Politics

Activists Advocate More Women Participation in Politics

By Web News 1095

By Funmi Adekoya

The 2023 general elections have come and gone, but with a low percentage of women’s representation in the National and State Assemblies despite a series of enlightenment and support by International and local Civil Society Organisations for women’s participation in politics, the story could still be read as the same.

According to a United Nations Women’s report on Women’s representation in Nigeria’s National and State Assemblies, only 75 women make up the National Assembly and State Assembly representing 5% of the 1459 total seats.

In the State Houses of Assembly, out of 990 seats, women occupy only 55 representing 6 percent.

Out of 36 states of the federation, 14 State Houses of Assembly do not have women as representatives, including Osun State House of Assembly with 26 constituencies.

This situation could be linked to the challenges encountered by women while venturing into politics as highlighted by the Executive Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.

“There’s a lot of violence around politics in Nigeria. When you are a woman, you are labeled a prostitute in politics, there is also cultural inhibitions that women should not participate in politics. The male hegemony within the political parties will tell women to step down for the men.”

Dr Akiyode-Afolabi described the low representation of women in the Legislative arm of government as unhealthy for Nigeria’s democratic system.

“Given the record that we have now, if you look at the National Assembly, we don’t have up to 7% of women. There are some Houses of Assembly in Nigeria where we have just one or in some places where we don’t even have any woman at all in the parliament, and if you look at that in terms of representation that is quite embarrassing, especially in a democratic society where participation is critical”

In her submission, a female politician, Mrs Mercy Ayodele, pointed out that women limited themselves by not supporting women candidates during elections.

“Even women, we are the enemy of ourselves, when I contested as a Governor in 2018, a lady said I’m not going to vote for her. Why? She said we women when we are in offices we are always tough, we are always proud, we are always this, we are always that,…but we can make a difference.”

Mrs  Ayodele who was a candidate in the 2018 governorship election in Osun State advised women to be more active in politics from the grassroots for them to be reckoned with during the election.

For an Osogbo-based gender advocate, Mrs Tope Ola, promoting women’s representation in governance, particularly at the legislative level must be a deliberate programme of political parties by conceding at least 30-35 percent of their candidacy to women.

Mrs Ola charged women who got elected into legislative assemblies to demonstrate capacity and build trust to serve as a yardstick to get women voted into such competitive political positions.

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Politics

Candidates, Voters Express Divergent Views over NASS Polls in Ogbomoso

By Web News 568

Olayiwola/Lara Ayoade/Morenike Esan


Candidates into National Assembly in the ongoing general elections and voters at Oyo North Senatorial district have expressed divergent views on the security of the today’s election in Ogbomoso land.

Although, voters trooped out en mass to exercise their civic right but residents did not comply with movement restrictions as few vehicles and motorcycles were seen plying the roads.

In her submission, the candidate of Social Democratic Party,SDP for Oyo North Senatorial district, Alhaja Mulikat Akande said security agents were not enough for the exercise which allowed vote buying and movement of the voters.

In a contrary view, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent senator of the district, Senator Abd-fatai Buhari noted that security of lives and property in the elections were guaranteed with enough combined security agents parading major flash points to avoid election violence.

Both candidates scored INEC high for the preparation of the general elections, particularly, the use of the Biomodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS).

As at the time of filing in the report, voting had been completed in some polling units in Ogbomoso Land.
In another development, candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Oyo Federal Constituency, Mr Kamil Akinlabi has advised INEC to allocate more time for the training of youth corps engaged as adhoc staff for the elections to ensure smooth operations of the exercise.

Mr Akinlabi observed that many adhoc staffs found it difficult to operate BVAS machine thereby causing the voting process a bit slow.

He commended the courage and matured manner exhibited by the voters during the whole processes of the elections.

Politics

Oyo ADP Governorship Candidate Flags Off Campaign

By Web News 630

The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, for the 2023 general election in Oyo State, Mr Akim Yusuf has flagged off his campaign in Ibadan.

Unveiling his manifesto before the crowd of guests, traditional chiefs, political associates and party supporters from all the thirty-three local government areas of Oyo State, Mr. Akim Yusuf explained that his people-oriented programmes would return the state to its pacesetter status.

Mr. Yusuf, who spoke in Yoruba noted that his administration if elected, would revamp the agricultural potentiality of the state through massive investment in mechanised farming and the establishment of agro-allied and food processing industries in the Oke Ogun axis to feed residents and the entire country.

He affirmed that the unemployed youths would be gainfully engaged while the education and health sectors would be upgraded and modernised.

His deputy governorship candidate, Mrs Modupe Daniels who hailed from Ogbomoso, promised the people that their administration would govern the state with probity, fairness and fear of God if given the mandate in the March 11 governorship poll.

Speakers at the event including Southwest Chairman of ADP, Elder Niyi Olatunji said the Ibadan-born party flag-bearer had managed financial institutions in Nigeria, Gambia and Sierra Leone as well as at different times, served as Special Advisers to former Governor Chief Rasheed Ladoja and the immediate past Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu without any dent on his image and personality.

Dayo Adu

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Security

2023 General Election: Stakeholders Task Nigerians on Security

By Web News 568

The need for attitudinal change by Nigerians, family stability and readiness to collectively realize a hitch-free 2023 election formed the central discourse of the lecture organized by the National Forum of Heads of Federal Establishment, NAFOHEADS.


In her paper entitled: Insecurity: a threat to domestic peace”, the Oyo state chairperson, of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Mrs Shola Sulyman said insecurity is a national problem rooted in the failure of families to foster the moral and ideal culture in the children who on the long run assumed a leadership position in the country.


 “Even as exert our political will to the nation to elect credible and effective leaders, we should not renege on our duties as husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncle’s to foster stable, safe and secured families and homes for our children.

The advantage will be that more of the candidates we have to choose from to lead us will surely stable minded and we’ll breed individuals. They will lead a right and give us the peace  that our founding fathers envisaged in the last line of the national anthem: …one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.”


Mrs Sulyman represented by a FIDA member in the state, Mrs Olubusayo Ayegbusi said despite several billions of naira spent on the security of citizens had not been justified in view of the numerous security outfit put in place by the state government.


Speaking on the topic, Insecurity:  a threat to domestic peace and effective election, the chairman of, independent national electoral commission, INEC, Professor Mahmud Yakubu represented by the head of publicity, INEC, Oyo state, Mr Olayiwola Awolowo said the commission has made sufficient provision to ensure a hitch-free 2023 poll.

 ” We have sufficient materials that will give us hitch-free election”
“once the national assembly says diaspora voting has been passed into law, the commission has no right to reject it.”
Chairman on the occasion, who is also The Maye of Olubadan Chief Lekan Alabi, represented by Chief Femi Olaore appealed to Nigerians to collectively secure the country.


Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Balogun represented by Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Abiola Arulogun expressed optimism that insecurity in the country would soon become a thing of the past stressing the need for NAFOHEADS and representatives of federal agencies to continue to live up to their responsibility in the state.

Earlier, the chairperson, of NAFOHEADS, Oyo state chapter Mrs Omolara Esan said the two topics were chosen in view of the current socio-economic crises in the country.
  
Rotimi  Famakin

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Politics

Eschew politics of rancour, acrimony – Gov. Abiodun

By Web News 564

Ahead of the 2023 general election, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to eschew politics of rancour and acrimony.

Governor Abiodun, who made the call in Abeokuta while receiving the Award of Peace Ambassador from the Arewa Consultative Forum, noted that it was time for Nigerians to engage in political activities that would unite rather than divide the country.

The Governor explained that as a multi-cultural and multi-religious society, tolerance and understanding remain the prime attributes needed for the overall economic development and well-being of the people.

While appreciating the Forum for the honour, Governor Abiodun said the award would further propel his administration to take more proactive measures that would secure the people in the state irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.

Earlier, the National Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum, Chief Audu Ogbe, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Alhaji Munir Mohammed commended the state government for making Ogun State conducive for all Nigerians to carry out their daily business activities without molestation.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

2023: US Threatens Visa Sanctions on Instigators of Violence

By Web News 516

The United States of America says it will impose visa restrictions on anyone who promotes violence as Nigeria holds its general election in 2023.

America’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Mr Michael Gonzales, gave the warning at an international conference with the theme, ‘United States Policy and Nigeria’s National Decisions in the 2023 Elections’, held at Johns Hopkins University, United States.

According to reports the conference, which was held at the School of Advanced International Studies in Washington DC, virtually, brought together Nigerian and American policy communities to discuss issues around the 2023 general elections.

Gonzales said the United States government “will continue to use our messaging, as well as other diplomatic channels at our disposal, including visa restrictions, where warranted, to dissuade those who may be tempted to use violence to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.”

According to him, the US government remains committed to working with Nigeria to uphold its conventions toward ensuring a peaceful power transition in 2023.

Nextier’s Founding Partner, Patrick Okigbo, clarified that the reason for hosting the conference in the United States was to elevate the election issues and conversations to the international stage.

He reiterated the need for Nigeria’s international partners to assist in upholding her democratic process, even as he pointed out that “democracy is not an end state but a project that requires continuous nurturing”.

Okigbo said, “Insecurity in Nigeria and recent occurrences in West Africa and Sahel regions should cause Nigeria’s elite to use the 2023 elections to douse the tensions and set the country on a growth path.”

He further cautioned that the failure to address the issues raised at the conference could have devastating consequences, whilst attention to the recommendations could yield a bountiful harvest.

Other panelists highlighted the insecurity risks and the need to manage the 2023 elections properly, in addition to other points raised at the conference.

Among these points were the issues of faltering political developments as they concerned elitism and Nigeria’s progress, as it was observed that since 1999, the Nigerian elite had found a way to maintain a modicum of stability for elections and “eventually share the dividends of the election outcomes.”

In his contribution, Retired Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala observed that “security challenges in Nigeria are true, present and tangible but what is consistent is the lurking shadow of elite interests and how they serve their interests.”

On insecurity threats to Nigeria’s democracy, the conference found that poor management of the elections, especially the rotational presidency convention, could threaten Nigeria’s democracy against the backdrop of pervasive insecurity, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the rise of self-help groups, and increased secessionist agitations in southern Nigeria.

Director of the Center for Democracy and Development, Ms. Idayat Hassan, noted that “political parties during the Anambra governorship election cycle could not campaign due to insecurity”, and that worse scenarios could happen in 2023.

Hassan asserted that “the zoning of the presidency to the south, particularly the Southeast, will give the region a sense of belonging in Nigeria.”

NAN/Adebukola Aluko

Politics

South-West United to Produce Next President – Bisi Akande

By Web News 540

Chief Bisi Akande, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said the South-West is united to produce Nigeria’s next president in 2023.

Akande spoke following the conclusion of the meeting of APC Presidential aspirants from the South-West held in Lagos on Friday.

A tweet from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Jubril Gawat, reads: “MEETING CONCLUDED: Baba Akande says we are united for South-West to produce the president in 2023.”

The meeting of APC Presidential aspirants from the South-West was convened by Olusegun Osoba.

Present at the meeting were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Bola Tinubu; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

Others include Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and other notable leaders of the party in the region were also at the meeting.

Sheriffdeen Nashirdeen

Politics

2023: Nigeria seems not ready for election – Afe Babalola

By Web News 515

A legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola has expressed dissatisfaction over the state of insecurity as a result of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and ritual killing in the country.

The legal icon who stated this in Ado Ekiti, also advocated new constitution that will address abnormality in the country’s political system.

He described as worrisome a situation where people’s lives were no more safe even in their rooms due to the activities of criminal elements, saying the new constitution would address most of the things needed to put Nigeria Democratic system on its foot like other developed nations.

He also called for the postponement of the 2023 general election in order to fix all challenges facing the country and suggested for an interim government after the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Aare Babalola explained that the postponement would give room for the Interim government made up of former presidents, former vice presidents, ex ministers, NBA, NUJ and  NMA to  plan new constitution that would give room for credible and trusted people to take over the mantle of leadership.

The legal icon noted that if such steps were not taken, it would be difficult for the nation to overcome security, political and economic challenges confronting it.

He also expressed dissatisfaction over the debt profile of the country, saying something reasonable needed to be done before it got out of hand.

Aare Babalola called on the National Assembly to act on the suggestions so as to have a better country.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

“South should produce next president” – Cleric

By Web News 906

The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Imam Toliah Ayilara has thrown his weight behind the call for zoning presidency to the southern part of the country ahead of the 2023 general election.

The cleric stated this in an interaction with Radio Nigeria.

The cleric who noted that power had remained in a region for too long said it was better to shift it to the southern part of the country to make others feel like a part of the country 

“Justice is Islam and Islam is justice, I will not but support the presidency of southwestern agenda. A region has served for eight years, if we insist that the presidency should remain in the north, the other geo-political zones will feel neglected and marginalised. In order to make sure nobody feels neglected I appeal to the who is who and those at the corridors of power to make sure they relinquish the power to have a balance in the polity” Imam Ayilara said. 

      Also, speaking ahead of the much anticipated 2023 general election, Imam Ayilara while noting that the election would be decisive in the fate of the nation implored the electorate to ensure that people of high integrity were elected. 

The Ogbomoso chief Imam reeled out qualities to be expected in any would-be president including integrity, sincerity, and overwhelming human feeling. 

“The 2023 election is fast approaching and we must play our part to make sure that we have a peaceful election so that people of high integrity will emerge and sit in the corridors of power.

“If you want to vote, don’t just cast your vote for those people that will not assist us. The number one thing to look for is integrity, someone who has the feeling of a human being in him and how can you know that? That can be known through his track record, if it’s someone who is corrupt or inhumane or who has previously demonstrated thuggery attributes, we should do away with them. Let’s look out for integrity, sincerity, fear of God and for someone that is very brave and courageous enough to face the challenges in this country. Also, we should cast our votes without fear or favour “he maintained .

While speaking on the roles of religious leaders to check moral decadence and set a template for uprightness, Imam Ayilara urged clerics to always stand firm with the truth and never get oppressed by any situation.

 “It is our duty as leaders in Islam to speak the truth to the world. We are to give instruction to people and instruct them to do what God wants. We, therefore, appeal to stakeholders that they should allow us to preach to the people the way of God. As the 2023 elections approach, we are to sensitise people on what to do and what not to do. As cleric, we have to stand by what God wants and desist from what God prohibits.” He added.

        Imam Ayilara implored all politicians to remain calm and promote peace before, during and after the 2023 general elections.

Adedayo Adelowo

Politics

Ayandele Launches Eruobodo Support Group for Senatorial Ambition

By Web News 944

As preparation for the 2023 general election gathers momentum, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Dr Olusola Ayandele has indicated an interest in the Oyo South Senatorial seat.

 Towards realizing his aspiration, Dr Ayandele inaugurated volunteers into a Support Group with a mandate to consult and mobilize stakeholders to secure the party ticket at the forthcoming party primary.

Addressing scores of party faithful who besieged the head office of Dr Olusola Ayandele Foundation at Molete, Ibadan to witness the brief ceremony, Dr Ayandele disclosed that the inauguration of his ERUOBODO 2023 SUPPORT GROUP was to Kick start the necessary consultation and mobilization efforts aimed at securing the nod of all the stakeholders.

Dr Ayandele said it was imperative to reach out to all relevant stakeholders within Oyo APC and Oyo South Senatorial District in particular with a view to securing their support as the best aspirant for Oyo South Senatorial candidate of the great Party in the next general election. 

He said he has weighed all options to aspire to be in the senate to serve Nigeria and the good people of Oyo South Senatorial district which he said is the nucleus of Oyo State.

 Earlier, a former chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), Chief Ademola Ojo, said that the committee inaugurated was to consult and galvanize delegates for Ayandele ahead of party primaries, as he reiterated that it was not yet time for electioneering or campaigns. 

Chief Ademola Ojo stated that members of the committees were drawn from across the nine local governments and tendencies in the party.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Oyo APC Stakeholders Meet to Resolve Differences

By Web News 1091

There seems to be an end in sight to the crisis rocking the fold of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Oyo State as stakeholders in Ibadan converged to resolve their grievances.

At the meeting, aggrieved members let out their grievances on factors that led to the party’s failures in the 2019 governorship elections in the state.

They however, resolved to chart a common front and remain united in order to clinch power in 2023 general elections.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, one of the party chieftains, Alhaji Kayode Ádánlá noted that with the outcome of the meeting, APC is the party to beat come 2023 in Oyo State.

in his own opinion, former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Prof. Taoreed Adedoja, who noted that grievances were normal occurrence in big parties like APC, urged members to braze up and mobilize for the upcoming registration of members.

Party Stalwarts present at the meeting include APC Governorship Candidate in 2019, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Chairman, Caretaker Committee in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke among others.

Dayo Adu