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Fresh Arrests Loom in INEC as EFCC Probes 20 States

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Achike Udenwa
  • Fresh Arrests Loom in INEC as EFCC Probes 20 States

The South-South geopolitical zone has recorded the highest number of people who took part in the Continuous Voter Registration between the months of April and September 2017.

This is according to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who also disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was already probing the commission’s officials in 20 states over alleged electoral fraud.

He said this during a quarterly consultative meeting with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

Regarding the prosecution and probe of 205 of its officials for allegedly receiving part of the N23bn reportedly disbursed by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani-Alison Madueke, the INEC boss said he would continue to cooperate with the EFCC.

Yakubu said the last report given to him by the EFCC involved 16 states. He said the EFCC was already probing INEC officials in 20 other states

He said, “I want to say that this is the first time in the history of our elections that in one fell swoop, 205 officials were disciplined based on the interim report we received from the EFCC covering 16 states.

“Under the terms and conditions of service what we can do is to interdict them which means placing them on half salary and suspending them from work until their innocence or guilt is established. The last report covered 16 states and only last week I heard they had started prosecuting them.

“However, after receiving the report, we had a discussion with the EFCC and told them that for the outstanding 20 states, they should not submit any interim report to INEC but just prosecute them.

“Once they are taken to court, we activate the provisions of the terms and conditions of service. Whatever we need to do we will do even if it means getting rid of everybody in the commission and recruiting afresh for the purpose of the 2019 elections. We are committed to doing so.”

Giving a breakdown of the Continuous Voter Registration conducted between April and September 2017, the INEC boss said about 667, 103 persons registered to vote in the South-South geopolitical zone. The zone comprises Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states.

The South-West came in second with 532,172 persons registered to vote while the North-West, which has seven states, had a combined 477, 056 registered voters.

The North-Central came in fourth with 374, 923 while the South-East which has five states recorded 352,942 voters.

In the North-East, 350,398 registered within the same period.

Rivers State recorded the highest number of registered voters at 151, 398 while Lagos came second with 144, 076. Ondo recorded the lowest number with 29, 766.

In total, about 2, 786, 405 persons registered to vote between April and September. However, only 108, 752 had come forward to claim their cards.

Yakubu said eight million voter cards remain unclaimed.

Yakubu lamented that out of the eight million PVCs were unclaimed nationwide, Lagos accounted for about one million.

He said, “Some of you will also recall that Lagos has recorded the least collection of PVCs not in terms of numbers but in relation to the numbers that registered. Out of the eight plus million PVCs still uncollected nationwide, over a million are uncollected in Lagos.”

The INEC boss said the voter apathy in Lagos was worrisome as various strategies employed by INEC seemed not to be working.

He said the last two by-elections in Lagos had recorded very low turnout.

The INEC chairman said the commission was ready for the Anambra governorship election which comes up next month.

He said over 6,000 smartcard readers would be used for the election

The INEC boss said the commission would not be discouraged by the legal obstacles it was facing in the process of recalling the Kogi-West lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye.

Yakubu said constituents had the right to recall anybody they wanted to in a democracy.

The INEC boss also warned politicians seeking to run in 2018 and 2019 to stop campaigning as this was in contravention of the Electoral Act.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Iran Mourns: Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian

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Ebrahim Raisi

A tragic helicopter crash has claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, sending shockwaves across the nation and plunging the country into mourning.

The fatal incident occurred in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, where the helicopter carrying the two senior officials and several other passengers crashed, resulting in the loss of all on board.

The crash site, now a scene of charred wreckage, stands as a somber reminder of the untimely demise of these key figures in Iranian politics.

President Raisi, who assumed office in August 2021, was widely regarded for his commitment to serving the Iranian people and advancing the nation’s interests on the global stage.

His tenure as president was marked by efforts to strengthen Iran’s position in regional affairs and enhance diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.

Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian played a pivotal role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy, particularly in fostering closer ties with neighboring nations in the Middle East, including Arab countries across the Gulf.

His diplomatic acumen and dedication to advancing Iran’s interests earned him respect both domestically and internationally.

The news of their tragic deaths has elicited an outpouring of grief and condolences from leaders and citizens alike, both within Iran and abroad.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his deep sadness over the loss, highlighting President Raisi’s commitment to justice, peace, and the upliftment of the Muslim world.

Similarly, the European Union extended its sincere condolences to the families of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, acknowledging the profound impact of their untimely passing on the Iranian nation.

The helicopter crash not only robbed Iran of two of its most prominent leaders but also left a void in the country’s political landscape.

As the nation grapples with this immense loss, tributes pour in from all corners, commemorating the contributions of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian to the advancement of Iran’s interests and the well-being of its people.

The legacy of these esteemed leaders will endure in the hearts and minds of Iranians, serving as a guiding light for future generations as they navigate the complexities of governance and diplomacy in an ever-changing world.

Iran mourns the loss of two of its finest sons, whose dedication and service will be remembered for years to come.

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DR Congo Thwarts Coup Attempt: Leader Killed, Several Arrested

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Vital Kamerhe

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) found itself on the brink of chaos as an attempted coup unfolded in its capital, Kinshasa.

The government swiftly acted to quell the insurgency, resulting in the death of the coup leader and the arrest of several others involved.

The assault, which occurred on Sunday morning, sent shockwaves through the mineral-rich central African nation, already grappling with political instability and external pressures.

The target of the attack was the residence of Vital Kamerhe, a prominent political figure in Congo’s landscape and a candidate for the head of the National Assembly.

Led by Christian Malanga, the self-exiled leader of the New Zaire movement, the attackers descended upon Kinshasa in two groups, initiating their assault on Kamerhe’s residence.

Despite the initial skirmish that claimed the lives of two police officers, the attempted coup lacked the military support necessary to pose a significant threat to the government’s stability.

After the failed attempt to seize power, Malanga and his cohorts proceeded to the office of President Tshisekedi, where they brazenly defaced Congolese flags and hoisted the banner of the former Zaire.

However, their actions were swiftly met with resistance from the Republican Guard, resulting in a fatal confrontation that claimed the lives of multiple attackers, including Malanga himself.

The involvement of three American citizens among the assailants adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.

While details surrounding their participation remain murky, the revelation has drawn the attention of both Congolese authorities and the U.S. government, signaling potential diplomatic ramifications.

Vital Kamerhe, the intended target of the coup, emerged unscathed from the ambush on his residence. However, his absence from public discourse following the incident leaves many questions unanswered regarding his stance and potential involvement in the foiled insurgency.

The failed coup underscores the fragile political landscape of the DRC, where power struggles and external interests converge amid the backdrop of immense mineral wealth.

As the nation navigates the aftermath of this brazen attempt to destabilize its government, concerns over internal cohesion and foreign intervention loom large on the horizon.

In the wake of the thwarted coup, Congolese authorities are expected to intensify efforts to maintain stability and root out any remnants of dissent.

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Netanyahu Stands Firm as US Halts Bomb Shipment Over Rafah Invasion Warning

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Netanyahu

Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a defiant stance following the US decision to halt a shipment of bombs and warned against Israel’s potential invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

In a bold statement, Netanyahu declared, “If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone,” emphasizing Israel’s resolve to pursue its objectives despite opposition.

The Prime Minister’s comments, delivered via social media and a subsequent interview with American talk show host Dr. Phil, underscore Israel’s determination to address security threats posed by the Gaza Strip, particularly by Hamas militants operating in Rafah.

Netanyahu reiterated the necessity of military action in Rafah to eliminate the remaining Hamas battalions, condemned Hamas’s history of violence and reiterated Israel’s commitment to achieving victory and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

The US administration, led by President Joe Biden, expressed concerns over the potential humanitarian impact of an Israeli invasion of Rafah, prompting the decision to withhold additional offensive weapons shipments to Israel.

Biden’s statement echoed broader international apprehensions about the escalation of violence and civilian casualties in the conflict-stricken region.

However, Netanyahu remained resolute in Israel’s approach, asserting the country’s right to defend itself against security threats. He emphasized Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate the evacuation of civilians from Rafah before any military action.

Despite the US’s decision to pause the bomb shipment, Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s commitment to its longstanding alliance with the US. He acknowledged past disagreements between the two nations but expressed optimism about resolving current tensions through dialogue and cooperation.

In response, White House officials reiterated the US’s support for Israel’s security while urging restraint and emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The administration clarified that the decision to halt the bomb shipment was aimed at preventing potential civilian casualties in Rafah.

The confrontation between Israel and the US underscores the complexity of navigating regional conflicts and balancing strategic interests. As tensions persist, both nations face the challenge of reconciling their respective security imperatives with broader humanitarian concerns, seeking to avert further escalation while addressing the root causes of the conflict in the Middle East.

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