Resident doctors and consultants in Kwara State General Hospital, Ilorin, under the aegis of the Nigeria Association of Government Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGMDP) on Monday, February 27, began a 48-hour strike over alleged assault on their members by a mobile policeman.

While addressing journalists in Ilorin, the state capital, the Chairman of the state Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, after a congress of the medical doctors, said the strike was meant to call the attention of the community to frequent assault on medical personnel, “and the strike would commence by 8 a.m. on Monday and end on Wednesday by 8 a.m.”

It was gathered that the mobile police officer had brought his wife for treatment in the general hospital and later came back to assault the doctor for examining his wife without his consent.

It was learnt that the man is already in custody of the state Police Command in Ilorin, after his arrest by a detachment of NSCDC in the general hospital.

The NMA chairman explained that the doctor's. action was not targeted at either the state government or management of the hospital, saying it aimed to send a loud signal to the community and make the community take action to warn their wards.

“Our gathering here today is so painful to all of us. Just less than two months ago, one of our doctors was attacked at the UITH. The matter is still in court after spending lots of resources and time to resolve the matter, it just happened again,” he said.

"On Sunday at by 5 p.m., one of our members was attacked while doing his lawful duty at the obstetrics and gynecology unit of the general hospital in Ilorin.

"It was said that a man brought his wife at about 12:00 noon with a complaint that his wife was ill. Following necessary questioning and examination, treatment was administered and was discharged to go home.

"But the husband to come back later in the day to attack the doctor, claiming that the doctor did not get his consent before carrying out examination on his wife,” he said.

The NMA chairman, who argued that the wife is an adult that could determine to agree to be examined without getting any consent, added that a female chaperon was inside the room with the doctor where the woman was examined

“The doctor did his lawful duty but he was rewarded with assault. Thank God for the presence of passersby and other staff who rescued the doctor,” he said.

"This is happening with brain-drain situation among medical practitioners in the country, coupled with societal challenges being faced by Nigerians, including the doctors. For how long are we going to continue with this?”

He commended management of the General Hospital in Ilorin and the state government, especially the state governor, among other stakeholders, on the proactive steps taken so far on the matter.

The NMA boss advised members of the public to channel their complaints to appropriate quarters whenever they have issues to address, and should avoid taking laws into their hands.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/policeman-assaults-doctor-for-examining-wife-without-his-consent-in-kwara/

Popular singer, Burna Boy has addressed Nigerians who are bashing for being involved in the electoral process.

Amidst the backlash which has persisted, the musician has felt the need to address the matter once more.

In a post on his Instagram page, Burna Boy said that he has never received money or other tangible gifts from any government.

He said that all the good he has ever done for his country has always been from a place of love.

According to him, he owes nobody anything, adding that he didn’t vote in the election and people should leave him alone.

In his words:

“I’ve never made money from any Nigerian government and I never took any house,land or money from any governor. I’ve never been appointed into any public office and I never intended to be. All the good I do for my country comes from my heart, pockets, Time and emotions.it’s not for social media validation and it’s definitely not because I owe anybody. I say I nor Vote. Make everybody getat.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/i-say-i-no-vote-make-everybody-getat-burna-boy-lashes-out-to-netizens-dragging-him-for-not-voting/

The Nkporo Divisional Police Headquarters in the Ohafia local government area of Abia State has been attacked by gunmen who are yet to be identified.

The suspects, who were said to have stormed the police division in three Toyota Sienna buses, broke into the divisional armoury, carting away one AK-47 riffle with 30 rounds of live ammunition.

It was gathered that they made away with two riot gunners and yet-to-be ascertained quantity of ammunition.

Two policemen on duty, who were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries, have been admitted in a hospital where they are receiving medical attention.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Geoffrey Ogbonna, has confirmed the incident.

He said the hoodlums shot sporadically, dislodging the policemen on duty to gain access to the station.

He said, “The criminals broke into the station’s armoury and carted away one (1) AK 47 rifle loaded with thirty (30) rounds of live ammunition, two (2) riot gunners and yet-to-be ascertained quantity of ammunition.

“They also made away with sets of service uniforms kept in the armoury and offices belonging to the Armourer and other policemen putting up in the station.

“Three Police Constables among those on duty were inflicted with varying degrees of injury.”

The PPRO, however, said a collaborative effort of the police and the military made the assailants to abandon one Toyota Sienna bus and some of the items they took.

“However, prompt collaborative effort of the police and military resulted in the abandon and recovery of one Toyota Sienna bus together with some service uniforms, shoes and personal effects taken away from the policemen.

“Two of the injured policemen are admitted in the hospital while one was treated and discharged,” he said.

He added that investigation had commenced with a view to arresting the assailants and recovering the stolen items.

The police spokesperson further said, “The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police Command, CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala, during a visit to the scene, accompanied by the DC Operations, DCP E.S Bretet, and later joined by the Ohafia LGA Chairman, Chief James Ndukwe, remarked that the porosity of the station made it possible for the hoodlums to invade the premises.

“CP Bala called on the state/local governments and other critical stakeholders to embrace the principles of Community Safety Partnership to erect fences that will link up with the existing one around the station.

“Furthermore, the CP requests from the general public useful information that would help in tracking down the hoodlums and recovery of the firearms, please.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/two-officers-injured-as-gunmen-attack-abia-police-station/

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, visited the families of two persons who were reportedly killed while exercising their franchise at their polling units during Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

The victims were identified as Festus Idahosa, 33, and Mrs Elizabeth Owie, a 43-year-old mother of three children, aged eight, six, and four.

While Idahosa’s family resides in Upper Sakponba, the family of Owie lives in Ogheghe, Sapele Road, Benin City.

Obaseki was accompanied on the condolence visit by his Chief of Staff, Osaigbovo Iyoha, and other top government functionaries.

The governor, while expressing sadness over the incidents, assured the families of the deceased that the police had already commenced investigation to bring the perpetrators of the evil acts to justice.

Obaseki said, “It’s very sad as the young man came to perform his civic responsibility and duties and his life was cut short because of people’s perception of what power should be.

“It’s sad that this sort of electoral violence still happens at this stage of our development. As a government, we would put all measures in place to find out the perpetrators and find out what truly happened and make sure appropriate steps are taken for us to get to justice.

“People witnessed what happened at these polling units and these people that witnessed what happened will assist with the investigation as the investigators will also reach out to INEC officials and agents who will throw more light on what actually happened.”

In his response, the elder brother of the victim, Mr Lawrence Aigbe, said his late brother just finished his one-year mandatory youth service and came in from Port Harcourt where he resided to cast his vote, only to be killed by political thugs, who shot him.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/2023-elections-obaseki-visits-families-of-electoral-violence-victims/

The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday told all elected National Assembly members under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be ready for legal battle.

The Osun APC made this known through its Acting State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal at a press conference held in Osogbo.

Reacting to the results of the February 25 National Assembly elections announced by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Lawal, who was represented by Kola Olabisi, the party’s Director of Media and Information, disclosed that the exercise was characterised with malpractice.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that the PDP in Osun recorded total victory in the Saturday, February 25, 2023 National Assembly polls.

The party won all the three senatorial and nine federal constituency seats leaving none to its closest rival political party, the APC.

According to the APC, “Our message to the beneficiaries in the declared phantom election results is that they should not rejoice as most of the PDP candidates will have cases to answer at the tribunal.

“May we caution the sacked state Governor Ademola Adeleke and his partner in political crime, the sit-tight and expired state caretaker committee chairman, Dr Akindele Adekunle, to stop insulting the sensibilities of the discerning members of the state and beyond with their statements, even before the official announcement of the results, justifying the over-voting charge hanging on Adeleke’s neck at the Court of Appeal which had earlier been affirmed by the state governorship election petition tribunal in Osogbo.”

“The embattled Governor Adeleke should open his ears wide enough to comprehend that the phoney last Saturday’s elections results cannot confer any advantage on his bad case at the Court of Appeal,” he added.

Osun APC, which alleged that the state chapter of the PDP deployed thugs to intimidate and harass voters during Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, claimed that the state was under siege by PDP sponsored thugs during the election.

Reacting, Osun PDP Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji maintained that the National Assembly polls were held under a very peaceful atmosphere.

Bamiji also stated that the results declared were a true reflection of the collective will of the Osun people.

While warning Osun APC not to see the court as a department in their party, Bamiji stated that PDP is ready to meet APC in court.

“They should not begin to make the mistake of making the court appear as if it is a department in APC. The court is for all Nigerians regardless of class, status, and political affiliation.

“Wherever they want to go, we will meet them there. Anybody condemning what happened on Saturday is just messing around,” he declared.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/dont-rejoice-yet-we-will-challenge-election-results-osun-apc-to-pdp-nass-members-elect/

Famous Nigerian content creator and activist Adebowale Debo Adedayo, better known as Mr Macaroni, has revealed a death threat he recently received from some powerful anonymous politicians over the February 25 election.

Macaroni, on Monday in a post on his Twitter handles, also shared a screenshot of the death threat sent via his email, which stated that he should thank his God if he survives this year.

According to the email shared, the mailer threatened that the comedian is being watched around Lekki environs, adding that if he luckily escapes this year, he should thank his God.

Speaking about this, Macaroni said he was already used to receiving threats, and he has recorded messages and calls from notable persons and their children, who have at a time reached out to warn him over a cause.

“I’m already used to threats. I have a record of all threats I have received. Also, I have recorded messages and calls from Powerful politicians and their children that have ever reached out to me.

”I always said NO because as long as I still live, There shall be NO COMPROMISE,” Mr Macaroni stated.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/mr-macaroni-alleges-death-threat-shares-disturbing-mail-for-supporting-obi/

England captain, Harry Kane, voted Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi, as the best men’s player for 2022, while Argentina captain, Lionel Messi went for Brazilian forward, Neymar, according to FIFA.

Also, Brazil captain, Thiago Silva voted for Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar to win the FIFA men’s best player for 2022, while the Egyptian captain went for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

Recall that Messi eventually won the men’s prize for the second time in his career on Monday evening in Paris.

Messi won the award ahead of teammate Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.

However, below are how some national team captains voted for their preferred players to win the FIFA men’s best player award for 2022.

Messi: Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema

Thiago Silva: Neymar, Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema

Luka Modric: Karim Benzema, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe

Harry Kane: Lionel Messi, Sadio Mane and Karim Benzema

Mohamed Salah: Vinicius Junior, Kevin De Bruyne and Achraf Hakimi

Ahmed Musa: Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe

Kepler Ferreira also known as Pepe: Kylian Mbappe, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/how-messi-harry-kane-salah-thiago-silva-others-voted-for-fifa-best-player-winner/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Katsina State has expressed disappointment over the outcome of last Saturday’s elections in the state, especially the National Assembly results.

The Director-General of the Atiku-Lado Campaign Council, Dr Mustapha Inuwa, expressed his disappointment on Monday in Katsina while briefing newsmen.

He described the outcome of the elections, especially the senatorial and House of Representatives polls, as disappointing.

He said that the party had earlier lauded the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari on the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, which aimed at staving off vote buying.

He said as a result of the confidence the PDP had in the president’s stance on having free and fair elections, the party did not bother to have polling agents in some of the wards.

“We all supported him (president) on his stance of having free elections. But in his own state of Katsina, inducement was openly done,“ Inuwa alleged.

He said INEC also assured the nation that the polls would be credible and that BVAS would also work.

“We may not have the victory we envisage, but we are not really concerned because of the circumstances during the elections,“ he said.

Inuwa disclosed that the party’s stakeholders would meet soon to discuss the outcome of the elections, saying that they would announce their next line of action.

Commending the people of the state for their support, he called on them not to be discouraged by the outcome of the elections.

He urged them to come out and vote for PDP during the next round of elections.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/nigeria-decides-pdp-insists-on-katsina-election-results-disappointing/

A Nigerian Catholic priest serving in Malawi, Rev Fr Kelvin Ugwu, has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, altered the original results of Saturday’s presidential elections.

Some opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Labour Party had alleged that the results being collated in Abuja were manufactured by those in authority.

In the same vein, Fr Kelvin, in a post on his verified Facebook page, alleged that officials of INEC were comprised, stressing that all the results were doctored.

While lauding the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo over his call for the cancellation of the results, Fr Kelvin opined that even the Malawian government was not happy with the development.

The post reads in part, “As for Olusegun Obasanjo, I am happy he said what he said. If you listen carefully to his words, you will know that he was not just speaking from the head. INEC is compromised. All the results were doctored. All! Including Lagos.

“So even if Obi is announced as the winner of this election, it doesn’t call for celebration until the right figures and numbers are announced.

“I am sharing the pictures below coming from Rivers not because you may not have seen them already, but just so you see one major thing: Their Audacity.

“What those rigging this election are simply saying is, we own you, we can do anything and nothing will happen. And truly, for years, they have been doing anything they like, and nothing had happened”.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/nigeria-decides-catholic-priest-alleges-of-inec-compromised-all-results-doctored/

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of aiding and abetting the rigging and manipulation of election results and demanded that the electoral umpire should stop the announcement of the alleged manipulated results across the federation.

It also said the authentic elections results should be transited from the polling units directly to its server and website as required by law before continuation of announcement of results.

The PDP added that its demand was made on behalf of Nigerians in the interest of national peace as the electoral umpire is allegedly pushing the nation to the wall.

National spokesman of the party, Debo Ologunagba disclosed the concerns and position of the PDP on the ongoing collation process of the presidential election results during a press conference held in Abuja.

Ologunagba said INEC in its hidden agenda to favour the ruling APC and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, has become flagrant and provocative in violating the express provisions of the electoral act, 2022 by allegedly refusing to transmit directly the results of the elections from the Polling Unit to the INEC Server as required by law.

The PDP explained that Section 64 (4) (b) of the Electoral Act, 2022 specifically provided, “A collation officer or returning officer at an election shall collate and announce the result of an election subject to his or her verification and confirmation that the votes stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the votes or results recorded and transmitted directly from Polling Units under Section (60) (4) of this Act”.

On these premises, the opposition party said Section 60 (4) of the Electoral Act 2022 stated that any result announced by INEC is ultra vires, illegal, and of no consequence unless they are results already transmitted directly from the Polling Units.

“So procedurally, INEC cannot continue to announce results that are yet to be transmitted as expressly stated in the relevant Sections of the Electoral Act,” the party said.

Also, the PDP claimed that information at its disposal indicated that INEC deliberately refused to commence the process of announcement of results more than 48 hours after the close of election and collation of results from the various Polling Units in contravention to Section 68 of the Electoral Act 2022.

The party, therefore, pointed out that the said deliberate delay and alleged criminal connivance by INEC provided the opportunity for the reported compromise, alteration, falsification and switching of election results in favour of the APC in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Ondo, Ekiti, Kebbi, Ogun and other States where its candidate was in clear lead.

The integrity of the election, the party alleged, has been compromised and vitiated by the admission of INEC officials that there was a technical glitch in the midst of the election which affected the effective functioning of the BVAS machines.

Besides, the Integrity of the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the PDP said, was at stake.

Ologunagba maintained it was curious for the INEC Chairman to insist on proceeding with the announcement of election results not transmitted directly from the Polling Units to the INEC website as required by the Electoral Act.

The PDP, therefore, disapproved of the alleged manipulated election results as announced by INEC.

The party said it was aware that INEC embarked on extensive and illegal cancellation of election results in many States of the country.

It cited that in Sokoto State over 200 Polling Units results where the PDP was in clear lead have also been canceled and, in effect, disenfranchised over 200,000 registered voters.

The party also drew the INEC attention, saying its agents, majority of informed Nigerians and International Election Observers already have the results of votes as cast at the Polling Units across the country and would not hesitate to make public the election results if that becomes necessary.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/nigeria-decides-stop-announcement-of-rigged-results-pdp-tells-inec/

Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu is in the lead after Saturday’s general election.

As of Monday night, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared collated results in 20 states.

Tinubu is ahead with 5,862,453 votes, while Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has secured 4,288,434 votes so far.

Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, is currently in third place with 2,834,932; Rabiu Kwankwaso, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, polled 1,315,549.

Interestingly, Tinubu is the only top contender that failed to win home state, losing Lagos to Obi. Atiku won in President Muhammadu Buhari’s state – Katsina.

The results from other states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, are expected to be presented today from 11am.

The International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja, venue of the national collation centre, remains under tight security.

The opposition on Monday called for the suspension of the announcement of results. PDP’s Dino Melaye and Emeka Ihedioha at some point walked out of the ICC.

The parties complained of irregularities, over-voting, refusal of officials to upload results on the INEC website, among others.

Checks by DAILY POST show that out of 176,846 polling units in 774 local government areas, submitted results are from 79,673 units.

Official results of 20 states:

KWARATinubu – 263,572Peter Obi – 31,116Atiku – 136,909

OSUNTinubu – 343,945Obi – 23,283Atiku – 354,366

ONDOTinubu – 369,924Obi – 47,350Atiku – 115,463

OGUNTinubu – 341,554Obi – 85,829Atiku – 123,831

OYOTinubu – 449,884Obi – 99,110Atiku – 182,977

ENUGUTinubu – 4,772Obi – 428,640Atiku – 15,749

GOMBETinubu – 146,977Obi – 26,160Atiku – 319,123

JIGAWATinubu – 421,390Obi – 1,889Atiku – 386,587

ADAMAWATinubu – 182,881Obi – 105,648Atiku – 417,611

KATSINATinubu – 482,283Obi – 6,376Atiku – 489,045

NASARAWATinubu – 172,922Obi – 191,361Atiku – 147,093

PLATEAUTinubu – 307,195Obi – 466,272Atiku – 243,808

BAUCHITinubu – 316,694Obi – 24,910Atiku – 426,607

KANOTinubu – 517,341Obi – 28,513Atiku – 131,716Kwankwaso – 997,279

EKITITinubu – 201,494Obi – 11,397Atiku – 89,554

BENUETinubu – 310,469Obi – 208,372Atiku – 130,081

LAGOSTinubu – 572,606Obi – 582,454Atiku – 75,750

YOBETinubu – 151,459Obi – 2,406Atiku – 198,567

EDOTinubu – 144,471Obi – 331,163Atiku – 89,585

AKWA IBOMTinubu – 160,620Obi – 132,683Atiku – 214,012
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/presidential-election-results-tinubu-floors-atiku-obi-as-inec-declares-20-states/

Presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has been declared winner of the election in Kwara State.

Senator Tinubu polled 263,572 of the total votes cast, while the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Atiku Abubakar got 136,909 votes and Labour Party, (LP) candidate, Peter Obi scored 31,166.

The results of the election are expected to be transmitted to the national collation centre.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166808

The Senator representing Northern Senatorial District of Cross River state, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has raised the alarm over INEC’s inability to issue him his declaration form after winning his Senatorial election in the early hours of MondayAlso, angry supporters are currently protesting in front of INEC office , Ogoja in a bid to persuade the electoral body to release the Certificate while vowing not to let their staff leave the office until the documents are brought for signing.

Tension rose after the declaration of Sen. Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe as the winner of the Cross River North senatorial district election and he could not be issued with the “Declaration Form” upon demand as provided by law.

However , the Electoral Officer for Ogoja , Mr Peter Kolo attempted to persuade the Senator that it would be issued later since the one meant for the senator-elect was not readily available but the plea met a brick wall as his teeming supporters refused anyone especially the INEC staff exit from the premises.

The matter which started at about 3:00 am is yet to be resolved as at the time if filing this report , as angry supporters blocked the gate of the Commission demanding the unconditional release of the Said declaration form.

When contacted, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state , Prof. Gabriel Yomeri insisted that the form along with other sensitive electoral materials.

“We mistakenly took the declaration form meant for North senatorial district to Ikom. And when we realized it, we retrieved the North back and then the administrative secretary’s driver took it back to Obubu Electoral Officer ( EO) for onward delivery.

“But shortly after, we got a call from EO that he couldn’t find the form any longer.So at the moment, I have informed the INEC National headquarters and they are bringing in another one to be handed over to the winner. The allegation that I must have traded off the Declaration Form is not true.

Recall that Sen. Jarigbe who polled 76, 145 defeated governor Ben Ayade who garnered 56, 595 votes .
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166787

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Benue State has announced the presidential election from five local government areas of the state.

The results were announced by returning officers of the local government areas respectively with due supervisor of the Collation Officer, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Farouk Kuta.

In the five local government areas already announced, the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, won in three local governments, followed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu.

Meanwhile, the APC candidate is leading in votes cast from the five local government areas so far announced having polled 44,139 followed by Labour Party which scored 40,871 and PDP 18,680

The results are as follows:

- Tarka LGAReg. Voters: 54,537Accredited voters: 19,188Total valid votes: 18,669Rejected votes: 511

APC- 13,640LP- 2,038PDP- 2,642

- Buruku LGAReg. Voters 128,521Accidented voters 42,760Total valid votes 41,701Rejected votes 1,059

APC- 20,248LP- 13,466PDP- 6,909

- Ado LGA, 10 wardsReg voters : 83,199Accredited voters: 14,774Total valid votes: 13829Rejected votes: 724Total vote cast: 14,553

APC- 2,271APGA- 42LP- 9,987PDP- 1,107

- APA LGA, 11 wardsReg voters : 66,720Accredited voters: 17,406Total valid votes: 15,931Rejected votes: 1,367Total vote cast: 17,298

APC- 3,430APGA- 608LP- 7,421NNPP- 191PDP- 3,682

- Obi LGA

Reg voters- 69,126Accredited voters- 18,062Valid voters- 17,178Invalid votes- 884Votes cast- 18,062

LP- 7,949APC- 4,450PDP- 4,340

Collation of votes resumes 10am today
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166786

The Director, Strategic Communications for the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Chief Dele Momodu, has on behalf of the council urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to resist the undue pressure being mounted on it by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to subvert the will of Nigerians as freely expressed on Saturday.

Momodu made the appeal at an ongoing media briefing in Abuja.

The Atiku Campaign commended INEC for holding its own so far.

It noted that the APC has been fatally wounded in the North-West and North-East as well as the South-East as such, there was no way the APC can make up the numbers to claim victory.

He explained that available results shows that the PDP is doing well except in the South-East where the Labour Party is making a clear sweep.

According to him, it is only the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who has crossed the threshold of getting 25 percent of the votes in 25 states across geo-political zones and remains confident of victory.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166788

The Nigeria Police Force has charged Presidential Candidates of all political parties, particularly APC, PDP, LP and NNPP, to caution their party stalwarts and supporters to avoid making inciting comments capable of unnecessarily heating up the polity and creating undue excitement amongst the electorates and the general populace in the country.

The Force headquarters said this caution was in furtherance of the close monitoring of the ongoing 2023 electoral exercise, and consequent upon a series of intelligence reports, and high expectations from all angles.

Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa made this known in a statement in Abuja n Monday morning.

It said, “The NPF, having assessed the trend of scaled-up expectations and psychological projections on the ongoing electoral process viz-a-viz collation of results, charges all presidential candidates, as leading and respected figures in their respective political parties, to seize the opportunity of this waiting period to emphasize the rule of law, respect for the Constitution, and constituted authority amongst their supporters, as we all owe a duty to ensure that the nation does not fall into anarchy on the basis of interests and sentiments.

“The Force similarly reiterates the need to desist from mounting undue pressure on the electoral process viz-a-viz the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the body which is constitutionally mandated with the conduct of elections and announcement of results, as all hands are on deck to speedily conclude collation of results and declare the winner.

“While commending the general populace and electorates for their patience thus far and largely lawful conduct around the country, the Police, therefore, encourages presidential candidates to admonish their supporters to uphold the tenets of the Peace Accord recently signed for the smooth conduct of the 2023 general elections.”
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166785

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has won the Edo North senatorial seat.

Announcing the result in Auchi which is the senatorial headquarters, the Independent National Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Benjamin Adesina, said Oshiomhole polled 107,110 votes to defeat Francis Alimikhena of the Peoples Democratic Party, the incumbent, who scored 55,344 votes.

“Adams Oshiomhole of APC, having scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared as the winner of the election conducted on the 25th of February for Edo north senatorial district,” Adesina said.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166784

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday declared Hamisu Chidari, Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, as winner of Danbatta/Makoda Federal Constituency.

Prof. Haruna Musa of Bayero University Kano (BUK), the Returning Officer, announced Chidari of APC as winner of the Feb. 25 House of Representatives election after scoring 30,346 votes.

Musa said Chidari defeated his closest contender, Badamasi Ayuba of NNPP, who polled 24,792 votes.

Similarly, the INEC declared Abdulmumi Kofa of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as the winner of Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of the state.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Sale Kumurya of BUK, announced the results at Bebeji on Monday.

Kumurya said Kofa scored 40,463 votes to defeat his closest rival, Sunusi Saidu Kiru of All Progressives Congress (APC), who netted 34,798 votes.

Again, the commission had declared Sani Bala of the APC as winner of Kunchi/Tsanyawa Federal Constituency in the state.

Prof. F. Abdullahi of BUK, the Returning Officer, announced the results in Tsanyawa Local Government Area on Monday.

Abdullahi said Bala scored 25,000 votes, while Safiyanu Mohammed of NNPP clinched 21,648 votes.

Also, Prof. Sani Ibrahim of BUK, the Returning Officer for Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency, had declared Adamu Sani of NNPP as a winner of the parliamentary election after scoring 49,274 votes.

Ibrahim said Sani defeated Marau Sani Nas of APC who scored 16,629 votes.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/inec-declares-speaker-chidari-three-other-winners-in-kano/

Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party is leading by votes in the results of the Presidential election held in Lagos on Saturday.

INEC had declared 17 local governments as of 3:30 am before the results’ collation was adjourned to 10: 00 am.

But, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is leading in the local governments with Ten Local Government Areas already in his kitty while Peter Obi won Seven.

Tinubu has won Agege, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland and Surulere.

Meanwhile, Eti-Osa, Amuwo Odofin, Ikeja, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo and Somolu has been won by Obi.

In total, Obi polled 449,088 votes, while Tinubu garnered 416,431.

Only the results of Alimosho, Ojo and Mushin are expected.

The Collation Officer initially announced Mushin LG’s result but it was rejected due to some dispute in the figure.

Tinubu, a former Governor of the State, is still projected to win the majority votes in the state, with Alimosho, Ojo and Mushin results being expected.

Alimosho, the most populated state, may give the APC Presidential Candidate an edge over his arch-rival while he has also won Mushin.

But Obi is projected to win Ojo, an area dominated by non-indigenes, especially the Igbos.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/election-results-labour-party-leading-apc-in-lagos/

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has commended the large turnout of voters at his polling unit.

Abiodun who made this known during an interview with newsmen after his accreditation and voting for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections at Ward 3, Unit 2, Ita Osanyin in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government area of the state, disclosed that he expected the same level of commitment and turnout from voter’s across the 5,042 polling units across the state.

Abiodun who had earlier exercised his franchise for the candidates of his choice during the Presidential and National Assembly elections, commended the people of the town and the state as a whole for coming out to exercise their franchise.

“The voters turn out appears impressive and everything is going very well, one hopes that what we’ve seen here in my polling unit and a few other polling units I have seen this morning, one hopes that is what will be obtained in all the length and breadth of our 5,042 polling units across the state,” he said.

Governor Abiodun while commending the Independent National Electoral Commission for a job well done, expressed his displeasure at the few identification cards made available for party agents in the state.

“I want to thank the Independent National Electoral Commission for the hardwork they have put into the process, they’ve obviously taken on more responsibilities than they’ve done in the past, so one must definitely appreciate them for all they’ve done.

“There were a few hitches early this morning which centered around the issue of agent identification tags, I am told that INEC did not provide enough cards for agents to identify themselves, am yet to confirm what caused that, I am not sure whether this applies to all parties, but our party agents have complained that they were short of quite a few agents card, but I believe that some arrangements have been worked out and voting has started,” he said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/2023-election-abiodun-pleased-with-large-turnout-of-voters-in-ogun/

Grammy award winning superstar, Rihanna is scheduled to perform “Lift Me Up”, the song she did with Tems, Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Göransson atthe Oscars. The song, created for the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack has also been nominated in the “Best Original Song.” For Rihanna’s fans, it’s a moment to celebrate as it now seems like her scintillating Super Bowl halftime show performance will not be the last performance they will see from the Rihanna, who is expecting a second child with her partner, A$AP Rocky.

The 95th Academy Awards ceremony will be broadcast on 12 March.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166737

There have been reports of attacks alleged to be politically motivated, in parts of Rivers State, less than 48 hours to the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Former Rivers State Commissioner for Rural Water Supply, Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja reportedly escaped assassination in his hometown in Opobo, Opobo Local Government Area of the state.

Gogo-Jaja revealed this on his Facebook handle.

He wrote: “My brother wants to kill me. “They bombed my house this morning”.

DailyPost gathered that the residence of the former Commissioner was attacked by suspected thugs with dynamite.

Gogo-Jaja is an ally of the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.

Report revealed that one of the suspected assailants was neutralised in the process.

Similarly, the home of the House of Assembly candidate for Etche State Constituency, under the All Progressives Congress, Charles Anyanwu was also reported to have been attacked by hoodlums.

Although no life was lost, properties were destroyed.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko promised to revert on the true position of the incidents.

This comes after suspected thugs attacked the residence of the House of the Representatives candidate of the Social Democratic Party for Obio-Akpor Federal constituency, King Tony Gboms on Tuesday, and the attack by gunmen on the premises of a TV/Radio station owned by a former House of Representatives member, Chinyere Igwe, in Ozuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

No life was lost in both attacks.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166736

An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on Thursday remanded a 40-year-old unemployed man, George Ukpong, in Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the Magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje, who did not take the plea of Ukpong, ordered that the case file should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

Kubeinje adjourned the case till March 22 for DPP advice.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, DSP Kehinde Ajayi, told the court that Ukpong committed the offence on February 19 at Jaiye Oba Street, Shasha, Lagos.

Ajayi said Ukpong lured the girl into his room and defiled her.

He said that the defendant was caught by some neighbours.

Ajayi said the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

NAN reports that the section stipulates life imprisonment if found guilty.

Tax collectorsMeanwhile, a Dei-Dei Grade I Area Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced two tax collectors, Yahuza Mohammed and Yusuf Dahiru, to four months imprisonment for causing hurt.

NAN reports that police charged Mohammed, 26, and Dahiru 23 with criminal force, assault and causing grievous hurt

The judge, Saminu Suleiman, sentenced the convicts after they pleaded guilty to the charge and begged the court for leniency.

Sulieman, gave the convicts an option of N20, 000 fine each and warned them to desist from committing crimes.

The judge ordered the convicts to pay N15,000 as compensation to the complainant.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Olanipekun Babajide, told the court that the matter was reported at Zuba Police Station, Abuja, by the complainant, Kashim Musa.

Babajide said the convicts demanded payment for a ticket to enter the Dan–Kogi Motor Park in Zuba.

He said the convict also accused the complainant of wrong parking and while he was trying to explain, the convicts attacked him without provocation.

He said the convicts beat the complainant and he sustained injuries.

The prosecutor added that the convicts damaged the complainant’s car ignition key.

Babajide said the complainant was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

He told the court that during the police investigation, the convicts confessed to committing the crime.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of Sections 268, and 311 of the Penal Code.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166664

A civil society group, Speak Out Africa Initiative, has identified Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Delta, Rivers, Abia and Ebonyi as high-risk states for violence, vote-buying, and voters suppression.

The Executive Director of the group, Kenneth Eze, disclosed this on Thursday during a briefing with journalists in Abuja.

He explained that it had deployed 1,405 election radar officers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

He stated that security agencies must keep sight of desperate politicians ready to undermine the electoral process.

“We must not lose sight of desperate and unpopular political actors who resort to instigating violence to undermine the electoral process. We have seen hate speeches, abuse of political opponents, and attacks that have heightened the political space.

“Through our violence incidence tracker, we wish to alert the security agencies to place an eye on the following states as there is the likelihood of undemocratic actions to be carried out which are proponents of violence. Such states are Lagos as a HIGH-RISK state,” he said.

He stated that Rivers, Delta, Kano, Kaduna and Kogi states have a high risk of political skirmishes, vote buying, violence and other activities to compromise the forthcoming election.

However, Eze added that Benue, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Anambra, and Enugu are low-risk states requiring attention from security agencies.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166663

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has said God has a special assignment for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Primate Ayodele revealed God has given Atiku an assignment to rule Nigeria for just one term if he eventually wins.

In a statement by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele listed some of the assignments to include restructuring, fixing the education sector, reducing the price of petrol, and reviving the economy.

He, however, warned Atiku against neglecting all God-given policies if he doesn’t want to see the wrath of God.

Primate Ayodele claimed his statement is not to campaign for Atiku or to declare him the winner of the election, as it is only the people’s vote that can determine who wins.

He, however, said if he doesn’t win, Nigerians will suffer more than they have in the past administrations.

He said: “Among these three candidates, Atiku has been given an assignment from God to fix the nation within four years. If God gives Atiku victory in this election, he is to use only four years for this special assignment. If he wins and refuses to do the will of God for the people, he will see the wrath of God.

“He will not complete his term because God’s anger will be placed on him. His assignment is to form an all-inclusive government, take care of security within six months, restructure before his term ends, reduce petroleum prices, fix the education sector, and revive the economy.

“He must not start selling Nigeria’s property to his friends and if he does, he will see God’s anger. If God helps him to get there and he neglects all these policies, God’s wrath will be kindled against him.

“I am not saying Atiku will win the election, it’s only the people’s vote that can determine that but I am only saying what God sent me to say to Nigerians; Atiku has an assignment placed into his hands by God to fix the nation within four years. It’s your choice to vote for him or not but if he doesn’t emerge, the person that wins will only add to the yoke of Nigerians as it is written in 1king 12vs14. The people will suffer more than they have ever suffered in the past administrations.”

Primate Ayodele urged Atiku not to spend beyond four years, adding that God has made him the answer to Nigeria’s present crisis and that if Nigerians reject him, many more troubles will be experienced.

“Atiku, the Lord said I should tell you that if you win, you must not spend beyond four years or else you will see the anger of God. You must do an all-inclusive government, restructuring, security, health and everything to put Nigeria in order. If you don’t do these, God will be angry with you,” he said.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166661

The draw for the Europa League round of 16 has been completed.

Arsenal will play Sporting Lisbon, while Manchester United take on Real Betis.

Juventus have been drawn against Freiburg and Roma clash with Real Sociedad.

The matches have been scheduled for March 9 and second legs on March 16.

FULL FIXTURES

Union Berlin vs Union Saint-GilloiseSevilla vs FenerbahceJuventus vs FreiburgBayer Leverkusen vs FerencvarosSporting vs Arsenal󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Man Utd vs Real BetisRoma vs Real SociedadShakhtar Donetsk vs Feyenoord
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166660

A Karu Upper Area Court, sitting in Abuja, on Thursday sentenced a 20-year-old man, Idris Abba, to six months in prison for belonging to a gang of thieves and idle persons.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the convict, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the charges of belonging to a gang of thieves and idle persons.

The judge, Ishaq Hassan, however, gave the convict an option of N13,000 fine and warned him to desist from committing a crime.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Olarewaju Osho, told the court that on February 16, the convict was seen conducting himself in a suspicious manner.

He said how the convict conducted himself could cause undue apprehension to any reasonable person, with intent to commit felony.

Osho added that the convict was also seen in possession of a police identity card belonging to one Inspector Iware Obeten and could not give a satisfactory account of himself.

He said the offence was contrary to the Penal Code
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166659

A fatal crash that occurred on Thursday afternoon at Nabardo town along Bauchi – Jos road in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State has claimed the lives of 15 people.

Seven other people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crash that was caused by speed violation and dangerous driving.

The crash involved two commercial vehicles, a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number: YLA 984XA belonging to Adamawa Sunshine Transport Corporation which collided with a Howo Trailer with registration number: DKD32 XB belonging to Dangote Company.

The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corp, Bauchi State, Yusuf Abdullahi, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Thursday night.

He said: “Yes, there was a crash today, Thursday, February 23, 2023. The incident happened at Nabardo town in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

“It involved two vehicles belonging to Adamawa Sunshine and a Dangote Trailer. It occurred at 3.30pm, we were informed at 3.45pm and it took our men eight minutes to get to the scene for a rescue operation.

“A total of 22 people, two female adults, 18 male adults, one male child and one female child, were involved in the crash that was caused by speed violation and dangerous driving which led to a loss of control.

“Our men evacuated the victims to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi for medical treatment and confirmation.

“It was when they got there that a medical doctor confirmed 15 people, 12 male adults, one female adult, the male and female children, dead. Six male adults and one female adult sustained various degrees of injuries.”

The FRSC boss stated that all the corpses were deposited at the morgue of the Teaching Hospital after which they would be released to families of the deceased for burial.

He explained that the rescue of the victims was done in collaboration with men of the Nigeria Police Force.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166658

Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has raised the alarm over plans by some elements in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to foment violence in a few states in order to force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone Saturday’s election.

He said that the alternative plan was to hold a staggered election whereby elections would not be held simultaneously across the country.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the PDP presidential candidate, warned that failure to hold elections on the same day across the country would be an invitation to rigging.

He added that the violence in Kano was a prelude to this plan.

Mr Shaibu added, “Today, there was serious violence at the Kwanar Dangora on the outskirts of Kano City. This is a state where the APC holds sway. They have already started with the violence as they did in 2019, where they forced a rerun and then used violence to win.

“We also have it on good authority that this will happen in Borno, Yobe, Kaduna. Kaduna, in particular, must be singled out because the Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been prodding his people to disobey President Muhammadu Buhari. He has also been running from pillar to post since his plan to unleash the old naira notes on voters was scuttled by the Federal Government.”

Atiku’s aide commended the Nigeria Police Force for arresting and arraigning APC federal lawmaker in Rivers State, Ephraim Nwuzi, who was caught on video discussing plans to attack electoral officials in the state.

The PDP candidate asked the police not to leave any stone unturned ahead of the election, especially in Rivers State, which is one of the most volatile during elections.TEXEM Advert

He added, “We commend the police for arresting and arraigning the lawmaker representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Ephraim Nwuzi. His utterance is evidence that the APC has a grand plan to foment violence on election day. This is their only strategy to hold on to power after failing Nigerians.”

He also asked the police to pay close attention to states like Ebonyi, Cross River, and Imo states where the governors are bent on doing anything possible to ensure that Mr Tinubu gets the 25 per cent requirement.

“Ebonyi, Cross River, and Imo are all traditional PDP strongholds. However, their governors are members of the APC. They know that they cannot deliver their states for Bola Tinubu, who stands no chance of winning. With vote buying now very difficult, the only option will be to suppress votes through violence.

“The police, the military, and other security agencies must therefore keep an eye on these states in order to prevent violence,” he says.NAHCON State AD NAHCON Tour Operator AD NAHCON Cargo Operator AD

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The PDP candidate, who commended deployment of sizeable number of security agents in Lagos, said local government areas such as Oshodi/Isolo, Amuwo Odofin, Eti Osa, Ikorodu, Ojo, Ajeromi/Ifelodun and Surulere must be put on high alert to forestall intimidation and rigging.

“There have been complaints about voter suppression in Lagos in the past. In the 2019 presidential election, Oshodi/Isolo witnessed violence, which forced elections to be cancelled in some polling units. Even in Eti Osa today, a council secretary and traditional leader vowed to evict traders if they don’t vote for the APC.

“They are doing this to impress their master and godfather, Bola Tinubu, and we hope the international observers are seeing this. We commend the police for summoning those behind the threats against non-indigenes. But more efforts must be channelled towards arresting more of such bigots,” he stated.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166671

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned in strong terms the gruesome killing of the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District, Chief Oyibo Chukwu and his personal aide.

The President, in a release issued on Friday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, believed the perpetrators of this ignoble act, in Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, have no respect for human life and dignity, and therefore deserve the wrath of natural and divine justice.

The President affirmed his avowed commitment to an election that is devoid of violence and rancour.

He reminded all political actors that it is the choice of the electorate that counts, and therefore all eligible Nigerians should boldly exercise their civic rights without any fear of intimidation.

The President, therefore, directed security agencies to track down the culprits of this heinous crime, just as he commiserated with families of the victims, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Labour Party.

President Buhari prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for those who mourn.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166605

The Labour Party, LP, has slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for omitting the party’s logo on Lagos State ballot papers for the Saturday election.

Recall that INEC had on Wednesday taken delivery of sensitive materials for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections scheduled for Saturday, February 25.

LP Chairman in the State, Dayo Ekong, who decried the exclusion of the party’s logo on Senatorial and House of Representatives ballot papers in a statement on Thursday, called on the INEC to either correct the mistakes or reschedule the National Assembly election.

While calling on INEC to either correct what she described as an anomaly, she said, ”As Nigerians prepare to go to the polls to vote a new president and members of the Senate and House of Representatives on Saturday, the LP is decrying the flagrant exclusion of its National Assembly candidates on the ballot papers.

“This malicious ‘error’ was found out in Lagos this morning during the routine inspection of election materials by my executive members. It was at inspection that it was discovered that the L P was not listed for the election for the Senate and House of Representatives. This is unacceptable and a wicked way of disenfranchising Lagos State electorates.

“It is unimaginable that the Lagos electorate will only vote for the Labour Party Presidential Candidate for the elections slated for Saturday, Feb. 25, as INEC made no provision for the election of the Party’s Senate and House of Representatives Candidates. We cannot accept this as we do not believe that INEC made a mistake but rather a deliberate, malicious and intentional act to disenfranchise our supporters from exercising their civic rights, which is unacceptable.

”Further checks on the INEC website revealed that the names of Lagos LP candidates were not uploaded even as the list and court orders for the same were duly submitted to INEC and acknowledged. We have severally pointed out the bias displayed by the State INEC REC towards our Party and his increasing attacks on our leaders.”

The party, however, called on all stakeholders, lovers of democracy, foreign observers and the international community to quickly wade in.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166488

A member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, has been arrested with an unspecified amount of foreign currencies.

Igwe, who represents Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2, in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, was arrested on Friday morning along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.

Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the arrest to our correspondent said, “A statement on it will be released soon.

Igwe is said to be a staunch supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Details later…
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166487

The military, police and the Department of State Services have begun massive raids on the hideouts of hoodlums as a pre-emptive measure to curb violence during Saturday’s general election.

As part of the crackdown, no fewer than 63 suspected thugs were arrested in Kano on Thursday after hoodlums attacked the New Nigeria Peoples Party supporters.

It was learnt that at least four persons were killed while 10 vehicles were destroyed during the attack which occurred at noon along Naibawa-Zaria Road.

It was learnt that the NNPP supporters were on their way to Kwanar Dangora on the outskirts of the city to receive the party’s presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso when the incident happened.

Kwankwaso was on his way to Kano for the grand finale of his presidential campaign rally.

Our correspondent gathered that the NNPP, the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressive Congress had mobilised their members to drum up support for their presidential and national assembly candidates but their plans were scuttled by the violence.

The Public Relations Officer of the state Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ibrahim Abdullahi confirmed the arrest of 63 suspects to The PUNCH.

He said 40 suspected thugs were initially apprehended and handed over to the police but another set of 23 suspects were also arrested in connection with the attack.

“We have arrested about 63 suspected thugs for disrupting public peace, wielding dangerous weapons, burning vehicles and snatching handsets from people. They are going to be investigated before being arraigned in court, “ Abdullahi said.

Meanwhile, the state police command has ordered the immediate suspension of the presidential campaign grand finale planned by the APC, NNPP and the PDP in the state.

The police authorities also summoned the leadership of the three political parties to an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening, where they were cautioned against engaging in acts that could cause a public breach.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mu’azu Mohammed, in a statement, advised the parties to “postpone the planned presidential/national assembly rallies to a later date after the February 25 elections.”

DSS raid

In a related development, the DSS said it recovered dangerous weapons from a property along Airport Road, Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.

The service in a statement by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, described untrue allegations by a party in the state that it was intimidating its members.

Although the service did not disclose the party, checks by our correspondent revealed that the Kano State chapter of the NNPP had earlier accused the service of intimidating its members and carrying out raids on its campaign offices in the state.

But Afunanya, who said the operation was intelligence-driven, questioned how the weapons got to the property.

The statement partly read, “To achieve the desired environment for the elections, the service engaged in proactive and intelligence-led operations across states.

‘’For instance, on February 22, 2023, the service conducted a legally backed search operation on a property along Airport Road, Nasarawa LGA, Kano State. During the operation, it recovered dangerous weapons including a gun, daggers, swords, and jack-knives from the said building.

‘’Therefore, the accusation that the service intimidated a particular political party in that state is untrue; otherwise, how come those weapons were found there? Are those objects of violence campaign materials?

‘’Whether in Kano or elsewhere, the DSS has provided equal opportunities for all political parties to engage in their lawful activities. We can say this without any form of contradictions or equivocations.”

Reacting to the allegation, the Chief Spokesman for the NNPP Presidential Campaign Council, Ladipo Johnson, said, “Let’s wait for the DSS to identify the party. How can we tell if this is not an attempt to disparage the party on the eve of a very important election? Do you know whether some people deliberately placed the weapons there? It is possible. I haven’t heard anything, but we will find out.’’

Speaking at a joint briefing with select journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the security forces vowed to defend democracy in the country.

The Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, warned that a ‘strong force’ would be deployed against those attempting to breach public peace during the elections.

He said, “We are set to conduct a hitch-free election in the country. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is prepared to support the police and other government agencies responsible for conducting elections. The Chief of Defence Staff has sent out strong messages that the AFN is committed to total collaboration with other security agencies to ensure this election is successful.

“The AFN is committed to strong and viable constitutional democracy, we are very loyal to the Nigerian state and we are ready to defend democracy at all costs. During the elections, all our normal operations and duties will continue simultaneously across the country.

“I want to use this opportunity to re-echo the warning of the CDS to undesirable elements that the AFN and other security agencies are ready and will subvert any threats to peace and tranquillity, and strong force will be applied to those that want to breach public peace during the general election. The AFN has adequately sensitised its personnel on their expected roles throughout the election.”

Police warnThe Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the police were ready to protect democracy, assuring that the elections would be free and fair.

He said,” Like the military, we are ready to protect democracy, we are ready to give good security to our electoral process so that we can have free, fair, credible and even acceptable general elections in 2023 in the philosophy of Mr President who said he wants free, fair and credible elections. Despite belonging to a political party, he wants to give every Nigerian his rights, and liberty to do whatever he wants to do.”

He added that the ban on the unauthorised use of vehicles, sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates, unregistered vehicles, and tinted glasses was still in force, explaining that police officers on election duties had been ordered to arrest violators of this order.

Adejobi said anyone not enjoying immunity as prescribed by the constitution should not come to the polling units with their security details.

Adejobi said the restriction of movement order would be enforced, insisting that there would be a curb on free movement on election day.

Adejobi said, “The restriction order is very key for all of us to have a well-organized security arrangement for the success of the electoral process. Exceptions to these restrictions include accredited members of the press and essential workers.

The nationwide security operation is happening against the backdrop of the pockets of pre-election violence which had claimed several lives.

On Wednesday night, the Labour Party candidate for Enugu East Senatorial district, Oyibo Chukwu, was attacked and killed while returning from a campaign trip in the Agbani area of Enugu State.

Also, gunmen believed to be cultists attacked the campaign convoy of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, Oforchukwu Egbo, killing his driver.

Despite the assurances of the security agencies, gunmen on Wednesday kidnapped Ugoeze Umugborogu, the wife of the traditional ruler of Amuro autonomous community in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

The rampaging hoodlums also razed the country homes of the chairmen of the All Progressives Congress and Labour Party in Amuro ward.

The development caused panic in the community as the residents fled their homes.

A source who did not want to be named told our correspondent that the attackers set the houses ablaze immediately after they arrived at the two compounds.

The source said, “Ugoeze Umugborogu, the wife of the late king of the Amuro autonomous community has been kidnapped.

“After kidnapping the woman, the gunmen went to the house of the Labour Party chairman in Amuro ward, Ifediora Umegboroagu and razed it. The man and his family were away when they struck.

“They equally razed the house of the APC chairman in the ward. This is getting out of hand. The government should come to our rescue.”

Okigwe LGA has in the past months become a hotbed for criminal activities.

Just on Tuesday, armed men razed down five houses in the Amagu Ihube community in the Okigwe LGA.

The affected houses belonged to the state commissioner for youths and sports, Emeka Okoronkwo, a former Dean of the Law Faculty of the Imo State University, Nnamdi Obiaraeri, a retired Director of State Security Service, Nnaemeka Ngwu and two others.

Some gunmen had last week torched the country homes of the Labour Party House of Assembly candidate for Okigwe LGA, Nnaemeka Obiaraeri and that of the Director-General of the campaign council for the LP House of Representatives candidate for Okigwe North, Okey Unam.

The spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, told our correspondent that he had yet to be briefed on the latest incidents.

In Ebonyi, the series of pre-election violence rocking the state took another gruesome turn as armed men killed Monday Idoko, the chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Ohofia Agba Ward, in the Ishielu Local Government Area.

Idoko was reportedly shot in the head at his Onueke village in the Ezza South Council of the state at about 11pm on Wednesday.

A family relative who spoke in tears explained that the assailants dragged out the victim who was asleep before shooting him in the head.

“My brother, the story is very traumatic. It was a family member that alerted me that some unknown armed persons came to their house just before midnight, broke in and dragged him out before shooting him in the head,’’ he stated.

But for providence, the PDP candidate Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, Oforchukwu Egbo, might have been killed during an attack on his campaign convoy on Wednesday night at Eke-Otu in Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Although details of the attack were sketchy, it was gathered that the hoodlums killed the driver of a bus in the convoy.

His body, according to reports, was burnt together with the vehicle.

The attack came to light as Enugu residents were mourning the murder of the Labour Party Enugu East Senatorial candidate, Oyibo Chukwu, who was killed on Wednesday night.

Chukwu, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association was attacked and killed with his supporters in his vehicle by gunmen who operated in a Hilux van at Eke-Out.

However, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police Ahmed Ammani has ordered a manhunt for the killers of the LP candidate.

Reacting in a statement after visiting the scenes of the attacks at Ebony Paint Road and Eke-Otu both in Amechi-Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, on Thursday, Ammani condemned the killings, describing it as unacceptable in a democracy.

Police begin manhunt

The police spokesman in the state Daniel Ndukwe, said the CP had also ordered the intensification of discreet investigations and manhunt of the subversive criminal elements.

Ndukwe said a preliminary investigation into the incidents indicated that the armed hoodlums operating in a tricycle attacked a PDP campaign mini-bus at Topland by Ebony Paint Road, Amechi-Awkunanaw Enugu, and used a petrol bomb to set it ablaze, burning to death its driver, simply identified as KC Great.

“In a similar fashion, another set of the same armed assailants operating in a Hilux vehicle attacked and set ablaze the campaign vehicle of the Labour Party, at Eke-Otu Amechi-Awkunanaw, Enugu, burning to death the party’s senatorial candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District, Barr. Oyibo Chukwu and his personal assistant (male) were with him in the vehicle.

“However, the miscreants were repelled by security operatives while attempting to also attack the convoy of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress at Eke, Agbani, Nkanu West LGA,” Ndukwe disclosed.

In another tragic incident, a supporter of the LP presidential candidate has shot dead a PDP loyalist, Mr Philemon Usman in Kaduna. A bullet also hit Mrs Anna Joe.

It was gathered that the incident happened during a heated argument about the presidential candidate that should be voted for.

It was learnt that the incident occurred at Gonin Gora, a suburb of Kaduna town in the Chukun Local Government Area of the State on February 2.

Narrating the incident to our correspondent on Thursday, the surviving victim, Mrs Anna Joe, explained that the sad incident occurred at her beer parlour while she was about to close for the day.
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Spain’s most capped player, Sergio Ramos, has explained the reasons for announcing his retirement from the Spanish national team.

The 36-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender, who won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 as well as two European Championships, has not played for Spain since March 2021.

He cited a lack of playtime and exclusion from the new coach, Luis de la Fuente’s plans as reasons for his retirement announcement.

Prior to the discussion he had with the new coach, Ramos had missed the Euro 2021 championship due to injury.

The last few years of his career haven’t gone according to plan as he wanted to represent the national team in the world cup but was not included in Spain’s squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 under former manager Luis Enrique who was dismissed after the quarter-final exit to Morocco.

When Luis de la Fuente was announced as the new coach of Spain after the Qatar world cup 2022, there were rumours that Ramos will be called up for the next international fixtures. But according to Sergio Ramos, the coach called him and said he will not count on him regardless of how he performed at the club level.

This made him realise his time is up, forcing him to announce his retirement for good.

Announcing his retirement via his verified Instagram on Thursday, the 52 times Spain captain wrote, “The time has come, the time to say ‘goodbye’ to our beloved and exciting national team.

“This morning, I received the call from the current coach who told me that he doesn’t and will not count on me, regardless of the level I can show or how I continue my sports career.”

The Spanish FA confirmed to Reuters that the conversation between coach De la Fuente and Ramos took place on Thursday, but provided no further details.

“Humbly, I think that my path deserved to end because of my personal decision or if my performance was not up to the level that our national team deserve, but not because of age or other reasons,” Ramos said.

“Being young or less young is not a virtue or a defect, it is only a temporary trait that is not necessarily related to performance or ability.

“I look with admiration and envy at (Luka) Modric, (Lionel) Messi, Pepe… the essence, tradition, values, meritocracy and justice in football.

“Unfortunately, it will not happen to me because football is not always fair and football is never only about football.”
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166484

Austin Adigwe returns with yet another soul-lifting song titled “Our Father” Produced by Lord Louis

Commenting on the song Minister Austin said “This very groovy prayer-packed worship song that reminds us of God’s unfailing love for mankind and his desire that we love one another, it’s a song that promotes peace and healing which are essential variables of our Christian faith

The award-winning singer, Austin Adigwe is from Delta State and a true lover of Christ his journey into the gospel music ministration has been remarkable and filled with great songs and messages.

Still enjoying massive audiences with Answer, Jesus Never Fails, Chioma, Nonso, You Alone Can Heal, and very many other great songs

Our Father It’s a song for everybody and is out on all major platforms

https://www.youtube.com/embed/23aP0EQhEhk

DOWNLOAD HERE

Our Father lyrics by Austin Adigwe

Oh oh oh (Our Father)

Our Father (Who Art in Heaven)

Who Art in Heaven (Hallowed Be Your Name)

Say Our Father (Our Father)

Our Father (Who Art in Heaven)

Who Art in Heaven (Hallowed Be Your Name)

Hello God (Our Father)

We Call on You (Who Art in Heaven)

Your Peace we need in this World (Hallowed Be Your Name)

Our Father (Our Father)

We Are Your Children (Who Art in Heaven)

We Cry for mercy (Hallowed Be Your Name)

Weapon of Victory Lord2x (Prayer is my Weapon of Victory and Glory)

Weapon of Victory 2x(Praise is my Weapon of Victory and Glory)

(Through Christ the Lord) I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me

(Through Christ the Lord) I can do all things. 2x

(Through Christ the Lord) Through Christ My Lord.

Oh oh oh (Our Father)

Our Father (Who Art in Heaven)

Who Art in Heaven (Hallowed Be Your Name)

Say Our Father (Our Father)

Come fill Our Hearts (Who Art in Heaven)

With Love for Others (Hallowed Be Your Name)

Be Glorified (Our Father)

Be Magnified (Who Art in Heaven)

In all we do Lord (Hallowed Be Your Name)

Our Father (Our Father)

Come Heal our Land (Who Art in Heaven)

Restore your Glory (Hallowed Be Your Name)

Weapon of Victory Lord2x (Prayer is my Weapon of Victory and Glory)

Weapon of Victory 2x(Praise is my Weapon of Victory and Glory)

(Through Christ the Lord) I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me

(Through Christ the Lord) I can do all things. 2x

(Through Christ the Lord) Through Christ My Lord.

Your dried Bone shall Rise Again

So Says the Lord 3x
https://www.otowngist.com/2023/02/download-lyrics-video-austin-adigwe-our-father/

The development is a result of the redesigned currency policy of the country’s apex financial institution- the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

CBN, in 2022, announced the currency redesign policy and gave 31 January deadline for the N200, N500, and N1,000 old notes to remain legal tender in the country.

Following outcries by many Nigerians including state governors and the leadership of the ruling political party- All Progressives Congress (APC), the CBN announced a deadline extension of an additional 10 days while also approving the CBN to continue to accept the deposit of the designated old naira notes.Dangote adbanner 728x90_2 (1)

However, the new notes in circulation have been found to be grossly inadequate compared to the old notes withdrawn from circulation. And in response to the challenges, protesting Nigerians have continued to descend on bank branches and public facilities, burning some of them down.

Just on Monday, three branches of different banks were vandalised and razed in Sagamu, Ogun State, South-west Nigeria, while other public facilities were also torched by the violent protesters.

But some state governors have mandated their residents to continue to trade in the old currency notes, defying President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that only the old N200 notes should be released back into circulation and be spent concurrently with the new notes.About the deceased

Sources confirmed that the late official joined the university in 1986 as a Typist II, and rose through the ranks to become a chief executive in charge of accounts at the bursary.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the deceased’s wife also works at the same bursary unit on the campus.

“He was expected to retire in 2024. His wife also works in the same unit. So, it was just an unfortunate incident,” another source said.
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At least two people have died and more than 50 are missing after a coal mine collapsed in northern China’s Inner Mongolia region on Wednesday, state media reported.

The collapse occurred in Alxa League in the western part of the region at around 1 pm (0500 GMT), according to state broadcaster CCTV.

“Currently, the incident has caused the deaths of two people and injured six, with 53 missing,” CCTV said in a social media post.

Earlier Wednesday, CCTV reported that a collapse had occurred over a “wide area” of an open-pit mine operated by the Xinjing Coal Mining Company.

“A number of working staff and vehicles have been buried,” the broadcaster said at the time, adding that rescue personnel have been dispatched to the scene.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed authorities to “do everything possible to search for and rescue the missing people”, CCTV reported.

Officials must “use all their strength to rescue and treat the injured, protect the security of people’s lives and property as well as overall social stability”, Xi said, according to the broadcaster.

Eight rescue teams comprising more than 330 personnel have been dispatched to the site, along with over 100 pieces of rescue equipment, state-affiliated outlet The Paper reported.

Phone calls to the mining company by AFP went unanswered on Wednesday evening.

Mine safety in China has improved in recent decades, as has media coverage of major incidents, many of which were once overlooked.

But accidents still occur frequently in an industry where safety protocols are often lax, especially at the most rudimentary sites.

Some 40 people were working underground when a gold mine in the northwestern Xinjiang region collapsed in December.

In 2021, 20 miners were rescued from a flooded coal mine in northern Shanxi province while two others died.

AFP
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166456

Gunmen, in the early hours of Tuesday, razed the country home of the Imo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Emeka Okoronkwo.

Also razed is the country home of a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Imo State University, Owerri, Nnamdi Obiaraeri, who served as Commissioner for Information, Youths and Sports as well as Land and Urban Planning, respectively during the administrations of former governors of the state, Ikedi Ohakim and Rochas Okorocha.

The country home of a retired Director of the Department of Security Service, Emeka Ngwu, was also burnt.

PUNCH Metro learnt that an old woman who was in Ngwu’s house died in the fire.

Two houses belonging to two other prominent sons of the area whose identities are yet to be ascertained by our correspondent were also burnt.

The incident happened at Amagu Ihube community in the Okigwe Local Government Area of the state.

Okoronkwo confirmed the burning of his house when our correspondent contacted him.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the attack and told our correspondent that an investigation had started in other to arrest the fleeing suspects.

Ihube has recently become the hotbed of criminal activities with the country homes of the candidate of the Labour Party for Okigwe Local Government Area, Nnaemeka Obiaraeri; and the Director General of the campaign organisation of the LP’s House of Representatives candidate, Okey Unam, burnt.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166454

Big Brother Naija Lockdown disqualified ex-housemate, Erica Nlewedim has lent her voice against bullying people to support a particular candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections.

In the last few weeks, some celebrities such as Eniola Badmus, Bimbo Akintola, Toyin Abraham, Foluke Daramola and other supporters of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been bullied over their choice of candidates in the forthcoming election.

Speaking against the act which has since become a norm among some social media users, Erica noted that as long as the country practices the democratic system of Government, no one deserves to be bullied or forced to support someone they do not desire.

She wrote: “At the end of the day it’s a democracy, no one should be bullied or forced to support anyone.”
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166453

The spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo has revealed why his party needs cash on election day. According to him, the reason is because his party wants to buy coke, pepsi and other things for agents. He said the money is used as stipends, not vote buying.

He said: Every political party needs to move money around on election day… agents will drink Coke, Pepsi, they need to buy bread”

Watch video below:

https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1626659983860326400/vid/480x270/fyqFW_n5TXzMC_Tz.mp4?tag=16
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Angry Nigerians have taken to social media to drag Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham for defending the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate Bola Tinubu.

This was following a live video between Kemi Afolabi and Toyin Abraham that captured moments the former angrily called out Toyin for supporting and defending Tinubu.

Although they did not exchange insulative words, Kemi Afolabi expressed anger because Toyin Abraham vouched for Tinubu.

Kemi Afolabi iterated some issues in Nigeria, including the End SARS mass killings, fuel scarcity, poor conditions of public infrastructure and lack of social amenities for the less privileged.

Kemi Afolabi, who claimed she is not soliciting support from fans, narrated her ordeals when she was in dire need of treatment and admitted to a public hospital.

Nigerians drag Toyin Abraham for defending Tinubu

Many took to the comment section to drag Toyin Abraham for defending Tinubu without considering their dislike for him.

Some claimed Toyin Abraham purposely declared her candidate after her movie sold out in the cinema, claiming they would have boycotted her.

One Laviva wrote, “Toyin, you are talking in the nonsense. You should have said this before putting out your latest movie.”

“Toyin saying why not talk about police brutality and not End sars is that not what birth end sars? Even in Lagos, that tinubu resides, what was his response to that protest” one Esty noted.

Another one, accessories, wrote, “This Toyin will think she has sense, why didn’t she declare for Tinubu before releasing that ijakumo movie…..”

One Simbiii wrote, “Lol, it’s funny how she didn’t start her campaign before her new movie.”
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Yinka Ayefele, musician and Chairman of Fresh media group has denied rumours that he's dead. Ayefele debunked the rumour after it had circulated on Tiktok on Tuesday. It was gathered that the widely watched video, which was said to have been made by one David had his pictures and that of his triplet with a dirge from gospel singer Tope Alabi as the soundtrack. According to Ayefele he has been getting calls from friends and loved all over the world to ask if all is well.

The musician, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday night confirmed he was alive and healthy while he wondered why someone would create a video to spread rumours of his death. According to him, he will not die but live to declare the glory of God.

He said “I will not die but live to declare the works of God. God knows the people behind this very dastardly act and will punish them. What will they gain from spreading rumours of my death?

“On Fresh FM, Ibadan this evening, I did my programme called Let’s Talk about It jointly with Enitan Olusegun Bamidele (EOB). My phone kept ringing while on the show and Whatsapp messages have jammed by my phone as well.

“A lot of my fans and admirers from all over the world kept calling to find out what really happened. On realising it was fake news, they started cursing those behind it.

“I wish to tell Nigerians that I am hale and hearty and not dead. I am not even under the weather. For someone to conjure up this kind of wickedness is disheartening. I have handed over those behind it to God who will mete out appropriate punishment to them. “My fans, please disregard the rumour. If Jesus tarries, we will be here for a long time.”
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=166344

The UK has revealed three things Nigeria's next President must do after being elected this Saturday. According to UK, the new president must remove fuel subsidy. British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing spoke on Tuesday when she was featured on Channels Television’s election programme The 2023 Verdict.

“There are two or three key decisions that the incoming president must take. Number one is to remove the fuel subsidy which is draining but to do it in a way that protects poor people,” the British envoy said during his appearance on the show “Secondly is to tackle the multiple exchange rates or else businesses just will not invest in this country if they can’t secure their foreign exchange. And three, raise taxes. You have one of the lowest tax ratios in the modern world. And without raising revenue, you can’t invest in public services. And public services, infrastructure, education is key to the future.”

According to her, the next government should also embrace inclusiveness and ensure youths and women are prioritised. She argued that “a strong inclusive team” will help the next Nigerian leader to tackle the country’s “pretty enormous challenges”. For her, the next president should equally “bring all that talent together and reach out to other political parties”.

The British High Commissioner who said her country is keenly watching the next elections decried the rising levels of violence in the leadup to this month’s exercise. “There is a worrying round of insecurity and violence. In this pre-election period, the number of incidents is higher than in the last election,” she said, expressing concerns about safety after the elections.

“That’s one of my fears and worries but assuming we can get through that, the future looks bright for Nigeria with the incoming president – whoever it is – tackling these challenges ,” she said “The UK, like most of the international community, wants Nigeria to succeed.”
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