Politics
Council Boss Tasks ODIEC On Credible LG Polls
The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), has been advised to conduct transparent and credible elections in the state during the next local government polls slated for April 18.
The Caretaker Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Abayomi Adesanya, gave the advice yesterday.
This was when the officials of ODIEC, led by its Electoral Officer, Mr Adeniyi Aduwo; paid a courtesy visit to the council ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
Our correspondent reports that the Ondo State Local Government elections would hold on April 18 across the 18 council areas.
According to him, the residents of Ondo State can only elect their representatives through the conduct of credible, fair and transparent elections.
“It is by conducting a free, fair and transparent electoral process that the members of the public can elect their own representatives.
”I urge ODIEC to act as a neutral umpire by conducting free, fair and transparent elections in the forthcoming council polls,” he said.
The ODIEC’s electoral officer, Mr Adeniyi Aduwo, promised that the commission would conduct credible elections without fear or favour.
Aduwo called on the chairman to support the commission in its quest to conduct a hitch-free election in the state.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
-
Business9 hours agoNCDMB, Jake Riley Empower 250 Youths On Vocational Skills
-
Politics8 hours agoPFN Rejects Call For INEC Chairman’s Removal Over Genocide Comments
-
Oil & Energy10 hours agoNNPCL Unveils Gas Master Plan 2026 …….Targets 10bcf/day production
-
Oil & Energy9 hours agoElectricity Boost: Abia Launches Waste-To-Energy Project
-
Sports7 hours agoEnekwechi wins Orlen Cup in season opener
-
Environment9 hours agoNigeria, UAE to waive tariffs on some products
-
Niger Delta8 hours agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority
-
Oil & Energy9 hours agoNUPRC Pledges Transparency In 2025 Oil Pre – Bid Round