News
Ondo Poll: Yiaga Africa Releases Pre-election Statement, Predicts Low Turnout, Others
Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring civil society organisation in Nigeria has predicted low turnout of voters in the Saturday November 16, 2023 governorship election in Ondo State.
Yiaga Africa, however, predicted a peaceful election during the Saturday governorship election in Ondo State.
“Yiaga Africa observed the pre-election environment, and reports indicate that Ondo experienced a relatively peaceful pre-election environment. Security concerns leading up to the election in Ondo State have remained low,” Yiaga Africa added.
In a pre-election press briefing in Akure on Thursday, Ezenwa Nwagwu, Chairman, 2024 Ondo Election Mission of Yiaga Africa, attributed the anticipated low turnout to voter apathy, economic concerns, thuggery, cultist activities, among others.
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“There are concerns about low voter turnout. Several factors contribute to this, including voter apathy, economic concerns, and the influence of political thuggery and cultist activities. These issues can discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process, leading to a lower-than-expected turnout,” he added.
He continued: “As election campaigns intensify, some party supporters become less tolerant and engage in physical and verbal altercations to assert dominance. There has been a concerning rise in political thuggery and the activities of cultists. These actions threaten the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of voters.”
Speaking further on the pre-election campaign, Yiaga Africa said its “assessment revealed that the campaigns were more of a clash of political heavyweights than a competition of ideas and issues, with money playing a prominent role.”
He continued: “Yiaga Africa pre-election assessment revealed that the campaigns were more of a clash of political heavyweights than a competition of ideas and issues, with money playing a prominent role.
READ ALSO: Top 10 Things Nigerians Spend Their Money On Amid Hardship
“The allegations of election rigging between the political parties and the conversation of new rigging tactics remain topical in the pre-election phase.
“The defining issues in the pre-election phase indicate a worrying trend in elections in Nigeria and demand a review of the approach to engaging and assessing the electoral process.”
Yiaga Africa, while appealing to Ondo electorate to conduct themselves peacefully during the election as they have been doing before, urged security agents to play by the rule.
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“We call on voters in Ondo to encourage peaceful behaviour, discourage violence or intimidation and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities,” Yiaga added.
The civil society organisation, therefore, called on all stakeholders to collaborate to make the Ondo State election a model for other off-cycle elections, showcasing our collective commitment to democracy and peaceful coexistence.
News
DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials
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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Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”
The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.
News
‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu
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.”
READ ALSO:Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
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.
News
Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
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.
READ ALSO:Obi Blames Tinubu For 70% Investment Crash
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.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Subsidises Kidney Dialysis Cost By 76% In Federal Hospitals
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.
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