Friday 30 September 2016

EkweremaduThere is hunger in the land – Deputy Senate President says

The Deputy Senate President also stated that there is hunger in Nigeria.
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu
(Leadership)

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has called on the Federal Government to get capable hands who will bring the economy back on its feet.

The Deputy Senate President also stated that there is hunger in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria’s 56th independence celebration should be used to reflect soberly on the challenges we are facing.
Ekweremadu also said the government should return to the path of true federalism, as planned by our founding fathers.
He said “This 56th Independence Anniversary calls for sober reflection.  No people can make progress unless they retrace their steps back to where the rain started beating them. Nigeria, at formation, had a building plan, which was based on true federalism as covenanted by our founding fathers at various conferences leading up to independence.
“For as long as we followed that plan, we prospered. But, once we discarded the building plan, dissembled the inherited structures and legacies and began to undermine the fabrics of equity, justice, balance, healthy competition and economic prosperity that was ingrained therein, we charted our route to the current perdition.

Wizkid localizes Kent Jones’ ‘Don’t mind’ for the Nigerian folk

Wizkid’s refix of the song has very little to hold on to, other than the infusion of pidgin English, and the trusted vocals of our national conquering hero. You need to hear this for national pride, not for sound.
Wizkid Wizkid
(Tidal)
Wizkid-Rewind that
There’s new Wizkid music out now, as the singer continues his pursuit of penetration in the US by dropping covers for US singles; Kent Jones – ‘Don’t mind’, Young Thug, Travis Scott and Quavo’s hit single ‘Pick up the phone’,  and LL Cool J’s classic 1996 single Doin’ It featuring LeShaun.
But it is the first of these that has Pulse Music quavering in our collective boots, or more specifically, reach for our volume buttons and clicking on the + sign.
This year has been phenomenal for Wizkid. The Drake ‘One Dance’ collaboration has made him hit new heights, and given him more penetration in his quest to be Nigeria’s first crossover artiste. ‘Mamacita’, his song with Tinie Tempah was timely also, plugging him deep into a lot of scenes.
The singer has also worked his magic, recruiting Chris Brown, Trey Songz and French Montana for his single ‘Shabba’. Another song with DJ Henry X is also out, ‘Like this’, and it is currently being promoted in the US.
All of this has created a buzz for Wizkid on the international scene. That buzz has crept up to the Nigerian music industry, spotlighting our wealth of sounds and talent. We have a lot of eyes on our acts, and a tremendous amount of ears catching on to the melodies that we have championed and honed for so long. There’s Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Ayo Jay, on the books of foreign labels, with various beneficial deals for both parties.
So it makes sense for him to continue to chase domination via various ways. One of these is to cover popular urban records.
Wizkid’s refix of the song has very little to hold on to, other than the infusion of pidgin English, and the trusted vocals of our national conquering hero. You need to hear this for national pride, not for sound

You Need To Hear This Jesse Jagz displays his pop style with a bang on ‘Boom’

This is a different Jesse Jagz, far from the one that comes to mind. He is a pop star on his jam, keeping his lyrics basic, and filling in the spaces with words to pass along the time.
Jesse Jagz - Boom
(Jagz Nation)
Jesse Jagz - Boom

In many quarters, Jesse Jagz is seen as a god to be revered, feared and appreciated for his gift of music.

Producer, singer, rapper and everything else, the ex-Chocolate City man was a part of the Choc Boys crew (the others being M.I Abaga and Ice Prince) that redefined Hip-hop in Nigeria.
His split from the record label in 2013 gave him new life, which he embraced and proceeded to build a cult following, and release two amazing albums in the space of 365 days. Jesse Jagz utilized a number of influences, political, social and economic, to create art that connected, was loved and of the highest standard.
Birthday boy Jesse Jagz Birthday boy Jesse Jagz
(Instagram )

A return in 2015 has done has done him no favors, as his creative process slowed down as a part of the Chocolate City renaissance that involved M.I leading the label. He was stuck with a measly two personal singles, performing below his worth, and existing on the sidelines of the conversations. He has returned to his past, finding his rhythm under his Jagz Nation imprint, which has begun work to release as much music as possible and propel Jagga back to it.
In comes ‘Boom’ with a bang. Produced by Reinhard, the prolific producer who is working his way through the ranks after scoring a hit in Koker’s ‘Kolewerk’. He put the sound together for this, a signature dance beat, made popular by Ghana, and utilized all over the world. It works for the clubs as Jagz jumps on it with his patois.
  This is a different Jesse Jagz, far from the one that comes to mind. He is a pop star on his jam, keeping his lyrics basic, and filling in the spaces with words to pass along the time. There’s no deep raps, no quotable lines, no moment of pure other-worldly inspiration to hit you hard. What you get is a simplistic Jagga, flowing through with something for the clubs and the radio.
You Need To Hear This because it will explode on the dance floor. Let’s all wait for the ‘Boom’!

Olamide nominated in Best African Act category. read more


Olamide has been nominated in the Best African Act category for the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards.

This news is even more exciting if you put into consideration the fact that this category has been won by very few Nigerian superstars.
On the best african act, Olamide stands side by side with some of African's finest and super talented artistes like Black Coffee, Cassper Nyovest, Wizkid and Alikiba.
Olamide who just returned from Toronto, Canada where he showcased ground breaking display of sheer talent, easily one of his best performances yet, has also been nominated for two other distinguished awards- the Movement Of Black Origin awards and the MTV Africa Music Award on the Best African Act and Best Hip- Hop Act categories respectively.
Big congrats to him.

TeknoSinger is the current Prince of Nigeria pop music




Tekno thrills fans at Industry Nite in Dubai. play Tekno thrills fans at Industry Nite in Dubai.
(Kiza)
Who would have thought that we would get to this point when Tekno is the hottest thing in Nigeria pop music? Who would have seen the man who is signed to a label that did contain Iyanya, become a bigger commodity than all the others?
No one. Nobody saw this coming. No one dreamt it. But here we are, and Tekno is killing it.
The young, light-skinned, musician is currently the de facto Prince of Nigerian pop music, after many years of hustle in the game. Originally born in Bauchi, Tekno who had a father serving in the Nigerian army was transferred between Nassarawa, and Kaduna, before settling in Abuja. It is in the nation’s capital city that he found his rhythm with music.
Iyanya's powers decline, a new force has risen from his record label. His name is Tekno , and he is currently one of the best pop acts right now in the country. play Iyanya's powers decline, a new force has risen from his record label. His name is Tekno, and he is currently one of the best pop acts right now in the country.
(Coko Bar)

First signed to K-Money Entertainment, the singer dropped his first single, ‘Holiday’ featuring Davido in 2012. He was later signed to Ubi Franklin’s MMMG in 2013, and 2014 saw him core his first real hit, ‘Dance’, followed by ‘Anything’.
Loving Tekno is easy. He makes it simple for everyone to fall in love with not just his music, but also his celebrity. His lifestyle is a cross of D’banj and an Ice Prince, as he alternates between classy and flashy. There’s also humor too, adding another element to his act.
Then there’s his boyish handsomeness. Yes, he is handsome.
Tekno miles Tekno miles
(Instagram)

However, it is his music that placed him on course to be the MVP of 2016. Last year, Tekno’s ‘Duro’ and ‘Wash’ were more than songs. They became a state of mind in romance, as relationships and marriages depended on the delightful melody, and the nonsensical pleasing lyrics to savour moments. Lines like “Your beauty done make me realise, say NEPA don bring light”, and “If you like to watch movies, na me get Shoprite”, resonated deeply with lovers. Truly, that buzz is yet to die.
2016 has had him fire some more, giving us more hits, as ‘Where’ has achieved acceptance. His second single ‘Pana’ is exploding and spreading like wildfire. The song has caught on in the East, the West are on it, and in street corners and clubs, Pana is making a surge through. A video has been released which was directed by ace filmmaker, Clarence Peters.
Tekno 'Pana' Tekno 'Pana'
(Youtube)

The pop music scape in Nigeria is a flimsy one, where singles die a fast death, which is a direct result of the stiff competition that exists due to an abundance of content in that genre. Pop music is currently Nigeria’s most definitive genre, and the front-liners of it get the most reward. Tekno is the first on the list right now, and his stock keeps growing. He is currently considered the hottest artiste in the country.
In a year where Wizkid has had his attentions on the international scene, and Davido’s mojo was stifled by Sony Music, Tekno has risen to the occasion, with two hot singles. He is nowhere the levels of these kings of the genre, with so much more to develop about his artistic and musical ability and credentials.
Tekno thrills fans at Industry Nite in Dubai Tekno thrills fans at Industry Nite in Dubai
But he is occupying a role much lower, but currently influential and flamboyant. He is the prince of Nigeria pop music. All that remains for him right now is a body of work to mark this time, and provide fans with a holistic feel of his art.
But for now, he is the prince, one who shines on a level lower than the kings of the genre.

Segun Arinze to host Daylight’s Bowler Hats bash

REVERED actor, Segun Aina Padanou, popularly known as Segun Arinze, has been named as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, billed to hold on Independence Day, October 1, at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, an online newspaper, the organizers of the event, Mr. Azuh Amatus, the choice of Segun Arinze, as host of this year’s Bowler Hats bash, was unanimous and highly commendable. “We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash. His acceptance to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and we are indeed very grateful,”he said. Describing Arinze as “a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere and TV host”, Azuh said, Arinze will be bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host.  Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/segun-arinze-host-daylights-bowler-hats-bash/
REVERED actor, Segun Aina Padanou, popularly known as Segun Arinze, has been named as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, billed to hold on Independence Day, October 1, at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, an online newspaper, the organizers of the event, Mr. Azuh Amatus, the choice of Segun Arinze, as host of this year’s Bowler Hats bash, was unanimous and highly commendable. “We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash. His acceptance to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and we are indeed very grateful,”he said. Describing Arinze as “a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere and TV host”, Azuh said, Arinze will be bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/segun-arinze-host-daylights-bowler-hats-bash/
REVERED actor, Segun Aina Padanou, popularly known as Segun Arinze, has been named as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, billed to hold on Independence Day, October 1, at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, an online newspaper, the organizers of the event, Mr. Azuh Amatus, the choice of Segun Arinze, as host of this year’s Bowler Hats bash, was unanimous and highly commendable. “We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash. His acceptance to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and we are indeed very grateful,”he said. Describing Arinze as “a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere and TV host”, Azuh said, Arinze will be bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/segun-arinze-host-daylights-bowler-hats-bash/
REVERED actor, Segun Aina Padanou, popularly known as Segun Arinze, has been named as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, billed to hold on Independence Day, October 1, at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, an online newspaper, the organizers of the event, Mr. Azuh Amatus, the choice of Segun Arinze, as host of this year’s Bowler Hats bash, was unanimous and highly commendable. “We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash. His acceptance to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and we are indeed very grateful,”he said. Describing Arinze as “a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere and TV host”, Azuh said, Arinze will be bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/segun-arinze-host-daylights-bowler-hats-bash/
REVERED actor, Segun Aina Padanou, popularly known as Segun Arinze, has been named as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, billed to hold on Independence Day, October 1, at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, an online newspaper, the organizers of the event, Mr. Azuh Amatus, the choice of Segun Arinze, as host of this year’s Bowler Hats bash, was unanimous and highly commendable. “We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash. His acceptance to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and we are indeed very grateful,”he said. Describing Arinze as “a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere and TV host”, Azuh said, Arinze will be bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/segun-arinze-host-daylights-bowler-hats-bash/
REVERED actor, Segun Aina Padanou, popularly known as Segun Arinze, has been named as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, billed to hold on Independence Day, October 1, at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, an online newspaper, the organizers of the event, Mr. Azuh Amatus, the choice of Segun Arinze, as host of this year’s Bowler Hats bash, was unanimous and highly commendable. “We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash. His acceptance to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and we are indeed very grateful,”he said. Describing Arinze as “a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere and TV host”, Azuh said, Arinze will be bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/segun-arinze-host-daylights-bowler-hats-bash/
REVERED actor, Segun Aina Padanou, popularly known as Segun Arinze, has been named as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, billed to hold on Independence Day, October 1, at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, an online newspaper, the organizers of the event, Mr. Azuh Amatus, the choice of Segun Arinze, as host of this year’s Bowler Hats bash, was unanimous and highly commendable. “We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash. His acceptance to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and we are indeed very grateful,”he said. Describing Arinze as “a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere and TV host”, Azuh said, Arinze will be bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/segun-arinze-host-daylights-bowler-hats-bash/
REVERED actor, Segun Aina Padanou, popularly known as Segun Arinze, has been named as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, billed to hold on Independence Day, October 1, at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, an online newspaper, the organizers of the event, Mr. Azuh Amatus, the choice of Segun Arinze, as host of this year’s Bowler Hats bash, was unanimous and highly commendable. “We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash. His acceptance to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and we are indeed very grateful,”he said. Describing Arinze as “a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere and TV host”, Azuh said, Arinze will be bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/segun-arinze-host-daylights-bowler-hats-bash/
REVERED actor, Segun Aina Padanou, popularly known as Segun Arinze, has been named as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, billed to hold on Independence Day, October 1, at upscale Coliseum Events Centre, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Daylight.ng, an online newspaper, the organizers of the event, Mr. Azuh Amatus, the choice of Segun Arinze, as host of this year’s Bowler Hats bash, was unanimous and highly commendable. “We are very happy and proud to announce legendary actor, multiple award winning thespian and Nollywood super star, Mr. Segun Arinze as the host of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash. His acceptance to anchor BHB 2016 is a big honour and we are indeed very grateful,”he said. Describing Arinze as “a multi-talented thespian and a very versatile entertainer whose unequalled and deep entertainment talent cuts across acting, singing, voice over, compere and TV host”, Azuh said, Arinze will be bringing his over three decades wealth of experience as a thorough-bred entertainment guru to the premium event as its host.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/segun-arinze-host-daylights-bowler-hats-bash/

EdoDecides: CSO, Election Observers commend INEC

EdoDecides: CSO, Election Observers commend INEC On September 30, 20169:12 amIn NewsComments Civil society group, the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (Centre for Transparency Advocacy), which deployed over 100 observers to the Edo governorship election has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Over the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election. img-20160928-wa0009 The group in a statement signed by the Director Communication and Mobilization/ Head of Observer Team, Faith Nwadishi also affirmed that the deployment of men and materials by INEC, as well as security agents to polling units was done on schedule. It said despite isolated infractions in some areas, the election was peaceful. It also hailed the turnout of voters, describing it as impressive She said, “We also observed that accreditation and voting started as early as 8: 15 am in most polling units across the state. For instance, voting commenced in Unit 45 after accreditation in Ogiomo Secondary school, Ward 6 Ikboba-Okha as early as 8:22 am. Voter turnout was impressive and people patiently waited to cast their votes. “Some isolated infractions were reported at Ujemen ward 5 units 8 as a result of shooting by NSCDC personnel as they were alleged to be harassing voters and that led voters to scamper for safety. The Royal father of Uromi in Esan North East, HRH Anslem Edoenojie 11 was equally, reported to have been assaulted by a thug. “Significantly, at this point, we commend INEC and its leadership for the forthrightness in conducting a peaceful, transparent and largely free and fair elections in Edo state.” She said the observers however noticed that Vote buying by all the political parties was dominant, that there was no coordination and synergy between the security agencies, that the Police did not interfere even when there were seeming infractions. Other observations include that placement of the cubicles compromised the secret ballot principle, Election was generally peaceful, Collation was slow at ward level, Most of the collation centres had no electricity and collation officers are challenged by poor visibility and that the result sheets are of poor quality and therefore, some of the figures were not legible. She said, “Logistics for the movement of Youth corps members was not tidy leading to most of the Corpers walking long distances or arriving late to duty posts, Turnout was impressive, INEC and its officials discharged their duties creditably, Security agents were courteous, There were a good number of unused ballot papers and there was no display of declared results at some polling units.” As a way forward, “The independence of INEC must remain sacrosanct as INEC is implored to remain resolute in the defence of our nascent democracy. “There must be synergy and proper coordination of security agencies and their welfare.. Especially, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General DSS and NSCDC must sit up and reappraise their election duty strategies. They must be proactive in resolving inter agency issues and work collaboratively. “Placement of cubicles should be in such a way that voting principles of privacy will not be compromised. “We recommend further commitment, synergy and consultations between security agencies and statutory institutions to protect our democracy and an improvement in Ondo state.”EdoDecides: CSO, Election Observers commend INEC On September 30, 20169:12 amIn NewsComments Civil society group, the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (Centre for Transparency Advocacy), which deployed over 100 observers to the Edo governorship election has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Over the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election. img-20160928-wa0009 The group in a statement signed by the Director Communication and Mobilization/ Head of Observer Team, Faith Nwadishi also affirmed that the deployment of men and materials by INEC, as well as security agents to polling units was done on schedule. It said despite isolated infractions in some areas, the election was peaceful. It also hailed the turnout of voters, describing it as impressive She said, “We also observed that accreditation and voting started as early as 8: 15 am in most polling units across the state. For instance, voting commenced in Unit 45 after accreditation in Ogiomo Secondary school, Ward 6 Ikboba-Okha as early as 8:22 am. Voter turnout was impressive and people patiently waited to cast their votes. “Some isolated infractions were reported at Ujemen ward 5 units 8 as a result of shooting by NSCDC personnel as they were alleged to be harassing voters and that led voters to scamper for safety. The Royal father of Uromi in Esan North East, HRH Anslem Edoenojie 11 was equally, reported to have been assaulted by a thug. “Significantly, at this point, we commend INEC and its leadership for the forthrightness in conducting a peaceful, transparent and largely free and fair elections in Edo state.” She said the observers however noticed that Vote buying by all the political parties was dominant, that there was no coordination and synergy between the security agencies, that the Police did not interfere even when there were seeming infractions. Other observations include that placement of the cubicles compromised the secret ballot principle, Election was generally peaceful, Collation was slow at ward level, Most of the collation centres had no electricity and collation officers are challenged by poor visibility and that the result sheets are of poor quality and therefore, some of the figures were not legible. She said, “Logistics for the movement of Youth corps members was not tidy leading to most of the Corpers walking long distances or arriving late to duty posts, Turnout was impressive, INEC and its officials discharged their duties creditably, Security agents were courteous, There were a good number of unused ballot papers and there was no display of declared results at some polling units.” As a way forward, “The independence of INEC must remain sacrosanct as INEC is implored to remain resolute in the defence of our nascent democracy. “There must be synergy and proper coordination of security agencies and their welfare.. Especially, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General DSS and NSCDC must sit up and reappraise their election duty strategies. They must be proactive in resolving inter agency issues and work collaboratively. “Placement of cubicles should be in such a way that voting principles of privacy will not be compromised. “We recommend further commitment, synergy and consultations between security agencies and statutory institutions to protect our democracy and an improvement in Ondo state.”

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/edodecides-cso-election-observers-commend-inec/
#EdoDecides: CSO, Election Observers commend INEC On September 30, 20169:12 amIn NewsComments Civil society group, the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (Centre for Transparency Advocacy), which deployed over 100 observers to the Edo governorship election has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Over the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election. img-20160928-wa0009 The group in a statement signed by the Director Communication and Mobilization/ Head of Observer Team, Faith Nwadishi also affirmed that the deployment of men and materials by INEC, as well as security agents to polling units was done on schedule. It said despite isolated infractions in some areas, the election was peaceful. It also hailed the turnout of voters, describing it as impressive She said, “We also observed that accreditation and voting started as early as 8: 15 am in most polling units across the state. For instance, voting commenced in Unit 45 after accreditation in Ogiomo Secondary school, Ward 6 Ikboba-Okha as early as 8:22 am. Voter turnout was impressive and people patiently waited to cast their votes. “Some isolated infractions were reported at Ujemen ward 5 units 8 as a result of shooting by NSCDC personnel as they were alleged to be harassing voters and that led voters to scamper for safety. The Royal father of Uromi in Esan North East, HRH Anslem Edoenojie 11 was equally, reported to have been assaulted by a thug. “Significantly, at this point, we commend INEC and its leadership for the forthrightness in conducting a peaceful, transparent and largely free and fair elections in Edo state.” She said the observers however noticed that Vote buying by all the political parties was dominant, that there was no coordination and synergy between the security agencies, that the Police did not interfere even when there were seeming infractions. Other observations include that placement of the cubicles compromised the secret ballot principle, Election was generally peaceful, Collation was slow at ward level, Most of the collation centres had no electricity and collation officers are challenged by poor visibility and that the result sheets are of poor quality and therefore, some of the figures were not legible. She said, “Logistics for the movement of Youth corps members was not tidy leading to most of the Corpers walking long distances or arriving late to duty posts, Turnout was impressive, INEC and its officials discharged their duties creditably, Security agents were courteous, There were a good number of unused ballot papers and there was no display of declared results at some polling units.” As a way forward, “The independence of INEC must remain sacrosanct as INEC is implored to remain resolute in the defence of our nascent democracy. “There must be synergy and proper coordination of security agencies and their welfare.. Especially, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General DSS and NSCDC must sit up and reappraise their election duty strategies. They must be proactive in resolving inter agency issues and work collaboratively. “Placement of cubicles should be in such a way that voting principles of privacy will not be compromised. “We recommend further commitment, synergy and consultations between security agencies and statutory institutions to protect our democracy and an improvement in Ondo state.”

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/edodecides-cso-election-observers-commend-inec/
#EdoDecides: CSO, Election Observers commend INEC On September 30, 20169:12 amIn NewsComments Civil society group, the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (Centre for Transparency Advocacy), which deployed over 100 observers to the Edo governorship election has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Over the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election. img-20160928-wa0009 The group in a statement signed by the Director Communication and Mobilization/ Head of Observer Team, Faith Nwadishi also affirmed that the deployment of men and materials by INEC, as well as security agents to polling units was done on schedule. It said despite isolated infractions in some areas, the election was peaceful. It also hailed the turnout of voters, describing it as impressive She said, “We also observed that accreditation and voting started as early as 8: 15 am in most polling units across the state. For instance, voting commenced in Unit 45 after accreditation in Ogiomo Secondary school, Ward 6 Ikboba-Okha as early as 8:22 am. Voter turnout was impressive and people patiently waited to cast their votes. “Some isolated infractions were reported at Ujemen ward 5 units 8 as a result of shooting by NSCDC personnel as they were alleged to be harassing voters and that led voters to scamper for safety. The Royal father of Uromi in Esan North East, HRH Anslem Edoenojie 11 was equally, reported to have been assaulted by a thug. “Significantly, at this point, we commend INEC and its leadership for the forthrightness in conducting a peaceful, transparent and largely free and fair elections in Edo state.” She said the observers however noticed that Vote buying by all the political parties was dominant, that there was no coordination and synergy between the security agencies, that the Police did not interfere even when there were seeming infractions. Other observations include that placement of the cubicles compromised the secret ballot principle, Election was generally peaceful, Collation was slow at ward level, Most of the collation centres had no electricity and collation officers are challenged by poor visibility and that the result sheets are of poor quality and therefore, some of the figures were not legible. She said, “Logistics for the movement of Youth corps members was not tidy leading to most of the Corpers walking long distances or arriving late to duty posts, Turnout was impressive, INEC and its officials discharged their duties creditably, Security agents were courteous, There were a good number of unused ballot papers and there was no display of declared results at some polling units.” As a way forward, “The independence of INEC must remain sacrosanct as INEC is implored to remain resolute in the defence of our nascent democracy. “There must be synergy and proper coordination of security agencies and their welfare.. Especially, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General DSS and NSCDC must sit up and reappraise their election duty strategies. They must be proactive in resolving inter agency issues and work collaboratively. “Placement of cubicles should be in such a way that voting principles of privacy will not be compromised. “We recommend further commitment, synergy and consultations between security agencies and statutory institutions to protect our democracy and an improvement in Ondo state.”

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/edodecides-cso-election-observers-commend-inec/

AM FRANKLYN ENEMONA JOHN. I HAIL FROM KOGI STATE AND A STUDENT OF MOUAU.