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BIG STORY: How INEC Replaced ICT Director of 10 years to Rig Presidential Election

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The INEC Chairman Prof Yakubu Mahmood in a collaborative effort with members of Tinubu’s camp and some elements in the presidency did a hatchet job on the presidential elections.

On 16th October 2022, Nigerians were met with the news of the redeployment of some INEC’s members of staff, according to them, it was a reshuffle aimed at ensuring the efficiency and transparency of the forthcoming elections, but little did Nigerians know that this was a move in a series of moves aimed at manipulating the outcome of the presidential elections, a smokescreen to mask the ulterior motive they had long hatched.

Prof Yakubu Mahmood Organized The Most Fraudulent Election In Nigeria’s History

Amongst the people redeployed was Engr Chidi Nwafor, the Director of ICT of INEC since 2013, a position he oversaw and brought massive transformation to, as acclaimed by observers locally and internationally. On the surface, the redeployment of the staff didn’t warrant any suspicion since it appeared to be a routine activity, but on a closer look, one could see a pattern that didn’t really make sense, thus Reportera News Nigeria decided to find out what was amiss and bring the true situation to the fore. Our focus straight away was the Director of ICT who was given a new position as Administrative Secretary of the organization in Enugu, this was one of the most senior staff of the organization and was often regarded as the ‘number 2’ man owing to the fact that he controls the most integral and sensitive office in the organization; the department which not only receives, stores, and processes data of all voters across the country, but oversees the electioneering since the process had been made semi-automated based on the introduction of some relatively advanced technology to make elections more transparent, our interest in this matter was based on this observation because a redeployment of a director to administrative secretary was technically a demotion’ since the latter was a lesser position in the civil service cadres ranking, more worrisome is that Engr Nwafor had not only occupied this position for 10 years, but was the brain behind the Card Reader which was first used in 2015, and BVAs which was going to be used for the presidential election for the first time having used it prior in off-season elections for some state guber elections. It therefore begged the questions:

Amongst the people redeployed was Engr Chidi Nwafor, the Director of ICT of INEC since 2013, a position he oversaw and brought massive transformation to, as acclaimed by observers locally and internationally. On the surface, the redeployment of the staff didn’t warrant any suspicion since it appeared to be a routine activity, but on a closer look, one could see a pattern that didn’t really make sense, thus Reportera News Nigeria decided to find out what was amiss and bring the true situation to the fore. Our focus straight away was the Director of ICT who was given a new position as Administrative Secretary of the organization in Enugu, this was one of the most senior staff of the organization and was often regarded as the ‘number 2’ man owing to the fact that he controls the most integral and sensitive office in the organization; the department which not only receives, stores, and processes data of all voters across the country, but oversees the electioneering since the process had been made semi-automated based on the introduction of some relatively advanced technology to make elections more transparent, our interest in this matter was based on this observation because a redeployment of a director to administrative secretary was technically a demotion’ since the latter was a lesser position in the civil service cadres ranking, more worrisome is that Engr Nwafor had not only occupied this position for 10 years, but was the brain behind the Card Reader which was first used in 2015, and BVAs which was going to be used for the presidential election for the first time having used it prior in off-season elections for some state guber elections. It therefore begged the questions:

“Why fix something that isn’t broken?”

Why change the person who designed a system and was in the best position to administer it?”

Engr Chidi Nwafor Was INEC’s Director of ICT For Over 10 Years

Engr Chidi Nwafor is an electronic engineer, he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in electronic engineering from the University of Nigeria (UNN), he went on to secure a masters in computer engineering and post graduate working experience in Japan, a country regarded as a frontrunner in ICT, suffice it to say that Mr Nwafor knew his onions, he was well grounded in his profession and thus when INEC needed a capable hand to upgrade the electioneering process, they came calling for the Enugu born Anambra indigene to co-captain the ship, it was in this position that he served until his services were abruptly terminated when it was discovered that he wouldn’t ‘play ball’. It is no news that INEC at the behest of the presidency had been scheming to rig the presidential elections in favour of APC who had grown really unpopular among Nigerians due to its mismanagement of the economy and gross underperformance in almost every other sector of the country, they foresaw a loss at the polls hence decided to rig it even before the first ballot, and the only way to achieve this was taking control the voter data, and who controlled this data? you guessed right, the Director of ICT, and what do you do when the person who occupies the position isn’t willing to co-operate? You remove and replace them with who will. This was the exact scenario that panned out at INEC headquarters, our inside sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity have reiterated that this is the reason why Mr Nwafor was moved to Enugu and assigned a new role not even as a state commissioner of the organization which at least wields some power and was on the same level as his directorate position but as an ‘ordinary’ Administrative Secretary, they also revealed that this was done as part of a series of punitive measures for his refusal to be part of the rigging scheme, thus technically demoting him from occupying a position for directorate level staff to that of a deputy director. This scheme was masked by ‘reshuffling’ members of staff, other persons were reassigned to new roles so as not to delineate it as a targeted plot, 384 other members of staff were also affected, but Nwafor’s was the one that was questionable to say the least, to make matters worse, he was replaced by a person who had no prior knowledge on ICT affairs, Mr Paul Omokere who until then was the Director of Planning & Monitoring of INEC. INEC would later go on to commit the biggest electoral fraud in the history of Nigeria, failing to adhere to its own guidelines of uploading results in REAL-TIME to it’s IRev portal, a very important part of the process controlled by the ICT department, subsequently declaring a winner in very controversial circumstances by 4:05am whilst most Nigerians slept, instead of temporarily halting the collation of results until they were completely uploaded unto the IRev portal as the guidelines clearly stated.

Politics

African Union Takes Action: Republic of Niger Suspended Amidst Political Unrest

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In a decisive move that reverberated across the continent, the African Union (AU) announced the suspension of the Republic of Niger from its membership ranks.

This momentous decision was unveiled during the African Union’s Peace and Security Council meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday, August 22.

African Union:Picture Source- Pinterest

The suspension stems from the recent political turmoil that engulfed the nation, with the African Union pointing to the coup orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani on Wednesday, July 26. As part of a series of sanctions imposed on the francophone West African country, the Republic of Niger faced the repercussions of its internal upheaval.

The African Union’s stance was uncompromising, as it made it clear that Western nations seeking to meddle in African affairs should refrain from interfering. This firm message was directed from the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the AU’s call for autonomy echoed loudly.

The events leading up to Niger’s suspension unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainty and unrest. The coup in Niger, orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, prompted the Afican Union to take action. Their decision to suspend Niger was not taken lightly and was ratified during the Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 22.

The aftermath of the military takeover in left President Mohamed Bazoum in captivity, held under the close watch of the juntas in Niger. Despite international pressure, the release of the president and his family remains elusive. This tense situation compelled the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene, imposing sanctions on Niger and establishing a deadline for the initiation of military intervention by the sub-regional body’s standby forces.

The suspension of the Republic of Niger from the African Union serves as a stark reminder of the continent’s commitment to upholding stability and safeguarding democratic governance. The swift response underscores the African Union’s dedication to maintaining order and security within its member states, sending a resounding message to the global community about the importance of respecting Africa’s sovereignty.

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Peter Obi: “I Campaigned For Presidency Because I Can Say It Any Day, I Will Solve The Problem Of Nigeria”

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In a recent tweet that has caught the attention of many, @MissPearls shares an inspiring declaration made by former Anambra state governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to @MissPearls, Peter Obi proclaimed, “I campaigned for Presidency because I can say it any day, I Will SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF NIGERIA. All these confusion everywhere can BE SOLVED, and I am PREPARED for it”

Peter Obi: I Campaigned For Presidency Because I Can Say It Any Day, I Will Solve The Problem Of Nigeria.

Peter Obi’s bid for the presidency in the recent elections stirred considerable excitement and garnered support from diverse quarters, particularly the youth demographic. The former governor is known for his progressive ideas and pragmatic approach to governance, which resonated with many Nigerians who sought change and effective solutions to the country’s myriad challenges.

Despite his extensive support and well-articulated vision, Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions faced formidable opponents in the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released results that placed him behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emerged as the winner, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second. However, these results were met with skepticism due to apparent electoral irregularities that marred the integrity of the process.

In response to the controversial election outcome, both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar filed legal challenges against the INEC’s declaration. This move underscores their commitment to upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the voice of the electorate is accurately reflected. As the election Tribunal Judges prepare to deliver their verdict, Nigeria watches with bated breath, eager to witness justice being served.

Meanwhile, the administration of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken significant policy actions since assuming office. The removal of fuel subsidies and the decision to float the Naira have triggered mixed reactions across the nation. While these measures may be intended to foster economic stability and growth, the immediate consequences have been felt by everyday Nigerians. The cost of living has surged, and the socio-economic effects on the rich and the poor have become more pronounced.

As the Nigerian population navigates these shifts, the aftermath of the election and the ensuing governance strategies offer a critical juncture for evaluating the nation’s trajectory. The voices of discontent, expressed by citizens facing the brunt of these policies, highlight the necessity for leaders to prioritize the well-being of the populace while pursuing economic advancements. It is essential for the government to strike a balance between fiscal prudence and safeguarding the interests of the vulnerable segments of society.

The policy changes implemented by Bola Tinubu have shed light on the delicate balance between progress and the welfare of the people. As the nation waits for the tribunal’s judgment and the dust settles on the recent election, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, with the potential to reshape its future trajectory and address the systemic challenges that have held it back for far too long.

Fore more updates, follow us on Twitter @ReporteraNews.

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Youths in Kano Defy Police Ban to Protest Alleged Tribunal Bribery

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Hundreds of determined youths in Kano took to the streets, defying a police ban, to protest what they perceive as attempts to manipulate the state election petition tribunal. This incident unfolded against the backdrop of a ban on protests by the Commissioner of Police, Usuani Gumel, following revelations of alleged plots to obstruct justice through financial inducement in legal proceedings.

Youths in kano

The rally, which unfolded outside the state government house, saw impassioned youths brandishing placards with messages that underscored their commitment to justice and the integrity of the electoral process. Their actions were sparked by concerns over an alleged plan to bribe the state election petition tribunal, casting a shadow over the fairness of the process.

The ban on protests was issued in response to recent revelations made by Justice Flora Azinge, who unveiled purported schemes by lawyers to disrupt the course of justice through financial incentives. The Commissioner of Police cited “confirmatory intelligence products” as the basis for this decision, leaving a contentious atmosphere surrounding the freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest.

This ban, however, failed to deter the resolute youths who carried a variety of placards conveying their strong stance against corruption, manipulation, and injustice. The slogans they chanted resonated with their determination to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process and uphold transparency in governance.

Among the messages displayed, one placard caught the eye with its direct callout: “Gandollar, stop spoiling the name of Tinubu.” This highlights the allegation that financial impropriety is tainting the reputation of key political figures.

In a video circulated online, the enthusiastic protesters chanted slogans that echoed their deep-seated concerns. Chants of “No to corruption,” “No to injustice,” and “No to manipulation” reverberated through the crowd, embodying the youth’s unwavering commitment to fair and accountable governance.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised the peaceful conduct of the protesters and assured them that their concerns would be relayed to President Bola Tinubu. This gesture recognizes the role of the youth in shaping political discourse and underscores the importance of their voices in the pursuit of a just society.

In conclusion, the youths in Kano have seized the moment to voice their concerns and demands for an unbiased electoral process. Their defiance of the police ban serves as a reminder that public sentiment cannot be easily suppressed. As this incident unfolds, it raises important questions about the delicate balance between freedom of assembly, legitimate protest, and maintaining public order. It also underscores the critical role of the youth in shaping the political landscape and demanding accountability from their leaders.

For the latest news updates, follow us on Twitter @ReporterNews. Stay informed and engaged with evolving stories from all around the world.

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