IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) released a report on Monday alleging that the results of the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election were manipulated to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

In the report published on its website, FIJ claimed the election was marred by several irregularities, including voter suppression, violence, and result falsification. The investigative report implicated both the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The report highlighted issues in Etsako West Local Government Area, where the APC was declared to have secured 32,107 votes, compared to 17,483 votes for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). FIJ alleged that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the collation results from the area was marked as a “Replacement Copy” and lacked the official INEC stamp seen on CTCs from other LGAs.

Furthermore, the report claimed that the collation process at the Auchi Council Hall was disrupted by gunfire on the morning of September 22, causing the loss of important electoral documents.

FIJ also accused APC figures of orchestrating voter suppression in opposition strongholds and pressuring INEC officials to manipulate results during the collation process. Additionally, it was alleged that many polling units failed to use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for electronic result transmission, leading to manual collation in some areas and increasing the chances for manipulation.

PDP governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo previously described the election as "the worst election in the history of this country." While the APC and INEC have denied the allegations, Ighodalo accused both INEC and the police of actively collaborating with the ruling party to rig the election. The PDP has since filed a legal petition challenging the results, citing violations of the electoral act and widespread irregularities.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has instructed its officials to present valid identity cards to access the premises, signalling a move to tighten security at the complex. The development comes in the wake of ongoing controversies following the impeachment of the speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

Our correspondent who visited the Assembly complex on Monday, said although there is currently calm in the area as plenary resumes today, a notice to staff signed by Omotayo Adekemi on behalf of the Ag. Clerk of the House, Taiwo Ottun stated that, “Regarding management directives, all staff members and legislative aides must present valid identity cards to access the House premises. Ottun emphasised that entry will be denied to anyone without a valid identity card.

He said the Lagos State Police Command has also promised to maintain order in the state irrespective of what transpires at the assembly. The new directive is coming two days after Obasa broke his silence, insisting that he remained the speaker until the due process was followed. Obasa was removed by the majority of House members on January 13, 2025, following allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation. He was subsequently replaced by the Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

Meanwhile, members of the Lagos State House are expected to hold a plenary session Monday. Today’s plenary will be the third session presided over by Meranda since Obasa’s removal, with the former speaker absent at the last two sittings.

Timileyin Ajayi, accused of murdering Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Ajayi was arraigned on Monday before Justice Simon Aboki at the High Court of Justice in Lafia, facing a charge of culpable homicide punishable by death, as stipulated under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.

The suspect was reportedly found in possession of the severed head of Salome Adaidu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Although Ajayi initially admitted to committing the crime, stating that he acted after discovering Adaidu was allegedly unfaithful, he entered a plea of not guilty during his court appearance.

The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has announced the commencement of recruitment for various positions within the Federal Civil Service.

In a statement released on Monday by Taiwo Hassan, Head of Press and Public Relations for the FCSC, eligible Nigerians are encouraged to apply through the Commission’s official recruitment portal.

Applicants are advised to apply for only one position and upload relevant documents, including:

Curriculum Vitae

Certificates (Ph.D., Master’s, Degree, HND, NCE, WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, Primary School)

NYSC discharge, exemption, or exclusion certificate

Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age

Local Government Identification

Recent passport photograph

The vacancy details are available on the FCSC’s website, www.fedcivilservice.gov.ng, and in national newspapers.

The application deadline is Monday, 10th March 2025.

A BILL FOR A LAW TO MAKE THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CLOSE CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) IN ALL PUBLIC PLACES MANDATORY IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA. 

Sponsored by: Rt. Hon. Engr. Uche Francis Agabige. 

Security is every man's business and a thing of concern in the present day Nigeria. The Honorable member representing Orsu State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Uche Francis Agabige, Mnse has taken the bull by the horn to propose this all important bill which has passed second reading at the floor of the Hallowed chamber which seeks to make it mandatory in install CCTV in all public places.

The insecurity in Imo state and many parts of the South East, Nigeria has been generating serious attention in several quarters. While the government at both the Federal and state levels – especially the Government of Imo State under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma - have been making concerted efforts to effectively address the situation, this bill is aimed at contributing to these efforts by leveraging on a practicable collaboration between the government and the people using technology. 

Close Circuit Television (CCTV) technology has been proven to be an effective tool for enhancing monitoring and surveillance of public places, creating the needed lead for investigation by security agents by providing valuable evidence for effective prosecution of offenders, enhancing the prevention and control of violent crimes, and improving public safety for all and sundry. 

The active involvement of Ndi Imo (including indigenes and residents in the state) in the installation and maintenance of CCTV systems has the potential to create in every Imolite, a sense of collective responsibility in the enhancement of security and collective safety of all stakeholders in Imo State. 

The installation and maintenance of CCTV systems in public places have the potential to significantly enhance the security infrastructure of Imo State, by providing real-time monitoring, recording, and analysis of activities in key locations such as worship centers, markets, parks, hospitals, educational institutions, private establishments and government buildings, and other areas of public interest.

It is essential to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework mandating the installation and maintenance of CCTV systems in all public places within Imo State, to ensure consistency, compliance, and effectiveness in the deployment of this technology for security purposes

This legislation seeks to promote public safety, prevent crime, and enhance the overall quality of life for the people of Imo State by making the installation and maintenance of CCTV systems mandatory in all public places.

If this Bill is passed into law, it will be called Imo State Public Safety Surveillance Law.

Rt. Hon. Uche Francis Agabige is in the business of making quality laws that is beneficial to Ndi Imo and Nigeria in general.

To God be the glory!