INEC uncovers plan to disrupt Edo elections using ESSN operatives

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has revealed plans to use members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) to disrupt the September 21 governorship elections.

He stated this on Thursday during his appearance before the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

Prof. Yakubu also expressed worries about the security of lives and property during the upcoming off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo states.

He noted not only the strain on state resources but also the issue of incumbency being exploited by governors to the disadvantage of opposition parties and their candidates.

Speaking specifically on Edo elections Prof. Yakubu said despite the challenge of flooding, there is also the issue of security.

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He alleged that there was available information on the alleged deployment of operatives of the Edo State Security Network ESSN to curse commotion during the September 21 polls.

While outlining the activities for the two elections, the INEC boss said submission of all polling agents will be done 30 days before the respective elections.

He also said 17 candidates would be contesting the governorship position in both states with Edo fielding the only female candidate in the entire polls.

INEC uncovers plan to disrupt Edo elections using ESSN operatives

Again, Tinubu says govt won’t tolerate destructive protests

President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of balancing democratic freedoms with public safety on Thursday.

While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, he made it clear that his administration will not permit demonstrations that escalate into violence, destruction, or harm to individuals or property.

This statement was made during a ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he received credentials from the newly appointed US Ambassador, Richard Mills Jr.

The President’s media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, shared this exchange in a statement that underscored Tinubu’s commitment to preserving democratic norms and institutions.

Tinubu said this on the backdrop of growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled for August 1, 2024.

The President said, “During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.

“We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.”

He also described Nigeria-US relations as “rich,” committing to uphold democracy.

“Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.

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“We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values,” he said.

Tinubu welcomed the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, calling on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.

He said, “Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides.

“We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow.”

On his part, Mills affirmed the U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.

“Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.

“I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,” Mills said.

The Ambassador also expressed the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, announcing the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Earlier, President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms. Phild Nani Kereng.

He told the High Commissioner of Malaysia that Nigeria would work towards improving the balance of trade between the two countries.

“Diversification of the economy is uppermost on my Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria.

“We must look at how we can improve the balance of trade with Malaysia,” the President said.

Tinubu also acknowledged that many Nigerian students find studying in Malaysia attractive, adding that Nigeria looks forward to their contributions to the development of critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and ICT.

The Malaysian High Commissioner said that ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2025, Malaysia is looking forward to strengthening relations with Nigeria.

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“We are pleased with our cooperation in the areas of education. We are also keen on working with Nigerian partners in the financial services sector,” the High Commissioner said.

In his audience with the Botswana High Commissioner, the President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop robust cultural and economic cooperation with the Southern African country.

Acknowledging Botswana’s progress on livestock development, the President said he had received a briefing from a committee established to create a ministry of livestock development in Nigeria.

“The committee is at work, and their report will be ready in the next two weeks. Africa’s solution is in our hands. Nobody will help us if we do not help ourselves,” Tinubu said.

He described President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as a good friend and extended his appreciation to the Botswana President for attending his inauguration.

Kereng said Botswana is committed to being a leader in the production of livestock vaccines and is prepared to partner with Nigeria in this area.

She expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, adding that young people from Botswana had a lot to learn from Nigeria’s youth-driven creative economy.

“My coming to Nigeria fulfils my President’s vision of improved relations with Nigeria, and I will work very hard to achieve these objectives,” said Kereng.

The protests, organised under the hashtag ‘#EndBadGovernancein Nigeria,’ have gained significant traction on social media, with no group officially claiming responsibility.

Again, Tinubu says govt won’t tolerate destructive protests

MURIC demands ban on movie portraying women in Niqab as criminals

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned an upcoming movie featuring Nancy Isime and other actresses wearing purdah (Niqab) and brandishing weapons, describing it as “satanic” and “Islamophobic.”

The group claims the film portrays Muslim women as criminals and incites the public against them.

The statement read: “An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry. The upcoming film, which was recently unveiled by Nancy Isime, shows women in purdah brandishing dangerous weapons and robbing banks. It is Islamophobia taken to the highest level. This film is satanic, repugnant, and provocative.