Popular lawyer and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Olisa Agbakoba, has advised defeated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to accept the outcome of the election.

He made the plea in a statement, hours after Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, declared President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the poll.

Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that going to Election Petition Tribunal was not the right decision.

He explained that the voting pattern for the poll showed that ethnicity played a significant role in the exercise.

He said he understood the grievance of the opposition party but a lot needed to be done in reforming the nations politics and the electoral process.

He, however, challenged Atiku not to lose sight of the legacy in his front and take up the mantle of a statesman.

Agbakoba further stressed the need to address the voting pattern in the country, saying the same thing might repeat itself in the 2023 general elections.

2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: ETHNIC CONSIDERATION VS. GOVERNANCE CONSIDERATION

The voting pattern for the 2019 Presidential Election shows ethnicity played a significant role in the Election. President Muhammadu Buhari kept his base in the North while former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar largely held his base in the South.

Both All Progressive Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) benefited from primordial voting. The excepted zone is the South-west where voting occurred on the basis of issues.

The significance and consequence of the 2019 Presidential Election is huge unless we are able to reverse it. 2023 will follow the pattern of 2019 unless we do something about it.

I understand the PDP is aggrieved about the outcome of the Election and alleged massive irregularities. But I urge former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar not to approach the Election Petition Tribunal.

He might have moved backwards by his loss but he should not lose sight of the legacy and greatness that lies in front of him. Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar is in a strong position to take up the mantle of a statesman.

He can build a new Nigeria movement from the motley of small parties, third force actors, change actors and millions who are desperate for a strong, united Nigeria.

There is also a lot of work to be done in both political and electoral reforms. I request former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to step into the shoes.

This is not to say I do not recognise the massive irregularities in the 2019 Presidential Election. I can see how tempting it is to take the option of the Election Petition Tribunal but that in my view is not the right decision.

We look forward to a new Nigeria, strong and united; a new Nigeria that will not vote on the basis of ethnic and primordial sentiments.

As I said, I was shocked at the strength of the two parties in holding their respective bases. But the problem was that the basis was simply primordial and not driven by issues.

Nigerian politics must appeal to issues and not ethnic or primordial consideration. This is the biggest danger in the 2019 Presidential Election and we as Nigerians must stand up to redress it.

Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN)

February 27, 2019.

Source: NAN

By Dorcas Jonah

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election as the countrys President.

Mrs Gloria Shoda, President of the council, in a statement, said Buharis victory was a reflection of the peoples choice.

She called on the president to use his second term to ensure that more women were given opportunity to serve in government.

According to her, women form a greater percentage of the Nigerian population, saying that giving them opportunity to serve will give them a sense of belonging and responsibility on how to move the nation forward

We know, as home builders and go getters, that putting more women in strategic positions will move the country to the desired next level, she said.

Shoda also called on the president to invest more in the education sector to reduce the burden of educating the children on parents.

The NCWS president also urged the Buhari administration to create more job opportunities for the youths in addition to empowering more women.

President Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was on Wednesday declared re-elected by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having polled 15,191,847 votes, winning in 19 states.

Buhari defeated other 72 candidates including Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 11, 255,978 votes and won 17 states and the FCT, to occupy the second position.

Source: NAN

The Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the Presidential Election of Feb. 23 and also urged politicians and international community to accept the result.

President Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared re-elected by INEC on Wednesday, having polled 15,191,847 votes, winning in 19 states.

Buhari defeated 72 other candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 11,255,978 votes and won 17 states and the FCT, to occupy the second position.

The Secretary General of the group, Chief Uche Okwukwu, gave the congratulatory message while briefing newsmen in Enugu.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo heartily rejoices and congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on his well-deserved victory at the Presidential polls on Feb. 23.

His victory as exposed by the majority of votes cast has clearly shown that the President has been on the right course in the last four years.

Ndigbo are deeply happy that Mr President secured more votes in Igbo land than he got in 2015.

We urge all Nigerians and the international community to accept the verdict as the election was adjudged free, credible, transparent and peaceful.

Ohanaze is calling on all not to heat up the polity through unguarded utterances and actions, he said.

Okwukwu added that the leadership of the group would be meeting with President Buhari next week to present to him official congratulatory message on his well-deserved victory at the poll.

He, however, said that the group would use the occasion to present to Buhari the charter of their demands for infrastructure uplift of the entire Igbo speaking areas of the country.

Part of our demands will be the completion of ongoing infrastructure works such as the 2nd Niger Bridge, modern railway, completion of ongoing Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt roads, fixing of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport among others, he said.

Ohaneze members are drawn from seven states, which include; Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers States. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Daniel Usman in Kogi state; Mrs Amakiri Ibisaki in Rivers state and many others across different states of the Federation all had their aspirations and hoped to see better days ahead, probably fantasizing about being a part of a new Nigeria. But the sad truth is like a bird suddenly deprived of its wings, their hope has been eternally brought low for the singular reason that their lives were cut short. Death is a prize we all will get to pay someday, but that these patriots were killed while attempting to perform their civic duty or be a part of the process that will help herald in the Nigeria of their dream makes it rather disheartening – a tragic and damaging tale for our democracy. The blood of these fallen citizens has been pointlessly sacrificed on the altar of a faulty democratic process. Their families are left in mournful state while some Nigerians are eager to celebrate victory based on the results of this profoundly flawed electoral process. But then is it really time to rejoice? What is there to celebrate for those whose victory has come at the expense of another person’s life? Our democracy may be a growing one but there is no doubt that it has been inundated with many tragedies…no thanks to desperate politicians who pursue power without regard for the sacredness of human life.

The electoral process needs some purging
Besides the death of a number of persons due to election-related violence, the incidences of irregularities and hoodlums destroying, threatening and marginalising some accredited voters – seen in videos shared on the internet – means that things cannot continually be left or done as usual. The lapses in the electoral process have always been there. However, inadequacies in addressing these issues have given some undignified individuals the leeway to explore the lacuna therefore manipulating the people’s mandate. A fair assessment of the whole situation will reveal that our electoral system appeared to have taken us many steps backward when we weigh in on all the abnormalities that have thus far bereft the 2019 elections – the bar has not been raised one bit. The latest statement should not be seen as a diversion [from the main discourse] as it yet pinpoints the ills of a statutory body that ought to hold democracy together. It is on these premises that I conclude that there is a need for the process to undergo some purging, and this must start with a critical review of the electoral act.

Any way out?
While lamenting about the state of things some days back, a friend posited that technology – probably through the use of electronic voting system – should be aptly employed in the electoral process. For instance, having people vote from the comfort of their homes could be helpful in ensuring that they are placed in harm’s way while trying to choose their leaders. This sounds good but the question is: can this be well-managed even considering the fact that the use of simple device as the card reader has not been without complications? Plus, we cannot pretend not to know that a considerable number of the electorate may have issues with such technological innovations. Notwithstanding, I must submit that technology may still hold the key towards ensuring better and safer terrain for voters in subsequent elections. Hence, it is incumbent on the regulatory body to go back to the drawing board, brainstorm and map out plans in that direction.

However, while the electoral body may do its bit in averting needless deaths during elections, it is unforgivable to forget that the onus of protecting lives and properties falls largely on the law enforcement agency. Based on number of election-related violence that arose in and around different polling stations, it is obvious that there was lack of strategic security plan. Events were left to chance, and at the end, the lives of certain persons were endangered and/or obliterated.

Finally, to those whose hands are soaked with the blood of the innocent all in the name of gaining power: one who sows the seed of violence shall definitely reap a whirlwind of turbulence even if the judicial system [of this mundane world] turns a blind eye.

To some persons; cooking is just another arduous exercise that they would wish to avoid but the need to munch on something will however see them reluctantly going into the kitchen. On the other hand, to some others, cooking is nothing but fun; an activity they will always love to engage with great passion.

These ones have the skill to turn meal into a delicacy; leaving everyone’s palate eagerly anticipating the savoury taste of the food so prepared. They have got the magic touch to make the spoon go whithersoever they wish, and whatever method of cooking – poaching, blanching, stewing, steaming, grilling and so on – there is, is never alien to them.

So, if you are one of this gifted few, you may be interested in showcasing your (coking) talent to the world away from your kitchen space and home. And it is for your sake that we have put this article together about a couple of cooking competitions where you can display your culinary skill.

• Knorr Taste Quest: With cash rewards going into millions of naira and other huge prizes, Knorr Taste Quest can be said to be the highest rewarding cooking competition in the nation. It is set up in form of a TV reality show which usually starts around the middle of the year, and runs for several weeks culminating in the eventual emergence of a winner. Having started back in 2013, the sixth edition of the competition should start airing on TV stations in no distant time. As such, individuals who are interested in participating in this year’s edition can look forward to submit their application via knorrtastequest.com portal in due time.

• Onga Cooking Competitions: Onga is another seasoning brand that has consistently organised various cooking competitions year in year out. There have been a number of competitions across different settings – market places, schools and so on. With the Onga4bae which was in commemoration of Valentine’s day celebration already gone by, food lovers hoping to show their cookery expertise can look forward to other avenues that would be presented by the brand in the course of the year. The Onga National Campus Cooking Competition which could be held in specific tertiary institutions is one of such.

Bonus

• Fiesta of Flavours: Though Fiesta of Flavours is not an out-and-out cooking competition, it does hold some opportunities for couples and kids who desire to let the world have a feel or sight of their gastronomic tendencies. The next edition of Fiesta of Flavours will come up sometimes in September. By the way, it is fitting to state that the event is a food and drink funfair where families and friends can have refreshing time-out.

This is all we can take for now. There will definitely be a series of crash food competitions that would be unveiled as the year rolls by. We hope to keep you posted on these when the application process begins. So stay connected and keep things sizzling.

Both President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar are running neck and neck in Adamawa, claiming eight councils each after results were declared in 16 local councils.

However, Atiku has an advantage in plural votes in the state.

According to results so far collated Abubakar is leading Buhari with 22,000 votes.

There are five local councils yet to be declared.

The PDP won 317,088 from results so far calculated at the Independent National Electoral Commissions office in Jimeta, near Yola. President Muhammadu Buharis All Progressives Congress scored 295,088 votes.

State of the candidates in the 16 councils declared:

Mubi North Local Government
APC 26,746
PDP 23,156

Shelleng Local Government
APC 13,531
PDP 11, 912

Girei Local Government
APC 17,765
PDP 14,673

Yola North Local Government
APC 43,865
PDP 27,789

Numan Local Government
APC 10,610
PDP 23,469

Demsa Local Government
APC 6,989
PDP 29,997

Hong Local Government
APC 20,471
PDP 23,039

Ganye Local Government
APC 20,360
PDP 17,770

Guyuk Local Government
APC 10,825
PDP 22,059

Lamurde Local Government
APC 8,123
PDP 21,404

Yola South Local Government
APC 34,534
PDP 20,414

Mayo Belwa Local Government
APC 20,842
PDP 23,734

Mubi South Local Government
APC 19,361
PDP 10,514

Madagali Local Government
APC 8,208
PDP 14,594

Maiha Local Government
APC 17,034
PDP 7,916

Song Local Government
APC 17,352
PDP 22,648

Source: NAN

By Precious Akutamadu

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar, has taken an early lead in Saturdays presidential poll results of eight out of nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports on Monday in Port Harcourt that the results were announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) electoral officers with support of the collation officers from the LGAs.

The results, which are still being collated across the state, showed the former Vice President leading in Oyigbo, Omuma, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Obio/Akpor, Eleme, Andoni, Gokana and Etche LGAs.

The results also showed the candidate of the All Prorgressives Congress (APC) and incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari trailing behind with a lead in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the state.

The results from 13 other LGAs including Port Harcourt, Ikwerre, Emohua, Degema, Tai and Opobo/Nkoro, are however, yet to be announced.

Others are Okirika, Ogu/Obolo, Khana, Abia/Odua, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akoku-Toru and Bonny LGAs

Atiku got a total of 222,045 in the nine LGAs, while Buhari got 71,734 votes.

The breakdown of the results showed that Atiku won in Oyigbo with 16,102 as against 3,520 votes of Buhari while in Omuma, he got 15,322 as against 2, 494 of the incumbent President.

The results further showed that Atiku won in Ogba/Egbeme/Ndoni with 28,536, Obio/Akpor with 69,981, Eleme with 8,464, Andoni with 72,330, Etche with 11,135 and Gokana with 10,276.

Buhari polled 18,180 votes to take lead in Asari-Toru while Atiku got 3,175.

Meanwhile the results of the National Assembly in the state are yet to be released.

NAN also reports that the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, delivered his Andoni LGA to Atiku with 72,330 votes.

The Collation Officer for Andoni, Prof Prince Oghenekaro, while announcing the results, said that Ward 6 of the LGA had no election as election materials were allegedly carted away by hoodlums.

Also, Dr Godwin Ihenacho, a Collation Officer for Etche LGA, said that there was no election in Ward 14 of the area due to hijack of election materials.

The Collation Officer for Obio/Akpor LGA, Prof. Arthur Nwafor, said the result so far was from 13 out of 17 wards.

He added that four wards, 1, 3, 15 and 16, which generated a total of 4,000 votes, were not collated due to security situation in the wards at the time of collation.

The state Returning Officer of INEC, Prof. Aniefiok Essien, however, said that the results from the remaining LGAs would be announced as soon as they arrived.

Source: NAN

By Polycarp Auta

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is maintaining his lead in last Saturdays presidential polls in Plateau.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has so far declared results of 13 local government areas.

The commission is awaiting the results of the remaining four local government areas.

Prof. Richard Kimbir, the Collation Officer, declared Abubakar winner in 10 LGAs said that the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, won in three LGAs.

NAN reports that the PDP won in Jos South, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs.

Other LGAs won by the party are Langtang North, Langtang South, Pankshin, Mikang and Kanke.

Kimbir said that the APC won in Jos East, Shendam and Quaanpan.

Source: NAN

Sen. Danjauma Laah (PDP-Kaduna South) has won the election for the Kaduna South Senatorial District.

Mr Suleiman Yashim, INEC Returning Officer who announced the result on Monday in Kafanchan said Laah of the PDP scored a total 268,923 votes to defeat Deputy Governor Barnabas Bala Bantex of the APC who scored 133,287 votes.

Rijo Shikari of the ADP scored 9,609 votes, Benedict Kura of ADC scored 2,741.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has won the Presidential election in Lagos State, by defeating his rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with a 132,798 vote margin.

The margin was lower than the 160,143 votes with which Buhari defeated Jonathan in 2015 in the megapolis. Buhari then polled 792,460 votes, while Jonathan got 632,327.

In the latest results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Yaba area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria on Monday afternoon, Buhari polled 580,814 votes to beat Atiku, who got 448,016 votes in keenly contested election.

While Buhari won in 15 Local Government Areas of Lagos, Atiku won in five councils, heavily populated by South East residents.

The full result:

Ibeju/Lekki LG

APC: 12,179
PDP: 9,222

Lagos lsland LG

APC: 27,452
PDP: 7,396

Apapa LG

APC-18,170
PDP-11,295

Ikorodu LG

APC: 40,719
PDP: 21,252

Epe LG

APC: 17,710
PDP: 13,305

Ikeja LGA

APC: 23,638
PDP: 21,518

Badagry LG
APC: 21,417
PDP: 17,936

Agege LG
APC: 36,443
PDP: 16,497

ETI-OSA LG

APC: 20,963
PDP: 25,216

Ifako Ijaiye LG

APC: 33,419
PDP: 18,100
AAC: 674

Mushin LG

APC: 43,543
PDP: 20,277

Oshodi/lsolo LG

APC: 29,860

PDP: 28,806

Lagos Mainland LG

APC: 22,684
PDP: 15,137

Ojo LG

APC: 24,333
PDP: 29,019

Surulere LG

APC: 30,621
PDP: 31,603

Somolu LG

APC: 28,418
PDP: 21,978

Kosofe LG

APC : 39,216
PDP: 28,715

Amuwo-Odofin

APC: 16,670
PDP : 34,312

Ajeromi Ifelodun

PDP: 31, 971
APC: 28,153

Alimosho

PDP: 44461
APC: 65,206

Source: NAN