Politics

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, @rot1930 Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the role of social media and the INEC News platform at the forum for media executives in Benin City.

Published

8 months ago

August 23, 2024

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This forum is a key part of the broader preparations for the upcoming 2024 Edo State Governorship Election slated for September 21, 2024.

Mr. Oyekanmi began by outlining the fundamental functions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside the Commission’s Mission and Vision statements. He emphasized INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, ensuring that every vote counts in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Central to his presentation was the discussion on the advantages of using social media to disseminate real-time information about electoral processes. He highlighted how platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have become vital tools for INEC in engaging with the public, providing instant updates, and countering misinformation.

However, Mr. Oyekanmi also addressed the challenges that come with the use of social media. He spoke about the proliferation of fake news, which can spread rapidly on these platforms, causing confusion and undermining public trust in the electoral process. He noted that certain social media platforms impose restrictions on the amount of information that can be posted at a time, which can hinder comprehensive communication.

Mr. Oyekanmi encouraged media professionals to work closely with INEC to combat these challenges by verifying information before dissemination and using their platforms to promote accurate, unbiased reporting. He also urged the public to rely on official INEC channels for election-related news, highlighting the importance of the INEC News platform as a reliable source for all electoral updates.

Politics

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared his support for Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State in the 2027 gubernatorial election, signalling a rare bipartisan endorsement across party lines in the state’s political landscape.

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared his support for Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State in the 2027 gubernatorial election, signalling a rare bipartisan endorsement across party lines in the state’s political landscape.

Akpabio, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, made his position known through his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, during a Town Square meeting held at the Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium on Thursday.

The Senate President’s endorsement comes after Governor Eno’s public pledge of support for President Bola Tinubu to complete two terms in office on Tuesday.

Akpabio particularly thanked the Governor for empowering the constituents with business grants, adding that Akwa Ibom would be a greater place if successive administrations would emulate and sustain his inclusive leadership style.

“Let me welcome you to Ikot-Ekpene federal Constituency for the Town Square meeting and to appreciate you for the several life-touching projects that you have executed for this constituency

” I urge the constituents to work in unison towards ensuring that Akwa Ibom grows beyond religious, political and tribal barriers. I want to restate my commitment to supporting the Governor beyond 2027 irrespective of party affiliation,” Akpabio said.

The Member representing Ikot Ekpene-Obot Akara and Essien Udim Federal Constituency, Patrick Umoh, in his goodwill message, described the town hall square meeting as a true demonstration of democracy.

Umoh, an APC member, thanked Eno for his inclusive leadership style and moved a motion for the governor’s return to the Hilltop Mansion and this was unanimously endorsed by the constituents.

Responding, Eno, announced N260 grants to 664 farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs during the meeting.

A breakdown of the grants shows that 210 farmers received N105 million, 255 traders received N125 million, six beneficiaries of the Small Medium Enterprises got N5million each while 184 were beneficiaries of equipment support, and nine got cars of different types.

He enjoined the beneficiaries to make use of the grant judiciously to grow their enterprises, better their lives and those of their families, urging them to be prudent in the management of the funds as there was no second chance for those who have benefitted in the scheme.

Eno assured that the Needs Document received from the constituents will be carefully studied and accommodated in next year’s budget for effective implementation, and also commended the people of the Federal Constituency for their support which he acknowledged has enabled him to deliver democratic dividends to the people.

“Today, we came to say to Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, thank you for your support and for the work you have done.

“We have received the Needs Document and I like to say this clearly. This Needs Document is part of what the law requires before preparing a budget. You must engage with the people and that is what we have done by going to the federal constituencies to enhance citizens’ engagement. We will compile it and use it accordingly, though we might not be able to bring everything in, we will implement it according to available funds. So 2026 budget will be the people’s budget”

In his remarks, the Political Leader of Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien while presenting the Needs Document to the Governor, appreciated him for his inclusive and pragmatic leadership which according to him, has transformed the constituency in terms of human capital and infrastructural development, noting that within the last 20 months, over 42 life-touching projects have been executed in the Constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairmen of the three Local Government Areas in the Federal Constituency, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Nkom Nkom, commended the Governor for his developmental and transformative leadership in the Constituency, reiterating their commitment to supporting the Governor for another term come 2027.

Politics

APC suspends Senator Utazi over alleged anti-party activities

Published

15 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu state on Friday announced the suspension of Sen Chuka Utazi for alleged anti-party activities.

Utazi, a two-time senator (2015-2023), who represented Enugu North Senatorial District under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), decamped from his party and joined APC in 2024.

But in a letter of notification addressed to the State Chairman of APC, Barr Ugochukwu Agballah, and signed by the Chairman of APC Uzo-Uwani LGA, Chief Chris Ajodo; the Secretary, Hon. Pius Diara, and APC Chairman, Nkpologu Ward, Hon. Albert Aniebonam, the party stated that Utazi’s suspension was sequel to and consequent upon a complaint/petition from the Senator’s Nkpologu ward, alleging anti-party activities.

The Ward accused Sen Utazi of having participated in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu North Zonal Chapter
meetings and endorsement of Barr. Peter Mba, the Governor of Enugu State, for second term in the coming 2027 election.

They also accused the senator of granting interviews and engaging in open blackmail and de-marketing of APC Enugu State chapter in public, among others infractions.

“These allegations were backed up by online video evidences as the case may be,” the party officials stated in the notification letter, which was also copied to the leader of the party in the state, Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji (Nwakaibie).

The party officials further clarified, “On receipt of the said complaint, the local government on 8/4/2025 setup a three-man disciplinary committee which notified the Senator of the petition and duly invited him to appear before the disciplinary body.

“The invitation was however ignored by the Respondent. The above notwithstanding, the committee carried out a thorough investigation of the allegations and came out with a verdict of “guilt”.

“The committee found the conduct of Senator Utazi highly disappointing, repugnant and unbecoming of a bona fide member of APC, and hence, recommended his indefinite suspension from the party.

“Upon the receipt of the report of the Disciplinary Committee on 12/4/2025 and after careful examination of same, including the video evidence enclosed thereto, the Local Government Executive unanimously approved the recommendation of the Disciplinary committee, and hence, endorsed the indefinite suspension of former Senator Chuka Utazi from All Progressive Congress (APC) for anti-party activity in accordance with the Constitution of our great party.”

Politics

Anambra Election: Valentine Ozigbo sues APC, INEC, seeks fresh primary

Published

15 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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‎One of the aspirants of the All Progressives Congress in the Anambra governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Awka, challenging the legitimacy of the APC governorship primary conducted on April 5, 2025, in Anambra State.
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‎The suit, which names the APC, Nicholas Ukachukwu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission as defendants, seeks to nullify Ukachukwu’s nomination and compel the party to recognise Ozigbo as the rightful candidate.
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‎According to the court document made available to journalists on Friday, the suit was filed on Wednesday, April 16, 2025
‎Filed through his legal team led by Umeh Kalu, SAN, and B.C. Igwilo, SAN, the suit includes supporting documentation from the party’s constitution, internal communications, and delegate registers.
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‎The Federal High Court in Awka is yet to assign a date for hearing.
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