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.
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‘I Don’t Need Lots Of Fathering At This Age’ – Iyabo Obasanjo Opens Up On Relationship With Father.
Iyabo Obasanjo Bello, daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has opened up about her relationship with her father, dismissing rumours of a strained relationship between them.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the former Ogun State senator made the clarification during an interview with TVC.
Iyabo, Obasanjo’s eldest child, explained that their relationship has evolved over the years, describing their current bond as one that combines friendship with a deep family connection.
She noted that their relationship has changed as they have grown older and approached significant milestones in their lives.
The former lawmaker disclosed that she would turn 60 next year, while her father would celebrate his 90th birthday in the same year.
According to her, age has influenced their relationship, as she no longer requires the level of parental guidance she needed during her younger years.
Iyabo stressed, however, that their bond goes beyond ordinary friendship, explaining that it is rooted in a strong personal connection developed over years of shared experiences and mutual understanding.
She said: “I am the oldest child. I don’t even know how to describe our relationship; we are more than friends now. I will be 60 next year, and he will be 90 next year. At this age, I don’t need a lot of fathering; we are more like friends, but friends with a deep connection.”
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SHOCKING ALLIANCE: Davido Now Smiling With Wike? Fayose Drops Bitter Truth About Nigerian Politics!.
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Surprise Realignment: Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has expressed deep frustration over Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and singer Davido aligning with key figures of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Viral Meeting Reactions: The remarks followed a widely circulated video showing Adeleke and Davido meeting with President Bola Tinubu and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja.
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Personal Sacrifices Ignored: Fayose lamented that despite rejecting financial inducements and luxury gifts like a G-Wagon during political campaigns, the electorate and political allies he fought for continue to compromise.
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Disappointment with Electorate: In a pointed social media post, Fayose criticized voters, stating his concern that the very people he advocates for are still prone to selling their votes on election day.
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Benin Republic Foils Coup: Military Arrests 13 Soldiers Behind Failed Takeover.
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.
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