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EXCLUSIVE: Lagos LG Polls: APC Explains Why Tinubu, Fashola, Ambode Shunned Election

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Lagos LG Polls

…You Deployed Violence, Victimization, Rigging To Win- PDP Accuses Ruling Party

…Councillorship Seats Won By Opposition Shows Process Was Free, Fair- APC Reacts

Last Saturday’s local government election in Lagos witnessed a poor turnout of voters in almost all voting centres across the 57 councils, while major stakeholders from the two main political parties in the State were conspicuously missing at the polls.

In a handful of voting centres monitored by our correspondent, only a few voters turned out to participate in the exercise, a development the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) attributed to voters opting to jettison their civic responsibilities for intangible reasons.

From Orile, Mile 2, Isolo, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Ojokoro and a few others, the ad-hoc officers of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) had practically nothing to do as only a few voters turned out to cast their votes.

At the end of the voting and counting process, the APC polled a total of 584, 619 votes as against Peoples Democratic Party, its closest challenger which polled 80,719 votes.

This figure is a far cry of the 739,445 votes the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu polled to beat PDP’s Dr. Jimi Agbaje, who scored 206,141 to finish second.

In April 2021, the party said it registered at least 2.5 million members in the State across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs), suggesting that only about 25 percent of APC faithful participated in last Saturday’s council polls.

On Election Day, three former governors of the State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode shunned the exercise, raising eyebrows among stakeholders in the party.

Journalists and party faithful who had besieged the polling centres of the trio at unit 047 unit, ward 3, Sunday Adigun Street, Alausa; Unit 002 State Junior Grammar School, Eric Moore and Ward A5 polling unit 033, Ogunmodede College, Papa, Epe area, respectively, were left disappointed after waiting in vain for them to come out to vote.

Asked why the ex-governors decided not to be part of the election in their various wards, Publicity Secretary of the APC, Seye Oladejo in an interview with Thepledge said, “Well, I think the former governors you referred to might be in a better position to address that question but at their level of politics, participating in the electoral process goes beyond casting their votes on that day.

“For someone like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is a national leader and the de-facto leader of APC in Lagos, it was a measure of his confidence in the ability of his men to deliver on the D-Day whether he was there or not. But be that as it may, participating at their level goes beyond just casting their votes, it extends to organising the party properly for the elections and once you put your house together, I’m not too sure that those of them will be the ones running around on the day of the election to deliver for the party. So, it’s really a non-issue for us.”

Speaking on the voter apathy that overshadowed the election, Oladejo said the low turnout of voters was worrisome and a cause for concern for the party.

Offering explanation as to what led to voters shunning the exercise, Oladejo said youths who should be more interested in the governance at the grassroots prefer to take to other pleasures rather than be part of the electioneering process.

“On that day, a lot of people stayed at home, youngsters were playing soccer on the streets, some were watching Big Brother Nigeria, Olympic Games and the rest of it, while an election that could be a determinant of what the future holds was taking place. For me, that was not good enough.

“So for us to get a better turn out in future, everybody has a stake, a role, the media, security agencies, NGOs and the umpire all have a role to play to ensure that we have reasonable number of people in the electoral process.”

He also blamed the low turnout on the weak opposition parties in the State as well as the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic that has affected every sector not only in Nigeria but across the world.

“It is also imperative to note that we had a very weak opposition that is not bringing anything to the table. It was even virtually impossible for them to print posters and banners and to reach out. On the day of the election, you will find out that in most of the polling units, they could not even mobilize enough people to be their agents. So, in such a no-contest, what was the motivation for people to desperately want to come out and inconvenience themselves for something that was actually a no-contest.”

Oladejo however urged the youths to see elections as a way of influencing positive change which they grave for rather than shy away from it.

Oladejo also deflated claims by the PDP that the election was flawed with irregularities, adding that the fact that the ruling party lost two councillorship seats in the exercise to the PDP and also to Young People’s Party was a proof that not only was the election free and fair, but that the umpire was also unbiased.

“It’s not a hitch (losing two councillorship seats); it’s only a confirmation of the fairness of the process that the umpire was fair and unbiased. It’s an expression of the will of the people and the result is also a reflection of the strength of all the gladiators and all the parties that participated.

“So contrary to what some sore losers want people to believe, it showed that democracy was truly in action and it reflected the people’s will during the election and that is a welcomed development. It is also good for our democracy to have a very strong opposition that will not just throw in the towel. We are happy to have those who councilors on board,” he said.

But the PDP accused the APC of deploying violence, victimization and malpractices to win the elections, a situation, Taofik Gani, Publicity Secretary of the PDP said was an overkill.

“The election was supposed to be as free as possible, but it yet ended up to be an overkill on the side of the APC. The same way they are in control and they could have gone ahead to win, because they have the resources. For them to now introduce violence, victimization and blatant rigging on that day was just an over kill. For us, it has come and gone, we don’t waste our time on such issues, we will prepare better for coming elections.”

On the next move for the PDP after coming out of the election with just one councillorship seat, Gani said, “As a party we do not have that position (to challenge the results), but as individuals those who contested, they are at liberty. If they are so convinced that they can have their mandate back.

“We are looking for better days to come. We know that without an iota of doubt, we need to get more united, stronger, and then let the confidence people have in us be shown at the ballot points. It’s not just to call ourselves a political party and we don’t win. It gives resentment and frustration to people who are your voters. We are worried as well, we are concerned, but we hope it gets better.”

Responding to allegations of malpractice, Chairman of LASIEC, Retired Justice Ayotunde Phillip, denounced as untrue, reports of malpractices, said to had allegedly characterised the poll, saying such reports were based on mere rumours, as nothing of such was reported to her office.

Recall that several videos went viral online shortly after the election suggesting that some officials of the Commission had been recruited by the ruling party to compromise the election.

But Phillips while presenting Certificates of Return to the winners on Tuesday described the election as ‘pretty good’, though with few pockets of hitches, adding that the exercise was peaceful and without any major uprising and rioting.

“A lot of these things are just hearsays and rumours. Nothing has been reported to me. It is until the matter is reported to me officially in writing before I can take action. I have received no such report up to this minute that I am talking to you. So, a lot of these things are just rumours and trouble-making and fishing for unnecessary information. I am not aware,” she said.

On voter apathy, Phillips urged political parties to re-sensitise their followers to be participating in elections.

“All of them have large followers, both on social media and in the real life. They are the representative of the grassroots, so, they know how to reach them (voters) most. The bulk of the job really lies with them not with us,” she said.

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Sex Scandal: “I Want To Confirm If He’s Truly Good In Bed’ –Says Nkechi Blessing, Storms Equatorial Guinea In Search Of Baltasar Ebang

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Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing is hunting for Baltasar Ebang as she storms Equatorial Guinea.

It was reported that Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), was caught on tape engaging in sexual activities with multiple women, including his brother’s wife, cousin, and the sister of Equatorial Guinea’s President.

The scandal came to light during an investigation into alleged fraud, where authorities discovered over 300 tapes of Baltasar with various women, including married women, on his computer.

Taking to her Instagram page, Nkechi shared photos of her arriving in the country as he urged people to find the man for her.

“Gunniea NBS is here.
Find that man for me”.

Via her comment section, her boyfriend, Xxssive had questioned what she was doing in the country. He wrote, “Wetin u dey find u go soon see am”.

Nkechi replied that she wanted to confirm if he was indeed good in bed. She wrote, “Baby, that man say he sabi, I want to confirm.”

Ruth Kadiri wrote, “You and trouble

One Ife Unusual122 wrote, “If you see am finish, Mama transfer am to me too

One Manarisia wrote, “Please make space for me

One Inem Peter wrote, “When u see him, met me know

One Ayokunumi_1124 wrote, “Me sef need an

One Maara Baby wrote, “I dey your back

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Edo PDP Inaugurates Caretaker Committee, Confident Of Reclaiming ‘Stolen Mandate’

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The Edo State’s chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated the Caretaker Committee Members set up by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to run the party’s affairs pending the election of new executives.

The Committee is chaired by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, with Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe as Secretary.

Other members of the caretaker committee are Hon. Harrison Omagbon, Hon. Fidel Igenegbale, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, Tony Anenih Jnr, Arch. Bishop Anthony Okosun, Hon. Segun Saiki, Adezat Kuburat Ibrahim and Augustine Edosomwan.

The Committee set up in pursuant of Section 29(2)(b) of PDP’s Constitution (2017 as amended), is charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Party in Edo State, as stipulated in Section 21(2) (a-b) of the Party’s Constitution for a period not exceeding 90 days (3 months) or till a new Executive Committee is elected.

Speaking at the inauguration at the PDP Secretariat in Benin City, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, expressed confidence that the party will reclaim its mandate stolen by the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the September 21 governorship poll.

Addressing party leaders, local government chairmen, party chieftain, and other party stakeholders, the governor charged for unity and cohesion as the party explores the judicial process to reclaim its mandate.

He said, “We want a cohesive party as we fight for our stolen mandate and I am sure we will get it back. Our mandate was stolen in broad daylight; everybody saw how they stole the mandate of the people.

“We have evidence to show how our mandate was stolen and by the grace of God, we will recover it. It will be difficult for them to go away with this stolen mandate. We have a process in government, they stole our mandate, yes but we have laws, and there is a way things are done. We are inaugurating a new government in Edo State and the Edo State Government is not involved.

“People behave as if there is no law, forgetting that we are guided by constitution and law; there are procedures to handle things. They are doing an inauguration and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new State.”

Obaseki continued, “Illegality parades the land and we have to be patient for a while as our democracy must work. We know how they stole our mandate; we have evidence of how they stole it but let’s see how they get out of this.

“Our people came out to cast their votes for our party, we are challenging that result and we know victory will be ours. Let’s play our parts as politicians. We know these people are great liars and good at deception. We have to be out there talking and never allow their lies to take over.

“The tribunal hearing will start by December and we want the people to be alert. The people are asking questions; it shows they are interested. The greatest thing we need now is harmony in the party and we need to talk to our people more now. The party must be in touch with the local government chairmen on a weekly basis. The party must be in touch with the House of Assembly members; let the people know what is going on.

“In this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the people. They are going to struggle to change their perception. We have almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations, but they have started blowing it, and they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration which is going to cost them N2 to N5 billion. That is the money they will first take from the treasury.”

The governor assured the people that he will not be far away from the party as he will never leave the party but remain in the party to give advice.

He added, “This our stolen mandate, we will get it back, for the sake of Nigeria because if we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria. This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy.”

On his part, the party’s candidate in the September 21 guber poll, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, charged the party to be ready for a tough battle and the journey to reclaim the stolen mandate.

He thanked the governor for his focus, determination and for leading the people right, charging the people to be focused on the project of reclaiming their stolen mandate.

Ighodalo noted, “We expect them to reply to our petition next week. We also have five days to reply to their petition. This will take us to about the 19th of November 2024. We will then start what is called the pre-hearing before the major hearing which may start by the end of November.

“Our lawyers are working and are ready to reply to their petition. Times are hard and we are in difficult times; we should stand firm and be strong as we navigate the journey to reclaim our stolen mandate.”

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Nigeria At War, Says Fmr DSS Operative As Terror Group Emerges In Kebbi, Sokoto

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In light of the emergence of a new terrorist group known as LAKURAWA, former DSS Operative, Seyi Adetayo said that Nigerians need to declare that they are at war.

The former DSS Operative made it known on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday that Lakurawa, despite being a new face is the same as the ISWAP, Boko Haram and splinter bandit cells ravaging most parts of the North East..

“Lakurawa will be another name that will dominate our public space in terms of terror for a long time until we decide to declare that Nigeria is at war and as such, there are certain measures to be put in place to allow the military and intelligence service to be able to do their work better’,’ Adetayo said.

In November, the Director of Defense Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba disclosed that “Troops are confronted with Lakurawa in the Northwestern states of Sokoto and Kebbi respectively.”

Lakurawa according to Buba are affiliated with terrorists from the Sahel region in the Republics of Mali and Niger that have moved to the North-West in Nigeria as a result of instability in the area.

Their base of operation is said to be in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

Security experts have blamed the indigenes of the two states for welcoming them rather than reporting them. They settled in until they gained a stronghold and began terrorizing the states.

On what the military and government should do to resolve the situation, Adetayo said that massive recruitment into the army should be done because the current number of soldiers in Nigeria is not enough.

“If we do not do anything about extinguishing this fire, lots of young boys will continue to join these terror groups and soon, Nigeria will be a country where you can’t move around anymore.”

Also speaking on the show was the military strategist, Maj. Gen. Pat Akem (Rtd.) shared that there was no need to fret over the emergence of the terror group as President Tinubu was putting in place proactive measures to mitigate the situation.

Akem said, “I do not think war should be declared. The president has already given a broad mandate to the armed forces to execute the bandits.”

He stated that declaring war will be futile if the resources were not in place, laying emphasis on the demystification of the military in the country.

He further stated that the armed forces should not be seen the way they are seen in Nigeria as they do things they aren’t supposed to do like policing work, anti-kidnapping and banditry operations and as such, it diminishes them.

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