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Low turnout, logistics mar council polls in Delta
Low voter turnout and late arrival of electoral materials marred Saturday’s local government elections in Warri and its environs in Delta state.
In Warri South and Uvwie, materials arrived about 11 a.m. This is even as traders at Igbudu market were seen going about their trade, and commercial operators going about their businesses.
Addressing reporters shortly after casting his vote at Osubi ward 6, unit 33 in Okpe LGA, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who spoke on the Supreme Court judgement granting local government councils financial autonomy, said he is not worried by the judgement, as the state government does not tamper with local government funds.
According to him, “The Supreme Court has given judgment. It does not affect Delta State Government. In Delta State, we don’t tamper with local government money. As we speak, the money for the local governments is still there. Almost 15 billion is still there.
“I’m a supporter of financial autonomy and as a former speaker; we’re at the forefront of financial autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary. I still believe in it.”
He further expressed confidence that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would emerge victorious in the councils.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has been accused of hoarding sensitive materials for the polls from the opposition.
As of 1p.m, sensitive materials were yet to be delivered across wards in Warri North.
The development led to the major opposition in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to boycott the exercise in some LGAs, citing loss of confidence in DSIEC.
Speaking on the matter, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas who represents Delta South Senatorial District condemned the commission for failing to release sensitive electoral materials, including result sheets and ballot papers, for the local government council elections.
He spoke at his country home in Emede, Isoko South LGA, accusing DSIEC of colluding with the ruling PDP to deny citizens their fundamental right to vote, effectively rendering the election invalid.
The Senator alleged that the PDP, APC’s readiness to take over local government affairs, conspired with DSIEC to manipulate the electoral process.
“Democracy worldwide is about the will of the people, but DSIEC and the PDP have conspired to deny citizens their right to elect local government leaders. This is undemocratic and unacceptable,” the senator said.
APC chieftain in Delta South, Chief Ayirimi Emami, had earlier advocated for INEC to conduct council elections in order to enthrone good governance at the grassroots on the heels of the Supreme Court granting LGs financial autonomy.
Chief Emami who hailed the judgement during the campaigns for the council elections, said President Bola Tinubu was doing what ought to be done.
The candidate of the APC for Warri North Akatakpo Omatseye and the Labour Party (LP), along with other party leaders and supporters, including Sir. Amorighoye Mene (for the APC), were gathered at DSIEC office in Koko as early as 6a.m for the distribution of voting materials but waited endlessly for the arrival of the commission’s officials.
Speaking on behalf of the APC, Sir Mene said despite directing them to be at the DSIEC office as early as 6 a.m., there was no sign of its officials.
Also the Ughelli North APC leaders in a signed statement by its party Chairman, Obakpororo Onoabedje, and Scribe, Mrs. Beauty Ubogun-Nze, accused the electoral umpire of recruiting PDP members as ad-hoc staff for the conduct of the election.
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WATCH Your Family Lawyer Podcast on YouTube tomorrow
The second edition of Your Family Lawyer will hit the airwaves tomorrow (Saturday) precisely by 9.am.
Join Barrister Chinye Chuma, a veteran lawyer marshall out issues laced with court verdicts and how victims can resolve such knotty legal matters.
Watch introductory clip below;
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FemyWalsh Limited Makes History: Appoints Chief Julie Coker as Africa’s Oldest Female Journalist (Photos)
In a groundbreaking move that underscores its commitment to inclusivity and excellence, FemyWalsh Limited has proudly announced the appointment of Chief Julie Coker, an 85-year-old trailblazer in African journalism, as part of its esteemed team.
This historic milestone cements FemyWalsh Limited’s position as a leader in championing diversity and recognising the value of experience across generations.
Chief Julie Coker, a celebrated icon in the media world, brings decades of experience, insight, and unparalleled expertise to the organisation. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of African journalism, inspiring generations of journalists with her dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit.
“Chief Julie Coker is not just a journalist; she is a living legend,” said Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, Chief Executive Director of FemyWalsh Limited. “Her contributions to journalism and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry. By welcoming her to our team, we are reaffirming our belief that greatness knows no age. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and celebrating talent in all its forms.”
This is not the first time FemyWalsh Limited has demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity. Over a year ago, the organisation made headlines by employing a 74-year-old veteran journalist, setting a precedent for valuing experience and diversity. Chief Julie Coker’s appointment further elevates this legacy, marking a significant achievement not only for FemyWalsh Limited but also for Africa’s media landscape.
Chief Julie Coker will now join FemyWalsh Media, which operates Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM, based in the ancient city of Kano. The addition of Kasuwa Radio reflects FemyWalsh Limited’s commitment to expanding its reach and promoting quality broadcasting across Nigeria.
Speaking on her appointment, Chief Julie Coker expressed her gratitude and excitement:
“I am deeply honoured to join FemyWalsh Limited, a company that values experience and continues to break barriers. I look forward to contributing my wealth of knowledge and being part of an organisation that is paving the way for inclusivity and innovation in the media industry.”
Chief Julie Coker’s role at FemyWalsh Limited will focus on mentoring the next generation of journalists, enhancing storytelling strategies, and promoting initiatives that celebrate Africa’s rich media heritage.
FemyWalsh Media’s growing portfolio of outlets underscores its dedication to reshaping the media landscape in Africa by combining innovation with inclusivity. This historic appointment serves as a beacon of inspiration for organisations worldwide, proving that experience and age are invaluable assets in fostering progress and creativity.
About FemyWalsh Limited
FemyWalsh Limited is a leading media organisation committed to driving inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in the media industry. With ownership of Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM Kano, the company continues to inspire through its groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to diversity.
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Afenifere demands concrete action from S’West governors on banditry
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, called on South West Governors to take the security of their areas more seriously in view of the latest revelation concerning the new influx of bandits into the region.
Afenifere disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,
PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde while speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, disclosed that bandits being dislodged from the North-West of Nigeria are infiltrating his state.
The Governor had said, “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.
“To underscore the seriousness of the issue, the governor related his own personal experience when he observed his quiet birthday ceremony at Fashola near Oyo Alaafin towards the end of last month.
“During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”
Howeve, Afenifere stated that a disclosure of this nature coming from the Chief Security Officer of a state is not something to be treated with levity.
It, therefore, called on all the governors of the South-Western States to “as a matter of urgency, hold a meeting to map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again.
“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along. These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers and heads of local vigilantes known as ‘Ode’.”
Ajayi added that whatever strategies were devised should include functional, up-to-date equipment for those who would be on the fields, attractive incentives and the deployment of modern technologies to assist in identifying the bandits and their hideouts.
While urging security agencies and citizens not to take the issue of security lightly, Ajayi concluded by saying that traditional rulers and community leaders in different parts of Yorubaland should not keep quiet whenever they notice any indication suggestive of security threat.
It added, “For example, until the governor made the revelation on Monday, such grave security danger was unknown to members of the public, yet there are people living in Fashola area where the bandits were reported to have established a camp. It is not unlikely that similar camps could be found in some other parts of the South West, hence the need for urgent and effective action.”
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