Politics
GOV ABIODUN INAUGURATES ELECTORAL COMMISSION
GOV ABIODUN INAUGURATES ELECTORAL COMMISSION
… Committee promises credible LG polls
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday swore-in the Chairman and members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), with a promise to leave behind a vibrant democratic arrangement that would outlive his administration.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun underscored the need for the body to exercise restrain and uphold high ethical standard to midwife a local government system based on the principles of fair, credible and democratic electoral process.
The governor said the inauguration was a symbolic demonstration of his administration’s commitment to ensure democratic dividends get to the grassroots through electoral processes at the local government level.
“We on our part, will continue to exert all our inclusiveness approach to fast track socio-economic development and social wellbeing of our people. What we are doing today is a part of that process; rebuilding our electoral system and values as well as strengthening other tiers of government to be at its best.
“We are determined to leave behind a vibrant democratic arrangement in our State that will outlive this administration. This will ensure that we have good Leadership at all levels which in turn ensure all round development for our State”, he said.
The Governor described election as an integral part of the norms and values of the modern world political civilization, pointing out that the absence of transparent, free and fair elections have contributed to the instability witnessed in some societies around the world.
His administration, Governor Abiodun maintained, would continue to provide conducive environment for the conduct of free and fair election at the local government, calling the Commission to put in place an effective machinery to ensure the people at the local government are provided adequate platform to exercise their right in electing their leaders.
While congratulating the members of the Commission for heeding the call to serve, the Governor reminded them that they should see their appointments as a clarion call to serve, urging them to introduce innovative and resourceful approach for the conduct of free and fair election at the local government level.
According to him, “the people of our State await your total commitment in sustaining the positive development of the electoral system in line with global best practices. Shun all acts of nepotism, favouritism, corruption and such negative acts which could impart negativity on our duties”.
Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the Commission, Babatunde Adetona Osibodu stated that the commission under his watch would serve with humility, adding that members of the commission recognises the responsibility placed on them and are ready to succeed as a team.
Osibodu pledged that the Electoral Commission would conduct a free and fair election that would not only be a benchmark for the state, but the country as a whole, stressing that the Commission would carry along all relevant stakeholders towards ensuring a successful local government election.
Other members of the Commission are; Olatunji Isaac Akoni, Omolaja Tajueeen Soyeolu, Ayodele Bankole, Olugbemisola Onasanya and Remilekun Olaopa.
Lagos PDP Kicks As Epe Council Boss Gets Enmeshed In Alleged Certificates Forgery
The Youth wing of the Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Comrade Agboola Akinpelu Dare is calling for an investigation into allegations of certificate forgery against Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the chairperson of Epe Local Government Area.
This isn’t the first time Animashaun has faced these allegations, which initially surfaced ahead of the last council election in Epe local government ¹.
According to a video shared on social media by Nifemi Vibrant, Animashaun is accused of forging her certificates, which would disqualify her from holding public office under the 2022 Electoral Act.
Another prominent figure from Epe, Olanrewaju Babatunde, also known as Bob Tarner, has come forward to accuse Animashaun of forging her certificates from primary to university level ¹.
The PDP is urging the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and other relevant government agencies to invite Animashaun for questioning and to scrutinize her credentials.
They argue that Epe is known for academic excellence and deserves better representation ¹.
Politics
Pro-democracy group tells Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara over insecurity, political repression
Pro-democracy group tells Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara over insecurity, political repression
The United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, citing worsening insecurity and a breakdown of democratic order in the state.
The demand was contained in a statement on Friday signed by Abdulrahman Danladi, president of the coalition.
Danladi described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives and uphold democratic principles.
“The situation in Zamfara has gone from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups operate freely, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to speak up are being silenced,” the statement read.
He was referring to the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, whom he said were punished for raising concerns about insecurity and illegal mining in their constituencies.
“What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness — it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were elected by the people and have a duty to speak out. Instead of listening to them, the state assembly, clearly acting on orders, has shut them down,” Danladi said.
He likened the political tension in Zamfara to the recent situation in Rivers state, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara governed with just four lawmakers after a split in the House of Assembly — a scenario that prompted calls for federal intervention.
“If Rivers with four lawmakers sparked talks of emergency rule, how is Zamfara with 10 suspended lawmakers and spiraling violence, not a national concern?” Danladi asked.
“The same standard must apply. Democracy is being murdered in Zamfara in broad daylight. If the federal government could consider intervening in Rivers, it must not turn a blind eye to the breakdown in Zamfara.”
“We are calling for a six-month state of emergency in Zamfara to allow security forces to take control, restore peace, and return the state to constitutional order.”
The group also demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and an investigation into what it called “executive interference” in the legislature.
“This is not the time for political correctness. It is the time for leadership. The people of Zamfara are under siege — both by bandits and by those who should be protecting them,” the statement added.
Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most troubled states, continues to face persistent attacks from armed groups, with thousands displaced and dozens killed in the past year alone.
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