President Goodluck Jonathan, who has just been defeated in the Presidential election held last Saturday by the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari has also been disowned by his fire-spitting brother, Alhaji Mujahideen Asari Dokubo.
Dokubo, who was the leader of one of the Niger Delta fighter force, known as Nigeria Delta Volunteer Force (NDVF), made it clear today that he was not the creation of Jonathan.
The former militant, even before the formal announcement of the final result of the Presidential election, took to his twitter page to literally disclaim his once-beloved-Jonathan.
He wrote: “I’m not a creation of Jonathan, before Jonathan, there was Asari, after him there will be Asari. I’m a friend to any government in power…
Dokubo had, before the election, threatened fire and brim stone, vowing that the nation will boil if Jonathan is defeated.
The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has made it clear that no corps member was killed on election duty in the recent attacks by insurgents in Gombe State. A statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the NYSC secretariat, Mrs. Bose Aderibigbe, said the report of the death of two youth corps members in the attack was false. The statement debunked the recent media report, saying that it was not only misleading but unfounded, adding: “Management categorically wants to state that no corps member in Gombe died in the said attack by suspected insurgents. “The two names carried in the report as corps members who lost their lives were INEC’s ad-hoc staff and not corps members as reported.” The statement said that the management of the NYSC, however, commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the said attack. It restated the commitment of NYSC management to the security and safety of all corps members nationwide including those on election duty. It would be recalled that two INEC ad-hoc staff were reported killed in an attack by suspected insurgents in Gombe last Saturday. There were over 130, 000 corps members that were expected to participate in the 2015 general elections across the country.
The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who before the last Saturday election, called the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari all sorts of bad names, today, described the same Buhari as a dogged and resilience fighter. “I salute President Jonathan for laying the most solid foundation for democracy in Nigeria. And I salute Major General Buhari for being a resilience and dogged fighter Fayose who had been a burden on the APC Presidential candidate, in a statement he issued today, called on Nigerians to accept the outcome ofSaturday’s presidential election in good faith. The Ekiti fire-spitting governor asked Nigerians to regard “the election result as the will of God” and said that Nigerians, and all lovers of peace, progress and development of Nigeria must accept it”. The statement which was issued by Fayose’s Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted the governor as commending the resilience and commitment of President Jonathan and General Buhari. The governor emphasised that the election results should not been seen as victory or loss for any political party, adding: “to me, Nigerians and democracy won.” He praised Nigerians for believing in the democratic process, adding that “by this election, Nigerians have shown that Democracy has come to stay in the country. “I salute Nigerians, especially the great people of Ekiti State. “I urge Nigerians, irrespective of their ethic, religious and political affiliation to respect the outcome of the election in the interest of peace, progress and development of the country. “Nigeria as a country is greater than any individual or group and it is my plea that no one should do anything to rock the boat of peace in the country.”
A former Minister of Niger Delta in President Goodluck Jonathan government, Godsday Orubebe made frantic move today to stop Professor Attahiru Jega form going ahead with announcement of theSaturday/Sunday Presidential, National Assembly members’ election, throwing the Collation Centre into a theatre of absurd. This is even as All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Organisation described the action as being typical of PDP, asking Nigerians to be vigilant and prayerful so that the process would be carried to its logical conclusion.
Shortly after Professor Jega reconvened the meeting for the second day of collation, Orubebe grabbed the microphone and raged at the electoral umpire in the full glare of camera and the international TV audience. Not even the intervention of security personnel in the hall would assuage the former minister who accused Jega of working for the opposition APC. He called Jega a partial umpire who is tribalistic, stressing that the PDP has no confidence in what he was doing.
He queried the logic behind the results from Katsina, Kano, Kaduna which the PDP alleged were forged to suit the APC candidate.
According Orubebe, a petition was sent to the INEC chairman by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), requesting for investigation into the results released from key northwest states of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Kano, but was not accepted by the chairman.
He also said that a petition sent by APC regarding the election in Rivers State was promptly acted on and a team dispatched to the state to investigate.
Orubebe created an ugly scene, insisting that collation would not go ahead as they have lost confidence in the INEC chairman.
Reacting, Professor Jega dismissed the allegation, saying one Dr. Bello Fadile, a PDP agent contrary to the rule gave a petition to his PA from the PDP after yesterday’s session.
However, Jega said he asked his PA to return the document as all letters/petitions are to be submitted through the secretary of the Commission and not at the collation centre.
Jega also dismissed accusation that he gave results to APC that the party has released same
on its website.
“As as I sit with you now, I have not received anything (PDP petition) from the secretary.
“For you to engage me on this issue frankly, is not fair to me. Let us not disrupt a process that has ended peacefully”.
The collation however continued afterwards with Jega upholding the result from Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the Director of Media and Publicity to APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Garba Shehu urged Nigerians not to under-rate the frustrations of Orubebe and PDP people, adding that Nigerians should anticipate that they will not hesitate to do the unthinkable to subvert the course of the electoral process and, indeed, democracy in the country.
“Much as disgraceful as the action by Elder Orubebe was this morning, it typifies the kind of things Nigerians should expect from the PDP and its agents, in an expression of their desperation and pent-up frustrations with the popular decisions of Nigerians in the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“We wish to alert that Orubebe’s drama aimed at disrupting the announcement of the results of the presidential election is just act one scene one in a plot that has many more acts and scenes ahead. The elements of the drama might involve a breach of law and order.
“We therefore call on Nigerians to be watchful, vigilant, and prayerful and remain resolute to protect our democracy from the machinations of agents-provocateurs.”
Foreign observer teams, who went round the country as votes were being cast in the Saturday election have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what they described as its impartial handling of Saturday’s polls.
This is just as the governments of Britain and United States of America have expressed concern that the collation process of results may be subjected to deliberate political interference, even though there has been no evidence of a systemic manipulation of the election process.
While shying away from making a clear-cut pronouncement on the conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) noted that despite challenges recorded, INEC appears to have executed its duties impartially.
It also observed that despite the challenges, the mission did not observe any systematic subversion, and that nationally people were free to cast their votes.
The Chief Observer of EUEO Mr. Santiago Fisas Ayxela, while presenting the first preliminary statement of the mission in Abuja yesterday, however, noted that it has reports of violence in some places, delay in arrival of INEC officials and voting materials, malfunction of card readers, ballot snatching and Boko Haram attacks.
“We still have observers out overseeing events at collation centres which in my opinion is extremely critical, and we are watching this,” he said.
He disclosed that his mission would present its final report with recommendations for improvement in two months’ time.
The Deputy Chief Observer, Ms. Hannah Roberts, also added that it was not the speed at which the results are announced that is critical, but the credibility and integrity of the final results.
She said it would be necessary to reform Nigeria’s electoral laws to allow independent candidacy, regulation of campaign finance, and transparency and opportunity for remedy. In a similar manner, the Commonwealth Observer Group described the polls as generally peaceful and transparent but noted that there was room for improvement in the elections.
Presenting the preliminary report of the 10-man team, the Chairperson of the Group/former President of Malawi, Dr. Bakili Muluzi, expressed concern that persons performing election duties and essential services on polling day were unable to vote leading to their disenfranchisement.
He however commended Nigerians for showing commitment and determination by the huge turnout.
“The presidential and National Assembly elections were generally peaceful and transparent,” Muluzi said.
After their preliminary remarks on the election, international observer teams proceeded to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan at the presidential villa on Monday.
The observers, who spoke through former Ghanaian President John Kuffour, said the election was peaceful and transparent. Those who were at the presidential villa included the former Malawian president, who led the Commonwealth team, former President Amos Sawyer of Liberia, who led the African Union team, and Kuffour, leading the ECOWAS team.
Kuffour, who spoke to State House correspondents after the meeting with Jonathan, said: “We have been in the country with our groups observing all over the country. Now, we have come to a point where from what we have seen. I’m sure you heard from some of us yesterday (Sunday) that the elections have been peaceful, transparent and credible up till yesterday.
“We appreciate the processes are not yet done till the results are declared then of course the aftermath of the declaration.
“But we have come this far and we wanted to give an interim report to the authorities that mandated us to come, and to the world and to Nigerians in particular, to let everybody know that Nigeria so far has been at peace with the process and so we appeal to Nigeria to continue in this mood throughout the entire process.
“So that at the end of the day, the people of Nigeria will be satisfied with themselves that they used the process to get the government they want and they deserve.
“Nigeria succeeding will not only be in Nigeria but for West Africa and the continent, and we will all be made proud of the success achieved by Nigerians for themselves and for all of us.”
However, the US and UK governments on Monday expressed concern that the collation process of results might be subjected to deliberate political interference, even though there has been no evidence of a systemic manipulation of the election process.
In a joint statement by US Secretary of State John Kerry, and UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, both governments commended the determination of Nigerians to register their votes.
“So far, we have seen no evidence of systemic manipulation of the process. But there are disturbing indications that the collation process—where the votes are finally counted—may be subject to deliberate political interference.
“This would contravene the letter and spirit of the Abuja Accord, to which both major parties committed themselves.
“The Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom would be very concerned by any attempt to undermine the independence of the INEC, or its chairman, Professor Jega; or in any way distort the expressed will of the Nigerian people,” said a statement released by the US Embassy in Abuja yesterday. [myad]
Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari is now leading in 10 states of the federation with a total votes of 8,523,445 in the last Saturday Presidential election as announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the results so far released by the INEC as at 11.30pm yesterday, the Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is leading in nine states with a total of 6,490,210 votes. According to INEC, the results for the remaining 17 states would be announced by 10am today. The results which were announced are as follows: The margin between APC and PDP stands at 2,033,235 votes. 1. Ogun: APC- 308,290 PDP- 207,950 2. Enugu: APC- 14,157, PDP- 553,003 3. Ekiti: APC 120,331 PDP 176,466 4. Kogi: APC- 264,851, PDP- 149,987 5. Osun: APC- 383,603, PDP- 249,929 6. Ondo: APC-299,889, PDP-251,368 7. FCT Abuja: APC-146,399, PDP-157,195 8. Oyo: APC- 528,620, PDP-303,376 9. Nasarawa: APC-236,838, PDP-273,416 10. Kano: APC:1,903,999, PDP:215,779 11. Jigawa: APC:885,142, PDP:142,904 12. Kastina: APC:1,345,441, PDP:98,837 13. Kwara: APC:302,146, PDP:132,602 14. Kaduna: APC:1,127,760, PDP:484,085 15. Anambra: APC:17926, PDP:660,762 16. Abia: APC:13,394, PDP:368,303 17. Imo: APC:133,253, PDP:559,185 18. Plateau: APC:429,140, PDP:549,615 19. Akwa Ibom: APC:58,411, PDP:953,304 States which results would be announced this morning are as follows: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Kebbi, Lagos, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyin, Edo and Rivers. [myad]
Executive Editor of the Nigerian Pilot, an Abuja Newspaper, Chuks Ohuegbe has resigned his appointment after a bitter disagreement with the chairman/publisher of the newspaper, Dennis Sami, who is a well-known ally of President Goodluck Jonathan. The editor, who was entrusted with managing the titles of the newspaper, had observed that last weekend’s edition of the Nigerian Pilot was brimming with editorial and advertorial materials that were clearly in violation of the Electoral Act. Ohuegbe, a thoroughbred Journalist and lawyer had suggested that since the paper was yet to be circulated, it should be repackage to avoid falling foul of the Electoral Act, especially as it related to the media in the current election season. But Dennis Sami was said to have insisted that as the Editor-in-chief, he must have the last say on the matter even as Ohuegbe told him that as a lawyer and Journalist of over two decades, it was his responsibility to save the newspaper from litigation and needless embarrassment. Information had it that Dennis Sami got angry at what he considered to be editor’s effrontery and slammed him (editor) with suspension which the Executive Editor disliked. He therefore, decided to throw in the towel with immediate effect.
Youths in Bauchi defied the 24-hour curfew imposed by the Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda as they trooped to the Headquaters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where collation of results is ongoing.
Hundreds of youths holding sticks moved freely along parts of Ahmadu Bello Way in Bauchi, close to where the INEC Headquarters is situated even as combined team of security agents barricaded about 700 meters on both sides away from the junction leading to the INEC Headquarters.
Most of the youths who were obviously supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) carried placards and posters of the opposition party. Some of them were overheard saying “sai Baba Buhari!”
The State Government had, on Sunday evening, announced the imposition of a 24hour curfew in Alkaleri, Kirfi and Bauchi LGAs following an attack launched on voters in many polling units in Alkaleri and Kirfi LGAs by gunmen.
The curfew, According to a statement signed by Abdu Illela, on behalf of the Secretary to the Bauchi Government, was to protect lives and properties of the People of the affected LGAs.
But in a swift reaction, the APC gubernatorial candidate in the State, Barrister Muhammed Abubakar, vowed to reject the curfew saying it was just an attempted by the Isa Yuguda-led Government of the PDP to rig Saturday’s elections.
“The elections took place peacefully within Bauchi metropolis except in Kirfi and Alkaleri local government areas where there are incidents of attacks.
“Thank God INEC said we can cast our votes and protect the votes and that we are going to come out and protect our votes peacefully.”
“Anybody in the state can attest to the fact that the elections were conducted peacefully within the Bauchi metropolis and therefore, we don’t see any reason why curfew should be imposed on a peaceful environment as the Bauchi metropolis. The only time curfew can be imposed is when there is an impending danger but here we are without any impending danger.” [myad]
Director of media and publicity for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode has raised an alarm that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is about to rig President Goodluck out in the last Saturday Presidential election across the nation. In a brief new briefing today, Fani-Kayode warned:: “any attempt to manipulate figures or to rig us out from any quarter will be firmly resisted.” He claimed that the figures that were made available to him, President Jonathan was ahead in the presidential elections by at least two to three million votes. He said that they have their own Situation Room and “we have collated all our figures from the various polling booths, wards, local government areas and states in the Federation. “Despite the propaganda of the opposition, we are confident of victory. They and all other stakeholders can be rest assured that we will accept nothing less than the announcement of an election result that is truthful and that reflects the true will of the Nigerian people.”
The two-term Niger state governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been roundly defeated by the Senatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister David Umar of the APC.
Announcing the results today, the Returning Officer for the district, Professor Ali Audu Jiigam, said Aliyu got 46,459 while Umar polled 149,443 votes. .
From the results, Aliyu was roundly defeated in all the wards of the five local government areas of the district officially declared by Independent Nationai Electoral Commission.
Jiigam said the APC candidate polled 49,519 votes in Chanchaga local government area, the council of the governor, who returned 17,209 votes in the area. [myad]
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who has just been defeated in the Presidential election held last Saturday by the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari has also been disowned by his fire-spitting brother, Alhaji Mujahideen Asari Dokubo.
