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Wike’s Disdain For Poll Observers’ Report Meaningless -APC
Cross section of Lagos State civil servants, during a thank you visit by Lagos Governor-elect, Mr Akinwumik Ambode to civil servants in Lagos last Tuesday.
The All Progressives Congress [APC] in Rivers State has described as disappointing the fact that the governorship candidate of the PDP, Barr. Nyesom Wike has been moving from one media house to the other dismissing the very credible reports on the April 11 electoral debacle in Rivers State by international election observers.. In a statement, yesterday, the APC Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone said this despicable attitude suggests that Wike has his own meaning of international election standard different from what the rest of the international community knows”.
The party reiterated that several of the acclaimed international observer groups that condemned the governorship elections in Rivers State include the African Centre for Leadership Strategies and Development, The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Nigeria, the US Embassy in Nigeria, among others.
He quoted the African Centre for Leadership Strategies and Development led by Humphrey Bekaren as saying that
”What we saw did not meet international standard of electioneering, not even the ones set by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.
“We request all lovers of democracy to join us in calling for the outright cancellation of the phony election. Unless this is done, we would have sown the seed that could eventually grow into providing a shade of fear and death over us.”
He also qouted the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Nigeria led by The EU EOM Chief Observer, Santiago Fisas, as saying that, “on 11 April, security incidence and violence were reported from across the country; predominantly, it involved inter-party clashes, an attack on election site by hoodlums often involving ballot boxes and election materials snatching.
“Credible reports show that problems were very severe in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. These warrant further investigation.
“I called on all stakeholders, voters, candidates, and more particularly, the political parties, to continue to maintain a peaceful response to the outcomes of the polls and to make any grievances through official channel.
“It is very regrettable that so many people lost their lives during the elections. Election must be violent-free; that loss of lives is not acceptable. Citizens should be able to express their political will freely without fear for their lives.”
The APC Publicity Secretary further referred to US Embassy in Nigeria alleged massive electoral irregularities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.
According to the Embassy, “we have seen the reports of violence and alleged irregularities, particularly in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, the APC noted”
The party stated that with these and many more observations made on the April 11 elections in Rivers State, it is rather surprising that Barr. Nyesom Wike could go public with his claims that the process met local and international election standards. Obviously, he has to re-work his understanding of what national and international election standards mean.
He reminded. Wike that the election process does not end with declaration of results; it ends after the ruling of the electoral appeal court or the Supreme Court depending on the position contested.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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