Group Threatens Legal Action Against INEC Over Electronic Transmission of Results

The ongoing debate over the most acceptable mode of transmitting election results in the country has taken a different twist following widespread media reports that the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) chair, Prof Mahmoud Yakub body language is suggestive of an unholy alliance with the main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Reacting to the worrisome development, the Center for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has taken a swipe at the INEC boss insisting Prof Yakubu’s body language suggest a glaring conspiracy against Nigerians.

Dr Oduma Festus , exeucutive director of CESJET in a press conference highlighted points to underscore why every reasonable patriot should be worried by the haste of the INEC boss to implement electronic transmision of results mid way into discussions of the national assembly over the contentious issues that would lead to an eventual legislation on the subject matter.

“We are worried just like every other Nigerian is, because this is not a good sign” how could the man supervising elections in a country of over 200 people be seen to be sympathetic to the main opposition party? What impression is Prof Yakubu creating ? Or is he just joining the band wagon of detractors to raise tensions and heat the polity?

“Granted the INEC boss is supposed to be impartial, can he say he is impartial on this subject matter? Recall that the national assembly had put on hold the passage of the bill so as to clear all ambiguities , now in the circumstance , why don’t the INEC boss stick to the existing law guiding the conduct of elections? Is this too much? Why the haste?

Recall the INEC under Prof Yakubu’s watch has been quoted at many times making statements that are at variance with existing legislation on results transmission” the group maintained.

“To make matters worse, Prof Yakubu has indicated desire to implement electronic transmission in the up coming elections in Anambra state which is a few days away.

” Nigerians are asking, what law is Prof Yakubu led INEC is relying on to implement the proposed results transmission?

” Prof Yakubu’s body language is not only an afront on the national assembly as institution, but to over 200 million Nigerian tax payers and citizens ”

“Nigerians are curious indeed for many reasons, why would the head of an election body take sides with the main opposition party even in the face of glaring challenges?

” Election management is a serious affair. The process of any election remains the bedrock of any nation, Prof Yakubu should be guided by the law and not sentiments”

“The Nigerian Communication communication (NCC) the government agency responsible for deploying the needed technology has taken a clear position to support electronic results transmission where practicable , while still in the process of perfecting the otherwise novel proposal “

“Claims of INEC that it had the required technology to deploy for the purpose of electronic transmission of results is laughable and Nigerians are rightly concerned” Dr Oduma stated.

The group said, there were indications to signal Prof Yakubu’s basis for sympathizing with the PDP.

“Was it not former President Jonathan that nominated same the current INEC chairman on the CONFAB conference under the same PDP? What are we talking about? Nigerians will not wait for the pending implosion if Prof Yakubu is allowed to carry on his sinister agenda with the main opposition party, the PDP .

” Nigeria will truly be a laughing stock if INEC boss is allowed to conduct and transmit results electronically without an appropriate legislation” This would be dangerous and Nigerians will not wait for the moment.

The group said, in order to save Nigerians from the impending implosion orchestrated by Prof Yakubu and the main opposition PDP, it will mobilize a one million March at the INEC headquarters to call for Prof Yakubu’s, sack should he fail to resign having abused his office.

“Let Mr President act now before Prof Yakubu mortgages our democracy in exchange for a pot portage .

“It is a peaceful fight for the soul of the nations democracy” it is indeed a fight to finish. No electronic transmission of results untill appropriate legislation is enacted and signed into law.

“INEC was created to serve the interest of the masses and enable democracy, not to sabbottage ongoing efforts and create unnecessary tensions to provoke emotions for political capital, in this case, in favour of the PDP”.

Railway: Amaechi decries ethnicity as bane of Nigeria’s development

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has condemned what he described as the attempt at politicising railway development Nigeria. He insisted it a major challenge facing the country in the government’s effort to stimulate the economy.

He also said ethnicity is a big challenge to development in Nigeria, noting that rail projects around the country are built with the economy at the heart of it, because the economy should be the deciding factor for such developments, not ethnic biases.

Amaechi who was speaking as the guest lecturer, at the recently held annual Public lecture of the Department of Economics at the University of Lagos said Transportation as a mode involves logistics, and is responsible for driving the economy of nations.

“Virtually everything we do involves Transportation. It is a key element in driving development of economies all over the world, and it creates possibilities for other sectors. Therefore, you can’t even create employment if you don’t create logistics.

“Nigerians are too ethnically conscious. You think first as your ethnicity before you think as a Nigerian. We have very few Nigerians, and ethnicity is putting pressure on the economics of railway construction. What you hear is, ‘I’m a Yoruba man, I’m an Hausa man, I’m an Igbo man.’ The Yoruba man is happy that we have done Lagos-Ibadan; the moment you do railway up to Enugu, the Igbo man would be happy. I call it the politicisation of railway construction.

“Railway is fuelled by economic activities, it’s not fuelled by tribe. What determines a railway construction is economics, how many tons of cargo can be conveyed.

“Ethnicity is not the way to go. Those who fan the embers of ethnicity are those who were benefitting from the government in the past, but are no longer benefitting from the government,” he said

Amaechi also said financing is another challenge to railway development as Nigerians keep complaining about loans.
“From the budget we are now constructing Kaduna-Kano rail line while still negotiating the loan for Ibadan to Kaduna, because the plan is Lagos to Kano.

So far, the Federal Government has laid out plans for the construction of Lagos-Calabar at $11.1 billion, Ibadan-kano at $5.3 billion for single track, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri at $3.02 billion for reconstruction of narrow guage, $12 to $13 billion for standard gauge approved by the President with additional spurs, Abuja-Itakpe at $3.9 billion in addition to the central line; and Lagos-Ibadan completed at $2 billion.

Group says IPOB, Yoruba Nation Agitators plan to infiltrate judicial officers

The Conference of harmonised Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, COHCSON has raised alarm over alleged plots by the Indigenous Persons of Biafra (IPOB) and the Yoruba Nation agitators to infiltrate judicial officers. 

COHCSON President,  Solomon Semaka at a press conference in Abuja said following an emergency expanded meeting of the COHCSON, there is need to condemn what is turning out to be an execution of a detailed plan to subvert and undermine  the country’s judicial system. 

He said,  “When we first heard that the dissident and seccesionist IPOB and Yoruba Nation groups were planning to infiltrate the courts at all levels we dismissed the allegations. But latest developments have indeed forced us to raise this alert.

He said it has come to the notice of  the groups that they are resorting to blackmail and intimidation to hoodwink the judges into granting them unmerited judicial favours. 

“Recently a State High in Oyo State presided by Justice Ladiran delivered a judgment in favour of Sunday Igboho and awarded him 20billion naira as claims. 

“As part of the evil plots, IPOB has instituted a 5Billion naira case at the Abia State High Court Umuahia where a Judge would, out of fear of harassment and violence, grant them the plea. It has become obvious that IPOB intends to use its violence stricken sit-at-home enforcement style to force the judges do their bidding. 

“On the case of Igboho, we are aware that having failed to secure his release from  Benin Republic authorities, the leaders  resolved to raise  funds to patronise friendly judges in Nigeria who are sympathetic to their cause. A serving governor  in the south West appears to be part of the plot. The leaders  in that meeting also agreed to sponsor more rallies  abroad to give Nigeria a bad image internationally. Aside raising  funds from diaspora groups and  individuals who share in the evil dream of dividing the country, the group agreed to shop for a friendly judge to award them claims against the government  thus the 20billion naira.

“We are aware too that the representative of IPOB was mandated in their last meeting in Benin Republic to also institute a fresh suit against the federal government agents.This fresh suit by IPOB though an afterthought which confirms our position. These judges at the state level are said to be emotional attached to their ethnic groups and the separatists.

“We like to use this medium to appeal to  judges and lawyers to resist the temptation to betray their secret oath of office and to stick to the law in the over all interest of the country. No amount of inducement should entice any patriot to endanger  the lives of over two hundred million Nigerians. Judges and lawyers who administer justice should be reminded that the survival of nations depends on the patriotism of the judiciary 

“Following deliberations by the representatives of IPOB and Yoruba nation agitators , they had set up a fund raising Commitee to raise a financial war chest to compromise the judges and confront the Nigerian Government. So far, the groups have raised a huge sum in dollars to bribe  two  judges in the south west and now South East? Why would judges be induced if the litigants have no predetermined motive? Are they already aware of the legal outcomes, having successfully bribed their way through? 

“We are using this opportunity to appeal to the national judicial council (NJC) to rise to the occasion and sanction erring judges. The recent warning  given by  the Chief Justice Of Nigeria should be enough to guide the Honourable Judges. No desperate seccesionists should be allowed to rubbish our collective unity and threaten our sovereign existence or undermine the integrity of our courts”he said

The group urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to caution  chief  judges of states to monitor developments within their durisdiction in the interest of the nation and the integrity of the judiciary.

“We request the chief  judge of Abia state to reassign the suit filed by IPOB lawyers at the Abia high court or the Judge should recuse himself. 

“We do not have confidence in a few identified judges to sit on the cases in question. Available evidence  suggest glaring  judicial  bias and solidarity for one party, IPOB and Yoruba nation agitators as well as politicians.

“Gentlemen of the press, it is now your duty to utilise your platforms to enlighten and educate  Nigerians to rise up in defense of our judicial heritage and preserve our sovereingty” he said.

APC can’t zone presidency from South – Okorocha

Former governor of Imo State and a current Senator, Rochas Okorocha has insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has no justifiable reason not to zone presidency to the Southern Nigeria in 2023.


Okorocha who made this known Monday in Abuja during a Conversation with the the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council added that he has a vision to be President of Nigeria and it is driving him crazy noting that the culture of rotating the presidency from North to South must be respected.

The event was organised as a build up to his 59th birthday which comes up on 22nd  of September.


He said “the Yorubas of South Western Nigeria, North and the South South have ruled Nigeria in the current political dispensations.

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” All the Igbos want from Nigeria is a level playing ground for them to excel.”


He added his voice that it was time to try an Igbo man because he treat governance as seriously as his personal business.

On the agitation for secession by the Nnamdi Kanu led Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Okorocha advised the Federal Government to engage critical stakeholders from the Southeast to find a political solution to it.

This was as he contended that the force of arms is not the way out of the security situation in the Southeast, urging the government to embark on massive education and enlightenment of the populace.

He said; “I called for a meeting in the Government House when I was governor. They obliged me and came. They complained to me how security forces killed theory people in Okigwe and they were asking me a lot of funny questions.

“I asked them to convince me why I should another passport. If you convince me, then I join you but if I convince you, then you will join me. One of them said to me, ‘Oga, if you are not wise, the person who killed your father will kill you. So, at the end of our discussions, I found myself shaking hands with them and they started laughing.

“These are our children. The handling of the situation has to change. It is not a warfare. It is not a machine gun thing. I was against the military in Imo when I started this project because the Operation Python Dance, you shoot them, how many can you shoot? You shoot 500, and then the ones in Secondary School are still in poverty and hoping to join them. The earlier we educate these our children, the better it is for all of us.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s matter has become a tribal issue and we have lost a sense of the sensitivity of the matter. Ab initio, I had advised that government should have been careful in handling the issue and not to shoot the image of the boy too high.

“The Federal Government and southeast should meet and find a way out to this issue. It is an evil wind that will blow no one no good. Nnamdi Kanu should not be made a very big issue. I wish, like a senator said, that we call this young man and ask him to convince us on why he wants to give us another passport or to ask him about his anger. If we can talk, we would find out that this issue is not worth the trouble we are going through. We need to reorient them because what is common now in the Southeast is that they are saying that they heard that ‘they’ want to give Boko Haram amnesty while Nnamdi Kanu is in detention. So, it is no longer a Kanu thing but has taken a tribal dimension. The earlier we get this issue off and see him as an overzealous young man who didn’t even experience the civil war but who is talking about the war more than those who experienced it, the better for all of us”.

Earlier, Chairman of Council, Comrade Emma Ogbeche congratulated Sen. Okorocha on clocking 59, saying the union decided to honour him with the dialogue because his life has been defined by service and philanthropy.

“Nigeria is said to have about 11.5 million out of school children and if not for the benevolence of people like you, perhaps the figure could have risen to 14 million.

“It is in the recognition of your service to humanity, your unbridled philanthropy that we are persuaded at the FCT Council of the NUJ to honour you and to make it serve as a marker for others to do more for humanity”.

Okorocha also used the occasion to give out 59 academic scholarships to the NUJ for onward disbursement to deserving children.

Construction of Bonny Deep Seaport to commence soon

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has inspected the proposed site for construction of the Bonny Deep Seaport.

Amaechi made the visit, Friday in company of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Acting MD, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Koko and experts from the Ministry of Transportation, the NPA and the contractors, CCECC.

According to a statement by Director Press and Public Relations Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, the Minister noted that in choosing the site, considerations must be made towards cost reduction and ease in paying compensations.

He said while the South East part of the Island was also viable, the most feasible may be the area to the West in Finima, as it would require less dredging.

“The experts have said it will take only 500 metres of dredging at this point to get to 17metres draught which is our target for the depth of the seaport. The moment you reclaim 500metres into the ocean, you get to 17metres draught. You don’t need further dredging. While on the other end, you need 1.16kms dredging to get to the water. It will be more expensive to dredge 1.16km than to build rail line to this place. We can do the cost analysis and come to a decision.

Amaechi also said selection of the area, when finally decided upon would ensure that NNPC pipes would not be tampered with or moved for the rail lines extending to the Seaport to be laid.

“It would also be easier to pay compensations here and take the rail through this area instead of running it through the other end where there are pipes. And compensation would be paid on properties, not on land. If the land is not enough, the Federal Government would acquire more for the expansion,” Amaechi said.

Speaking to newsmen, the MD, NPA, Mohammed Koko said, “what we did today was to reconfirm the right location for the port, although final studies will be made and conclusions reached. The other location had pipes, so we believe that this one will be perfect. It has a natural draft of about 17metres.

“The Port which will have a capacity of about 500,000 TEUs on completion is a necessary infrastructure for Nigeria. Nigeria has over 823 kilometres of coastline and we have always been saying that the idea of building deep seaports will bring more economic value to the country, and Nigeria will eventually become a maritime hub in Africa or the West African sub-region,” he said.

Koko also stated that construction will kick off within the year and run concurrently with the construction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line which also extends to the Bonny Deep Seaport.

FG TO IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION MODES, HOSTS 16TH COUNCIL OF TRANSPORTATION

The Federal government is set to improve transportation modes as a way of cutting the cost of production and enhancing the ease of doing business in the country.

This is coming on the heels of the 16th Edition of the National Council on Transportation (NCT) with the theme: “Sustainable Transportation: Panacea for National Development” to be held in Kano, the Kano State capital from Monday 6th – Friday 10th September, 2021.

According to a statement by Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, the 2021 event will be hosted by the Kano State Government with Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the Chief Host while the Honourable Ministers of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Sen. Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki, will flag-off the programme and make presentations at the occasion.

In attendance at the NCT will be Transport Commissioners of the 36 States and the FCT, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Maritime Unions, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, amongst others.

The NCT is usually a forum where stakeholders meet and brainstorm on ways to improve on the transportation sector. The 15th Edition was held in Sokoto State.

FG REAPPOINTS EFFEDUA RECTOR MARITIME ACADEMY

President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the reappointment of Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua (rtd), as the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State for another term of four years.

Effedua who was first appointed in November 17, 2017, as Rector of the academy will continue in office effective September 2, 2021 for his final four years term.

A statement Monday by Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, also announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd) as the new Board Chairman of the institution.

He replaces the former Board Chairman, Demola Seriki, who has been appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain. The new Board Chairman will also assume duty officially September 2, 2021.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani earlier today in her Office presented the letter of reappointment to Commodore Effedua.
In attendance was the Director, Human Resource Management, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Awwal Sani.

Group hails NEDC, solicits international donors’ support for commission

The North East Peace Foundation (NEPF) has commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its laudable intervention initiatives introduced in the region.

The group gave the commendation on Friday in a statement titled ‘NEDC: A Trajectory of Exceptional Service in North East Nigeria’ and signed by its Executive Director, Achenyo Ogu.

According to Ogu, the Commision’s impact has been visible, fulfilling its mandate in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological problems and any other related environmental or development challenges.

He noted that the NEDC has shown the capacity to undertake humanitarian activities with its record of excellent service delivery.

The NEPF, therefore, called on international partners and donor agencies to support the NEDC with more resources.

It noted that with enhanced partnership, the Commission will be able to achieve more and reach more Nigerians.

While applauding the leadership for their commitment towards meaningful infrastructural development in the region, the group urged them not to be distracted by mischief makers.

It noted that should this tempo be sustained, the region would experience tremendous growth and development in the years ahead.

Read the full statement below:

The North East Peace Foundation, a critical stakeholder in the entrenchment of peace and stability in North-East Nigeria, commends the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for the laudable intervention initiatives introduced in states in North-East Nigeria.

As a partner in the developmental project in North-East Nigeria, we are stating in unequivocal terms that the various interventions of the NEDC in North-East Nigeria have been impactful. They resonate with the mandate of the Commission in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy level, ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the North-East states.

We wish to state that since the establishment of the NEDC, it has carried such quantum projects across states in North-East Nigeria, that by all indications, dwarfs the humanitarian adventures of International Non-Governmental Organizations in North-East Nigeria.

It is sufficing to add that the NEDC has indeed proven that it has the capacity to undertake humanitarian activities when the records of its numerus engagements are scrutinized.

The implication is that if all stakeholders extend to the NEDC the needed cooperation, the country, particularly the northeast, will be liberated from the destruction caused by the insurgency.

It is also a statement that the NEDC, since its establishment, has hit the ground running. This is laudable and a demonstration of the emphasis on excellent service delivery by the management of the NEDC.

The North East Peace Foundation uses this medium to call on international partners and donor agencies to support the NEDC with resources to enable the Commission to do more in its various interventions in North-East Nigeria.

It is our considered opinion that given the proper support from the government and development partners, the impact of the NEDC would be felt across the nook and crannies in North-East Nigeria.

The North East Peace Foundation sees the NEDC as a trajectory in service in its contribution to peace and development in North East and Nigeria at large.

We commend the leadership of the NEDC for the rare display of commitment towards bringing about meaningful infrastructural development in North-East Nigeria. It is, therefore, our candid view that should this tempo be sustained, North-East Nigeria would experience tremendous growth and development in the years ahead.

We advise the leadership of the NEDC to stay focused and not distracted by activities of mischief-makers who have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheel of progress in the operations of the NEDC.

The North East Peace Foundation would continue to render the necessary support to the operations of the NEDC in North-East Nigeria.

More to gain from NYSC than its problems, Varsity Don insists

A University Don, Dr Okpe J Okpe has said the recent calls for the scrapping of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC scheme is unwarranted as the gains of the scheme supercedes the pains.

OKpe, a seasoned Researcher who spoke at a one day round-table discussion on appraising the NYSC Scheme, its prospects,  challenges and gains said the scheme can never die.

Okpe who teaches at the Federal University  Lafia said 

the scheme apart from inculcating  discipline in Nigerian youths by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work also enlightens on loyal service to Nigeria in any situation they may find themselves.

He said the scheme has succeeded in raising he moral tone of the Nigerian youths by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement

“It has also developed  in the Nigerian youths the attitudes of mind, acquired through shared experience and suitable training. which will make them more amenable to mobilisation in the national interest

“It has also enable Nigerian youths acquire the spirit of self reliance by encouraging them to develop skills for self employment and also contribute to the accelerated growth of the national economy

The scheme also assist in developing  common ties among the Nigerian youths and promote national unity and integration.

Another Speaker at the session, Dr Thomas Uzah who urged the Government to increase the funding of the NYSC scheme said scrapping it will take the country more than 30 years backward.

Uzah said the scheme has gotten to a point where it has come to stay due to its social integration responsibilities. 

“The founding fathers of the scheme should be lauded for conceiving the scheme rather than describing as outlived its relevance, the scheme has done a lot of good to the country rather than its negative sides.

Another social commentator, Mojeed Dahiru who also spoke on the continous relevance of the scheme said it has contributed in removing prejudices, eliminate ignorance and confirm at first hand the many similarities among Nigerians of all ethnic groups while also ensuring an equitable distribution of members of the service corps and the effective utilisation of their skills in area of national needs

He said ” As far as possible, youths are assigned to jobs in States other than their States of origin

“That such group of youths assigned to work together is as representative of Nigeria as far as possible

“That the Nigerian youths are exposed to the modes of living of the people in different parts of Nigeria

“That the Nigerian youths are encouraged to eschew religious intolerance by accommodating religious differences

 “That members of the service corps are encouraged to seek at the end of their one year national service, career employment all over Nigeria, thus promoting the free movement of labour

“That employers are induced partly through their experience with members of the service corps to employ more readily and on a permanent basis, qualified Nigerians, irrespective of their States of origin”he said

FG, HUNGARIAN COMPANY SET TO PRODUCE AIRPLANES IN NIGERIA

The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Magnus aircraft Manufacturing industry in Hungary to establish an assembling plant and begin to manufacture in Nigeria from start to finish before the end of the Buhari administration.

Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika expressed the interest when he paid an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary.

According to a statement Tuesday by the Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, the Minister explained that “if we venture with them, we may start with assembling plant and later manufacturing”, adding that the Magnus aircraft is an aeroplane that is good for Military training, has an aerobatic manoeuvre and is made of fully composite materials high strength and very lightweight.

Aerobatics is the practice of flying manoeuvres involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in normal flight. Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment, and sport.

Sirika further said he was very satisfied with the features and more than willing to facilitate the production of the aeroplanes in Nigeria, saying one of the significant features of the Magnus aircraft is that it uses normal car petrol and outperforms any training aircraft of its kind”

The Minister who was at the facility on the invitation of the Company, said the proposed partnership with the aircraft manufacturer will be subjected to further analysis to verify the market and government willingness to partner with a significant amount of money and logistics.

He emphasized that the local production of aircrafts in the country will facilitate the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation super power as it will also come with maintenance and repair facilities that will attract patronage from neighbouring countries.

According to him, the present administration has created an attractive environment for international investors in Nigeria, especially in the aviation sector, with the ongoing implementation of the development roadmap which places emphasis on public private partnerships.