In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, few figures stand out quite like Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni. As a core contributor to the Tari project, Spagni is leveraging his expertise to make crypto mining accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background. With the recent launch of Tari Universe on the testnet (currently available through a waitlist since September 12th), Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni is breaking down barriers and inviting a broader audience into the crypto mining sphere.

Demystifying Crypto Mining

Crypto mining has traditionally been seen as a complex and resource-intensive process, often requiring specialized hardware and in-depth technical knowledge. Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni recognized these obstacles and set out to create a solution that would democratize access to crypto mining. Enter Tari Universe – a groundbreaking application that allows users to mine Tari tokens using their existing Mac or PC.

“Tari Universe is designed to be as user-friendly as possible,” explains Riccardo Spagni. “We wanted to eliminate the technical hurdles that prevent everyday people from participating in crypto mining. Now, if you can download an app and click ‘start mining,’ you’re already part of the Tari network.”

The Magic of Tari Universe

What sets Tari Universe apart is its intuitive and engaging interface. The application uses RandomX, an ASIC-resistant hashing algorithm, which means there’s no need for expensive, specialized mining equipment. Users simply download Tari Universe for free, install it, and begin mining with a single click.

But Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni didn’t stop at making mining accessible; he wanted to make it enjoyable. Tari Universe transforms the abstract process of mining into a visual experience. The Tari blockchain is represented as a sleek tower, with each block depicted as a floor. Users join a “Tribe” that collaborates to build the next floor before others do, turning mining into an interactive and communal activity.

“By visualizing the blockchain, we’re helping users understand how the technology works,” says Spagni. “It’s not just about earning tokens; it’s about being part of a community and enjoying the journey together.”

Tari Universe

Championing Fairness and Decentralization

Fairness and decentralization are core principles for Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni and the Tari project. Tari Universe utilizes p2pool decentralized pool software, which means there are no centralized mining pools, no fees, and no need to trust unknown operators with your rewards. Users are automatically assigned to Tribes, ensuring a fair distribution of mining efforts and rewards.

“Decentralization is vital for the health and security of any blockchain network,” notes Riccardo Spagni. “With Tari Universe, we’re ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and benefit. It’s about empowering individuals rather than central authorities.”

Addressing Economic Challenges

In a time when inflation is rising, and many people face financial uncertainties, Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni sees crypto mining as a valuable opportunity. By making mining accessible through Tari Universe, he’s offering a way for individuals to potentially improve their financial situations without significant upfront costs.

“Crypto mining shouldn’t be exclusive to those with deep pockets or technical expertise,” says Spagni. “We’re opening the doors for anyone interested in exploring new financial avenues.”

Building a Decentralized Future

The launch of Tari Universe on the testnet is just the beginning. Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni and the Tari contributors have plans to expand the platform’s features and reach. With automated updates, users will have access to new functionalities as they become available, making Tari Universe a dynamic and evolving hub for crypto enthusiasts.

“Our goal is to create a one-stop shop for all things crypto,” explains Spagni. “As the Tari ecosystem grows, so will the capabilities of Tari Universe. We’re excited to see how users engage with the platform and contribute to its development.”

Join the Tari Universe Waitlist

While Tari Universe is currently in the testnet phase and available through a waitlist, Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni encourages interested users to sign up and secure their spot. By visiting [universe.tari.com](https://universe.tari.com), users can join the waitlist and even improve their position by inviting friends.

“We’re eager to welcome new users to the Tari community,” says Spagni. “Whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned veteran, Tari Universe offers something unique and accessible.”

About Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni

Riccardo Spagni, affectionately known as “fluffypony” in the cryptocurrency world, has been a prominent figure in the blockchain community for years. As a core contributor to Tari, he brings a wealth of experience and a passion for making blockchain technology accessible and user-friendly. His work focuses on promoting decentralization, fairness, and community engagement within the crypto space.

Riccardo Spagni

The Impact of Tari Universe

The introduction of Tari Universe represents a significant shift in how people can interact with and benefit from cryptocurrency mining. By simplifying the process and making it more engaging, Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni is paving the way for broader adoption of blockchain technology.

“Tari Universe is more than just a mining app; it’s a gateway to the world of crypto,” states Spagni. “We’re lowering the barriers to entry and inviting everyone to participate in building a decentralized future.”

Looking Ahead

With the mainnet release on the horizon, Tari Universe is set to transition smoothly from the testnet phase. Users who join the waitlist now will automatically receive updates and access to the mainnet version upon its release.

“We’re committed to providing a seamless experience for our users,” assures Riccardo Spagni. “Our automated update feature ensures that you’ll always have the latest tools and features at your fingertips.”

Get Involved with Tari Universe Today

Join the Waitlist: Secure your spot by visiting universe.tari.com.

Learn More About Tari: Discover how the Tari protocol is revolutionizing blockchain technology.

Connect with Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni: Follow him on social media for updates and insights into the crypto world: x.com/fluffypony.

Final Thoughts

Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni’s work with Tari Universe is a testament to his commitment to making cryptocurrency accessible and fair. By removing technical barriers and fostering a sense of community, he’s inviting a new wave of users to explore the possibilities of crypto mining.

“Inclusivity and empowerment are at the heart of what we’re doing,” concludes Spagni. “We believe that by making crypto mining accessible to all, we’re contributing to a more decentralized and equitable digital landscape.”

Whether you’re an experienced crypto enthusiast or someone curious about dipping your toes into the world of blockchain, Tari Universe, guided by the vision of Riccardo “fluffypony” Spagni, offers an exciting and user-friendly platform to begin your journey.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A former  President of the Senate, Ameh Ebute, has accused the Benue State National Assembly caucus of taking sides in the crisis rocking the state chapter of the party.

Recall that both the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume have been having a running battle over the control of the party structure in the state.

Ebute in a statement issued Saturday noted that the two senators from Zones A and B Senatorial Districts of Benue State and a member of the House of Representatives representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency are giving the impression that the governor was rejecting the peace move by President Bola Tinubu. 

He said: “These two Senators and a member of the House of Representatives had their candidatures and their election to the National Assembly by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) when he was the leader of the party in Benue State.

“Having been elected to the Senate and House of Representatives respectively, I expect them to sponsor bills and carry out oversight functions that will lead to the development of their constituencies particularly and Nigeria generally. 

“I do not expect them to constitute themselves into a so-called National Assembly Caucus of only three and distract the attention of the Benue State Chief Executive. In all states of the federation where a particular political party produces the governor, the governor is the leader of that party in the state.”

Ebute revealed that APC elders in the state have advised the governor not to allow the sharing of party leadership functions with any other government official, no matter how highly placed.

He pointed out that it was not the issue of the governor respecting peace moves by the President, it was the issue of standing by the rules of the general practice of the presidential system of government whereby the president of the country is the ultimate leader of the party in the country, while governors are the leaders of the party in their states.

Ebute, therefore, urged the national leadership of  APC led by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje to invite all elders of APC in the state to advise them appropriately. 

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Governor of Cross Rivers state, Bassey Otu has donated the sum of N50 million to Johnny Agim, SAN Foundation (JASAN Foundation) to help address the myriads of challenges facing young lawyers, the legal education, and the legal profession.

The foundation was set up primarily to foster mentoring and legal education sponsorships for young lawyers from year Final year university law graduates) to 10 years post Call-to-Bar legal experience.

Speaking at the dinner event held on Friday in Abuja, Otu said he was honoured to identify with a professional mentoring programme initiated to level the law career of legal experts in Nigeria.

His words: “Permit me to commend the President and Founder of this noble initiative because what is basically lacking in our nation is what is being discussed today.

“It is not only in the law profession that we have this huge gap existing which has caused our nation so much. And it is very clear that our country, Nigeria —any nation that hasn’t got a proper plan of impacting knowledge and experience, then such an entity cannot go too far. Probably the reason that we have the issues that we have today.”

The Governor stressed that the national scope of the initiative speaks volume for itself, adding that the Cross Rivers state government would be ready to support the programme to make sure it truly becomes a success.

“Let me out on record that Cross Rivers State will donate the sum of N50 million to this foundation for a start,” Otu revealed.

Also, the Founder and President, JASAN Foundation, Johnny Agim, SAN said as a legal practitioner and an advocate for legal reform, he was passionate about building a legacy that would prepare generations of young lawyers for excellence in all their endeavours and see to it that they become institutions in themselves.

He noted that the Legacy dialogue was a critical step towards achieving this goal — by bringing together legal professionals, academics, and stakeholders —in order to explore innovative approaches to mentorship and sponsorship in the legal profession.

Agim said he believed that strategic sponsorship and mentorship are essential tools for professional identity formation in the legal profession.

He explained that JASAN Foundation was committed to fostering excellence in the legal profession through mentorship, sponsorship, and legal reform and advocacy.

Again stated: “Our goal is to create a network of 500 well rounded young lawyers who will drive positive change in the legal profession and the judiciary in the next 10 years in the midterm

“Today, we will be engaging in a series of activities, including a panel of discussion by eminent legal luminaries and an erudite Judge, the launch of the JASAN Foundation N1 billion Endowment Fund for Sponsorship and Scholarship, as well the unveiling of our transgenerational institutional logo.

“We would also be awarding full tuition scholarships to 11 Law students preparing to go to Law School who were selected through our Call for applications and rigorous screening process midwifed by a seasoned Professor of Law, distinguished Senior Advocates of Nigeria and eminent scholars and technocrats.

These students would eventually be inducted into our “Legacy 500 Elite Mentorship Programme Post Call-to-Bar.” Let us not just dream change, let us bring the change we desire.”

Adedayo Akinwale and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate and the House of Representatives have separately postponed their resumption dates from the current long vacation to September 24, an extension of one week.

The Red Chamber through a memo to the Senators by the Clerk to the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze, announced the new resumption date.
The senators were supposed to resume plenary on Tuesday September 17 after about two months vacation.

The memo read: “ Dear Distinguished Senators, I hope this memo finds you well.  Please be informed that the resumption date from the ongoing recess has been rescheduled from Tuesday, September 17, 2024 to Tuesday, September 24,  2024 at 11:00 am.

Also, the House of Representatives has extended its resumption from its annual recess by a week. The Green Chamber was scheduled to resume on September 17 before it was extended by a week and would now reconvene on September 24.

Its spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, in a statement said it’s decision to extend the recess followed an internal memo communicated to the members by the Clerk of the House.

He said: “The House of Representatives is set to resume from its annual recess on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11:00 am.
“This follows a rescheduling from the original date of September 17, 2024, as communicated to Honourable Members via an internal memo by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, on Wednesday, on the directive of House Leadership.

“During the recess, Honourable Members engaged extensively in constituency outreach across the country, addressing critical issues of concern to constituents, and deepening oversight of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in accordance with functions spelt out in the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and the House Standing Orders.

“Upon reconvening, the leadership of the House will inaugurate the new board of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and the Joint Senate/House Ad Hoc Committees on the Petroleum Industry Investigation on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.”
Rotimi added that further details regarding these activities would be announced during plenary on the day of resumption.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen has resolved to meet President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national leadership over the current economic hardship.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, the Forum Chairman and Secretary, Cornelius Ojelabi and Alphonsus Eba, said they had resolved to have a close-door meetings with the leadership of National Working Committee (NWC) and government.

The Forum particularly commended the party’s NWC under the leadership of Abdullahi Ganduje, for extending the tenure of the Tony Okocha-led Rivers State Caretaker Executive Committee.

Ojelabi said: “On the hardship experienced in the country, we know that everybody has been complaining and we are not unaware of that.

“We are going to have a closed-door meeting with the party on one side and the federal government, but until the meeting is held and matters advised, it will be premature to talk to the media on the issues. Rest assured that in no distant time, you will hear the outcome of our meeting.

“We met to discuss issues that are of great concern to the party’s democratic ethos and the success of our APC-led administration under the able leadership of President Tinubu and his dependable Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“While the Forum has resolved to have close-door meetings with the leadership of NWC and government, we considered it necessary to discuss the recent action of the NWC under the leadership of Ganduje with respect to the extensions granted to the caretaker committee of Rivers state APC-led by Tony Okocha.”

“This press briefing will be followed with a commendation letter to the national chairman of our great party in appreciation of his firm stance on the decision of the APC Rivers State Executive Committee which suspended the erstwhile executive of Emeka Beke and who was further restrained by Rivers State High Court.”

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, admitted that the economic reforms embarked on by the administration of President Bola Tinubu have increased the economic hardship of Nigerians.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, said this in a statement while reacting to the call by the former National Vice Chairman North-west of the party, Dr. Salihu Lukman, that opposition parties and Nigerians should vote out APC in 2027.

“The APC-led administration of President Bola Tinubu is taking bold measures to reset our country’s long broken economy, improve national security and restore the country to wholesome and sustainable development.

“No doubt, these inevitable reforms have increased economic hardship for our people.  In fact, the unwillingness of previous administrations to undertake these reforms and tackle the problems at their roots is the reason the economy has remained  in the doldrums for a long time.

“It would be easy and painless for President Tinubu to do as his predecessors have done, continue business as usual, kick the can down the road for future administrations to deal with while the rot and stagnation fester.

“But in keeping with the renewed hope agenda of his administration, he has chosen to tackle the country’s generational economic problems for the good of present and future generations of Nigerians.

“In the fullness of time, this President shall be vindicated for his vision and unwavering commitment to the national interest and the common good of all.”

He, however, noted that Lukman’s hunger for attention was insatiable, adding that not even his frenzied political soliloquy in self-adulation has proved sufficient to fill his bottomless obsession for attention.

The spokesperson stressed that since his exit from the party, Lukman has been sleepless in search of political relevance, pointing out that Lukman seemed to have found for himself, for now, a new role as the chief discordant trumpeter for a cacophonous political opposition.

He emphasised that in his new self-assigned role, Lukman alleged without substantiation that APC “ruined the country in economic policies and corruption” and called on opposition parties and Nigerians to vote out APC in 2027.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
A non governmental organisation, De Real Life International Foundation (DERLIF) has revealed that it paid WAEC fees of 46 inmates and also distributed customised books in correctional centres in the Niger Delta region in the past one year
The Convener of the Podium and National Coordinator of (DERLIF), Amb. Felix Akpoi disclosed this in Abuja at the 2nd edition of the Podium for Social Justice National Annual Conference, 2024 organised DERLIF

He lamented that most people who went to correctional centres in Nigeria came out worse than what they were before going to prison.
The Convener noted that the idea behind having this conversation was to identify some of the challenges of social justice and also proffer solutions.

Akpoi revealed that the organisation has implemented empowerment programmes for inmates that have served their prison terms.

He added that DERLIF also engaged several lawyers to ensure some of the inmates have legal representation in court during court sitting.

Akpoi states: “We paid WAEC fees of 46 inmates in one year. We have done customised books for inmates in the Niger Delta region. We carried out aenia operation on five inmates at Port Harcourt prison.”

Delivering his keynote remarks, a former governorship Aspirant of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Samuel Kyarshik said women and marginalised groups face significant barriers to accessing essential services.

He noted that the legal system often lacks the capacity or will to protect the rights of all citizens adequately.
Kyarshik was of the opinion that despite being rich in oil resources, the Niger Delta suffers from severe underdevelopment and environmental degradation, adding that the lack of economic justice, where resource wealth does not benefit local communities, has led to conflict, militancy, and insecurity.

He emphasised that the #EndSARS protests against police brutality highlighted systemic injustices, saying the movement was a response to abuses of power and a call for comprehensive reforms.
Kyarshik, therefore, recommended that laws should be enacted to ensure fair access to resources and opportunities for all citizens.
He said there was a need to establish stronger legal frameworks to protect the rights of marginalised communities and also develop policies that focus on reducing poverty and inequality.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has uncovered the sum of N10 billion spent by the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE) on the registration of two companies for the Nigeria Postal Service, which later folded up one year after take-off.

The committee added that there was no way a reasonable Nigerian would believe that N10.4 billion was spent to register the two companies only for them to fold up barely one year after.

The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Bamidele Salam, made this known during an investigative hearing into the audit queries issued against the Bureau by the office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF).

The audit query indicated that the two companies namely: NIPOST Transport and Logistics Limited and NIPOST Property reportedly took off in May 2023 and folded up through a presidential directive in May 2024.

Responding to the allegation, Head of Finance and Accounts, BPE, who represented the Director General of the agency, Imam Rilwan noted that the issue of registering the two companies for NIPOST was approved in 2017.

He added that the approval paved the way for the BPE to expend about N423 million in registering and carrying out other activities for the eventual take off of the companies.

Rilwan stressed that while about N10 billion was given to the two companies as take-off funds, about N400 million was given to the BPE to prepare the ground for the take-off of the companies.

He explained that the money eventually released in 2023, the Bureau had to recover its money, adding that the N423 million given to the BPE was used to rent office accommodation and carry out other essential services.

He said while the Bureau paid rent for the two companies from 2022, the companies took possession of the offices in May 2023, while they folded up in May 2024.

Rilwan noted that all property belonging to the two companies have been officially handed over to NIPOST management.

However, Salam, who was not satisfied with his explanation, said spending money from government coffers before the money is released is a clear violation of the provisions of the Public Procurement Act.

•Says parties not completing with polling, Collation agents nomination procedures

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that after consultation with the National Peace Committee (NPC), the signing of the peace accord for the Edo State governorship election will take place on September 12, 2024 in Benin City.

The commission noted that unlike the previous peace accords signed a few days to the election, it was decided to do so early this time around to enable the Peace Committee monitor compliance with the code voluntarily signed by parties, candidates and other critical players in the electoral process such as INEC and the security agencies during the remaining days to the election. 

It said this would add further weight to the peace accord beyond mere ceremony as demanded by many observers and even some of the political actors themselves. 

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at an extraordinary meeting with political parties on the 2024 Edo State governorship election.

His words:  “After consultation with the National Peace Committee (NPC) under the leadership of our respected former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the signing of the peace accord for the Edo State governorship election will take place on Thursday, 12th September, 2024 in Benin City.

“The signing of the peace accord will be preceded by the INEC stakeholders’ meeting to be held on Wednesday, 11th September 2024 in Benin City. As usual, the meeting will be addressed by the INEC Chairman and the Inspector-General of Police.

“It is an open forum for political parties, candidates, observers and the media to interact with the commission and the security agencies ahead of the election.”

The chairman urged leaders of political parties to note the dates for the INEC stakeholders’ meeting and the signing of the peace accord and mobilise state chairmen and candidates to participate.

Yakubu recalled that in consultation with the political parties, the commission replaced the manual process for the submission of the list of agents with a digital platform. 

He emphasised that the commission did the same for accreditation of observers and media organisations in consultation with the stakeholders. 

The chairman said the electoral body also replaced the manual process of recruiting ad hoc staff with a digital platform called the INECPRES, adding that all these activities are now done electronically on a number of dedicated portals. 

Yakubu added: “However, after harvesting the details of polling and collation agents uploaded to the portal for the Edo State election, we discovered that there are compliance issues with regard to the quality of uploads, particularly as they relate to the images of polling unit, ward and local government agents. 

“This problem cuts across all political parties despite the fact that this is not being done for the first time. And in keeping with our practice before major elections, we trained officials nominated by political parties. We also set up a help desk in the event of any political party needing assistance.

“I want to emphasise that there will be no going back to the manual process. It is gone for good. Already, observer groups and media organisations are in full compliance with the digital procedure. Political parties cannot be an exception. You must do the needful instead of constantly complaining of shortfalls in the number of accreditation tags supplied for your agents. 

“We will only produce tags for uploads that meet the requirements of our regulations and guidelines. The commission is determined that your agents at polling units and collation centres must be identified by name and their photographs clearly printed on their accreditation tags duly authorised by the commission. 

“We have also added a QR Code to each tag for easy authentication and verification of your agents at the polling and collation centres. Matters arising from the recent uploads will be discussed at this meeting.”

The chairman pointed out that while the commission was aware that political parties are in the middle of electioneering in Edo State, no political party has submitted to the commission the dates and locations of  major campaign rallies and processions.

“But some of you are quick to complain of incidents when they occur. Doing so will enable a better coordination of your campaign activities,” Yakubu stressed.

The chairman revealed that the commission has concluded the training of security personnel and also finalising the delivery of the few remaining non-sensitive materials for the election. 

Yakubu said that the commission was concluding arrangements with the land and maritime transport unions for logistics. 

He stated that the printing of triplicate copies of voters’ register for each of the 4,519 polling units in Edo State is virtually completed.

According to him, “The installation and configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to be deployed on election day is completed. Observer accreditation tags are being produced. The portal for media accreditation closes next week and so far, 88 media organisations have applied by uploading the details of 698 personnel (journalists, technicians and crew members) to cover the election. We will soon commence the training of various categories of ad hoc staff.

Also, the Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf  Dantalle, said the Edo State gubernatorial election would be a litmus test for the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024, which in turn gives direction to future elections in the country.

He noted that the people of Edo State are willing to come out en masse and vote if the environment is conducive and their votes will count in the overall result. 

Dantalle added: “That is where the challenge is, and where IPAC will collaborate with other stakeholders including INEC — the electoral umpire, security agencies, election observers and the media — to ensure that all votes are counted and reflect the wish of the electorate.

“The success of the election will drastically reduce post-election litigation and reinforce trust and confidence in the electoral process, thus, bolster voter turnout. 

“It will also save the judiciary from undue intervention and interference in the declaration of the winner of an election.”

IPAC, however, expressed concerns over fake certificate presented by aspirants contesting various elective offices.

“Worried by subsequent litigations and nullification of elections as a result of fake certificates thus denying political parties that fielded the candidates their hard earned victory, after due consultations, IPAC and the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the council’s national secretariat, Abuja on Wednesday, 28th August 2024, with a view to verifying and authenticating aspirants’ certificates before they contest primaries of their political parties,” he said 

Dantalle emphasised that IPAC took this bold step to restore sanity in the electoral process and effectively detect these fake documents that embarrass political parties and bring the country’s democracy to disrepute. 

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the National Population Commission (NPC) have resolved to work together to address issues of poverty, out-of-school children, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), inadequate infrastructures, climate change and environmental vulnerability.

The agencies made this known on Tuesday in Abuja when the Chairman of NPC, Hon. Nasir Kwarra, led a delegation to the NEDC office in Abuja.

The agencies also resolved to develop comprehensive geospatial maps of the North East that highlight population density, infrastructure, and resource distribution.

The Managing Director/CEO of North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Alkali on Monday said NPC is a good source of data, adding that collaborating with them would ensure NEDC works efficiently in the delivery of its mandate.

He stressed that plans have been concluded for the provision of a free health insurance scheme for vulnerable households and individuals affected by insurgency across the North-East region of the country.

He was of the opinion that the initiative would go a long way to support families in the region who were victims of the Boko Haram insurgency activities.

Earlier, Kwarra stressed that NPC has data and other necessary information that NEDC could leverage to deliver services and programmes to the people in the Northeast region.

He said: “Our decision to visit NEDC is germane as a body charged with the responsibility to generate data for socio-economic and demographic activities in the country, we are obligated to share experiences with your commission.

“These experiences are important to planning and execution of development programmes. Right now, the NPC is on a nationwide campaign for birth registration. And as for the conduct of population census, we are on top of the game.

“We have geo-spatial data of the country on roads, streets, communications masts, bodies of waters and demographic mappings on houses, and communities. This information will go a long way to assist your commission to deliver on its mandate.

“There is urgent need to address issues of poverty, out of school children, girl child education, internally displaced persons, inadequate infrastructures, climate change and environmental vulnerability.

“The NPC has data and other necessary information that your commission could leverage to deliver services and programmes to the people in the Northeast region.

“We are also preparing to organise a regional summit on out-of-school children and the Almajiris question. We hope to bring in the Northeast governors, the Ulamas and other religious leaders to address the challenges. I believe that these are practical ways we can address the problems”.

Making a presentation on behalf of NPC, Aisha Abdulaziz said one of the areas of collaboration between both agencies included the conduct of household surveys and socioeconomic assessments to gather data on living conditions, health, education, among others.

She added that it also included the use of mapping to identify priority areas for intervention, ensuring that NEDC’s efforts are targeted and “Develop comprehensive geospatial maps of the North East that highlight population density, infrastructure, and resource distribution.”

•Says 125,928 PVCs out of 184,438 collected

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it would hold mock accreditation of voters ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled to hold on September 21.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement issued yesterday, revealed that the mock accreditation would hold on September 10.

Olumekun said, “In continuation of preparations for the Edo State governorship election holding on Saturday 21st September 2024, the commission is test running the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result upload to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for the election using live voters in select locations in the state.

“For this purpose, the commission has designated 12 polling units across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) covering the three Senatorial Districts of the state as centres for the mock accreditation.”

Olumekun added that in Edo Central, the exercise would take place at Eguare Primary School, Eguare 1, and Uwenujie Primary School, Uwenujie, in Esan Central Local Government Area, as well as Eguare Primary School 1, Ewohimi, and Eguare Okhuesan (Former L. A. School 1), Emu, in Esan South East Local Government Area.

He stressed that in Edo North, Usokwi Iyogbe Azama Primary School, Yeluwa, and the polling unit at Institute of Continuing Education Road, Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area, were the designated centres, while Uhonmwora Owere Primary School, Uhonmwora-Ora, and Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongidda-Ora, will serve as centres in Owan West Local Government Area.

The national commissioner stated that in Edo South, Western Boys’ High School 1 and Ologbosere Primary School 1 were the designated centres in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, while Idia College I and Payne Primary School 1 would serve as centres for Oredo Local Government Area.

Olumekun stated, “The mock exercise will be held on Tuesday 10th September 2024 at the designated polling units from 8.30am to 2.30pm.

“A graphic image containing the names and locations of the centres has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.”

Meanwhile, INEC announced that a total of 125,928 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) were collected, out of 184,438 voters’ cards ahead of the September governorship election.

The commission had announced that the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo State would be available for collection at two levels, first, across all the 192 wards from August 22 to August 26, and, secondly, in all the 18 local government offices.

Olumekun, in another statement, said the commission had concluded collection at the ward level.

He stated, “The commission is pleased to announce the conclusion of the collection at Ward level. Learning from the lessons of previous collection of PVCs, the commission has carefully packaged all the PVCs by Poling Units, Wards and LGAs.

“We also produced the collection register, providing details of the voters whose cards were ready for collection and uploaded same to our website.

“In addition, we contacted them using the addresses provided at the time of registration. “As a result, out of the 184,438 new PVCs available, 125,928 cards were collected by voters, representing 68.3 per cent of the total.

“This is the highest percentage of PVCs collected in five days since the commission introduced the CVR ahead of off-cycle governorship elections in 2015.”

•Ex-national auditor, Moghalu, quits party

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has restrained the Benue State Caretaker Committee of the party from dissolving the local government structure of the party.

This was as a former  Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), George Moghalu, has resigned his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Benue State High Court, last Wednesday, restrained  the APC NWC from dissolving the State Working Committee.

But in spite of the court order, the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC later announced the dissolution of the Agada-led SWC in clear contravention against the court order.

Addressing journalists after the NWC met with the members of Benue Caretaker Committee on Tuesday in Abuja, the party’s Deputy National Women Leader, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim, said the terms of reference had been stated and the caretaker committee had been asked not to go beyond it.

“This evening, the National Working Committee of our great party met with the newly formed caretaker committee to administer the affairs of APC in Benue State for six months.

“This call was a result of complaints from Benue that the committee has dissolved some local government party executives. This made the NWC to summon the seven-man caretaker committee to read to them clearly their ‘Terms of Reference.’

“Their terms of reference as stated by the APC is to administer the party in Benue State for six months and also to conduct the election for the forthcoming local government elections.

“It is also part of their mandate to constitute the logistics that will conduct the elections from the LG to the ward level. And this has been clearly stated to them.

“They have no business dissolving, of course, dissolving any committee. Their terms of reference have been clearly stated and they have been asked not to go beyond their terms of reference.”

Meanwhile, Moghalu, in the resignation letter dated August 26, which he personally signed, was addressed to the Chairman Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State and copied to both the Local Governments Area (LGA) and State Chairmen of the party.

His expected dumping of the APC, which has been a matter of intense speculation since the beginning of the year, finally came on Tuesday.

The letter read: “I bring you good wishes of my dear family and to formally notify you of my decision to resign my membership of the APC with effect from today, August 26, 2024.

“Please, kindly accept this as my personal decision. It is my utmost desire and expectations that all of us will continue to maintain cordial relationship that we have built together over the years

“I wish you and all the members of the party the very best. Please, accept as always the assurance of my best regards.”

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will hold mock accreditation of voters ahead of Edo State governorship election scheduled to hold on September 21, 2024.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement Tuesday, revealed that the mock accreditation would hold on September 10, 2024.

He said: “In continuation of preparations for the Edo State governorship election holding on Saturday, 21st September, 2024, the commission is test running the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result upload to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for the election using live voters in select locations in the state.

“For this purpose, the commission has designated 12 polling units across six local government areas (LGAs) covering the three senatorial districts of the state as centres for the mock accreditation.”

Olumekun added that in Edo Central, the exercise would take place in Eguare Primary School, Eguare 1, and Uwenujie Primary School, Uwenujie; in Esan Central LGA as well as Eguare Primary School 1, Ewohimi, and Eguare Okhuesan (Former L. A. School 1), Emu, in Esan South East LGA.

He stressed that in Edo North, Usokwi Iyogbe Azama Primary School, Yeluwa, and the polling unit at Institute of Continuing Education Road, Auchi would be used for the exercise; while in Etsako West LGA, the designated centres are Uhonmwora Owere Primary School, Uhonmwora-Ora; and Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongidda-Ora, would serve as centres in Owan West LGA.

The national commissioner noted that in Edo South, Western Boys’ High School 1 and Ologbosere Primary School 1 are the designated centres in Ikpoba Okha LGA, while Idia College I and Payne Primary School 1 would serve as centres for Oredo LGA.

Olumekun said: “The mock exercise will be held on Tuesday, 10th September, 2024 at the designated polling units from 8.30am to 2.30pm.

“A graphic image containing the names and locations of the centres has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.”

The commission appealed to registered voters to come out with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for the exercise. 

The electoral body emphasised that only registered voters for the designated polling units are invited to participate in the exercise, adding that voters from another polling unit can be accredited by the BVAS.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned that Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and bouillon better known as maggi can lead to hypertension, heart, and kidney failure.

This was contrary to unverified scientific information, false research claims and deceptive marketing information through social media influencers disseminated by certain industry players and their co-travellers are disseminating unverified scientific information.

The Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, while addressing a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, said following the launch of the National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey (NFCMS) report, some key policy decisions were proposed which have raised concerns about the intent of proponents of these ideas.

According to him, amongst this is the consideration of Bouillon cubes (what we commonly call maggi) as a food vehicle for delivering Iron and Zinc to households in order to combat micronutrient deficiencies in Nigeria.

Oluwafemi noted that the justification for this policy proposal was based on survey findings that Maggie is consumed by 96 per cent of the populace.

He added that this defies one of World Health Organisation’s criteria for food vehicle selection which states that a suitable food vehicle must not pose a threat to public health.

The Executive Secretary stressed that resulting from the fortification of salt with iodine, Nigeria presently records an average daily salt consumption reaching up to 10 grams per day, dangerously exceeding WHO’s recommended limit of two grams of sodium per day or less than five grams of salt per day, which is equivalent to just one teaspoon of salt daily.

He added, “Fortifying another high- sodium food such as bouillon puts Nigerians at risk of a higher sodium intake.

“Furthermore, certain industry players and their co-travellers are disseminating unverified scientific information, false research claims and spreading deceptive marketing information through social media influencers to promote Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) and bouillon as nutritious, safe and healthy for human consumption without also informing consumers that these products contain harmful quantities of sodium which could lead to hypertension, heart, and kidney failure.

“The recent food insecurity and economic crisis in the country has led to a significant rise in the living expenses of Nigerians; where the masses can no longer afford basic food items such as garri, giving industries the edge to produce cheaper and ready-to-use ultra- processed alternatives with low nutritional and health benefits. In such situations where nutritious food is costly, people only feed to satisfy hunger.”

 CAPPA, therefore, demanded immediate discontinuation of ongoing plans to use Bouillon as a food vehicle for fortification as it does not meet all of WHO’s criteria.

Oluwafemi stressed that collaboration between all critical agencies on ensuring that food fortification does not exacerbate Nigeria’s NCD problems through unintended consequences.

He called for implementation of effective country-wide salt/sodium reduction interventions to stem the ugly tide of the rising burden of slump attacks and hypertension in the country.

“For emphasis, it is imperative that regulatory bodies such as the FMOHSW, NAFDAC, SON, and FCCPC collaborate to monitor these fortification programs to ensure compliance with global standards and best practices, especially in the selection of food vehicles,” he said.

•NWC ignores order, sacks state exco, constitutes 7-man caretaker committee

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi

The Benue State High Court has restrained the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Sacking the state chairman of the party, Hon. Augustine Agada and other members of the State Working Committee (SWC).

Since the assumption of office of Governor Hyacinth Alia, there had been a cold war between him and his estranged political godfather, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The cold war over who controls the sole of the party in Benue has led to the factionalisation of the party. A  faction of the party led by Benjamin Omakolo has the support of the governor, while the other faction led by Agada is loyal to Akume.

However, a copy of the exparte order granted by Justice Theresa Igoche in suit no: MH /1585m/2024, was made available to journalists at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja yesterday.

The court also ordered the National Working Committee (NWC) led by its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, not to remove Agada-led State Working Committee until the expiration of its four years tenure.

The Judge, while granting the exparte application by Agada and eight others, restrained APC, either by itself, its privies, assigns, staff, officers, servants, agents, representatives, or whomsoever, howsoever described, from removing, changing replacing or howsoever terminating his tenure and other members of the Benue State Working Committee of the Respondent until the expiration of their four-year term in office pending the determination of the motion on Notice.

“I have looked at the processes filed along with the application, particularly, Exhibit MT ‘1’ attached to the affidavit in support and I am satisfied that the application has merit,” the judge declared while granting the prayers of Agada.

“In the circumstances, I hereby grant the application as prayed,” the judge ordered.

The Judge further ordered that the order be served on the APC forthwith, along with the motion on notice fixed for hearing on 28th of this month.

Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has ignored the court order and sacked the State Working Committee (SWC).

The NWC-led by its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, announced the dissolution of the state exco at the end of the NWC meeting held yesterday in Abuja.

The Caretaker Committee which was inaugurated by Ganduje at the party’s National Secretariat would  serve for six months.

“The problem we are having in the state, factions, counter-factions;  litigations, counter-litigations. These, the National Working Committee will not allow to continue.

“The party is an institution, you must be united. So in order to solve the problem, we followed our Constitution and therefore the National Working Committee has today dissolved the Executive Committee and at the same time the National Working Committee has approved the constitution of a seven-man Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the party for the next six months.

“Also, since you are going for local government election, and the party is the only organ that can certify candidature of any contestant, therefore, you are saddled with the responsibility of conducting primaries for those who intend to become chairmen and councilors of their local government areas.

“We urge to unite, continue dialogue with major stakeholders so that we will bring all of you together so you work together.”

The members of the constituted Benue State Caretaker Committee are Hon. Benjamin Omale (Chairman), Prof. Ben Angwe (Secretary), while Hon. Richard Mzungweve, Hon. James Ornguga, Terhemen Ngbea, Helen Agaigbe, and Ali Adah would serve as members.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The African Polling Institute (API) has revealed that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, is ahead of his two closest opponents, Mr. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mr. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).

The Executive Director of API, Prof. Bell Ihua, in a statement issued Wednesday added that the poll also showed that there was a significant proportion of undecided voters.

He noted that the state-wide poll, conducted between August 12th and 16th, 2024 was aimed at capturing the perceptions and attitudes of Edo State citizens, residents, and voters on the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in the state.

Ihua stated that the poll with Ighodalo 43 per cent was currently in a strong position, maintaining a 23-point lead over his closest opponent, Okpebholo, with 20 per cent, while Akpata with 9 per cent trails from a distance.

He added: “However, a significant proportion of undecided voters, 28 per cent, may be able to swing the votes in favour of any of the two leading candidates.

“In addition, 94 per cent of respondents were registered in Edo State and had collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), while 83 per cent had given some thought to the Edo 2024 governorship election.

“In terms of election integrity, 47 per cent of respondents are not at all confident in INEC’s ability to conduct a free, fair and credible election, while 34 per cent have some confidence and 19 per cent have complete confidence in INEC.”

The poll further showed that 80 per cent of respondents said they feel safe going out to vote on election day.

Ihua noted: “Respondents were also asked which political party stood the best chance of winning the Edo 2024 governorship election. From the response, 42 per cent thought that PDP stands the best chance of winning, followed by 22 per cent who mentioned APC and 6 per cent who favoured LP.”

The poll further revealed that 72 per cent of respondents have made up their minds on which candidate to vote for, while 28 per cent remained undecided.

Examining the voting intentions of respondents who have chosen a candidate, the poll indicated that about 60 per cent supported Ighodalo, 28 per cent favoured Okpebholo and 12 per cent are in support of Akpata.

Regarding the factors influencing voter decisions, 57 per cent cited the candidate’s competence, 42 per cent chose experience, 36 per cent chose track record, 34 per cent chose political party, while 16 per cent chose party manifesto.

The poll pointed out while Ighodalo is currently leading other candidates, API believed it would be a two-horse race between PDP and APC, adding that a lot depends on which candidate is able to swing the 28 per cent of undecided voters in their favour.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has directed the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to reconstruct the collapsed Wagga-Madagali bridge in Adamawa State, which links Adamawa with Borno State.

The Wagga-Madagali bridge was destroyed after torrential rain that led to the flooding of the area, and cutting off any form of transactions between the two states.

Following the flood which completely destroyed the bridge, commuters had been facing severe difficulties in movement  of goods and services.

However, the Managing Director of NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, who visited the area on an assessment tour expressed worry about the collapsed bridge.

The visit followed a presidential directive to undertake immediate assessment of the situation and proffer remedial solution to ease the difficulties of Commuters.

Alkali, in a statement assured that everything possible would be done to reconstruct the bridge and restore means of livelihood of the people.

He decried  that the collapse of the bridge has already disconnected the two states, adding that the major responsibility of the Commission was to provide services that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the North East region.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Ahead of the Edo State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in 192 wards from Thursday, August 22, 2024.

The electoral body noted that collection of PVCs would end on  Monday, August 26, 2024.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known on Monday in Abuja at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

His words: “Following the conclusion of the last Continuous Voters Registration CVR) in Edo and Ondo States, the commission published the figures of new registrants for the two states following the clean-up of the register. For Edo State, 119,206 new voters were registered.

“In addition, 8,847 voters transferred their registration from other states of the federation to Edo State, while 46,171 voters transferred their registration within the state, that is, from one part of the state to another. 

“As provided by law, the commission has updated the records of 4,808 voters that applied for correction of names, addresses or dates of birth from previous registrations and also replaced 5,406 lost or damaged PVCs. Put together, 184,438 voters of various categories were served by the commission during the last CVR in Edo State. They will be issued new voters’ cards (PVCs).”

Yakubu noted that all the cards have been printed and delivered to INEC office in Benin City, adding that they have been handed over to electoral officers (EOs) for collection by voters.

According to him, “To ensure a seamless process, the cards will be available for collection in all the 192 wards in the state where the last CVR took place from Thursday, 22nd August, 2024 to Monday, 26th August, 2024 from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily including the weekend. 

“Thereafter, the collection will continue in our 18 local government offices across the state from Wednesday, 28th August, 2024 to Sunday, 8th September, 2024 from 9.00am to 5.00pm, including the weekends. 

“Detailed information on the dates and location of the 210 centres (192 Wards and 18 LGA offices) has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.”

The chairman revealed that the commission has developed a register containing, among other information, the names and photographs of the 184,438 voters to ease the collection of their PVCs. 

He said the register has also been uploaded to its website (https://inecnigeria.org/?page_id=13804) to facilitate easy identification and collection of the cards.

Yakubu emphasised that the commission’s policy that PVCs must be personally collected by registered voters has not changed. 

He maintained that the cards would not be distributed or collected by proxy so that they do not end up in the wrong hands.

The chairman urged voters who took their time to register during the CVR to also take time to collect their PVCs in person and, most importantly, to come out on election day and vote for the party of their choice.

He noted that as part of the commission’s preparation for the Edo State governorship election, the soft copy of the final and comprehensive register of voters would be presented to each political party fielding candidates in the election on Tuesday, 20th August, 2024 in the state office in Benin City.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has called for quick intervention of security agencies for the rescue of abducted 20 medical students in Benue State.

THISDAY reports that the students—12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri were abducted last Thursday on their way to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu.

The Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi, in a statement issued Saturday said the incident had caused significant alarm and distress across the country.

He added that the House remained committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the security and safety of all Nigerians and would continue to monitor the situation closely.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted students and their families. We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return,” Rotimi noted.

Rotimi noted the letter the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun seeking his intervention, and the plea and deep concern of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) over the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals.

He said: “Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.

“The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dennis Idahosa, said “The safety of our medical students is paramount, and this incident is not just an attack on these young professionals but on the future of our healthcare system. We cannot afford to lose any more lives to the insecurity plaguing our country. No student should be fearful of going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from our security agencies to bring these students home safely.”
The statement said, “the House remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the security and safety of all Nigerians and will continue to monitor this situation closely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted students and their families. We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return.”

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has disowned campaign posters circulating online suggesting that he plans to contest against  President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Ganduje, in a statement issued Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu,  described the posters as fake and malicious.

He noted that it was the work of mischief-makers in collaboration with certain elements within the Kwankwassiyya movement who were determined to create disaffection between him and Tinubu. 

According to Ganduje, “This is to inform the general public that the poster currently circulating on social media, claiming that the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is contesting for the presidency in 2027 with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as his running mate, is entirely false and a malicious piece of fake news.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) wishes to categorically state that this is the work of mischief-makers, likely in collaboration with certain elements within the Kwankwassiyya movement, who are determined to create disaffection between Dr. Ganduje and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje remains unwaveringly loyal to President Tinubu and is fully committed to supporting the president’s vision and leadership. Dr. Ganduje believes that President Tinubu is on the right trajectory to steer Nigeria towards greater prosperity and unity.

“We urge the public to disregard this fabricated story and refrain from spreading unverified information.”

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of the country’s democratic values.

Ribadu, who was represented by Hassan Yahaya disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting held at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He added that those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.

Ribadu stated: “The governorship election in Edo State is about a month away, and campaigns have begun in earnest, albeit with pockets of inter and intra-party squabbles.

“Accordingly, given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the State, the NSA, who doubles as the Co-Chair of ICCES, has warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.”

The NSA, therefore, reassured the electoral body that President Bola  Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election was unwavering.

“Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.

“We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law.

“Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls,” he said.

Ribadu told the Edo electorate to vote confidently, knowing that the government was with them and determined to protect their voices.

•State govt claims protesters carted away Ganduje’s corruption trial documents, estimates over N1bn in losses

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

A former governor of Kano State, Senator  Ibrahim Shekarau, yesterday, boasted that he never took any negotiating percentages from any contractor, while he was governor of the state.

This was as the Kano State Government, has accused protesters during the recent hunger demonstration of carting away corruption charges documents on the former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has been facing multiple charges before the state High court.

The government has also estimated about N1 billion in losses as a result of the violence that broke out during the hardship protests.

However, Shekarau, who spoke highly of his leadership as governor, challenged  any contractor, who had worked with him in the last 44 years to say openly if he ever demanded any percentage.

In 2018, an online newspaper, published a video of a Ganduje, receiving bundles of dollars from contractors, which he stuffed into his “babanriga”, a local outfit.

It was against this background that the Kano government filed an eight-count charge against Ganduje for allegedly collecting $200,000 from a contractor.

The state government also accused Ganduje of collecting $210,000 kickback from “people and entities seeking or holding the execution of Kano State Government contract and or project for the remodelling of Kantin Kwari textile market as a bribe through one of the contractors (agent).”

But speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) 70th anniversary, scheduled to commence on October 12, 2024, Shekarau, said the organisation had shaped his life spiritually and otherwise.

The former governor who is also the chairman of the organising committee said MSSN would introduce new programmes and processes that would consolidate the fostering of unity and also encourage members to participate in politics and governance.

He revealed that he had less than N100,000 in his account when he contested for the governorship election.

“When I contested the election, I had less than N100,000 in my account, and my entry into politics was not by choice but by persuasion.

“I have never taken any negotiating percentages with any contractor. I always challenge them—if any contractor who has worked with me in the last 44 years knows that I have asked him for a percentage or brought any money, let him come out and say so.

“Secondly, none of my commissioners has ever brought one naira to me in the name of feedback from a contractor. No local government chairman, during my eight years as governor, has ever given me one naira. I have never tampered with their allocations,” he said.

Shekarau added that all they did then, through the state assembly, was to create guidelines, rules, and regulations governing their operations, and they allowed them to do their jobs with their councillors.

Meanwhile, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has paid an on the spot assessment visit to the Kano State High Court that was vandalised by thugs during the nationwide protests some few days ago.

The Governor was conducted round the court premises by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, Chief Registrar of the High Court, Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero, and other High Court Judges of the State.

A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson Sanusi Bature, said the hired elements destroyed properties at the high court worth N1 billion during the violent protest.

The statement described the vandalism as a master-minded and staged-managed mission in which the hired miscreants carted away corruption charges documents on former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who has been facing multiple charges before the state High Court.

“It is very unfortunate that enemies of Kano State hired undesirable elements to vandalized one of the historic public buildings with a mission of averting corruption charges against the Ag. National Chairman of APC and former governor of the state Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his family and aides.

“The miscreants destroyed virtually all units of the High Court including the office of the State Chief Judge with loss accruing to more than one billion naira through stealing of office equipment, destroying offices, burning cars and other relevant materials crucial to the dispensation of justice.”

The governor however called on youths in the state to desist from being used by detractors to engage in violence, rather they should concentrate in skills acquisitions for better future emphasizing that government will not relent in securing the lives and property of people of Kano State.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has donated vital medical equipment to Ijebu Jesa General Hospital in Osun State.

Its Executive Secretary, Tosin Adeyanju, while handing over the equipment to the management of the hospital commended  President Bola Tinubu for his commitment towards  improving the  health sector in the country.

Adeyanju, who was received by Governor Ademola Adeleke noted that the agency has implemented various projects in Osun State, including the distribution of sports equipment to 62 primary schools and first aid equipment to nine public schools between 2017 and date.

Adeyanju in a statement issued Monday by its Special Assistant on Media and  Corporate Communications, Arowolo Alaba added that the commissioning and presentation of medical equipment to the hospital was a significant contribution to the healthcare sector in Osun State. 

He said equipment donated inclided: One X-ray mobile machine, four  infant incubators, three haematocrit centrifuges, 10 suction machines; five autoclaves, three Defibrillators (AED) Automatic and Functional self-test.

Others are: two electrophoretic tanks/machines, two physiotherapy equipment, two  ENT Diagnostic sets, 10 Sphygmomanometers (Digital and Manual) and three  Caesarean section instruments

Adeyanju  urged the community to take ownership of the equipment and utilise them appropriately for the benefit of the citizens. 

Adeyanju also announced that the NLTF’s Monitoring and Evaluation team would be visiting all the projects executed for feedback and encouraged the community to provide their feedback and suggestions.

Speaking, Adeleke commended the agency for its intervention in the health sector of the state.

The governor noted that he had been informed of the numerous interventions of the NLTF in the state and expressed his desire for more partnerships with the agency.

Adeleke added: “I thank you for choosing a hospital in Osun State for this intervention. The support will help the health sector of our state, and we appreciate your efforts.”

“We have been told of many interventions of the agency, and we look forward to more benefits. We seek partnership with your agency to support our efforts in developing the state.”

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, has queried the. West African Examination Council (WAEC) Nigeria over a N6 billion deficit the agency incurred in 2023.

The Committee while interrogating the Head of National Office,  Josiah Dangut, at an investigative hearing held on Tuesday in Abuja further  grilled the examination body over a loan of N5 billion it got in 2022 for the purchase of customised calculators.

Dangut was accompanied by the Registrar, Angus Okeleze; Senior Deputy Registrar, Victor Odu; Acting Director of Finance, Segun Jerumeh, and Deputy Director of Finance, WAEC.

The committee queried the WAEC on the number of students that participated in the 2022 examination that it got the calculators for.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Oboku Oforji, maintained that there was a need for the examination body  to explain how WAEC generated N34 billion in 2023 but spent N40 billion.

He wondered how the examination body could approve a loan of up to N5 billion, when even a Ministerial Board could not approve such an amount.

Following the unsatisfactory response by the WAEC representatives, the committee resolved that WAEC must submit all its bank statements from 2018 till date within a week.

Dangut provided the cash book of the agency to the committee, but they declined, insisting that it must submit its bank statements.

A member of the Committee, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, described WAEC as uncooperative, saying they must be held accountable.

According to him, “WAEC Nigeria was an uncooperative witness in this process, shielding and denying Nigerians of having value for whatever investment the country has had in that office should submit to this committee in furtherance of this investigation all the bank account statements of his office.”

The committee, therefore, demanded that WAEC must provide the expenditures that have led to the N6 billion deficits and all correspondence related to the purchase of customised calculators.

It said evidence of approval for the N5 billion loan to purchase the customised calculators must also be provided

The committee further demanded evidence of due process followed for the award of the contract as well as evidence of payment, including payment vouchers and bank records.

It equally asked for evidence of submission of accounts to the Auditor General for the federation from 2018 to 2023, as well as the profile of the external auditor for the agency and the engagement letters for the past three years.

•Says Ekiti safer under Oyebanji

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere has condemned the outcome of the recent hardship protests, saying neither a military to take over of power or intervention by external forces could end hunger in Nigeria.

National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, therefore warned that the country’s democratic dispensation should not be sacrificed or truncated for any reason.

He recalled that during the recently hardship protests, some protesters brazenly hoisted flags associated with Russia, while some maintained that the insignia on the flags were that of the Nigerian army.

The group further noted that some people, who hid under the guise of the recently concluded protests called on  the army to stage a coup and seize the reign of political power in the country.

“Whether the flags belonged to Russia or the army, the message is more or less the same – inciting the taking-over of government through an unconstitutional means,” he said.

He added that since the protest was ostensibly to push for an end to the hunger and sundry other deprivations in the land, “how come they look in the direction of either the military or a foreign  power.

“It would be a height of self-delusion to assume that the intervention of either the military or a foreign power will put an automatic stop to the hunger in the land.”

Afenifere stressed that while democracy might not yet avail the country the best that it desired and deserved, it was still the best in the current situation because of its inherent characteristics of making the people the custodians of political mandate.

“Its elastic nature allows various tendencies to operate, as long as they do so within the ambit of the law. This is a far cry from what is obtainable under a military government,”Afenifere added.

Meanwhile, Afenifere has lauded the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in the area of security, saying the governor in his almost two years in office has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare and socio-economic development of the state.

The deputy chairman of Afenifere in Ekiti state, Bayo Idowu spoke to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital yesterday after a tour of major ongoing road projects across the state, equally lauded the governor for his investment and commitment to the upliftment of the state’s infrastructure.

“Looking at security situations in other states of the federation, scores are being killed, people are being kidnapped. I must say Ekiti is safer now under Governor Oyebanji”

Idowu who spoke on behave of the state chairman, Elder Yemi Alade, also identified the ongoing construction of Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki road, the first phase of Iworoko, Are and Afao Ekiti road and other township and community roads visited were testament of the administration’s dedication to improving the landscape of the state through road construction.