Politics
Kwara REC Tasks Corps Members On Integrity, Patriotism
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kwara, Malam Garba Attahiru-Madami, last Monday called on NYSC members to always maintain their integrity wherever they found themselves.
Attahiru-Madami made the call at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of the state, while addressing Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members.
Attahiru-Madami was at the orientation camp to sensitise corps members on the activities of the commission.
He also urged the corps members to be patriotic and be committed to the ideals and tenets of the scheme throughout the service year.
In a paper presented on his behalf by Mr Jacob Ayanda, HOD Voter Education and Publicity, Attahiru-Madami said INEC holds corps members in highest regard as they form the bulk of the ad hoc staff during elections in the country.
“Corps members are dear to INEC, we value NYSC, and you are our major stakeholder because 70 per cent of INEC ad hoc staff are corps members,” he said.
Out of the 13, 000 ad hoc staff INEC used in Kwara during the last general elections, more than 7, 000 were corps members.
Attahiru-Madami told the corps members that the NYSC experience marks the beginning of life, hence the need to always protect their integrity and family name.
He said his integrity earned him the success he achieved during the general elections, adding that he refused to compromise his integrity.
The REC said welfare of corps members during elections was very paramount to INEC as critical stakeholders, noting that corps members had played prominent roles in the electoral process in Nigeria.
“Corps members’ welfare is of paramount importance to the commission.
“In the first place, the commission ensures that all necessary logistic arrangements are made for them from the training period till after the election day.
“Provision of logistics, in terms of transport from INEC local government area offices to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) are provided.
“At the RACs, basic amenities such as electricity, potable water, sleeping materials and toiletries are equally provided.
“Moreover, the commission makes provision for adequate security for corps members and materials to be used during elections,” he added.
The REC also admonished corps members, as Voter Education Officers at their places of primary assignment, to always be well dressed.
“As the Public Relations Officers of the commission at the unit level, the corps members must protect the image of the commission and regularly carry out publicity activities,” the REC said.
These activities, the REC, said may include display of posters and election results.
The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Tosin Ikupolati, urged corps members, especially females, to always dress decently.
According to Ikupolati, men would admire ladies more if they do not expose their bodies.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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