inclusion of Tinubu in its 2024 rankings,” he added.

APC diaspora rejects group’s ranking Tinubu among most corrupt leaders

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Obi: We’ve not agreed on merger with any political party

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Obi: We’ve not agreed on merger with any political party

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi has said there was currently no agreement between the party and any other opposition party for a merger.

The former Anambra State governor spoke against speculations that the LP had entered into a merger deal with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.
Obi, who addressed newsmen on the state of the nation in Abuja, yesterday, however, didn’t admit or deny the existence of merger talks, but he was emphatic that there was “no agreement yet.”

He appealed to all lovers of Nigeria irrespective of political affiliation to unite because it was only in unity that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, whom he said has “mismanaged” the nation’s resources can be defeated.

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Obi described Nigeria’s security situation as unfortunate. He expressed sadness that Nigerians were needlessly being sent to their early graves on account of banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping-for-ransom.

He also faulted the current administration’s claims of fighting corruption.

Obi argued that the level of corruption in Nigeria remained high just as the cost of governance which he said has led to an astronomical increase in public debt.

Obi stressed that the situation was worsened because government officials willfully mismanaged public funds in 2024 through incessant foreign travels.

 

Obi: We’ve not agreed on merger with any political party

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