Politics
2019: Kano underage voting, hint to APC rigging plans — ADP chieftain alleges
CHAIRMAN, Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Ijebu North Local Government, Prince Dele Ajayi, has alleged that the underage voting in the Kano Local Government election was an inkling to what might likely happen in some parts of the country in the forthcoming general elections.
Ajayi, who stated this while speaking with newsmen in Ijebu Ode on Tuesday, posited that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), could be said to have perfected plans to massively rig the 2019 elections, stressing that the underage voters registration and voting in the North is just one their strategies.
The ADP chieftain further described voters registration as a very important aspect of elections, just as he enjoined voters in Ogun State and Nigeria at large to get their Permanent Voters Card (PCV) and vote out the failed rulling party.
Also, the National Chairman of the party, Yabagi Sani, on AIT Kakaki programme, on Monday condmned the incident, saying “Kano is All Progressives Congress (APC) state and the party has not done anything to condemn the underage voting.”
The former Vice Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the rulling party of being reluctant to take decisive steps on the issue of underage voters, while questioning the independence of the Commission and the reliability of the voters’ register.
“The excuse that underage voters were registered because of threats to the lives of registration officers is untenable. And if this is true, then how indipendent is INEC, and how reliable is the voters register? INEC should not have kept silent on this anti-democratic matter before now, if truly the Commission is sincerely committed to ensuring the survival of democracy in Nigeria”, he said.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), last weekend promised that the alleged incident of underage voting during the recent local government elections in Kano State would be fully investigated.
He then commended the moves by the National Assembly to re-order the 2019 general election’s sequence as contained in the recent amendment to the Electoral Act.
Commenting on the economic situations in Nigeria, the ADP chieftain said the performances of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration lack the intellectual capacity to tackle the nation’s economy, which according to him, led to the collapse of several companies and loss of jobs in Nigeria, and unarguable sufferings of the masses.
Quoting the National Bureu of Statistics (NBS) 2017 unemployment reports, Ajayi said, “4.07 million Nigerians became unemployed between January and September 2017. This was against the Buhari’s promise in a campaign rally in Kano and other places, whereby he promised to create three million jobs yearly (totalling 12 million in his first term) solve the problem of unemployment, and in addition, his then running mate, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, at a campaign rally in Akure, pledging 20,000 jobs yearly totaling 720,000.”
On the chances of ADP in the 2019 elections in Ogun State and Nigeria at large, Ajayi said: “ADP has come to stay, and to fix the crooked in the Nigerian economy and policies, and give the Nigerian people a credible alternative they have been yearning for, a third force which is capable of turning the country around for good.”
Ajayi, while describing ADP as a credible party for Nigerians to embrace and be served, said the policy of the party is to better utilise the resources of Nigeria for the good of the country and her good people.
“Our party, since its registration with the INEC in June 2017, has continued to receive massive membership. This is an indication that Nigerians are tired and can no longer continue with the shenanigan ways of doing politics which is currently being practiced by both the APC and PDP”.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, has paid tribute to former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his 61st birthday, celebrating his decades of dedicated service and contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), lauded Folarin’s unwavering commitment to leadership and the well-being of the people.
Highlighting the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial nominee in the 2023 elections for three terms in the Senate, the lawmaker noted that Folarin’s legacy of service continues to be a guiding light for emerging leaders and a source of inspiration for countless individuals across the state.
“Senator Folarin has built an admirable legacy through years of selfless public service, consistently advocating for progress and unity,” remarked Oseni.
Reflecting on Folarin’s role as the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, the lawmaker commended his leadership approach, which has bridged divides, fostered coalitions, and promoted initiatives aimed at stabilising democracy.
“Senator Folarin’s career is an example of visionary leadership,” he added, “and his commitment to public service will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
As Senator Folarin marks this milestone, Oseni extended warm wishes for his continued health and success, expressing hope that his exemplary life of service will keep inspiring positive change across the nation.
In a historic ruling, a Ugandan court on Friday sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison.
This landmark decision, marking the first time a member of the notorious LRA has faced trial for war crimes in a Ugandan court, follows the group’s brutal two-decade insurgency against the Ugandan government.
Kwoyelo, who was convicted in August on 44 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, faced charges including murder, rape, torture, pillaging, abduction, and the destruction of settlements for internally displaced people.
(FILES) Thomas Kwoyelo a commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebellion blamed for brutal civilian murders during a 20-year war in the north of the country is brought into a courthouse in the northern Ugandan town of Gulu on July 25, 2011. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by MICHELE SIBOLINI / AFP)
Michael Elubu, lead judge of the case at the International Crimes Division (ICD) of Uganda’s High Court, delivered the sentence in the northern city of Gulu, underscoring a rare moment of accountability in the decades-long history of the LRA’s violence.
Judge Elubu stated that Kwoyelo retains the right to appeal both his conviction and sentence within 14 days.
Kwoyelo, who was abducted by the LRA at the age of 12 and later rose to a low-level command position within the organization, denied all charges brought against him.
(FILES) Suspected LRA (Lords Resistance Army) member Thomas Kwoyelo is pictured during a pre-trial session at the High Court in Kampala on Februay 1, 2017. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by GAEL GRILHOT / AFP)
The Lord’s Resistance Army, founded by Joseph Kony in the 1980s, sought to establish a regime based on the Ten Commandments. Under Kony’s leadership, the group unleashed widespread terror across Uganda and neighboring regions, resulting in over 100,000 deaths and the abduction of 60,000 children.
The violence eventually spread to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic.
Politics
“A Perfect Fit”: Rep Oseni Applauds Sunday Dare’s Appointment as Presidential Adviser on Public Communications
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has hailed the appointment of Chief Sunday Dare, Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and National Orientation, describing it a “perfect fit.”
In a statement released Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni praised Chief Dare’s extensive background in journalism and public service, adding that his vast experience will significantly enhance national communications and orientation efforts.
“Chief Dare’s illustrious career, from his pioneering role in Nigerian journalism as a founding member of The News and Tempo magazines to his strategic leadership as Minister of Youth and Sports Development under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, speaks volumes about his commitment to national development,” he remarked.
Oseni, who also represents the Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state, noted that Chief Dare’s new role comes at a critical time when fostering national unity and effective public engagement is crucial, stressing that his deep understanding of media, both locally and internationally, will strengthen public trust in government communications.
“As an accomplished journalist and public servant, Chief Dare is uniquely positioned to reshape the national narrative and bolster public confidence in government communication efforts,” the lawmaker said.
He expressed confidence that Dare’s appointment will not only advance the ideals of democracy and transparency but also serve as a point of pride for Ogbomosoland and Oyo State.
The APC chieftain wished Chief Dare success in his new role, pledging his unwavering support in ensuring the objectives of the office are fully achieved.
