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Nigeria 2015 Election: 92 Percent of Voter Cards Collected By Kaduna Voters – INEC

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23/03/2015

Nigeria 2015 Election: 92 Percent of Voter Cards Collected By Kaduna Voters – INEC

By Juliana Katung

KADUNA (Nigeria) – The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) says it has distributed 92.99 percent of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to eligible voters in the kaduna state, northwest Nigeria.

The Kaduna State Residence Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Hussaini Saidu made this known at a one day workshop on Election Reporting Organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State chapter.

Represented by Hajiya Rukayya Imam, the Commissioner said kaduna state has 3,414,250 registered voters, but that 237,149 PVCs were yet to be receive by their owners.

She added that the Commission is working hard to ensure a free, fair and credible election in the forthcoming general elections.

According to her INEC has introduced coloured ballot boxes for the 2015 general elections, saying red colour is for presidential election, black ballot box for Senate and green for the House of Representative.

Overtime, controversies have trailed INEC’s procedure in the PVC Distribution.

Allegations from some quarters suggests that duly registered voters have been delisted from the Register of Voters; and there is a deliberate plan to deny some people their PVCs.

This allegation made INEC to reassure Nigerians on its commitment to ensure all registered voters receive their cards – the delay was against the backdrop of challenges that have been experienced in the third phase of the distribution of PVCs in
some states, which the Commission has been making vigorous efforts to address.

INEC has since Friday, November 7th, 2014, been distributing PVCs to registered voters across the country – states were categorised and the distribution was carried out in phases.

The commission at that period deferred the distribution of PVCs in four states it had earlier listed for the third phase because the cards for those states were not fully delivered by printers.

It is partly for the same reason that the Commission rescheduled the distribution of PVCs in limited areas of Lagos and Nasarawa states.

The commission had on February 9, extended the PVC collection deadline date to March 8.

In a statement by INEC’s Secretary, Mrs Augusta Ogakwu, said the rescheduling of the 2015 general elections from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11 made the electoral body to consider the shifting of the deadline collection date.

At that time, the electoral body said it had achieved 78 percent distribution of the PVCs across the country.

Meanwhile, some states like Kaduna state have stopped PVC distribution and have recorded over 80% success in the distribution – the exercise is however ongoing in some states which experienced challenges in the card printing,

The distribution is schedule to end on Wednesday 24 March, 2015 nationwide.

Nigerian 2015 Election: Two Leading Parties Clash in Kaduna

News

Africaprimenews

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23/03/2015

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Nigerian 2015 Election: Two Leading Parties Clash in Kaduna

By Mohammad Ibrahim

KADUNA (Nigeria) – Five days to Nigeria’s general elections, supporters of All Progressive Congress and that of Peoples Democratic party clashed in Kaduna North-West Nigeria leaving a number of them injured.

Africa Prime News gathered that the incident occurred at around 1pm during a procession by APC campaign team of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, who is contesting for the gubernatorial seat in the state.

Eyewitnesses say trouble began when youth suspected to be from the opposition APC destroyed Billboards with pictures of the state governor, Muktar Ramalan Yero and that of President Goodluck Jonathan mounted by the roadside.

“We were sitting by the roadside when we saw few youths with T-Shirt carrying APC logo from the crowd accompanying the opposition governorship candidate, El-Rufai passing through Ahmadu Bello Way on getting to the office of President Jonathan/ Sambo campaign office those youths started bringing down the PDP billboards mounted in front of the office.

“The PDP youths who were stationed inside the office responded by throwing stones at the APC guys. This resulted to a serious clashes as both parties started attacking each other with some youths trying to climb the fence into the premises of the PDP but intervention of the police brought the situation under control,” said Haruna in a telephone interview.

Africa Prime News gathered that the wounded have been rushed to nearby hospitals within the state metropolis by police from Gabasawa Police station.

Contacted, Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Zubairu Abubakar confirmed the incident, saying arrests have been made at the scene.

“We have arrested some of the people engaged in the fight, but I cannot disclose the actual number to you now. But investigation is ongoing,” he said.

Nigeria: Civil Society Call for Violent-Free Election

Rights

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22/03/2015

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Nigeria: Civil Society Call for Violent-Free Election

By Longtong Ibrahim

Civil Society Organisations in Kaduna have called on political parties to educate their supporters on good conduct and discouraged them from using provocative statements that can lead to violence in the 2015 elections

They also called on Religious and opinion leaders to educate their worshippers on the importance of peace.

The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of 4-Day Interactive session organised by the League of Democratic Women (LEADS-NIGERIA) with Support from Actionaid Nigeria aimed at Strengthening Citizens’ Engagement in Electoral Processes (SCEEP) in Kaduna State.

The communique read by Mohammed T. Mohammed of the Nigeria Bar Association, stressed the need for Civil Society, Media, Political Parties, INEC and National Orientation Agency to put more efforts in educating members of the society on peaceful conduct.

He emphasised the need for the media to be cautious of sensational reportage capable of heating up the polity; pointing out that Civil Society should monitor those who would err to ensure justice takes it course; adding that anyone who is not comfortable with the process should follow the legal processes to seek redress.

“Citizens will periodically engage political office holders to demand accountability, good governance.”

“INEC as the electoral umpire should conduct free and fair elections that will be acceptable to all.

“All Political parties should immediately educate their supporters to conduct themselves in a non provocative and peaceful manner before, during and after the elections.

“All aspirants from all Political Parties are encouraged to make public statements calling on their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner.”

Participants at the meeting include representatives of civil society organisations, Christian Association of Nigeria, Jama’atul Nasrul Islam, Nigerian Bar Association, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Political Parties, Human Rights Commission and the Media among others.

Speaking on the project, Deputy Director of LEADS, Abel Adejor said the project is implemented in six LGA’s in Kaduna State which include Kaduna North, Kajuru, Sabon Gari, Lere, Sanga and Zangon Kataf, saying the activities implemented are centred around voter education.

He said LEADS-Nigeria aims at strengthening citizens’ engagement with the electoral process and deepening democratic governance in Nigeria; supporting citizens, especially women, youth and persons living with disability to participate in and influence electoral process; promoting the emergence of a politically better informed electorate; and promoting inclusiveness in the Nigerian electoral system

Nigeria: Workers of Kaduna Petroleum Depot Tasked on Peaceful Co-existence

Labour

Africaprimenews

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19/03/2015

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Nigeria: Workers of Kaduna Petroleum Depot Tasked on Peaceful Co-existence

Longtong Ibrahim

KADUNA (Nigeria) – Workers of Kaduna State depot have been tasked to imbibe the spirit of togetherness and embrace peace as they go about their daily routines at the depot.

The call was made by North-West Zonal Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Ahmed Tijjani Sani, in an interview in Kaduna.

He also warned that workers should not allow anyone seeking any position to brain wash and make them turn against one another.

Early January 2015, there was a leadership crisis in the PTD Association, Kaduna depot branch which led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

Tijjani said the peace prayed for has been restored, as the Body would ensure that anyone who breach the law would be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others, pointing out that without peace, none of them could have the freedom to come to work.

“A peaceful atmosphere is the best for development.” He said
Tijjani further commended the Kaduna State Government for its effort in maintaining peace in the state and called on its members to be united and supportive to its leadership, stressing that, “our need is to have a peaceful atmosphere to carry out our work effectively.”

“A committee was set up by our National Body and they have brought out a report of their investigation of the crisis that happened sometimes back within the PTD Association. Those who are behind it would be brought to book for justice to take it place and would be publicized soon.”

The body also assured of carrying out its responsibility of transporting and ensuring fuel availability across the Nation and said they are not responsible for the fuel scarcity witnessed recently in some parts of the country.

Both the Interim Chairman of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Association and the Engine Lubricant Dealers, Musa Danazumi and Mohammed Maijama’a Commended the efforts of the leadership for restoring peace in their vicinity and thus stressed the need for togetherness.

Nigerian Community Immunise Children After Earlier Attacking Vaccinators

Africaprimenews

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19/03/2015

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Nigerian Community Immunise Children After Earlier Attacking Vaccinators

By Mohammad Ibrahim

KADUNA (Nigeria) – Residents of Dokan Ilu village of Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State North-West Nigeria have agreed to have their children immunized – initially, the community rejected the move and chased the health workers out of the Village.

Secretary of Journalists Against Polio (JAP), Kaduna State Chapter, Lawal Dogara said the issue was resolved after an emergency meeting with Youth and Elders of the village.

“The meeting was attended by representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Kaduna State Primary Health Care Agency, JAP, Giwa Local Government Head of Departments and traditional rulers among others.” He said.

The Youth leader of Dokan Ilu, Comrade Lawal Doka said “we are now allowing our children to be vaccinated due to the importance of the programme, but we are urging the government to provide social amenities to our village.

“During the meeting, the stakeholders educated the villagers on the importance of the Polio Immunization and why they should always allow their kids to be immunized aimed at making their children to be healthier,” he said.

Shortly after the meeting 58 children of between 0 – 5 years were immunized in the village. With the support of the youth, the exercise continues the next day.

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Nigeria: Five Suspected Human Traffickers Arrested in Jigawa

Crime

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19/03/2015

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Nigeria: Five Suspected Human Traffickers Arrested in Jigawa

By Longtong Ibrahim

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested five suspected human traffickers in the border town of Babura, Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, North-West Nigeria.

The Controller of the State Command, Isa Jere, disclosed this to journalists while parading the suspects in Dutse, the State Capital.

Jere said findings revealed that the suspects – all women – were travelling to Italy, Canada and Turkey, through Niger Republic.

He said three of them said they were going to Italy, while the remaining two were travelling to Canada and Turkey, respectively.

He added that the suspects would be handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), for further investigation and prosecution.

The Controller also announced the arrest of four illegal immigrants that were arrested by the command, saying the suspects were caught without valid documents, and are Nigeriens and Cameroonians.

The command had in 2014 arrested 30 suspected human traffickers.

Ghanian Parliament Launches “Connecting Citizens to Parliament” Digital Platform

Governance

Africaprimenews

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17/03/2015

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Ghanian Parliament Launches “Connecting Citizens to Parliament” Digital Platform

ACCRA (Ghana) – The Parliament of Ghana is today, launching the “Connecting Citizens to Parliament” www.assurances.gov.gh digital platform project in Accra.

The project is to help Parliament’s Committee of Government Assurances (CGA) to undertake its mandate of monitoring all assurances and promises made by the executive arm of government.

The project is in collaboration with Penplusbytes, with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA).

“Connecting Citizens to Parliament” which started as a pilot last year with funding from STAR-Ghana is now scaled up to reach more citizens with technical and financial support from OSIWA.

In this second more wider reaching phase, Penplusbytes has delivered well-developed digital platforms that enhance interaction between the CGA, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), citizens and other stakeholder to better track and monitor assurances and projects promised by government.

The “Connecting Citizens to Parliament” project is set to boost the capacity of the CGA on one hand and citizens on the other by increasing and closing feedback loops via SMS web-platform, mobile app as well as social media tools.

According Kwasi Bedzrah, Chairman of the CGA “Citizen Engagement is vital to the survival of democracy in current democratic dispensation, the case of the Arab Spring, i.e Tunisia and Egypt where governments were removed through the use of social media. “Any government that wants to survive its mandate must engage those who elected them.”

The launch will provide an avenue to announce the modalities of the committee’s work; making known all the available platforms and how they can be utilized as purposed.

”It will bring together stakeholders such as Members of Parliament, government officials, ordinary citizens, CSOs, and the media to the table using digital platform with the hope that we will have fruitful deliberations on how collectively we can make democracy work for Ghana through closing the feedback loop” Jerry Sam, Project Director at Penplusbytes said, the “connecting citizens to parliament” project has successfully enabled CGA and key stakeholders to actively keep track of key government promises in the last year.

“We hope to consolidate the vitality of the interactions between Parliament, CBO/CSOs and citizens; with more effective tracking of assurances that will be followed up by the committee to provide feedback to citizens.

“Happily we have expanded the array of avenues that citizens can engage using shortcode 9030, web-platform www.assurances.gov.gh , mobile app admin.assurances.gov.gh/mobile, as well as social media tools such as Facebook www.facebook.com/govassurancesgh and Twitter @govassurance.”

Nigerian NGO Promotes Peace Through Sports

Sports

Africaprimenews

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17/03/2015

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Nigerian NGO Promotes Peace Through Sports

By Mohammad Ibrahim

A Nigerian nongovernmental organisation, Women Preventing Violence Network has embarked on promoting unity between law enforcement agents and host communities.

In one of such efforts, the NGO has put together a novelty friendly football match between the Nigeria police and Doka community in Kaduna, northwest Nigeria to foster unity among communities in Kaduna north-west Nigeria.

The match ended 2-1 in favour of the Police.

Speaking during the football match, District Head of Doka, Bala Mohammed Tijjani praised the effort of the organisers for the innovative idea, saying the match would go a long way in furthering the good relationship existing between the community and the Nigeria police.

“Other way we can cement a relationship is through seminar, workshops and sensitization activities to enlightened public and police on the need to cooperate with each other.

“I appeal to youth to be cautious, law abiding, discipline, and not to allow themselves be used by politicians and those who are selfish,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Divisional Police Officer of Magajin Gari, in Kaduna metropolis, Chief Superintendent of Police, Sanusi Mohammad said the coming together of the community and the police to play together goes to show the level of willingness of the two parties to live and work together preventing crime in the area.

“It will further enhance collaboration and understanding between police and members of the Community.” he said

He assured that the police would not relent in its effort of protecting the citizens through effective monitoring of the environment.

He called on the community to provide useful information to the police to assist in crime prevention.

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