Kogi
Kogi LG election peaceful, rancour-free, records low voter turnout, apathy
***Opposition alleges diversion of materials
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Accreditation and Voting in the Kogi State Local Government Councils’ elections conducted on Saturday was concluded before noon in most of the polling units in Lokoja metropolis due to low voter turnout.
Our correspondent who monitored the Council Polls in Lokoja, Kogi State capital city reports that election was generally peaceful and security personnel deployed to man most of the polling units had little or nothing to do than watch the process peacefully.
Accreditation and voting commenced under the vigilant watch of the security personnel from various security agencies at the polling units.
While there were reports of late arrival of electoral materials in some units, the voters who trickled in had less hassles in registering and casting their votes.
At Ganaja Township unit 057, one of the voters, Rekiya Ibrahim, told our Correspondent shortly after casting her vote that the election was seamless and she had no problem at all exercising her franchise.
Also at Ganaja Township Polling Unit 009, Mrs Bridget Oyedele who confirmed that the election was hitch free said electoral materials and polling officials from the state Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) arrived the unit shortly before 9 am.
She said that the early hours witnessed a rush of voters who were accredited, cast their votes and left adding that there were no complaints of electoral malpractices as voting ended at about 12:30 pm.
At Crowther Memorial College, Ward A collation centre for Lokoja Local Government Area with about five different units, election materials arrived at about 8:00 am and the centre remained a beehive of activities as the election commenced early and remained peaceful all through.
Most voters interviewed by our correspondent described the election as transparent and peaceful and commended the state electoral body (KOSIEC) for providing a peaceful atmosphere for them to exercise their civic rights.
Mr Sunday Shata in his reaction said, “I am impressed with the conduct of this Local Government election. Although there is low turn out of voters, the most important thing here is that it is peaceful and transparent.
“Our prayers is that, who ever emerge as the winner of this election should ensure that they develop the grassroots”, he said.
In their observation of the Saturday Council polls, Civil Society Organizations in the state under the aegis of Kogi Non-Governmental Organizations Network (KONGONET) commended the peaceful conduct of the election across the state.
KONGONET in its preliminary observation report of the Local Government Councils’ election also noted instances of late arrival of election materials in several polling units, particularly in Lokoja, the state capital.
According to the Network, conversely, reports from Ajaokuta, Ijumu, Olamaboro, Adavi, Okene and other local government indicated timely arrival of materials in some polling units, contributing to the smooth electoral process in those areas.
In the report signed by KONGONET Chairperson, Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina, the Network commend KOSIEC for its enhanced openness towards civil society organizations.
“The accreditation of KONGONET and our deployment of 30 observers across various LGAs and polling units demonstrates a positive step towards transparency in the electoral process”, the report added.
KONGONET however urged the Commission to improve on pasting of voters register, timely arrival of election materials to all polling units, security deployment to address strict adherence to movement restrictions.
It also urged the Commission to upscale its publicity and sensitization of voters to improve election turnout.
Meanwhile, State Organising Secretary of the main opposition party in the state, the People Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Abdulkadir Ibrahim has picked holes in the exercise describing it as a sham.
Hon. Abdulkadir alleged diversion of electoral materials to unknown destinations saying that at KOSIEC headquarters in Lokoja, materials where diverted after distribution alleging that many local governments and polling units did not see materials. (Ends)
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Tom Adaba, the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who died early Saturday at the age of 84.
Describing the late broadcaster and scholar as a “leading light for development in Nigeria and a courageous voice of the people of Ebira land and Kogi State,” Governor Ododo paid tribute to his legacy in media, academia, and public service.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted Ododo to have said,
“I am saddened by the death of our father and leader, Professor Tom Adaba, who has gone to be with his maker. Our prayers are with his immediate family, the people of Kogi State, and Nigeria at large for the colossal loss of a man widely regarded as a teacher, mentor, and leader,” he said.
The governor extended condolences to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, and the entire Ebira community, recognizing Prof. Adaba’s contributions, including his traditional title as the Ohieteohueyi of Ebira land.
Born in 1941, Prof. Adaba achieved several historic firsts, serving as the first Nigerian President of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), the first Principal of the Nigeria Television College, and later, the first Director-General of NBC, before retiring in the late 1990s.
May his soul rest in peace.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 500 women from Kogi State’s 21 local government areas, reaffirming the crucial role of women in economic development.
Speaking at the empowerment distribution event at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu—represented by Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, wife of the Kogi State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, stressed the importance of investing in women for national progress.
She stated that the initiative, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, particularly for women. She also revealed that 18,500 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would benefit from the program, starting with the North Central region.
“Empowering women is fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic growth,” she emphasized.
The program, executed in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), provided beneficiaries with essential business tools, including deep-chest freezers, maxi gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines, to boost entrepreneurship and economic independence.
Mrs. Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, ensuring self-reliance and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep grieve over the passing of the District Head of Adavi, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami, who passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area.
In a condolence message, the Governor described the late Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami as a distinguished leader who served his people with honor, dedication, and a deep commitment to peace and unity. He acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the growth and stability of Adavi and the larger Ebira community.
Special Adviser on Media to the
Governor, Ismaila Isah quoted in a statement quoted Ododo to have extended his sympathies to the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohi Otenyiete of Ebira Land, Alhaji Isa Ozi-Salami, who is the deceased’s younger brother, as well as the late leader’s family and the entire Ebira people.
Governor Ododo prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the soul of the departed and for strength and solace for those left behind to bear the loss.
Born in 1939, Alhaji Salihu Ozi-Salami was appointed District Head of Adavi in 1994. He lived a life of service and integrity until his passing at 86. His remains have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at his residence in Ogaminana.
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