INEC: We’ll transmit Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa election results according to law.

INEC: We’ll transmit Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa election results according to law.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday confirmed that the results of the November 11 governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayesla states would be transmitted according to the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Yakubu shot down an earlier statement by the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Mr. Obo Effanga, that the election result would be transmitted manually.

The INEC Chairman, while monitoring the mock accreditation exercise in Lokoja, Kogi State yesterday ahead of the coming polls, said: “Please disregard whatever anyone has said about the transmission of results.”

According to Yakubu, accreditation of voters during the election would be done with the aid of the BVAS machine before, and after voting would be used to snap and upload the results onto  the INEC Election Result Viewing portal.

Section 60 of the Electoral Act 2022 provides thus: 60(1) The Presiding Officer shall, after counting the votes at the Polling Unit, enter the votes scored by each candidate in a form to be prescribed by the Commission as the case may be.

(2) The form shall be signed and stamped by the Presiding Officer and counter-signed by the candidates or their polling agents where available at the Polling Unit.

(3) The Presiding Officer shall give to the polling agents and the police officer where available a copy each of the completed forms after it has been duly signed as provided under subsection (2).

(4) The presiding officer shall count and announce the result at the Polling Unit.

(5) The presiding officer shall transfer the result including the total number of accredited voters and the result of the ballot in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.

62(1) After the recording and announcement of the result, the presiding officer shall deliver same along with election materials under security and accompanied by the candidates or their polling agents, where available, to such person as may be prescribed by the Commission.

Sec. 64 (4) A collation officer or returning officer at an election shall collate and announce the result of an election, subject to his or her verification and confirmation that –

a. Number of accredited voters stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the number of accredited voters recorded and transmitted directly from polling units under Section 47(2).

b. The votes stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the votes or results  recorded and transmitted directly from polling units under section 60(4) of this Act.

5) subject to subsection (1), a collation officer or returning officer shall use the number of accredited voters recorded and transmitted directly from polling units under Section 47(2) of this Act and the votes or results recorded and transmitted directly from polling units under section 60(4) of this Act to collate and announce the result of an election if a collated result at this or lower level of collation is not correct.”

 All non sensitive materials for the elections, Yakubu added, had been delivered to the various local government areas in the three states.

He expressed satisfaction at the preparation for the polls, although he said security challenge remained a major concern in Kogi.

He said efforts were being made to provide adequate deployment of security personnel in the three states with a view to ensuring a peaceful environment for voters to exercise their rights on the day.

He noted the flooding problem at the LEA Primary School, Ganaja in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state, saying the polling units there would be moved to a more secure environment.

Besides, he said INEC planned to redistribute voters at the polling unit after the election in view of the large number of registered voters there.

He said: “This is the polling unit with the largest number of registered voters in Nigeria with about 13,000 voters. So, we will be deploying eight BVAS machines to the polling unit on election day.

At the Kogi Local Government (LGA) Area office of the commission in Kotonkarfe, Yakubu said INEC was working with the security agencies to provide convenient environment for peaceful and credible election.

He said: “Wherever you go in Nigeria, you are sure to see two government offices. One is INEC. You will see an INEC office in the LGA headed by an Electoral Officer (EO). You will also see the police office headed by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for the local government.

“So, we are everywhere working together. And I’m happy that we are working together as we prepare for the elections.”

Yakubu advised the Electoral Officers (EOs) in the state to follow the standard template for logistics deployment at Registration Area Centres (RACs), as well as work with security agencies for the election to commence in Polling Units (Pus) at 8.30a.m.

“My advice to you is that you have to use the standard template for this election.

“I am glad to hear that all the non-sensitive materials have been received in your local government. And I’m sure it’s the same story in other local governments as well.

“But it’s not only the receipt of the material that is important. You have to batch them so that they go into the box per polling unit.

“So, on election day, as you move to the super RACs or the RAC centres, you will then move to the polling units.

 “We are giving our words to Nigerians that we must open polling units at 8.30am on the dot. Therefore, you must activate the RACs. If you don’t activate the RACs we can’t actualise the commencement of the votes at 8.30am.

“You must activate the RACs with security and I am happy that you are working in partnership with them.”

 National Commissioner in charge of Kogi, Prof. Sani Adam, said the state was ready for the conduct of the governorship election.

He said the commission had held series of meetings with security agencies in the state with a view to ensuring adequate security during the elections.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hale Gabriel Longer, said the state has reviewed 60 per cent of its budget and has commenced disbursement to the various local government areas.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

BAO 101: THE POWER OF EXPERIENCE.

BAO 101: THE POWER OF EXPERIENCE.

By: Adekoya Lateeph ADEWUMI 

Firms understand mostly the term Experience; the basis or essence of new hands recruitment into their organisations. They often substitute educational attainment for experience when the need arises. 

There are some job offers that require cognate experience before you can be considered despite having prequisite paper qualification, the employer would critically look at the applicant's previous experience in similar position. Most employers would opt for lower paper qualification with long years of experience particularly when it has to do with managerial position.

Managers are specifically to manage humans, financials and operations. They are team leaders, they set objectives, analyze performance and make decisions. To manage people to maximum efficiency, you must have some level of education, exposure, training and most importantly, have a leader or a mentor who has trodden the path before to guard and guide you to success. However, it's never been a crime for anyone to apply for a position not qualified for, it's the just job of the human resources department to determine who fits the position.

On June 18, 2022. Ekiti hired His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, a good manager through their vote to manage their affairs for the next 4 years. He's  a Brilliant, accomplished and outstanding person who has passed through some political tutelage within same system over years. I wrote a piece titled 'Ekiti 2022, Continuity with Caveat', where I laid emphasis on experience, we might all have good character, dedication and enviable reputation but experience can not be shoved aside. 

BAO is a worthy Chief Executive as affirmed by his immediate staff, the civil service, they are proud of him. The indices of good governance from civil service perspectives start from prompt payment of salary, deductions and allowances, emoluments, regular training and promotions, seminars, 13 months and ultimately, regular payment of pension and gratuity to the  retired hands. BAO is excellent in all these aforementioned, he has a good testimonial from them. Recently i noticed it is even a crime to malign BAO in their presence, they are well prepared to defend him like the way Chief Wole Olanipekun and his team are defending President Bola Tinubu at Supreme court. 

It is very rare though not a taboo, for the State Chief Executive to be in harmony with the Civil Service. The usual frosty relationship is inability of the Governor to tick all their boxes. Governor Oyebanji knew this and deliberately avoid such pitfall by doing the needful few days to every month end. When you examine the anatomy of Ekiti APC, the civil service is APC 2, everyone of them wants their voice to be heard like Segun Dipe, the APC 1 spokesman.

In another development, the most prevalent problem in Nigeria politics is the problem of god-fatherism. In fact this often ignites fire almost immediately after swearing into office because of interests, patronage and undue influence. The interest will always push the followers to fan embers of suspiciong where there is none.

I was at last stakeholders meeting held at Osuntokun Pavillion, Government House Ground where BAO declared that Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo is his Grandfather, Dr Kayode Fayemi is his father, and himself, the son. With humility, BAO has managed his relationship with predecessors very wel. Though there may be disagreements here and there but he has never allowed Omoluabi spirit to forsake him. He has humility in aburdance. He has projected the positive aspect of godfatherism to all those that matter in the state. He will pay them courtesy visit, take their view and insight on critical matters. He amplified the proper way for a male to greet the elders in Yoruba land, Aare Afe Babalola, the iconc statesman from Ekiti has received countless of this Omoluabi gesture from our Excellency.

Equally, He vowed to continue with all the uncompleted projects left behind by his predecessors, he has started ticking them one by one, from Traditional Rulers' Complex, Oja Oba Motor park, ongoing Independent Power Project, Cargo Airport etc. It may interest you to know that Omuo and it's environs now has light after many years of darkness. Ikogosi warm spring  has been taken over by an investor where you can enjoy with your family on leisure, hold strategic business meetings and many other govt facilities in various sectors are currently undergoing maintenance and repair.

BAO really means business by giving the local government councils free hand to operate without undue interference on their monthly allocation and projects that  can benefit  their localities. I have listened to him on many fora, he's very strategic and meticulous in handling state affair. Ekiti is one of the 8 states that have received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between the Q1 and Q2 2023, thanks to Governor Oyebanji for making Ekiti Sate business friendly environment for investors. 

In the same vein, he has also adhered strictly to his campaign promise that he would put the local content act to practice in Ekiti and that was evident during the supply of vehicles by Ekiti Car dealers to the State Government recently for Education officers in all our local government Areas. He also engages Ekiti contractors in most capital projects going on across the state except where it requires specialised skills and expertise.

It is amazing to see APC 3 in the anatomy of APC, being Catholic than the pope himself. Opposition praises BAO daily for being a good Man and when that is happening, surely you don't need a diviner or fortune teller to tell you that BAO has passed oxygen to them. 

I was taken aback sometimes in August when the opposition figure, Osoko himself declared BAO for second term when we are yet to celebrate BAO 101. Opposition in Ekiti is not dead but hibernating in swamp for the rain that may never come soon though BAO will continue the irrigation in the absence of rain because we also need them around.

Happily and joyfully, Osoko gave his street credibility handout to BAO freely without hesitation to continue where he stopped. The Smart BAO has remodified the Street Credibility to accommodate compassion and humanitarian services. He has wiped away tears from many, uplifted many to make out living, set people free from hospitals by paying their bills, reduce destitute from the streets by providing succour to them etc. 

BAO has simplified governance by allowing all inclusive participation from  all strata.

Governor Oyebanji daily showcases the experience he had garnered in over two decades of our democracy.  You may say Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo only relates with his affluent and elite friends because he's one them but BAO relates with the haves and have nots. Also you may critzise Ayo Fayose the Irunmole himself for being on the street eating Amala and folded Ponmo soaked with pepper without scrupples, Oyebanji boards keke napep and purchased same for a female rider without a blink. What of Chief Segun Oni, a workaholic, who doesn't have time to socialise but you will see our BAO on the street like any other day on inspection and supervision. You accused Governor Fayemi of being too elitist, an afficionado in policy formulation and strategic thinking, who many see as self-consumed but his successor is in your face and will surely come prostrating for you. 

That is the power of experience, it shows clearly that he has learnt one or two thing from his predecessors and that has helped him to shape his purposeful governance in the last one year. 

As we celebrate  BAO 101, we are very hopeful that we'll have more to write about when we celebrate BAO 102 this time next year. Congratulations to the well loved, hard working Governor and wishing you, Happy Anniversary.!!!

Written by Hon. Comrade Adekoya Lateeph Adewumi, a public analyst, loyal member of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Party, and a supporter of good governance.

Oyebanji Won't Abandon Any Town in His Devt. plans- Ekiti Deputy Governor.

Oyebanji Won't Abandon Any Town in His Devt. plans- Ekiti Deputy Governor. 

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has told the people of the state to be rest assured  that Governor Biodun Oyebanji will neither despise nor neglect any town in his development strides, saying holistic actions shall be taken to capture all interests across the state.

Mrs Afuye averred that the six pillars policy thrust of this administration was specifically  articulated to cater for all interests and not geared towards patronising a political or primordial interest.

The Deputy Governor said this in Ifisin Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government area of the State on Saturday, during the 42nd Edition of Ifisin Day celebration.

Mrs Afuye , who saluted the citizens of the state for their supports, said the task of making Ekiti an epicentre of development is so dear to Governor Oyebanji, adding that the establishment of the Ministry of Rural Development further attested to how thirsty and desirous the government is to evenly spread development to all communities.

Of particular reference, Mrs Afuye showered praises on Ifisin people for their favourable dispositions to issues of peace and stability, culminating in the conceptualisation of the memorable event to celebrate the achievements of town in all aspects.

"Let me start by commending His Royal Majesty and the entire indigenes of this peace-loving  and development driven town for their unflagging supports for the administration of my wonderful boss, His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji. 

"You could all attest to the fact that Mr Governor is desirous of ensuring peace and development in all the towns across the 16 local government areas of our dear state. And this has begun to manifest, so we need your continued and dedicated support.

"That was why Mr Governor allowed all the local governments to enjoy high level of financial independence to be able to complement the state government in spreading development to all towns and villages in Ekiti. 

"Going by the quantum of works the councils and the state goverment have done in the last one year, it was evident that the vision of spreading shared prosperity to our people is gradually becoming realisable.

"Let me assure our people to be rest assured that Governor Oyebanji won't leave any town behind in his development focus. All the towns shall be captured for the dividends of democracy to be felt in every household".

Mrs Afuye  appealed to the town  to continue to support their  traditional ruler and members of his council to ensure peace reigns in their domain and to partner the government at all levels for the dream of making their town more  developed comes to actuality.

Addressing his subjects, the Onifisin of Ifisin Ekiti, Oba Michael Folarin Fabunmi, expressed readiness to coalesce efforts with government to bring development to the town.

Also, the traditional ruler  appealed to his subjects to play complementary roles to salvage the people from abject poverty, saying it would be unfair to rely on government alone. 

To demonstrate his love for his subjects, Oba Fabunmi, said his free gas distribution  was borne out of his glowing passion and God's direction that  he must always reach out to the vulnerables, saying this also demonstrates his contributions to alleviate poverty in the town.

 He promised to always forge a strong connection with government and  partner  Governor  Oyebanji-led administration to stabilise Ekiti and bring development to all towns and villages, including his own.

Tinubu Kick-starts $250 Million Lithium Factory in Nasarawa: An Economic Boost for Nigeria.

Tinubu Kick-starts $250 Million Lithium Factory in Nasarawa: An Economic Boost for Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of a $250 million lithium factory in Nasarawa State, marking the start of a new era of economic opportunities for the region.

The project which is a result of a collaboration between the Nigerian government and a Chinese firm, Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment.

The mega factory, upon completion, has the capacity to process 18,000 metric tons of lithium daily, totalling 4.5 million metric tons annually.

It is expected to create employment opportunities for around 2,500 Nigerians, both directly and indirectly.

Represented by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the president commended the company for initiating working in line with the federal government policy and assured Ganfeng of the federal government’s support.

President Tinubu through the minister said; “I want to emphasise the fact that the era of exporting raw solid minerals from Nigeria is over. To further demonstrate our seriousness to stop the illegal export of our solid minerals, we are collaborating with the Customs to detect both major and minor raw materials from the ports. Your decision to set up a factory to make lithium batteries is a welcome development that will not only add value to the nation’s product but create direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians”

He gave an assurance that the federal government will put in place measures to create an enabling environment for their operation in the country.

President of Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited, Pan Quen at the ceremony, said; “I strongly believe that with the construction of the lithium factory here in Nasarawa State, more of Chinese stakeholders will invest in Nigeria which would help to boost the economy of the nation".

The construction of the lithium factory is a significant boost for Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. Lithium is a critical component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. The factory is expected to increase Nigeria’s lithium production capacity, thereby contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector.

Beyond contributing to the renewable energy sector, the lithium factory is expected to create job opportunities and enhance the local manufacturing industry. This development is in line with the government’s strategy to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic activity within the country. The groundbreaking ceremony is a major step forward in the realization of Nigeria’s renewable energy goals and the development of the lithium industry in the country.

President Tinubu appoints Onanuga, Yakubu as SA, SSA.

President Tinubu appoints Onanuga, Yakubu as SA, SSA.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bayo Onanuga as his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Friday evening.

According to the statement, the appointments, including that of Ms. Delu Bulus Yakubu, as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, would be focusing on prioritising effective synergy between the Presidency and the federal ministries.

“As part of efforts to prioritize effective and efficient working synergy between the Presidency and Federal Ministries, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointments of professionals who have prior working experience within the architecture of the Federal Ministries they will be coordinating with, in addition to duties that will be carried out at the President’s discretion:

“Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy — Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation — Ms. Delu Bulus Yakubu.

“The President wishes the new presidential aides well in the discharge of their duties,” the statement reads.

Nigeria’s N87tr total debt profile manageable, says IMF.

Nigeria’s N87tr total debt profile manageable, says IMF.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said Nigeria’s N87.3 trillion ($113.4 billion) total public debt position is manageable and does not present any risks to the economy.

Speaking yesterday at the presentation of Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Marrakech, Morocco, IMF African Department Director, Abebe Selassie, said rising debt service cost is Nigeria’s biggest challenge as far as its debt position was concerned.

He said Nigeria is unable to generate enough tax revenue to service its debts and invest in key infrastructure, adding that IMF was not aware of  any debt discussions, debt profiling or debt restructuring that are going on, on Nigeria.

He said the assessment of debts should not be based on the nominal value of a debt stock but on how it relates to many other economic variables.

“So yes, it’s at the highest level because you mention it in naira terms but as a ratio to Gross Domestic Product and as a ratio to many other indicators is what you have to look at.

“When we look at the debt in Nigeria, our sense is that the stock is manageable in general, it is the debt servicing that is much more difficult and the debt service is hampered by the country, for not generating enough non-oil tax revenues. And I think that is by far the most important area of work and reform there is for any administration in Nigeria,” he said.

Selassie said: “In Nigeria, the most important cause of the pressures is the fact that the government does not generate enough tax revenue for all the services it needs to provide. Interest payment as a share of revenue is very high and not leaving much room to spend on other issue that needed to be worked on.

 “While there is not enough tax revenue, I think in the past reliance on oil when prices were high, and second is the subsidy regime which also implies and entails lots of government resources being directed where they should not be. These are all interlined issues including causing some of the inflation that you see.

“The debt stock is manageable; it’s the debt service that is the problem,” he stated.

 The IMF also backed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for removing forex restrictions placed on 43 items that can be produced locally.

Selassie said such restrictions never worked in many economies that practice it. He said: “On the trade restrictions in Nigeria, our view has always been that many economies are so sophisticated and complex to allow such restrictions to work.”

Selassie said the difficulties associated with tapping from the international capital market pushed the government to rely more on domestic financing which of course has crowded out the private sector and put constraints on monetary injections, and in the process, weakened the exchange rate.

The IMF director said Nigeria has incredible potential, with the reforms moving in the right direction in recent months. The Fund said fiscal discipline will support Nigeria’s drive for exchange rate stability.

 “What is needed, we feel, is making the reforms holistic.  So, the exchange rate reforms that the government did was very welcome as it is trying to unify the rates. Similarly, the fuel subsidy will not help or stick unless they tighten monetary policy. Unless you are also doing something to mobilise more tax revenue,” the Fund said.

 “So, a holistic package of reforms is what is needed and we have to give a bit of time to the new administration also.

“The CBN governor has just been appointed, and the minister of finance has only been appointed a few weeks. So, we are hopeful that they would move in the right direction and we stand to provide every policy advice that the government needs,” Selassie said.

Of course, the tax policy you can also use if you really want to lean against certain types of import etc. In general, I think the direction CBN has moved in is a helpful one.

“Lastly, on the monetary policy coordination, I think when we pointed out that the adjustment and correction to the exchange rate gap were necessary but not sufficient unless you underpin it with tighter monetary policy conditions.

“This is because if monetary policy conditions are loose, it creates a lot of liquidity, then it’s going to create inflation and then of course exchange rate will inevitably move.

“So, unless you are tightening monetary conditions, it would not be enough.

 Continuing, the IMF called for the support of monetary policy with some fiscal policy tightening.

“The fact that the government is absorbing a lot of the liquidity to finance the large deficit it has that is causing monetary policy to be loose. So, that is the type of holistic and coordinated reform package Nigeria is going to need.

“And Nigeria has incredible politicians and policymakers. It is something that can be done, and it is the political will and the decision to move in that direction that is needed,” he said.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Tinubu appoints new FERMA Board, Management.

Tinubu appoints new FERMA Board, Management.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Board and Management of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) with Engr. Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam as its Chairman.

Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, on Thursday hinted that the President was going to approve the Board’s appointment in a bid to make the ongoing nationwide road repairs intervention go smoothly.

However, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu demanded competent service delivery from the new Board.

The appointment also has Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi as the Managing Director of FERMA.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Governing Board and Management team of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for a renewable term of four (4) years, in accordance with Section 2(3) of the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007:

“Chairman of FERMA Board — Engr. Imam Ibrahim Kashim Imam; Managing Director of FERMA — Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi;

Member (NARTO) — Yusuf Lawal Othman; Member (FMW) — Engr. Ibi Terna Manasseh; Member (FRSC) — ACM Shehu Mohammed; Member (Finance) — Babatunde Daramola-Oniru; Member (South-South) — Hon. Preye Oseke.

“Member (South-West) — Hon. Oye Ojobe; Member (South-East) — Dr. Kenneth Ugbala; Member (North-Central) — Sen. Timothy Adudu; Member (North-East) — Engr. Abubakar Bappa; Member (North-West) — Aminu Adamu Papa.

“President Tinubu expects the new appointees to achieve integrous and competent service delivery, given the central role that the institution will play in the sustainable health of growth-enabling infrastructure nationwide,” the statement reads.