Politics

Card Reader: As Controversy Rages On

Published

10 years ago

March 16, 2015

A House of Assembly candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in Mushin Local Government Area, Mr Lekan Fijabi with others (left), testing the workings of Card Readers in Onigbongbo Ward, Ikeja LGA, Lagos, recently.

Of all the innovations
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Attahiru Jega came up with, the use of the Smart Card Readers (SCR) for the forthcoming general elections appears to be most controversial. Barely 13 days to the polls, the controversy still rages on.
There is hardly any issue regarding the execution of the 2015 general elections that has elicited as much naivety and contradictory reactions from key actors as the CR. Not even the postponement of the elections from the initial February 14 and 28. The bone of contention has been whether to use the CR or not.
The political class has been perplexed, particularly since the demonstration of the use of the CR in selected states of the country penultimate weekend:While those against using it find it difficult to openly come out to denounce the device, given its effective blockage of fake Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), others in support of the use of the device were also constrained by the shortcomings associated with it, as seen in its failure to effectively read the thumbprints of a significant number of potential voters in many places it was used.
Key stakeholders have taken divergent positions on the device. For the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, said there is no going back on the use of the CR, because”the cards would stop multiple voting by ensuring that only possessors of the PVCs can vote at voting points where the PVCs are programmed to”.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mr.Kayode Idowu explained that”nothing happened during the mock election to warrant going back on the use of card readers for the general elections. The deployment of the card readers was successful and even international observers from the UN have attested to it.Contrary to some claims, only one case of card reader challenge was recorded at our Situation Room and it was a human thing.
“Concerning some alleged hitches, there were guidelines on what to do at any polling unit to make sure that an eligible voter is allowed to exercise his or her right.
“The flaws being claimed were anticipated. The states where fingerprints were not authenticated had the PVC incident form procedure, it was agreed with political parties that the form will be filled.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had, following the trial-run of the CR, expressed reservations, noting difficulties in the accreditation through the failure of the biometric confirmation among some voters. Governors of PDP- controlled states were the first to oppose it.
The governors said they are opposed to the use of the machine because it has proved to be ineffective and hence constitutes a burden to the accreditation process. They met in Lagos last week, and vowed to scuttle any attempt by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the devise in the March 28 and April 11 elections.
Their reasons, given at different fora, have semblance with the stand taken by youths under the aegis of Middle Belt Concerned Youths who staged a protest at the headquarters of INEC in Abuja against the use of PVCs and the card readers for the elections.
Their take was that “judging from what transpired during the (CR test-run) exercise, it has been proven that batteries of the card readers do not function for more than three hours. The question therefore is, what happens if the battery fails during the election proper, especially in the rural areas?”
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the major opposition, on its part, said it was satisfied with the device and urged the commission to go ahead with the use of the card readers.The party noted that the opposition to the use of CR in the coming elections was an indication that those in the corridors of power see the machine as the nemesis of those opposed to the idea of a free and fair election.
From the perspective of the APC, “Only dishonest politicians, those who plan to rig, those who have engaged in a massive purchase of PVCs and those who have something to hide are opposed to use of the machine.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our party is ready for any tool, including the card reader that will ensure that the votes of Nigerians will count in the election…The card reader has been demonstrated to work, including at the Senate, and no one must come out to tell Nigerians anything to the contrary.”
While supporting the APC stand, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and senatorial candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Chief Victor Umeh, said his party is throwing its weight behind the use of CR in the 2015 general elections.
“The use of card reader is a sure way of fighting election rigging, especially when it is known that some politicians prefer to use a system that would make it possible for them to write results that would favour them as they had done in the past. APGA is in support of free, fair and credible election and the use of card reader can guarantee free and fair election, which is why we are supporting it”, he said.
While acknowledging the challenges noticed during the test-run of the CR, the electoral umpire has assured Nigerians that all hope is not lost, as voters whose thumbprints are not read by the CR could still vote but would have to fill an incident report form to reflect the development.
This position is, however, viewed as a connivance between the APC and INEC by those who opposed the use of the CR, as represented by the PDP, whose scepticism was expressly stated by the Middle Belt Concerned Youths.
“The simple fact that APC and INEC are on the same page on the use of PVCs and card readers speaks volumes about their plan to rig the forthcoming polls, which all right-thinking and well-meaning Nigerians must resist with vigour”, they said.
According to the group, those that claim that the electronic machines did not fail during the mock exercise in their states “are simply playing to the gallery; it is a cover-up and a far cry from the ugly reality starring everybody in the face”.
The group summarized its stand thus: “In as much as we appreciate the steadfastness and enormous innovations introduced by INEC to bequeath free and fair elections to the nation, it is still the contention of majority of Nigerians that such efforts must not be sacrificed on the altar of a fool-hardy insistence of proceeding with the use of PVCs, despite the glaring imperfections inherent in them. Insisting on using them for the elections will only end up disenfranchising a huge segment of Nigeria’s voting population.
“We frown at this orchestrated plot to disenfranchise a high number of eligible Nigerian voters by INEC as epitomised in its determination to go ahead with the use of PVCs and card readers regardless of the genuine concerns expressed by relevant stakeholders in the polity, a development that is likely to compromise the integrity of the elections.
“Unlike the TVCs, which are easy to obtain and use during elections, PVCs are a bit technically complicated for an average rural dweller. Instead of this straight-jacketed insistence of using PVCs and card readers, INEC should rather be thinking of fashioning out alternative measures of ensuring the success of the elections that will not only be acceptable to Nigerians, but also meet international standards”.
The stands taken by all concerned party show that while they all agree that INEC should conduct free, fair and credible elections, they are sceptical about the support of the other party for a process, in this case, the use of the card reader, which INEC says will checkmate rigging.
The stand of the opposition to the use of the CR is that it will disenfranchise a notable population of voters. The question that readily comes to mind is, what informed the esoteric belief and consequent apprehension that this population that may be so disenfranchised will all be supporters of the PDP, which is spearheading the opposition against the use of the card reader?
Beyond winning the election, it is high time political parties stood for enthronement of real democracy and electoral system that would stand the test of time. They should therefore know that given the innovations of theINEC under the chairmanship of Professor Jega, what the electoral body needs now is suggestions on have to confront the challenges noticed in the use of the CR.
Consequently, all stakeholders should be thinking of fashioning out alternative measures of ensuring the success of the elections that will not only be acceptable to Nigerians, but also meet international standards.

Soibi Max-Alalibo

Politics

Kano Gov Approves N15.6bn To Settle Ex-APC Councillors’ Entitlements

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the release of N15.6 billion for the payment of outstanding severance gratuities, accommodation, and leave allowances owed to over N3,000 former councillors across the State’s 44 local government areas.
The approved payment covers councillors who served during the periods of 2014–2017, 2018–2020, and 2021–2024 under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The entitlements, which remained unpaid for years, will now be disbursed in three installments between April and June 2025.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information to the Governor, Ibrahim Adam, the administration described the move as a corrective measure to address the neglect of past leadership and fulfil a promise to ensure fairness to public office holders.
“The approval of N15.6 billion is in fulfilment of Governor Abba K. Yusuf’s commitment to ensuring that all outstanding entitlements owed to our dedicated public servants are fully paid. It is a matter of principle and justice to uphold the dignity of those who have served in elected positions”, Mr Adam said.
He noted that the financial intervention reflects the governor’s broader vision of governance rooted in fairness, accountability, and public trust.
“His Excellency recognises the sacrifices and dedication of these former councillors. This action is part of a larger effort to right the wrongs of the past and restore faith in public administration,” he added.
Local government officials and affected former councillors have welcomed the decision, describing it as long overdue and a step toward healing the financial frustrations of many grassroots leaders.
Governor Yusuf’s administration, elected on a different political platform than his predecessor, continues to draw commendation for its proactive efforts to resolve inherited liabilities and improve the welfare of public servants.
As the payment schedule begins, it is expected that this intervention will offer financial relief to thousands and stimulate local economic activity across the state.

Politics

Gunmen Disrupt Political Rally In Bayelsa ….As Turnah, Others Emerge New Associates’Leaders

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Scores of spectators and political faithful were hospitalised after a yet to be identified gunmen invaded a rally organised by a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Part of the activities scheduled to hold at the occasion was the inauguration ceremony of the Bayelsa State chapter of the ‘New Associates’, a pro-Wike political forum.
The Tide which monitored the event reports that trouble started just at the preparatory stages of the event, when the unidentified gunmen launched sporadic gunshots from a farm close to the venue of the event, injuring unsuspecting spectators and party faithful across party lines.
However, calm was restored after a swift intervention by men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other security formations which enabled the event to go on as planned.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after restoration of calm, factional South-South zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the State’s chapter of the party, Barrister George Turnah, commended security operatives for their timely response.
He noted that the plan of detractors had been defeated as forces loyal to certain individuals in the State never wanted the rally to hold as scheduled.
Turnah, who doubles as Convener of the ‘New Associates’ in the State, commended President Tinubu and Chief Wike for the appointment and facilitating the same for Ijaws across the Niger Delta region.
He said, but for the love of the duo for the Ijaw people of various extractions, the Presidency would not have given preferential political portfolios in the Federal Government’s Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to Ijaws even though the ethnic nationality produces bulk of the natural resources for the economic mainstay of the nation.
The PDP chieftain reiterated that the reason for the event which was attended across party lines was to say ‘thank you’ to the two political leaders, stressing that to ‘whom much is given, much was expected’.
“For me, I’m of the larger opposition party, PDP. But I’ve decided to support and work for President Tinubu for what he is doing for the Ijaw nation, Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.
“President Tinubu has given Bayelsans and other Ijaws across the Niger Delta region several juicy political appointments. He appointed our brother and son, Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of Petroleum even though former President Muhammadu Buhari had previously appointed a Bayelsan as Petroleum Minister in his government.
“Apart from the Petroleum Minister, Tinubu has also appointed Ijaw sons, Chief Boma Iyaye as Executive- Director, Finance, and Dr Samuel Ogbuku as Managing-Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“Though former President Buhari had appointed Ogbuku initially in Acting capacity, when President Tinubu came, even after sacking all board members of the Commission, he still kept our brother, the MD and upon the completion of his tenure in Acting capacity, the President again reappointed him as substantive MD/CEO.
“But there’s one man who has made all these appointments for Ijaws possible. He is the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Ijaw people, Bayelsans are we not enjoying these appointments?
“Has the NDDC not lit up the entire Niger Delta region? Are you not feeling the impact of the Ogbuku-led NDDC? So for me and all the members of the New Associates we’ve decided to support President Tinubu for a second tenure so that our state and region can benefit more from his government”, he said.
“We want Governor Douye Diri to tell us his stand on the forthcoming 2027 general election. He should tell us whether he is supporting the President or not. If he’s supporting the President, we’ll work with him. After all, Diri was the first Governor from the South-South zone that benefitted from the President’s magnanimity during the 2023 elections and even in terms of infrastructure projects and appointments of Bayelsans at the Federal level”, Barr Turnah added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, and leader, Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO), Senator George Sekibo, lauded President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their love and friendship with the Ijaw people.
Represented by former Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Roland Sekibo, Senator Sekibo said the ‘New Associates’ political forum was to galvanize support for the President for his 2027 election.
He said while President Tinubu had performed well as Nigeria’s leader, the FCT Minister had continued to show leadership from the federal level after showing the same in Rivers State while serving as governor.
“I like to thank the convener of the ‘New Associates’ political forum in Bayelsa State, Barr. George Turnah (MON) and the Coordinators for standing firm in spite of threats from highly placed political leaders not to hold this event.
“Love is not theoretically, but must be expressed, which explains why they have gathered to celebrate their Excellencies, President Tinubu and Barr. Ezewon Nyesom Wike for the various roles they have played and have continued to play to ensure the appointment of Ijaw sons and daughters to positions of trust and authority at the federal level.
“The ‘New Associates’ is in synergy with President Tinubu and will continue to follow directives from the FCT Minister who has openly declared support for Mr. President”, he said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Politics

Enugu LP Loses Pub Sec To PDP

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

The Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Mr Titus Odo, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Odo defected to the PDP on Wednesday alongside the former Commissioner for Chieftancy Affairs in the State, Emeka Mamah, who was the state Coordinator of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign in the 2023 presidential election.
The duo dumped the PDP during the 2023 general elections for the Labour Party.
Receiving the defectors at the party’s state secretariat, the state PDP Chairman, Martin Chukwunwike, expressed happiness over their decision to return to their former party.
He explained that Governor Peter Mbah gave them the directive to do everything possible to bring back aggrieved party members who left the party.
“We are happy to have them in our midst, and God has set this party on a good footing, as 2027 is already assured,” he said.
The PDP chairman, however, called for unity within the party to package themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during their presentation to the party state chairman, Mr Odo expressed joy for returning to his former party, revealing that Mr Mbah’s massive development in the State informed his decision.
“I am happy to tell you that I am back to my home. I came back because of the giant development strides of Governor Mbah and I say kudos to him.
“The second reason is the defection of my immediate boss, the LP governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Enugu State, Dr Chijioke Edeoga.
“Another reason is that the council chairman in Igboeze North, Mr Uchenna Ogara, is turning the council area into a township,” he said.
Mr Mamah also thanked the PDP leadership in Igboeze North, Enugu North Senatorial zone and the state chapter of the party for receiving him back to the party.
He extolled Mr Mbah for extending hands of fellowship to those who had left the party, saying, “Personally, I am pleased with the performances of our governor.”