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Dele Momodu Reacts To Postponement Of 2019 Elections By INEC

Published

6 years ago

February 16, 2019

Dele Momodu Reacts To Postponement Of 2019 Elections By Dele Momodu has joined other Nigerians in reacting to the postponement of elections by the Independent Nigeria Electoral Commission (INEC).

The media personality who had earlier persuaded the electoral commission’s chairman to react to rumours of the postponement of elections, stated that he pities the pity the foreigners, media crew, election monitors, who are already on ground to work.

He tweeted;

He further buttressed his claims in an article titled ‘Pendulum: Four Years After, We Are Back to Square One’. Read the article below;

Fellow Nigerians, how time flies indeed. About four years ago, we went through this very ritual, though the election was shifted by six weeks, for reasons we believed was an excuse to get the ruling government better prepared to consolidate its grip on power. Before long, the six weeks arrived, and there was no hiding place. Even as I write this, many doubting Thomases still believe the APC government is not sincerely ready for today’s Presidential election and that it may still spring a surprise on us. Thus, there have been unconfirmed stories of the elections being postponed for a matter of days because of logistic problems. For my own part, I doubt that the authorities will act in such a cavalier manner, particularly as there are numerous local and international observers and world media around. All eyes are on us.

As you know already, my people are never short of conspiracy theories. These have been fuelled by strange events and activities that are occurring very close to E-Day! For example, there have been reports of sporadic fire outbreaks in a few INEC centres, very strange indeed when one considers the proximity of such fires to the election date. However, I have not seen much coverage explaining the magnitude of the respective conflagrations. We have also read reports of some sample ballot papers being found inside many sacks in Kano. Again, no one has come out to explain what any sane human being could be doing with sample ballot papers. The main thing is that PDP is being treated to mind-games in this high-stakes plot, the end of which no one can predict.

Say what you will, I choose to trust two key people in the whole of this election saga. The first is the Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who has already attained the peak of his academic career and would not want to taint and end his distinguished life as a fiendish villain despised by all and treated like a maggot. So far, Professor Yakubu and INEC have managed to acquit themselves well in the preparation and run up to these general elections. They may have blotted their copy book particularly with regard to INEC’s role in the Osun State governorship elections but as this is one of the election cases currently trundling through the courts, I will say no more. It would be the height of foolishness and foolhardiness on his part to lower the bar as set and measured by what his immediate predecessor, Professor Attahiru Jega, achieved with a resounding ovation, barely four years ago. I refuse to imagine that Professor Yakubu would sacrifice his personal reputation and remarkable life, for politicians whose lives have almost expired.

Two. The other important man I choose to trust, almost blindly, although I know little or nothing about him, is the new Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who recently took over from the querulous, cantankerous and rambunctious Ibrahim Idris who fought more battles against real and imaginary enemies than he tackled the horrendous security challenges in the land. I have taken time to watch and study Adamu, as meticulously as possible, in the short time since he has been appointed acting I-G. and I’m reasonably convinced that he is educated, intelligent, smart, charismatic and cosmopolitan. I am unsure about some of the decisions he has taken, one relating to the re-deployment of Commissioners of Police in Ogun State. It seems to me that this decision is in good faith and is made because of the disgraceful way in which street urchins and thugs were brought into the arena to hurl stones at the President and other APC leaders during the Presidential rally in Ogun State. This was a remarkable show of shame orchestrated to serve the interest of an opposition candidate and shows the real tragedy that has befallen APC, as the general elections loom. It is inconceivable that the Police would not take steps to ensure that the mayhem that occurred that day is not allowed to repeat itself during the elections. For me, it would be a calamity if it turns out later that I have wasted all these superlative adjectives on another recklessly irresponsible police officer. It is always a pity seeing some overzealous people throw decorum to the winds in order to please a god with feet of clay. Time will tell.

For whatever it means, and because I bear him no grudge, I have said it numerous times, and reiterate, that I personally like President Muhammadu Buhari. His personal attributes particularly his discipline and abstemiousness are worthy of emulation. He has demonstrated in the past that he is a credible person, although that has been put to question by some of the actions that his government has recently been taking. There is a hint of desperation to cling to power which does not augur well for our country or indeed the President himself. I therefore will wish, and pray, that President Buhari meant every word he uttered in his various promises to the nation that he’ll execute free, fair and credible elections starting from today. I have no reason to doubt him. He is acclaimed as a man of integrity. This is the time for him to prove that he is indeed a man who is passionate about Nigeria and means his word that the country will not be broken up and Balkanised. God has been very kind to President Buhari and his family. He practically returned from the dead less than two years ago and has somehow managed to steer the ship of State from then till today. Nigerians have not complained too much about the situation they found themselves. Rather, as is typical, they prayed for the restoration of good health to their President and their prayers were answered. Therefore, if Nigerians reject him at the polls, in a free and fair contest today, or whenever it pleases the almighty INEC, he should thank Allah for the uncommon opportunity and grace given to him for the second chance to serve Nigeria as it’s supreme ruler. He should go home in peace, to enjoy quality time with his gorgeous wife, beautiful children and adorable grandchildren. The Presidency is nobody’s personal property or fiefdom. He should take solace in joining the commendable and enviable company of other incumbent Presidents in Africa, like Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, who made no fuss before accepting defeat in good faith, no matter the secret pains. President Buhari should remember to call his successful opponent, most likely, Atiku Abubakar, and offer his best wishes. I promise, this gesture will turn out to be an icing on Buhari’s cake for final retirement. His apotheosis would also have been guaranteed instantly.

On the other hand, if Atiku Abubakar, fails in a free and fair contest, he should accept his destiny with equanimity. I can understand that it would be a difficult time for him because it has been a long arduous journey for him to eventually land the presidential candidacy and ticket of a mainstream party. It is natural that he and his supporters will feel very disappointed having worked extremely hard to defeat and unseat President Buhari. Atiku should take solace in the fact that he has fought a good fight. His campaign has proceeded in a decent manner and he has concentrated mainly on the issues and not allowed himself to be dragged into the gutter politics that has sometimes been employed against him by some of his more overenthusiastic and fanatical opponents. Atiku must accept that in every contest, only one person can win. As long as the election is free and fair enough, the over-all interest of the country must be considered. Besides, there are remedies already embedded in the electoral act if there has been any unfairness. Justice may tarry, but it will come eventually, no matter how much people may try to manipulate the system and the judiciary.

My only worry is about President Buhari’s footsoldiers. From their utterances and body language, it is obvious that they are spoiling for war and are only ready to go down fighting. They do not seem to care about the outcome of free and fair elections as long as their candidate does not lose. They have boisterously announced to the world, and the President himself has echoed them, that no one can unseat him. That statement may be considered condescending and outrightly arrogant and capable of pouring petrol into the raging fire.

This is very sad because only four years ago, we witnessed the public ignominy suffered by Elder Peter Godsday Orubebe who was busy throwing tantrums like a baby while results of the contest between Buhari and President Jonathan were being announced. It was such a show of shame. Why would the government that came in after that disastrous melodrama repeat the same nonsense? Indeed, on reflection, it seems to me that this Government has in recent times been following the same path to perdition that the PDP and Jonathan followed towards the end of that administration. It is like history repeating itself. There is a surreal element of déjà vu playing out. It is my hope that the same silly season and scenario does not repeat itself come the final collation and announcement of results. Nigeria cannot afford such shame and indignity again.

What is wrong with some of the young folks in APC who behave as if they can’t find other things to do expect government work? And because of their own personal avarice and self-aggrandizement, they are unconcerned about the greater good of the greater number of people and their country. No one should ever think of setting Nigeria on fire again. Nigeria has been too kind to these people, and they should, please, leave Nigeria in peace and not in pieces.

From where I stand, I can see very clearly that whatever happens, whenever this election is held, now or in the near future, the ruling government is clearly in trouble and the ruling party has virtually collapsed, with almost no hope of redemption in sight. A house divided against itself that still wishes to stand tall may be mere wishful thinking. APC has abdicated governance and its leadership has started behaving like Emperors and conquerors. The in-fighting is so much that we no longer know who is actually in charge. In all honesty, how can a party that can no longer direct its own affairs, and a President who seems to be clueless about how to maintain party unity, discipline and loyalty, and is apparently not in charge of virtually anything, ask for people’s votes in good conscience? Such a party cannot deliver good governance, much more the change that was promised four years ago. However, it is ultimately the people’s choice as to which road they want to traverse.

From Lagos to Ogun to Adamawa to Imo to Rivers to Zamfara to Kaduna to Delta, it has been one tale of woe or the other. And it all boils down to the refusal of party chieftains to act as true democrats. What is worse, the party has rubbished some of the key figures that brought it to power, many of who have since returned to where they came from, PDP. The major assets that brought Buhari to power have all collapsed and it mainly liabilities that can be seen all around.

The day of reckoning is here. The People will have their say. The contending gladiators must also ensure that the People must have their way. Their choice must prevail no matter whose ox is gored. Nobody is bigger than Nigeria.

Related Topics:coverstory Dele momodu politics

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CURBING GRADING BIAS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Published

3 hours ago

May 29, 2025

Sahara Weekly

CURBING GRADING BIAS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

~By Okunlegbe John T

Indices have shown in recent years,how the credibility of examinations in Nigeria’s higher institutions has come under increasing scrutiny and doubts. To a great extent, the skepticism is as a result of allegations of grading bias, and manipulations by lecturers.

Before now, all eyebrows seemed to be against students. They are perceived to be the only culprits in examination malfeasances, seeing they assume a role of the subordinates,and are mostly involved in cheating during exams,buying grades and other related malpractices.

However, as technology advances, particularly with the invention of computer-based tests (CBT) that allow for studends, to write examination online and have their results uploaded via the same means, it is increasingly becoming necessary, to shift the searchlight against examination malpractices to the lecturers.
I speak today as a lecturers, who was once a student, but victimized through grading bias.

Years ago, I had reasons to join a host of others, to register our grievances about how our department handled the collation of our final result— the collations were taking longer than necessary, and many of my course mates were eager to go for NYSC deployment.
Long story made short, some of us who made that journey to school were victimized. Our grades were reduced, and as such we have continued to live with this trauma.

It is important I tell you that, there is an opportunity to ‘call for one’s papers’ in most Nigerian universities, however, such avenues are nothing but means for further frustration and victimisation of students. If anyone has ever scaled such rigour, then, the percentage of those who have come out triumphant must be very infinitesimal.

In most of the cases, students who register disatisfactions about their results or grades are humiliated and marked down during the remarking process.

Because of naivity that comes with adolescence, most students who have such issues prefer to be quite about it. They are spiraled into silence, knowing doing otherwise could spell doom.

It is not out of place, to say most of the lecturers in our tertiary institution have assumed the position of the biblical principalities and powers. Many wield so much powers that, they can do and undo just anything, especially as it concerns students’ academic performances.

It is unfortunate that,an issue as mundane and irrelevant to academics as sex, is used against some unwilling students— a lecturer wants to take an undue advantage of a female student, before such student passes her course at all, or with good grade. What a sacrilege!

To address these challenges and enhance transparency and fairness,there is need for shifting from traditional pen-on-paper examinations to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) across Nigerian universities and colleges:

Curtailing lecturers’ manipulations, is paramount in the quest for academic transparency and integrity in Nigeria. The world had since moved from where most of our institutions now dwell. The days of submitting your examination scripts to a drug or alcohol-influnced lecturer are over. We must embrace the ease, speed and accuracy that technology accords.

With manual grading, the risk of biased marking, grade alterations, and even solicitation of favors (monetary or otherwise) is significantly higher. CBTs remove this vulnerability by automating the marking process for objective questions, reducing human interference, and ensuring that results are based purely on student performance.
The detection of the hitches in 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized recently by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a testament to the fact that, our old grading patterns are indeed archaic and suppressive. Aside the technical glitches, which are easily detectable and amendable, JAMB deploying CBT method remains the best.

Furthermore,for our institutions to score high in objectivity and fairness, candidates must be scored based on definitive algorithms, leaving little to no room for subjectivity– this can only be made possible by CBT. Here,all students are assessed under the same conditions, and the same grading standards are uniformly applied. This gives equal opportunity, or a level playing field, where students’ efforts are the sole determinants of their grades, thereby restoring faith in the integrity of academic assessments.

While computers may not necessarily be able to take over all human activities, we must accept the fact that,they enhance productivity and the management of time. No matter how smart and proficient a lecturer could be, the sight of over a hundred booklets of students during examination sends a wave across his/her spine. It is certain s/he wouldn’t be able to mark all scripts with the same zest, objectivity and speed.

Traditional examinations require a long marking period, during which scripts are often lost, misgraded, or intentionally manipulated. In contrast, CBTs offer instant or much faster results, giving no room for tampering after submission. This rapid turnaround not only benefits students but also reduces the administrative workload on academic departments.

Nigerian institutions must embrace a paradigm shift, if they hope to remain competitive and prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce
Moving fully to CBT is not without its challenges. Infrastructure deficits, erratic power supply, and digital divide are real issues in many Nigerian institutions. However, these challenges are surmountable. Government investment, public-private partnerships, and phased implementation can bridge the gap.

Moreso, while objective questions are easier to grade via CBT, strategies must be developed to accommodate essay-type assessments and practicals. Hybrid models that incorporate both automated testing and supervised evaluations could serve as a balanced approach during the transition phase.

Let me close by emphasising that, transitioning from pen-on-paper examinations to CBT in Nigerian higher institutions, is not just a technological upgrade — it’s a fundamental reform to restore integrity,fairness and transparency in the academic system. It is an easy avenue for the elimination of opportunities for lecturers’ manipulations.

CBT stands as a crucial tool in transforming Nigeria’s education sector into one that truly rewards merit and prepares students for a digital future.

What stops institutions, including JAMB from conducting CBTs where students’ results are displayed immediately the SUBMIT button is clicked?

Okunlegbe John is a lecturer and a pastor. He writes from Ilorin.

society

Rural Communities Cry Out Over Overbilling, Inconsistent Practices in Healthcare

Published

6 hours ago

May 29, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Rural Communities Cry Out Over Overbilling, Inconsistent Practices in Healthcare

By Ifeoma Ikem

Residents of Ijede community in Ikorodu, Lagos State, have raised alarm over the non-accessible, unaffordable, and inconsistent practices of the Oke-Eletu Health Centre. The healthcare facility has been accused of overbilling patients, making it difficult for them to afford essential healthcare services.

A resident, Alhaji Bello Okeifa, expressed his frustration, questioning who is behind this “evil act” that is denying residents access to affordable healthcare.

The 60-year-old lamented that the high cost of drugs at the health centre’s drug bank is forcing people to resort to traditional herbs for treatment.

“We are our own enemies. Else how can a health centre – subsidised by government – castrate it’s poor patients, slamming undue and costly bills on them for services? It’s unprofessional. And there is no hospital nearby to go to.”

Another resident, Mrs. Johnson Lawal, attributed the problem to economic factors, stating that poverty rates are higher in rural communities, making it difficult for residents to afford healthcare services, medications and transportation costs.

She noted that out-of-pocket expenses often deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention, exacerbating health problems and perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

Iya Seyi, a herbalist, echoed similar sentiments, saying such action by the medical profession and government did not bode well for the community. She urged the government to make healthcare services affordable, rather than adding to the health challenges faced by the community.

In response to the complaints, Hon. Motunrayo Alogba, the LCDA chairman, assured the community that her administration is committed to upholding the integrity of the healthcare system and will not tolerate any form of exploitation.
She stated that an internal review has commenced to address the grievances and ensure accountability, fairness, and transparency in service delivery.

The Ijede youth coordinator, Musediq Olumide, commended the council boss for her quick response, saying it reflects her leadership quality and commitment to serving the community.

He urged for a thorough investigation and enforceable sanctions for anyone found culpable of overbilling and inconsistent practices.

The issue highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing affordable healthcare services, and the need for accountability and transparency in healthcare delivery.

society

Happy Anniversary In Office, Time for Truth and Action: A Call to PDP Faithfuls Worldwide

Published

7 hours ago

May 29, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Happy Anniversary In Office, Time for Truth and Action: A Call to PDP Faithfuls Worldwide

Greetings to all my dear party faithfuls and committed members across Nigeria and beyond this message is not for the pretenders and sell-outs still parading themselves as loyal PDP members while aligning themselves with the APC in disguise.

There is no longer any room for pretense. The reality is glaring: many of our so-called leaders have betrayed the trust and loyalty of the party’s grassroots. They have sold their conscience to the ruling APC while still operating under our banner a dangerous hypocrisy that has cost us dearly.

Let us ask ourselves a sincere and sobering question: How much longer will we remain in opposition while Nigerians suffer under the weight of APC’s failed leadership? Every day, citizens face untold hardship, economic instability, insecurity, and hopelessness all results of an inept government that rose to power through deception, tribal and religious sentiment and continues to hold on through manipulation and propaganda.

As loyal PDP members not just followers, but stakeholders we must demand transparency, strategy, and seriousness from our leadership. We cannot afford to be blind loyalists while the APC continues to toy with the future of this nation and with our party’s integrity.

A Crisis of Leadership

Do we truly believe that the current crop of leaders at the helm of our great party are serious about returning PDP to power in 2027?

Can we in good conscience say that with individuals like Wike, Anyawu, Samuel Ortom men many see as compromised sitting as a member of the Board of Trustees, we are positioning ourselves for a comeback in 2027?

What were the concrete outcomes of our last strategic meeting? What plans are in motion? Or are we still dwelling in the illusion that mere presence at rallies or issuing hollow statements will win us the next election?

The truth is: we are at a crossroads.

The PDP must awaken from slumber. We must cleanse our ranks and rekindle the fire of true opposition. The time to organize, strategize, and mobilize is now. Our leaders must show that they are not only ready to lead but are also connected to the pains and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.

The Way Forward:

1. Accountability: PDP members must begin to hold leaders accountable. Those found to be hobnobbing with the APC should be shown the way out. We cannot fight our enemies with compromised generals.

2. Grassroots Engagement: The strength of PDP has always been in its base and despite the leadership challenges PDP has the sympathy and Goodwill of Electorates. Therefore, we must return to the people with sincerity, listening ears, and practical solutions not rhetorics as people are tired of APC rule.

3. Reform the Leadership Structure: It’s time for a leadership overhaul infuse new blood and flush out the anti party element holding the party to ransom after the party build them, inject more younger voices, and credible patriots into positions of influence.

4. Clear Roadmap for 2027: We demand a transparent plan not just political rhetoric. Where is the strategy? Who are our proposed candidates? What is our message? The time for vague declarations is over.

In Celebration of Genuine Leadership

As we reflect on the challenges, we also celebrate the achievements of true PDP leaders who have stood by the people and have made visible progress. On this note, we extend heartfelt congratulations to our leader and father, His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed, on his six-year anniversary in office. Your unwavering dedication to development, good governance, and the welfare of your people remains a beacon of hope for what PDP can represent when we lead with purpose and integrity.

To all PDP Governors marking their anniversaries in office, we celebrate your achievements and urge you to continue to be shining examples of leadership that serves.

The time has come to rise. PDP must return to its roots, reclaim its purpose, and reawaken its fighting spirit. Let us not forget: our loyalty is to the people, to justice, and to the future of Nigeria not to compromised power-brokers.