News

AnambraDecides: CTA Calls For Peaceful, Transparent Conduct

Published

6 months ago

November 7, 2025

Editor

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

NiMet Warns Of Flash Flooding In 19 States

Published

10 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 19 states across the country may experience flash flooding.

In an advisory issued yesterday, NiMet said increased surface runoff and flash flooding could occur during heavy early rains due to dry and hardened soils that prevent water from properly soaking into the ground.

The agency listed the states likely to be affected as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and Bayelsa.

NiMet said the possible impacts include flooded roads, traffic disruption, damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

The agency advised residents to clear blocked drainage and stay updated with weather and flood alerts.

NiMet also cautioned motorists and pedestrians against driving or walking through flooded areas.

The agency asked relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and emergency response measures to reduce flood-related risks.

“An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the advisory read.

The Federal Government had warned that 14,118 communities in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of severe flooding in 2026.

The states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Kano.

Others are Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara, and the FCT.

Meanwhile, Nimet and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have intensified efforts to improve disaster management in the country with plans to develop a national early warning system roadmap.

The move was announced yesterday during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, to the Director General of NiMet, Charles Anosike, at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja.

Mrs Umar applauded NiMet for the timely release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and its consistent weather forecasts, noting that the agency had recorded significant improvements under Prof. Anosike’s leadership.

News

‘Nothing New’ – Wike Defends Houses For Judges, Dismisses NBA Criticism

Published

11 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday defended the construction of houses for judges and justices in Abuja, dismissing concerns that the projects could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Wike spoke after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division and proposed residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The minister’s remarks followed criticisms reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over executive involvement in the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary.

Rejecting the concerns, Wike argued that government provision of facilities for judicial officers was neither new nor a threat to judicial autonomy.

He said: “The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary.

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by government. So there is nothing new in this.”

Wike accused the NBA leadership of inconsistency, alleging that the association frequently sought financial support from state governments for its conferences and activities while criticising government interventions in the judiciary.

“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he queried.

He maintained that the FCT Administration would not be distracted from implementing projects designed to improve the welfare and working conditions of judges and justices.

“This is a voluntary act by government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence,” the minister added.

Wike said the projects formed part of activities lined up to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He expressed satisfaction with the completion level of the judges’ quarters, describing the project as well executed and nearly ready for inauguration.

“We’ve seen the judges’ quarters beautiful. I’m very elated that the job was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99 per cent ready,” he stated.

The minister also disclosed that preparations had begun for the groundbreaking ceremony of residences for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the finishing at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project, despite its advanced stage of completion.

“Almost 90 per cent complete, but I must say it’s not the quality I expected. I have told the contractor that several errors must be corrected before inauguration,” he said.

Wike assured that the administration would continue monitoring contractors to ensure all projects are delivered according to specification and within schedule.

“All the promises that have been made, we are going to fulfil them. That is why we are going around to inspect and ensure contractors are ready,” he added.

News

LASG Fixes Dates For Public Service Exams, Releases CBT Guidelines

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Examinations Board, has released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 Public Service Examinations.

In a statement by the Lagos State Government, the announcement, which aligns with a prior circular from the Head of Service with Ref No: CIR/HOS/’26/005 dated January 21, 2026, sets out key instructions for candidates preparing for the exercise.

The examinations will hold between Tuesday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo, Lagos.

They include the Compulsory Examination for all cadres in the State Public Service, the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Examination for Clerical Officers II (CO II) and Clerical Assistants (CA), as well as the External Secretarial Examination.

According to the board, candidates are expected to begin printing their examination slips from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, through the official portal using their registration login details.

The slip will contain key information such as each candidate’s exam date and time.

“All candidates are required to present valid identification at the examination centre. Acceptable forms of identification include Staff Identity Cards, National Identification Number (NIN) slips, and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) cards,” the statement said.

Candidates are also required to bring printed copies of their examination slips to the venue and must strictly follow the date and time allocated to them.

The board further advised candidates to acquaint themselves with basic computer skills ahead of the exercise, as the examinations will be conducted using a Computer-Based Test, CBT, format.

It also warned that dressing must be formal, adding that inappropriate dressing will not be allowed at the examination centre.

Candidates were urged to comply fully with all instructions to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

“The Lagos State Examinations Board urges all candidates to comply fully with these guidelines to ensure a smooth and orderly examination process,” the statement added.