The die is cast. Who wins today’s off – season governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States ? All is set for for the epic battle to begin any time from 8am November 11 among the contestants in the governorship poll.
After weeks of bated anxiety amid campaigns, governorship candidates in the three states will have their fate decided by voters today as they troop out to elect new governors.
The elections are holding against the background of heightened tension in the affected states over fears of electoral violence.
Already, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed 67,000 of its men for the polls.
The elections, expected to be keenly contested, will feature no fewer than 51 candidates with Kogi, where 18 candidates are expected to slug it out, as the state with the highest number of contestants.
Seventeen candidates are jostling for the coveted seat in Imo while 16 will battle it out in Bayelsa.
No fewer than 5,169,692 voters who collected their permanent voter cards (PVCs) are expected to vote in the elections.
Investigation revealed uneasy calm across the three senatorial districts in Kogi State as people appear to be apprehensive due primarily to the violence that attended previous exercises.
In Bayelsa State, hundreds of women besieged the State Police Command in Yenagoa, the state capital on Thursday, demanding the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Tolani Alausa.
As a precautionary measure against the high level of insecurity anticipated in Kogi State during the poll, security operatives have been massively deployed in the state to maintain law and order and protect voters who are expected to troop out to its over 3,500 polling units to perform their franchise without intimidation.
In Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, personnel from the various security agencies had arrived in the state and were seen being deployed in its nooks and crannies.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) overseeing Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State, Habu Sani, told reporters in Lokoja that the 40,000 police personnel deployed in the state was proportionate to the threats level.
He insisted that the security personnel so far deployed were enough to handle the fears in some quarters over possible violence and disruptions during the exercise.
According to him, about 90 per cent of the personnel deployed for the election had arrived in the state.
He said those that were not yet on ground were either on transit or would take off on Friday to arrive early enough for the election.
He said that all the 3,500 polling units in the state would be adequately covered, adding that no room would be left for anyone who might want to disrupt the election.
Sani said: “Our deployment is proportionate to the threat levels identified before election.
“Forty thousand personnel and officers have been mobilised to neutralise any untoward happening before, during and after the election.”
He also said there would be restriction of movements on the Election Day and only those on essential duties would be allowed to move around after they might have been issued with tags.
He called on members of the public who might have useful information to contact the police control room whose number and that of the officers in charge of each zone would be circulated.
At least two deaths had been confirmed and the police themselves have confirmed gunning down several political thugs who attempted a gun battle with security agencies ahead of the elections.
Election observer group identifies Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw LGAs as flashpoints
An election management team, CellHub, yesterday identified Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa local government areas as key flashpoints which the security agencies should pay attention to ahead of today’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.
In Brass, agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) keeping vigil at the registration area centres (RACs) were said to have clashed, thereby unsettling the area.
The election monitoring group noted that there might be mayhem during the polls in the five LGAs.
The organisation commended the performance of security agencies involved in the pre-election operations, particularly the military.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Idris Usman, the group acknowledged the commitment, professionalism and diligence so far displayed by security personnel deployed to ensure a secured and conducive environment for the electoral process.
It noted that the efforts of security agencies had contributed significantly in building public confidence and ensuring the smooth conduct of pre-election activities.
The statement said: “However, as part of our ongoing collaboration to enhance the electoral process, CellHub urges the security agencies to concentrate their efforts in identified flashpoints within certain local government areas.
“These areas include Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa local government areas.
“We have noticed over the last 24 hours reported cases of intimidation and violence in some communities, particularly Brass and Nembe local governments.
“Recognising the significance of these local governments and the potential challenges they may pose, CellHub calls for heightened vigilance, strategic deployment, and effective communication among security personnel.
“By focusing on these flashpoints, we aim to preemptively address any potential security concerns and ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders.”
Protesters besiege police headquarters in Bayelsa, demand CP’s removal
Hundreds of women in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Thursday, besieged the State Police Command, demanding the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Tolani Alausa.
The protesters made up mainly of women and dressed in black attires also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a violence-free governorship election in the state today.
On the placards displayed by the protesters were inscriptions such as “IG – the Police must be neutral”, “Change CP Alausa for a violence-free poll”, “We say no to CP Alausa”, “Give us new CP”, “We don’t want Tolani Alausa”.
“All we are asking for is a violence- free election in the state. Is that a big thing to ask from those who are supposed to be responsible for protecting us? Why can’t the police be neutral in this election? Can’t we just vote for our preferred candidate in peace?
“We want a non-violent exercise. The police should protect the people and allow us to vote who we want. This shouldn’t be like other elections where people manipulate election with the assistance of the police,” one of the protesters said.
Another protester and human rights activist, Mrs. Timitimi Ebipador, was quoted as pleading for a non-violent exercise.
“We are appealing to you for the conduct of a peaceful election. We want an exercise devoid of violence. You are responsible for the provision of security of our lives and that should be your duty and not interfere in the election itself.
“No blood of any Bayelsan is worth the blood of any politician. Do all it takes for a non-violent election, we beg you to protect us. I call for a peaceful election. We want our husbands, children and even brothers safe after the exercise.
“We have experienced it on several occasions. In 2015 and 2019, it was marred by violence and till this moment, nobody was prosecuted and jailed for violence,” she said.
On his part, the Police DIG in charge of South-South, Sokari Pedro, assured the protesters of peaceful conduct of the election, saying that all measures for smooth conduct and professionalism by officers and men of the police force would be applied.
He assured that the election would be different from previous ones that were marred by violence in 2015 and 2019.
He said: “We have heard your agitations, and we will ensure a peaceful conduct of the exercise before and after. I just addressed stakeholders of the various parties and other state actors that the election will be peaceful.
“2023 is not 2015 and 2019. We have put all measures together for a peaceful process. All security architecture is in place.
“Also, pass the information to your people in various communities to let peace reign. Without peace, there will be no development in our communities.
“We have to avoid unnecessary confrontations with people this election season.”
DHQ, defence minister allay fears of insecurity
In separate statements on Thursday, both the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, allayed any fear of insecurity during the elections, assuring voters of their safety during the exercise.
Matawalle, who spoke in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said adequate arrangements had been made for security agencies to deal decisively with any “noisemaker” and anyone who might want to foment trouble or crises during the elections.
He said: “The military will be available ’24/7′ for anyone who wants to contact them.
“I, particularly, will be in the office within the period of the election so as to ensure safety in the three states.
“We shall protect the people. We shall ensure that the three states are safe and the people are protected.
“I assure Nigerians that the elections will be held amicably; nothing will happen to anyone.”
“The elections will be conducted in these states peacefully.”
In apparent corroboration of Matawalle’s statement, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) declared that anybody or group planning to disrupt the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo or Kogi state would face the consequences of their action.
The DHQ said the military was aware of plans by some miscreants to disguise themselves in military uniforms in order to disrupt the election process.
The military high command spoke through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.
Buba said: “We are aware of plans of some to disguise themselves in military gear to orchestrate havoc and disrupt elections in some areas. Our message to such a group is that there will be injurious consequences for such an action. The military will not fold its arms and watch its image dragged to the mud.
“Election is a serious business and the military is giving it the seriousness it deserves. So much is being put in place, troops and platforms are being deployed to those locations to reinforce security that is already in place in those states.”
PSC monitors arrive duty posts as Commission releases phone numbers for complaints
The Chairman Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Arase, has advised officials of the Commission deployed to monitor the governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states to be transparent and dedicated to duty.
The PSC staff monitors, according to findings, have arrived and taken positions at their duty posts in the nine senatorial districts of the three states of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa where the off cycle governorship elections are holding today.
The Commission has also released dedicated telephone lines where Nigerians are expected to call to complain about any police misconduct or commend police exemplary conduct.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Head Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission Monitors will be appearing in reflective jackets with PSC inscriptions for easy identification.
Ani said Arase had charged the Staff Monitors to live above board and execute their assignment with diligence and Commitment.
Arase said the Commission would also hold its staff monitors accountable for any deliberate infraction in the course of their duty, warning that they must restrict themselves to the approved guidelines on monitoring of Police conduct and the rules of engagement.
He said: “The Commission’s dedicated telephone numbers are: National Cordinating Centre:
Aminu Malumfashi 08059170235
Ikechukwu Ani 08088155981.
“Kogi State;
East Senatorial district -Adeola Albert; 08084385726
Central Senatorial district; -Justina Okunriboye 08033145592 and West Senatorial District Dada Babatunde; 08054970152.
“Imo State:
North Senatorial District ‘ Amaka Omene: 08033702079
East Senatorial District – Uche Wokocha; 08033127845 and West Senatorial District- Mathias Okoi Uyo-Uyo; 08038179665
“Bayelsa State;
East Senatorial district – Ponfa Wuyep; 08036707485
Central Senatorial district- Solomon Jibrin; 08064766550 and West Senatorial District -Iniobong Uko Anthony; 08061309837″.
Ani said PSC monitors are expected to monitor Police conduct in the three states using Commission’s approved guidelines on Police conduct during elections.
Crisis hits Bayelsa LP as party splits into factions over bribery allegations
In Bayelsa State, a major crisis has erupted in the Labour Party with the party’s chairmen in six of the state’s eight local government areas dumping its governorship candidate, Udengs Eradiri, over the alleged exclusion of the party executives and structure in his governorship campaign.
They also vowed to support the candidacy of Senator Douye Diri, the incumbent governor who is seeking reelection on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The party chairmen, Ifiemi Ilahnyog (Southern Ijaw), Clinton Naru Emesua (Ogbia), Tamuno Deifugha (Kolokuma/Opokuma), Warri Moses (Sagbama), Appi Ebierelayefa Stephen (Nembe) and Super Kworkwor (Yenagoa), also accused the party’s candidate of deliberately refusing to inaugurate a campaign council.
The party chairmen also accused Eradiri of appointing only a two-man campaign structure which he used as “mere errand boys”.
In a statement they issued in Yenagoa, the state capital, the six local government party chairmen, who had spurned several invitations to appear before the state executives of the party, accused the governorship candidate of openly insulting, embarrassing and rejecting advice offered him about his campaign activities.
The aggrieved chairmen’s statement reads: “Our candidate lacks the maturity that is required to be the Governor of Bayelsa State. Yes, we agree that he is well educated and has experience, but maturity is zero.
“He is too petty, fault-finding, quick-tempered, impatient and very argumentative. Our candidate does not believe in our party or its leadership.
“He abuses and castigates party leaders both in private and in public. Even the national leaders are like children as far as our candidate is concerned.
“The governorship candidate of our party in Bayelsa State deceived us about his financial preparedness to contest this governorship election. Every Bayelsan knows the enormous financial implications of contesting for the position of governor of a state.
“The candidate is also 100 per cent aware that the party has depleted its resources in the last presidential election and he ought to also know he should have come prepared. Instead, he came and was asking the party what we have brought to the table.
“Financially, in the spirit of disrespect and disbelief in the leadership of the party, the candidate has been visiting our communities, wards and constituencies without informing the party.
“Our Labour Party structure in the various state levels will call the leaders and complain that they are seeing our candidate in their various communities and that they are not aware of his coming.
“This has made the local government and ward chairmen to lose confidence in the candidate as a person, who if elected will not only sideline the party but will also drive the party out of Bayelsa State.”
The party chairmen concluded their statement with a vow to support the candidacy of Governor Douye Diri, who is seeking reelection on PDP’s platform, with a view to saving the existing structures of Labour Party in the state from collapse and extinction.
“We would rather vote for a more prepared candidate who, in our assessment, will perform well when elected and carry the numerous labour party members along; the miracle Governor, Senator Douye Diri of the PDP.”
Eradiri accuses party of collecting N100m from Governor Diri
In a counter-accusation, however, Eradiri accused the party leaders in the state of betraying him after collecting N100 million from Governor Douye Diri.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, the LP governorship candidate said: “Just yesterday, they did a press conference after collecting N100 million from the governor. The sharing formula started creating problems.”
Eradiri alleged that the party’s state chairman collected a whopping N100 million and claimed to have sent N50 million to the national leadership of the party even though the national body denied it, while the sharing of the other N50 million was causing a lot of rancor.
The LP governorship candidate accused the party’s leadership in the state of requesting money before agreeing to go with him on campaign trips.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Thursday that it had distributed sensitive election materials to all the eight local government areas in the state ahead of today’s governorship election.
The Head of voter education and publicity at INEC’s State Headquarters, Wilfred Ifogah, told journalists in Yenagoa that the election materials were already in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria branch in Yenagoa and were distributed in the presence of representatives from all political parties participating in the polls.
Ifogah said: “The distribution took place earlier today (Thursday) in the presence of political parties and security agencies.
“Currently, the sensitive materials are at our local government offices from where they will be dispatched to the Registration Area Centres (RAC) on Friday.
“On Saturday, the materials will then be taken from the RACs to various polling units for setup.”
Since Wednesday, there had been heavy presence of stern-looking armed security men screening people and vehicles within the vicinity of INEC’s head office in the state.
Detachments of police and other security agencies deployed for election duties have been arriving in the state since Wednesday while political parties wrap up their campaigns.
A total of 1,056,862 registered voters are expected to go to the polls on Nov. 11 to elect a governor for the state during the off-cycle election.
INEC deploys six National Commissioners, 27 RECs, says voters will decide next governors
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, vowed that the choice of who becomes the next governor of Imo, Kogi or Bayelsa State would rest solely with voters in the affected states.
To ensure a credible election, the INEC boss said the Commission had deployed 2 National Commissioners and nine Resident Electoral Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries to supervise the elections in each of the three states.
In a message to the people of the three states, Prof Yakubu asked all INEC deployed officials (both regular and ad hoc staff) to display the highest level of professionalism and patriotism throughout the period of the election.
He also assured that election results will be uploaded in the INEC Result Viewing portal, insisting that the commission was not a political party and has no candidate in the election.
The statement reads: “In less than 24 hours, 5,169,692 Nigerians who collected their permanent voter cards (PVCs) are expected to vote in off-cycle governorship elections.
“This is the first time in our history that these elections are held on the same day and across three geo-political zones of the country: North Central (Kogi), South East (Imo) and South South (Bayelsa).
“As we approach the Election Day, I wish to call on our officials (both regular and ad-hoc) to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism.
“As I said repeatedly, not least during my recent readiness assessment visits to the three states, INEC is not a political party and we have no candidate in the election.
“Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
“The choice of who becomes the governor of Bayelsa, Imo or Kogi state is entirely in the hands of voters.
“We have delivered all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the elections.
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have been configured for deployment to Polling Units as the only means of voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication of voters.
“Polling Unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. All election duty officials have been trained. Arrangements have been made for land and maritime transportation to enable us to commence voting on schedule.
“In spite of the extremely difficult terrain and physical infrastructure in some locations, we are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival.
“For these off-cycle elections, the Commission is deploying two (2) National Commissioners, nine (9) Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Administrative Secretaries (ASs) as well as additional staff from different States to each of the three States to support the process. They will be deployed across the senatorial zones in the States.”
EFCC deploys officers in Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deployed its operatives on election monitoring operations in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.
The commission’s Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a statement said the operations were aimed at checking electoral fraud and associated crimes.
He said: “In its drive to checkmate electoral fraud and associated financial crimes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has deployed its officers to Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states where governorship elections are holding on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
“The commission’s monitoring operations are to tackle any form of voter’s inducement through vote buying, vote selling and other manipulation of the electoral processes at variance with the Electoral Act.”
-The Nation
