News
Election: Observers to leverage on Uzabe technology to provide situation reports – CODE

Less than 24 hours to the general elections, Connected Development (CODE), a Civil Society Organization says the 20,000 observers deployed to various polling units across the country to monitor the elections will be utilizing it’s digital technology platform know as Uzabe to provide real-time situation report as citizens cast their votes.

CODE disclosed this at the official opening of its situation room on Friday in Abuja.

The Chief Executive, Hamzat Lawal said”Uzabe is a unique technology that provides real-time situation reports from thousands of polling units across the country. But more importantly, Uzabe puts power in the hands of the citizens. For democracy to be successful, citizens must become informed about issues that can improve their lives.
“With Uzabe, citizens have access to real-time situation report and analysis on electoral processes across various polling units. And this is powered by 20,000 tenacious citizens who have volunteered to observe elections across the 36 States and FCT. This qualifies Uzabe as a citizen-led movement”.
He said his organisation is partnering with reputable media organizations to expand coverage and fact-check information to quell fake news, mis & disinformation likely to incite violence or significantly impact the elections.
The Chief Executive also stressed that Uzabe will assist in checkmating manipulations perpetrated by mischief makers and fanatics and ensure that they adhere to electoral guidelines and the rules of law.
“We should all recognize that in a truly democratic system, the citizens are the kingmakers. Voters are the kings in the garb of common people. They are the ones responsible for the creation of the government. Voters are the supreme power in a democracy. This means our duty goes beyond casting our ballot but also ensuring that we stick together united in our values as we pick leaders who imbibe and reflect these values.
“From our observation of elections in 2011, 2015, and 2019, and the recently concluded 2022 Kenyan elections, we have seen the power of technology and the people. This is why we are excited to see INEC’s deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) technology. We observed its use during the Ekiti and Osun elections and while there were few concerns, for all intents and purposes, the BVAS is designed to improve transparency in the voting process.
“This is why for us at CODE, it is important to observe the electoral process and monitor adherence to INEC guidelines.
“Even one vote can make a great difference. Every voter should cast his or her vote in the right manner, to the right person and without any pressure. We all must cast our vote and also inspire others to cast their votes because voting is the weapon which can help solve our problems and can bring great change in the country”, he added.
Lawal further expressed confidence in the country’s security agencies in ensuring the safety of electorates as they exercise their civic duty.
He said “the past few months have been a defining period for Nigeria. The Security atmosphere has become a note of worry and if you’ve been following the news you must have seen or heard cases of pre-election violence. But we are assured of the capacity of the security agencies to safeguard all Nigerians as we cast our ballot. This is why we have partnered with security agencies so that any issue of violence that is reported from the field is immediately escalated and directed to the right channels”.

News
NUJ at 70: Governor Ododo pledges support for independent, free press

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulates the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and media independence.

Governor Ododo commended the NUJ for its remarkable contributions to democracy, good governance, and national development over the past seven decades.

He described the media as a critical pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.
“For seventy years, the NUJ has been at the forefront of promoting responsible journalism, defending press freedom, and shaping public discourse. A free and independent press is the foundation of a thriving democracy, and my administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where journalists can operate without fear or intimidation,” he stated.
The governor acknowledged the resilience and dedication of journalists in delivering credible information despite challenges.
He emphasized the need for media professionals to uphold the ethics of journalism, combat misinformation, and embrace technological advancements and innovation to enhance their professional excellence.
Governor Ododo also assured media practitioners in Kogi State of his government’s continued support in strengthening the press as a force for positive change.
He called on the NUJ to remain steadfast in its mission to uphold journalistic integrity and professionalism.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I commend the leadership and members of the NUJ for their steadfast commitment to truth and accountability. I am confident that the union will continue to set high standards in journalism, contributing to the progress of our great nation,” he added.
He wished the union continued success in its pursuit of a free, independent, and responsible press.

News
BREAKING: Rivers House of Assembly serves Governor Fubara impeachment notice, alleges misconduct

After a long legal battle between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and 27 State House of Assembly legislators loyal to the former governor, Nyesom Wike which was fought up to the Supreme Court in favour of lawmakers, a notice of impeachment has been served on the Governor on Monday in Portharcourt,

The notice a copy of which was obtained by CAPITAL POST alleged gross misconduct against Governor and his Depuy, Ngozi Odu, thereby escalating fresh crisis in the oil rich city.

The alleged infraction if proved is constitutionally strong to orchestrate impeachment which has been the focus of the lawmakers since they won at the Supreme Court and were back to sitting in the State parliament as all entreaties by the governor was rebuffed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.
In the heat of post Supreme Court crisis, the political godfather of the 27 lawmakers, Nyesom Wike who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said he will not put a stumbling block to the Assembly members if they chose to do their work.
In the long drawn battle, allies of Nyesom Wike insisted that the governor has 80% gone out of the office, hence, Monday’s letter only goes to show the Assembly’s resolution to remove governor Fubara out of office. This is despite Fubara’s effort to present the 2025 budget of Rivers State to the Assembly after he was put under pressure to do by the lawmakers.
The notice, submitted to the Speaker through the Clerk of the Assembly, cites reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds among other allegations, that will put the governor under tight corner of not being able to defend the allegations.
Reacting, some political figures have called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment, others, including the Ijaw National Congress, have warned against such actions, citing potential instability in the region.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is suspecting President Bola Tinubu’s support to lawmakers impeaching Fubara, saying, the plot would not be possible without getting green light from the presidency.
The impeachment process involves several legal steps, including the formation of a Committee to investigate the allegations. If found guilty, Fubara and his deputy could face removal from office.
The situation remains volatile, with governance in the state effectively stalled due to the political impasse.
Read Full Details Here: https://nujfct.ng/breaking-rivers-state-house-of-assembly-serves-impeachment-notice-on-governor-Fubara-and-deputy

News
Natasha uncovers arrest plot after reported Akpabio to IPU in New York

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has uncovered plot by security agents to arrest her upon arrival to Nigeria from Interparliamentary Union, IPU where she reported alleged sexual harassment against Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District was suspended for six months for flouting the purported Senate Rules and Order, after which she claimed sexual harassment and proceeded to the IPU.

She revealed that she faces arrest by Nigerian government as Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria, claiming that the planned arrest was like ked to her participation in the IPU meeting in New York on March 11, 2025
On Sunday the Kogi female Senator was quoted as saying
that she was aware of plots.
“I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja,” Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is still in the US after the IPU meeting, said.
Though she didn’t disclose details of the planned arrest by 2hich of the security agencies, her participation has however considered an embarrassement to the Nigerian government and since her appearance at IPU on March 11, 2025, things were no longer at ease within the government circles.
A source within security domain confirmed that a probe has been launched into Natasha’s participation at IPU.

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