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APC petitions INEC, demands Igini’s dismissal within 48hrs
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the dismissal of its Akwa Ibom state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, within 48 hours.
The petition is signed by APC Zonal Organising Secretary, South-south, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere.
The letter addressed to the chairman of the commission accused Mr. Igini of “incessant acts of biase, injustice, sabotage and malevolence directed at the APC in Akwa Ibom state.”
According to Agbomhere, Mr. Mike Igini has over the years, since his deployment sabotaged and worked obviously against the APC in the State even when he is not supposed to be partisan or supportive of any political divide or party by virtue of his position and membership of INEC who is an unbiased, incorruptible and impartial umpire in every electoral process.
Agbomhere told the INEC chairman that a violation of the provision of Section 26 of the Electoral Act of 2022 is not without its consequences and same are rightly captured in Section 120 of the Act.
“From the foregoing facts we have just made available to you, Mr. Chairman, there will be no gainsaying that Mr. Mike Igini, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, has been compromised, shown partisanship and regrettably so, abused his office as an INEC official hence we make the following prayers to you;
“That, Mr. Mike Igini is not fit and proper to remain as the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner of the State. This is because a free and fair election begins with a free and fair process. Hence Mr. Igini has compromised, he therefore lacks the capacity to conduct or supervise any election in the state.
“That, Mr. Mike Igini be sacked and dismissed within 48 hours from the time of receipt of this petition.
“That, Mr. Mike Igini be committed to the relevant authorities for prosecution for the violation of Section 26 of the Electoral Act of 2022.
“May I remind you, Mr. Chairman, that the integrity of the Commission is greatly at stake here as this issue has generated not just statewide protests but also nationwide concerns by both members of our party and the generality of Akwa Ibomites and Nigerians. We believe that Mike Igini is not the only INEC REC in Nigeria hence his position should not bring disrepute of any sort to the Commission neither should same be used as an oppressive tool against the All Progressives Congress or any other political party.
“Finally, Mr. Chairman, we will be more than willing to approach the Code of Conduct Tribunal against Mr. Mike Igini and also approach the Federal High Court to obtain an Order of Mandamus to compel the Commission in any event where our prayers and demands are not met within the time given.
Thank you greatly, in anticipation of your swift actions.
While Justifying while Igini should be sacked, Agbomhere said: In 2019, Mr. Mike Igini acted in gross violation of the Electoral Act by sabotaging the Senatorial Elections of His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio. He did this, by maliciously supervising the cancellation of the votes of the Distinguished Senator all in his bid to ensure his loss of the election.
“He further went ahead, to ensure that the results of the election were mutilated and not announced at the INEC headquarters in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District which is at variance with the provision of Section 25(2)(e) of the Electoral Act of 2022 which provides that the results of Senatorial elections shall be announced at the Senatorial District’s collation center. All of these, led to the loss of Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Mr. Mike Igini’s malicious enterprise and unjustifiable onslaught against our party achieved.
“After the landslide victory of Hon. Nse Ntuen, who emerged as the winner of the Essien Udim State Assembly Elections, Mr. Mike Igini, in his usual act of dislike for our party in the state blatantly refused to issue a certificate of return to him as INEC REC of the state.
“We resorted to seeking legal redress and the court, haven seen the merits of our claims, granted us an order mandating INEC to issue a certificate of return to Hon. Nse Ntuen. It will interest and surprise you to know that this order of court was rudely disobeyed and arrogantly flung out of the windows of INEC by Mr. Mike Igini all because Hon. Nse Ntuen was a member of the APC.”
The APC chieftain added that the party has been at the receiving end of injustice and ill-will since the deployment of Mr. Mike Igini to Akwa Ibom state.
“As I send this petition to you, Mr. Igini who is the reason for all the crisis in the APC in the state is also the reason why the Commission is yet to validate the candidacy of His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and our gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Akanimo Udofia. This is as a result of his attempts to sabotage them and fight tooth and nail to ensure that he frustrates their candidacy, all in his bid to favor the PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“It will further interest you to know that, the PDP in the state has been a harbinger of numerous crisis, ranging from multiple court actions to factionalization and litany of disagreements amongst its leaders. Given these issues, virtually all the candidates of their party have been affected yet their names we can still be found on the INEC portal because of Mr. Igini’s commitment and interest in the party. In all of these, Mr. Igini has shown absolutely no concern but has remained resolute in his objective to divide and cause discord in our party.
“Mr. Chairman, the provision of Section 26 of the Electoral Act is very clear and unambiguous as it provides that; ‘All staff, electoral officers, presiding officers, returning officers and security officials taking part in the conduct of an election shall affirm or swear to an oath of loyalty and neutrality as in the Second Schedule, indicating that they will not accept bribe or gratification from any person, and shall perform their functions and discharge their duties impartially and in the interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without fear or favor’.
“Carefully reading through the above section, you will agree with me, Mr. Chairman that Mr. Mike Igini is in conspicuous violation and breach of every wording of this provision as he has accepted gratification and performed his duty partially thereby negating his oath of loyalty and neutrality to INEC and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
News
Power Minister Orders Immediate Action on Grid Collapse Committee’s Recommendations
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and related agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of a committee formed to address frequent grid collapses.
This is happening as TCN acknowledged potential temporary power disruptions as it begins repair work on the national grid.
The directive followed a recent grid disturbance reported at 11:29 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, caused by a sudden frequency increase from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
The TCN reported that recovery efforts were promptly initiated, with power partially restored within minutes in the Abuja region, though work continued in other areas.
Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, noted that the committee’s recommendations aim to offer lasting solutions for both immediate and long-term grid stability.
TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah confirmed that the agency has begun implementing these recommendations, which involve technical upgrades and strategic repairs across key areas. Ongoing work includes improvements on the 330kV Shiroro–Mando transmission line, significant upgrades at the Jebba Substation, and restoration of the second 330kV Ugwuaji–Apir line.
According to Mbah, while these enhancements are underway, some intermittent power instability may persist.
The TCN has appealed for public understanding during this period, emphasizing that the measures are critical for achieving a stable and reliable power supply across Nigeria.
The TCN reiterated its commitment to minimizing power disruptions and enhancing the grid’s resilience, recognizing the essential role that stable electricity plays in the country’s economic growth.
News
Fuel scarcity imminent as NLC declares support for NUPENG’s nationwide strike threat
A fresh wave of fuel scarcity may soon hit Nigeria as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), after its threat of a nationwide strike.
The strike warning followed an alleged military intervention to forcefully remove oil workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, sparking outrage within labor unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero in a statement released Friday condemned the reported involvement of military personnel, which he described as a breach of labor rights and a threat to the principles of industrial relations. According to Ajaero, the NLC is in total solidarity with NUPENG in its stance against the alleged forced eviction warning that NLC would escalate its response if such incidents continue.
The dispute popped up following a longstanding industrial disagreement between NUPENG and the rig’s management, who allegedly failed to honor contractual agreements concerning worker severance benefits.
NUPENG has criticized the actions of the oil companies involved—Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors—for allegedly ignoring legally binding agreements and resorting to what they describe as intimidation tactics.
Earlier in the week, NUPENG filed a petition with the Federal Government to address the conflict, expressing alarm over the deployment of armed forces.
Despite this, it is reported that a special naval unit was flown to the Oritsetimeyin rig on Thursday to eject workers, prompting NUPENG to threaten a nationwide shutdown if the government does not intervene.
In response, Ajaero highlighted the destabilizing effects of military involvement in workplace matters, which he said could damage an already fragile economy and violate workers’ rights.
“We cannot accept the militarization of our workplaces,” he stated, calling on the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to uphold labor statutes and prevent further harassment of union members.
The NLC also stressed the importance of keeping industrial disputes out of the military’s purview, urging authorities to allow peaceful negotiations to run their course.
“This matter is strictly an industrial relations issue,” Ajaero emphasized, urging the government to protect workers’ rights to fair negotiation without coercion.
With fuel scarcity on the horizon, Nigerians may face disruptions if the strike goes forward, impacting businesses, transportation, and day-to-day activities across the nation.
News
Akpabio Mourns Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Laggaja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. Describing Lagbaja as a “fine, committed, and dedicated officer,” Akpabio praised the late military leader for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s security and unity, even at great personal risk.
In a statement by his special assistant on Media Jackson Udom, Akpabio shared that he was shocked by the news, having recently spoken with Lagbaja, who had been optimistic about his return to office.
The Senate President remarked on the significant loss Lagbaja’s death represents for Nigeria, particularly in the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military community, and the Lagbaja family on this great loss,” Akpabio said.
He extended prayers for strength and comfort to Lagbaja’s family, friends, and colleagues and wished for the late officer’s soul to find peace in Aljanah Firdaus.
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