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#EdoDecides: Vote Buying Was More Of Systemic Than Open Transactions – CSO

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A Civil Society Organisation – Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) – says it observed and recorded vote buying during the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

KDI said its observers in the field recorded vote buying across the three senatorial districts of the state during the election.

Giving journalists a situation report during the election, KDI said in several local government areas, “vote buying was more of systemic than open transactions – nevertheless, there were cases of open exchange of votes for cash and material goods, with sums ranging from N1,000 to N10,000.”

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KDI in a statement to back up its findings said: “In some instances, voters were observed entering shops that appeared to be conducting regular business; however, the large number of voters visiting these shops suggested otherwise.

READ ALSO: Edo Decides: PDP’s Ighodalo, Wife Cast Vote In Home Town, Ewohimi, Boasts Of Victory

“Our observers also witnessed instances where party agents and voters engaged in electronic money transfers, further indicating the ongoing prevalence of vote buying during the election.

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“This disturbing trend underscores the need for more stringent measures to curb vote buying and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

“In Ikpo-okpha and Egor, the military and DSS were brought in to conduct investigations into the allegations of vote buying.”

Speaking on it general findings, KDI said: “Logistical Challenges for INEC Officials: Logistical issues continue to impact the electoral process. We noted delays in the deployment of INEC ad-hoc officials in some RACs to polling units, raising questions about what went wrong.

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READ ALSO: [BREAKING]Edo Decides: LP’s Apakata Loses Polling Unit

“It was rightly observed in RACs, such as Agbado Primary School, Akpapava Road, Oredo LGA and Model Primary School, close to Stella Obasanjo Hospital Ikpoba Okha LGA that limited vehicles were available. Some of these vehicles were rickety and inadequate, forcing officials to be transported in multiple trips. By 9:30 am, some officials had still not left their RAC centers, which resulted in late commencement of poll in affected areas.

“Addressing these questions is vital for ensuring a smoother electoral process in the future. These logistical gaps not only disrupt the election process but also create opportunities for misinformation, as anxious voters may wrongly assume that election materials or officials have been compromised. It is imperative that both INEC and NURTW collaborate effectively to prevent such disruptions and ensure a seamless election process.”

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READ ALSO: Edo Decides: PDP’s Ighodalo, Wife Cast Vote In Home Town, Ewohimi, Boasts Of Victory

KDI, therefore, called on security agencies to critically investigate any forms of vote buying and selling, to further deter the likelihood of violence that could interrupt the free flow of voting.

‘Ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights freely and fairly is paramount to the integrity of our democracy.”

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Its added: “We remain committed to advocating for a transparent electoral process and will continue to monitor developments as the day progresses.”

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NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

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The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

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Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

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He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.

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READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

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“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

READ ALSO:NAF Announces Two-hour Road Closure In Abuja For 10km Walk

The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

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He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

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Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

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The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

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The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

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Explaining the reason for the closure, LASPARK added, “The temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out essential landscaping, facility repairs, and general upgrades to ensure that our parks remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for residents and visitors.”

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The agency also stressed that the exercise aligns with its broader mandate, noting, “This maintenance programme is part of our commitment to providing well-maintained green spaces that promote relaxation, wellness, and environmental sustainability.”

LASPARK assured residents that “all parks will reopen at the end of the maintenance period.”

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PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

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The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.

According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.

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The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.

READ ALSO:PAP Scholarship Scheme Vehicle For Better Future For Niger Delta —Otuaro

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“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.

He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

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Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

READ ALSO:Otuaro Tasks Media On Objective Reportage

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The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.

“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.

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According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.

READ ALSO:I’m Not Distracted By Anti-Niger Delta Elements, Says PAP Boss, Otuaro

He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

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Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.

Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.

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Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.

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