Bayelsa Decides: There Was No Elections In Ekeremor - Democracy Watch Nigeria

A coalition of civil society organisations under the auspices of Democracy Watch Nigeria has called on INEC to reject the results from areas where elections did not hold.

The coalition, representing various groups accredited by INEC as Observers for the Bayelsa election, made this call on Thursday, 21st November, 2019 at a press briefing in Abuja.

The election monitoring group said voting did not take place in Nembe and Ekeremor Local Government areas, including some units in Yenagoa, where violence marred the process.

Excerpt is the full text of the press briefing

Heads of various organizations Accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe the 16th November 2019 Governorship election here present, Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning and welcome to this press briefing.

In any democratic state, the protection of rights of citizens remains the primary function of Government. In other words, the fundamental Human Rights as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended provides for the Freedom of Association of every citizen. Anything short of this tantamount to a violation of the rights of citizens. What we saw in some LGAs in Bayelsa state is an aberration to this constitutional provision and grossly not in consonance with the provision of the Electoral Act 2010 as Amended. We observed that elections did not hold in some parts of Bayelsa State as it was grossly disrupted by violence, intimidation and ballot box snatching. In some instances, there were complete absence of voting materials and Ad hoc staff.

On Wednesday the 13th of November, 2019, a political party was having a campaign in Nembe LGA. Some blood thirsty gun men came to the venue and opened fire without any provocation whatsoever, killing scores of law abiding Nigerians. Same gunmen prevented election from holding in Nembe LGA. Till the time of this briefing, there has been no arrests, no prosecution thus increasing the impunity associated with committing such heinous crime as perpetrators are largely known and seen moving freely in such communities.

In Yenagoa Ward 5, Epie 2 Ward 4, Apiffa 2 Ward 2 and Epie 3 Ward 6, elections did not hold.

Nembe LGA was the worst hit in pre election and election related violence. Elections did not hold in Nembe LGA.

Some parts of Southern Ijaw were completely disrupted with violence. There was no elections in Ekeremor.

We observed that in Ogbia LGA, results was largely written in the comfort of some people’s homes.

Several communities in Bayelsa state were sacked not due to flood or any natural disaster, but as a result of their affiliation to a particular political party. In Bayelsa state ,we observed that territories were already apportioned and shared as certain areas were controlled by some militant groups. Even the military in this instance would tell you not to get close to certain communities. Communities that were sacked due to violence, including their various traditional rulers and kings who were living mostly in Yanegoa town as IDPs could not exercise their franchise.

There is a disconnect of the security architecture of the 2019 Governorship election in Bayelsa state and the reality on ground as observed by our coalition as violent crime, conspiracy to sabotage the nation state of Nigeria was displayed without recourse to laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria nor the Fundamental Human Rights of citizens.

Inspite of this reoccurring decimal of violent crimes in parts of the state, the police as the lead agency for internal security has not provided the armed personnel within few perimeters from the polling units and points as propose. This has further increased the snatching of ballot boxes across the state.

The posting of police personnel for the 2019 General election had the mobile phone numbers of these officers and men attached to various polling units and polling points for easy access and communication. We observed that this was completely absent in the Bayelsa State Governorship election.

Again, we observed with dismay the refusal and sabotage of the members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who collectively refused to convey INEC sensitive materials to the jetty where the military and their several Gun-Boats were already waiting for conveyance.

Some highly placed individuals were seen moving with several escorts of military and police personnel when on normal circumstance, the securities of such persons ought to have been withdrawn until after the duration of the election.

In furtherance with the enabling laws as Non-Governmental and Non-Partisan organizations, it is our collective determination to ensure that politicians who sponsor, fund, aide or abate violence would be made to face the full wrath of the law. We would report perpetrators of such crimes to various embassies of the world so that travel bans would be issued on them and their families. The embassies are already considering that.

Finally, in line with ensuring a transparent, free, fair and credible elections, we call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to probe results that were accepted, collated and announced even when elections never held in such areas. The acceptance of results emanating from areas where snatching of ballot boxes and violent crimes occurred should be probed by the commission. It is evident that election processes that is not in consistence with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 As Amended dominated parts of Bayelsa State Governorship election of 16th November, 2019.

Consequently, INEC should not just stop at taking measures to build electorates confidence in our electoral system, but should be seen to be doing so while the commission remains apolitical.

Thank you.

Signed:

(1) S. B Bafunsho

Organization of Justice for Equity Sustenance

(2) Dr. Isaac Onyike

Centre for Strategic Conflict Management.

(3) Comrade Peter Nwokolo

Citizens Rights & Leadership Awareness Initiative.

(4) Sandra Osunde

Global Policy Advocacy & Leadership Initiative

(5) Dr. Nwambu Gabriel,

For the coalition

DG Of Peoples Redemption Party Gubernatorial Aspirant Congratulates Yahaya Bello and Edward Onoja

The Director General of the Campaign Organisation of the Gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples'Redemption Party in Kogi State, Gbenga A. Solomon has congratulated Gov. Yahaya Bello and his Deputy, Edward Onoja on their reelection in the just concluded November 16th, 2019 Governorship Election.

In a press release made available to the media on Monday, 18th November, 2019, Solomon described Yahaya Bello and his Deputy’s victory as an affirmation of the level of confidence the people of Kogi State have in their Governor.

Except is the text of the congratulatory message:

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM SOLOMOM A. GBENGA, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE CAMPAIGN OGRGANIZATION OF THE GUBERNATORIAL ASPIRANT OF THE PEOPLES REDEMPTION PARTY (PRP) OF THE JUST CONCLUDED KOGI STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION, SATURDAY, 16TH NOVERMBER, 2019.

His Excellency, Yahaya Bello will continue to receive congratulatory messages over his re-election from more Kogites and we are one the parties that also fought for the seat.

On behalf of the Party, the Aspirant and the good people of kogi state we say thank you for this clear cut victory that have re – elected His Excellency for a second term.

We are describing His Excellency Yahaya Bello’s victory as an affirmation of the level of confidence the people of Kogi State have in their Governor.

We as a party promised to work with His Excellency Yahaya Bello and Edward Onoja to advance the interests of state.

"Your SECOND TERM re-election is a testimony to the level of confidence that you enjoy among the people of Kogi, attributable to your wisdom, experience in politics, sense of engagement and devotion to the service and the protection of the interests of the state especially as they relate to the prosperity, wellbeing and security of the Kogi people."

We reiterated our determination to work as a team with His Excellency Yahaya Bello to reinforce the mutually beneficial relationship between all the facets of the state and to give it a new trust to serve as a model to other states.

In good faith we see His Excellency Yahaya Bello and Edward Onoja re-election as a dose of hope for the state.

We call on the good people of Kogi to come together and put the interest of the state first, reconciliation is key and peace is eminent to working as a team.

His Excellency Yahaya Bello will do well; put more and better smiles to the faces of the Kogites.

We see hope

We see better days ahead

We see peace

We see advancement

We see vibrant opportunities for the Kogi people

CONGRATULATION TO HIS EXCELLENCY ONCE MORE

Coalition Calls For Cancellation Of Bayelsa Elections

Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A coalition of over 100 non-governmental organizations under the auspices of Democracy Watch Nigeria; who observed the Bayelsa State Governorship Election, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject election results emanating from areas where elections never held in Bayelsa State

Addressing the media on Sunday, 17^th November, 2019 at Megalams Hotel, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel who spoke on behalf of the coalition said that elections did not hold in Yenagoa Ward 5, Epie 2 Ward 4, Apiffa 2 Ward 2 and Epie 3 Ward 6, elections did not hold.

"Nembe LGA was the worst hit in pre-election and election related violence. Elections did not hold in Nembe LGA, Dr Nwambu said.

He also reiterated that some parts of Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor were completely disrupted with violence and election could not hold there.

Other member of the of the coalition present at the press briefing include; S. B Bafunsho, Organization of Justice for Equity Sustenance; Dr. Isaac Onyike, Centre for Strategic Conflict Management; Comrade Peter Nwokolo, Citizens’ Rights & Leadership Awareness Initiative; Sandra Osunde and Global Policy Advocacy & Leadership Initiative

The statement of the briefing read, "In any democratic state, the protection of rights of citizens remains the primary function of Government. In other words, the fundamental Human Rights as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended provides for the Freedom of Association of every citizen. Anything short of this tantamount to a violation of the rights of citizens. What we saw in some LGAs in Bayelsa state is an aberration to this constitutional provision and grossly not in consonance with the provision of the Electoral Act 2010 as Amended. We observed that elections did not hold in some parts of Bayelsa State as it was grossly disrupted by violence, intimidation and ballot box snatching. In some instances, there were complete absence of voting materials and Ad hoc staff.

"On Wednesday the 13th of November, 2019, a political party was having a campaign in Nembe LGA. Some blood thirsty gun men came to the venue and opened fire without any provocation whatsoever, killing scores of law abiding Nigerians. Same gunmen prevented election from holding in Nembe LGA. Till the time of this briefing, there has been no arrests, no prosecution thus increasing the impunity associated with committing such heinous crime as perpetrators are largely known and seen moving freely in such communities.

"In Yenagoa Ward 5, Epie 2 Ward 4, Apiffa 2 Ward 2 and Epie 3 Ward 6, elections did not hold.

"Nembe LGA was the worst hit in pre-election and election related violence. Elections did not hold in Nembe LGA.

"Some parts of Southern Ijaw were completely disrupted with violence. There was no elections in Ekeremor.

"Our interest is to preserve the democracy of Nigeria.

"Several communities in Bayelsa state were sacked not due to flood or any natural disaster, but as a result of their affiliation to a particular political party. We did not see the IDPs living in Bayelsa state vote.

"There is a disconnect of the security architecture of the 2019 Governorship election in Bayelsa state and the reality on ground as observed by our coalition.

"In furtherance as Non-governmental and non-partisan organization, it is our collective determination to ensure that politicians who sponsor, fund, aide or abate violence would be made to face the full wrath of the law. We would report perpetrators to embassies so that travel bans could be issued on them and their families.

"Finally, in line with ensuring a transparent, free, fair and credible elections, we call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject election results emanating from areas where elections never held in Bayelsa state as a way of strengthening our democratic tenets.

Chief Obla: The Unsung Hero

By Aaron Mike Odeh

As the thought of Chief Okoi Obono Obla, the chairman of the recently disbanded Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Properties crossed my mind mind, the memory of my African American brothers who put all their best to better the lots of every Americans irrespective of ethnicity, tribes, race, religion etc but, were yet not well recognize, crosses my minds. I am talking about African American that put in their lives to death in order to save the lives of others even when they had all the opportunities to save their own lives. So they died in the course of service to their beloved country, but yet not well honored. However, the American case is even far better compare to Africa Nation and Nigeria in particular.

In Nigeria, it takes a fraudulent person to get more recognition than an upright man who believe in honesty, integrity and hard working. Nevertheless, thank God for the present APC led Government currently been piloted by his Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, an internationally recognized Anti-corruption war lord with no regard or fear for any citizen of Nigeria who dare go against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to enrich himself/herself to the detriment of the Nigeria masses. No doubt, the second coming of Buhari as the number one citizen of Nigeria brought in a lot of hope to every Nigerians especially for his stiff stand against corruption. He began the anti-corruption crusade by putting up formidable structures to clampdown those who were benefiting massively from the national wealth of the country.

In addition to his war strategies against corruption, he in his wisdom decided to established Special Presidential Investigative Panel for Recovery of Public Properties in the third quarter of the year 2017, the Panel no doubt it add more splendor and seriousness to his anti-corruption fight in regard to the indomitable, fearless and upright Nigerian in person of Chief Okoi Obono Obla that he appointed to serve as the Chairman of the Panel, that singular act alone by appointing Obla made several Nigerians that are familiar with Obla upright and honesty lifestyles to take his Anti-corruption fight serious.

As expected, the fearless Obla assumed the position with clear visions and well defined target which is nothing but to ensure the total recovery of public properties that corrupt Nigerians used their fraudulent means to be converted into their own personal used. Within few weeks, the Panel recovered properties worth billions of naira and, as weeks moves to months and months to years so the Panel level of fantastic success continue to skyrocketing and the success stories of the panel was all over the media platform which along the lines convinced many human right activist like Femi Falana and several well-known political pundits as well as social commentators across party lines, religion and ethnicity to begin to described the panel as one of the most outstanding anti-corruption body in Nigeria.

Some of them even went all out to suggest to the presidency to convert the panel into a full fledge commission in other to in totality cleaned Nigeria of corruption. Meanwhile, as Nigerians citizen across borders were hailing the landmark achievements of the panel through prudent and pragmatic leadership style of Chief Okoi Obono Obla, the panel Chairman, some other satanic-devilish Nigerians that has been feeding so fat from Nigeria national wealth without proper account were by every tickling of the clock plotting how to destroy and to even put an end to the activities of the Panel and as well the life of Chief Obla, the panel chairman. Like witticism, petition upon petitions began to flies from all angle against the chairman to the level that the chairman on several occasion appeared before both the green chamber and the red chamber of the Nigeria National Assembly to clear himself of some of the unverifiable allegations.

The more he kept clearing himself, the more Nigerians who never want any good thing to happen within the country territory kept pursuing Chief Obla. Meanwhile, Chief Obla as an indomitable leader with clear visions for the panel and the entire Nigerians, never give a dawn rather, he kept fighting hard to clean Nigeria of corruption. But, as time progresses, the wishes of Nigerians with ill-gotten fat pocket which is to make sure Obla is removed had recently been achieved. Yes, the panel is been disbanded by Mr. President. Because, some Nigerians feels they are untouchable and Obla said; it can’t be so. That the constitution of Nigeria supersede every other Nigerians.

In this connection, Chief Obla as a well-known Anti-corruption Czar, encouraged himself and began to step on the toes of many seen by some Nigerians as demi-God. He started by fishing them out one after the other and make sure they return their ill-gotten wealth into the country national treasury. But, as he was doggedly fighting and winning the war, so they enemies of Nigeria kept fighting him and as if Nigeria was cursed never to rise up to its pinnacle in tandem with global standard, they the enemies of Nigeria succeeded with their evil plans by removing Chief Obla. Not only was he suspended but, they went further to declare him wanted on the ground of unverifiable allegations which many political and public analyst describes as wit hunting and the best tragic-comedy of the year 2019.

By and large, I want to be bold to ask some of these few salient questions as a concern citizen of Nigeria with visions and dreams to see a very progressing Nigeria in all aspect. My questions to all my patriotic Nigerians are:‘How long shall we continue to fold our hands to watch our best brains been destroyed, yes I mean our detribalize, honest and hardworking Nigerians to be allowed to be chase away from the country by some few crop of men that has been feeding so fat from the national treasury of the country as if it is their own personal inheritance or birth right. I am talking to you my dear brother Osanga in Akwaibom. Emeka and Chinedu in Anambra, I need an answer from you! Shehu and Sadiq in Zamfara, I am asking you both! Kunle and Gbenga in Oyo, it is time for us to rise up! Should we allow Chief Okoi Obono Obla to be chase away like that? Mama Sadiya, I am asking you! Look, we don’t have to continue to be keep quite over this issue because, a better Nigeria deserves our collective efforts which shall in turn replicate in our lives as well as the infrastructural sectors.

So, let us rise up to defend Chief Obla. Because if we continue to be quite over some pertinent issues that has to do with the general well-being of the country to continue degenerating into total and unrepairable rottenness, there will be no country to call Nigeria in future. So, I urge my dearest Nigerians to rise up!

Many of you may not believe me as I said this! Obla, the Chairman of the disbanded Panel based on the indebt findings I carried out as an investigative journalist on him; earn the sum of N600, 000 as monthly allowance. Obla official accommodation is two bedroom flat, located in the out sketch of Abuja unlike so many top government officials that reside in highbrow areas like Maitama, Asokoro etc. and worst of it all; the flat is a conjoined flat. The building structure has no different from the popular university hostels or better still a police barracks in Nigeria. The building is so jam-packed to the extend that the co-tenants in most cases makes noise like religion gathering yet, for the love Obla has for Nigeria, he remains there all in the name of fighting corruption.

Imagine, a man of his caliber residing in a two bedroom flat together with a family of ten people. It may surprise many of you to hear that; Obla since becoming the Chairman of the Disbanded Panel has no car of his own apart from the two official cars given to him from the presidency. In fact, I pity him because, the only car he has at the moment, is his old rickety car that brings out smokes like a dry season burning bush. Again, my findings on him also shows that; Obla is even far poorer now compare to when he was into private legal practice. Obla has only two houses base on my investigations. And, those two houses were built decades ago and till now, he couldn’t even complete the other one in his ancestral village. One of the house is at Ugep his own town and the one is at; Calabar, the capital of his state of origin. Honestly, I pity Chief Obla. Yet, Nigerians who never want this country to move to the next level feel he must be removed. I cry for my beloved country Nigeria. I said woe onto you all that feel you have the power to do whatever you want why millions of Nigerians keep wallowing in lack and penury. I said woe onto you all that keep chasing away the best brains in Nigeria with determination to positively transform the country for the benefit of all.

I have nothing much to say other than to live you for karma. I see karma paying you back. The law of karma must catch up with you! You may feel you have achieved your satanic aim by chasing Obla away, but the law of karma must catch up with you soon!

As I conclude, I will like to liken Obla predicament to the unsung African American heroes of the days of old as I briefly highlighted from the onset of this column in the first paragraph.

The sky was lit with smoke and haze on the morning of June 6, 1944, when an explosion rocked a boat packed tight with American troops within sight of Omaha Beach. Wedged among the five dozen men was a 21-year-old pre-med student from West Philadelphia named Waverly Bernard Woodson, Jr. He was one of five medics assigned to the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only African-American combat to participate in the Normandy landings. The U.S. Army was segregated during World War II, meaning the 320th was all black except for the top officers, who were white.

Moments before a shell hit Woodson’s landing craft, a mine had knocked out the engine.

The second blast felled troops like matchsticks. Shrapnel killed the man beside Woodson, whose own extremities burned. He reached down and brought up a hand covered in blood. “I am dying,” he thought. A fellow medic slapped dressings on his buttocks and thigh as the helpless craft drifted to a stop.

For the next 30 hours, Woodson worked through his pain to save lives. An Army news release credits him with treating 200 men. Other accounts put that figure higher. He pulled the drowning to safety. He patched wounds, pulled out bullets and dispensed blood plasma. He amputated a right foot. When he thought he could do no more, he resuscitated four drowning men. Then he collapsed. Woodson was nominated for the Medal of Honor, the nation’s ultimate symbol of heroism. He never got it. Instead, the medic was given the Bronze Star, the fourth-highest award for bravery. It would be another half century until an African American received the Medal of Honor for his service during World War II.

What an irony one may say but, that’s is the truth about life.

Woodson that even in the midst of severe pains saved several life was not honored but, instead it was the medics that did nothing much that received the highest honour. Honestly, the society is not justifiable at all! Like Woodson, this is exactly the kind of reward been measure for Chief Obla. I don’t think we even need to tell the present Government before they should decide to handsomely reward Obla. Obla deserve an honor. In fact, I am using this forum in collaborations with millions of Nigeria across board that has been so worried over his suspension, to specially appeal to the Presidency to reward Chief Obla’s efforts with another appointment.

Obla deserve a place in this government. We cannot afford to lose a workaholic, intelligent, fearless, detribalize and honest vital personality like him. I call on Nigerians to sing of his heroic deed before the day get dark.

Written by Aaron Mike Odeh, a public affairs analyst and, an Abuja base Media practitioner.

A Look At The Lone Senator With 300 Number Of Contract Projects In NDDC

By Comrade Osanga Oswanga Niger-Delta

For young Mr. Williams, a 22 years old Nigerian who was born and brought up in New-York City, United State of America (USA), the only thing that will ever make him to again visit Nigeria, his ancestral country of origin is when the high level of corruption that has eaten so deep into every segment of Nigeria is reduced into the barest minimum.

Williams was sobbing profusely over the high spate of Corruption in Nigeria as he narrated the stories over the predicaments he faced when he recently visited Nigeria, to the Media Practitioner that boarded the same Emirate flight with him on his return trip to New-York. For Williams, he believed the Nigeria security apparatus need total overhaul in view of their non-professional ways of handling security issues he said made him to be turned into Automated Teller Machine (ATM) anytime he plies the Nigeria on a visit to his relatives outside his hos environment.

He also believed the political leaders in Nigeria are the worst enemies of the country. He described them as a clog on the wheel of progress of Nigeria. Williams observation and complains about the high level of corruption in Nigeria is just one out of hundreds of thousands of Nigerians spread across the globe, that as a result of high level of corruption, vowed never to return back to Nigeria, their Father land.

Well, some analyst in their own view on the spate of corruption in Nigeria, believed corruption is a global phenomenon.

They felt there is no organization or country on the planet earth that is free of corruption. Nevertheless, they felt the Nigeria style of corruption is a menace that if not tackled head on, will in future cripple the existence of the country as an entity. Once more, a critical look at the observations of some of these public analyst may not be far from the truth, for the fact that corruption boils down to every human way of life which in turn manifests into the generality of the society.

Because, it is the negative, dubious, criminal and callous attitude, behavior, character and habitual lifestyle of those who manage the resources of the public that most often metamorphose into the corruption prevalent in the society. Honestly corruption is a monster that every reasonable citizen of Nigeria that believes in the corporates existence of the country should collectively join hands together to fight.

Corruption is extremely wicked. It is a disease and a monster that every Nigerian should rise up to fight. The earlier, the better, else the aftermath effect of it would no doubt be very calamitous. By and large, I shall not in this context dwell so much on the menace of corruption but shall in totality condemn the recent news that is making waves in all the media platforms in Nigeria and even at the international media platform on how a single individual who claimed to be a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, illegally awarded to himself a total number of 300 contract projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) simply because, he sees every other indigene of Niger Delta region as moron and therefore, feels he has the overall power as a demi-God to cart away such large amount of contract projects and nobody dared ask him why?

What an irony and wickedness of the highest order been meted on the highly civilized and educated people of Niger Delta. We live in a lawless country where those who are well known for their criminal lifestyles are the ones piloting the affairs of the country while those that are well equipped with enormous intellectual prowess and earthshaking dreams and visions are left as bystander because, they have no capacity to match evil for evil.

In this connection especially for those that may not really know where I am driving towards, I am in particular referring to the news on how a single Senator from Niger Delta Region of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who had used and even till now still using his position as the Senate Committee Chairman of one of the juicy committee both in the 8th and 9th Assembly of the Red Chamber of the Nigeria National Assembly, to illegally allocated to himself 300 number of contract projects with over 120 out of these number being fully paid by the Management of NDDC to the said Senator even when there is nothing tangible on the site of the 120 contract projects, which were fully paid for!

Imagine the blatant mindlessness and outright wickedness this monster of a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is displaying and yet, no one dare call him to order? Well, thank God for the lion heartedness of Hon. Cairo Ajuigbo, who in his fearlessness and boldness decided to blow open the whole secret while some elements as a result of the stipends they are getting from the Senator in question decided to keep quiet over this callousness either for fear of being denied the little that supposed to get into their pockets or for the fear of being killed by some clueless youths that are highly bewitched by the satanic lifestyles of the said Senator that illegally carted away 300 number of Contract Projects belonging to NDDC and the entire hard working, educated and beautiful people of Niger Delta.

Honestly corruption and those who see it as a profession to be corrupt are over wicked. Imagine a single person allocating to himself 300 number of Contract Projects while many others are looking for just a single contract project to execute even at a very minimal cost in order to meet their necessary needs? And here is a lone Senator with 300 number of contract projects which he unilaterally gave to himself with the cost of those contract projects running into billions of naira!

Come to think of it, what can he alone do with the profit sum of billions of naira from those 300 number of contract projects? Honestly it’s laughable and unimaginable. Meanwhile so many people keep blaming the army of unemployed youths in Nigeria for crimes and other social vices especially in the Niger Delta Region where this particular Senator hails from. As I head towards the conclusion of this articles, I want to specially use this medium to appeal to all the citizens of the Niger Delta Region that the Federal Government of Nigeria in their magnanimity decided to established Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to carter for their basic needs in view of the fact that the major source of the country’s source of income is deposited on their land.

I urge you all to rise up against this evil Senator. Rise up and hold him accountable for the non-execution of those 300 number of contract projects. He needs explanation. Remember he is not God and even if he is, he must be held responsible for the non-execution of those contract projects!

I urge you to give all the necessary support to Honorable Cairo Ajuigbo to come out boldly with the true result of the forensic audit of NDDC which the Senator is already paying the hungry and clueless army of youths to scuttle. And those youths agreed to carry out this assignment because, he so much impoverish them to paved way for him to achieve his devilish and dubious agenda of continuing to feed fat while large number of them continue to die in penury.

I urge you to join hand with Honorable Cairo Ajuigbo to ensure that he is arrested by all the anti-corruption bodies and prosecuted.

Come to think of it, a human being like him with a long history of criminality should not even be in the hallowed chamber of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to represent highly educated people of Delta State! Unlike other states and ethnicity in Nigeria, or in the developed world, by now, he ought to have been recalled from the Senate to face the wrath of the law!

I call on the EFCC, ICPC, NFIU and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to get him arrested immediately to account for the 300 number of Contract Projects. Enough is enough. How can a single Senator pocket the destiny of millions of well-educated people of Niger Delta Region and the entire Nigeria, while most of the rural communities the said projects were designed and awarded for, keep wallowing in abject poverty with no single social amenities like portable water, good roads, modern hospitals, affordable and well equipped schools in sight?

I call on all citizens of the Niger Delta Region to rise up and support His Excellency Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, Honorable Cairo Ajuigbo and every other sons and daughters of the Niger Delta Region that are insisting on the forensic audit of the NDDC! They should be given all the necessary support to succeed else, development will continue to elude the people of the Niger Delta Region in this 21st Century that people are turning hamlet into cities via their intellectual prowess and natural resources deposited in such environmental

Centre Commissions Observers Situation Room For Bayelsa State Governorship Election

The Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness has officially commissioned its Observers Situation Room toward the Bayelsa State Governorship Election scheduled for the 16th of November 2019 as well embarked on training of observers.

Speaking during the commissioning, the Director General of the Centre, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel said that in collaboration with over 100 Non-Governmental Organizations and 18 INEC Accredited Observer Organizations, the Coalition has developed a strategic plan to mitigate the incidences of electoral related violence and result manipulation for the 2019 Governorship Election in Bayelsa state.

Among the strategic plans is the inauguration of the Situation Room called "Democracy Watch Nigeria" where, all our observers across the 8 LGAs would be able to send information from the Polling Units and Polling Points to our system Online and Real-time.

Also, the Coalition said it will ensure that politicians who sponsor, fund, aide or abate violence must be reported to the Law enforcement agencies and be made to face the full wrath of the law.

"We are not stopping there; we would make sure that stringent sanctions are made. Our coalition would also report these politicians to foreign embassies and ensure that travel ban and restriction are issued on perpetrators and their families. Politicians must learn to play by the rules, Dr. Gabriel said.

The statement read, "In any democratic state, it is necessary that elections comply with stipulated rules to ensure a smooth power transition in line with democratic principles and Global best standards. In other words, the rights of citizens is said to be violated when there is a variance and a disconnect between the electoral processes and the requisite guide lines governing the conduct of any election.

"The manipulation of an electoral process leads to the emergence of an unpopular candidate as it is done against the wish of the electorates. In true democracy, power is said to reside with the people. Therefore an aberration of an electoral process is not only anti-democratic but such barbaric act is against civilization by all standards.

"Statistics from the 2019 General Elections shows that 607 Nigerians were murdered in cold blood as a result of electoral related violence. Consequently, the number of deaths, fatalities and injuries in Bayelsa state elections has been on the increase. Electoral violence has taken the centre stage of our electoral system. Electoral related violence could be categorized into 3. The Pre-Election Violence, Election Violence and Post-election Violence.

"Recall that in 2015, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was deploying the process of accrediting voters between 8 and 2pm before voting commences by 2pm, the election result in Southern Ijaw during the first ballot had the election result far in excess of the total number of registered voters in that Local Government . This rather ugly and embarrassing trend compelled INEC to reconsider the simultaneous accreditation and voting in the same area to conclude the election process.

"Following the introduction of the Card Reader, some desperate politicians who could no longer write results in the comfort of their sitting rooms now resort to carrying physical cash to polling units. Consequently, this has given rise to vote buying/selling.

"The electoral violence once again resurfaced in a more fierce dimension in Bayelsa state in the 2019 General Elections which recorded more incidences of violence in the state.

"Sadly, electoral related violence has been on the increase because politicians do not see occupation of public offices as a call to service but rather as an opportunity to amerce wealth as much as possible. This situation might not vary over a long time until the psych of politicians change in terms of their perception of what the occupation of public office ought to be.

"The level of violence in Bayelsa state elections being classified as volatile state is embarrassing to Nigeria and a monumental and national shame.

"Consequently, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness in collaboration with over 100 Non-Governmental Organizations and 18 INEC Accredited Observer Organizations has developed a strategic plan to mitigate the incidences of electoral related violence and result manipulation for the 2019 Governorship Election in Bayelsa state.

"Firstly, the organization has inaugurated a Situation Room called "Democracy Watch Nigeria". Here, all our observers across the 8 LGAs would be able to send information from the Polling Units and Polling Points to our system Online and Real-time.

"We here tender a special appeal to the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police to provide security for our staff and situation room.

"Secondly, the Organization has embarked on a "Peace Walk" on Tuesday 5th Nov 2019. This sensitization targets the electorates and populace on the need for peace, non-Violence, Free, Fair and credible election.

"Thirdly, our Coalition would ensure that politicians who sponsor, fund, aide or abate violence must be reported to the Law enforcement agencies and be made to face the full wrath of the law. We are not stopping there; we would make sure that stringent sanctions are made. Our coalition would also report these politicians to foreign embassies and ensure that travel ban and restriction are issued on perpetrators and their families. Politicians must learn to play by the rules.

"The Nigerian Police is the lead Agency in terms of internal security and the conduct of power transition such as elections. The military and Para Military are not left out. Instances of erring officers and men involved in electoral malpractices, intimidation, snatching of ballot boxes, etc, must also be reported and perpetrators be made to face the full wrath of the law. No sacred cows.

"However, there have been reported cases of erring Ad Hoc Staff and Staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). We are also aware that INEC as a commission has taken drastic measures to check and curtail these incidences of erring officers of the commission. Our job essentially is also to observe the degree of compliance of the electoral management body to the relevant laws for the conduct of elections. We would not relent in ensuring that the right thing is done.

"Again, our coalition is worried about the IDPs living in Bayelsa state and their ability to exercise their fundamental human rights come 16th of November. The affected areas are Nembe- Bassambiri, Peremabiri in Southern Ijaw. The harassment of voters in Okpoama in Brass LGA. In Twon Brass, Mr. Tope Okunola an Assistant Commissioner of Police was assaulted and almost killed during the 2019 General elections. These are people displaced by violence. We believe that no voter should be threatened, humiliated or subjected to ridicule irrespective of his/her party affiliation. Results of areas that are disrupted with violence on no condition should be accepted.

"In the stakeholders meeting, the Inspector General of Police mentioned that the police is set to provide security for them if vehicles to convey them from the IDP camp to their various polling units was made available.

"The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness is concerned in ensuring that every vote counts and that no eligible voter is disenfranchised for no fault of his. We would want to know INECs plan for the IDPs.

"Finally, we want to reiterate our support for INEC, the conduct of transparent elections in tandem with the provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2010 As Amended and INEC Regulations and guideline synonymous with Global best practices.  

Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Bayelsa State, Pastor Monday Udoh Tom, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Bayelsa State, Dr. Edwin Enabor, he said that before 2015 General Election, Observers were not recognised and was put under the Voters Education Department but because of its importance, INEC now has a department for Observers and capacity training are carried out to all accredited Observers who have been investigated and unbiased.

He called on the Observers to go round and ensure the election process is conducted according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and International best practice and their report made available to the Independent National Electoral Commission after the election.

He further urged the Observers to be unbiased in their observation and report because their reports or criticism can have a great effect on legibility of any election.

The Royal Father of the day and Chairman Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty Diete Spiff, called on the electorate to vote for their conscience and a suitable person among the candidates contesting the election.

He also called on the observers to be unbiased and give a credible report as seen on the field during the Saturday Governorship Election

His Majesty Diete Spiff promised to collaborate with the over 100 Non-Governmental Organizations that made up the Coalition for Peace Management training.

The program was brought to an end with commencement of training programmes for the 18 accredited observers 

Bayelsa Guber: Coalition Unveiled Observers Situation Room And Walk For Peace Sensitization

A Coalition of over 100 Civil Society Organizations and INEC Accredited Observer Organizations has Unveiled its Observers Situation Room titled 'Democracy Watch Nigeria' and also embarked on a 'Peace Walk' Sensitization across major streets of Yenogoa on the pertinent need for Peaceful Governorship Election on the 16th of November, 2019 in Bayelsa State. 

Briefing the media on Tuesday in Yenogoa, the Director General of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, said that the Situation Room called "Democracy Watching the Votes Nigeria", is a central place for all observers across the 8 LGAs to send information from the Polling Units and Polling Points to the system Online and Real-time.

On politicians who sponsor, fund, aide or abate violence, Dr. Gabriel said the coalition will report such politicians to the Law enforcement agencies and be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“We are not stopping there; we would make sure that stringent sanctions are made. Our coalition would also report these politicians to the embassies and ensure that travel ban and restriction is issued on perpetrators and their families. Politicians must learn to play by the rules, Dr. Nwambu said.

His statement read further, “The Nigerian Police is the lead Agency in terms of internal security and the conduct of power transition such as elections. The military and Para Military are not left out. Instances of erring officers and men involved in electoral malpractices, intimidation, snatching of ballot boxes, etc, must also be reported and perpetrators be made to face the full wrath of the law. No sacred cows.

“However, there have been reported cases of erring Ad Hoc Staff and Staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). We are also aware that INEC as a commission has taken drastic measures to check and curtail these incidences. Our job essentially is also to observe the degree of compliance of the electoral management body to the relevant laws for the conduct of elections. We would not relent in ensuring that the right thing is done.

The Coalition reiterated its support for INEC to conducting of transparent elections in tandem with the provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2015 as Amended and INEC Regulations and guideline synonymous with Global best practices.   

Other speakers at the event include Nigeria Election Situation Room, member YIAGA Africa – Ezenwa Nwagwu who called on the voters especially the youths to hold their leaders accountable. He also called on them to change their mentality of saying the Bayelsa Governorship election will be violent.

Nwagwu called on the security not to connive with politicians in causing violence before, during and after the election.

The candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Sen Douye Diri berate other  political party candidates invited for the program for not showing up at an important event aimed at conducting a peaceful Governorship Election on the 16th of November, 2019.

“It is not election for bullet but for ballot and my party, PDP has adopted that policy, said Sen Diri.

He further said that his party has embarked on intensive campaign with well outlined manifestoes and the messages sent from Unit to State level.

The Chairman, Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Bayelsa State was represented by the Opuo-kun the V of Kolokuma-Opokuma Kingdom said there is no room for violence in all the communities of Bayelsa State as they traditional rulers have embarked on massive sensitization among their subjects.

Other who sent in representatives include the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, the Director DSS, the Commander FRSC, the Commandant NSCDC, Heads of Civil Society Organizations

The Peace walk took off from Ekeki Park where the Secretary of Bayelsa State NURTW addressed the mammoth crowd before ending the Peace Walk at the INEC Headquarters.