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PDP Wins Adamawa Guber Poll …CUPP Disowns Ganduje’s Endoresment …Says PDP’ll Recover Stolen Mandate
Ahmed Umar Fintiri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the Adamawa State governorship re-run election.
To emerge victor, Fintiri polled a total of 376,552 votes to beat Jibrilla Bindow, incumbent Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 336,386 votes, amounting to a margin of 40,166.
Before yesterday’s supplementary election, Fintiri had polled 367,471 votes while Bindow had 334,995, leaving a margin of 32,476 votes and placing him in a quite comfortable situation, as only 40,988 votes were cancelled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He defeated All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate and incumbent Governor Mohammed Bindow in the results so far collated such that the governor cannot overturn the margin of lead. With 367,471 votes to Bindow’s 334,995 votes, Fintiri went into yesterday’s make-up election with a 32,476 votes advantage.
Thus, Bindow was required to get at least 41,000 votes from the available 49,377 cancelled votes, to be re-elected. This may be a tall order, if the results released at press time are anything to go by. Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials, security agents and other stakeholders arrived the various polling units on time prompting early commencement of the exercise.
For instance, in Aroo Maguwa PU Girei, APC polled 102 votes while PDP got scored 72 votes. In Vazili PU 009, Michika LGA, it was ADC 1, APC 561 and PDP 6. Others include: Jigalambu unit – APC 7, PDP 248; Fwa unit, Michika – APC 3, PDP 161; Didayo in Song LGA – APC 116, PDP 268; Unit 005, Karalbadi Duhu Mayowandu – ADC 5, APC 0, PDP 131 and SDP 1 In Guyuk Unit 001: APC 0, PDP 154; Kolbani Duhu/Mayo Madagali: APC 0, PDM 5, PDP 135; Kofarwaya PU 003, Girei Ward: APC 46, and PDP 168.
The supplementary election was the climax of the inconclusive election held on March 9. Though low turnout of voters characterised the exercise in Yola South LGA of the state, voting was peaceful under the watchful eyes of fully mobilised security agents.
At the end of the LGA announcement, PDP polled 10,480 votes while APC secured 1391 votes, leaving a margin of 9089. LGA: Mubi North APC 11 PDP 900 LGA: Michika APC 187 PDP 1113 LGA: Toungo PDP 86 APC 2 LGA: Numan APC 50 PDP 1548 LGA: Madagali APC 0 PDP 131 AFTER NINE LGAs, PDP: 5301, APC:1141 LGA: Guyuk PDP 717 APC 10 CUPP disowns Ganduje’s endorsement by Kano branch.
Meanwhile, the national headquarters of Coalition of United Political Parties,CUPP, has dissociated itself from a purported endorsement of the victory of Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, in the governorship election by its Kano branch.
The coalition said it does not know the group, which claimed to represent it in the state while making the purported endorsement. In a statement, yesterday, by its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, CUPP said contrary to the group’s claim of emerging from its fold, those who formed the group were “APC agents from Ganduje’s village.
“The national headquarters of CUPP has dissociated itself from a group that called itself the Kano State chapter of the coalition and used its platform to endorse Ganduje. “The group, led by one Isah Nuhu Isah, was said to have paid a solidarity visit to Ganduje during which it claimed that 42 parties that make up the coalition in the state have dropped their plan to challenge Ganduje’s victory at the just-concluded supplementary election before the tribunal.
“We make bold to say that the CUPP is a national coalition formed to work for the emergence of the presidential candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the protection of national interest. “CUPP is a national coalition focused on taking presidential power via constitutional means and protection of national interest and not for state jamboree. The mandate Ganduje stole will be retrieved and he should enjoy his interim second term without dragging CUPP into his quest for legitimacy.”
Meanwhie, the national headquarters of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has dissociated itself from a purported endorsement of the victory of Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, in the governorship election by its Kano branch.
The coalition said the group, which posed to represent it in the state while making the purported endorsement was not known by it.
A statement, yesterday, by its spokesman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, alleged that contrary to the group’s claim of emerging from its fold, the persons who formed the group were agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, “APC agents from Ganduje’s village to came under the name of CUPP to support the stolen mandate.
“The national headquarters of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has dissociated itself from a group that called itself the Kano State chapter of the coalition and used its platform to endorse Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
“The group, led by one Isah Nuhu Isah, was said to have paid a solidarity visit to Ganduje during which it claimed that 42 parties that made up the coalition in the state have dropped their plan to challenge Ganduje’s victory at the just-concluded supplementary election before the tribunal.
“We make bold to say that the CUPP is a national coalition formed to work for the emergence of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the protection of national interest,” it said in the statement.
CUPP said, “The coalition is not meant for any state jamboree as being witnessed in Kano.”
The statement read further: “For the avoidance of any doubt, the position of the CUPP remains that Ganduje is parading a stolen mandate that will be retrieved from him.
“The recruitment of APC agents from Ganduje village to come under the name of CUPP to support the stolen mandate is unacceptable, laughable and a show of the political inexperience of Ganduje which led to his disgraceful outing at the ballot in the first place.
“The coalition, therefore, has not, and will never endorse him because we will not be part of the illegality that foisted him on the people of Kano State who roundly rejected him as seen during the election.”
It explained that, “CUPP is a national coalition focused on taking presidential power via constitutional means and protection of national interest and not for state jamboree.
“The mandate Ganduje stole will be retrieved and He should enjoy his interim second term without dragging CUPP into his quest for legitimacy,” it added.
Earlier, a coalition of 42 registered political parties in Kano State, under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), had expressed support for the re-election of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje at the just concluded governorship election.
The CUPP Chairman in the state, Alhaji Nuhu Isah, who paid a congratulatory visit to the governor, expressed dismay over a purported news conference held in Kano where it was reported that the coalition condemned the entire process due to alleged electoral irregularities.
Isah, who is also the chairman, lnter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said the 42 political parties were satisfied with the election outcome and would not challenge it at the tribunal.
“We are shocked to read the contents of the news conference discrediting the whole conduct of the process, security agencies, INEC and worst still the declaration to challenge the outcome of the exercise.
“We in CUPP comprising the representatives of the 42 political parties in the coalition, and joined by the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), categorically disown and disassociate the coalition from the sham press conference as well as condemn it in its entirety.
“We also express our dismay at the action of the conveners of the news conference for using the coalition to express personal and untoward views for whatever reasons and influence under the guise of CUPP,” he said.
He noted that the coalition monitored the supplementary election in Kano and in all sincerity believed it to be free, fair and peaceful.
Isah also acknowledged that there were pockets of violence in some polling units which magnitude were insignificant to warrant any call for cancellation of the election or legal redress at the tribunal.
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.