News
INEC warns personnel against unethical practices in Edo, Ondo elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned its personnel against unethical and corrupt practices in the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at a lecture in honour of the late Abubakar Momoh, who was a former Director-General of the Electoral Institute, TEI, from August 2013 to May 2017.
Yakubu, represented by National Commissioner, and Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, warned that any unethical practice before, during and after those elections would incur severe punishments under the law.
The theme of the lecture was “Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for the Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections.’’
Yakubu said the success of any election largely depended on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it.
He advised electoral officers to be guided by the principles of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, gender and disability sensitivity.
He said it was important for electoral personnel to be knowledgeable, skilled and well-equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral process.
“Moreover, the crucial role election personnel play in upholding the integrity of our democratic processes cannot be overstressed.
“The manner in which they discharge their duties and responsibilities affects the degree of confidence voters will have in the electoral process, which will impact their participation and turnout,” he said.
News
Fire Engulfs Popular Araromi Spare Parts Market In Ibadan
Properties estimated in millions of naira have been destroyed following a fire incident at the popular Araromi spare parts market located at Agodi-Gate in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The fire reportedly ignited around 2 a.m. on Saturday and continues to burn, with firefighters actively working to bring it under control.
Confirming the incident to PUNCH, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, said: “We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation.”
The origin of the fire is still unknown, and investigations are currently underway.
In a related incident, a devastating fire on Friday resulted in the tragic loss of a husband, wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of Ibadan, affecting a two-story building at 3:46 a.m.
Earlier this week, another fire caused significant damage in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Sunday morning, destroying three shops, although the timely response of the state fire services prevented further loss by saving 13 additional shops.
Additionally, last Friday, a fire broke out at a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan during a vigil,g reportedly trapping several worshippers inside.
This incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, in the Lagelu Local Government Area.
News
Ibadan stampede: Prophetess Naomi, Ooni’s Ex-Wife slumps in police custody
Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the estranged queen of the Ooni of Ife, slumped while in police detention amid investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan.
She was quickly taken to the Police Hospital in Eleyele for treatment.
According to Punch, she was brought in alongside broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, who co-hosted the ill-fated event.
A senior staff member of the police hospital confirmed the development.
“Both of them are currently at the hospital. They brought them in today. But I can’t give you further details because it is a sensitive matter and the police have barricaded the whole hospital,” the hospital worker said.
The funfair, intended for 5,000 children, saw a turnout of over 7,500, leading to a deadly rush that claimed the lives of 35 children and injured several others.
Many of the injured were taken to hospitals, where some remain under care.
The police have arrested eight people, and the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Agidigbo FM, one of the organizers, has been shut down.
In response to the tragedy, the Oyo State Government has ordered stricter safety rules for public events, especially those involving children.
Governor Seyi Makinde canceled his December 25 birthday celebration to honour the victims, calling the event a painful and preventable loss.
Families of the victims and the entire community are still in shock as the probe continues.
News
Alleged defamation: Peter Obi pledges to fulfill bail conditions for Farotimi
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has offered to fulfill the bail conditions of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
DAILY POST recalls that on Friday, Farotimi was granted bail by an Ekiti Magistrate Court in a defamation case involving Afe Babalola.
The bail conditions require a N30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must own a house), surrendering his passport, and refraining from granting media interviews.
A former spokesperson for Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, Tanko Yunusa, in a statement shared on Friday via his X account, announced the decision of Mr Obi.
Yunusa said that Obi, as a proponent of the rule of law, wanted the issue resolved in a way that respects legal processes and benefits everyone involved.
“I consulted His Excellency, Peter Obi, as the leader of the Obidient Movement. As a respecter of rule of law, due process, and order, he offered to take Dele Farotimi on the bail conditions,” Yunusa stated.
He further expresssed Obi’s gratitude to all concerned in the matter.
“His concern is that the situation be resolved in the best interest of all parties and our legal system.
“He extended his sincere appreciation to all concerned,” Yunusa added.
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