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PICaN President Addresses Press on Tribunal Judgements and Electoral Reform Recommendations”

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Bako addressing the Press

KADUNA, October 4, 2023 – Comrade Bako Abdul Usman, the National President of the Partnership for Issues-Based Campaign in Nigeria (PICaN), delivered a comprehensive press statement today at the Kadman Office in Kaduna. The address touched on critical issues concerning recent tribunal judgments and called for electoral reforms to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.

In his speech, Comrade Bako expressed deep concern about the current state of democracy in Nigeria, emphasizing that it is under serious threat. He highlighted the trend of recent tribunal judgments across the nation, which he believes have exposed vulnerabilities in the electoral and judicial systems. He urged for a complete overhaul of these systems to protect the popular will of the people from being undermined by technicalities.

One of the central recommendations put forward was the full adoption of the Justice Muhammad Uwais Electoral Reform Committee report, which focuses on strengthening legal frameworks and enhancing the independence of the electoral body, INEC. Comrade Bako also stressed the urgent need for amending the Electoral Act to mandate INEC to transmit election results electronically, which would enhance transparency and credibility.

The address addressed a specific case, the Kano State governorship election, where the tribunal’s judgment had a significant impact. It resulted in the removal of Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as the governor and affirmed Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor of the state. The deduction of votes due to unstamped and unsigned ballot papers was a critical issue raised.

Comrade Bako underlined the importance of the judiciary as the last hope of every common citizen and called on security agencies to investigate wrongful arrests made during protests in Kano State. He further urged a thorough investigation into the issues raised during the judgment, emphasizing the need to restore people’s confidence in democracy.

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Additionally, Comrade Bako encouraged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to engage in civic education to discourage hate speech and called on religious leaders to use their platforms for sensitizing citizens on the consequences of hate speech.

The press statement concluded with a plea for post-election petitions to be determined before candidates are sworn into office and a call for all aggrieved parties to uphold the peace accord, ensuring that supporters refrain from taking the law into their hands.

The press conference featured the voices of various organizations and individuals, collectively highlighting the need for reforms and a commitment to preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy

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Excessive Heat Blamed for Explosion at Giwa Barracks, Army Confirms

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. The Nigerian Army has attributed the explosion at Giwa Barracks to the soaring temperatures in Maiduguri, dismissing speculations of an attack.

In an official statement issued by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, the army confirmed that the incident involved the explosion of ordnance stored in one of their ammunition facilities. “The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in Maiduguri, which led to the detonation of some munitions,” Kovangiya stated.

Authorities were quick to contain the situation, deploying multiple fire response units to prevent further damage. “The situation has, however, been brought under control with the combined efforts of the Borno State Fire Service Department and fire trucks from various security agencies,” Kovangiya assured the public in his statement.

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In addition to firefighting efforts, troops from Operation HADIN KAI have been mobilized to secure the area and prevent any form of exploitation by miscreants. “Troops have been deployed to protect the public and prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation,” Kovangiya emphasized, highlighting the army’s swift response to secure the affected region.

The army has also urged residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to remain calm and disregard any unfounded rumors of an attack. “The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack and remain calm,” the statement concluded.

As investigations continue into the incident, authorities are expected to assess the impact of extreme weather conditions on military storage sites to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Viral Video Misattributed to ISWAP Sparks Misinformation Concerns

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A video circulating widely on social media has sparked controversy and confusion, as it is being falsely linked to ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) and attributed to a recent comment by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Nigeria. However, security analyst Zagazola Makama has debunked these claims, clarifying on his verified Facebook page that the footage has no connection to Borno State or Nigeria.

According to Makama, the video in question originates from Burkina Faso and features members of JNIM (Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin), a militant group active in the Sahel region. The misrepresentation of this footage is not only misleading but poses significant risks, as it can fuel unnecessary tension and undermine trust within communities.

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Makama emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it online, especially in sensitive matters like security and governance. “It’s unfortunate how quickly misinformation spreads, especially when people don’t take time to verify facts,” he stated.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, users are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in consuming and sharing content. False narratives, particularly in matters of national security, can have far-reaching consequences, including heightened anxiety and strained relationships between communities and authorities.

Governor Zulum has not commented on the video, but the clarification from Makama highlights the need for vigilance and critical thinking in the face of viral content. As Nigeria and other nations grapple with security challenges, the spread of unverified information only adds to the complexity of addressing these issues effectively.

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Gombe Commences building of NYSC Lodge to Accommodate Corpers – Education Commissioner

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National Youth Service Corp’s (NYSC ) members deployed to Gombe State have been urged to avail themselves with the massive on going transformations in the State.

The call was made by the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari while addressing the Corp members during their routine daily briefing at NYSC Orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government.

Prof Aishatu Maigari said in support to the contributions of the NYSC in the state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration is building in the first phase self contained houses that can accommodate over 100 corp members across public schools.

She therefore, urged the members of the scheme to feel at home throughout their service year as people of Gombe State are peace loving and hospitable in addition to the conducive environment created by the present administration in the state.

Responding, the Gombe State Coordinator of the NYSC Mrs Chinwe Nnanne Nwachukwu commended the giant transformative drive of Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the innovations taking place in the education sector of the state.

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The NYSC Coordinator also appreciated the Commissioner for attending the daily briefing which is a moral boaster to Corp members.

More than 1500 Youth Corp members are currently at the camp and will soon be posted to their various places of primary assignment for the service year.

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