News
INEC: Anambra attacks worrisome — but we’re determined to proceed with guber poll
The Independent National Electrical Commission (INEC) says in spite of security challenges, it is determined to proceed with the Anambra governorship election as scheduled. The election is billed to hold on November 6.
Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, spoke on Tuesday at an emergency meeting of the inter-agency consultative committee on election security (ICCES) in Abuja.
Yakubu said during the last ICCES quarterly meeting on September 9, concerns were raised by the committee on the security situation in Anambra and neigbouring states, and how it might affect preparations for the conduct of the Anambra governorship election.
He said the security situation had deteriorated since the last meeting, as many lives had been lost and property destroyed in the state.
Yakubu, however, said INEC would continue to work with security agencies and other stakeholders in the state to ensure the success of the election.
“From reports that we have received, the stated goal of many of the attackers is that the governorship election scheduled for November 6 must not hold,” Yakubu said.
“This is worrisome for the commission. We are deeply concerned that specific electoral facilities and materials could once more become targets of attack.
“We wish to assure the people of Anambra state that the commission is determined to proceed with the election as scheduled.
“To underscore this determination, the commission is implementing two more activities on the timetable for the election in the next few days. The register of voters will be presented to political parties in Awka on Thursday, 7th October 2021. On the same day, the commission will publish the final list of candidates for the election.
“We are confident that at the end of this meeting, we will firm up on specific measures necessary to further guarantee the safety of all persons involved in the election from the voters, election officials, observers, media organisations and the security of election materials.”
Yakubu said the commission is already recovering from the attack it suffered in Akwa when one of its offices was attacked by gunmen in May.
“Happily, we have almost fully recovered from that attack. The destroyed buildings have either been completely repaired or are nearing completion and we have fully replaced the materials destroyed,” he said.
“This rapid recovery has only been possible because this is an off-season election. We have sourced some of these materials such as the 326 electric generators and vehicles destroyed in the attack from neighbouring states.
“However, should we again lose vital materials and facilities, the ongoing preparations will be adversely affected. This is particularly worrisome because the security agencies have also become prime targets of these mindless attacks.
“At the same time, deployment for the election will involve the movement of huge consignments of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to the 21 local government areas (LGAs) of the state, 326 wards or registration areas and 5,720 polling units. That means over 6,000 locations to be protected.
“If we add that to about 26,000 officials that will be deployed for the election, we begin to appreciate the magnitude of the challenge of securing the Anambra governorship election which is only 32 days from today.”
News
IGP orders withdrawal of police attached to Yahaya Bello
IGP orders withdrawal of police attached to Yahaya Bello
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has withdrawn all police officers attached to former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
This is contained in a police wireless message obtained on Friday.
The document with reference number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 read, “IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has also placed Bello on its watchlist after he evaded arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N80 billion financial crime.
The notice to this effect comes a few hours after the EFCC declared the former Governor wanted.
Bello is being wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corrupt practices while in office as Kogi Governor.
News
Tinubu’s aide under fire over comment on Yahaya Bello arrest
Tinubu’s aide under fire over comment on Yahaya Bello arrest
The internet users has bombarded the twitter page (X) of the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga over his comment on former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who resisted arrest by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recall EFCC declared the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, wanted for alleged misappropriation of funds while in office. The development has been attracting mixed reactions from members of the public, and one of those who reacted was the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
On Thursday, the EFCC had declared Yahaya Bello wanted in connection with an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of about 80 billion naira.
Sharing a photo of the former governor online, the anti-graft agency said that anyone with useful information about his whereabouts should contact them.
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Reacting to that, Onanuga asked Bello where he intends to run to, and advised him to turn himself in to the EFCC and get a good lawyer that would defend him.
He said, “Yahaya Bello, where will you run to? It’s better you submit yourself to the EFCC and get a good lawyer.”
Below are the reactions:
Tinubu’s aide under fire over comment on Yahaya Bello arrest
News
Updated: More trouble for Yahaya Bello as Immigration places him on watch list
Updated: More trouble for Yahaya Bello as Immigration places him on watch list
The Nigeria Immigration Service has ordered the arrest of former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaha Bello, if found at any entry/exit point of the country.
The NIS said on Thursday night that Yahaya Bellowas placed on its watchlist after evading arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegation of N80 billion fraud.
This notice came a few hours after the EFCC had declared the former governor wanted.
The NIS, in a letter addressed to the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency as well as other formations declared that Bello had been placed on its watch list.
The letter was signed by the Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (Suspect Index), D S Umar, on behalf of the Comptroller General of the Immigration Service.
Part of the letter read, “Suffice to mention that the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for Conspiracy, Breach of Trust and Money Laundering vide letter Ref: CR: 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/TE/V 1/279 dated 18th April 2024, if seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action.”
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