Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Monday 21st September 2020
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 21/09/20
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Yiaga Africa Tells National Assembly To Legalise Electronic Transmission Of Results
Yiaga Africa, a non-governmental organisation, has called on the National Assembly in Nigeria to swiftly legalise the electronic transmission of results from polling units.
The group also hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission for not tampering or altering the results of the just concluded Edo State governorship election.
Yiaga Africa in a statement reacting to the outcome of the election, said INEC performed better than previous elections, urging the agency to act more professionally in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
The group said, “The National Assembly should accelerate reforms to the electoral act to legalize electronic transmission of results as the INEC results viewing portal deployed for the election has demonstrated how citizens’ access to polling unit results increases the integrity of the electoral process and encourages acceptability of electoral outcomes.
“Had the official results been changed at the ward, LGA or state collation centres, the official results would not have fallen within the Yiaga Africa WTV estimated ranges.
“Because the official results fall within the estimated ranges, governorship contestants, parties, and voters should have confidence that INEC’s official results for the 2020 Edo governorship election reflect the ballots cast at polling units.”
Yiaga Africa also congratulated the people of Edo State for maintaining peace through the voting and counting and result collation process across the state.
It, however, observed intimidation and harassment of observers, voters and polling officials by party thugs, which led to violent disruption of the voting process in some polling units and likely disenfranchisement of voters in the affected locations.
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Yiaga Africa Condemns Ballot Box Snatching, Violence At Polling Units During Edo Election
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Yiaga Africa also condemned the shooting incident in Etsako Central LGA, which led to the death of a citizen.
The group stated that INEC must ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols, recommending better training for INEC ad hoc officials.
“Yiaga Africa notes that the Edo governorship election is an improvement on Kogi and Bayelsa 2019 governorship elections and recommends that INEC takes all necessary steps to address challenges seen in the election before the Ondo State governorship election on October 10, 2020.
“Yiaga Africa encourages INEC to address logistical challenges observed relating to late commencement of polls for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
“In addition, INEC should ensure it enforces adherence to the COVID-19 health protocols in the Ondo election,” the group added.
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UK Congratulates Governor Obaseki, Commends Conduct Of Edo Election
The United Kingdom has congratulated Godwin Obaseki on his re-election as governor of Edo State.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, congratulated Obaseki in a tweet on Sunday.
She also commended the people for a credible electoral process in the state.
Laing also expressed gratitude to civil society organisations, who monitored the election and their contribution towards ensuring a peaceful exercise.
“Congratulations @GovernorObaseki @PastorIzeIyamu @inecnigeria on #EdoDecides2020. @UKinNigeria team observed credible process and commend both candidates for encouraging peace. Thanks to civil society partners @YIAGA @SituationRoomNg @cleenfoundation for their invaluable work,” she tweeted.
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BREAKING: Obaseki Wins Governorship Election In Edo
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P&ID: UK Court Judgment Vindicates Magu, International Groups Write President Buhari
Ibrahim Magu
Prominent groups involved in anti-corruption efforts globally have told President Muhammadu Buhari that the recent verdict of the United Kingdom court in Nigeria’s case with Process and Industrial Development was a clear vindication of former Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu.
The groups include The Corner House, Re: Common, Global Witness and Nigerian-based Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre).
Nigeria had secured a landmark victory in judgment delivered on September 4 in its pursuit to overturn a $10bn arbitral award against it in the case against P&ID.
Ross Cranston, a judge of the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales, granted Nigeria’s application for an extension of time and relief from sanctions.
Ibrahim Magu
Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation, had accused Magu of neglecting a presidential directive mandating him to investigate the P&ID deal in 2018.
He said Magu’s negligence could have caused Nigeria to lose an “estimate of N47bn”.
In a joint letter to the President, the anti-corruption groups said the efficiency with which the EFCC under Magu conducted its investigation aided the court’s ruling in favour of Nigeria.
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The letter was signed by Lucas Manes of Re:Common, Nicholas Hildyard of Corner House, Simon Taylor of Globalwitness – all European organisations – and Olanrewaju Suraju of the HEDA in Nigeria.
“Magu has been held for more than two months and the accusations against him have not been proved. The international community have a lot of respect for Magu. A critical review of allegations against him will earn your country the prestige it deserves,” the groups said in the letter.
According to them, the ruling has special significance for anti-corruption campaigners in the United Kingdom where there has long been a concern that the UK courts were being used to launder money through fraudulent claims.
The groups said findings by Sir Ross Cranson that there was a strong prima facie case that P&ID’s gas processing contract “was procured by bribery” was key to his ruling that Nigeria should be granted an extension of time to challenge the arbitration award against it.
The anti-corruption coalition said neutral readers of Sir Ross’ judgment will be left in no doubts as to the service that the EFCC had done for Nigeria, adding that as the Federal Government itself noted in its skeleton argument, the investigation was “carried out much faster than similar investigations in the past”.
They praised the former EFCC Chairman for his diligence in the prosecution, adding that in a very short period of time, the EFCC under Magu conducted interviews, obtained bank statements, traced funds, established that P&ID was not a company with the wherewithal to fulfill the contract and documented alleged bribes.
“As experienced investigators ourselves, we know how long collecting such evidence can take: the EFCC’s efforts were nothing short of Herculean and Nigeria has now reaped the reward,” the groups said.
They argued that Sir Ross saw through the false allegations made by Malami that the EFCC under Magu’s leadership had failed to accord the presidential directive with any serious attention until the scale had already tilted dangerously against Nigeria.
“Mr Malami’s allegations were (inevitably) picked up by P&ID in an effort to undermine the Federal Government’ case. Were it not for Sir Ross’ careful analysis of the facts, this might have succeeded,” they said.
The groups said for more than two months, the tribunal set up by President Buhari had failed to nail Magu.
It asked that the accusation against Magu be withdrawn.
“The facts demand that he be exonerated of this charge. Contrary to several attempts by Malami to divert attention from his act of sabotage and indecorous action, what now needs to be investigated by the Presidency is why Mr Malami allowed a personal vendetta against Magu to provide ammunition to the Federal Government’s opponents and to jeopardise its righteous claim,” they said.
The groups said were it not for the perspicacity of Sir Ross, the case could have gone against Nigeria, in large part due to Malami’s false allegations against Magu.
It noted that President Buhari should not let the embarrassment caused by Malami cloud the victory.
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BREAKING: Edo Election Not Free And Fair, Says APC Candidate, Ize-Iyamu
Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has faulted the process that led to the emergence of Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party as winner.
In a post on his verified Twitter account, Ize-Iyamu claimed his supporters were prevented from voting.
He said he was still studying the results along with other APC members and will announce his next move soon.
“I thank and appreciate my supporters, who had to endure many evils including being prevented from voting, for their support and determination during the election. I assure you all that I am studying the results along with other party members and will announce my next move soon,” he said. I thank and appreciate my supporters, who had to endure many evils including being prevented from voting, for their support and determination during the election. I assure you all that I am studying the results along with other party members and will announce my next move soon. pic.twitter.com/ICQp9y97aw— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) September 20, 2020
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday declared Obaseki, incumbent governor of Edo, as winner of the election.
Obaseki secured 307,955 votes across 18 local government areas to defeat Ize-Iyamu, who polled 223,619 votes.
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BREAKING: APC Agent Refuses To Sign Election Result Sheet Declaring Obaseki Winner
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President Buhari Congratulates Obaseki, Commends Edo Election Process
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, on his re-election.
He also hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission for the smooth process that led to the emergence of Obaseki.
The President’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a Tweet on Sunday said Buhari commended the people of Edo State, the political parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.
The President urged the returning governor to show grace and humility.
He said, “My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak.
“I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order.
“Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with.”
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My Victory A Triumph Over Godfatherism —Governor Obaseki
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E2%80%94governor-obaseki My Victory A Triumph Over Godfatherism —Governor Obaseki
Godwin Obaseki
Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki has described his re-election as ‘triumph over godfatherism’.
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday declared Obaseki as winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Making the announcement was Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, INEC’s Returning Officer.
He said All Progressives Congress polled 223,619 votes while Peoples Democratic Party got 307,955 votes.
Godwin Obaseki
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UPDATE: Obaseki Wins Edo Election, Ganduje Flees State In Private Jet As APC Agent Refuses To Sign Result Sheet
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Reacting to his victory, Obaseki commended the people of the state.
He said, “Words fail me in saluting our teeming supporters who displayed immense courage in the face of threats, intimidation and brutalisation.
“The collective will of Edo people made it possible for this triumph over godfatherism. Congratulations to Edo people.” Words fail me in saluting our teeming supporters who displayed immense courage in the face of threats, intimidation and brutalization. The collective will of Edo people made it possible for us to triumph over godfatherism. Congratulations to all Edo people. This is our victory! pic.twitter.com/4X4Lfk3wMb— Godwin Obaseki (GGO) (@GovernorObaseki) September 20, 2020
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UPDATE: Obaseki Wins Edo Election, Ganduje Flees State In Private Jet As APC Agent Refuses To Sign Result Sheet
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Godwin Obaseki, winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.
INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, announced the total result of the election.
Obaseki polled 307,955 votes across the 18 local government areas of the state to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu,.who scored 223,619 votes.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State
Total votes cast was 550,242 out of which 12,835 was rejected.
Obaseki was elected on the APC platform in 2016 but defected to the PDP after being denied the ticket to run for a second term owing to intra-party squabbles.
Meanwhile, the APC agent for the election refused to sign the final result sheet when called upon by Prof Rim-Rukeh.
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BREAKING: APC Agent Refuses To Sign Election Result Sheet Declaring Obaseki Winner
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He alleged that the election was marred with irregularities and INEC displayed double standard in the exercise.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the agent’s refusal not to sign might be connected to an order from the national leadership of the party for him to reject the outcome of the election.
#EdoDecides2020: Why I Refused To Sign Election Result Sheet Declaring Obaseki Winner —@OfficialAPCNg AgentWATCH FULL VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/VDpwhlzsS0— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) September 20, 2020
Recall that in the run up to Saturday’s election, National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had in a video message accused Obaseki of not being a democrat and asked the people of the state to reject him at the polls.
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Edo 2020: You’re Not A Democrat, Angry Nigerians Tell Tinubu Over Attack On Obaseki
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But despite the attack on him, Obaseki floored the APC candidate to emerge governor of Edo State for the second time.
SaharaReporters gathered on Sunday that upon realising the APC had lost the election, Chairman of the party’s National Campaign Council for the Edo election, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, has fled Benin, capital of Edo, in a private jet.
Ganduje was in the state to manipulate the election in favour of Ize-Iyamu but failed, it was gathered.
Kano State governor was sighted around 2:40pm with his entourage entering a private jet at the Benin Airport.
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BREAKING: Oshiomhole, Kano, Kogi Governors On US Visa Ban List, El-Rufai’s Sanction Extended
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E2%80%99s-new-godfather-fredrick-nwabufo Enter Nyesom Wike — Obaseki’s New Godfather By Fredrick Nwabufo
Fredrick Nwabufo
Alliances can make and mar us. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah (south of Israel), was a man, who sought the face of God. He was a decent ruler. But his yoking with kings of base virtue ruined his legacy. In particular, his dalliance with the house of Ahab and Jezebel impaired his bloodline and nearly cost him the glory of Yahweh.
Power is a principal thing but the path on which we tread to its courts matters. I think it is hypocritical fighting a system but at the same time enjoying the dysfunctionality of that system.
The Edo governorship election has taken its place in the past of gritty and rousing contests. But the lessons from the election will remain fecund in our political discourse. One thing stands out. Nigerians detest the ‘’contrivances of godfatherism’’. The election is inherently an action against godfatherism and all its appliances. The ‘Edo no be Lagos’ mantra is a revolutionary shibboleth which conveys the coup de grace to an endemic political scourge.
I think Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), set up Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the party, by insufferably putting a demand on the people of Edo State on who they must vote. Nothing irritates more than valorous arrogance. Tinubu over-estimated his influence. That broadcast he did a few days to the election adjuring the people of Edo to reject Obaseki on the grounds that the governor is a dictator in no small measure ricocheted, putting craters to Ize-Iyamu’s ambition.
Fredrick Nwabufo
Also, the first rule of godfatherism is ‘’do not act like a godfather’’. Adams Oshiomhole, former National Chairman of the APC, broke this canon by stepping beyond the remit of his mortal powers and attempting to wrestle with the celestials. His ego got the better of him. He wanted to whip an ‘’erring’’ godson to shape but lost himself in the process. He cut off his nose to spite his face.
Oshiomhole’s nemesis is graphed in this dictum by my friend, Sulaiman Aledeh: ‘’Legend has it that there once lived a powerful man who was so disturbed by a rat in his home. He burnt down his house in an attempt to kill this rat. The rat did not die; it jumped out of the inferno leaving the man without a home – he became homeless.’’
But what is next for Obaseki? Will he rebel against his new ‘’godfather(s)’’ in the PDP who gave him the platform to fulfil his ambition? And is his re-election the end of godfatherism in Edo as he bravoed? I think not. As I said in a previous article, ‘’our political process is cannibalistic; it is dog eat dog. National interest succumbs to group and individual interest in our brand of politics. It does not reward rebels or people of independent disposition. To chance on political office, you must contort your principles and personal integrity to fit into the agenda of the keepers of the political platforms, notoriously regarded as the ‘godfathers’. The godfathers control these political platforms. They hold the reins of political progression. So, as long as the present political ecosystem subsists, godfatherism will remain in Nigeria.’’
Really, I see Obaseki fleeing from one godfather drama to another. The governor will realise soon enough that his new political benefactor, Nyesom Wike is an absolutist; a one of kind godfather. Wike combines brute with arrogance. He does not fancy otherness or contraries. It is his way always.
The governor of Rivers State runs the PDP – by virtue of the resources at his disposal. The party conforms to his whim and caprices. It is said in PDP circles, you cannot get anything done in the party without Wike’s blessings. In September 2018, he threatened that there would be consequences if the PDP moved the party’s national convention away from Port Harcourt. The leadership of the party quickly fell in line.
When Wike sneezes the PDP catches cold. Clearly, Obaseki understood this as he hurriedly paid obeisance to Wike soon after he defected to the PDP – when the APC rejected him. In the build-up to the Edo election in June, Wike threatened to withdraw support for Obaseki over a publication alleging he was in cahoots with some persons to stop the Edo governor from participating in the party’s primary election – and as it is customary there was grovelling and back-bending to the godfather and ‘’national governor of the PDP’’ .
Wike was named PDP Edo campaign DG principally as a recognition of his pre-eminence in the affairs of the party. He is the PDP. He holds the reins of political progression in the party. He calls the shots. He is the godfather.
But how well can Obaseki navigate through the relationship maze with Wike who is erratic, impulsive, short-tempered and domineering?
Well, I foresee that there be will spheres of conflict between Obaseki and Wike; not necessarily as regards areas of administration in Edo, but on differences in political interest and pursuits.
Obaseki must beware of the new godfather and the godfathers in the PDP. Wike fights dirty.
Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist
Twitter @FredrickNwabufo
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BREAKING: APC Agent Refuses To Sign Election Result Sheet Declaring Obaseki Winner
APC agent.
The All Progressives Congress has refused to sign the election result sheet of the Edo governorship election declaring Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party winner of the exercise.
The APC agent, who represented the party and witnessed the announcement of the election result refused to sign the result sheet when called upon by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
APC agent.
He alleged that the election was marred with irregularities and the INEC displayed double standard in the election exercise.
Video of #EdoDecides2020: Why I Refused To Sign Election Result Sheet Declaring Obaseki Winner —APC Agent
#EdoDecides2020: Why I Refused To Sign Election Result Sheet Declaring Obaseki Winner —APC Agent
WATCH VIDEO: Why I Refused To Sign Election Result Sheet Declaring Obaseki Winner —APC Agent
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BREAKING: Obaseki Wins Governorship Election In Edo
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BREAKING: Obaseki Wins Governorship Election In Edo
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has emerged winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Obaseki won his second term in office after securing victory with a high margin.
Final Results From All LGAsAccredited VOTERS: 557443APC: 223619PDP: 307955Obaseki wins with a difference of 84,336 votes#EdoDecides2020 #EdoElection FOLLOW LIVE: mdash; Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) September 20, 2020
Contesting the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Obaseki was announced winner of the exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday afternoon.
Obaseki defeated his closest Challenger, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress with a sizeable margin.
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