INEC Commences Distribution Of Sensitive Election Materials

 In preparation for the presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for February 25, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials to its local government offices. 

Eyewitnesses in Cross River, Calabar, revealed in a video that INEC has already started sending election materials to the right places as of Wednesday, 22 February 2023. 

Recall that on Monday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State disclosed that it will commence the distribution of sensitive election materials to its local government offices across the state on Wednesday.

Cash Swap Riots: We Are Investigating Governors Over Inciting Utterances – IGP

 The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali, on Wednesday revealed that the force is investigating individuals, including state governors whose utterances are considered to have incited citizens to riots over the naira redesign policy of the federal government.

Briefing correspondents alongside the Attorney General of Federation, Abubakar Malami, after a meeting of the National Security Council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he said, however, that despite the investigation, the police cannot prosecute the state chief executives because they enjoy immunity.

Recall that many governors led by the Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State had openly denigrated the Buhari policy, asking their citizens not to comply with the expiration of the legality of the old N500 and N1000.

Asked why the governors had not been cautioned, the Police boss stated: “We all know why unless you want to hear from the mouth of the Attorney General. We are investigating, we are investigating. Whoever does anything can be investigated.

“But for him to be investigated, some people have immunity. I think that is some of the reasons. But that will not stop us from cautioning, warning, or advising them, and we are doing so. That’s for the incitement by governors.”

I Am Not Supporting Tinubu – Gov Ikpeazu Dismisses Orji Kalu

 Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has dismissed recent comments credited to Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, as mere speculations and wishful thinking.

Speaking to newsmen after inspecting the ongoing final asphalt overlay on Faulks Road, Aba, Governor Ikpeazu stated that “no member of G5 can railroad another member into supporting anyone against his will as suggested by Senator Kalu”.

It will be recalled that during a recent interview with Channels Television on Monday, Senator Kalu had said:

“Tinubu is well liked by the North and is from the South-West and is going to get a [sizeable] vote in Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra and Enugu. And he’s going to have the support of Governor Wike of Rivers State, so we’re on track.

“My governor here, Okezie Ikepazu, will also support Tinubu. My senatorial district is going to give Tinubu the vote, the puncher to give the 34, 35 per cent to be on the ballot,” he said.

Responding to newsmen after his project inspection visit, Governor Ikpeazu who dismissed Senator Kalu’s statement with a wave of the hand, described it as mere wishful thinking and the usual political speculation associated with the season.

Earlier, the Director of Strategic Engagement, Abia State PDP Campaign Council, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, had in a statement iissued in Umuahia, assured that there was no truth whatsoever in tne statement credited to Senator Kalu, recalling that in the run up to the 2019 general elections, there were similar mischievous speculations around the Governor because of his non rancorous brand of politics which allowed him to accommodate different political views and orientations without any qualms.

“Governor ikpeazu is a democrat and even as he frowns at some decisions of his party, the PDP, he remains a committed member of the PDP family.

“Ikpeazu is in touch with Abians and will not derail from the decision of a majority of his people which does not presently incline towards APC or its presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu.

“It is noteworthy that in the field, APC structures in Abia South Senatorial District have completely collapsed into the PDP as was seen during the PDP rally held at Ahiaba in Obingwa LGA. So it is laughable for anyone to imagine the Governor working for the same party that has collapsed as a result of the good work the Governor has been doing in the state.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ikpeazu has not endorsed Tinubu and will not endorse him because he is a leader that is guided by the feelings of his people. PDP remains formidable and all our candidates in the forthcoming elections hold very strong prospects of winning, in Abia”, he said.

Chief Okiyi further stated that the PDP in Abia State “acknowledges the frustration of opposition parties in the state and sympathizes with them on their imminent rejection by the people who see the PDP as a steady hand guaranteeing continuing peace and progress of the state.

“Abians cannot abandon the PDP which gave them over 200 roads including 4 bridges, 700 new classroom blocks, sent some of her youths abroad on schorlarship and trained shoemakers overseas. It is unthinkable for our people to abandon such a party which built 2 brand new giant firms that have been gainfully employing our people and engaging them in other nuerous positive ways.

“The PDP government of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has employed over 10,000 youths through direct jobs in TIMAAS, APUMA, ENASCO, Abia school feeding programmes, ASEPA etc. It has facilitated regular power supply in parts of Aba through delineate support to Geometric Power Company and has bequeathed the first free trade zone in south east through Enyimba Economic City.

“It is because we are proud of our record as a party and government that our candidates are campaigning on those records, whereas our opponents are engaging in propaganda and outright falsehood to attempt to hoodwink voters.

“As of today, Abia remains the safest state in the southeast. To the glory of God, the state has not witnessed any successful bank robbery since Governor Ikpeazu emerged in 2015. Our people will only go to a place with better prospects or they remain with the party they already know. They are not willing to repeat the same mistake Nigerians made at the National level in 2015.

Yakubu Dogara Blast Tinubu Says Emilokan Is Heresy

 The former speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara has described TInubu's "Emilokan" as heresy. In a series of tweets released by on his official Twitter handle he wrote:

"As we go to the polls remember that we can not put a set of people, half addicted to rage and the other half addicted to delirium, into leadership and still hope that we can rise above the contradictions which define their very nature; for they will only reproduce themselves.

Note also that Democracy anywhere does not give permission to its citizens to be their worst selves. A people who knowingly suborn the gormless into leadership positions have wittingly or unwittingly resolved never to rise. Come on Nigeria, we are better than this!

Doing things for others and demanding that they pay you back amounts to doing the right things for the wrong reasons- the very definition of heresy. Is it said that, "the most truly generous persons are those who give silently without hope of praise or reward." #emilokanisheresy

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has previously asked Christians in Nigeria not to waste their votes by voting for the Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election.

Court Fixes Friday For Judgment In Suit To Stop INEC From Using MC Oluomo

 

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has fixed Friday, February 24, for judgment in the suit seeking to stop the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from using, engaging or further dealing with the Chairman of the Lagos Parks and Garages Management Committee, Musliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo or any of his representatives in the distribution of election materials and adhoc staff for the forthcoming polls in the state.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke fixed the date, after listening to counsel to the applicants, Abass Ibrahim.

The applicants in the suit are: Labour Party, and its governorship candidate in the state, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, African Democratic Congress and its candidate Funsho Doherty and the Boot Party, and it’s candidate Wale Oluwo.

On Monday, Feb. 20, the court had granted an interlocutory injunction restraining INEC from engaging the Oluomo led-park managers, or any of its commercial bus drivers, to distribute election materials and personnel for the 2023 polls in Lagos State.

While adjourning the substantive suit till today, the judge ordered the applicants to serve the restraining order and other processes in the suit on INEC who is the only defendant in the case.

At the resumed hearing of the matter today, counsel to the applicants, Abass Ibrahim, told the court that he had fully complied with the court orders, by serving all processes and the hearing notice on the INEC, but he was surprised that the respondent failed to appear in court.

The counsel then asked the court to allow him move his clients’ application, a request which was granted by the court.

In moving the originating motion, the counsel told the court that the motion dated February 13 but filed on February 16, 2023, was brought pursuant to section 6 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, sections 26 and 27(1)(2) of the Electorial Act, 2022 and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

He also told the court that the motion is supported with a 27-paragraph affidavit, written address and exhibits.

The reliefs sought for in the originating motion are:

“a declaration that the appointment, partnership, or contracting of Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo-led Lagos State Parks Management Committee by INEC to distribute 2023 election materials and personnels in Lagos State violates Section 26 and 27 of the Electoral Act 2022 and consequently unlawful, null and void.

“A declaration that the appointment, partnership, or contracting of Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo-led Lagos State Parks Management Committee (established by Governor Babajide SanwoOlu, the APC gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State) and any of its members and/or drivers by INEC to distribute election materials and personnels in Lagos State will give room for election sabotage, manipulation, and rigging in favour of the APC and consequently unlawful and illegal.

“A declaration that the appointment, partnership, or contracting of Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo-led Lagos State Parks Management Committee or any of its members and/or drivers by INEC to distribute 2023 election materials and personnels in Lagos State is unlawful, wrongful, unjust and/or unreasonable and should be immediately stopped.

“An order setting aside any partnership, undertaking, contract and/or MOU of any form or nature executed by Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo, the Lagos State Parks Management Committee or any of ifs members and/or drivers with INEC to distribute election materials and personnels in Lagos State.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC and/or their privies or any persons acting under their directions from contracting, partnering of appointing Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo, Lagos State Parks Management Committee or any of its members and/or drivers to distribute 2023 election materials and personnels in Lagos State.”

After moving the application, he urged the court to grant reliefs sought. Justice Aneke subsequently adjourned till Friday, for judgment.

Naira: LASU Employee Trying To Withdraw Cash Dies In Bank Queue

 An employee of the Lagos State University, Ojo, Mr. Johnson Ademola, died Monday afternoon in a bank queue in the institution while trying to withdraw cash.

Reports of Ademola’s demise had emerged online as some news outlets (not PUNCH) said the deceased was one of the deputy bursars of the institution.

It was gathered that the incident happened at a branch of Wema Bank in the university where the deceased went to withdraw some money.

According to reports, the bank was allegedly allowing customers to withdraw a maximum of N5,000, fuelling the online reports that Ademola had died while in the queue to withdraw N5,000.

Ademola, who until his death was the Financial Officer of the Faculty of Law and an Executive Officer in the Accounts Department of the institution, was said to have slumped while waiting in the queue for his turn to withdraw cash. Efforts to revive him reportedly proved abortive.

It was gathered that the deceased was subsequently rushed to the University Health Centre where he was certified dead.

An employee of the university, who did not want his name in print because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, confirmed the incident to our correspondent Tuesday afternoon.


He said, “It is true. We were all shocked when we heard about it yesterday. The story is that he was at the bank to withdraw some cash and he slumped while in the queue and died immediately.”

The member of LASU community blamed Ademola’s death on the crisis that resulted from the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

When contacted on Tuesday afternoon, the acting Coordinator for the Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU, Mr. Olaniyi Jeariogbe, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH. He, however, clarified that the deceased was not one of the institution’s deputy bursars as reported by some media outlets.

He said, “LASU does not have only one deputy bursar. And as I speak, all our deputy bursars and the bursar are alive, hale and hearty. I needed to clarify that.”

He continued, “The man who died was the CEO Accounts and was until his death the Financial Officer of the Faculty of Law.”

Asked about the circumstances surrounding Ademola’s death, Jeariogbe said he (Ademola) left the office for the bank to carry out “some personal transactions” at around past 11am.

“Anything can happen to anybody,” he said, adding that, “he (Ademola) left the office to go for some personal transactions at the bank between 11am and 12pm, and he had not even been away for up to 30 minutes when we heard that he had died.”


Ademola who, according to the LASU spokesperson, joined the institution as a Typist in January 1986, was born on November 13, 1959.

On October 26, 2022, the Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, announced the apex bank’s plan to redesign the N200, N500 and N1,000 notes of the naira.

The CBN boss also said the old notes of the redesigned denominations would lose their legal tender status from January 31, 2023, adding that new notes would be released on December 15, 2022.

He, therefore, advised Nigerians to start to deposit their old notes to their accounts through commercial banks before the January 31 deadline.

Justifying the need for the naira redesigned policy, Emefiele said 85 per cent of the currency in circulation was outside of the banking sector and was being hoarded by Nigerians.

He added that redesigning naira notes would help to curb counterfeit notes, as well as hamper ransom payments to terrorists and kidnappers.

The January 31 deadline was later extended to February 10 after a meeting between the CBN governor and the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).


This has resulted in the scarcity of the naira across the country with its attendant hardships on Nigerians.

Violent protests leading to burning of banks and other properties with some lives lost have erupted in multiple places in Nigeria as the citizens groan under the pain that the scarcity of the naira has brought upon them.

Queues have continued to mount in banks and Automated Teller Machine points across the country, and Point of Sale merchants have resorted to selling naira notes at exorbitant prices to Nigerians.

Governors of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states, Nasir el-Rufai, Yahaya Bello and Bello Matawalle respectively, had dragged the Federal Government to the Supreme Court over the naira redesign policy. The apex court had granted an interim injunction restraining the apex bank and the FG from implementing the February 10 for the expiration of the legal tender status of the old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes pending the hearing and determination of the suit before it.

The apex court has adjourned the hearing till Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

However, the CBN and the FG have insisted that the February 10 deadline remained. The CBN governor said the apex bank was not joined in the suit, hence it would not be affected by the Supreme Court ruling.

Also, the President in a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, February 16, barely 24 hours after the apex court adjourned the hearing of the pending suit to February 22, announced that the old N500 and N1,000 notes had ceased to be legal tender, while extending the validity of the old N200 note by 60 days from February 10 to April 10 before it will also lose its legal tender status, contrary to the apex court ruling.

2023 Elections: I’m Not Desperate For Power, Says Atiku

 THE presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar said, on Tuesday, that he and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, were not contesting for the highest office in the land out of hunger for power.

According to him, they are in the presidential race to unite the people, tackle insecurity and revamp the country’s economy with a view to improving a lot of masses this time around.

He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday when the Council of National Students Presidents of Nigeria (CNSPN) endorsed him ahead of this Saturday’s presidential election.

CNSPN is a body made up of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), the PostGraduate Students Association of Nigeria (PSAN), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) and the National Association of Colleges of Agriculture Students (NACAS).

Represented by the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, the PDP presidential standard bearer, said: “They (Atiku/Okowa) asked me to come and appreciate you for the faith in them and to remind you that they are not running because they are hungry for political offices.

“They are running because they believe they have been tried and tested and proven that what is delivered in their hands does not shake and the destiny of this country will become steadied and stabilised.

“They are more determined, seeing that Nigeria has been left behind on starting blocks of the race, they will ensure that they deliver the promise of this great country.”


Speaking in his personal capacity, Dogara hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s policy on the Naira redesign.

According to him, the Naira redesign will checkmate vote buying and enhance credible elections and asked Nigerians to endure the temporal pains as the gains would be great.

“Whatever pains we are passing through in relation to the Naira redesign policy, some of us may not have the cash but I urge you that consider this pain as part of the sacrifice that will give us a transparent election in which we will elect a leader that we deserve,” he said.

Also speaking, the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Philip Aduda said: “Our incoming President Atiku is an educationist, somebody who has a university, his university has never been on strike, he is somebody who is tested and trusted.”

Earlier, the Chairman of CNSPN, Obaji Uchenna Marshal after their examination, the working document of the PDP is the only document that goes beyond making political promises to actually providing blueprint on how to have those promises achieved.

He said: “It is pertinent to note that, more than ever before, students are paying genuine attention to the processes of electing leaders that will see over the affairs of governance of this country for the next four(4) years, hence our unwavering commitment to be part of the process by exercising our constitutional franchise.

“On this note of the foregoing and sequel to the above, the CNSPN has taken her time to follow all the Frontline Candidates closely, gone through their Policy working documents(Manifestos) and after keen scrutiny, the CNSPN have come to the conclusion that the manifesto of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which carries the Atiku/Okowa tickets is the most reliable, realizable.

“The are only ones that provide answers to Nigeria’s quests and above all, the most educationally friendly, the working document of the PDP is the only document that goes beyond making political promises to actually providing blue print on how to have these promises achieved.

“These promises have drawn our interest and its anchored on the following:To restore Nigeria’s unity and social justice and to also build consensus amongst Nigerians irrespective of Tribe and Religion.

To establish a strong and effective democratic system that will guarantee the security of the lives and properties of all Nigerians.

“To build a strong, resilient and prosperous economy, that will create jobs and generate wealth that will lift the people out of poverty. To promote a true federal system that will provide for a strong federal government that will guarantee national unity and devoid of Power at the Central.


“To improve and strengthen the Nigerian educational system so as to equip Nigerian graduates with requisite competency to compete with their contemporary within global space, this new order is driven by innovations, science and technology. To Restructure Nigeria and bring Governance close to the grassroots and to enable Regions and State Controls their Resources

“Based on this premise and on our conviction, that it will work best for Nigerian, CNSPN, after our National Executives Council Meeting has resolved, adopted and worked Vigorously for the success of the Atiku/Okowa ticket comes February 25th Presidential Election, we have passed circular urging all students under our umbrella to come out, vote and also work to ensure victory. We are fully behind the Rescue Team of the PDP.”