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Edo Poll: ‘It’s Display Of Lack Of Accountability, Impunity,’ NERG Reacts To APC, PDP Candidates Failure To Attend Debate
The Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) has reacted to the failure by the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Peoples Democratic Party’s counterpart, Asue Ighodalo to show up at a governorship debate slated for today, September 15, 2024, saying it is “a demonstration of lack of accountability.”
NERG, in conjunction with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) had scheduled a debate for governorship candidates of political parties ahead of the September 21 election.
It was an avenue for political parties’ candidates to tell the whole world and Edo people what they have in store for them but unfortunately alone candidates of the Labour Party, Barr. Olumide Akpata, People’s Redemption Party, Patience Ndidi and Action Democratic Congress, Derek Izedonwmen showed up at the debate at NUJ Press Centre, Benin City.
In his opening remarks, representative of the NERG, Eddie Emessiri, said that the both candidates who failed to show up at the debate displayed to Edo people that they have no regard for them, urging Edo people “not to forget this act of disregard.”
Emessiri, who said Edo people deserve leaders who respect them, said those “who are willing to stand before them and be judged on their ideas and policies, noted that the people do not need “leaders who believe they can rig their way to power or coast through without being accountable.”
The NERG representative who stated “we cannot stand by and allow this culture of impunity to thrive, noted that “the fact that these candidates are willing to avoid scrutiny speaks volumes about their disregard for the democratic process and the importance of your vote.”
He added: “They believe that election outcomes are pre-determined by other means, not by the will of the people, and that is both dangerous and shameful.
“The electorate deserves better. We, the people, deserve leaders who are willing to engage, to explain, and to answer tough questions-not to hide behind their handlers and spin doctors.
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“This debate, and any debate, is not just a formality-it is a cornerstone of democracy. It is an opportunity for you, the people, to evaluate the candidates, to understand their policies, and to make informed choices. But when candidates refuse to participate, they rob you of that opportunity, and in doing so, they undermine the very foundation of democracy.
“So, to those who have chosen to stay away from this debate, I say this: This Edo off season election will make or mar our drive to entrench democratic ideals in Nigeria. You have disrespected the people of Edo State. You have demonstrated a lack of accountability, and in doing so, you have shown that you are not ready to lead.
“We will not forget this act of disregard. And I urge the people of Edo State not to forget it either, because democracy thrives when the electorate is informed, engaged, and unafraid to demand better from those who seek to lead.”
Emedsiri also blamed media handlers of these candidates whom he said “rather than preparing their candidates to stand before the people, to articulate their policies, to demonstrate leadership and communicate effectively, these professionals advise them to avoid debates altogether. Are they truly trained journalists and broadcasters?”
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Trump’s Airstrikes: Halt Military Cooperation With US Immediately – Sheikh Gumi Tells Tinubu Govt
Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all military cooperation with the United States following reported US airstrikes.
Gumi warned that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty.
Gumi made the call in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday.
He said while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions should only be carried out by what he described as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead such efforts because of its global military record.
READ ALSO:US Dept Of War Shares Video Of Air Strikes In Nigeria
According to the cleric, Nigeria made a mistake by allowing foreign powers to play a role in its counterterrorism operations, insisting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often result in civilian casualties and hidden political motives.
Gumi warned that allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war would attract anti-US forces into the country, further destabilising it.
He also cautioned that US involvement, particularly under claims of protecting Christians, could polarise the country along religious lines.
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The cleric further argued that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires strong ground operations, which he said Nigeria has enough personnel to carry out if properly organised.
“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies.
“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” part of his statement reads.
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Shehu Sani Reacts To Trump’s Military Strikes In Nigeria
Former lawmaker, senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to reports of United States military strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West, saying foreign powers cannot permanently handle the country’s security challenges.
Sani made the remarks on Friday via his X handle while responding to a post by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, which indicated that the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
According to him, if the reported strikes were indeed a joint operation with Nigerian security agencies, then such action was justifiable, given the threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.
READ ALSO:US Dept Of War Shares Video Of Air Strikes In Nigeria
He described terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria as “cancerous cells,” stressing that they survive through violence and should be confronted decisively.
Sani also dismissed narratives suggesting that terrorist attacks target only one religious group, describing such claims as false and misleading.
He said: “If actually, the military strikes against the terrorists targets in the North Western part of Nigeria were a joint operation with the ‘Nigerian Authorities’ as posted by the US AFRICOM on their verified X handle, then it’s a conscionable action.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: US Forces Bomb Terrorists Camps In Nigeria
“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country.They live by the sword.The narrative that the evil terrorists only targets one faith, remains absolutely false and misleading.
“Again, the ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power. They can complimentarily or unilaterally strike, but they can’t eternally fight our battles.”
News
UKWU! Timaya Falls On Stage While Trying To Lift Plus-sized Woman During Performance [VIDEO]
Nigerian singer, Timaya fell on stage while trying to lift a plus-sized lady during performance.
The incident occurred during his ‘Ukwu’ performance at the Gbaramatu Christmas Carnival in Delta State.
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Timaya in a now trending video on social media collapsed after the plus-sized woman jumped on him midday into his performance.
The singer later got up and continued his performance amid cheers from the crowd.
Watch video here
https://x.com/hypetribeng/status/2004263337572684157?s=20
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