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Edo Guber: Violence Will Escalate COVID-19, INEC Warns

Published

5 years ago

September 10, 2020

Says PTF Has Provided 3000 Thermometer

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Thursday warned that violence of any form may undermine COVID-19 protocols during the September 19 Edo governorship election.

The Commission expressed worry the situation could lead to spread of the virus.

INEC Chairman, Mahmud Yakubu gave the warning at the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 briefing, Thursday, in Abuja.

He noted that such irregularity may complicate the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the INEC Chair, violence may not only disrupt the election but also lead to further spread of the pandemic.

He said: “I will like to appeal to all parties and candidates and all those involved in the electoral process to eschew violence. In the context of COVID 19, violence will not only disrupt the election, it will also complicate the nation’s response to the health emergencies.”

He however assured the Commission is fully prepared and ready for the conduct of the election and would fully comply with the COVID-19 protocols.

Responding to whether the Commission can assure a violence- free poll, Yakubu explained that “we can only assure of efforts we are making that there is no violence.”

He added: “We have identified eight protective measures ranging from mandatory use of face mask, physical distancing, use of infrared thermometers

“It is mandatory to wear face mask or face covering without which the voter will not be allowed to vote. Face covering will be sufficient for the voter to be accredited and to vote.

“Voters are required to maintain physical distancing. The Commission introduced two-queues, one outside the polling area and the other inside the polling area.

‘’Within the inner queues, voters must maintain the mandatory two meter distance from each other and we clearly mark this in one of the bye elections.

“Voters showing symptoms must obey all directions from officials to stop other voters from been infected.”

He also explained that INEC has produced its policy in Braille for virtually impaired voters who may not be able to read it’s flyers and posters.

“All these steps are in the realm of planning but the true test of the plan is the actual implementation. We are going into Edo next week, assured that we have test run our preparations for voting under the COVID 19”.

The INEC boss disclosed that the PTF had provided 3,000 thermometers to deploy to polling units in Edo state.

(NATION)

Related Topics:#Edo governorship election #INEC Edo 2020

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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.

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

Published

15 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.

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

Published

15 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.