News

Edo Poll: Confusion As Observers Give Opposite Reports

Published

4 years ago

September 21, 2020

Local and international observers that were accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission to monitor the September 19 governorship election in Edo State on Monday gave divergent views on the coverage of the exercise.

Info Daily had earlier reported that Civil Society Domestic Election Observers adjudged the conduct of the election as free, fair, credible, and transparent.

However, Different observer groups have given their experiences on the exercise.

Group under the aegis of Intercontinental Leadership Initiative faulted the integrity of the Saturday’s exercise.

However, in its interim report on Sunday, Nigeria Bar Association Observers, Benin branch, said there was a substantial improvement in the deployment of Card Readers as most of the device functioned in their optimal capacity in most of the polling units.

On its part, Stafford Bisong, the Country Head of Intercontinental Leadership Initiative, raised integrity issues about the election.

Mr Bisong, who said he had his officials spread across the 18 Local Government Area of Edo during the election, claimed that most of the card readers used for the poll were not functional.

He also said the non-display of voters’ register at the polling units five days before the election was contrary to the provision of the Electoral Act.

The observer said another finding by the organisation was the late arrival of sensitive and none materials in about 80 per cent of polling units, especially in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor LGAs.

“We discovered a lot of discrepancies on the field during the election and we concluded that there is more to desire in our electoral voting procedure. Both sensitive and none sensitive materials relatively late in 80 percent of the polling units, prominent in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor.

“Voting commenced around 1.30pm in some parts of these polling units. Another one is the issue of the voters’ register. The register was pasted just less than 24 hours to the election and this made it difficult for many to exercise before the poll.

“We again discovered that the voter’s register was not updated, as a result, this made it impossible for many not to participate in the exercise. Some of these people may have relocated, some, some died while the Covid-19 pandemic may have kept many away.

“Finally, none functional card readers as noticed across the State led to the issue of multiple voting in parts of the polling units. About 80 per cent of these card readers malfunctioned as they were not authenticating fingerprints of the voters which led to manual use of authentication” Mr Bisong said.

News

Yahaya Bello: AGF Talks Tough, Warns Against Obstruction Of EFCC Operation

Published

17 mins ago

April 18, 2024

Editor

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has asked the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to surrender himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The AGF, in a statement he made available to newsmen on Thursday, warned that the anti-graft agency should not be obstructed from performing its lawful duty.

He said: “The bizarre drama confronting the EFCC in the course of its efforts to perform its statutory duty,” with respect to the charge it filed against the erstwhile governor, has come to his notice, describing it as “a matter of very grave concern.”

“It is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigation into any matter regardless of status.

“Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC but to honourably answer their invitation.

“A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting.

“A flight from the law does not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbates it.

“I state unequivocally that I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC and indeed any other agency to order when there is indication of any transgression of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies but I also tenaciously hold the view that institutions of State should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently.

“Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.

“I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism that can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world,” the AGF added.

The EFCC had in a 19-count charge it filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, accused the ex-governor of complicity in money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds to the tune of about N84 billion.

Attempt by the commission to arrest him at his Abuja residence on Wednesday was allegedly thwarted by the incumbent governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, who was said to have whisked him away in his official car.

News

VIDEO: Moment Davido Gifts Lady $50K To Clear Off Her Student Loan

Published

41 mins ago

April 18, 2024

Editor

Afrobeats star Davido stunned fans on Wednesday during his electrifying performance at Madison Square Garden when he gifted a fan $50,000.

The Nigerian music star, known for hits like “Feel,” captivated the audience with his dynamic stage presence and infectious energy.

Amid the pulsating beats and adoring cheers from the crowd, the singer seized a poignant moment to make a difference in the life of one lucky fan.

Bringing a female American fan onto the stage, Davido learned of her plight with student loan debt and wasted no time in offering a solution.

With a generous spirit, Davido called out to his aide, directing them to present the fan with a gift of $50,000.

The unexpected gesture left the audience in awe, as Davido’s act of kindness transcended the boundaries of music and touched the hearts of all those in attendance.

Video:

During Davido’s Performance On stage at the MSG, A Girl With Banner Begged Davido for $13K to Settle Her School Fees, Davido Called Her On Stage and Gave Her $50k!!❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/b8a78Xpp5m
— Shadrack Amonoo Crabe 👁‍🗨 (@ShadrackAmonooC) April 18, 2024