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Tag: Kogi

  • Coalition Expresses Concern Over November 2023 Off-Season Guber Elections

    Coalition Expresses Concern Over November 2023 Off-Season Guber Elections

    • • Urges Mahmood to ensure credible polls

    Ahead of the scheduled off-season elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa; Saving Our Votes, a coalition of INEC registered civil society organisations and consultative partners, has expressed concerns and observations in electoral preparations while calling for credible polls.

     

    In a press briefing jointly signed by Intercontinental Leadership Initiative, Christian Empowerment & Development Initiative, Centre for Strategy Ethics and Value, Centre for Social Value & Early Child Development, Initiative for Civic Obligation and Sustainable Peace, Grassroots Initiative for Promotion of Peace, Love Unity & Ethics, Water Light Initiative, Citizens Right for Peace and Non-Violence Initiative, Centre for Strategic and Conflict Resolutions and Centre for Positive Change & Civic Responsibility, the coalition reiterated that “the credibility of every election starts with the Integrity of the Voters’ register.”

     

    The statement read by the principal convener, Comrade Prince Stafford Bisong, highlighted concerns and observations which should be looked into in order to observe and ensure a seamless, credible and fair elections especially in the area of voter registration, accreditation and the portal for real time result viewing direct from the polling units in line with the electoral act 2022.

     

    “In consonance with section 19(I) of the electoral Act 2022, we observe that INEC DID NOT display or publish for public scrutiny the voters’ register in the LGAs, Political Wards and registration area across the three states (Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi) where off-season elections are scheduled to hold on 11th November 2023 and on its websites or any website established by the commission for that purpose in line with the above section of the electoral act.

     

    “It is against this background that we (Saving Our Votes) a coalition of INEC registered civil society organisations have taken time to scrutinize the voters register in the aforementioned states to see, observe and discover for ourselves the state of affairs and level of preparation of INEC to deliver credible elections in those three states in November, 2023.

     

    “Upon Inquiry as to why the voters register was not published, INEC informed us that they had published the voters register in November 2022 and at the same time, given to all political parties before the 2023 general elections and the same register Will Be Used in the Governorship elections in November 2023 in the respective states.

     

    “Over the years many electoral commissions in Africa have seen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an institution to learn from about good conduct of elections and election management but in recent times, our democracy has been epileptic with several records of malpractices leading to negative publications in the social and international media discrediting the entire electoral processes that has been painstakingly built.

     

    “Our areas of concern as we approach November 2023 elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo include;

     

    • The integrity or otherwise of the state’s voters’ register

     

    • The conduct of security agencies before, during and after the elections should be in line with the International best practices.

     

    • Because of peculiar riverine terrine in these states, INEC should make adequate logistics preparations in ensuring that both sensitive and non-sensitive material get to the polling units on time.

     

    • While we applaud technological advancements in the electoral process, INEC should find solutions in creating a seamless process for efficiency of the BVAS machines.

     

    • We call on politicians to recalibrate their minds knowing the leadership is a Trust for selfless service to the people and politics is the game that produces such leaders. Politicians should STOP seeing politics a Do or Die Affair, and discourage violence perpetrated by their followers.

     

    • The Nigerian Judiciary and Politicians should be informed that the BVAS has broken the thuggery and ballot snatching jinx and has ended massive thumb printing. Hence the need to stop trying to manipulate the electoral process.

     

    • That all electoral stakeholders should advocate for judicial reforms and a review of the powers of the Election Petition Tribunal and Courts pre and post elections. Sanitizing the Judiciary will largely reduce the number of upturned and re-run elections emanating from the influence of politicians.

     

    • We want to use this opportunity to commend INEC on the notable gains in our electioneering process while asking for more deliberate improvements.

     

    • We use this opportunity to challenge the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to leaving behind a legacy of credible elections in Nigeria in line with the 2022 Electoral Act which is meant to bring sanity to our electioneering process.

     

    • Finally, in the words of Thomas Jefferson and I quote, “We do not have government by the majority, we have government by the majority who participate in the election process”. It added.

     

    The CSOs however, encouraged every eligible voter in these three states to ensure with their permanent voters card full participation in the electioneering process while urging all stakeholders to desist from vote buying, a menace threatening the dividends of democracy.

  • 2023: We Will Deliver Kogi to APC, Says Gov. Yahaya Bello

    2023: We Will Deliver Kogi to APC, Says Gov. Yahaya Bello

    •  As Deputy National Publicity Secretary Donates 46 Vehicles to the Party  

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has pledged to deliver the State to the Al Progressive Congress APC in the forthcoming General Elections in the country.

    Bello made this promise while speaking at the inauguration of 46 campaign vehicles distributed to the campaign coordinators, Local government chairmen of APC and other critical stakeholders for Bola Ahmed Tinubu /Shetima for President at the Government house in Lokoja on Wednesday.

     

    The Vehicles were donated by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of APC, National Headquarters Abuja, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka to facilitate free movement for the stakeholders to campaign vigorously for All Progress Congress APC Presidential candidate Bola Tinubu and the Vice Presidential candidate Kashim Shetima in all nooks and crannies of Kogi.

    The who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Abdulkareem Jamiu Asuku stated that the All progressive Congress APC has done well in Kogi State and is determined to win the election and deliver Kogi to APC, Tinubu/Shetima.

    The governor noted the their many legacies of the present administration littered across the State, noting that APC has done very well and the citizens will not want to go back to Egypt and rather work for the party.

    The governor noted that over 3,000 foot soldiers who monitor the election in the 21 local government area of Kogi State, stressing that at least 10 from the wards.

    The Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Murtala Yakubu Ajaka explained that the rational behind the donation the borne by the fact that the campaign council must penetrate the grassroots for the Presidential election.

    He pointed out that a total of 46 vehicles were donated to the 21 local government areas of Kogi State to enable the to kickstart campaigns.

    He pledged that more vehicles would be donated to women and Youths respectively, stating that this a project in which every one must participate and campaign for APC in all elections in 2023.

  • Kogi Assembly Demands State’s Shares of Obajana Cement Company

    Kogi Assembly Demands State’s Shares of Obajana Cement Company

    • Gives Company One Week Ultimatum to Respond with necessary documents

    Kogi State House of Assembly has asked for the ten percent shares that belongs to the State Government from the representatives of Dangote Cement company, stressing that all available documents shows that the company started as Obajana Cement Company and at what point did it turn to Dangote Cement company without any considerations.

    To make the claim possible, Kogi State House of Assembly ordered the management of Dangote cement company to provide all necessary documents that have to do with the transfer of Obajana Cement Company owned by Kogi State Government to Dangote Cement Company.

    The House also directed that the documents signed at the establishment of the Company and relevant receipts of dues it claimed to have paid to Kogi State Government available at the next adjourned sitting date.

    The Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Matthew Kolawole gave this order after an interim reports of the ongoing investigative hearing on Internally Generated Revenue which was submitted by the adhoc committee led by Hon. Isah Tenimu and deliberated upon during yesterday plenary session on the floor of the House.

    He said this has become imperative in view of the claims and counter claims between the Chairman of Kogi State Internally Generated Revenue Service (KGIRS) and Representatives of Dangote cement company.

    The adhoc committee that is investigating the operation of mining companies in the state said at inception that the company was owned by Kogi State and wanted to know how it suddenly transisted from Obajana Cement Company to Dangote Cement Company.

    The Speaker also directed that the Financial Director of Dangote Cement Company should meet with KGIGRS and the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry to reconcile financial differences.

    Earlier during the investigative hearing, the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry had pointed out that Dangote had not been paying business premises fees since operation in the state.

    Responding, the representative of Dangote, Alhaji Jimoh claimed that on the contrary Kogi State had 10 per cent share which could only be claimed if the state showed interest, adding that since no interest was shown, the shares has been acquired when Dangote became a conglomerate.

    While the Financial Director of Dangote, Segun Oyebanjo claimed that since 2016, the company has paid in total dues the sum of #14 billion to the coffers of Kogi State Government through KGIRS with receipts, Chairman of KGIRS said it was not so, adding that the receipts being bandied are not from them.

    Also Oyebanjo said it was only in 2021 that some certain taxes have not been paid.

    The adhoc committee will continue the investigative hearing on Tuesday 4th October, 2022 to attend to other companies operating in the state.

  • Governor Bello congratulates PAAU’S football team over Championship glory

    Governor Bello congratulates PAAU’S football team over Championship glory

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has congratulated Prince Abubakar Audu University’s football team (KSU Steelers) for emerging champions at the Higher institution Football Tournament.

    In a final match played on Saturday, the Kogi team defeated FUOYE Dazzlers by 3 – 1 historically becoming the first ever state university to clinch the title in the tournament.

    Governor Bello’s congratulatory message was contained in a Press statement signed on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu.

    The governor described the team’s victory as highly commendable and an exemplary reflection of the triumphing spirit of Kogi state, it’s people particularly the youths in any venture they find themselves.

    He added that their victory over several other federal and counterpart state institutions that partook in the tournament has strongly demonstrated that the institution stood tall in the leagues of higher institution in the country and with his administration’s efforts in the education sector, the standard has greatly improved in all regards.

    While lauding the team players, it’s coaching crew and the institution’s management for flying the flag of the state in excellent colours, he assured of government’s commitment to Youths and sport development alongside his administration’s relentless effort in investing in the education sector.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Gov. Yahaya Bello appointed National Youth Coordinator of Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Council 

    Gov. Yahaya Bello appointed National Youth Coordinator of Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Council 

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has been appointed as the National Youth Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

    The appointment was conveyed in a letter addressed to Governor Bello, signed by the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Tinubu, in the letter, dated August 8, 2022, stressed that Bello, who was an aspirant in the party’s presidential primaries, held in June 2022, deserved the appointment, owing to his impressive political achievements and the exemplary leadership he had demonstrated as governor of his state and as a party member.

    The former governor of Lagos State added that he was confident that the Kogi Governor would do his best in the new responsibility given him so that the party could run an effective, message-driven campaign, which would lead to victory in the 2023 Presidential election.

    Recall that multitudes of youths and women across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, had, during the build-up to the APC presidential primary election, demonstrated their strong support for the Kogi Governor, owing to his youth- and women-friendly policies.

    Party members and analysts have described this appointment as a big boost for the campaign, considering the important place of youths in the 2023 elections and the impressive youth-targeted campaigns Bello conducted before the primary election.

    The letter, titled, “Appointment as National Youth Coordinator for Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council”, read in part: “By way of this letter, we are pleased to formally convey your appointment as National Youth Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

    “This appointment is fitting and appropriate, given your impressive political achievements and the exemplary leadership you have demonstrated as governor of your state and as a party member.

    “We are grateful that you have joined our campaign team. We know you will do your utmost in this new responsibility so we conduct an effective, message -driven campaign leading us to victory in the 2023 Presidential election.

    “Together, not only can we ensure victory for our party in the February 2023 election but we shall also move Nigeria along the path of national greatness by building on the achievements of our party and the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in providing progressive good governance to Nigerians. We wish you God’s speed and guidance.

    “Congratulations. Please, accept the assurances of our highest respect and regards always.”

    In his acceptance letter, Governor Bello pledged to deploy all in his capacity, working alongside the Presidential candidate, to ensure victory for APC.

    “Your Excellency is one great Nigerian I know, who not only exemplifies but abundantly demonstrates, through transformational leadership and good governance, my own aspirations for a Nigeria that is Secure, United and Prosperous,” he stated.

  • Gov. Bello commiserates with Ondo counterpart over mother’s demise

    Gov. Bello commiserates with Ondo counterpart over mother’s demise

    Gov. Bello commiserates with Ondo counterpart over mother’s demiseKogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has commiserated with his colleague governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu over the demise of his mother Lady Evangelist Grace Akerodolu (JP) who passed on Thursday at the age 90years.

    Governor Bello’s in his commiseration which was contained in a press statement signed on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu described a mother’s demise as a pain best understood by those who have felt it.

    He noted that despite being of age, the vacuum such loss creates cannot be filled by anyone, urging the governor to take consolation in the truth that Mama lived a fulfilled life in the service of his creator and humanity.

    Governor Bello similarly extended his commiseration to the entire family of the deceased over the demise of their matriarch while urging them to continue in Mama’s footsteps and preserve her good legacies

    The governor prayed for God to grant Lady Akeredolu eternal rest and for consolation to everyone who has been hurt by her demise.

  • Gov.Bello approves N15m scholarship for 12-year-old Tennis prodigy, Azziza

    Gov.Bello approves N15m scholarship for 12-year-old Tennis prodigy, Azziza

    Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello has approved the sum of N15m naira as scholarship award to 12-year-old table tennis prodigy, Sezuo Ize Azziza.

    The beneficiary represented Kogi State at the 2021 Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) National Championship, held in Lagos.

    Confirming the report, Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Muhammed Onogwu noted that the approval which will be released into the beneficiary’s account to cater for her education from secondary School up until university was in fulfilment of the governor’s promise to the fatherless tennis lad.

    Sezuo Ize Azziza who was born into a less privileged family and loosing her father a very tender age desired to study Medicine and Surgery in the University, a dream the governor alluded must not be hindered because of her family’s financial status

    Azziza recently caught the governor’s attention with her brilliant and exceptional performance at tournament where she represented the state.

    The CPS noted that the governor was amazed by the kid’s brilliance when he received Azziza and her family in his office in Lokoja, he said the governor stressed that the lad was not only skilful in her extracurricular activities but a brilliant teenager that must be given all the necessary support to enable her actualise her dreams.

    Reacting to the development, the State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon Wemi Jones commended the governor for promoting girl child education and other intervention in improving education development in Kogi State.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Insecurity: Gov Bello Shuts Down Brothels, Bans Wearing Of Facemasks In Public Places

    Insecurity: Gov Bello Shuts Down Brothels, Bans Wearing Of Facemasks In Public Places

    The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has ordered the immediate closure of all brothels harbouring criminals and also banned the wearing of facemasks in public places for proper identification in the state.

    The governor said his action was to curb criminal activities in the state and to ensure that Kogi remain the safest State in the country.

    He gave the order on Tuesday in Lokoja during a meeting with all first and second-class traditional leaders including Local Government Council Chairmen from the 21 LGA in the state.

    Bello also ordered the removal and demolition of shanties in Lokoja, Osara, Zango, Itobe, Obajana Okaba and all other areas located in the state. He also ordered the immediate removal of trailers parks within 30 metres on the right of ways.

    He urged the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Local Government Chairmen, union leaders and security agencies to meet with tricycle and motorcycle riders for proper documentation.

    Governor Bello also urged all traditional rulers to guard their domain and ensure all the nooks and crannies of their areas are cleansed noting that the land belongs to them and should know who occupies every inch of it.

    The Governor sympathized with the family of the killed security agents in Ajaojuta Local Government Area.

    While admonishing all LG council chairmen, and security agencies to continue to do their job without fear or favour, the governor, however, sent a strong warning to politicians of all political parties about their conduct and advised them not to be involved in anything that could disrupt the peace of the people and the security they presently enjoy.

    Bello charged the citizens and residents in the state to give vital security information to the law enforcement agency and to also cooperate with them for better security.

  • Panic as Explosion rocks Kogi Govt office

    Panic as Explosion rocks Kogi Govt office

    Residents in parts of  Lokoja, Kogi State, were on Tuesday thrown into panic following a loud explosion heard on the premise housing the office of the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade.

    It was gathered that the incident, occurred early hours of Tuesday.

    Efforts by our correspondent to reach the Kogi State Police Command failed as the command’s spokesman, Williams Ovye Aya could not take his calls and failed to respond to text messages forwarded to him.

    There have been several incidents of bomb blasts in the state.

    Recall that on June 3, a bomb blast in the Idoji area of Okene Local Government Area of the state killed a resident and injured others.

    More to follow ……