The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday declared that it can comfortably conduct local government elections in Nigeria.
The INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who stated this when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, noted that it can undertake the task if the responsibility falls on it.
Yakubu noted that INEC has the capacity to handle the local government elections, but that would only be possible pending when the law is amended to permit it to do so.
He asserted that the Commission had been conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, which has been bereft of the challenge associated with the conduct of local government elections.
He stated the advantages the commission has in handling elections to include that there are regular elections as when due, stability of tenure, and also that there has never been a caretaker committee in the FCT.
READ ALSO:Protesting youths set ablaze INEC office in Benue
He noted that there has never been a time one political party has won all the seats at the elections as is common in the states.
Recall that earlier this month, the Supreme Court affirmed the financial autonomy of the 774 local government areas in the country.
The move has since been received with praises as it hopes to resuscitate the local councils.
The local government administrations have been subjects of controversy over the years, as they have seemingly come under the control of the state governors who in many instances have appointed caretakers and administrators without elections to handle the affairs of the local councils in their states.
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INEC can handle local government elections —Yakubu
You have desecrated Yoruba culture, Lagos PDP guber candidate, Rhodes-Vivour knocks APC over Oro festival declaration
The gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the declaration of the Oro Festival in Lagos and other Yoruba states scheduled to begin on August 1st, the same date the EndBadGovernance protests are meant to commence nationwide.
Rhodes-Vivour, in a post on X, lampooned the ruling party over imposition of the festival which he said is an attempt to cow the protesters who want to express their disappointment with the government over the hardship and hunger in the country.
Rhodes-Vivour went on to give an in depth historical analysis of protests in Yoruba culture, noting that the APC is using the Oro ritual to threaten and intimidate Nigerians who want to exercise their democratic rights.
“The campaign by APC propaganda handles to use ORO – a sacred ritual in Yoruba land – to threaten protesters is an assault on our traditional institution,” he said.
“Casualizing centuries of a hallowed ritual with such juvenile intent debases our culture and corrupts our revered institution.
“The Yoruba are obsessed with justice and fairness, not only as a guiding principle but also as a defining feature.
“It explains why, although the subjects recognize their king as an authority second only to the gods, the community does not tolerate high-handedness on the part of the king. Whenever they perceive such, there is bound to be a protest.
“The subordinates of Àare ̣ Kúrunmí of Ìjàyè rebelled openly against his leadership because he had not consulted with them before declaring war against Oyo and Ibadan.
READ ALSO:LP guber candidate, Rhodes-Vivour alleges Sanwo-Olu spent Lagos N200m to defend election victory
“They insisted on their right to voluntarily consent (or refuse to consent) to fight the battle that Kúrunmí had declared without consulting them.
“In 1916, peasants in Iseyin-Okeho resisted colonial imposition and sought freedom for themselves and their children.
“As the brilliant Yoruba intellectual, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin puts it, “A people who disdain unfairness by deities cannot be expected to countenance the same by their king, who is subservient to the deities.
“The mindset that challenges the deity to avoid worsening their condition if they are incapable of improving it (òrìṣà bóò leè gbè mí, fi mí sílẹ̀ bóo ti bá mí) will, by the same token, resist any attempt by their earthly kings to aggravate their social life.”
“He further argues that perceptions of violating this basic principle of social life are at the centre of the various civil unrests in pre-colonial Yorùbáland. Historically, our people have resisted oppression and injustice.
“That is why not only did the Yoruba begin and lead the intellectual resistance against the colonialists, but Lagos was also the centre of that resistance.
“Consequently, loud and uncouth political operatives masquerading as Yoruba Conservatives must never be allowed to bastardize our tradition or trade our rich heritage for a morsel of bread.
“The same dubious tactic was used to attempt to rattle Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti when she led a struggle on behalf of women.
“I urge patience and restraint from our youth but defend their right to peaceful assembly. More importantly, I call on our respected traditional leaders to condemn our tradition’s desecration and guard our revered institutions jealously.”
The post You have desecrated Yoruba culture, Lagos PDP guber candidate, Rhodes-Vivour knocks APC over Oro festival declaration appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Southern Borno women threaten to storm NASS naked over Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip
Members of some women groups in Southern Borno Senatorial District have threatened to protest naked at the National Assembly over Senator Ali Ndume’s removal as Senate Chief Whip.
The women, from the 101 wards in the nine LGAs of the Senatorial District, stormed Ndume’s residence in Maiduguri on Thursday, expressing support for the lawmaker.
While addressing Ndume, spokesperson of the aggrieved women groups, Mrs Mada Musa, from Damboa council area, said, “It is unfortunate that Ndume who granted an interview with Arise TV recently echoed the voices and feelings of the masses over severe hunger and insecurity which have dominated the present administration will be punished or relieved of his position at the Red Chamber.
“Instead for the government to act swiftly in addressing the current economic hardships and wanton killings and kidnappings, it only teamed up with the APC and the Senate Caucus and axed Ndume by unconstitutionally and unconditionally removing him from his position as Chief Whip.
“We elected Senator Ndume to go and represent Southern Borno people, and by extension, Borno and Nigeria as a whole, irrespective of political affiliations, therefore we enjoin our senator who is passionate about the plights of average Nigerians to please go back to media houses and add that, apart from hunger and insecurity in the land, there is corruption, unemployment and loss of hope due to bad policies of the present administration.”
Responding, expressed gratitude for the solidarity visit, even as he enjoined the women to be calm and law-abiding.
Southern Borno women threaten to storm NASS naked over Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip
[JUST IN] Nationwide protest: Tinubu, APC govs, others in closed-door talks
![[JUST IN] Nationwide protest: Tinubu, APC govs, others in closed-door talks](https://tvn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/JUST-IN-Nationwide-protest-Tinubu-APC-govs-others-in-closed-door-768x507.jpeg "[JUST IN] Nationwide protest: Tinubu, APC govs, others in closed-door talks")
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with Governors from the All Progressives Congress, under the aegis of the Progressives Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting which began at minutes past 01 pm follows growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship. Although the agenda of Thursday’s meeting is unknown, it may be
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Soldiers kill two terrorists in Kaduna
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two terrorists in an ambush operation in Kaduna State on Wednesday.
The NA disclosed this in a statement and pictures shared on X.com on Thursday.
The statement partly read, “The troops, responding to actionable intelligence, executed a well-coordinated ambush along the Tasha-Bwari Road, a vital link between Gurara town in Kachia and Kagarko Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
“During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of two terrorists, while others straggled away with gunshot wounds.”
The soldiers were said to have recovered an AK-47 rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition, two machetes, two mobile phones, and a sum of N80,000, among others, during the operation.
The Nigerian Army further described the operation as a significant blow to the terrorist network operating in the state.
While commending the troops for their bravery and professionalism, the Army assured the public of its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens.
According Online reported in May that troops of the 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Operation Whirl Punch killed six terrorists and arrested three others in a special operation in the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
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We are not mobilising for planned nationwide protest – TUC
The Trade Union Congress, TUC, has confirmed that it is not mobilising any groups for protest over the prevailing hardship in the country.
It however insisted that the police and other security agencies must not intimidate those interested in protesting as it was their civic right to do so.
President of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo gave the clarification on Thursday, while addressing the media on the state of the nation.
However, Osifo noted that nobody has contacted the TUC to secure their collaboration in the planned protest.
He urged the police and all security personnel to protect the protesters.
We are not mobilising for planned nationwide protest – TUC
Cured HIV patients ‘living proof’ of hope in fight against virus
Three people effectively cured of HIV have spoken about how a risky transplant procedure saved their lives, with one saying they are “living proof” of hope in the fight against the virus.
The trio spoke about their experience at the International AIDS Conference in Munich, which has gathered experts, researchers and activists to discuss developments in the HIV epidemic.
Only seven people are considered to have been effectively cured after receiving a stem cell transplant, a painful and risky procedure only suitable for patients who have both HIV and aggressive leukaemia.
Adam Castillejo, a 44-year-old also known as the “London patient”, told AFP that it took “years” to be sure that his transplant had had the desired effect.
“There is not a specific time when you say: ‘You’re cured’, it takes a while and then you have controlled expectations towards that.”
Only once doctors are sure that the patients’ HIV will not return do they stop treatment with antiretroviral drugs, which reduce the amount of the virus in the blood.
Marc Franke, 55 — the “Duesseldorf patient” — also experienced the painstaking process.
“The doctors did so many tests to really be 100 percent sure before the antiretroviral therapy was discontinued,” Franke said.
The bone marrow transplant, which carries a 10 percent risk of death, essentially replaces a person’s immune system.
Pointing to the “enormous” mortality rate and other complications, Franke went so far as to say: “I can’t recommend it to anyone.”
Despite having “lost several years” to leukaemia, Franke said in retrospect he “would have preferred to take one tablet a day” of antiretrovirals than to have gone through the gruelling transplant process.
• Inspiring ‘new directions’ –
Earlier this month doctors announced the number of people effectively cured from HIV had reached seven.
The seventh — dubbed the “next Berlin patient” — received a bone marrow transplant for his leukaemia in 2015 and stopped taking antiretroviral drugs in late 2018.
Medical researchers said he now appears to be both HIV and cancer free.
Sharon Lewin, President of the International AIDS Society, called the cases “really exciting” but admitted that the therapy was only applicable to a very small number of people.
The procedure had effectively cured just “seven people out of 40 million people living with HIV”, Lewin said. “These are very rare cases, but they inspire new directions in science.”
All but one of the seven patients received stem cells from donors who had a rare gene mutation which effectively makes people immune to HIV.
Paul Edmonds is in his late sixties and was the third patient who spoke about his experiences at the conference.
He agreed that “the stem cell transplant is not for everyone because there’s so many risks involved”.
However Edmonds said his and his fellow patients’ experience gave “hope… that a cure is possible because we’re living proof that it can happen”.
There were 1.3 million new HIV infections last year, while 39 million people are living with the virus, according to the World Health Organization.
Timothy Ray Brown — the original “Berlin patient” — was the first person declared cured of HIV back in 2008. Brown died from cancer in 2020.
AFP
AGF cautions security agents against detention of suspects beyond time allowed by law
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice AGF, Prince Lateef Fagbemi has cautioned security agents in the country against detaining suspects beyond the time allowed by law.
Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, specifically admonished security agents to always abide by provisions of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution in relation to rights to suspects in their custody.
The AGF who spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the yearly lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) warned that any security agents found detaining suspects beyond the constitutionally allowed period would be severely sanctioned.
His lecture revolved around ‘Governance, Security, and Human Rights’, which he claimed to be momentous as it addresses some of the most pressing issues facing the country today.
He said that law enforcement agents must do due their diligence before arresting anyone, adding that situations where people are languishing in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the Constitution or by order of the courts will no longer be tolerated.
The AGF warned that appropriate sanctions will be meted out to those found guilty of unlawful detention.
According to him, the government of President Bola Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the Chief Law Officer of the country, he will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person.
The minister said, “I wish to remind our law enforcement agents that they must respect the laws of the land and not keep people in detention beyond a reasonable time as stipulated in Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
“Law enforcement agents must do due their diligence before arresting anyone. Situations where people are languishing in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the constitution or by order of the courts, will no longer be tolerated and appropriate sanctions shall be meted out to those found guilty of contravening the laws of the land.
“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the chief law officer of this country, I will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person.
“The collaboration of HURIWA in this endeavor cannot be overstated. Your tireless advocacy, and public education are vital to the advancement of human rights in Nigeria.
“As we commemorate this 17th lecture series, let us renew our commitment to working together for a Nigeria where good governance, security, and human rights coexist harmoniously.
“Let us strive to create a society where every Nigerian can live free from fear and oppression, where their rights are respected, and where justice prevails.”
AGF cautions security agents against detention of suspects beyond time allowed by law
22 drug dealers convicted in July
The Kano State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency on Thursday disclosed that it secured the conviction of 22 drug dealers in the state in July 2024.
Confirming the convictions to newsmen, on Thursday, the Commander of the agency, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, described the feat as a major victory in its fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
Idris-Ahmad said, “Out of the 22 drug dealers convicted, one Abubakar Mu’azu’s arrest resulted in an altercation during which he stabbed an NDLEA officer.”
“Mu’azu was charged to court and sentenced to three years in a correctional centre, while the other convicts were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.
“Different types of illicit substances were found in Mu’azu’s possession.”
The narcotics commander said that the command would continue the fight against drug trafficking and abuse and prosecute those culpable.
Idris-Ahmad commended the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the agency, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa, for his unwavering support and commitment to the fight against drug abuse.
According to him, no amount of intimidation or violence would hinder the agency’s operatives from pursuing and bringing perpetrators to justice.
“Our operatives are trained professionals who will stop at nothing to ensure that those who engage in drug-related offences face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
To accomplish its mission of ridding the state of drug addicts, the commander solicited the support of the general public, urging them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug abuse and trafficking to the agency for prompt action.
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We can handle local government elections – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it can comfortably handle the conduct of local government elections if the responsibility falls on it.
The Chairman of the Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, stated this on Thursday when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters over preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
According to him, INEC has the capacity to handle the local government elections but that would only be possible pending when the law is amended to permit it to do so.
He explained that the Commission had been conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory which has been devoid of the problems associated with the conduct of local government elections in the states.
He also pointed out some advantages of INEC handling LG elections to include regular elections as at when due, stability of tenure. He also noted that there has never been a LG caretaker committee in the FCT.
Yakubu further noted that there has never been a time one political party has won all the seats in the FCT as is common in the states.
According to him, if INEC handles the election, it would be better for democracy.
He, however, said this can only happen if the Constitution is amended to take the responsibility away from state electoral commissions.
We can handle local government elections – INEC