Politics

NNPP Accuses APC Of Plot To Disenfranchise Electorate In Kano

Published

2 years ago

September 21, 2022

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has allegedly uncovered plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to reduce the number of people having Permanent Voter Cards in the state by luring and seizing the cards from their original owners with the purpose of disenfranchising the owners.
This is just as the party noted that, for the very first time in the history of governance in Kano State, the incumbent has turned government affairs into a family affair, as, according to the NNPP, evidently seen in government policies and appointments.
The party alleged that it is more worrisome, sad and disastrous that the “anointed APC governorship candidate’’ has sworn by the Holy Qur’an to continue with these uninterrupted destruction of Kano State.
The party made these allegations in a communiqué issued at the end of a sensitisation workshop organised by the party for its governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, state House of Assemblies’ candidates and party executives held on September 15 in Kano.
The communiqué said it was a pointer to the state government’s abandonment of its primary responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of the citizens by being myopic and driven by sentiments, emotions, vendetta, and self-enrichment.
According to the communiqué jointly signed by the workshop chairman, Garba Diso, and secretary, Hamisu Ali, the workshop called for quick solutions to the threat of disenfranchisement and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to, as a matter of urgency, publish and paste the names of all uncollected PVCs in order to create awareness for the rightful owners to claim them.
“Among other issues highlighted by the workshop were the destruction of the educational system following the closure and de-boarding of Unity Schools; non-payment of all examination fees by the state government to WAEC, NECO, and NBAIS; delayed and non-payment of scholarship allowances to foreign and local students; and the creation of non-educationally friendly environment within school premises through the construction of corner shops in schools like the Northwest University, Kano,’’ the communique said.
The communique noted that Kano State is now one of the leading states in terms of drug abuse and thuggery under the watch of Governor Umar Ganduje and his administration, adding that the Kiru Rehabilitation Centre, which was established by the Kwankwaso’s administration for drug abuse, has since been closed down by Ganduje’s administration.
Another disturbing issue raised by the workshop is that of land-grabbing and dubious allocations and selling of land to intentionally deface Kano State. It stated that despite the mechanisms put in place by the previous administrations to control illegal and sub-standard buildings, the government of Governor Ganduje intentionally allowed these illegal practices with government approval, which have resulted in flooding, building collapse and even death.
It, therefore, expressed utmost concern over the flooding and collapse of buildings that occurred recently at Kantin Kwari and Civic Centre markets respectively which led to loss of lives and properties, among others, just as it extended its profound condolences and sympathy to all those affected by the disaster “on behalf of the national leader/presidential candidate of the party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the state executives, the party governorship (candidate) and his running mate, Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assembly candidates.’’
The workshop declared total support of the NNPP’s position in the state, reiterating that the 2023 elections must be completely different from previous ones, adding that the party will do all it can within the ambit of law to ensure that the 2023 elections are free, fair and credible.

Politics

Rivers Assembly Backs RSIEC

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2024

The Tide

The Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo has endorsed the October 5, 2024 local government elections in Rivers State.
Rt Hon. Oko-Jumbo said this on the floor of the House during its legislative sitting on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
He said the House aligned itself with a recent Supreme Court’s judgement which directed all states in the country to ensure democratically elected councils in their respective states.
According to the Speaker, the forthcoming election is also in line with the recent Supreme Court’s judgment which outlawed unelected councils’ leaderships in the country.
Rt Hon Oko-Jumbo also said the election is also in compliance with the order of a Port Harcourt High Court that mandated the state electoral umpire to use the 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter register for the election.
The Speaker said the House was also satisfied with the preparations so far made by both the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the state government for the conduct of the elections.
The number one lawmaker in the State urged security agencies to ensure adequate security of lives and property during the elections, while calling on eligible voters to turn out en mass and vote for candidates of their choice.

Politics

Nigeria’s Progress Dependent On Leaders Of Character – Utomi

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2024

The Tide

Professor of Political Economy, Prof Pat Utomi, has explained that Nigeria’s fortunes can change for the better if people of character are in positions of authority.
The Professor, who was a guest on a live television programme last Wednesday, said the country has the human capital required to achieve greatness.
“Ultimately, values shape human progress. When we have values and people of character and commitment to service (are) in positions of public authority, our country will turn around,” Prof Utomi said on the programme.
“We have the ingredients, the human capital that it takes to show the way”, he said.
Prof Utomi criticised the loss of Nigerian values and customs, attributing it to the breakdown of the nation’s institutions.
He stated that without robust institutions, such as the court and the electoral body, no nation can advance significantly.
“The biggest challenge we have is that culture is in collapse in Nigeria, values shape human progress. How do we get a values revolution? Institutions are critical for human progress if we can commit to building stronger institutions that push back on people who do not do right and the rule of law is fully in place.
“Look at our judiciary, it is a laughing stock – no country can make real progress without a judiciary that you can rely on. Look at our other institutions, whether it is INEC or others; they are weak.
“How do we ensure that we have strong institutions and that we have values that ensure that character matters and that people of character can show a light? We can do it, I am absolutely confident because I have seen it happen in human history,” he said.
He added that young Nigerians were contributing to the nation’s woes by helping to elect dishonest leaders, asserting that when leaders replace nepotism with competence, the nation will prosper.

Politics

Mutfwang Promises Non-interference In Plateau LG Polls

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2024

The Tide

Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, has promised that he would not interfere with the electoral process ahead of the Oct. 9 local government elections in the state.
Mr Mutfwang said this on Wednesday as the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southern and Central zones of the state held rallies ahead of the election.
He said that the State’s Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) had the task of conducting a free, fair and credible elections across the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
The governor, who urged the residents of the state to vote candidates of the PDP across board, said that his government had made significant impact in the last one year.
”We have pledged to restore the era of transparent elections in Plateau and this is why we are here to campaign for our candidates.
”Our government is making significant progress and will continue to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people, particularly those in the rural areas.
”So, I call on you to vote for all PDP candidates on Oct. 9; this way, development will spread to all parts of the state,” the governor said.
Mr Mutfwang, who thanked the people of the two zones for overwhelmingly voting him as governor, said that the party would not fail them.
Also, the PDP chairman in the state, Chris Hassan, thanked the people of the zones for their support.
He thanked them for coming out in their numbers to welcome the governor.
Mr Hassan reiterated that the PDP was committed to transforming lives and improving the living condition of the people across the state.