Nigeria Times

….INEC presents more documents to Tribunal as required

The Nasarawa Governorship Election Tribunal witnesses pivotal testimonies from individuals alleging electoral mishandling. Petitioners’ witnesses reveal that results from crucial Polling Units were excluded from the ward summary, leaving questions about the accuracy and fairness of the election process. The tribunal diligently assesses the evidence, holding the attention of the nation.

INEC presented supplementary documents to the tribunal as required by the subpoena issued earlier. The newly submitted documents consisted of certified true copies of Polling Unit results (forms EC8As) and voters’ registers from specific polling units won by the Petitioners. The tribunal admitted these documents into evidence and designated them as Exhibits.

The Petitioners’ case was bolstered by the testimonies of several key witnesses, whose accounts shed light on irregularities during the election process. One such witness, the Polling Unit Agent for Alwazan Polling Unit Code 009, stated that the election in his unit was won by the PDP, and the results were correctly uploaded on IReV. However, these results were inexplicably excluded from the corresponding Form EC8B for the Sabon Gari Ward in Doma Local Government Area (LGA).

The Petitioners’ ward collation Agent also provided vital testimony, confirming the exclusion of the Alwazan Mada Polling Unit Code 009 result from the Form EC8B, which was supposed to be the ward summary. According to him, this omission was a violation of the law.

Furthermore, the Petitioners’ Ashige Ward Collation Agent testified that the elections in 35 Polling Units in Ashige Ward were successfully won by the Petitioners. However, the entire ward’s results were astonishingly and unjustifiably canceled at the LGA Collation Centre. These results were not entered into the corresponding Form EC8C for Lafia LGA, as required by law, resulting in their unlawful exclusion from the Form EC8D in the overall vote computation for result declaration.

Each of the Petitioners’ witnesses identified various electoral forms and materials already presented as evidence, which they referenced in their witness depositions.

The tribunal adjourned proceedings for the day after hearing from the four witnesses. The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26, 2023, when the hearing will resume.

This ongoing hearing at the Nasarawa Governorship Election Tribunal is being closely monitored by the public and stakeholders, as it has the potential to impact the outcome of the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state. The tribunal’s ruling on the matter will undoubtedly be crucial in determining the future leadership of Nasarawa State.

…. PRP, AA Agents Refused to signe INEC s Manipulated form (EC8B)

The Nasarawa State Governorship Election Tribunal witnessed a significant turn of events on Wednesday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continued their presentation of evidence.

Dr. David Ombugadu and the PDP called the Gayam Ward Collation Agent of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) to the stand, who provided compelling evidence of vote manipulation during the 2023 Nasarawa State Governorship/State House of Assembly election.

The PRP Agent, identified as PW12, revealed shocking discrepancies in the summation of polling units results on the Gayam Ward Collation Summary Sheet (Form EC8B). He disclosed that the figures on the Governorship section of the summary sheet did not accurately reflect the actual computation of votes obtained from the respective Polling Units in the Ward.

The witness stated that he had signed the Ward Collation Summary for the House of Assembly elections but refused to sign the one for the Governorship race due to the glaring disparities.

He further presented evidence, including the polling units’ results of the 58 polling units in Gayam Ward, which clearly showed that the votes transferred into the Collation Summary for the Nasarawa Governorship election were incorrect and did not reflect the actual votes garnered by the candidates at the Polling Unit level.

Additionally, the Chiroma Ward Agent of the Action Alliance, identified as PW13, also testified before the Tribunal. His appearance was pursuant to the Petitioners’ application, aiming to shed light on the collation of results from Polling Units in Chiroma Ward into the Ward Collation Summary sheet (Form EC8B) for Lafia LGA.

The Petitioners claimed that the final summary of results did not accurately represent the votes computed from the respective Polling Units in Chiroma Ward.

To further strengthen their case, the Petitioners called two Polling Units Agents, designated as PW14 and PW15, who provided their testimonies supporting the claims of discrepancies in the election process.

After a day filled with gripping testimonies, the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings to July 27, 2023, for the continuation of the hearing.

The unfolding revelations have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the 2023 Nasarawa State Governorship/State House of Assembly election and its potential implications on the democratic process. As the case progresses, all eyes remain fixed on the Tribunal for justice to prevail.

The Nasarawa State Governorship Election Tribunal witnessed a significant turn of events on Wednesday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continued their presentation of evidence.

Dr. David Ombugadu and the PDP called the Gayam Ward Collation Agent of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) to the stand, who provided compelling evidence of vote manipulation during the 2023 Nasarawa State Governorship/State House of Assembly election.

The PRP Agent, identified as PW12, revealed shocking discrepancies in the summation of polling units results on the Gayam Ward Collation Summary Sheet (Form EC8B). He disclosed that the figures on the Governorship section of the summary sheet did not accurately reflect the actual computation of votes obtained from the respective Polling Units in the Ward.

The witness stated that he had signed the Ward Collation Summary for the House of Assembly elections but refused to sign the one for the Governorship race due to the glaring disparities.

He further presented evidence, including the polling units’ results of the 58 polling units in Gayam Ward, which clearly showed that the votes transferred into the Collation Summary for the Nasarawa Governorship election were incorrect and did not reflect the actual votes garnered by the candidates at the Polling Unit level.

Additionally, the Chiroma Ward Agent of the Action Alliance, identified as PW13, also testified before the Tribunal. His appearance was pursuant to the Petitioners’ application, aiming to shed light on the collation of results from Polling Units in Chiroma Ward into the Ward Collation Summary sheet (Form EC8B) for Lafia LGA.

The Petitioners claimed that the final summary of results did not accurately represent the votes computed from the respective Polling Units in Chiroma Ward.

To further strengthen their case, the Petitioners called two Polling Units Agents, designated as PW14 and PW15, who provided their testimonies supporting the claims of discrepancies in the election process.

After a day filled with gripping testimonies, the Tribunal adjourned the proceedings to July 27, 2023, for the continuation of the hearing.

The unfolding revelations have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the 2023 Nasarawa State Governorship/State House of Assembly election and its potential implications on the democratic process. As the case progresses, all eyes remain fixed on the Tribunal for justice to prevail.

…Enough is Enough- Leadership fumes

The Arewa Professional Group (APG), comprising various professionals from all walks of life as well as elder statesmen and women of substance of Northern extraction have called on the leadership of the House of Representatives, the Senate of the Federal Republic and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to put an end to the ethnic profiling, gender abuse and religious bias that have been used against our very own Ambassador and an Arewa woman leader, Dr Muheeba Dankaka of the Federal Character Commission(FCC).

For the record, this is a female professional who has remained a bastion of Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto); a role model of our women and girl-child in the North and who has consistently prided herself in the discharge of her duties effectively, right from assuming the mantle of leadership.

Nigerians and indeed, the management of the FCC will agree that before the presidential elections of 2023, even the lowest cadre of staff of the FCC, the leadership of the National Assembly and the various committees were adequately aware of the avid stand, body language and sincere campaigns embarked upon by Dr Muheeba Dankaka, who did not hide her genuine efforts. She showed her dexterity as a great mobilizer and avid supporter of the President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s candidacy which, according to our investigation did not go down well with a select few from the Labour Party (LP) principally dominated by individuals from the Southeast geopolitical zone.

It will also be recalled that these elements embarked on a campaign of calumny and war of attrition against our very own, by going to the market square to dance naked and went as far as using all sorts of blackmail tactics, media bully and ambush tactics aimed at unseating her from her official seat.

Authoritatively, they have consistently called her several unprintable names; have as well tried inducing her so that she could chicken out and indulge in unethical practices at the commission, but she stood her ground, maintain that it was no longer business as usual.

They also made her to swear with the Holy Quran of her innocence in all the alleged and trumped-up charges by these disgruntled Southeast members of the Federal House of Representatives who were and are still hell bent on casting aspersions, and engage in smear campaign against her office and personality, just to ridicule and infuse her to public ridicule. All these calculated attempts were also aimed at her because, according to their myopic and parochial view, she is a woman without godfather, who is also a practicing Muslim that could not easily and willingly respond to their antecedents.

In a press release signed by the National Coordinator of Arewa Professional Group (APC), Dr Umar Bala Abdulkadir and Secretary, Comrade Nazanmi Dakingari respectively, the duo warned the Honourable members and their collaborators not to “misconstrue our golden silence for cowardice or granted as the so-called maltreatment given to Dr Muheeda was intended as maligning and dishumanising her, just because she is female from Northern Nigeria, as well as a Muslim,” for that matter.

They also cautioned that Nigerians are aware of a lot of government parastatals and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that have blatantly refused the instructions and invitations of the House of Representatives (HOR) but until date, nothing has been heard of such organizations or MDAs.

The Arewa group therefore wants to know when it has become a crime for a person to stand and mobilize for whom she believes in “and that her only crime remains her doggedness, not to appease the gods and indulge in sharp and unethical practices, to favour the committee members who have resorted to blackmail her with all sorts names calling like job racketeering, gross mismanagement and other similar accolades, all in a bid to substantially blackmail her to do their bidding and even use her own staff against her, to show their desperation and sheer wickedness.”

Accordingly, the said innuendoes from the Labour Party (LP) and emanating from those from the Southeast extraction, are spearheaded by a female member who has audaciously pointed fingers at Dr Muheeda, that “I will deal with you and prove to you that Nigeria belongs exclusively to us” on repeated occasions, even in the public domain. All these were done because she vehemently refused to compromise her stance and not open the treasury and other unwarranted benefits-in-kind attached to her office to those disgruntled members.

These members therefore have resorted to using Mr Moses Anaughe, a Commissioner in the Commission who hails from Delta State, to malign, do media trial and cast aspersions on the Commission for mesh of porridge.

It will also be recalled that the few times the Chairperson of FCC was invited, she diligently honour the invitations and on other occasions, she was ill and had to send in a senior management staff to represent her who officially tendered a certified copy of a doctor’s report, but because of the nefarious and clandestine plot of the members, they went ahead to cast her in bad light in the public domain.

These actions ostensibly brought her untold pains, trauma and psychological torture and aspersions from close family and friends, associates, professional colleagues, as well as women groups, across the country, which also threw her in the bad books of unsuspecting public not knowing the real issues at stake.

But if truth must be told and upheld, Dr Muheeda Dankaka remains a stabilizing factor and a transformer of the first order, right from her assumption of office and mantle of leadership and she has gone, against all odds, to reposition, change the narrative like never before in the annals of the Commission. These were done, even as there were orchestrations by fifth columnists, traducers and avowed enemies of Nigeria’s progress and haters of the current President of the Federal Republic, whose only agenda are to line their pockets, cheat, blackmail the Commission into submission, so as to uncontrollably reap where they did not sow.

The Arewa Professional Group (APG) hereby calls on these enticed members, to henceforth “desist from heating the polity unnecessarily” and also “stop their clandestine plots against Dr Dankaka,” whose only crime remains, that she does not open the treasury of the Commission and pecks of office to them” and “they should as well stop forthwith their orchestrated campaign of calumny, but forcing her under duress to swear on the Holy Islamic Book, the Quran.

”If this kind and unsolicited advice is not adequately complied with, “we will be forced to take decisive steps, by calling on all our Arewa Honourable Members of the House of Representatives and Distinguished Senators, as the lovers of truth, to go after their own and fight for the collective good of the region, echoing “Enough is Enough! We would not accept the unethical narrative against our very own from the region and also maintain the rhetoric: ‘Who is a woman for that matter?’”

“We have also resolved to look at the traitor in Mr Moses Anaughe, and in due course, the Group will issue a statement on his person, which will wash his dirty linens in the public domain for well-meaning Nigerians to see the stuff he is really made of,” the Group vowed.

The Group equally maintains that they have the absolute trust and confidence in Dr Dankaka, in her ability to diligently deliver the duties of her office and would be ready to mobilize all Arewa stakeholders and the generality of the people, including women and youth groups to wake up from their slumber and fight for their common aspirations of our region.

This is done with the strong belief that “We all know the retrogressive plan of the Southeast Honourbale Members who vehemently wish to reduce the number of women from our region in the Federal appointments and to also coarse and hoodwink the young and youthful ladies from the region, aspiring to be like Dr Dankaka. Therefore, we have resolved to resist this hidden agenda with all our beliefs. The Federal Character Commission should be allowed to be run in a professional manner. Let Dr Dankaka have her peace, so as to continue to offer her quote to the progressive development of the nation. At the risk of repeating ourselves, since when has it become a crime to professional serve one’s fatherland?”

…says bill critical in enhancing national security

A rights group, Save Nigeria Movement, has rolled out drums to celebrate as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Trust Fund Bill, sponsored by Hon. Philip Agbese passes first reading in the House of Representatives, describing it as a crucial milestone that represents a significant step towards enhancing national security efforts in the country.

The CSO that prides as a frontline advocate for good governance and policy reforms in a press release signed by Rev. Solomon Semaka, the Convener of Save Nigeria Movement and made available to journalists in Abuja, hailed the initiative and commended the sponsor of the bill for his foresight and determination in addressing Nigeria’s national security challenges, urging other lawmakers to think outside the box and come out with similar progressive laws and reforms.

The statement read in part, “the establishment of the Security and Civil Defence Trust Fund comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with numerous security challenges. The bill which aims to provide a dedicated source of funding for the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will empower the agency to protect critical infrastructure such oil and power installations as well as combat emerging threats, and safeguard the lives and property of citizens effectively”.

Drawing inspiration from successful models such as the Police Trust Fund, NYSC Trust Fund, TETFUND, and Industrial Trust Fund, the CSO expressed optimism that the proposed NSCDC Trust Fund will yield significant benefits to the Corps especially in the area of providing modern equipment, training facilities, and improved working conditions, thereby bolstering the morale and overall effectiveness of personnel.

According to the statement, “the envisioned benefits of the NSCDC Trust Fund include but not limited to the acquisition of advanced weapons and protective gear, enhancing surveillance kits, procuring utility vehicles, and establishing modern office spaces and accommodation facilities for personnel. This timely infusion of resources will undoubtedly elevate the operational capabilities of the agency, enabling them to respond swiftly and efficiently to emerging security threats”

The CSO equally commended the unwavering support from members of the House of Representatives for the bill which demonstrated their recognition of the indispensable role played by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in safeguarding the nation’s critical assets and lives as it went further to call for continued support from other stakeholders to ensure the successful passage of the bill into law and its implementation.

“Nigerians owe a debt of gratitude to Hon. Philip Agbese for this proactive and pragmatic piece of legislation. The support shown the bill by his colleagues points to the substance and depth of the bill. We urge him to continue blazing the trail as a lawmaker of repute. The unanimous support given to this bill also reflects the trust placed in the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the quintessential Commandant General of NSCDC, who has been the first to be appointed from within the ranks of the organisation. His experience and commitment to the agency’s mission have been instrumental in garnering support for the bill’s passage. His reforms are yielding positive results and Nigeria shall soon be free from all forms of insecurity,” the statement added.

The statement reiterated that “as the bill progresses to subsequent readings, civil society organisations, citizens, and relevant stakeholders are urged to unite in their support to ensure its successful implementation. By rallying behind this initiative, Nigeria can strengthen its security apparatus, protect its people, and create an environment conducive to sustainable development and progress”. Save Nigeria Movement stands ready to work hand in hand with the government to make the NSCDC Trust Fund a resounding success, for the benefit of all Nigerians.

An influential group domiciled in the All Progressives Congress National Secretariat, the Concerned APC Staff has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider Loyalists and people with Grassroot aaffiliations in his appointments.

The group also commended the president on courageous policies and administrative decisions taken so far by his young administration.

Sources revealed that the group has done a lot of underground outreach to ensure that committed party people are rewarded during appointment to various positions in the present dispensation.

They stated that as strong believers in democracy, principles of one man, one vote and fanatical supporters to the political doctrine of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they will do anything and everything possible to make him succeed.

He was admonished to look in the direction of members with competence, capacity, mobilizational flair and electoral prowess in the appointment of persons to government positions.

According to Gbenga Omotosho Lawal, Member APC Staff, they posited that as Concerned Party members who wish to see the nation accorded the respect it deserves in the comity of nations. If truth must be told, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should appoint only honest party members to ministerial, head of parastatals and boards of government agencies. They should be the very people that are loyal to party supremacy and electoral value, according the group.

“In recent weeks, some desperate politicians are scheming and trying to smuggle themselves into government positions after falling to deliver votes to the party during the 2023 presidential election. The same people collected money meant for the election from the Presidential Campaign Council but failed to deliver anything in terms of votes delivery during the contest and leaving the hard work to loyal party members that used their personal resources to help the then APC Presidential Candidate”.

According to the reliable source close to the “Concerned Staff” they insisted that they have been consistent in their communication with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need to raise the standard during the forth coming appointments. And insisted on the need to retain some government officials occupying positions already, promote the others that have done exceptionally well in terms humility, selflessness, steadfastness and sacrifices.

In the South West there are people like Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, who pioneered SWAGA, Chief Femi Fani Kayode, Chief Olushola Oke, Barr. Dotun Hassan, Ogbeni Gbenga Soloki, among others. In the South East there are capable hands like IGP Mike Okiro (retd), Lt Gen. Ihejirika (retd), Chief Mac Wabara, Chief Joe Igbokwe, Chief Eze Madumere, among others. In the South South the likes of Chief Dan Abia, Chief Great Ogboru, Prof. Eyo Nyong, Sen. John Onah, Chief Egba, Col. Tony Nyiam, Festus Keyamo, among others. In the North Central the likes of Prof. Kuta Yahaya, Hon. Yakubu Datti, Mr. Zakka Yakubu, Hon. Emmanuel Jime, Hon. Musa Shuaib, Comrade Isa Aremu, Barr. Labaran Magaji, Prof. Ishaq Olorode, among others. In the North West there are Comrade Salihu Lukman, Gov. Atiku Bagudu, Col. Dangiwa Umar, Gov. Abubakar Badaru, Sen. Ahmed Sani Yarima, Dr. Gwandu, Mr. Inuwa Kashifu, Gov. Aminu Bello Masari, among others. In the North East the likes of Governor Isa Yuguda, Sen. Mohammed Dambu, Sen. Bwatcha, Barr. Bashir Hamidu, Comrade Usman Adamu Song, Hon. Tijjani Tumsah, Architect Waziri Bulama, among others.

As of the time of going to press they have had audience with members of National Caucus of the party and are expected to have another important discussion with the Principal Private Secretary, PPS and Chief of Staff to the President.

Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Monday, has constituted 8 principal officers of the House.

Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi ( APC- Umaisha/Ugya), the Speaker of the House constituted the principal positions during the House proceedings today in Lafia.

The Speaker said that the constituton of the principal officers were reached after due consultation with stakeholders in the state.

” Honourable Members, the principal officers were reached after due consultation with the stakeholders in the State.

” They are Hon Mohammed Adamu Omadefu ( APC- Keana) , Majority Leader, Hon Danladi Jatau (APC- Kokona West) , Deputy Majority Leader.

” Hon Larry Ven Bawa( APC- Akwanga North) is the Chief Whip of the House and Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara( APC- Awe South) is the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, ” he said.

The Speaker also announced the House minority positions.

” Hon Iliya Luka Zhekaba ( PDP- Obi 11), is the Minority Leader and Hon Musa Ibrahim Abubakar ( NNPP- Doma South) as Deputy Minority Leader.

” Hon Solomon Akwashiki ( SDP- Lafia Central) is the Minority Whip and Hon Musa Saidu Gude ( SDP-Uke/ Karsh) is the Deputy Minority Whip,” the Speaker said.

Abdullahi urged the principal officers to live above board while discharging their duties.

The Speaker called on the people of the State to continue to support Gov. Abdullahi Sule to succeed.

He re-assured Gov. Abdullahi Sule of their support to succeed so as to take the state to the next level of development.