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Edo Election: INEC Reacts To Alleged Obstruction Of Political Parties To Inspect Materials, Fixes Date

Published

11 months ago

October 9, 2024

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo | Benin

The Independent National Electoral Commission has reacted to the allegation making the rounds that the Commission denied political parties access to materials used for the just concluded governorship election in Edo State

Recall that legal team to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governhsip candidate raised the alarm on Monday that INEC has been tactically frustrating their efforts to inspect the materials including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) which, according to them, they intend to use to “flesh up our petition at the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal.”

But reacting to the allegation in a statement signed by Dr Anugbum Onuoha, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, the Commission denied the allegation, describing it as “baseless, misleading, and completely devoid of truth.”

Onuoha, who said “at no time have I or any official in my office obstructed or denied any political party or their representatives access to inspect the materials used in the last elections,” added that “INEC, under my leadership in Edo State, remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and integrity in all electoral processes.”

The REC, while noting that “the inspection of election materials is a fundamental right of all parties involved in election petitions, and it is a process that we are mandated by law to facilitate,” said “INEC is fully aware of the legal implications of such actions, and we are dedicated to supporting the lawful proceses that enable parties to seek redress in the courts.”

Onuoha, who urged “all stakeholders and the general public to disregard such misinformation,” therefore, announced a date for the inspection of materials by political parties.

The REC said: “In furtherance of this commitment, I wish to inform the public that the inspection of the election materials, including the BVAS devices, has been formally scheduled to take place tomorrow October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the INEC Headquarters in Edo State.

“All political their representatives are invited to participate in this exercise, as per the legal procedures, to ensure transparency and adherence to the rule of law.

“Any political party or candidate seeking to inspect these materials has been and will continue to
be granted access, provided they follow the proper procedures as outlined by the Election
Tribunal and relevant legal frameworks.

“As a Commission, our loyalty remains to the Nigerian people, the
Constitution, and the rule of law.
INEC, as an institution, stands for transparency, and we are fully committed to ensuring that the
electoral process is free, fair, and accountable.

“Any party wishing to engage with my office regarding the inspection of materials is encouraged to do so through the appropriate legal
channels, and I assure them of our full cooperation,” he added.

Related Topics:#edo poll #INEC Edo Guber

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DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

1 day 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.

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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.