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‘INEC, Police, APC Gang-Up, Threat To Democracy’

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Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has stated that the conspiracy between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Police is a threat to the nation’s democracy.
Wike said this last Friday when he granted audience to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
According to the governor, following the use of the Police to deny the people of Rivers East Senatorial District their mandate, the APC has made it their official policy.
“The strategy has been adopted by the APC as experienced in Rivers state during the re-run elections. We have to alert all other Nigerians about this strategy.
“The alarm we have raised on the printing of fake result sheets was correct. They used Special Anti-Robbery Squad to abduct INEC officials and smuggle in fake results”, he said.
He called on all political parties to be vigilant and stop the actualization of the plot of APC to rig the 2019 polls.
“They know Nigerians are tired of being deceived. That is why they will plan to massively rig the 2019 elections. As IPAC members, you must be vigilant. They will do everything possible, including killing dozens of persons to remain in power. This is because the people have rejected them”, he said.
Despite the anomaly that greeted the Rivers East Senatorial District election, the governor said INEC had remained silent and stressed the need for the electoral body to offer explanation on the fraud APC used the Police to perpetrate.
He charged all other political parties participating in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election to be vigilant as the APC is planning to rig the polls.
He said, “Democracy is under threat. We must defend it”.
In his remarks, the Secretary of IPAC, Chief Perry Opara said Rivers State is working because Governor Wike is investing in development projects.
The IPAC scribe commended Governor Wike for carrying all political parties along and urged the Federal Government to imbibe the same spirit as it would help to reduce tension in the country.
The 46 Political Parties of IPAC conferred on Governor Wike, “most Opposition- Friendly and Eagle of Nigeria”.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, NyesomEzenwoWike has stated that unless Nigerians experience good governance  at the federal level, agitations  will continue across different parts of the country.
Speaking during the 57th Independence Church Service at the Saint Mark’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt yesterday Sunday, Governor Wike said that Rivers State is not part of any agitation for secession.
He said: “In as much as you continue to have bad governance, people will continue to agitate across the country.
”We give God the glory that we are still one, despite the agitations and challenges. God has blessed this country.  We are not part of those who want to secede. Rivers State will never be part of that.”
The governor, however, pointed out that the country cannot continue with the current level of impunity and injustice, saying that it is time for the right thing to be done.
According to him, “People must speak out that what is going on is not correct.  Under this dispensation, votes no longer count. I have faith that we will come out of the present predicament “.
The governor explained that one of the reasons why politicians act irrationally is because they know that Police and INEC  can manipulate  results in their favour.
He called for better security and justice  for all federating units  to  give all Nigerians a sense  of belonging and de-escalate tension across the land.
He reiterated his call for the investigation  of the criminal activities of the Special Anti-robbery Squad, which he said has become a notorious criminal gang.
In his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu said Nigeria has developed  despite her many challenges.
He urged Nigerians to respect  the  laws of the country, support constituted authorities  and work for the growth of the country.
The church service attracted top government officials, security agencies and traditional rulers.

Chris Oluoh

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May Day: Labour Seeks Inclusiveness In Policy-making 

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The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.

The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.

The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.

Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.

He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights  of workers by some agents

According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.

Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.

“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.

“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.

“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said

Ajaero, therefore,  urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.

He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to  demand better conditions is non-negotiable.

“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”

Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.

He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.

 

 

 

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2025 UTME: JAMB Disowns Site Requesting Payment From Candidates

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.

The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.

“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.

“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.

“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.

” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.

“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.

Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.

According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.

He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.

He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.

He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”

“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.

“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.

“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.

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NDDC Seeks UN’s Support To Accelerate Niger Delta Development

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.

Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.

According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.

He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.

“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.

Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.

He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.

“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.

“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.

The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.

Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.

In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.

He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.

“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.

“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.

He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.

 

 

 

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