Politics
Low turnout, late arrival of materials mar Enugu LG elections
…as Gov Mbah hails peaceful process
The Local Government Election in Enugu on Saturday was marred by low turnout of voters and late arrival of voting materials at various polling units and wards.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), there was low turnout in most wards, particularly in Igbariam Primary School Ward 7 and the Union Boys Secondary School Ward 8 respectively.
Meanwhile, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has hailed the peaceful outcome of the local government elections held on Saturday across the state, describing the exercise as the most peaceful.
Reports said there was the presence of security personnel at the wards visited even as people were going about their normal duties.
At Igbariam Primary School and Union Boys Secondary School, voting materials had not arrived as of 10 am.
A Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) agent at Ward 8 Unit 7, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the low turnout to the experience of the 2023 general election.
“There is low turnout of voters as you can see, people are not coming out to vote because the last general election has discouraged everyone from coming out to cast their votes,” he said.
Also speaking at lgbariam Primary School Ward 7 Unit 2, one of the electorate, Mrs. Chika Eze said that despite security presence at the ward, only a few people turned out to cast their votes.
The roads were almost empty as there were few vehicular movements while some shops were open for businesses.
Mbah hails peaceful process
The Enugu governor while hailing the peaceful outcome of the local government elections described the exercise as the most peaceful.
The governor gave the commendation shortly after casting his vote at polling unit 007 Mbaguzo, Ashishi Owo in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
Describing the exercise as democracy in action, the governor who waited patiently for his turn in the queue to cast his vote, expressed his administration’s readiness to support those who would emerge winners irrespective of political party affiliation.
He reassured support for local government autonomy, saying that the process would help bring governance closer to the people.
Mbah said: “The exercise is very peaceful. It started on time.
”This is democracy and it is a very important exercise because we are trying to elect people who will lead our people at the grassroots.
“The local government had always operated as an autonomous arm of the government. Our mandate is to ensure that our people are lifted from the level of poverty.
“We are going to support the local government to allow their programmes.”
On the turnout of voters at his polling unit, Mbah said, “The voters’ turn out showed that people believe that the government’s decision will touch their lives.
“People are becoming increasingly aware that the government will touch their lives.
”People have resolved to choose those that will lead them. It must be done in a democratic way, and we won’t take it for granted.
“So, if it’s a democracy, we must allow it to run as a democracy. This is a level
The caretaker committee of the Labour Party, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, has launched an investigation into Barrister Julius Abure over allegations of misconduct, including corruption, misappropriation of party funds, and anti-party activities.
Briefing the media in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Usman accused Abure of persistently parading himself as the national chairman of the party despite being removed, and of running the Labour Party as a personal enterprise to pursue selfish ambitions.
She stated that rather than fostering unity, Abure allegedly exploited his position for personal enrichment.
To address these allegations, the caretaker committee has set up a disciplinary panel, chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh serving as secretary. The panel is tasked with investigating the allegations against Abure and recommending appropriate disciplinary measures.
The committee has summoned Abure to appear before the disciplinary panel to respond to various petitions and charges brought against him.
Furthermore, the caretaker committee criticized Abure’s alleged hijacking of party structures without following due process, including the failure to conduct ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses ahead of a national convention.
The Nenadi Usman-led team pledged to restore internal democracy, announcing that a timetable for proper congresses and the election of national executives will be released soon.
This is coming a few days after the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party set up a disciplinary committee to investigate allegations of anti-party activities against Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and other members.
It said “NEC reviewed the anti party activities of Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor” and other errant members and consequently set up a disciplinary committee.
The committee chaired by Ayo Olorunfemi, was given two weeks to submit its report.
…appoints Caretaker Committee
The PDP Ughelli North convened a meeting to update members on the party’s current situation following the defection of the Governor and other leaders to the All Progressive Congress (APC) .
Key stakeholders, including Chief Udu Omo Scott , Pharm. Simon Ohwo, and Mr. Alex Akporute , Chief Jawhono Orovwoni , Chief Rita Agba , Hon Majemite Joel Lucky and others addressed the gathering, urging members to remain faithful to the party, reassured members that the party would bounce back stronger, despite recent challenges.
The PDP Members present pledged their full support and promised to mobilize more supporters for the party.
The meeting’s highlight was the appointment of a Caretaker Committee to lead the party. The committee members include
Hon. Daniel Emaye as Chairman
Comr. Umukoro Oghenekaro as Vice Chairman
Comr. Efe Oberiko as Secretary.
The Caretaker Committee’s members are tasked with guiding the party’s affairs and strengthening its presence in the Local government.
Other key officials appointed include
Mr. Benedict Oghenerukevwe (Youth Leader)
Madam Ufuoma Omoru (Woman Leader)
Comr. George Oghenekevwe (Treasurer)
Comr. Aderiobor Blessing (Publicity Secretary)
Mr Ochuko Jonathan Arhiakpore (Financial Secretary)
and Mr. Thompson Akpososo (Auditor).
All Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives members have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Their defection was made public by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Tuesday.
Details shortly…
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