News

CSOs Reject Edo Election Results, Allege Electoral Violations

Published

11 months ago

September 24, 2024

A coalition of accredited civil society organizations, CSOs, has rejected the results of the Edo governorship election held on September 21, expressing concerns about the election’s transparency and integrity.

The coalition, which includes notable organizations such as the Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation, and the Grassroot Development and Peace Initiative, issued a statement highlighting significant irregularities observed during the election.

Although the observers reported satisfaction with the results from over 4,500 polling units, they rejected the results compiled at the ward and local government levels by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

A statement by the CSOs, signed by its key coordinators, Mrs. Rose Akhigbe, Comrade Peter Nwokolo, Engr. Anyasor Gabriel, and Comrade Sunny Elekwa, who all have been vocal in expressing their concerns over the election’s transparency, stated that INEC’s actions during the collation process contradicted the provisions outlined in the Electoral Act 2022.

“We reject the collation of results at the wards and local governments because INEC complied with the Electoral Act at the polling units but violated it during the collation,” said Comrade Peter Nwokolo.

The coalition highlighted that there were two sets of result sheets— one used in the field and another that appeared to favor the All Progressive Congress, APC, in specific regions.

The observers also raised the alarm about the involvement of military and police personnel, who allegedly disrupted the collation process and intimidated INEC officials.

“There was militarization and use of impunity at wards, local governments, and state collation centers,” they stated, calling into question the credibility of the entire electoral process.

The coalition declared their rejection of the results, which announced APC’s candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the winner, stating, “Results were only collated at the units and some wards before the military and police interfered.”

As the coalition seeks to address these pressing concerns, they urge for a comprehensive review of the electoral process to restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic practices.

The coalition represents a diverse of organizations, including the Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation, Grassroots Development and Peace Initiative, Citizens Rights and Leadership Awareness Initiative, and the Centre for Development & Transformation Initiative.

Other organizations in the coalition include the Initiative for Peace, Humanity, and Social Advancement for Women; Global Development Centre for Rescue Mission in Nigeria; Centre for Social Values and Early Childhood Development, and the Amazon Women of Substance Initiative.

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

15 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

16 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

16 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.