Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station

Tag: elections

  • LG polls will hold as scheduled- Gov. Adeleke

    By Funmi Ojo

    Governor Ademola Adeleke has affirmed that the local government election scheduled for Saturday is holding unfailingly.

    The governor stated this while receiving members of a civil society coalition who are in the state to monitor the local government elections.

    According to the Governor, Osun voters are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday just as he expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the electoral body.

    “I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors”. 

    “OSIEC has also done a marvellous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses”, the Governor told the visiting activists.

    On the controversy over the election, the Governor asserted that democracy is governed by the rule of law and that nobody can assume the authority of the courts.

    “My advice to all parties including local and national stakeholders is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help”.

    He added that the outcome of the election would fast-track development at the grassroots.

  • We’re working assiduously to improve Nigeria’s electoral process – Senator Alli

    By Oluwakayode Banjo

    The joint committee of the 10th National Assembly on electoral matters is working assiduously to improve the nation’s electoral process.

    This is contained in a statement by the senator representing Oyo South Federal Constituency for the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sharafadeen Alli, and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Ibadan.

    Alli, the Chairman Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, disclosed this while featuring on a Channels Television programme “Sunrise Daily”.

    He said that the last general election was better than previous elections, adding there have been significant improvements in the electoral process. 

    The lawmaker commended the 9th National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Ahmed Lawan for passing the 2022 Electoral law which allowed the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, as a game changer.

    He said the Electoral Act 2022 brought lots of improvements to the voting process and other legislations concerning the election.

    “We will work assiduously to ensure improvement on the technology deployed for the electoral process and guidelines already in place,” he said.

    On technology, he said that efforts would be made to ensure the BVAS machine stores data to prevent constant reconfiguration of the machine by INEC.

    The lawmaker, who said that the electoral law does not mandate INEC to upload results on a portal, said they would mandate INEC to upload every result on the portal in the coming elections.

    “We were in Lagos some days back for a retreat. By the 28th of this month, we are having another town hall meeting here in Abuja to ensure people bare their minds on the electoral laws”.

    “We, in the 10th Senate will ensure laws are made to have positive impacts on the electoral process and our people. We want to ensure that by next year, we will have made lots of improvements,” he said.

    Alli said that they would abridge the time for filing and concluding petitions, adding that pre-election matters must be concluded before elections, while election matters are concluded before swearing-in.

    The lawmaker said that the majority of Nigerians and INEC itself want the commission unbundled in terms of functions, while every matter concerning the electoral process would be looked into to allow for more transparency in our electoral system.

    He agreed that there were no perfect elections anywhere in the world, saying the electoral process in Nigeria was getting better on a daily basis.

    “Perfection is relative. We still have issues with elections across the world. If we can improve the electoral process to get 90 per cent perfection, then we are good for it,” he said.

    Alli, who was part of the team that monitored the just concluded Liberian presidential election, described it as well-organised, transparent and fair.

    The lawmaker lauded the patriotism displayed by Liberians during the election, urging Nigerians to emulate such an attitude as they look forward to a greater country.

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  • Elections: We’re ready to ensure a safe and secure atmosphere – Oyo Police Commissioner

    By Rasheedah Makinde

    Ahead of the Governorship and State Assembly Elections, security agencies in Oyo State have assured the citizens of a safe and secure atmosphere before, during and after the exercise.

    This was contained in a communique released by heads of security agencies and paramilitary organizations at the end of its strategic security meeting held at Police Headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan, in preparation for the Saturday’s elections.

    Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebowale Williams said all the security agencies have synergised to collectively ensure that the security architecture was restructured and re-modified to clamp down on any criminal acts in the state during elections.

    Mr Adebowale said this would be the second meeting after the Presidential/National Assembly Elections where they reviewed their performances with a view to having a better and a near perfect outing on Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly Elections.

    “On behalf of the Oyo State Heads of Security Agencies I want to applaud your support and cooperation so far. We equally appreciate your inspiring commendations and appraisals which for us means more commitment towards the protection of democratic values in the state.”

    The police commissioner explained that all Heads of Security Agencies and Paramilitary Organizations in the state wished to inform residents that more pre-emptive measures towards the protection of lives and property have been emplaced towards the overall success of the Saturday’s elections.

    “Residents shall witness a complete overhaul of the present security architecture to accommodate more inclusive measures effective this moment.”

    He said part of the measures being put in place include joint visibility patrols, raids of black spots, coordinated intelligence surveillance as well as close monitoring of habitual criminals.

    “Also, included in the new security schedule is the involvement of cyber-forensic experts to handle cyber-related offences especially circulation of fake and unverified news in other to heat up the polity as violators would be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of sec 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrime, Prohibition, Prevention Act of 2015.”

    “In a bid to secure a safe and conducive environment for electorates in the interest of Public Order and Safety, the extant ban on VIP escorts, accompanying their principals to polling units, Use of sirens and revolving lights by unauthorized persons. Tinted glasses and covered number plates, and Vehicular restrictions from 1201hrs (12:01AM Election Day) till 1800hrs (6:00pm) of same. i.e. Saturday 18/03/2023.”

    He noted that vendors of food, alcohol and other consumables would not be allowed to operate around polling units and wards to deter vote buying.

    “Going armed is a criminal offence and would be viewed seriously on Election day. i.e. Don’t be caught with as little as a knife in your pocket.”

    Mr Adebowale also advised residents against placing objects such as bricks, wooden materials or stones on streets and major roads under the guise of recreation as it might debar immediate intervention during times of distress.

    “In furtherance of the above, it is advised that post-election celebrations should be done in moderation, devoid of inciting utterances and provocative gestures that could lead to an eventual breach of peace.”

    “Penultimately, parents, guardians and leaders wielding degrees of influence in the society are once again enjoined to prevail on their children, wards, protégés against being used as expendable objects of disruption in Saturday’s Gubernatorial & House of Assembly Elections as stiff sanctions await all violators in accordance with all relevant laws.”

    “In cases of emergencies, the command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615(toll free) and the Oyo State Police Command emergency lines 07055495413 and 08081768614, Garrison Command Hotline – 07047703000.” Mr Williams added.

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  • Adeleke Meets with Heads of Security Agencies ahead Saturday’s Polls

    By Funmi Adekoya

    Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has assured residents of the state of adequate protection of lives and property before, during and after the Saturday’s State Assembly election.

    Governor Adeleke gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen after a closed door meeting with heads of security agencies in Osun State.

    The governor said he was confident that the security agencies will do more than they did during the last Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

    He then urged residents of the state to come out en masse and exercise their franchise without fear of molestation or harassment while calling on anyone with intention of causing crisis to have a change of heart as security agencies are up to the task.

    In an interview, the Commissioner of Police deployed for the election, Mr. Peter Awoyomi assured residents of adequate protection of lives and property, saying that men and officers of the command were ready for the election.

    Also speaking, the Osun State Controller of Immigration, Mrs. Abolude Bewaji warned foreigners to stay away from polling stations saying that the agency will apprehend any foreigner caught trying to compromise the electoral process.

    Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina and all security agencies including the Police, the Nigerian Army, Airforce, Navy, Nation Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Immigrations, Nigerian Correctional Service and of the Department of State Security, DSS.

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  • Poll: Collation of Results Concluded in Ogun

    By Wale Oluokun

    The collation of presidential election results in Ogun State has been concluded.

    Collation officers of twenty local government areas had presented their results with Sango/Ota presenting the results at fifteen minutes after one in the morning.

    The State collation officer, Professor Kayode Adebowale, while speaking, said the election was peaceful.

    Fifteen minutes before seven o’clock in the evening, representatives of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Olu Fatoki and All Progressive Congress, Mr Yemi Adelani called the attention of the State Collation officer to the delay Ifo Local Government and Obafemi Owode Local Government areas, calling for the postponement of the results collation.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr Niyi Ijalaye, however, said the exercise would be concluded against all odds.

    Out of the two million six hundred and eighty-seven thousand six hundred and six registered voters in Ogun State, six hundred and twelve thousand three hundred and forty-one voters were accredited for the presidential election with five hundred and eighty thousand one hundred and twenty-four valid votes recorded.

    African Democratic Congress, ADC, scored 10,529 votes; All Progressive Congress, APC, had 341,554 votes with the Labour Party, LP 85,829 votes.

    The People’s Democratic Party PDP, recorded 123,831 votes while the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, had 2,200.

    Thirty-one thousand three hundred and twenty-four votes were rejected.

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  • Be Patriotric During Elections – NYSC DG Tells Corps Members

    By Adenitan Akinola

    Ahead of this month’s general elections, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Yusuf Ahmed wants corps members to be patriotic as they participate in various activities during the election.

    Brigadier General Ahmed made this known in his speech at the closing ceremony of the orientation exercise for Batch A Stream I of the 2023 NYSC national service.

    He charged the corps members to remain neutral and diligent in the discharge of their electoral assignment, noting that, it was crucial to the deepening of the Nation’s Democracy.

    “You are to ensure adherence to the guidelines contained in the Electoral Act and, especially, remain neutral throughout the exercise. As you get set to partake in this important National assignment, I would like to assure you that we have secured the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies regarding your welfare a safety before, during and after the elections”

    In the address presented by the Osun State coordinator of the NYSC, Mr Olayinka Abdulwahab at the scheme Orientation Camp, Ede Osun State, the Director General cautioned the corps members against unauthorized and night journeys, adding that, once it is six o’clock in the evening, they should stop at any military Barack or police station to pass the night before proceeding on their trips.


    He also warned them against any criminal conduct including Internet fraud, cultism and advanced fee fraud, noting that their NYSC identity is not an immunity against prosecution.

    Brigadier General Ahmed advised the corps members to embrace skill acquisition and put into practice all they learnt during the orientation exercise.

    ” I encourage you to build on the skills acquired by availing yourselves of opportunities for post-camp training as this will go a long way in empowering you for self-reliance. On our part, we will continue to liaise with financial institutions and other stakeholders with a view to providing start-up loans to enable you to actualize your business dreams. I assure you that Management will continue to explore avenues for optimizing the impact of the programme”.

    A total of thousand, seven hundred and eighty-four participated in the exercise in Osun State, out of which four hundred and four were dislodged from Lagos state.

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  • Makinde to Nigerian Army; Remain Professional During Elections

    By Iyabo Adebisi

    Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has called on the Nigerian Army to continue to remain professional before, during and after the coming elections.

    The governor stated this when he hosted the new General Officer Commanding, 2 Mechanised Division, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, Major-General Takuti Usman at the Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor, who pledged the continuous support of his administration to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state, commended them for the maintenance of peace and order in Oyo State.

    The governor lauded the Army for the important roles it has been playing in ensuring peaceful polls in the country, urging the Army to play its part and ensure that the elections are free and fair and that the votes of Oyo State people count.

    Governor Makinde promised to maintain a cordial relationship with the new GOC.

    He equally assured that his government would not relent in its efforts at providing adequate logistic support to the Division for its smooth operation in the area of security of lives and property.

    He said: “Oyo State has been calm security-wise and I will like to use this opportunity to say thank you to the officers and men of Operation Burst and their DG because we used to have crime and criminalities around December and we were all apprehensive but they stood up to the challenge. 

    “When the Lagos-Ibadan expressway kidnapping became an issue, they also came up with other sister security agencies. They devoted the time and energy needed to quickly nip that in the bud, and the area now is well-dominated by the security agencies led by Operation Burst. So, I am happy that it is one of the major areas that you are paying attention to.

    Earlier, the GOC, Major-General Takuti Usman, sought the Governor’s support in order to make the Division achieve the maintenance of peace and harmony in the state.

    He assured the Governor of the readiness of his Division to continue to participate fully in creating an enabling environment for the government, so that it could continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

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  • 2023 Elections; Naira Notes & Fuel Palava

    By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

    It’s less than three weeks to the general elections in Nigeria with the presidential and national assembly elections coming up on the 25th of  February, 2023.

    However, as the day approaches, Nigerians are still in the daily struggle to recover their purchasing and have easy access to fuel.

    Despite the fact that the supreme court had ordered the Federal government to halt the ban on old naira notes, Nigerians are still queuing for money at the ATMs.

    This has generated concerns among the people who are thinking the situation may affect the conduct of the forthcoming presidential and governorship elections on February 25 and March 11.

    Reacting to the insinuation, Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, says the forthcoming elections will hold as planned.

    Yakubu spoke in Abuja after a meeting with the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    • INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu

    “I can tell you two of these challenges quickly. The first one is the availability of petroleum products. We had a meeting with the National Union of Road Transport Workers and they raised that as an issue of concern,” he said.

     “Immediately after that meeting, we interfaced with the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and right now there’s a technical community working.

    “The idea is for them to avail us the use of their over 900 land mega stations as well as floating mega stations nationwide for the purpose of stocking products to ensure that the commission doesn’t suffer any encumbrances in the movement of personnel and materials for the elections.

    The second one is the currency issue. Again, we had an engagement yesterday with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. And he assured us that the commission will not suffer encumbrances on that score. Fortunately for us, all our accounts, national and state are with the apex bank. So, we raised those challenges and we have found a solution to those challenges”. Yakubu said.

    Already, INEC in Oyo State on Saturday conducted a  mock verification and accreditation exercise for residents of the state where the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Adeniran Tella, also lent a voice to the fact that nothing would stop the elections from holding.

    https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Oyo-INEC-Rec-Election-Made-with-Clipchamp.mp4
    Oyo REC, Dr, Adeniran Tella

    Dr Tella gave assurance that, with the commitment and synergy of stakeholders in the electoral process, INEC would deliver a credible, free and fair election in the coming polls.

    It would be recalled that the collection of the PVC had ended on the 5th of February.

  • Peaceful Polls: NGO Organises Novelty Football Match for Youths

    Youths have been enjoined to perform their civic responsibilities, with the aim of developing the country.

    Director, Youths Mobilization and Voluntary Organisation at Oyo State Agency for Youths Development, Mr Olaolu Afolabi stated this during a novelty football match on “Vote Not Fight” Campaign, held at Olubadan stadium, Ibadan.

    The novelty match between Shallom FA, Ibadan, Oyo State, and Acme Dynamite FC, Ota, Ogun State was aimed at achieving peace, before, during and after the up coming elections.

    Abdulai Salahudeen had opened scoring for the hosts in the first half of the encounter, while Anyanwu Chigozie scored the second goal.

    The guests were unable to score a goal and the match ended 2 goals to nothing in favour of Shallom FA.

    Taiwo Akinola

  • IMS Sets Tone for Good Governance, Women Journalists Brace Up for Elections

    BY OLAITAN OYE-ADEITAN

    It’s a defining moment in the history of Nigeria as citizens anticipate who their next leaders would be in the next four years.

    But one thing appears paramount, a desired change in all spheres of economic life which requires active voices.

    One of the initiatives put in place by the Institute for Media and Society, IMS in achieving this goal is to build the capacity of female Journalists, especially in digital multimedia storytelling skills to be able to participate effectively in the coverage of electoral processes.

    Cross Section of Participants

    Hence the workshop organised by IMS for female journalists in Nigeria as explained by the Executive Director, IMS, Dr Akin Akingbulu  “We have seen from our engagement and research that women journalists have not been participating as actively as they should in the coverage of the electoral process. One of the reasons behind it is that they also do not have sufficient skills, especially in the digital era that is essential in the coverage of the electoral process”, Dr Akingbulu said.

    • IMS Executive Director, Dr Akin Akingbulu

    Dr Akingbulu pointed out that enhanced capacity would produce enhanced professionalism.

    Project Manager, IMS, Mr Timothy Bamidele explained that the programme was to ensure inclusive, pluralistic and all stakeholders participatory democracy as the 2023 elections draw nearer.

    • IMS Project Manager, Mr Timothy Bamidele

    “This is in fulfilment of the European Union’s vision in ensuring that good governance is entrenched in Nigerian.

    One of the overall objectives is to deepen inclusion, especially for groups whose voices have not been amplified. Women, youths have been captured so that in all areas of professional development, women should be able to have the voice and contribute their own quota to national development”, Mr Bamidele added.

    Participants were taken through impactful and engaging training sessions on digital multimedia storytelling by versatile facilitators, Ehi Ohiani and Cyril Usifo.

    Technical Sessions With Ehi

    • Facilitator, Ehi Ohiani

    Listening to this tall fair in complexion lady was really captivating.

    She combines beauty with brains, dishing out digital methods of telling the public stories in a more interesting manner that would help them to make informed decisions, keep the government on their toes and engender positive change in Nigeria.

    Mrs Ehi equally demonstrated ways of handling facilities such as the camera to have excellent images while stressing the need for journalists to uphold integrity in all they do.

    Time With Cyril

    • Facilitator. Cyril Osifo

    Technical Sessions with Cyril were quite illuminating and interesting.

    With the practical demonstration, he opened the eyes of the female journalists to various social media and publishing tools that would assist them in their productions.

    Cyril Usifo hammered on the need for women to extend their passion to creating content that would meet the core needs of the audience.

    Mr Network

    Mr Network was one character some participants could not wait to lay ambush for as it kept evading being caught during an aspect of the workshop.

    Participants however attested to the fact that the training would spur them to make significant impacts in their profession.

    Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

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  • Local Government Elections Ongoing In Ekiti

    Elections into local governments and council development areas in Ekiti state are currently ongoing.

    Chairmen and councillors of all the sixteen local government and twenty council development areas will be elected.

    Radio Nigeria team of correspondents report that the turn -out was very low in Ado, Ikere and some local governments while there are movement of humans and vehicles as against the directive of the State Independent Electoral Commission SIEC.

    According to the report, electoral officers and election materials were on ground but not many voters were around to vote.

    Security operatives were also scanty at different locations.

    Six political parties including the All progressives Congress APC were participating in the election while the main opposition Peoples Democratic party had boycotted the council poll.

    Bunmi Oluwalana

  • Get your PVCs to elect credible and caring leaders – Ogun Baptist President

    Nigerians have been encouraged to participate actively in the ongoing voters registration exercise to enable them to elect people of integrity that will show commitment to selfless service for the society. 

    The president, Ogun Baptist Conference, the Reverend Wale Oyeniyi gave the charge at a press conference in Abeokuta organized to usher in the 44th edition of conference in session.

    The Reverend Oyeniyi noted that the country needed inputs and contributions of fresh and dedicated individuals to move country forward, hence the need for more Nigerians to equip themselves with their Permanent Voter’s Cards ahead of the 2023 general elections in the country. 

    The Ogun Baptist Conference President also urged the National Assembly to accurately reflect the yearnings of Nigerians to achieve free, fair and credible elections in their deliberations on the ongoing electoral amendments. 

    He called on the National Assembly to make provisions for the acceptance of electronic transfer of elections results, which he said would promote the credibility of the polls.

    The Reverend Oyeniyi said the 44th Edition of conference in session would be held at Baptist Boys High school Multipurpose Hall Saje, Abeokuta between Saturday, 7th and August Wednesday 11th August, 2021. 

    He gave the theme of the conference in session as “Christians Character: Running the Race with Endurance”. 

    Oluwatoyin Adegoke

  • DIESC Fixes 6th March for Local Government Elections

    The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, has scheduled the 6th of March 2021, as the new date for the conduct of Local Government Council Elections in the state.

    The DSIEC Chairman Mr. Mike Ogbodu, made this known at a stakeholders meeting in Asaba, aimed at unveiling plans for the forthcoming polls.

    Mr. Ogbodu noted the announcement signifies the commencement of pre-election activities, including the conduct of party primaries from December 7th to December 31th 2020.

    According to the DSIEC Chairman thirty-four new electoral wards have been created, in addition to the existing four hundred and sixty-six, bringing the total number of electoral wards in the state to five hundred.

    Meanwhile, some stakeholders at the meeting including representatives of political parties, security agencies, and civil society organizations called for free and fair elections in the state, devoid of violence.

    Oghenero Eghweree