Home Blog Page 1111

2023: INEC ready for run-off in presidential election

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
-
0
2023: INEC ready for run-off in presidential election

THE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mahmood Yakubu has said the electoral umpire is prepared for a run-off in the 2023 presidential election.

Yakubu spoke at the Chatham House in London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday January 16, where he made a presentation on the topic: ‘Nigeria’s 2023 Elections: Preparations and Priorities for Electoral Integrity and Inclusion’.

He said INEC has provided all the materials needed for a run-off in the presidential poll.

“In case of the presidential run-off, INEC has prepared. We also prepared for that possibility.

“Reason is until the Constitution was amended there is only one week for the presidential election and with the number of registered voters we have, it is almost impossible to print ballot papers and result sheets required and deliver them to locations as required.

“So with every election in the last three electoral cycles, we also make provision for the possibility of run-off in case it happens.

“If it happens we have no issues. Fortunately the timeframe has also been extended. The alteration to the Constitution has extended it by two more weeks. So it is now three weeks compared to the former one week.”

Yakubu further stressed the need for elected presidential candidates to receive majority of the vote and over 25 per cent of the vote in at least 24 of the 36 states.

Nigeria has 16.7 million voters more than rest of West Africa – INEC

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
-
0
Nigeria has 16.7 million voters more than rest of West Africa – INEC

CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mahmood Yakubu has disclosed that available data indicates that voters in Nigeria are 16.7 million higher than the rest of West Africa.

Yakubu said this at Chatham House in London, the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday, January 17.

The INEC chairman spoke on preparations for the 2023 general election.

“Based on figures compiled from electoral commissions and interior ministries in West Africa, Nigeria’s current voter population is 16.7 million higher than the 76.7 million registered in all the other countries put together – and there are 14 other elections in the sub-region,” he said.

“This means that a general election in Nigeria is like conducting an election in the whole of West Africa and beyond.”

Yakubu also dismissed speculations that there are plans to postpone or call off the election scheduled for February 25 and March 11.

“We are going ahead to conduct the election as scheduled. We can surmount the challenges and ensure elections continue to get better,” he said.

Speaking on the adoption of technology for the polls, the INEC boss added: “We know that political actors often try to undermine the process by attacking the technology, casting doubts on its suitability, bypassing its use or indeed seeking to undermine its security.

“This informed the early choice of a new voter accreditation technology, using an electronic device called Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.”

He urged voters to shun vote-buying, for a free, fair and credible election.

Pulitzer Center offers data journalism grants

Blessing OTOIBHI
-
0
Pulitzer Center offers data journalism grants

THE Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, a non-profit organisation that supports independent global journalism, is seeking applications for innovative data-driven journalism projects that spotlight under-reported issues.

The organiser is seeking compelling data-driven storytelling, based on original data collection and analysis and strong visuals, that has the potential to shape public discourse and hold the powerful accountable.

This opportunity is open to all newsrooms and independent journalists in the United States and abroad. Proposals are also welcome from freelance data journalists, staff journalists, or groups of newsrooms working in collaboration with a data project idea.

Pulitzer says proposals that push the envelope in data collection and analysis and make use of advanced data mining techniques, such as machine learning, and natural language processing, as well as spatial data analysis, satellite imagery, drones and sensors are encouraged.

Application is rolling and interested applicants can apply here.

Pulitzer Center offers your work/environment reporting grant

Blessing OTOIBHI
-
0
Pulitzer Center offers your work/environment reporting grant

THE Pulitzer Center, a nonprofit organisation that supports independent global journalism, is now accepting applications for a new reporting initiative focused on climate change and its effects on workers and work. 

This ambitious initiative, Your Work/Environment, seeks to explore the global climate risks playing out in fields and on factory floors and being discussed in company boardrooms.

As the world heats up, what jobs and employment sectors, what factory practices, and what sorts of manufacturing–from computer chips to batteries to food production to fast fashion–are threatened or must change? 

This grant opportunity is now open, and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, rolling basis. Pulitzer is offering up to US$10,000-$25,000 per project

The organiser says stories that document the impact on labor rights and the livelihoods of some of the world’s most vulnerable workers including women who are often heads of household as well as those that document companies that are working on solutions, and which are aiming for sustainability at scale, are of interest.

They will prioritise proposals that can be completed, including publication, in one-four months.

Application is rolling, interested applicants can apply here.

Pope Francis to visit Africa February

Beloved JOHN
-
4
Pope Francis to visit Africa February

POPE Francis will be visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan between January 31 and February 5.

His trip to the two African countries was rescheduled after the initial visit, which was planned to take place in July 2022, was canceled due to a knee problem.

The Pope had apologised in June, vowing to reschedule the visit as soon as possible.

According to a report by the Catholic News Agency, an organisation that provides reports related to the Catholic Church to a global audience, Pope Francis will be visiting South Sudan alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Iain Greenshields.

The trip is termed “a pilgrimage of peace”.

This visit will be the Pope’s first visit to the East African country since it became an independent nation in 2011. But the Pope, in 2019, had brought leaders of the country together to resolve their differences.

READ ALSO:

However, Pope Francis’s updated schedule for his visit to the Congo has been slightly altered. He will no longer be visiting the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, as earlier planned.

About half of Congo’s 90 million population are Catholics. Pope John Paul ll visited the country in 1980.

Also, 37 per cent of South Sudan’s total population are Catholics.

Police react to alleged killing of Uber driver in Abuja

Bankole ABE
-
0
Police react to alleged killing of Uber driver in Abuja

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has reacted to reports of the alleged killing of an Uber driver in the Garki area of Abuja.

Some online media publications (not The ICIR) had reported that armed robbers killed an Uber driver in Abuja on Monday, January 16.

The FCT Police Command said the news in circulation lacked basic facts.

READ ALSO:

Police debunk reports of planned protest by aggrieved officers

Kenyan Police officers arrested for abducting, framing up Nigerians

Police issue warning to Yoruba Nation agitators in Lagos

Police rescue six victims of Edo train attack

The spokesperson of the Command, Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Tuesday, January 17, explained what transpired between an Uber driver and another person.

“Preliminary investigations by the Police have it that, on Monday 16/1/2023, at about 10 p.m., an altercation ensued between an Uber driver and another whose names are yet to be known over a parking space along Gimbiya street, Garki.

“The altercation snowballed into physical violence, which resulted in the armed shooting of the latter (Uber driver) and taking to his heels.

“Upon receipt of the information of the unfortunate incident, operatives from the Garki Police Division drifted to the scene and rescued the injured Uber driver to the nearest hospital, where he is currently recuperating,” the FCT Police spokesperson said.

The PPRO added that the FCT Police Commissioner Sadiq Abubakar had directed discreet investigations and an aggressive search to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspect.

She said the CP has equally directed the deployment of intelligence assets of the Command to the area with a mandate to strengthen its security architecture.

The Command urged members of the public to go about their lawful duties without fear or apprehension from any quarters bearing in mind that the Police are on top of the situation.

The Police Command further vowed that it would make the FCT unbearable for criminal elements.

Ogun govt denies PDP stadium for Atiku’s rally, cites renovation

Vincent Ufuoma
-
0
Ogun govt denies PDP stadium for Atiku’s rally, cites renovation

THE Ogun State government has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from using the Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta for its presidential campaign rally slated for Thursday, January 19.

The PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar is scheduled to campaign in Abeokuta on Thursday.

The party had requested to use the facility in a letter dated Tuesday, January 3 to the state’s ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

READ ALSO:

2023: Atiku warns against returning APC to power

Sanusi’s epistle for Atiku, Tinubu, others

New Year Message: Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso canvass votes, Tinubu harps on peace

2023: Again, Obi leads Tinubu, Atiku, Kwankwaso in second ANAP poll

In the letter signed by the party’s secretary in the state, Sunday Solarin, the PDP recalled how an earlier request for the use of the stadium for its primaries in 2022 was not granted by the state government.

“It is pertinent to mention that the use of this state asset was sought in April 2022 vide a letter dated 5th April 2022 requesting for the use of the facility for the conduct of our party primary.

“Surprisingly, our humble request was kept in abeyance to date which translated to tactical denial. While we will like to put this unwarranted denial behind us, we wish to vehemently emphasise that the use of state assets should be to the benefit of the general citizenry irrespective of any leaning.

“We, therefore, once again formally write to seek the usage of this facility for the purpose, and on the date indicated above.”

However, the state government in a letter dated January 10, 2023, through the Director, Administration and Supplies for Permanent Secretary, I.A Kuforiji, said the stadium could not be available for use due to ongoing renovation of the facility.

“Further to your letter of 3rd January 2023, in respect to the above subject, I have the directive to inform you that the MKO Abiola International Stadium is undergoing a major renovation of the spectators’ seats and other important areas within the premises.

“As we are all aware that people of high profile in the society are expected to be in attendance and the facility is not yet in good condition to accommodate events until it is completed and ready for use.

“In this regard, the ministry would not be able to accede to your request for the above-stated reason,” the letter said.

Denying political opponents from using public facilities for their campaigns contradict provisions of the national peace accord, which the state government, through the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a signatory to.

Despite insecurity in Nigeria, Buhari to receive peace award today

Oghenekevwe UCHECHUKWU
-
0
Despite insecurity in Nigeria, Buhari to receive peace award today

DESPITE high level of insecurity in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari will today receive the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum’s ‘African Award for Strengthening Peace’ for his “leadership role in promoting peace on the continent”.

The organisers of the award said Buhari has promoted peace in Africa through regular interventions, counsel and conciliatory position.

Incidents of kidnapping for ransom, political violence and terrorist attacks have become common occurrence in Nigeria in recent times.

Terrorist attacks rank top among five risks identified by the Executive Opinion Survey (EOS) capable of hampering Nigeria’s growth and development, as contained in the 18th edition of the Global Risks Report 2023 released last week by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The award conferment which will take place in Nouakchott, Mauritania, is reportedly in line with the Abu Dhabi Forum’s work in fighting religious extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence and dialogue amongst all religions.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, said that the peace award being given to Buhari was worth its weight in gold.

“Without peace, there can’t be development, there can’t be economic development, there can’t be corporate progress.

“This is a man that has spent his entire life fighting for peace so to speak. He fought for the war of unity for the country. After that he intervened in the political affairs of the country, just to restore cohesion and after that, he contested for the president of the country and all towards guaranteeing peace and development.”

Adesina added: “This award coming at a time like this is a very good one, it is one of the parting gifts our president is having from his own continent.”

The Abu Dhabi Peace Forum is an assembly of leaders established in 2014 to pursue new ways to embrace inclusive citizenship, promote lasting peace, and work towards a safer and more sustainable world for everyone.

The award ceremony which is usually hosted by Abu Dhabi and is one of the most important forums in the Islamic world.

According to the Forum’s website, the event serves as a space for the discussion of humanitarian problems and intellectual and religious conflicts in Muslim societies.

Hundreds of Islamic scholars and thinkers participate in the forum in order to establish a unified position to address unrest and acts of violence in the Islamic world.

With several armed conflicts raging, more than 100 million refugees, according to UNHCR, and growing food and energy insecurity threatening the world’s poorest regions in particular, the forum’s attendees face one of the most complex meetings since the forum was established.

IAWL set to launch reports on women in legal sector

Beloved JOHN
-
0
IAWL set to launch reports on women in legal sector

THE Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL), a non-profit dedicated to building a network of female legal practitioners, is set to launch three reports on women in the Nigerian bar.

The reports provide empirical findings on women in law and leadership in Nigeria.

They also highlight the importance of ensuring that the interests and priorities of women are represented in decision-making processes.

In collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF), the Institute will launch the reports in Lagos on Wednesday, January 18.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the IAWL executive director, Jarpa Dawuni.

Dawuni said key actors in the legal profession, including judges of superior courts of record, leading academics and top law firms, diplomatic missions and philanthropic organisations, will be in attendance.

“The Institute for African Women in Law’s five-year strategic goal of Women in Law and Leadership is to accelerate systems change for women in leadership. These reports are a first step to informing policy actions. We will work with our country partners, the NBAWF, to expand opportunities for women in law in Nigeria,” she said.

Similarly, the chairperson of the NBAWF, Chinyere Okorocha, described the report as a rich data source on challenges women face in the legal sector.

Okorocha noted that the NBAWF is proud to collaborate with the IAWL on the project.

Buhari’s visit: Kogi govt rejects monarch’s response to query

Faith ABEKA
-
0
Buhari’s visit: Kogi govt rejects monarch’s response to query

THE KOGI State government has rejected the response to the query it issued the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Ado Ibrahim.

A letter sent to the royal father by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Salami Ozigi, stated that the response was rejected for not complying with the appropriate title of his stool as recognized by the Kogi State Chieftaincy law and letter of appointment.

READ ALSO:

Any attempt to exclude me from primary is recipe for bigger trouble for the party – Yahaya Bello

2023: No one should be marginalised by reasons of tribe, age, religion -Yahaya Bello

You were still in school when zoning was agreed –Ohanaeze knocks Yahaya Bello

NGF distances self from comments made by Yahaya Bello on COVID-19 vaccines

On December 29, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari was in the state to inaugurate some projects executed by Governor Yahaya Bello.

The monarch was queried for his failure to join other dignitaries to welcome the President during his visit.

The state government said the Ohinoyi’s action was disloyal and disrespectful to the offices of President Buhari and Governor Bello, adding that Ibrahim exhibited deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing Kogi State and Ebira land to “grave disrepute”.

The ICIR reported that an explosion occured at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land some hours before Buhari’s visit.

The monarch in his response, accused the state government of keeping him in the dark about the President’s visit to his domain.

He described the allegation as unfortunate and unfair to his ripe age and experience.

However, the letter stated that the decision of the monarch to use the title of Atta Ebira and not Ohinoyi of Ebira land in official communication is at variance with Section 19a, 27 (2b), 33 and schedules ll and V of Kogi State Chiefs Appointment, Deposition and Establishment of Traditional Councils in Kogi State) Law, 2006.

“Your personal decision to use the title of Atta Ebira is alien to law and not recognized by government. Therefore any correspondence with the title is unacceptable for official purposes.

“In view of the above, you are hereby requested to kindly resubmit your reply to the query with the appropriate title within 48 hours to enable further necessary action to be taken. It is expected that your Royal Majesty will respond accordingly please,” parts of the letter forwarded to the monarch by the state government read.

1...1,1101,1111,112...3,439Page 1,111 of 3,439