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PITFALLS AHEAD OF 2023 ELECTIONS- Investigations
… Insecurity, Religion, Assassinations and Drug Wars As Factors That May Undermine Exercise
…We Shall Overcome, We Are On Top Of Situation-Buhari, INEC
By: Our Correspondents
Nigeria may not be new to political tensions having come out stronger from past experiences. Those who witnessed the post June 12, 1993 election crisis can attest to the experiences of that time. Immediate past experiences may have also thickened the skins of her citizens to crisis; early warning signals however show that the current situation presents a rather grim spectacle. This is occasioned by the fact that, so many crisis seem to be happening simultaneously.
With the submission of names of candidates by political parties to contest various positions in the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC have hopes of conducting the country’s freest and fairest elections ever: if its spokesman, Festus Okoye’s pledge is anything to rely upon.
Okoye, in several press interviews allayed the fears of Nigerians with a promise that, the 2023 elections is on course and everything shall be well. He told Arise News Television that, INEC is collaborating with all security agencies, and most of the security concerns shall be addressed before the due dates for the elections.
Political parties on their parts are drawing out plans on how to win the elections, as they position their candidates and draw manifestoes, against what has been described as Nigeria’s litmus test for the survival of democracy and indeed as a nation.
This is even as the country’s leadership battles with multi-faceted crisis, ranging from Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, banditry and Kidnapping in most states of the North West, IPOB agitations in the South East, threats of succession by the Yoruba Nation and widespread assassinations in virtually every part of Nigeria.
Nigerians; irrespective of where they stay, live in perpetual fear and uncertainty in the face of these developments: especially emergent strong indications that the country may not be safe for the conduct of the 2023, unless general security concerns in the country are quickly and decisively addressed.
Our correspondents who have been monitoring the mood of the nation report that, the situation seems to further be degenerating, with reports of various criminal activities, happening simultaneously from across the nation, while the Government looks on helplessly: apparently overwhelmed.
The President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari has given repeated assurances that the situation will be brought under control and Nigeria will be better placed than before, even as he promised to allow for the conduct of safe, free and fair elections in 2023.
Nigerians however do not seem impressed with the President’s promises, especially when they look back at the promises he made for Nigerians before his first election as President in 2015. Many have used it to mock him, just as political opponents have been using some of the perceived failed promises to de-market the All Progressives Congress, APC, against the coming elections.
President Muhammadu Buhari has changed the Service Chiefs, in apparent response to public cries for an overhaul; with seemingly the same result and has summoned countless security meetings, out of which no single solution has been found, even as criminal elements appear more emboldened in carrying out their nefarious activities.
It is against this grim national situation that, some people have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to either seek for further amendment to the constitution to give him third term in office, even as others are clamoring for an interim Government, to be appointed by the President. The President has since dismissed such fears, but the attendant tension and fears persist, which further create doubts about the elections.
States worst hit by the insecurity include, Kaduna, Benue, Plateau,Taraba, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Kogi, Kwara and to some extent, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Ondo and Rivers states. In each of these states, conduct of elections are very dicey, and require heavy security deployments, with attendant consequences of voter apathy, as citizens live in fear.
With no apparent solution in sight to these problems, analyst predict that the 2023 elections may be an uphill task to conduct across the aforementioned states, where free movement of citizens are heavily curtailed by the activities of criminals.
Social and commercial activities in areas where bandits operate have been at the lowest ebb, just as the likely movements for the elections may not be possible with the glaring dangers.
In some of these states, movement of election officials and voters alike face serious threats from the activities of bandits and kidnappers, who have vowed to make life difficult for citizens generally.
The narrative amongst Nigerians, is such that, certain individuals or group: both in and outside Government make brisk gains out of the situation, and are ostensibly the brains behind crisis.
Reports indicate that, while those in Government collect billions as funds to prosecute the war against terrorism and crime generally, others outside the government collect returns from the criminals.
Nigerians tend to believe that security agents on the fields have either been compromised or are just complacent with the situation, since they are paid money for doing very little.
Many Nigerians on the other hand believe that the Armed Forces have been at their best, but seem overwhelmed for lack of equipment and appropriate arms to confront the criminals.
International and local observers have given a pass mark to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over recent elections and by-elections conducted in some states, for the improvements in the quality of the elections, but such assessments fail to factor in the performance of the security agencies.
Even in the face of the heavily militarized and police presence, the general atmosphere outside the immediate areas where the elections were conducted remain fragile.
Apparently ignoring the experiences of other countries that witnessed religious wars, and the 2015 experiences, Churches and Mosques have been reduced to campaign arenas, with religious leaders preparing the minds of their followers for the elections along religious sentiments.
Media debates seem to give prominence to religious issues, thus further inflaming passions and preparing grounds for a religious war. The situation indicates that, religion may play significant role, as adherents of two main faiths, Christianity and Islam threaten fire and brimstone.
Analysts believe that, in seeming alliance with international operators, the underworld of drug kingpins in Nigeria may be perfecting plans to cash in on the situation and sponsor stooges into elective positions, so as to exert hold on Government.
This fact emerged in the face of the fierce war being executed by the Government against hard drugs.
Our correspondent in Lagos reports that, the drug cartel in the country are not comfortable with the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, under General Mohammed Buba Marwa, which has intensified fights against their business, hence the need to penetrate Government and halt further war against them.
Recent reports depict the NDLEA as having arrested prominent drug warlords, who have allies in Government, a move that has threatened the drug market. With criminals as the main users of the drugs, penetrating Government and sustaining the crisis remain two sure ways that could ensure their continued business
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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
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Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
News
Ukhomunyio Community Seeks Edo Government Intervention Over Insecurity
A group of concerned stakeholders in Ukhomunyio Community, Okpella, Edo State, has called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area following recent security concerns and incidents of violence.
In a statement jointly signed by community stakeholders, the group said that the once-peaceful Ukhomunyio Community had in recent weeks experienced growing tension and insecurity.
The statement was jointly signed by Sam S. O. Afemikhe, Roland Ediawe, Dr Henry Idogun, Kasimu Sunday, Mark Adogah, Friday Ododeh, Omoreige Usman, Dr Victor Balogun, and Prince Haruna Ahmed.
The stakeholders urged the government to deploy more security personnel to the community and surrounding areas to help maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“We therefore call on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately intervene by strengthening security presence within Ukhomunyio Community and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
They also called for a thorough investigation into recent incidents of violence and disturbances linked to the annual Olimi Festival.
According to the statement, the community recently recorded tragic incidents involving residents of Kalaba and Imioko villages, while some persons were reportedly abducted during the attacks and later reunited with their families.
The group described the incidents as unfortunate and contrary to the community’s peaceful traditions.
“We strongly condemn these acts, which are completely alien to the long-standing peaceful tradition of our community,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further expressed concern over violence that erupted during the recent Olimi Festival, saying some individuals allegedly used firearms during the celebration.
They said the violence resulted in casualties and injuries, with some affected persons currently receiving medical treatment.
“The Olimi Festival has historically been a symbol of unity, peace, celebration, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and Okpella in general,” the group stated.
According to the statement, the festival had historically symbolised unity, peace, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and the wider Okpella community.
The group also appealed to authorities to ensure that all investigations and security operations are carried out lawfully and fairly to avoid escalating tensions within the community.
Beyond strengthening security, the stakeholders called on authorities to prevent further violence and restore peace and confidence within the community.
They warned that continued insecurity could affect economic and social activities in the area, including operations linked to major industries.
As part of efforts to support investigations, the group announced a N1 million reward for credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying those behind the recent incidents.
Another N1 million reward was offered for information that could help authorities identify individuals connected to the violence during the Olimi Festival.
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