News
Ondo primary: Results already written, Guber aspirant alleges
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
One of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, has faulted the party’s ongoing primary election under the committee headed by Kogi state governor, Usman Ododo.
Speaking with newsmen from the state’s capital, Akure, Edema accused the committee of irregularities despite promises to ensure prompt distribution of election materials.
He said, “You will recall that at the stakeholders meeting held yesterday, the secretary of the committee that came from Abuja, Ovie Omo-Agege, informed us that the collection of voting materials, which include the membership register and result sheets, will be distributed to the electoral officers whose names were announced to us. He also said accreditation would start at 10 a.m. to be completed at 1 p.m., voting proper would start at 1 p.m. and end at 2 p.m., then the announcement of result.
“As I am talking, the materials have not been sent here, despite waiting since 6 a.m. At about 9:30, the chairman of the committee, the governor of Kogi State, said materials had been distributed. ‘At what time, where?’ Unfortunately for him, the returning and electoral officers of my ward (Mahin ward 2, Ilaje local government) are here without materials for my ward.”
Edema alleged that the results of the primary have been announced, calling on the party’s leadership to ensure a free and fair process.
“Then he had the effrontery to tell us that materials have been distributed and results have been announced at 10 a.m., when accreditation should start. We asked him questions, and he left us.
“We are not people being spoonfed by some godfathers; we have talked to our people, and they believe in us. All we’re asking is for them to vote, and their vote should count. We are asking the leadership of the party to look into this, and if they are not ready, they should postpone it, so the right thing can be done,” he said. (Text, excluding headline: Saturday Vanguard)
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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