LIONFACE NEWS INTERNATIONAL

  INEC A PROBLEM TO A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN NIGERIA  By Hope Enogieru  The recent governorship election in Edo State on September 21st, 2024, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. Allegations of fraudulent declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in favor of the all progressive congress(APC), despite reportedly not scoring high in the electoral process, have cast a dark shadow over the democratic institutions of Nigeria. This development has sparked widespread outrage and skepticism among Nigerians, with many questioning the credibility of INEC and the entire electoral system ¹. The issue at hand is not just about the outcome of one election but about the very foundation of Nigeria's democracy. *The Role of INEC* INEC, established by the 1999 Constitution, is responsible for organizing elections into various political offices in Nigeria ¹. Its primary function is to ensure free, fair, and cred...

  Press Statement PDP National Working Committee (NWC) Directs NPS and NLA to Step Aside …Constitutes Investigation Committee The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thurday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba  and National Legal Adviser (NLA), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside, respectively. As a result, the NWC constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party. Following the NWC’s Decision, it directed their respective deputies (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office in acting capacity with effect from Friday, October 11, 2024, pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee. The officers are:  Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Esq, Acting National Publicity Secreta...

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the payment of gratuity to the pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired in 2011. In a statement, the Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government, Community & Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Monday E. O. Osaigbovo, said the governor has directed the State Pension Bureau to immediately commence the screening and payment of gratuity to Pensioners who retired in 2011. In August 2024, Governor Obaseki had approved the payment of gratuity to the pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired in 2010. According to the Commissioner, “This is to inform the general public, especially Local Government Pensioners that his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki has approved the payment of gratuity to pensioners who retired in 2011. Osaigbovo further stated, “By this directive, the Pension Bureau and 2011 retired Local Government Pens...

  *By Comrade Abu Godwin.* In line with the court order to inspect the just concluded Edo state governorship Election results BVAS  in INEC headquarters  Benin city. A popular social media influencer, Edo state social media force President and lovers of democracy *Comrade Bayode choice* was in early hour today in INEC office to witness the process .  After the attack of the APC Thugs led by Nomolest towards the PDP Youths who were gathered in their small numbers, comrade Bayode choice decided to go home after realizes the level of intimidation by the APC Thugs which could lead to killings. comrade Bayode choice decided to go home from the environment since no PDP supporter or even party leaders was present . Leaving the environment , Comrade Bayode choice boarded a taxi to fine his peaceful way to his home when APC thugs in their hundreds with a loud voice shouting 'this man na PDP media corespondent, he came here to capture and record us. when trying to attack him w...

  *PDP, Iduoriyekemwen accuses APC of stalling inspection of BVAS, electoral materials* _...vows to storm INEC Office tomorrow_ The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately stalling the inspection of the BVAS and other election materials for the September 21 Edo governorship election.  Recall that INEC had release a circular yesterday October 8, 2024, calling on political parties to send their representatives for inspection. As a matter of fact, the INEC REC, Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, in the publication said, "I wish to inform the public that the inspection of the election materials, including the BVAS devices, has been formally scheduled to take place tomorrow (Wednesday October 9, 2024), at 10:00am, at the INEC headquarters in Edo State; all political parties and their representatives are invited to participate in the exercise, as per the legal procedures, to ensure transparency and the rule of law." G...

  October 8, 2024 *Stop using thugs to attack, intimidate INEC officials, PDP lawyers* We express deep concerns over the recent attack on the Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State by thugs and members of the State’s Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the deputy Governor-elect. We condemn in the strongest terms attempts by the APC to obstruct justice and frustrate the efforts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to regain its mandate stolen during the September 21 governorship election, by intimidating INEC officials into frustrating the PDP from accessing the BIVAS (Bimodal Voter Authentication System) machines and other materials to flesh up its petition against the September 21 electoral robbery. To say the least, this is most troubling, shameful and reprehensible in the light of the wider ramifications of the action of these thugs. It’s quite appalling that PDP lawyers who went to the INEC Office were...

 *The Edo Election Petition Tribunal granted the request of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to inspect all election materials used in the September 21 governorship election.*  The order was issued on Monday by the tribunal’s Chairman, Justice W.I. Kpochi, following an ex-parte motion filed by Ighodalo and the party. The ex-parte motion, dated September 27, was submitted by Rotimi O. Ogunseso, SAN, with Seun Olusuyi serving as counsel for the applicants. The petition included affidavits sworn by Osasere Adagbonyin. PDP In the ruling, the tribunal granted all the petitioners’ requests. A Certified True Copy of the order, signed by the tribunal’s Secretary, Mauzu Ibrahim, instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to produce and provide all materials used during the election. The tribunal specifically ordered the release of various forms, including EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D, EC8E, EC25B, and EC25B(i), among others. Additi...

 The cost of living under President Bola Tinubu's government in Nigeria has been a topic of significant discussion. Since taking office in May 2023, various economic policies and changes have been implemented that has FAILED affected prices and living conditions.  Key points include: 1. **Fuel Subsidy Removal**: One of the major changes was the removal of fuel subsidies, which led to an increase in fuel prices. This has had a cascading effect on transportation and the cost of goods and services. 2. **Inflation Rates**: Nigeria has experienced rising inflation rates, which have impacted the prices of essential goods, including food, housing, and healthcare. 3. **Exchange Rate Adjustments**: Changes in foreign exchange policies can also influence the cost of imported goods and overall living expenses. 4. **Economic Policies**: The Tinubu administration's economic strategies, including efforts to boost local production and reduce dependency on imports, are aimed at stabilizing th...