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FCT Council Election: UN Observer Blames INEC For Low Voter Turnout

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An observer of the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the United Nations, Mr. Yakubu Francis, has blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the low voter turnout in the February 21 Area Council election in Abuja.

Speaking with Tribune Online after observing the election in Nyanya, a satellite town in the FCT, Yakubu said the splitting of voters in Nyanya contributed to the low turnout for both the Nyanya Ward Councilorship election and the Chairmanship election of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Most of the polling units visited by the Sunday Tribune recorded low voter turnout, a situation the UN election observer attributed to poor voter sensitization by INEC.

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In the words of the UN observer: “What we observed is that there was not enough orientation about the splitting of polling units by INEC. People are confused; the voters are confused.

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“For example, there are old polling units with massive voter registration. INEC tried to split them for easier voting, which is a good initiative. But they were supposed to educate voters that their polling unit has changed, for instance, from 0010 to 0030, and provide the new location.

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“INEC failed to give that orientation, so people were confused. When voters arrived, they had to check through thousands of names on the board. If they didn’t find their name, they were directed to another polling unit, which caused fatigue and frustration. This confusion discouraged many voters,” he told Nigerian Tribune.

He added that the situation could even be seen as a deliberate action by INEC to disenfranchise voters, emphasizing that proper orientation should have been provided.

“For example, my polling unit is 005, opposite the General Hospital in Nyanya, where I registered. But now, they directed me to 037, which I had to locate.

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“If not for my perseverance and passion to exercise my right, I might have given up along the way. It’s frustrating. The necessary information simply was not provided,”* he lamented.

Meanwhile, after the counting of votes at the Chief Palace in Nyanya, which comprised four polling units, the APC Chairmanship candidate for AMAC, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, won the election. Hon. Matthew Danjuma Yare of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as the winner of the Nyanya Councilorship election for three polling units situated at the Chief Palace in Nyanya.

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While the exercise was generally peaceful in the Nyanya axis of the FCT, voter turnout was low, and the election commenced almost two hours later than the scheduled 8:30 a.m. start time announced by INEC.

In some polling units visited by Sunday Tribune, voting began around 10 a.m., as election materials arrived late at certain polling units, including Area F and the VIO office in Nyanya, AMAC.

…More to come

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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