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INEC Releases 2015 Election Timetable

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INEC Releases 2015 Election Timetable

The Presidential and National Assembly ballots are to hold on February 14, 2015, according to a timetable just released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the general elections.

The commission equally released the timetable for the conduct of elections in Osun and Ekiti states later this year.

According to a statement by the INEC Secretary, Augusta Ogakwu, the governorship and state House of Assembly elections would on February 28.

The statement shows that June 21 has been set aside for the conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election, while the Osun State gubernatorial polls has been scheduled for August 9.

In Ekiti State, where the governor’s term in office expires on October 15, the detailed timetable for the governorship election indicates that the commission shall issue notice for the election on March 3.

Commencement of campaigns for the polls begins on March 23 while collection of forms for candidates by their political parties starts on April 1.

The commission has also set aside publication of notice of poll for June 4.

The table also shows that submission of names of party agents for the polls to the electoral officer of the local Government or area council has been fixed for June 5. The last day for campaigns would be June 19.

The statement read in part: “The tenure of office of the governor of Ekiti State will expire on the 15th day of October 2014. By virtue of the provision of Section 178(2) of the Constitution  of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Governorship election in the State shall hold not earlier than one hundred and fifty (150) days and not later than thirty (30) days before the expiration of the term of office of the Governor. The commission is by virtue of Section 30 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) expected to issue notice for the election not later than ninety (90) days before the date of the election.”

PDP Cautions APC Over Directive To NASS Members

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PDP Cautions APC Over Directive To NASS Members

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum has cautioned the opposition to allow the National Assembly carry out its legislative duties in the collective interests of Nigerians, without undue interference.

This is contained in a communique issued by the forum at the end of its meeting in Katsina State on Saturday.

The communique which was read by the forum’s chairman, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, State, said the call by All Progressives Congress, APC, on its members in the  National Assembly to block confirmation of service chiefs, ministerial nominees and the 2014 budget was unpatriotic and unwarranted.

The communique reminded the APC that the appointment of ministers and service chiefs was aimed at addressing the security challenges in the country.

“The call is unpatriotic and unwarranted, every nominee should be allowed to be confirmed, the National Assembly should be allowed to carry out its duties in the collective interest of Nigerians,” it said.

It said the forum had constituted a reconciliation committee to appease all aggrieved members, including those who defected to other parties, and that the committee will work with the National Working Committee of the party to achieve the objective.

The forum also expressed confidence that the newly appointed chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu, would unite the party and lead it to victory in 2015 general elections.

Etsako LG Vice Chairman Dies Waiting To See Doctor

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Etsako LG Vice Chairman Dies Waiting To See Doctor

Vice chairman of the Etsako Central local government area of Edo State, Charles Eshiesimua, has slumped and died while waiting to see a doctor at the Irrua Specialist Hospital.

The sad event took place around  3.55p.m. on Friday when he went for a medical check-up at the specialist hospital.

Chairman of the council, Emmanuel Momoh, expressed sadness over the news of  Eshiesimua’s death which he described as shocking.

“The death of Charles is surprising to me because we both spoke before I left for Benin. I can’t believe that Charles is dead,” Momoh said on Saturday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.

He described the late vice chairman as a loyal official who was committed to the development of the council.

Jonathan To Visit Cameroon Over Security Issues

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Jonathan To Visit Cameroon Over Security Issues

President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to visit Cameroon Monday to discuss security matters with the neighbouring country’s President, Paul Biya.

During the visit, the two leaders will reflect on the common strategy to adopt against the violent Islamic sect Boko Haram, who kidnapped several French citizens in 2013 in Cameroon’s northern region.

Nigeria and Cameroon share a land border of more than 1000 kilometres as well as a maritime border.

The visit comes a week after Cameroonian authorities claimed that Nigerian troops battling the sect chased some of its members into Bankili and Amchide in its territory.

It was gathered that the deadly confrontation in Cameroon’s Northern Province left two Nigerian soldiers and four civilians dead.

Nigeria’s military confirmed that its troops engaged members of the violent Islamic group at its border with Cameroon, but denied entering into the Cameroonian territory during the exchange of fire with the insurgents.

Confirming the incident, director of the Nigerian Defence Information, Chris Olukolade, a major-general said: “Yes, there was a clash between our troops and a band of terrorists. But it did not occur in Cameroonian territory. There was no incursion into their territory.”

He said further; “What happened was that some members of the Boko Haram terrorists regrouped inside Cameroon and were moving into Nigeria to unleash violence. However, they were pushed back from the Nigerian territory up to the Bankili bridge. This is the bridge between Nigerian and Cameroon. We cannot call the bridge Cameroonian territory. They crossed into Nigeria and we chased them into the bridge and fought them there.”

Cameroon northern region is a hotbed of terrorism blamed largely on Boko Haram, which has launched violent attacks in northern Nigeria since 2009, accounting for the loss of thousands of lives.

Cameroon has reinforced security in its northern border with Nigeria, Chad and Central Africa Republic, setting up new military, gendarmerie and police units in the area.

President Jonathan has just returned from Davos, Switzerland where he attended the World Economic Forum to brainstorm with other world leaders and business tycoons on some of the challenges facing our world and to woo investors to the country.

APC Suspends Deputy National Chairman For Anti-Party Activities

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APC Suspends Deputy National Chairman For Anti-Party Activities

The interim National Executive Council, NEC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has suspended its deputy national chairman for the South, Annie Okonkwo, over what it described as anti-party activities during the Anambra 2013 governorship election.

The party’s NEC announced the decision after a meeting on Friday in Abuja, following allegations that the former Anambra state lawmaker worked with the opposition during the elections.

A panel chaired by Kabiru Gaya was set up to investigate the allegation and report its findings within three weeks.

The Anambra State chapter of the party had on Monday, January 6th, suspended Okonkwo on grounds of anti-party activities.

Also suspended was Chuks J. Chinwuba, who according to the party had been parading himself as acting chairman of the party in the state.

“The Anambra State Interim Committee has examined the roles played by our party members in the said election, particularly Senator Annie Okonkwo, the Deputy National Chairman, South, and one Mr. C.J Chinwuba who parades himself as the “State Chairman” of the party and have found their conduct to be reprehensible and embarrassing which have put the party in contempt, public ridicule and disrepute,” the party in the state stated.

“These anti party activities have continued with their unguarded and unauthorized utterances about the proposed Anambra State Local Government Council election, and sowing seeds of discord and hatred among party members,” it said further in a statement issued by the state chairman, Amaechi Obidike.

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SSS Storms El-Rufai’s Residence To Effect Arrest

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SSS Storms El-Rufai’s Residence To Effect Arrest

The State Security Service, SSS, on Friday stormed the Abuja residence of the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nasir el-Rufai, in a bid to arrest him over certain comments made concerning the 2015 election, which are regarded as inciting.

The armed security personnel, who arrived his residence in a Hilux vehicle, were however prevented from gaining access into the building  by El-Rufai’s security men who refused to open the gate to them.

The SSS had on Thursday summoned El-Rufai to its headquarters for questioning over his comments that  the 2015 general elections would be marred by riots and other forms of violence that may lead to loss of lives and property, if the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies failed to hold free and fair polls.

“The next election is likely to be violent and many people are likely going to die. And the only alternative left to get power is to take it by force, this is the reality on ground,” the former minister had warned.

El – Rufai had reportedly written to the SSS director general offering to be questioned in his home but declining to visit the agency’s headquarters because of a subsisting legal action he filed against it following the Anambra State governorship election.

The SSS on Thursday warned politicians against provocative statements capable of causing violence ahead of the 2015 general election.

In a statement signed by its deputy director of Media and Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, the agency called for caution on the part of the politician, warning that the full weight of the law shall be brought to bear on anyone bent on promoting divisive and disruptive agenda.

Group Raises Funds To Free Jailed Ethiopian Journalists

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Group Raises Funds To Free Jailed Ethiopian Journalists
 The Media Legal Defence Initiative, MLDI, has launched a fundraising campaign to support its bid to free Ethiopian journalists, Eskinder Nega and Reeyot Alemu.
MLDI has appealed to the African Commission to declare that Reeyot and Eskinder’s conviction under Ethiopia’s anti-terrorist laws breaches their human rights, as well as stop the abuse of anti-terror laws to silence journalists.
The appeal to the African Commission was filed on behalf of Nega and Alemu by MLDI’s senior legal counsel, Nani Jansen, Patrick Griffith of Freedom Now, and Korieh Duodu.
They have asked the African Commission to refer their cases to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ACHPR, the main human rights tribunals at the African Union, as part of a series of massive or serious violations of human rights.
“We hope that the African Commission will recognise the serious nature of the violations of the rights of both these, and other, journalists in Ethiopia and refer the matter to the African Court.  Critical comment on political matters should never be considered as supporting or encouraging terrorist activity,” Jansen said.
However, while the legal team give their time and expertise for free, they are soliciting for funds to enable them cover the costs of attending hearings, translating numerous legal documents and other court-related expenses.
To make a contribution or for more information, please click here.
Nega, a journalist for the now-defunct political magazine, Change, is serving an 18-year prison sentence on terrorism-related charges.
He was arrested in September 2011 after publishing a column that questioned the Ethiopian government’s claim that a number of journalists it had detained were suspected terrorists; he also criticised the arrest of well-known Ethiopian actor and government critic, Debebe Eshetu.
During his trial, the judge reportedly accused Nega of using “the guise of freedom” to “attempt to incite violence and overthrow the constitutional order,” claiming that Nega wanted to spark a popular revolt in the style of the Arab Spring.
Nega was also accused of having links with Ginbot 7, a group regarded as a terrorist organization by the Ethiopian authorities.
Nega was previously jailed along with his wife, journalist Serkalem Fasil, between 2005 and 2007 on treason charges for their coverage of protests that followed the 2005 legislative elections.
Alemu, a contributor to the independent weekly Feteh, is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence, reduced to five years on appeal in August 2012 after most of the terrorism charges against her were dropped.
Her arrest on June 21, 2011 was thought to be related to her articles criticising the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, EPRDF party’s public fundraising methods for the Abay Dam project, and drew parallels between then Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, now deceased, and the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Alemu, since her conviction in January 2012, has been allegedly subjected to ill-treatment in prison, including being denied access to medical treatment and visitors even though she is diagnosed to have breast tumour and also suffers from chronic gastritis and sinusitis.

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Gov Shettima Appeals To Fleeing Alau Residents To Return Home

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Gov Shettima Appeals To Fleeing Alau Residents To Return Home

By Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno has appealed to residents of communities living around Alau Dam in Jere Local Government Area, who fled their homes for fear of attack by the Boko Haram insurgents to return home.

Shettima made the appeal on Thursday when he addressed members of the communities who took refuge at the permanent site of the Federal Training Centre in Dalori, near Maiduguri.

The governor, who was represented by the commissioner for justice, Kaka Lawan, said government had directed security agencies to beef up surveillance in the area to guarantee the peoples’ safety.

He advised members of the communities to cooperate with security agents by volunteering useful information on suspected Boko Haram activities.

He presented a cash donation of N1 million to the district head of the area, Bulama Mala, to facilitate the return of the residents to their homes.

The governor also donated relief materials worth millions of naira to the communities.

Items donated include 200 bags of rice, 2,000 pieces of mats, 100 bags of corn flour and 100 jerrycans of cooking oil.

Earlier, Mala had told the governor that residents of the communities, comprising 21 villages, decided to flee their homes after an attack by suspected Boko Haram militants in neighbouring areas.

Rivers Crisis: APC Declares War On Jonathan

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Rivers Crisis: APC Declares War On Jonathan

The All Progressive Party, APC, has directed its members at the National Assembly to block legislative proposals from the executive, including the 2014 Budget and confirmation of all nominees to military and civilian positions to public office.

The party took the decision at the end of a national executive council meeting on Thursday in reaction to the political crisis in Rivers State which it continues to blame on President Goodluck Jonathan.

The party also threatened to ask its members in the state to resort to defending themselves by whatever means they can if the police continues to show a lack of capacity to protect them.

In a communiqué released to the Press by the party’s interim national publicity secretary, Lai Mohammed, the APC said the directive is in view of the culture of lawlessness and impunity  which it alleged is being promoted and supported by the Presidency and executed by the state commissioner of police, Joseph Mbu.

“In view of the joint resolutions of the National Assembly on Rivers State, and other constitutional breaches by the Presidency, the APC hereby directs its members in the National Assembly to block all legislative proposals including the 2014 Budget and confirmation of all nominees to military and civilian positions to public office until the rule of law and constitutionalism is restored in Rivers State,” the communique stated.

While commending the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for his maturity in handling the crisis, the APC observed that the problem was being supported by President Jonathan and orchestrated by Mbu whom it alleged has “become the defacto military Governor of Rivers State and sole administrator of the PDP in the State.”

The party said that if the lawlessness in the state persists, “it will have no alternative than to ask our teeming members all over the country and especially in Rivers State to take whatever steps that are necessary to protect their lives and property.”

It listed some of these acts of impunity to include “the forceful dispersal of 13,201 newly recruited teachers in the Port Harcourt Stadium using tear gas, blockading of the entrance to the Government House in Port Harcourt and forcing of the state governor to use another entrance, preventing an aircraft chartered by the state governor from taking off alleging that he was trying to smuggle out a legislator wanted by the Police.”

Other examples are the disruption of a peaceful rally during which Senator Magnus Abe was allegedly shot and  several disruptions of Save Rivers Group rallies.

Those who attended the meeting include the party’s interim national chairman, Bisi Akande; former military head of state, Muhammadu Buhari; former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Ogbonnaya Onu, the governors of Rivers, Lagos, Edo, Nasarawa, Kwara, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Sokoto, Ekiti, Ogun, the deputy governors of Oyo, Imo, Kano and Zamfara and the leadership of the party in the National Assembly.

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Government, Rebels Sign Ceasefire Deal In South Sudan

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Government, Rebels Sign Ceasefire Deal In South Sudan

South Sudan’s government and rebels have signed a ceasefire to end more than five weeks of fighting that has divided Africa’s newest nation and brought it to the brink of civil war.

Under the signed deal which took place in a hotel in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, the fighting is due to come to an end within 24 hours.

Both sides had come close to a deal last week, but disagreements had pushed back any signing. Rebels had demanded the release of 11 of Machar’s allies, detained by the government and accused of attempting a coup.

The chief mediator of the Intergovernmental Authority on Develpoment, IGAD, Seyoum Mesfin, told reporters that the deal provided for the 11 to eventually participate in the peace process but that they must first face due process of law.

“These two agreements are the ingredients to create an environment for achieving a total peace in my country,” head of the rebel delegation, Taban Deng said.

Another key rebel demand was for Ugandan troops fighting alongside the government forces to be withdrawn.

The question of Uganda’s role was not raised during the signing ceremony but members of the rebel delegation said that they would bring up the issue again during the second round of talks.

The talks have now been adjourned and are due to continue on February 7.

In the past week, government forces have recaptured the two main cities under rebel control.

More than 500,000 people have been forced from their homes during the month-long conflict, with more than 70,000 civilians currently seeking shelter at UN bases across South Sudan and the UN estimates that considerably more than 1,000 have been killed.

South Sudan won its independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict between the north and south.

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