The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has called for immediate scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions, SIECS.
Making the advocacy during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, IPAC’s national Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, said the SIECs have proven to be incompetent and incapable of conducting free, fair, credible,
transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections.
According to him, the states electoral bodies have become mere appendages of various government houses.
“SIECs do not have voter registers, BVAS, IReV portals, ballot boxes, etc, essential in conducting credible polls.
“INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu rightly described Local Government elections as coronation of candidates of the ruling political parties.
“The State Independent Electoral Commission is a dent on the nation’s hard-earned democracy. It is time to stop the charade called SIEC elections if we
are serious and determined to deepen democracy in Nigeria.
“To restore confidence in the electoral process, INEC should be empowered and mandated to conduct all the Local Governments elections in Nigeria.
“Politics is local, citizens should be encouraged to
actively participate in grassroots politics and contribute in building a better society. Nigerians desire and deserve credible elections as sovereignty resides in the people.”
IPAC called for the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, and also charged local government chairmen to reciprocate the gesture by the judicious utilization of the resources to deal with issues confronting Nigerians at the grassroots.
LGA autonomy: IPAC wants state electoral commissions scrapped
LGA autonomy: IPAC wants state electoral commissions scrapped
Nursing mother joins parliamentary race in Rwanda
Her three-month-old daughter swaddled on her back, Jeanne d’Arc Nyiramahirwe is determined to make her voice heard as she runs for a parliamentary seat in Rwanda’s elections.
She is among 199 women campaigning for a place in parliament, which reserves 24 out of 80 seats in the lower house for female candidates.
Rwanda holds legislative and presidential elections next week, with long-time leader Paul Kagame widely expected to extend his iron grip on the Great Lakes nation.
Despite rights groups raising alarm bells over political repression ahead of the polls, first-time candidate Nyiramahirwe — among 33 women competing for four seats in northern Burera District — was sure she would make her presence felt.
“Politics is not a specialty for the wealthy. In Rwanda, it is for everyone,” she told AFP in the capital Kigali in May, having made the two-hour journey from her hometown to register her candidacy.
There, the 38-year-old told a small gathering she will “preserve President Kagame’s achievements” — echoing other candidates who are careful to steer clear of criticising government policies.
Colourful if tightly controlled campaigning has seen huge crowds supporting Kagame’s Rwandan Patriotic Front party, while independent candidates have scrabbled along as best they can.
Nyiramahirwe, a math teacher for 15 years and a farmer, is a member of the RPF but is running as an independent — a requirement for anyone vying for seats under the women’s quota.
While the main polls are on Monday, the vote for the reserved women’s seats will take place on Tuesday with candidates elected by regional and municipal councillors.
* ‘Break the cycle’ –
Nyiramahirwe said she was an avid backer of women’s rights — an objective supported by the RPF, which maintains tight control over the political agenda — and has been setting a hectic pace during her bid to be a lawmaker.
“I will advocate for good agricultural practices, female education, and to educate residents about important laws,” Nyiramahirwe said.
The mother-of-four — two sons, two daughters — holds a degree in science and technology and said education for girls was a cornerstone of her campaign.
“Educating girls is not just about giving them knowledge, it’s about empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and become leaders in their communities,” she said.
But, baby-in-tow, Nyiramahirwe was adamant that “going to parliament does not take away my responsibilities as a mother”.
“The youngest is three months old, so I have to continue breastfeeding her even when I win a seat.”
And while she navigates the capital’s political landscape, she promises to remain deeply connected to her community in Burera.
“I will not forget you once I go to parliament in Kigali. I will always be available,” she told a gathering in her home area.
“I’ll jump on a bike and come listen to your problems whenever I must.”
AFP
BREAKING: Olakulehin becomes 43rd Olubadan
Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin has been crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He was crowned at the Labosinde compound, the family whose right is to crown any Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The ceremony took place on Friday.
Our correspondent reports that immediately after the crowning, the new Olubadan moved to Ile Osemeji at Oja, Oba area.
Ile Osemeji is regarded as the place where the divination on the future of Ibadan was revealed.
TVN correspondent who is currently monitoring the coronation process reports that the new Olubadan is currently at Ile Osemeji.
The new Olubadan is expected to move from Ile Osemeji to the frontage of Mapo Hall.
He is also expected to receive the staff of office and other instruments of office from the state governor, Seyi Makinde, any moment form now.
BREAKING: Olakulehin becomes 43rd Olubadan
Presidency seeks Kaduna’s support on school feeding scheme
The Presidency has solicited the support of the Kaduna State government towards the successful implementation of the school feeding programme.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, made this known during a meeting with the state deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, and the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna Inland Revenue Services, Jerry Adam, according to a statement released by her office on Friday.
Adeniji described the visit to Kaduna as a move to flag- off the first phase of the Value for Money Study, in partnership with GAIN.
“We explored collaborative opportunities to advance educational initiatives and ensure sustainable progress in the school feeding program across the state.
“The visit which marks the second stage of the nationwide Value for Money (VFM) study underscores the presidency’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of every child in Kaduna,” Adeniji said.
Recall that the launch of the VFM Research Program kicked off in Osun state in May 2024. The project aims to ensure the program delivers maximum impact for schoolchildren and ensure that optimum return on investment is delivered to the Government.
At the parley with the Executive Chairman of the KADIRS, Jerry Adam, along with Executive Directors and key officials, the deliberations focused on exploring avenues for synergy and cooperation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the school feeding program.
“Together, we are working towards a future where every child has access to quality education and nutritional support,” she noted while underlining the essence of her working visit to Kaduna state.
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Divisions deepen in Zamfara APC as new faction emerges
Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party in Zamfara State is facing renewed turmoil following the emergence of another faction. This development comes amid ongoing disagreements within the state chapter of the party.
The new faction is led by Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji federal constituency. Jaji’s group held a press conference at the party secretariat on Thursday, announcing their decision to form a separate faction.
The leader of the Jaji-led faction, Aminu Abubakar, blamed the state’s party executives for failing to foster unity among members. He accused them of prioritizing selfish interests over the party’s well-being, leading to disunity and the formation of multiple factions. Abubakar claimed his group had previously attempted to address these concerns with the leadership but were ignored.
He said, “Those calling themselves party leaders have failed to unite the members of the party due to their selfish interest.
“We did our best to draw their attention to the dangers of disunity within our great party, but unfortunately, they refused to listen to us.
“If Honourable Sani Jaji is not a stakeholder of the APC in Zamfara State, who else can we call a stakeholder?
Read Also: Police dismisses corporal nine years after he rejected transfer
“This is a calculated attempt by some people who call themselves leaders of the state APC to finally kill the party.
“For this reason, we have decided to open a new APC Secretariat in the state and we appointed the Vice chairman of the party and the assistant secretary to take charge until after the election of the new executive members.”
This latest development deepens the crisis within the Zamfara APC. The party has been grappling with internal divisions for some time, and efforts to achieve reconciliation appear to have failed.
The reasons behind these divisions are not entirely clear from news reports, but Abubake’s comments suggest a power struggle within the party and potential dissatisfaction with the current leadership.
The emergence of a new faction could have significant implications for the APC’s performance in upcoming elections. A divided party presents a weaker front to the opposition and could lead to voter dissatisfaction.
It remains to be seen how the national leadership of the APC will respond to this latest crisis. Whether they can intervene and bring about reconciliation, or if the Zamfara chapter fragments further, will likely determine the party’s future prospects in the state.
The post Divisions deepen in Zamfara APC as new faction emerges appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Tinubu names National Theater after Wole Soyinka as birthday gift
President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced that the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, would henceforth bear the name of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Tinubu stated this in a statement, issued to celebrate the 90th birthday anniversary of the renowned playwright and literary icon.
More details coming…
The post Tinubu names National Theater after Wole Soyinka as birthday gift appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Return evicted widow in 24 hours – Ekpa-led BRGIE warns Imo monarch
The Simon-Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, BRGIE, has warned the traditional ruler of Obinze autonomous community in Owerri West Local Government of Imo State, Eze Aaron Enyinnaya, to bring back an alleged forcefully evicted widow to her house.
In a video obtained by TVN, the widow, who is confined to a wheelchair, could be seen crying, with her properties scattered in the compound.
A red tape was used to seal off the padlocked house.
A voice accompanying the video could be heard saying, “This is what we are seeing here this morning. Eze Obinze threw out his sister in-law, a widow, without legs; threw her out, together with her things.”
On her part, the widow kept crying, calling on people to come to her rescue.
“Oh, Jesus, my brothers, Aaron, it shall not be well with you; you evicted me; it shall not be well with you,” the widow wailed.
The development has been attracting angry reactions.
Speaking up on Friday, Ekpa gave the monarch 24 hours to reverse the widow’s eviction.
He said that the widow had lived for over 50 years in the said house before she was allegedly forcibly displaced on July 8, 2024.
He wrote on X, “The attention of the Biafra government has been drawn to the evil of the traditional ruler of Obinze autonomous community in Owerri West LGA, former Imo State, Eze Aaron Enyinnaya.
“This video evidence shows that the so-called Eze evicted the widow of his elder brother on July 08, 2024, putting all her properties outside under the rain.
“According to the investigation, she has lived in the house for over 50 years.
“The Biafra Government hereby calls on the so-called Eze to immediately reinstate this woman back to her house within 24 hours of this update.”
The monarch is yet to respond to the allegations.
Return evicted widow in 24 hours – Ekpa-led BRGIE warns Imo monarch
Corps members injured in Ekiti hostel collapse
The collapse of a hostel wall at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Ise-Emure, Ekiti has injured an unspecified number of corps members.
It was gathered the bathroom wall of one of the female hostels reportedly collapsed Friday morning, injuring corps members who were planning to take their baths.
The victims who are currently in the camp for the three-week compulsory orientation for the one-year national youth service were rushed to the clinic for further medical treatments.
Meanwhile, the management of NYSC has called for calm, saying the situation was under control.
The NYSC management in a reaction posted on its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), @officialnyscng, on Friday, said: “Management wishes to inform the general public about the collapsed convenience that occurred in the early hours of today, Friday 12th July 2024, at Ekiti State Orientation Camp in Ise-Orun, Emure Ekiti, that the situation is under control.”
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Contact: [email protected]
Tinubu names National Theatre after Wole Soyinka
President Bola Tinubu has named the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Tinubu announced this in a letter he wrote to celebrate the iconic figure in commemoration of his 90th birthday.
Details later
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
Remove Imo CP now – Igbo group petitions IGP
A socio-cultural organization, Aka Igbo, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to swiftly remove the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma.
The group alleged that the CP had on several occasions arrested and detained innocent people on the orders of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, since his re-election for a second term in November 2023.
Aka Igbo further accused the CP of involvement in human rights abuses and detention of persons for over three months without trial.
The petition read in part: “It is sad to note that rather than protect innocent lives and property of people of the state and checkmate the excesses and activities of members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN/Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who have allegedly been killing men of the Armed Force as well as other security operatives, the CP who has turned himself to the governor’s puppet, is busy detaining government appointees and APC members contrary to Section 4 of the Police Act.
“Sometime in November 2023, the commissioner arrested one Noble Atulegwu, the former Commissioner for Lands in Imo State, on the orders of the governor. While in custody, he took ill and was rushed to the police clinic.”
Remove Imo CP now – Igbo group petitions IGP