Politics
Police, INEC Debunk BVAS Machines In C’River Govt House Rumours
As tension continues to rise, over the news making the rounds that some Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation Systems (BIVAS) machines were allegedly moved at night into the Cross River State Governors Lodge, Calabar, the Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have warned against spreading information that can upturn the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Speaking to The Tide source in Calabar on Saturday, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Balarabe Sule, warned that those bringing issues such as the alleged carrying of BIVAS machines to the Cross River State Governors Lodge in Calabar, to desist, just as he described them as enemies of progress of the State.
CP Sule explained that election materials “are still with INEC. Elections have not started, the properties for election are with INEC, not with the police. This is very sensitive and can turn down the entire peaceful atmosphere in Cross River State.
“Whoever is bringing that issue, is an enemy of the progress of Cross River state generally. When I saw it I was shocked, I was surprised”.
Meanwhile, the INEC in the state has assured that it had ordered for investigation into the matter.
INEC’s Head of Department, Voters Education and Publicity, Mrs Anthonia Nwobi, assured that the commission would not be distracted from its mandate to ensure credible elections.
“They are just trying to distract us. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) has seen it and has reported to security agencies, that they should investigate. So whatever is the results, they would let us know.
“We want credible elections. We all are in Nigeria; we will deliver credible elections. If there is any distraction anywhere, the security agencies should just handle it. That’s the truth of the matter,” she said.
It will be recalled that there was widespread rumour, early on Saturday, that some BIVAS machines had been moved at night into the Cross River state Governors Lodge.
Although there wasn’t any substantial proof of the information, the online media space was filled with that information.
However, INEC and the police in the State have assured of credible elections, while cautioning residents of the state against spreading unverified information especially as it concerns the upcoming elections.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.