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Tales of Intimidation, Violence As APC Thugs Mar Lagos Polls
By Eric Elezuo
In spite of the the promises of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, and purported massive deployment of security operatives to Lagos State for the presidential and National Assembly elections, hoodlums and miscreants loyal to the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) took over polling units intimidating and harassing voters out of the scene as well as destroying voting materials in various part of the metropolis.
Not only were there reports of voter intimidation and ethnic molestation at some polling units across Lagos State, it was so discovered that security officials on ground, especially policemen, watched like classroom monitors while the hoodlums had a field day.
Earlier reports suggest that voting was largely peaceful in the state until videos becgan to emerged showing pro-APC supporters insisting on the party or tribe that can be allowed to vote.
In one of the videos, head of the Lagos State branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya aks MC Oluomo, could be heard threatening any Igbo who dared to vote in the area.
“Any Igbo wen dem born well, make e come vote again; me I dey here,” Mc Oluomo said as a police officer standing by tapped him on the back, apparently trying to appease him as voters stood watching in shock.
A second video captured another man dressed in white top and black trousers, clearly telling voters they would not be allowed to vote except they are voting for the APC.
“If you no fit vote APC for here, go your house. Nobody force you come here. I go come check am. If I see you vote another party, you go enter one chance. We no come joke for here,” the unidentified man yelled before quietly walking away with a challenge.
Political thugs believed to be backing the ruling party also disrupted voting at Oba Yekini, Elegushi street; Ikate, Lekki; Akinyele street in Aguda, Surulere and Fadeyi areas of Lagos State, scattering ballot boxes and interfering with the election process, in the presence of security personnel.
Also, voters were locked out at Iba Housing Estate and Lagos State University. Information available to this paper say that no one was allowed in except they pledge to vote for APC or at the least bear a southwest name.
At Benson Anoruo Junction polling unit, Ajao Estate, voters were turned back. They were informed that the place wasn’t their polling unit much as they claimed it was. Some of them Saif they have been to the unit recently to check their names, and INEC has not sent any contrary message of relocation.
At Alaba International Market, residents said as at 3:19pm, no INEC official has arrived the unit.
Also at Mafoluku Oshodi, residents report that masked men with pump action guns, invad3d the polling unit, dispersed everyone and burnt all the ballot materials including papers and boxes.
It has been one tale of woe after another in Lagos State as the presidential election was concluded.
“I collected a couple of slaps for fighting back before I got pulled from the melee, into a house for my safety. Now I have to be smuggled out of the voting area because I have been marked,” a journalist and CEO of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan, said.
Reports say officials of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) had arrived at Oba Elegushi after residents staged a protest chanting “we must vote” and with improved military presence, voting resumed later in the area.
Responding to the video where MC Oluomo was making his threats, the Public Relations Officer, Lagos Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the video to ascertain whether it is new or old.
“While the video will be investigated to know if it’s an old, recycled one or not, it should be noted that this criminal, and totally against the Electoral Act, 2022.
China, on Tuesday, opposed US President Donald Trump’s threat to carry out military action against Nigeria over the alleged persecution of Christians, as it backed the Nigerian government in leading its people to follow a development path in line with its national conditions.
Trump Saturday said if the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the US will immediately stop all aid and assistance to the West African country, and may go for military action to wipe out the Islamic terrorists.
Asked for her comments on Trump’s threat, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media that the Nigerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement, stating that the US’s claims did not reflect the current realities in Nigeria, and the government had remained committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.
As a comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to follow a development path in line with its national conditions, Mao said.
“China opposes interference by any country in the internal affairs of other nations under the pretext of religion or human rights and opposes the arbitrary use of sanctions and threats of force,” she said.
On the reports that Venezuela is seeking missiles and drones following a dozen US strikes on the boats in the region on the suspicion that they carried drugs, Mao said China is opposed to the use of force in the name of fighting drug cartels.
China supports enhanced international cooperation in combating transnational crimes, but opposes the use of threats of using force in international relations, and actions that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean, she said.
China is against unilateral so-called law enforcement operations against vessels of other countries that exceed reasonable and necessary limits, she added.
“We hope the US will carry out normal law enforcement and judicial activities within bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks,” Mao said, without mentioning whether China will support military equipment to Venezuela.
“China’s normal exchanges and cooperation with Venezuela are conducted between sovereign states, without targeting any third party, nor are they subject to interference or influence by any third party,” she said.
Source: orissapost
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday, held a crucial meeting with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies in the country
The crucial meeting took place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja, followed reports of a directive by the President of United States, Donald Trump to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria over the alleged genocide of Christians in the country.
Security sources hinted that the emergency meeting, which began in the afternoon was aimed at assessing the implications of Trump’s statement accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militant groups.
Trump’s remarks, made late Saturday, stated that the U.S. military was being prepared to “act in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militancy” a statement that had triggered widespread concern across diplomatic and security circles in Abuja.
Reports said that the NSA convened the session to coordinate a unified national security response and review intelligence assessments on the potential fallout of the U.S. president’s pronouncement.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to be communicated through official channels from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (NWC) has suspended the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha; and National Organizing Secretary, Umaru Bature for one month.
The suspension comes on the heels of the judgement of the Federal High Court On Friday, which stopped the party’s planned national convention.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, told journalists in Abuja on Saturday, that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the national working committee, which was held in Abuja.
