Thursday, April 21, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTION RESULTS
As election results continue to trickle in, speculations already as to who gets what and who gets returned to the senate house and house of assembly have began to cause concerns in various circles. Its with interest to note that Obasanjo's PDP lost the polling unit right in front of his house to the ACN, Namadi Sambo lost his polling unit, same as David Mark and Dimeji Bankole.
For now, as far as Ogun state is concerned, Dimeji Bankole and Iyabo Obasanjo Bello have gone with the wind.
here are the total results nationwide as released by INEC returning officers.
For the Senate out of 109 seats, here are the results so far
PDP - 52
ACN - 13
CPC - 6
APGA - 1
ANPP- 10
DPP - 1
LP - 3
and for the House of Representatives out of 360 seats, here are the results so far
PDP - 82
ACN- 32
CPC - 30
APGA - 1
ANPP - 20
LP - 8
AP - 4
For now, as far as Ogun state is concerned, Dimeji Bankole and Iyabo Obasanjo Bello have gone with the wind.
here are the total results nationwide as released by INEC returning officers.
For the Senate out of 109 seats, here are the results so far
PDP - 52
ACN - 13
CPC - 6
APGA - 1
ANPP- 10
DPP - 1
LP - 3
and for the House of Representatives out of 360 seats, here are the results so far
PDP - 82
ACN- 32
CPC - 30
APGA - 1
ANPP - 20
LP - 8
AP - 4
As soon as other results come in more accurately and the declaration is made.....i'll keep you posted, as i update the records
Friday, April 8, 2011
SULEJA BOMB BLAST
"guns, drugs and oil in any country is government business"
Its the eve to the NASS elections scheduled to hold tomorrow nationwide, though according to Professor Jega voting wouldn't hold in some places due to logistic constraints. As preparations are in full gear with the deployment of security agents, INEC officials, observers from different groups local and international, the rude awakening of a bomb blast shook Suleja town in Niger state with an initial unconfirmed report of 20 dead and several others wounded. This isnt the first time a bomb will go off since the electioneering and campaigns began. On Thursday the 3rd of March 2011, a scheduled PDP rally was abruptly brought to an end with a bomb blast that instantly killed 10 people at the time of the blast. Today the strike was at the INEC office Suleja, Niger state at between 5pm and 5.30pm. The explosion occurred barely 2 hours after electoral materials had arrived the office and the place was a beehive of activity. Youth Corps members, INEC officials, party agents and security operatives were among the crowd of people present at the time of the blast.
Todays blast goes on its way the path of history as one of those sad moments were lives have been sacrificed in the name of elections. Its really unfortunate the events of today and what that stands to portray as Nigerians go to the polls tomorrow.
Every-time an opportunity arises for confidence to be restored in the minds of the general populace by security operatives and the government, its usually a failed effort. Sadly more blood is drawn to the weary distraught of all, leaving a people battered by the rain of abuse as their umbrella of faith has been torn by those (a cabal) with a severed conscience.
Known for his apologies and sorries, an address by Professor Jega slated for sometime tonight will do little to console the families of the dead, will do little to remove the already instilled fear in the citizens (which is the whole idea ) more over had elections held last week? who knows. So now is not the time for speeches and apologies, but its a time for decisive and positive actions actions.
Its the eve to the NASS elections scheduled to hold tomorrow nationwide, though according to Professor Jega voting wouldn't hold in some places due to logistic constraints. As preparations are in full gear with the deployment of security agents, INEC officials, observers from different groups local and international, the rude awakening of a bomb blast shook Suleja town in Niger state with an initial unconfirmed report of 20 dead and several others wounded. This isnt the first time a bomb will go off since the electioneering and campaigns began. On Thursday the 3rd of March 2011, a scheduled PDP rally was abruptly brought to an end with a bomb blast that instantly killed 10 people at the time of the blast. Today the strike was at the INEC office Suleja, Niger state at between 5pm and 5.30pm. The explosion occurred barely 2 hours after electoral materials had arrived the office and the place was a beehive of activity. Youth Corps members, INEC officials, party agents and security operatives were among the crowd of people present at the time of the blast.
Todays blast goes on its way the path of history as one of those sad moments were lives have been sacrificed in the name of elections. Its really unfortunate the events of today and what that stands to portray as Nigerians go to the polls tomorrow.
Every-time an opportunity arises for confidence to be restored in the minds of the general populace by security operatives and the government, its usually a failed effort. Sadly more blood is drawn to the weary distraught of all, leaving a people battered by the rain of abuse as their umbrella of faith has been torn by those (a cabal) with a severed conscience.
Known for his apologies and sorries, an address by Professor Jega slated for sometime tonight will do little to console the families of the dead, will do little to remove the already instilled fear in the citizens (which is the whole idea ) more over had elections held last week? who knows. So now is not the time for speeches and apologies, but its a time for decisive and positive actions actions.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
POSTPONED NASS ELECTIONS
"a tortoise found on its back, needs help"
The shifting of the NASS elections till Saturday the 9th of April 2011, was largely anticipated and welcomed by all. As expected, the hurried speech of Professor Jega has also been modified as the ballot system to give him ample time as to avoid further apologies and acceptance of blame. With a little effort Prof Jega could have avoided been once again looked upon as one not sure of how to get things done. Its amazing that despite his wealth of experience in various fields, this INEC job has proved quite a herculean task for him as his name and integrity is on the line. A good one week is more than the period the Professor requested for, so this time around lets hope he gets it right.
The shifting of the NASS elections till Saturday the 9th of April 2011, was largely anticipated and welcomed by all. As expected, the hurried speech of Professor Jega has also been modified as the ballot system to give him ample time as to avoid further apologies and acceptance of blame. With a little effort Prof Jega could have avoided been once again looked upon as one not sure of how to get things done. Its amazing that despite his wealth of experience in various fields, this INEC job has proved quite a herculean task for him as his name and integrity is on the line. A good one week is more than the period the Professor requested for, so this time around lets hope he gets it right.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
ELECTION DAY 1
"incompetence has as many faces as death itself"
After an assurance of the readiness of INEC, barely 24hrs prior to the first day of the National elections, its no longer news the afterthought of our Independent National Electoral Commission head Professor Attahiru Jega. One stops to wonder as to how an event such as the National Assembly (NASS) elections scheduled and planned so meticulously should suddenly be postponed due to logistic challenges. The soberness and acceptance of responsibility with which our Professor made this declaration is no excuse, as this simply points to the fact the unpreparedness of INEC to conduct a free and fair elections.
The request by INEC for the postponement of the NASS elections till monday the 4th of April 2011 is no doubt unacceptable. If months of preparation can still result in such disappointment, is 48hrs enough? or will Professor Jega need more time?
The first ripple effect of this move is the loss of one working day, as Monday the 4th of April will no doubt be an undeserved public holiday due to the lack of adequate calculation by INEC.
The remobilization of party faithfuls by politicians will incur more costs and unnecessary confusion as the dissemination of information in a country struck with the paralysis of inadequate power, will definitely be left in the hands of third party reports by individuals.
After all the supposed movement of materials across the country, the safety of these material between today and the 4th of april also comes into question.
The icing on the cake is the total shutdown of all activities within the country as a preparation for the elections, which now amounts to a waste of time and a colossal loss in terms of economic activities.
The postponement of this election clearly shows the unpreparedness of INEC and also a national embarrassment to the Nigerian populace as the whole world had eyes on Nigeria. With so much money being requested by INEC its a little difficult to see what "logistic challenges" the money Jega received couldn't solve to save us this National drama
Once again the suspicion of the incompetencies of INEC have been placed on the front burner by this postponement. To expect a little technical hitches here and there is no problem as the percentage error of any planning is always expected, but not in the way the first day of the election time table has been altered and messed up.
Nigerians deserve more than has been received today. Its time for Professor Jega to begin to fulfill his promises, step up his game and act the part of the Professor that he really is. Not just with the use of apologetic words, but in actions that truly speak more.
After an assurance of the readiness of INEC, barely 24hrs prior to the first day of the National elections, its no longer news the afterthought of our Independent National Electoral Commission head Professor Attahiru Jega. One stops to wonder as to how an event such as the National Assembly (NASS) elections scheduled and planned so meticulously should suddenly be postponed due to logistic challenges. The soberness and acceptance of responsibility with which our Professor made this declaration is no excuse, as this simply points to the fact the unpreparedness of INEC to conduct a free and fair elections.
The request by INEC for the postponement of the NASS elections till monday the 4th of April 2011 is no doubt unacceptable. If months of preparation can still result in such disappointment, is 48hrs enough? or will Professor Jega need more time?
The first ripple effect of this move is the loss of one working day, as Monday the 4th of April will no doubt be an undeserved public holiday due to the lack of adequate calculation by INEC.
The remobilization of party faithfuls by politicians will incur more costs and unnecessary confusion as the dissemination of information in a country struck with the paralysis of inadequate power, will definitely be left in the hands of third party reports by individuals.
After all the supposed movement of materials across the country, the safety of these material between today and the 4th of april also comes into question.
The icing on the cake is the total shutdown of all activities within the country as a preparation for the elections, which now amounts to a waste of time and a colossal loss in terms of economic activities.
The postponement of this election clearly shows the unpreparedness of INEC and also a national embarrassment to the Nigerian populace as the whole world had eyes on Nigeria. With so much money being requested by INEC its a little difficult to see what "logistic challenges" the money Jega received couldn't solve to save us this National drama
Once again the suspicion of the incompetencies of INEC have been placed on the front burner by this postponement. To expect a little technical hitches here and there is no problem as the percentage error of any planning is always expected, but not in the way the first day of the election time table has been altered and messed up.
Nigerians deserve more than has been received today. Its time for Professor Jega to begin to fulfill his promises, step up his game and act the part of the Professor that he really is. Not just with the use of apologetic words, but in actions that truly speak more.
Friday, April 1, 2011
THE GRANDEE FINALE
"with the exclusion of truth, a lie thrives in solitude"
On Wednesday 30th march, the last and the least of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) collaboration with Nigerian Elections Debate group (NEDG) once again was broadcast. True the words of the ANPP ACN & CPC Presidential candidates who refused to attend, the obvious could not be denied. Speaking on broad areas already disclosed, the PDP presidential candidate Goodluck Jonathan had the whole field to himself and spoke as he dimmed fit. Though unchallenged, he had the time buzzing on every question, like he had so much to say and in the so much was found nothing but empty, worn out campaign cliche. He had ready answers to questions on the power sector, political appointments, corruption, the freedom of information bill (FOI bill), agriculture, budget implementation and a whole other range of topics which turned the interview into a jolly good ride.
As the elections kick off on Saturday the 2nd of April 2011, the reality of the situation will gradually play out as we step into the very first 24 hours of the long awaited Nigerian General Elections 2011. Questions on security remain paramount as the issues of election violence.
On Wednesday 30th march, the last and the least of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) collaboration with Nigerian Elections Debate group (NEDG) once again was broadcast. True the words of the ANPP ACN & CPC Presidential candidates who refused to attend, the obvious could not be denied. Speaking on broad areas already disclosed, the PDP presidential candidate Goodluck Jonathan had the whole field to himself and spoke as he dimmed fit. Though unchallenged, he had the time buzzing on every question, like he had so much to say and in the so much was found nothing but empty, worn out campaign cliche. He had ready answers to questions on the power sector, political appointments, corruption, the freedom of information bill (FOI bill), agriculture, budget implementation and a whole other range of topics which turned the interview into a jolly good ride.
As the elections kick off on Saturday the 2nd of April 2011, the reality of the situation will gradually play out as we step into the very first 24 hours of the long awaited Nigerian General Elections 2011. Questions on security remain paramount as the issues of election violence.
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