by Cheta Nwanze
February 6, 2010 06:54PM
Anambra State has a history of electoral fraud and today's gubernatorial election was no different as it recorded significant irregularities.
Observers had anticipated the exercise would have many flaws. There were indications of failings before the polls. Two days ago,Justice Liman Mohammed of the Federal High Court at Ikoyi in Lagos ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission lacks the merit to conduct elections in the country because its board lacks the quorum required to conduct elections. There are currently four Federal Electoral Commissioners out of the 13 that make the board.
Following the ruling, there were concerns the Anambra election would not hold. However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, , Josiah Uwazuruonye, claimed that the commission was yet to receive the ruling, and that the election would hold as scheduled.
Yesterday, the preparations for the elections were taken up a notch by the various candidates. The parties chartered buses to escort election materials to various polling centres and expressed satisfaction at the preparedness of INEC to conduct a free and fair election.
However, signs of trouble began to unravel in the night when some violence was reported. It was alleged that some thugs beat up Olufemi Aduwo, a member of INEC's monitoring committee. This was after he, allegedly, discovered a list of INEC officials that were meant to be bribed.
Election Day
The day started with delays in the delivery of election materials across the state. Our reporters in the state noted that many polling stations remained closed for hours after the election was scheduled to have started because of unavailable materials. INEC officials who spoke with our reporters blamed the police for the delays.
Police officers detailed to provide security at various polling centres were stranded at their stations because there were no adequate means of transportation.
A police commander, Francis Izu, said, at Akeagba, in Awka North local council , "We have enough policemen on the ground at Achalla without vehicles to convey them to the polling booths." Mr. Izu ordered that the election be stopped at venues where there were no security operatives present. INEC officials, however, insisted on the elections going ahead.
In some isolated cases, officers refused to go anywhere because they had not been paid their allowances.
There were some bright spots, however, as reports suggested that ballot papers arrived on time in places like Ajalli and Oko, and that voting commenced in those places without much fuss. However, in the majority of centres, nothing happened until after midday.
Delayed voting and missing names
By noon, pockets of protest had started to break out, and rumours began to spread about disappearing ballot boxes. Finally though, election materials began to arrive in some of the centres.
At about 2 pm, voting was ongoing in some centres, but trouble had again started brewing in others as a lot of voters could not find their names in the voters' registers. The story was the same in Ogbunike, Umunya, Mbanagu, Uga, Ifitedunu and Isuofia. Voters did not see their names in the register. Some famous names did not appear in the voters' register. Those affected included former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, Obiageli Uba and most of the Action Congress' candidate Mr. Ngige's family.
Reports indicated that in Abba, while locals could not find their names in the register, other, distinctly non-native, names were called out by INEC officials. Many voters in Agulu also reported that their names were missing from the register.
In Amawbia and other places, voting began at 2pm due to the late arrival of INEC officials.
A little bit of drama happened in the otherwise peaceful Awka zone, when the Speaker of the Anambra House of Assembly, Anayo Nnaeme, confronted the Resident Electoral Commissioner. Mr. Nnaeme was incensed that the elections were not holding in his ward, and threatened trouble if they did not hold. He also alleged that the INEC register sent to his ward had only 1700 names whereas over 4000 people had registered.
By mid-afternoon, rumours began to circulate that the PDP candidate Chukwuma Soludo had been kicked out of the race. At the sametime, supporters of Andy Uba, the Labour Party candidate, in violation of electoral laws, were openly soliciting for votes.
Stolen ballot boxes and violence
The story was the same in Uli, Onitsha, Obosi, Ojoto, Otuocha and Okpoko. People reported ballot boxes stolen, brazenly and in broad daylight. In Ojoto, there was gunfire and three ballot boxes were taken away.
People power
However, in Aromar and Isuofia, the people stood up for their rights. The INEC official at Unit 8, Isiaku, Isuofia was preventedfrom leaving because she had only four names on her voters' register. The party agents and voters insisted that she declare theelections null and void at that centre to prevent any fraud from occurring. According to them, there was no voting there, so they saw no reason why she would leave without declaring a no-vote there.
At Aromar, the people forced the INEC officials to read out the names on the register. No one heard his name, so they made the officials to register all of them on the spot, and cast their votes.
Eventually, the elections finished between 4pm and 5pm in various centres, and the first results were announced in Dunukofia at 4:20pm.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
What a day... (personal blog)
Sunday 24-01-10 8:12am
As members of the house get ready for church & evacuate the premises... I still lie there in bed lazy!!! I finally get up, take a shower and wander off into the streets of Gbagbaa Apeenega, Adekaa in Benue State. Went to visit a few 'acquintances' and then was invited to wander further into experiencing the 'normal' sunday morning of the typical TIV man in Gboko. Walking through the well tarred road, we cut off into another street well ridden with erosion down the arms of the road. After about a couple of winding turns through houses, with naked children screaming at the top of their voices begging for attention and elderly women laden with age just staring into space, we arrived at our destination.
It was about 9:32am when we got here & I must confess, I was amazed at the amount of people present at this location. More amazing was that I was told there are about three or four more locations with the same population density at this particular time in Gboko too. Even more amazing is the fact that the age bracket at this location was between 3 - 60 years of age. The place was bubbling with life with local songs being played, some people took the time to display their wares (clothings) and all types of food was also being sold at this place. People from all works of life were here too and of course 90 percent of them are natives (though Tivs mixed with Idomas and Igalas). Transporters, masons, bankers, businessmen, traders etc. busied themselves discussing and chatting in whatever local dialect their audience(s) could understand. It was one big mini marketplace. Curious to know what would draw such amount of people here, I noticed there was only one thing they all had in common...BURUKUTU!!!
Each person,either sitting or standing, had a calabash and they were enjoying it with gusto. In my curiosity I asked to be served some. Seriously it really wasnt that remarkable. Sour taste (like fermented corn) and served in a calabash to give it that fresh taste. Its made out of ground guinea-corn. Its then mixed in water and some additives added before it is then sieved off. It is taken with a lot of 'variations' available on demand. Bean Cake (Akara), Fried Yam with pepper sauce, Irish potato (with pepper sauce), garden egg with groundnut paste, Kpomo (in spicy peppered sauce), moi-moi etc.
Attempts to get voluntary pictures proved abortive so I made do with waiting till all attention shifted and I took a quick candid shot!!! Well the main shocker came after I left the venue. As soon as I got to a viewing centre to see a couple of movies...I dozed off!!! I couldnt believe that a whole me wey neva sleep for days go fit crash like dat!!! But, as usual, despite the intensity of the sleep I still maintained the less that two hours sleep limit. I thought I was just tired only to find out my companion also suffered the same fate only that mine was better. At least I had breaks in between, he slept for two hours thirty minutes straight!!!
I had to wake him up to indicate that I was starting to feel empty again and then we changed location to have lunch. We both had pounded yam with native Tiv soup and 'rats'. As soon as I saw the rats I opted for alternative meat. It was later that I was made to understand that rats too was a local delicacy. As for me...i no fit chop am!!! Well, all these experiences have made me understand the way of life of these people. Apart from being a 'sedative' that causes them to have maximum rest on sundays, it is rich in nutrients giving rise to a healthy eating habit which can improve the general well being of the individual. It also boosts the products of the reproductive system thus giving rise to the high fertility rate enjoyed by the Tivs.
Well I do hope to learn more ans they are a people rich in culture and heritage and as usual...i wont hesitate to bring you feedback...
P.S. Did I mention their babes are 'cheerful givers'...!!!???...I don catch one oh!!!...watch awt!!...lolz
As members of the house get ready for church & evacuate the premises... I still lie there in bed lazy!!! I finally get up, take a shower and wander off into the streets of Gbagbaa Apeenega, Adekaa in Benue State. Went to visit a few 'acquintances' and then was invited to wander further into experiencing the 'normal' sunday morning of the typical TIV man in Gboko. Walking through the well tarred road, we cut off into another street well ridden with erosion down the arms of the road. After about a couple of winding turns through houses, with naked children screaming at the top of their voices begging for attention and elderly women laden with age just staring into space, we arrived at our destination.
It was about 9:32am when we got here & I must confess, I was amazed at the amount of people present at this location. More amazing was that I was told there are about three or four more locations with the same population density at this particular time in Gboko too. Even more amazing is the fact that the age bracket at this location was between 3 - 60 years of age. The place was bubbling with life with local songs being played, some people took the time to display their wares (clothings) and all types of food was also being sold at this place. People from all works of life were here too and of course 90 percent of them are natives (though Tivs mixed with Idomas and Igalas). Transporters, masons, bankers, businessmen, traders etc. busied themselves discussing and chatting in whatever local dialect their audience(s) could understand. It was one big mini marketplace. Curious to know what would draw such amount of people here, I noticed there was only one thing they all had in common...BURUKUTU!!!
Each person,either sitting or standing, had a calabash and they were enjoying it with gusto. In my curiosity I asked to be served some. Seriously it really wasnt that remarkable. Sour taste (like fermented corn) and served in a calabash to give it that fresh taste. Its made out of ground guinea-corn. Its then mixed in water and some additives added before it is then sieved off. It is taken with a lot of 'variations' available on demand. Bean Cake (Akara), Fried Yam with pepper sauce, Irish potato (with pepper sauce), garden egg with groundnut paste, Kpomo (in spicy peppered sauce), moi-moi etc.
Attempts to get voluntary pictures proved abortive so I made do with waiting till all attention shifted and I took a quick candid shot!!! Well the main shocker came after I left the venue. As soon as I got to a viewing centre to see a couple of movies...I dozed off!!! I couldnt believe that a whole me wey neva sleep for days go fit crash like dat!!! But, as usual, despite the intensity of the sleep I still maintained the less that two hours sleep limit. I thought I was just tired only to find out my companion also suffered the same fate only that mine was better. At least I had breaks in between, he slept for two hours thirty minutes straight!!!
I had to wake him up to indicate that I was starting to feel empty again and then we changed location to have lunch. We both had pounded yam with native Tiv soup and 'rats'. As soon as I saw the rats I opted for alternative meat. It was later that I was made to understand that rats too was a local delicacy. As for me...i no fit chop am!!! Well, all these experiences have made me understand the way of life of these people. Apart from being a 'sedative' that causes them to have maximum rest on sundays, it is rich in nutrients giving rise to a healthy eating habit which can improve the general well being of the individual. It also boosts the products of the reproductive system thus giving rise to the high fertility rate enjoyed by the Tivs.
Well I do hope to learn more ans they are a people rich in culture and heritage and as usual...i wont hesitate to bring you feedback...
P.S. Did I mention their babes are 'cheerful givers'...!!!???...I don catch one oh!!!...watch awt!!...lolz
To Save the Nation, first Save the People...
Last night's insomnia really had an impact in my life...it helped me go through articles and analyse the rot that has eaten into our nation.From the Presidency,to the Senate,House of assembly.Ambassadors,Diplomats and even to the common people.There is rot, rot, and more rot!!! Right now in Nigeria we have a living President who is totally negligent in his duties (for health reasons). Even with that excuse that does not undermine his incompetence especially his inability to know that continuity exists in a living entity called Nigeria. When he as a president can no longer function properly, he has to hand over to a more healthy party or have that position taken away from him as the constitution stipulates.
The nation is falling deeply into rot because of the corruption of the people within. You see banks having MD/CEOs keeping their hallowed positions for 20 years and above in a Public Liability Company.Spending so much time and money there till they lose foresight and vision for the company they control. Others embezzle billions in acquiring personal houses and shares for children yet unborn with public funds.Then there is the case of diplomatic envoys who dont even know the present state of their employers and then going out to hold press conferences on matters they know little or nothing about the subject of discussion. This and others increase the rot in the system...leading to an increased rot in the nation.
To sanitise the nation,first sanitize the people. In this era of forgiveness and repentance,it is imperative that characters change for the better and public office holders take into consideration the needs of the populace at heart. This in turn will save the people and in tun save the nation. In sanitizing the nation, it starts with me...it starts with you!!!
The nation is falling deeply into rot because of the corruption of the people within. You see banks having MD/CEOs keeping their hallowed positions for 20 years and above in a Public Liability Company.Spending so much time and money there till they lose foresight and vision for the company they control. Others embezzle billions in acquiring personal houses and shares for children yet unborn with public funds.Then there is the case of diplomatic envoys who dont even know the present state of their employers and then going out to hold press conferences on matters they know little or nothing about the subject of discussion. This and others increase the rot in the system...leading to an increased rot in the nation.
To sanitise the nation,first sanitize the people. In this era of forgiveness and repentance,it is imperative that characters change for the better and public office holders take into consideration the needs of the populace at heart. This in turn will save the people and in tun save the nation. In sanitizing the nation, it starts with me...it starts with you!!!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Haiti Quake
Earthquakes have become a mordern day natural disaster that has continued to claim both Life and properties irrespective of age and status. Even with mordern technology to detect and predict high magnitude earthquakes and tremore, its occurence always seems to elude all technological advancements. This leads us to believe that we really havnt gotten to the stage where we'll comfortably rest on the oars of technology to predict and possibly deter the massive loss of lives that come from natural disasters.
One of the most hit this year is Haiti. Eight days ago a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti leaving several thousands dead!!! As if that wasnt enough, a 5.9-6.1 magnitude aftershock hit the troubled state at Port-au-Prince yesterday creating a gap about 60kilometres west-southwards and 10kilometres deep. May we in this time of sober reflection review our lives and prepare our minds solely to pray for the souls departed and also pray for the quick recovery of all the wounded survivors.
More news can be read on: http://cnnmobile.com/primary/_tEgZBD-iS4dY5mIAq
One of the most hit this year is Haiti. Eight days ago a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti leaving several thousands dead!!! As if that wasnt enough, a 5.9-6.1 magnitude aftershock hit the troubled state at Port-au-Prince yesterday creating a gap about 60kilometres west-southwards and 10kilometres deep. May we in this time of sober reflection review our lives and prepare our minds solely to pray for the souls departed and also pray for the quick recovery of all the wounded survivors.
More news can be read on: http://cnnmobile.com/primary/_tEgZBD-iS4dY5mIAq
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
I think someone's been going thru my blog and arranged for the 'sick man's voice' to be played on air...I didnt bother to listen to it but I already know how it sounds...DEAD!!! I live next to Aso Rock and the Minister and some Senators where discussing on who will arrange for the tape to be played!!! I finally couldnt hear who was chosen because I was called to come and see a tanker that wanted to run into my toilet!!!
Anyway...Whoever finally agreed for that voice to be played on air is as daft as whoever appointed (not elected) him into that post and must really be 'mutallab' (new dictionary word for stupid) to have agreed to go ahead with the decision anyway. In this era of webcams, VoIP and technological advancements,why didnt they get the 'sick man' infront of a camera and broadcast live over the internet so we can see him talking??? We will be forced to believe that 'a little' and then work towards having to contend with the fact that we have a president who cannot deliver his official duties on seat here in Nigeria...and then push further to have VP Goodluck Jonathan be sworn in as Ag. President pending the return (if ever) of Musa Yar'Adua.
America dared put us on terrorism watchlist...why not???The Notherners are terrorising us with their hold on the presidency.This man's absence should not draw us back!!!...the bible gave us a solution to such wahala...it states if your hand shall hinder your movement into the kindom of GOd...CUT IT OFF!!!!!...Yar'Adua is such hands...if he really wants to get well (that is if he is not dead already) he should relinquish that 'hallowed' position for able bodied men to handle...and recover in peace!!!...
My people no be soooo!!!!????
Anyway...Whoever finally agreed for that voice to be played on air is as daft as whoever appointed (not elected) him into that post and must really be 'mutallab' (new dictionary word for stupid) to have agreed to go ahead with the decision anyway. In this era of webcams, VoIP and technological advancements,why didnt they get the 'sick man' infront of a camera and broadcast live over the internet so we can see him talking??? We will be forced to believe that 'a little' and then work towards having to contend with the fact that we have a president who cannot deliver his official duties on seat here in Nigeria...and then push further to have VP Goodluck Jonathan be sworn in as Ag. President pending the return (if ever) of Musa Yar'Adua.
America dared put us on terrorism watchlist...why not???The Notherners are terrorising us with their hold on the presidency.This man's absence should not draw us back!!!...the bible gave us a solution to such wahala...it states if your hand shall hinder your movement into the kindom of GOd...CUT IT OFF!!!!!...Yar'Adua is such hands...if he really wants to get well (that is if he is not dead already) he should relinquish that 'hallowed' position for able bodied men to handle...and recover in peace!!!...
My people no be soooo!!!!????
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Nations Cup Extras
Angolans Wicked oh!!!...so someone can allow himself/herself to be paid to attack a National Side that has come to participate in a football competition!!!...or is there a target or personal greiviance that they have against Togo or where they just unfortunate targets??? They were practically used for target practice while crossing into the Angolan border.Well while we condem the actions of the 'rebels' ...we look forward 2 a hitch free Nations Cup.
Here are some of the results from games played...
January 10th
Angola 4-4 Mali
January 11th
Malawi 3-0 Algeria
CIV 0-0 Burkina Faso
Ghana P-P Togo
January 12th
Egypt 3-1 Nigeria
Benin 2-2 Mozambique
With Nigeria showing a lacklustre performance against the pharoahs of Egypt (though I never expected them to win against an in-form Egypt), they have a long way to go.Good players are in excess supply for the Super Eagles,team selection and proper co-ordination is lacking. While we were busy losing,the Egyptian Coach was giving instructions to the players while Amodu Shuaibu was busy folding his hands and watching the game go on and sink futher and further into oblivion.
Question is...is he scared to shout at the players and dish out instructions to ensure we get at least a goal back???...or did he run out of tactics and just decided to watch in shame???
May God save Nigeria!!!
Here are some of the results from games played...
January 10th
Angola 4-4 Mali
January 11th
Malawi 3-0 Algeria
CIV 0-0 Burkina Faso
Ghana P-P Togo
January 12th
Egypt 3-1 Nigeria
Benin 2-2 Mozambique
With Nigeria showing a lacklustre performance against the pharoahs of Egypt (though I never expected them to win against an in-form Egypt), they have a long way to go.Good players are in excess supply for the Super Eagles,team selection and proper co-ordination is lacking. While we were busy losing,the Egyptian Coach was giving instructions to the players while Amodu Shuaibu was busy folding his hands and watching the game go on and sink futher and further into oblivion.
Question is...is he scared to shout at the players and dish out instructions to ensure we get at least a goal back???...or did he run out of tactics and just decided to watch in shame???
May God save Nigeria!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
