Politics
Groups raise alarm over plots to subvert APC Primaries in Zamfara
Ahead of party primaries preparatory for 2023 general elections, a group, APC Youth Solidarity Network (APCYSN) and the Guardian of Democracy and Development Initiative (GoDDI) have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over plots by some forces in Zamfara state to subvert the primary election of the ruling party in the state.
The groups in a joint petition submitted to the office of the Chairman, INEC and copied the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, Director-General, Department of State Security service as well as US, UK Embassies and the UN Resident Coordinator, Nigeria said except action is taken immediately many aspirants in Zamfara would be disenfranchised.
The petitioned signed by Mr. Danesi Momoh for APC Youth Solidarity Network and Mallam. Suleiman Musa of the Guardian of Democracy and Development Initiative respectively maintained that the groups have established beyond doubts that delegates to the party primaries have already been handpicked by those hell-bent on imposing candidates against the wishes of the people.
“We have uncovered grand plot by antidemocratic forces in Zamfara State to disenfranchise aspirants from participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled party primaries in Zamfara State in clear contravention of the provision of Section 84 of the Nigerian Electoral Act 2022 on Nomination of Candidates by Parties.
“There are incontrovertible evidence that the provision of the Nigerian Electoral Act 2022, All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution (March 2022 as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are being abuse in order to muscle out other aspirants to pave way for anointed candidates as if we are practicing monarchial system of government as opposed to democracy.
“We have established beyond reasonable doubts that delegates to party primaries have already been handpicked (selected) by those who are hell-bent on imposing candidates against the collective will of the Zamfara State Citizens in clear violations of extant laws and statues governing conducts of party primaries as enshrined in All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution, Nigerian Electoral Act 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As it stands today, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State and his co-travelers has already allocated all elective seats that are to be contested at the primaries to their known political associates, friends and families ahead of the date of the primaries in brazen display of anti democratic ethos.
“Consequently, it goes without saying that Zamfara State All Progressives Congress (APC) has not learnt any lesson on the 2019 flawed All Progressives Congress (APC) Primaries that led to the disqualifications of all APC Candidates and their victory was truncated by the judgment of the Supreme Court that voided the primary election and the purported election was nullified. It is obvious that All Progressives Congress (APC) Zamfara State is on familiar journey to self INFLICTED destruction.
“We demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an unbiased umpire to closely monitor conducts and proceedings of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State and other states with similar tendencies to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the laws with regards to party primaries and nomination of candidates so as to deepened democratic governance.
“Your intervention is most needed to ensure that All Progressives Congress (APC) and your commission do not run foul of the law by allowing anti democratic element to desecrate our democracy. We will not hesitate to explore all avenues to seek redress including but not limited to instituting legal action against the commission and the All Progressives Congress (APC) should you failed to act on this matter”, the petitioned noted.
News
Why Ikare Needs an ICT University – Senator Ipinsagba
The Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, Jide Ipinsagba has described the proposed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko, as a move aimed at empowering the youth and driving economic growth in the area.
Speaking with newsmen in Ikare-Akoko, Senator Ipinsagba emphasised the importance of equipping the younger generation with the skills and knowledge required to compete in today’s digital world.
“As a representative of my senatorial district, I have always been driven by a passion to promote development and add value to my community. I have been working tirelessly for the establishment of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) university in Ikare-Akoko and I am excited to share my vision with you”, he explained.
According to him, “the idea of bringing an ICT university to Ikare-Akoko was born out of my desire to equip our young people with the skills and knowledge required to compete in today’s digital world.
“In a world where technology is rapidly changing the way we live and work, it is essential that we equip our youths with the tools to succeed in life”.
He said “by establishing this specialised university, we will not only be creating employment opportunities for our people, but also contributing to the growth of our local economy.
“The university will serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting businesses and investors to our region”.
He explained further by saying that, “this ICT university will be one of the latest and most specialised institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, making it a unique opportunity for our community to take a giant leap forward in terms of development and progress.
“I am pleased to say that our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is supportive of our efforts to establish more universities, particularly those focused on ICT and specialised fields that can drive economic growth”.
In addition to the economic benefits, the university is expected to have a profound impact on the social fabrics of the community. “It will bring people together, foster a sense of pride and ownership and create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that will make Ikare-Akoko more a attractive place to live and work.
Senator Ipinsagba stated that, “while there have been discussions about creating a new state for Ondo North, I believe that the establishment of this university is a crucial step towards achieving that goal. By demonstrating our capacity for growth and development, we can strengthen our case for statehood and create a brighter future for our people”.
The Senator insists that, “the establishment of an ICT university in Ikare-Akoko is a vital step towards empowering our future generations and driving economic growth and development in our community”.
He expressed commitment to “making this vision a reality and looking forward to working with all stakeholders to bring this project to fruition”.
The Senator assured the people that the project has the support of the President and other stakeholders, and expressed confidence that the university will become a reality soon.
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