Nnamdi Kanu: CSO accuses Reps Ad-hoc Chair of Sabotaging National Security

A rights group, Save Nigeria Movement has accused Obinna Aguocha, the Chairman Ad-hoc Committee interfacing with relevant security agencies to reduce kidnapping, assassinations and banditry in Abia State communities, of sabotaging national security.

The CSO made the accusation in a petition to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to reconstitute and caution the Ad-hoc Committee, over what it described as breach of House Rules and an attempt to undermine national security.

Convener of the group, Rev. Solomon Semaka in the petition sighted by newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, accused Aguocha of making unguarded utterances that stand against the resolutions of both Chambers of the 10th National Assembly with the possibility of jeopardizing the peace and security of the region and Nigeria at large.

According to him, anybody canvassing for Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release without recourse to the earlier resolution of the 10th National Assembly calling for continued intervention, investigation and wider consultation given all that was alleged to have done, was “unpatriotic and treacherous.”

The petition partly reads: “While we commend the 10th National Assembly for its proactive steps taken so far to end insecurity in the region, we are dismayed by the unwholesome activities and unguarded statements of the Hon. Obinna Aguocha led Ad -hoc Committee including calling for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

“This runs afoul with the resolutions of both Chambers on the security situation in the region and is therefore counter productive. In the interest of national security, the Chairman should be recused and the Committee reconstituted.”

The group reminded the Speaker of the role played by Nnamdi Kanu in destabilizing the region starting with his illegal broadcasts in 2010, which it noted had incited and encouraged majority of criminal activities in the region. This, the CSO maintained has led to the recruitment of foot soldiers, indoctrination and widespread criminality which has directly threatened our national security.

“Over the years, Mr. Kanu and his lieutenants, starting with his illegal Radio Biafra, have misled, indoctrinated and recruited thousands of young people in a criminal secessionist enterprise resulting into thousands of deaths, destruction of infrastructure worth billions of naira, stampeding socio- economic growth in the region using the infamous sit -at -home charade.”

The group equally accused Mr. Nnamdi Kanu of hiding under the self actualisation of the peoples Republic of Biafa to run his personal entrepreneurship with a few criminal syndicates both within and outside the country and wondered why any lawmaker would contemplate the idea of unconditional release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu without regard to the rule of law.

“Except Hon. Obinna is desperately seeking political relevance and survival at the expense of the innocent victims of IPOB and ESN, he cannot be spared for his unguarded comments and so called resolutions. Contemplating the implementation of the resolution of the Obinna Aguocha led committee will only jeopardize national security and further destroy the region. As a group, we welcome every genuine attempt to restore peace in the region as long as it is clearly in the best interest of national security and the people of the region”.

The petition further called for disciplinary actions against the lawmaker to serve as a deterrent to others and prayed the Speaker to compel Hon. Obinna to “retract his statements and offer unreserved apologies to the house and the people of the region, order an investigation in the Committee’s activities and reaffirm its earlier position rejecting any unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu to save the integrity and image of the House.”

Physical bookstores in Beijing gains new vitality

By Shi Fang, People’s Daily

In the evening, in the Bi’an Bookstore on Huayuan Road, Haidian district, Beijing, customers were browsing books while several young people were engrossed in their studies in a self-study room. Dozens of member readers waited quietly for a music concert to start.

“We are holding seven activities today, and there are also many customers coming to buy books,” said Zhao Yuechao, the founder of the bookstore. “We hope to attract more readers through quality books, creative displays, thoughtful service, and rich activities.”

In recent years, brick-and-mortar bookstores have been faced pressures like business transformation. To alleviate such pressures, relevant authorities in Beijing introduced relevant support measures.

“Since 2019, Beijing has invested 100 million yuan ($13.72 million) in supporting physical bookstores each year, which helped a total of around 1,000 bookstores,” said an official with the publicity authority of Beijing.

Government departments have coordinated resources, helped bookstores develop on e-commerce platforms, and conducted live streaming marketing events, continuously expanding bookstores’ sales channels, the official added.

“These support measures have boosted the confidence of brick-and-mortar booksellers and underscored the importance of reading for everyone,” said Ma Lijie, manager of the Chunfengzai Bookstore.

For two consecutive years, the Chunfengzai bookstore has received subsidy. Seventy percent of the subsidy it received last year was used to purchase quality books, and 15 percent to renovate and upgrade in-store facilities.

Wei Yushan, head of the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication, told that Beijing’s physical bookstore industry overall showed stable development and quality improvement thanks to the strong support from the government.

Since 2016, the number of physical bookstores in Beijing has continued to grow, exceeding 2,100 as of the third quarter of 2022, according to him. In 2022, Beijing held over 30,000 featured reading activities, reaching and joined by over 20 million people.

In the view of Liu Mingqing, chairman of Beijing Zhixin Cultural Industry Institute, Beijing’s successive policies supporting physical bookstores are not simply about helping bookstores get by, but energizing them and encouraging them to make innovations and achieve lasting development.

Whether in bustling commercial districts or remote suburbs, people in the Chinese capital can always encounter featured bookstores.

Beijing has introduced a special support policy to help pair bookstores with communities. The policy encourages each bookstore to collaborate with 5 to 10 nearby communities so residents can buy and borrow books and participate in diverse cultural activities right at their doorsteps.

Zhang Hongyi is a beneficiary of the policy. The Nanting Xinyuan community where she lives, located in Fengtai district, used to have no bookstores nearby. “It took me nearly two hours on the bus to get to the nearest bookstore,” she said. In 2021, a bookstore opened in the community, much to the residents’ delight. Zhang’s child has become a regular customer of the bookstore. “My child goes to the bookstore right after school and doesn’t want to leave once there,” said Zhang.

Some people, due to visual impairments, cannot read ordinary books. Others in wheelchairs cannot hit bookstores due to mobility issues. How can their reading needs be met? These “pain points” are perfectly solved at the barrier-free bookstore Shanyuan, which means good will in Chinese.

In the Bookstore, shelves are split into 6 tiers, with the bottom kept clear as an 80-centimeter-tall opening. The tables and counters have open sections underneath, creating ample space for people in wheelchairs to easily access and browse the books. Following accessible design concepts, the edges of the shelves and furniture are curved to prevent injuries. Apart from the hardware design, the bookstore also provides braille and large font books.

“The biggest significance of accessible bookstores is allowing persons with disabilities to access knowledge equally like the able-bodied,” said Liu Daming, who has osteogenesis imperfecta and often goes to the Shanyuan Bookstore.

“I hope more and more of such bookstores will open,” he noted.

“Why do readers come to bookstores? How to keep them there? How to make them come back again?” These are questions Qi Hang, manager of the Youmo Bookstore, has always pondered, and also questions physical bookstores cannot avoid in the internet age.

The Youmo Bookstore takes a meticulous approach to curating specialty themes. They offer professional yet amicable services to pique readers’ interest, thus ultimately spurring purchases.

“Physical bookstores are becoming integrated platforms, using books as the medium, gathering diverse cultural elements, and building rich business models,” said Liu Aicheng, founder of the Shanyuan Bookstore.

According to an official with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Press and Publication, Beijing has preliminarily built a public reading service network that enables residents to find a public library, comprehensive book mall, featured bookstore or community bookstore in 15 minutes of walk, which adequately fulfills people’s cultural and literary needs.

Japan’s discharge plan places country in “defendant’s seat”

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

On August 24th, the Japanese government unilaterally started releasing nuclear-contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, in disregard of strong criticism and opposition from the international community.

Japan’s actions are blatantly transfer the risk of nuclear pollution to the rest of the world, prioritizing Japan’s own interests over the long-term well-being of regional and global populations.

It fully exposes Japan’s selfishness and arrogance, and will place the country in the defendant’s seat, facing long-term accusations and condemnation from the international community.

The ocean sustains humanity. Japan’s pushing for the ocean discharge plan is no doubt a huge gamble that ventures the global marine environment and people’s health.

For the past two years and more, the legitimacy, legality and safety of Japan’s ocean discharge plan has been questioned over and over again by the international community.

Japan has yet to address major international concerns such as the long-term reliability of the purification facility, the authenticity and accuracy of the nuclear-contaminated water data, and the effectiveness of the monitoring arrangement. 

Yet it has painstakingly tried to create the illusion that discharging nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is safe and harmless, and has even unreasonably blamed neighboring countries for expressing legitimate concerns. This shows Japan’s selfishness and arrogance.

Japan’s unilateral decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water has permanently labeled the country as a “saboteur of the ecological system” and “polluter of the global marine environment.”

This unilateral decision seriously deviates from basic international justice. The handling of the nuclear-contaminated water must be undertaken with an attitude and spirit reflecting profound responsibility to all of humanity. However, Japan’s actions completely contradict this.

The international community sees it clearly that Japan has not exhausted all safe ways of disposal, seriously addressed domestic and foreign doubts and opposition, or sincerely communicated with neighboring countries.

Japan chose the discharge plan based on economic considerations, and will impose unnecessary risks on neighboring countries and the world at large.

The Fukushima nuclear accident which took place 12 years ago was a major catastrophe that already caused the leakage of large amounts of radioactive substances into the ocean. There could be a man-made secondary disaster to the local people and the whole world if Japan chooses to dump the water into the ocean just to serve Japan’s selfish interests.

By unilaterally discharging the nuclear-contaminated water to gain short-term domestic benefits at the cost of damaging shared international interests, Japan shows a lack of benevolence and justice, and this will become a major stain of Japan that’s difficult to erase.

Japan’s unilateral decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water seriously violates the country’s international legal obligations.

Under general international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Japan has obligations to take all measures to prevent marine pollution, notify and fully consult with potentially affected countries, assess and monitor environmental impacts, take preventive measures to minimize danger, ensure transparency of information, and cooperate internationally.

Recently, Japan has frequently cited the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) report on the discharge plan, attempting to use it as a “pass” to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water.

It is known to all that the IAEA functions as an international organization that promotes safe, reliable and peaceful use of nuclear technology, and is not an appropriate body to assess the long-term impacts of nuclear-contaminated water on marine environment and biological health.

Moreover, Japan restricted the IAEA technical working group’s mandate from the start, rejecting assessment of other disposal options and not evaluating the effectiveness and reliability of the water treatment system.

Under these circumstances, the IAEA report cannot prove the legitimacy or legality of Japan’s discharge, nor does it absolve Japan of its moral responsibilities and international legal obligations. Japan’s attempts to use the report for whitewashing further exposes its lack of confidence and insincerity.

The ocean belongs to all humanity. To forcibly start the ocean discharge is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act in disregard of the global public interest.

The Japanese side must understand that false propaganda cannot whitewash its wrongdoings, and damaging shared international interests will have consequences.

The Chinese government puts people first, and its measures taken to safeguard food safety and the health of the Chinese people are necessary and reasonable.

Japan should revoke its wrong decision and halt the discharge as soon as possible, sincerely communicate with neighboring countries, and handle the nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner to avoid further unpredictable destruction and harm to the global marine environment.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

Chinese vehicles gaining wider global influence

By Ye Zi

On an exhibition square of Beijing-based Beiqi Foton Motor, over 10 models of vehicles were displayed, including heavy trucks, light trucks and medium-duty ones.

According to an employee of the Chinese carmaker, these vehicles not only play an important role in China, but also are welcomed by African consumers.

For example, the company’s “VAN” has emerged as one of the mainstream brands in South Africa’s public transportation sector. This June, the company’s latest model X55 took the crown of the Compact Family category in the 2023 South African Car of the Year competition.

People take Chinese buses and drive Chinese private cars in South Africa. In Egypt, China-manufactured cars are also seen running on the streets. Chinese vehicles are now a common sight on the African continent.

Osama Aboul-Magd, head of the Egyptian Automotive Dealers Association, noted that Chinese vehicles appeal to consumers because of their excellent quality. This explains why Chinese cars are able to penetrate the African market.

Taking into consideration the demands of the locals, Chinese automakers provide them with popular models, reasonable installment payment plans, as well as thoughtful after-sales services. This has given Chinese vehicles key advantages in Africa.

Some analysts believe that Chinese auto brands focus on economical performance, safety, innovation and localized production, which has enabled them to break through barriers and gain a foothold in the intensely competitive market.

For Africans, Chinese vehicles are used for not only transportation, but also production. Whether working as ride-hailing drivers, truckers, or transit operators, many Africans rely on Chinese vehicles to earn a living.

Apart from vehicles, Africans also love Chinese bicycles, motorcycles, and trains. Sturdy and durable Chinese-made bicycles and motorcycles have been favored by African friends for years.

In the past, they used Chinese bicycles to transport bananas and rode Chinese motorcycles to go on dates. Today, they drive Chinese cars for transportation and even use them as wedding vehicles.

Chinese vehicles are tools for production and life, witnessing Africans’ ever-improving livelihood.

Globally, more and more people are embracing Chinese cars. Chinese vehicles have gained a huge base of “followers” around the world.

In Southeast Asia, an experience store of a Chinese car brand in Bangkok received many potential customers even before its official opening.

In Central Asia, new energy buses and private cars produced by Chinese brands are commonly seen on the streets of Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan.

In the Middle East, investment institutions managed by the government of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, have made successive investments in Chinese automobile manufacturers.

In South America’s Chile, Chinese brands like Maxus, Chery, Great Wall Motor, Changan Automobile, JAC Motors, Foton, and JMC Motors have already become the first choice for local car buyers.

China exported over 2 million vehicles in 2021 and over 3 million in 2022. According to the China Passenger Car Association, the country’s auto exports this year are expected to reach 4 million units.

China is likely to become the world’s top automobile exporter this year.

The popularity of Chinese vehicles overseas can also be proved on short video platforms.

Users from different countries have shared their experiences of driving Chinese cars on social media. Some even started learning Chinese in order to experience the voice-control functions in Chinese smart cars.

The automotive industry has long been highly valued by major manufacturing powerhouses. In recent years, China’s auto industry has made great progress, striding towards the global market. “Going global” is becoming a key phrase for Chinese automakers.

Especially in the era of electric vehicles, Chinese companies are standing out for their advantages in technology, models, pricing, industrial chain, and other aspects, gaining wider acceptance globally. With the continuous emergence of new technologies and expansion of the market, the Chinese auto industry is believed to bring more surprises to global consumers.

To build high-quality China-South Africa community with a shared future

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and South Africa should be strategic partners of high-level mutual trust, development partners making progress together, friendly partners enjoying mutual understanding and global partners with a commitment to justice.
President Xi made the remarks when holding talks with his South African counterpart President Ramaphosa during a state visit to South Africa on Aug. 22 local time.
What he said charts the course and provides guidance for further developing China-South Africa ties.
The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the development of China-South Africa relations in the new era and international and regional issues of mutual interest, and they reached important common understandings, injecting strong momentum into elevating the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership and building a high-quality China-South Africa community with a shared future.
In the past 25 years since China and South Africa established diplomatic ties, their relationship has achieved leapfrog development – from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership. It is one of the most vibrant bilateral relations in the developing world. Especially in the past 10 years, the relationship has thrived and entered a “golden era.” As the situation evolves, how to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership remains a topic that both sides need to work on.
The key to the strong relationship and profound friendship lies in the mutual support by the two countries and the two political parties in pursuit of their respective development, Xi said when meeting with Ramaphosa.
South African sinologist Paul Tembe said that Xi’s every visit to South Africa has promoted the development of South Africa-China ties, which is an intangible but enormously meaningful gift.
Comradeship and brotherhood are inherent to the bilateral relationship. The special bond of “camaraderie + brotherhood” between the two countries has traversed a long span of time and defied the obstacles of mountains and oceans.
“Each of my visits to South Africa gave me new impressions. But the deepest is invariably the brotherly sentiments we have toward each other,” Xi said in an signed article published on South African media.
Ramaphosa described China as a sincere brother, friend and partner of his country, saying that China has provided valuable support to South Africa in its struggle for national independence and liberation as well as its national development. He also mentioned China’s timely support for his country during the COVID pandemic.
During this visit, the two sides reaffirmed their respect and support for each other’s sustainable social-economic development paths and just transitions. South Africa pledged continuous support for China on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns. China reiterated its respect and support for South Africa’s efforts to safeguard its national interests and social economic development and to better the livelihoods of its citizens. This fully demonstrates that China and South Africa are strategic partners of high-level mutual trust.
Mutual benefit and win-win results are the hallmark of China-South Africa cooperation. South Africa was the first African country to sign the Belt and Road cooperation document with China. It has been China’s biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row, as well as one of the African countries with the largest stock of Chinese investment.
Xi said that with a focus on Belt and Road cooperation, implementation of the nine programs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as well as the 10-Year Strategic Program of Cooperation, the two sides need to consolidate cooperation in areas of strength and foster new growth points for cooperation.
Close ties between the two peoples are a vivid example of amity between the two countries. Xi said the two countries should strengthen exchange and cooperation on vocational education and youth employment, ramp up cooperation on tourism, and support closer technological cooperation and joint research by scientific research institutions and businesses.
The two presidents witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on Belt and Road cooperation, infrastructure, new energy, agricultural product, special economic zone, industrial park, blue economy, technological innovation and higher education.
As development partners making progress together and friendly partners enjoying mutual understanding, China and South Africa will deliver greater benefits to both peoples.
The China-South Africa relationship has gone beyond the bilateral scope and carries increasingly important global influence. The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. China and South Africa, as natural members of the Global South, should all the more work together.
China and South Africa agreed to continue supporting the development of BRICS in all three pillars of cooperation and to collaborate with all BRICS members to deepen practical cooperation in various fields and achieve progress in terms of BRICS membership expansion.
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in international affairs and multilateral institutions, jointly uphold the UN-centered global system, an equitable international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations, based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including to uphold the rights and interests of developing countries jointly and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two countries’ collaboration in the multilateral arena fully demonstrates their determination to be global partners with a commitment to justice. They will definitely make new contributions to building a more just and equitable global governance system.
The China-South Africa relationship is standing at a new historical starting point. To carry forward the friendship, deepen cooperation, and strengthen coordination is a common aspiration of both countries, as well as a call of the times.
Under the guidance of the two heads of state, the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership will definitely be lifted to new heights and contribute more strength to China-Africa cooperation, South-South cooperation, and to building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era and a community with a shared future for mankind.

GEPT Nasarawa: Election Fraud Trial: Governor Sule Witnesses Accuse INEC of Manipulation

The ongoing trial of the election fraud case involving the Nasarawa state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal (GEPT) took an intriguing turn Thursday as Governor A.A. Sule appeared as the second respondent’s lead counsel’s first witness.

The witness, Ishaq Abubakar Dan’azumi, hailing from Wuse ward and also serving as the APC Ward Agent for the Awe Local Government Area (LGA), contradicted earlier testimonies by alleging that APC votes were not reduced, but rather, the votes for PDP were inflated.

Under cross-examination, the PDP Lead Counsel, Dr. Okutepa, questioned Dan’azumi about his endorsement of the ward results. Dan’azumi confirmed his signature and stated that the results were accurately recorded from form EC8As to form EC8BS. He further revealed that APC had not filed any petitions regarding vote reductions or additional votes for PDP.

The second witness, Abdullahi Hashim Danlami, who acted as the APC Ward Agent for Makwakiji Electoral ward in Awe LGA, testified that the elections were conducted peacefully and without incident. He raised concerns about discrepancies in the results from one polling unit (PU 005), where APC votes were allegedly reduced, and PDP votes were increased. Danlami stated that he had reported this to the INEC Collation officer, and regardless of his signature, the results would remain valid.

During cross-examination by the PDP Lead Counsel, doubts were cast on Danlami’s claim of reporting the incident to the INEC Collation officer at the Ward level. The Lead Counsel highlighted the absence of this complaint in Danlami’s witness statement, implying that he might not have had concrete evidence of the situation. It was also revealed that his knowledge of the polling unit events was mostly based on verbal information.

Abdullahi Jalal Usman, from Akiri ward of Awe LGA, gave testimony affirming the proper use of BVAS Machines and the uploading of results to the IREV platform by INEC. However, he noted errors in the calculation of results for some units, where both APC and PDP scores were miscalculated. Despite this, Usman praised INEC for its overall conduct.

The subsequent cross-examination by the PDP Lead Counsel exposed that Usman was not the APC ward Agent as claimed, and his understanding of the results was influenced by his lawyer’s presentation in court. His credibility was questioned as he demonstrated limited knowledge of the actual polling unit occurrences.

Ahmed Abubakar Sarki, a witness from Keffi LGA, confirmed the use of BVAS Machines and result uploading to IREV. He alleged that the results from two polling units, Angwan Nupawa 006 and Angwan Yorubawa 017, displayed vote alterations: a decrease in APC votes and an increase in PDP votes. However, his verbal testimony conflicted with his written statement.

Kassim Tonko Kassim’s testimony echoed similar patterns, citing changes in APC and PDP votes in Angwan Kwara of Angwan Rimi, Keffi LGA. He admitted having no concrete evidence of being an APC Agent for the units he mentioned, casting doubts on his credibility. He also noted the absence of pink copies of the results.

Abdullahi Al-Kassim, representing Yara ward of Keffi LGA, pointed out discrepancies between EC8AS and EC8BS results. He pleaded with the tribunal to restore the allegedly manipulated votes, implicating both APC and PDP. However, doubts arose about his agent status, as his name and signature did not match the official records for the polling unit.

Nasarawa: Sule Witnesses Testify that Ombugadu Won Gubernatorial Election at Polling Units

The ongoing legal proceedings concerning the gubernatorial election in Nasarawa State witnessed a series of testimonies from witnesses representing the second respondent, A. A. Sule.

The sitting, scheduled for the continuation of the defense, brought forth crucial evidence and discussions that shed light on the election results.

The lead counsel for the second respondent, Dr. Adekunle, presented certified copies of documents, including Form EC8BS for Shege 1 ward of Toto LGA and Form EC8BS of Gidan Ausa 2 of Obi LGA. However, Dr. JS Okutepa, the PDP lead counsel, raised a significant objection, deeming these documents inadmissible at this stage. The reasons behind this objection are set to be detailed in the written address.

Witnesses were subsequently called to testify, each providing insights into the election process and the reported discrepancies:

Muktar Ibrahim, a civil servant and an APC member from Iya ward 2 of Keffi LGA, stated that the BVAS Machine was used for voter authentication and result uploading. He alleged that there was a reduction in APC results and an increase in PDP results. He acknowledged that PDP also complained about similar reductions in votes in various wards.

Habibu Ahmed Sarki, the APC collation agent for Ara 2 ward in Nasarawa LGA, admitted that the elections were conducted peacefully, except for discrepancies in the Aleyika polling unit’s results. However, the PDP lead counsel revealed a certified copy of the affected polling unit’s result from IREV, indicating that the witness had presented forged results.

Ibrahim Danlami Umar, representing Aza 2 unit of Kuto Aisa ward, testified that the BVAS Machine was used for accreditation and result upload. He reported peaceful elections, except for the Kwata Kuto 008 polling unit, where APC results were allegedly reduced. Cross-examination revealed that the witness had used a fake copy of results, and the original IREV results contradicted his claims.

Abdulkadir Adamu, the ward collation agent for Madakin Gari 1 Nasarawa North ward, stated that elections were peaceful except for discrepancies in some polling units. However, he acknowledged that BVAS Machine and IREV uploaded results were the most authentic. He clarified that APC did not file any petition against INEC for vote reductions.

Iduwa Sabo, representing Useni Odukpo polling unit of Agum ward, confirmed BVAS IREV’s use for accreditation and result uploads. He reported discrepancies in the Akpanga 2 polling unit’s results. Cross-examination revealed that the INEC ward collation officer might have been responsible for changes in the collation center.

Ibrahim Sabo Yahaya, representing Udege-Mbeki Odu ward, reported a reduction in APC results and an increase in PDP scores at Udege polling unit. Cross-examination revealed that he gathered information from various polling unit agents.

Kaika Aminu Egwa, the Returning Agent of APC for Etatu unit 006 in Udeni-Gida ward, attested to peaceful elections but acknowledged the reduction in APC scores. Cross-examination highlighted discrepancies in the captured polling unit agent’s information

Dynamic Leadership of RT. Hon. Comrade Phillip Shaibu: Edo State’s Beacon of Progress

In the realm of dynamic politics and progressive governance, few individuals can exhibit the remarkable drive and dedication of RT. Hon. Comrade Phillip Shaibu, the esteemed Deputy Governor of Edo State. Through his visionary style of leadership, Shaibu has become the beacon of hope, paving the way for unprecedented growth and development in the state.

Born with an unwavering commitment to public service, RT. Hon. Comrade Phillip Shaibu has been instrumental in transforming the political landscape of Edo State. Known for his indomitable spirit and tireless work ethic, Shaibu has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the betterment of the people, tackling crucial issues and championing transformative policies.

Education has been at the forefront of Deputy Governor Shaibu’s agenda, understanding its significant role in shaping the future of Edo State. He has been a driving force behind numerous campaigns to improve access to quality education, advocating for equitable opportunities for all. By investing in educational initiatives, Shaibu seeks to empower the youth, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a fast-evolving world.

Furthermore, Deputy Governor Shaibu’s commitment to infrastructure development has been evident throughout his tenure as a legislator. Recognizing the vital link between robust infrastructure and a thriving economy, he has spearheaded projects to enhance transportation networks, facilitate trade, and attract investments to Edo State. His visionary approach has set the stage for unprecedented growth, ensuring the region remains a prime destination for both domestic and foreign investors.

Shaibu’s passion for youth empowerment extends beyond education, as he actively champions sports as a means to groom future leaders. By providing state-of-the-art sporting facilities and promoting grassroots athletics, he is nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence. The impact of his efforts is evident in the multitude of young athletes representing Edo State at national and international competitions.

In addition to his exceptional governance, RT. Hon. Comrade Phillip Shaibu is revered for his unwavering commitment to democratic principles. He consistently advocates for the voice of the people to be heard and actively engages with various stakeholders to ensure their concerns are addressed. His transparent and participatory approach to governance has instilled confidence and trust in the hearts of the people, further solidifying his reputation as a true servant leader.

RT. Hon. Comrade Phillip Shaibu’s exemplary leadership will undoubtedly lead Edo State towards a bright and prosperous future. His transformative vision, coupled with his unwavering dedication, will set him apart as a force to be reckoned with.

As Edo State continues on the path of who occupies Osadebe’s house in 2024, it is important to emphasize that under his enlightened leadership, the people can rest assured that they will have a leader who will be committed to their well-being and dedicated to uplifting their lives.

Indeed, RT. Hon. Comrade Phillip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, is a beacon of progress, leading toward an era of prosperity and growth. With his unwavering commitment to education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and democratic governance, he stands as a shining example for leaders across the nation. Under his visionary leadership, Edo State is truly poised for greatness.

Let’s reform Edo!

By Edo Reformers

Fire inferno : Nasarawa Assembly urges Govt to visit scene, provide relief materials for victims

. “… as Nasarawa Central representative, Hon Danyaro presents the matter on issue of urgent public importance…”

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has urged the state government to provide relief materials to the victims of fire disaster at Nasarawa market in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.

Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House made the call while reading the House resolution on a matter of public importance raised by Hon Hajara Danyaro Ibrahim ( APC- Nasarawa Central) during the House proceedings today in Lafia.

The Speaker said that providing relief materials to the victims would not only cushion the effects of the fire disaster on them but would also improve on their standard of living.

He appreciated Hon Danyaro for bringing the matter and other members for their positive contributions on the issue.

” It is indeed sad that the fire disaster destroyed shops and properties worth millions of Naira in Nasarawa market.

” This is happening when Nigerians are in pains because of the removal of the fuel subsidy in the country, ” he said

The Speaker sympathized with the victims over the fire disaster and urged them to remain calm.

” Apart from sympathizing with the victims, we call on the state government to immediately send delegation to the scene of the fire disaster to ascertain the level of damage.

” We also call on the state government to provide relief materials to cushion the effects of the fire disaster on the victims ” the Speaker said.

The Speaker directed the clerk to communicate the resolution of the House to the state government for it’s action.

Earlier, Hon Hajara Danyaro Ibrahim, member representing Nasarawa Central Constituency while raising the matter under the matter of public importance, urged the Speaker and Honourable members to support her to enable the state government come to the aid of the victims of fire disaster in her constituency.

” Mr Speaker and Hon colleagues, on the early hours of Sunday, 20th August, 2023, It was a sad moment for the people of my constituency as there was fire outbreak in Nasarawa market which destroyed shops and properties worth millions of Naira.

” It was very sympathetic that the victims of the fire inferno has lost everything in their shops and they are suffering as a result of the incident.

” And this happened at this time of hardship that the people are going through as a result of fuel subsidy removal in the country,” she said.

In their various contributions, Hon Solomon Akwashiki ( SDP- Lafia Central), Dr Peter Akwe( PDP-Obi 1), Hon Onarigu Kana ( SDP- Udege/Loko), Hon Musa Ibrahim Abubakar ( NNPP- Doma South), Hon Larry Ven-Bawa ( APC- Akwanga North) and Hon Suleiman Azara ( APC- Awe South), all appealed to the state government to support the victims of the fire disaster in the area.

They sympathized with the victims over the unfortunate incident.

They also called for functional vehicles and other equipment at the fire service stations in order to positively response to fire outbreaks.

Nasarawa Assembly confirms Gov. Sule’s commissioner nominee, NASIEC, LGSC permanent members

.Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has confirmed Ibrahim Uthman Angbolo, as Commissioner and member of the state executive council.

Rt. Hon IIbrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House announced this after Angbolo appeared for screening during the House proceedings today in Lafia.

The Speaker while congratulating the nominee, urged him to key into the vision of Gov. Abdullahi Sule for development to thrive in the state.

” We hereby confirm the nomination of Ibrahim Uthman Angbolo as commissioner and member of the state executive council,” he said.

Abdullahi also urged the commissioner nominee to add value to the administration of Gov. Sule and live above board while discharging his duties.

The Speaker directed the Clerk to communicate the House resolution to Gov. Sule for his further action.

Earlier the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Mohammed Adamu Omadefu (APC- Keana) moved a motion for the confirmation of the commissioner nominee and was seconded by the House Minority Leader, Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba ( PDP- Obi 11).

The House unanimously screened and confirmed the commissioner nominee.

Also, the House has confirmed the nomination of Aliyu Mohammed Gayam from Lafia LGA and Hon Samuel Tsebe from Akwanga LGA as permanent members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC)

The House also confirmed the reappointment of Abdullahi Umar Waziri from Doma LGA and Abdullahi Mustapha Aliyu from Awe LGA as permanent members of the Local Government Service Commission.

Rt. Hon IIbrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House announced their confirmations during the House proceedings today in Lafia.

The Speaker congratulated them and wished them well in their respective offices

He then directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the House resolution to Gov. Sule for further necessary action.

Earlier, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Mohammed Adamu Omadefu (APC- Keana) moved a motion for the confirmation of permanent members of NASIEC and Local Government Service Commission respectively and was seconded by the House Minority Leader, Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba ( PDP -Obi 11)

After all the members who represented the appointees at the House testified in their favours, the House unanimously screened and confirmed them.