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AnambraDecides: CTA Calls For Peaceful, Transparent Conduct

Published

7 months ago

November 7, 2025

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has called on all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible process in the November 7 Anambra governorship election.

Speaking at a pre- election briefing held in Awka, the CTA Lead, Expert Team for the Anambra State Governorship Election, Prof. Alex Asigbo, and the Executive Director of the CTA, Faith Nwadishi, reiterated the organization’s commitment to electoral integrity and citizen participation.

Prof. Asigbo noted that citizens of Anambra have high hopes for the forthcoming polls, inspired by “the promises and the incremental improvements witnessed during other off-season elections made possible with the introduction of technological innovations into the electoral process.”

He recalled that these innovations were also deployed during the 2023 presidential and national assembly elections, which, according to him, “energized a new layer of Nigerians, especially the youths, who became politically active in a manner never witnessed in the political history of the country.”

The CTA, which has been actively involved in election observation since its inception, announced that it would deploy 50 trained observers across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State.

These observers will provide real-time reports from polling stations, giving the organization firsthand information about election-day developments.

He disclosed that “the CTA, in collaboration with the Koyenum Immalah Foundation (KIF), had successfully implemented a voter enlightenment and education programme in Orumba South Local Government Area between September 15 and 30, 2025.

“The programme aimes at sensitizing citizens on their electoral rights and responsibilities, promoting peaceful participation, discouraging malpractices such as vote buying and rigging, and motivating increased voter turnout ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election.

“As Ndi Anambra goes to the polls again tomorrow,” Asigbo said, “we want to call the attention of all and sundry to the following important issues.”

He emphasized the need for efficient logistical arrangements by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging that “the hiccups that always mar our elections should not for any reason rear its ugly head during the governorship election on Saturday.”

He added that all arrangements for the movement of personnel and materials must be “topnotch.”

He commended INEC for initiating the sanction of errant officials in previous elections but insisted that “more electoral officers and ad hoc staff should be sanctioned if found wanting in this election.

“Integrity should be the watchword for INEC staff. Ndi Anambra do not expect anything less.”

He also emphasized that Electoral Officers in the local government areas “must be on top of their game by promptly mobilizing members of the NURTW to move personnel and materials to polling units in good time.”

On security, the CTA expressed concern about potential flashpoints in areas such as Orumba South, Ihiala, and Ogbaru, calling for “better synergy between security agencies across board to ensure safety of citizens, INEC personnel and materials before, during and after the elections.”

The organization further encouraged citizens to come out in large numbers, describing the election as very important. “We call on citizens to shun vote buying and trading. They should come out in their numbers to exercise their franchise,”
Nwadishi stated, urging voters to conduct themselves “with utmost decorum while ensuring that their votes count.”

Addressing the issue of misinformation, the CTA warned against the spread of fake news on social media, noting that “fake news hatched by unscrupulous elements to distort information and create chaos are often spread through the social media.”

The CTA also cautioned politicians against money politics and vote buying, which it described as “a negative use of money to influence votes including the criminal purchases of PVCs by politicians.”

The organization called for “a more result-oriented method like covert operations” by law enforcement agencies to curb the menace, suggesting that “an early warning flagging by the Central Bank and commercial institutions will as well alert anti-graft agencies to track illicit money intended to usurp the wills of the people.”

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

20 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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