Politics
AAC Demands Immediate Withdrawal of Excessive Fees for Benue Local Government Election Candidates
AAC Demands Immediate Withdrawal of Excessive Fees for Benue Local Government Election Candidates....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The African Action Congress (AAC) has called for the immediate removal of the excessive charges imposed on candidates participating in the upcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections in Benue State, scheduled for October 5, 2024.
According to a statement released on Friday, the AAC expressed concern over the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission’s (BSIEC) decision to demand N500,000 from chairmanship candidates and N250,000 from those contesting for councillorship. Additionally, the candidates are required to pay N115,000 and N90,000 respectively as handling fees.
AAC Party Chairman, Rex I. Elanu, urged Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to step in immediately and ensure that these “ridiculous” fees are revoked in the interest of fairness and democracy.
Unjust Fees Hindering Democratic Participation
Elanu criticized the charges as an attempt to discourage participation, especially from those who do not have the financial backing of political elites. He stated, “This unruly extortion plan is against the tenets of fairness and equity.” He further highlighted that while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had placed their nomination forms for chairmanship candidates at an astronomical N5 million, the AAC has been committed to offering free nomination forms and minimizing administrative fees for certain candidates.
Upholding Fairness in Democracy
Elanu emphasized that the AAC, with its pro-masses and socialist-driven ideology, is dedicated to ensuring that the cost of running for office does not become an obstacle for potential leaders, particularly those who do not have the financial means. He reiterated the party’s commitment to advocating for a more equitable political process.
The statement from AAC also pointed out that the recent move by BSIEC goes against the principle of fairness, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are pushing for reforms to end bad governance. “Under his watch, the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has now been empowered to demand N500,000 and N250,000 from Chairman and Councillorship candidates respectively,” Elanu said.
Call for Governor’s Intervention
In his call to Governor Alia, Elanu requested immediate action to reverse these fees. He argued that it was within the governor’s power to do so, given his recent decision to replace the BSIEC Chairman. “If the governor found it expedient to recently replace the BSIEC Chairman, we expect him to find it necessary to heed the call for a level playing field in fairness,” he added.
The AAC reiterated its position on the need for an independent electoral body and fairer democratic processes in Benue State, stating that the current charges are designed to favor political elites over grassroots candidates. The party vowed to continue opposing such practices that hinder genuine democratic participation.
Military and security officials in Benin Republic have apprehended approximately a dozen soldiers, including the key ringleaders, following a failed coup attempt. Sources revealed that 13 individuals were detained, most of whom are active military personnel, with one former soldier among the suspects.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The arrests came after a group of officers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, appeared on national television on Sunday morning, claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon and dissolved all state institutions. The officers asserted that they had seized control of the government.
The presidency, however, confirmed that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order. Authorities described the coup attempt as the work of “a small group” with limited reach, adding that the city and the country remain secure.
Regional bloc ECOWAS has condemned the attempted takeover, describing it as a serious and unacceptable challenge to the democratic will of the people. In a statement issued in Abuja, the Commission called for strict adherence to the country’s Constitution and praised the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in regaining control. ECOWAS warned that the plot’s leaders would be held accountable for any loss of life or property arising from their actions and reaffirmed its full support for Benin, including potential deployment of the regional standby force if necessary.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Abuja on Saturday. According to reports, Atiku shared the update on his handle on Sunday, noting that the visit followed Jonathan’s recent return from Guinea-Bissau.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
While specific details of their discussions were not disclosed, the meeting is widely interpreted as part of preparatory consultations ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku described the encounter as a pleasure, stating, “It was a pleasure catching up with former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday evening, following his recent return from Guinea-Bissau.”
Separately, Atiku’s Senior Political Assistant, Olarenwaju, attributed the former Vice President’s actions against Jonathan in 2015 to a breach of a gentleman’s agreement. Speaking during an Space discussion titled “APC Must Go,” Olarenwaju explained that his alignment with Atiku was motivated by a broader vision for Nigeria’s progress. He said, “Most of the answers I’m going to give tonight are not just based on my deliberations with Atiku, they are based on my desire for a better Nigeria. At the end of the day, if Nigeria is better, my life is better and easier as a Nigerian. So I only find myself with Atiku; in 2015, I didn’t find myself with Atiku, I found myself on the side of Goodluck Jonathan.”
According to reports, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodu’a during a ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Sunday. The event, held at the Palace Square of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, coincided with the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Senator Tinubu arrived at the palace around 1 PM, greeted with fanfare and stringent security measures. She was received by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his council of chiefs. The occasion drew an array of notable dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
The installation ceremony proceeded with the attendance of numerous guests, celebrating both the First Lady’s new traditional title and the Ooni’s decade-long reign.
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