Politics

BVAS: Youths will shut down Nigeria – Ohanaeze warns INEC, APC

Published

2 years ago

November 24, 2022

By Abdulateef Taiwo

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, OYC, has reacted to the fresh controversy over the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS and the INEC Results Viewing Portal, IReV, for the 2023 general elections.

The OYC said Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman of the APC, should be placed on watchlist by security agencies and the international community for allegedly toeing a path capable of destroying Nigeria.

Adamu had on Wednesday, while speaking to a delegation from the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission, claimed that Nigeria was not yet ready for such technology.

He said, “Our concern is how ready are we to deploy some of these technologies as regards transmission.

“To transmit results, every part of the nation Nigeria I’m not sure that the network covers it.

“I know that even in parts of Abuja, there is no network, and we have from now till February when in substantial parts of the country, there is no electricity.”

Reacting to the development, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike accused the APC of trying to truncate Nigeria’s democracy.

Okwu said Adamu’s stand was a confirmation of earlier rumour of an ignoble attempt to remove the INEC chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood from office over his insistence to deploy technology to enhance the credibility of the electoral process.

“We are in deep shock over the unpopular statement made by the APC National Chairman, Senator Adamu. It is even more unpardonable considering that it is coming from the chairman of the ruling party.

“In countries of the world, a ruling party is expected to be in the vanguard of advancing democracy, but that is no longer the case with the APC.

“It is now confirmed that the Adamu-led APC is behind the rumoured plot to oust the INEC boss from office.

“However, his plot has failed; he has exposed himself as we the Nigerian youths will not let that happen.

“The 2023 general election is between the forces of darkness that have held this country down for decades and the future generation. There will be no hiding place for failed politicians and a million Adamu cannot frustrate that resolve.”

The youth group urged the INEC to “remain steadfast as the masses are with you. The commission should not bow to the wicked pressure as we shall march the evil forces; we shall resist the wicked forces who do not mean well for Nigeria.

“The youths will shut down this country should anyone attempt to toy with the future of Nigeria.

“The highest legacy President Muhammdu Buhari has bequeathed for this country is signing the amended Electoral Act and we shall give the INEC all the support to ensure its full application.

“We also urge President Buhari to stand with the masses and be wary of the likes of Adamu who are pursuing a selfish agenda.”

Okwu urged security agencies and the international community to “place Adamu and his collaborators on watchlist as they are poised to destroy Nigeria to realise their selfish agenda.”

Share on Facebook

News

Reps Appoint Prof. Ihonvbere Chairman, Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight

Published

4 weeks ago

April 16, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Leader of the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere, has been appointed Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The 21-member Committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, April 15, by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. This follows the National Assembly’s resolution endorsing, with amendments, the Proclamation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.

During the deliberations leading to the approval of the President’s declaration, the House resolved, among other measures, that the National Assembly should assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

Hon. Ali Isa J.C., Minority Whip, will serve as Deputy Chairman of the Committee.

Other members include Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim; former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase; Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara; and Hon. Sada Soli.

Additional members of the Committee are:Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Hon. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Hon. Patrick Umoh, Hon. James Barka, Hon. Alex Egbona, Hon. Isa Anka, Hon. Amos Daniel, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Hon. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Hon. Fatima Talba, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, and Hon. Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.

The Committee is mandated to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure the caretaker administration operates within the bounds of the law, and safeguard the public interest while working towards the restoration of full democratic governance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier appointed Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator of Rivers State, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

Share on Facebook