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Bawumia Is Far Better Than John Mahama … Says IMANI’s Kofi Bentil

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Kofi Bentil

Mr Kofi Bentil, Vice President of the policy think tank, IMANI Africa, has made a strong case for the candidature of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

He wants Ghanaians to give Dr. Bawumia a chance as president, like they gave John Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, but not to go back to someone they rejected on two occasions, after giving him just a term in office.

According to him, given the two main aspirants, the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia stands tall over the former President, John Dramani Mahama, who Ghanaians rejected in 2016 and 2020.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Kofi Bentil, who has been critical of the policies of the Akufo-Addo government, in a thought-provoking statement endorsed the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia, to become the next president of Ghana.

In his argument, which has ignited conversation in the political space, Kofi Bentil isolated Vice President Bawumia from the current administration, stating that he did not have any constitutional powers and cannot, therefore, be blamed for the ills of the current government.

On the other hand, the main opponent on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, Kofi Bentil argued, has been president before, but was voted out just after four years.

In his view, it would not be fair to punish Dr. Bawumia for the sins of the Akufo-Addo government, especially when Mahama was vice president for two terms before becoming president.

“We gave President Mahama a chance to be president; the least we can do is give Dr. Bawumia a fair and objective hearing. He is not president and has never been president! I have no doubt he will be better!” he wrote.

KOFI’S CASE

Kofi Bentil relied on his three decades of experience in the conversation on nation-building to argue that the debate should rise above emotions and anger.

Instead, he advocated “sober thought and reflection and always make the choices we believe in, and admit where there are errors, and still make the best choices we can.”

To him, this was the way to succeed as a nation.

Sharing his thoughts on Dr. Bawumia and John Mahama, Kofi Bentil further stated that Mahama had had two terms as Veep and a term as President, and his record is known.

He continued that the other candidate, Dr. Bawumia has only had two terms as Veep and has never been in charge as President, and his record is known, citing the digitalization drive especially.

“One has had all the power in the nation and we know how it turned out. The other has had an office, which by our constitution is essentially powerless!

“Those who know will tell you he was indeed like a driver’s mate. He was part of the system, but had no control.”

He continued that, “I have decided that even if I’m disappointed with the present government, of which he is part, I know he was not in charge and I cannot, in fairness, punish him for the sins of the one who is leaving for good.

“I will be hurting the wrong person and myself. This government is over. They are leaving. That’s the way we designed the constitution and it’s a good safety valve to ensure there will be change.”

The Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, Kofi Bentil said, has shown potential but has never had the chance to implement it, as compared to the one who has had the chance and shown Ghanaians his best but was rejected.

“The fact of his earlier record is etched in history and cannot be changed. I choose to move forward; I choose to never go backward, especially to an option we all rejected. Ghana has enough people, so we don’t need to go back to old, unsuccessful options. We can try new and promising people. I believe Dr. Bawumia is the new one we haven’t tried.

“I am 100% sure I will forever wonder how it would be if we don’t choose him. Ghanaians will forever wonder. I am quite sure he will be a great president. I’ve watched him closely and I am convinced,” he said of Dr. Bawumia.

Though John Mahama has outlined some of the policies he would implement if voted for, Dr. Bawumia has yet to make such pronouncement since his election in November, last year.

Dr. Bawumia is billed to address the nation on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in Accra, where he is rumoured to name his running mate.

Ghana has been importing cocoa since 2000 –COCOBOD

By
JOHN BEDIAKO
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Joseph Boahen Aidoo, CEO of the Ghana Cocoa Board

The importation of cocoa beans into Ghana has not been a novelty, as the imported beans are, in most cases, used to blend with the high quality locally produced ones, for the sake of processing.

An official source at COCOBOD disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The Chronicle on Sunday.

The highly dependable source, reacting to reports flying around that Ghana is now importing cocoa beans, states that the practice has been going on since early 2000.

The letter circulating on social media was a response to AFROTROPIC COCOA PROCESSING CO. LTD, requesting to import the beans from Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

The response letter from COCOBOD captioned RE: IMPORTATION OF COCOA BEANS FROM COTE D’IVOIRE AND NIGERIA, dated 25/01/2024 was signed by Chief Executive,

Joseph Boahen.

It reads:

Your letter dated 22nd January 2024 on the above subject refers. We wish to inform you that management has approved your request to import 2,500 tonnes of cocoa beans from Cote d’Ivoire and 1,000 tonnes from Nigeria.

This should, however, be done only by sea, through the Tema Port. You are, therefore, requested to provide detailed information on the following,

  1. Name of vessel
  2. Shipment schedule

iii. Quantity of beans to be imported, i.e. whether the importation would be in one bulk, otherwise state quantity per shipment.

  1. Expected date/time of arrival

In connection with the approval, you are required to obtain all necessary authorisations from the relevant state institutions, including Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority before commencing the importation.

The unfailing source made reference to early 2000 when Barry Callebaut Ghana Ltd applied to Ministry of Food and Agriculture to import same.

The letter, with the caption: PERMIT TO IMPORT COCOA BEANS FOR PROCESSING IN GHANA, states:

I write in reaction to letter reference No DCE/OPS/123/V.1/41 dated 12th November 2007 on the above subject. The letter was received from the Deputy Chief Executive (OPS), Ghana Cocoa Board addressed to Honourable Minister and copied to seven others.

I am grateful to inform you that your application to import cocoa beans for processing in Ghana from Nigeria has been approved.

The correspondence was signed by Chief Director, Dr Gyiele Nurah, for the Minister of Food and Agriculture.

On 22nd November 2016, COCOBOD in a response to another request by Barry Callebaut states, RE: REQUEST TO IMPORT 100 MT OF COCOA BEANS FOR PROCESSING IN GHANA.

Your letter dated 14th November 2016 on the above subject refers;

We write to inform you that Management has approved your request to import 100 MT of cocoa beans from Ecuador, as part of your operational requirements for a particular recipe for a customer.

The letter, signed by Deputy Chief Executive, James Kofi Kutsoati, went on to state official laid down conditions with regard to imports.

The immediate past Finance Minister, Seth Terkper in 2016, briefed Parliament on how Ghana imported the beans in 2014/2015 crop year.

Jinapor: Africa must move away from ‘dig and ship’ mining

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Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A Jinapor has urged African countries to make investment opportunities attractive for investors while insisting on the importance of value addition for the growth of their country’s mineral infrastructure.

He stressed the need to move away from the “dig and ship” approach and highlighted two essential pillars to help achieve that: first, he said, is insisting on value addition and second, ensuring that states and governments provide the necessary infrastructure and environment, including cadastre and other facilitated systems, for investors to operate, optimise and maximise benefits shared equitably.

Jinapor emphasised that “You cannot achieve value addition or participate at the highest end of the value chain if the government doesn’t establish a proper, investor-friendly environment. It’s crucial and governments must prioritise this.”

The Minister was Contributing to a Ministerial Symposium panel discussion on the topic; “Pushing Africa into a new investment era with solutions to the continent’s greatest challenges” at the ongoing  “African Mining Indaba” conference in Cape Town, South Africa, on Sunday, 4th February, 2024.

He added that fundamental elements such as a solid and consistent rail system, reliable infrastructure and power systems must be in place to attract private entities effectively.

Using Ghana as a case study, he explained that governments should have a policy framework where both the state and investors play their roles.

For instance, in the context of bauxite, Ghana is working towards building an integrated aluminum industry, with a policy framework supervised by President Akufo-Addo to exploit and manage resources effectively.

The Minister highlighted Ghana’s efforts to strike a balance between value addition and indigenous participation, emphasizing the importance of a mutually satisfactory arrangement for all parties involved.

He acknowledged the challenge some African countries face with changing government policies but stressed the need for sustainable policies in the continent’s best interest.

Addressing private sector participation and investment in Ghana, the Minister mentioned the successful establishment of an automobile industry, attributing it to a sensible policy framework that aligns with the primary goal of private sector investments – making a profit.

He advocated for synchronising policy frameworks across Africa to universally promote value addition. The Minister referred to the African Mining Vision as a guiding principle and cited the joint effort of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire in structuring a common market pricing on cocoa as a positive example of African collaboration for growth.

Jinapor reiterated the new perspective on mining sector investment in Africa, envisioning a shift from the “rich Africa with poor Africans” model to one resulting in “rich Africans from rich Africa,” catalysed by mining.

Lands Commission revenue up by 12%

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Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission , Mr. Benjamin Arthur

The Land Commission has raked in a revenue of GHS206,868,050.45 for the year 2023, a 12% increase of GHS174,086,675.61 for the same period of 2022.

The Commission hoped to raise that amount further should the proposed 15% increment in fees which is currently before parliamentis approved.

Speaking to a gathering of journalists, Staff members of the Commission, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Forestry, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and members of the National Lands Commission, Mr. Benjamin Arthur, the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission gave the assurance that revenue target will shoot up pending the approval of a 15% proposal before legislatures.

According to him, the year 2023 was laced with a plethora of challenges but the strides made outweigh the downs.

To upscale performance of the Commission, it intends to strengthen what he termed legislative and policy framework.

In view of that, a consultant was engaged by the Commission to prepare legislative Instruments for the Land Act,2020 (Act 1036) and the Lands Commission Act, 2008(Act 767).

The first drafts of the Commission, he indicated have been completed by the Consultants and submitted to the Lands Commission for further stakeholders’ engagements.

In response to the directive from the Hon Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, a Committee was set up to draft a policy on public land management which draft policy had been completed for onward submission to the Sector Ministry for consideration and approval.

When operational, he noted that the policy will guide the procedure and processes for the allocation and general management of state lands.

Again, he observed that in line with the provisions of the Lands Act, 2020 Act 1036, and on the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources’ directives, a committee was set up to make recommendations for divesting vested land

The Executive Secretary revealed that the Lands Commission (LC) as part of its digitalization drive, has established a modernized land record management system.

The initiative which is aimed at fast-tracking land documentation includes scanning, geo-referencing and archiving of existing records.

In addition, the land-modernised system is expected to facilitate the retrieval of files for various purposes.

The digitization drive, he stated is expected to facilitate the automated workflow processes of the Commission.

He maintained that the system will see a facelift in improving maps and spatial data.

Other benefits, the Executive Secretary stated are to enable the Lands Commission to render services using a variety of digital platforms, automate workflow processes of the Commission, decentralization of services to augment the Information and Communication Technology infrastructure of the Lands Commission while retooling the Lands Commission by procuring state-of-the-art equipment, computers, servers, vehicles and develop online access to the Lands Commission.

The Executive Secretary was optimistic that the new system would facilitate a systematic recording/titling, verification.

This, he added, will speed up coverage and completion of land title records of the country.

The Commission, he noted prioritises training of employees in a bid to raise efficiency and performance.

Saglemi project Consultant did not perform its duty -Witness

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Alhaji Collins Dauda, Asutifi South MP

Reverend Stephen Yaw Osei, Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Housing says Consultants for the Saglemi Housing Project, Architectural & Engineering Services Limited (AESL) did not perform their duty to ensure that the country had value for money.

Per his account before Justice Dr Ernest Owusu, a Court of Appeal judge, with an additional responsibility of the High Court, the state owned enterprise, AESL, together with Vito-Hugo-Coordenacaoe Gesto De Projectos (VHM), virtually slept on the job.

According to him, it is the duty of AESL, per the Escrow Management Account (EMA), to verify and certify milestone reports and advance payments to the project Contractor, OAS, but did not do so.

He explained that AESL failed to ensure deductions of 40% of the contract sum, representing US$80 million and advanced mobilisation given to the Contractor, whenever it raised certificates for payments.

Rev. Osei, prosecution first witness (PW1), on Thursday, 1st February 2024, further blamed the sector ministry for not also conducting internal validation on the certificates to check whether they consolidate work done.

His testimony under cross-examination prompted Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, Counsel for one of the two former ministers standing trial, Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, to ask various questions.

The Counsel asked the Witness whether AESL was also charged before the court and the answer was absolute no.
Mr. Tamakloe further added that, neither the EMA nor the Public Financial Management Act or Regulations assigns any internal responsibility on the ministry in respect of the contract.
PW1 concurred and added that the ministry has a larger oversight responsibility to ensure value for money for the work done.

As it stands, five people, Alhaji Collins Dauda and Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, both former ministers for Works and Housing; Ridge Management Solutions DEC-LLL (RMS), representative and Director of VHM; Nouvi Tettey Angelo, former Chief Director at the Ministry, Ziblim Yakubu and Andrew Clocanas, then Executive Chairman of Construtora OAS Ghana Limited. Andrew died in the course of the trial.

They have been charged for failing to construct 5,000 housing units with US$200 million, which was borrowed for that purpose, thereby causing financial loss to the Republic of Ghana.

Some questions and answer;

Court: How much more can you finish?
Counsel: I have a few rounds on the payments and maybe wrap up.
Cross examination

Q. At the last adjourned date you indicated to the court that you were concerned about works at the Ministry of Water Resources and housing and that what went on at the ministry of finance was not a matter that converts you?

A. Yes. I don’t have any jurisdiction at the ministry of finance.
Q. Now, you do know that as the current Chief Director of the ministry, when certificates are raised by the contractor working for your ministry the ultimate decision to Honour the certificate or not lies with the ministry of finance. Correct?

A. Yes.
Q. And in this specific case, I’m suggesting to you that the Director of Budget at the ministry of the Finance in the person of Patrick Nomoo was the person who, on August 19, 2015, wrote to the Governor of Bank of Ghana to effect payments to VHM Ghana Limited and Ridge Management Solutions?

A. I’m not aware of that. All that I know is that request is done at the ministry and then the honorable minister writes to his colleague at Finance for payment. I’m not aware.
Q. Reverend, this afternoon you are simply saying that you are not aware because you know very well that this is what pertains within the two ministries?

A. The usual thing that happen between ministries is that request for payment is to be sent to the finance ministry for payment. It is the duty minister who forward that request unless he is not there and …
Q. And so even from your testimony you will notice that the minister only forwards the request to the paying ministry, which is the finance ministry. Correct?

A. The minister will only forward the request for release of funds after the internal checks and the honourable minister will update himself with the process before he forwards same to the finance.

Q. So, I’m correct to say that the schedule officer at the Ministry of Finance can reject or accept the copies that have been forwarded if the conditions are not satisfied. Correct?

A. I have already said I don’t have jurisdiction of what happens at the Finance ministry or responsibility over the ministry.
Q. I’m suggesting to you that, the Finance ministry if not satisfied with the IPCs that have been forwarded, it can reject them?

A. I have already told this court that according to the EMA, the role of the stakeholders was clearly defined.
Q. The Ministry of Finance was the borrower?
A. The contractor was OAS.

Q. The ministry of water resources works and housing is the developer as well as the account holder?

A. The BoG was the Accountant. The project was a project of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing and, therefore, the ministry was to ensure that the project succeeds by observing all the rules for a successful implementation of the projects.
Therefore, issues of validation of certificates and other processes were part of the responsibilities of the ministry that the state get value for money for the projects executed.

Q. And it is this validation of certificates that the amount was ceded to AESL because the minister himself does not go to the field?

A. It’s not. This is issue of various responsibilities. According to the EMA, when certificates are raised by the contractor, OAS sent to the consultant and a copy is sent to the ministry. It is not for anything why a copy is sent to the ministry. It is for a purpose, so the ministry can do its internal purpose to ensure that the milestone raised by the contractor corresponds to the amount of money to be paid to the contractor.

Q. So from this very testimony, you kept using the ministry because the ministry has different departments with specific responsibilities on this matter? Correct?
A. Yes.

Q. So that, there is a Director of Housing who has ultimate responsibility on ensuring that this internal rules and procedures are fully complied with. Correct?
A. It’s not and the reason is that, all letters or mails are sent to the Hon. Minister and then the minister will direct the Chief Director to take further actions if the need be. So Director of Housing will only work on documents referred to him or her by the Hon. Minister through the Chief Director.

Q. Kindly show him Exhibit H. Please look at paragraph 9:3:6, can you read the content to the hearing of the court?
A. Duties of the project consultant shall be limited to verifying and certified milestone reports and advance payments…in accordance with EMA agreements.

Q. Is it your case as you testified now that the project consultant did not perform its duty?

A. The project consultant did not perform its duty in the sense that when the EMA was…that is when the contract is signed between the ministry and the contractor. 40% of the contract sum representing US$80 million was to be given to the contractor, it was done.

The consultant was to start deducting monies from certificates raised by the contractor and my lord, the consultant failed to deduct part of the advanced mobilization to the state. That’s why I said they did not perform their duties.

Q. And confirm this to the court, the consultant here is AESL, correct?
A. There are two Consultants, AESL and VHM
Q. Have a look at Exhibit J. Show him page 9 of Exhibit J. The very last paragraph numbered 3. What’s the heading?

A. Obligations of the consultant.
Q. Can you read to the hearing of this court paragraph 3.1.1?

A. It stated that the consultant shall perform the services and carry out their obligations with all professional standards, employ appropriate technology, act in respect of any other activities related to this project and shall at all time report…

Q. And in this case, the client you referenced in paragraph 3.1.1 is the Ministry of Water Resources Works and Housing?

A. Yes.
Q. Now as you testify now, AESL is not one of the accused persons here. Correct?
A. Yes. I have said that I’m not the prosecutor and I don’t determine who comes to court.

Q. You see, Rev from your own Exhibit J. Verifying and certifying milestone reports are the responsibilities limited to AESL form Exhibit J?

A. On the context of exhibit J, it is yes. I have already testified in this court that the EMA clearly stated that when milestones achieved by the contractor should be sent to the consultant and a copy is sent to the ministry.

Even though internal validation processes are not stated here, either on Exhibit H or J, it goes to a larger extent to ensure value for money for work done. As I have said earlier, if the internal processes have been followed, issue of deduction of advanced mobilization from the contractors …

Q. From your own testimony you have confirmed this internal validation processes are outside Exhibit J.
A. Yes. We are in this court because the internal processes were not followed. If the dictate of the EMA have been followed as prescribed, the issue of value for money would have been ensured.

Q. This internal processes you alluded to are not in the Public Financial Management Act or in the Public Management Regulations. Correct?
A. It’s not true.

Q. Now can you tell the court where in the Public Financial Management Act and Regulations made under it is this internal processes stated?
Court: You cannot ask the witness of what is in the law.
Counsel: the witness has not proven he lacks capacity to answer this question.

Q. I’m putting it you that this internal processes you alluded to are not in the Public Financial Management Act or Regulations, but purely internal matter?
A. PMFA 921 enjoins the account holder and spending officer to ensure that funds allotted to the entity or the ministry are well protected and accounted for. Therefore, the internal processes are all geared towards ensuring accountability and value for money for the state.

Q. You see the agreement between the ministry and the consultant (AESL) was signed in April 2013 but the PMFA Act was passed in 2016.
A. Yes

Case adjourned to February 6 at 1:30pm

Accurate Giant Company Donates Vehicle to New Edubiase Police

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Kwofie Hanson speaking at the presentation ceremony

To help the police in New Edubiase, in the Adansi South District of Ashanti region, deal effectively with crime and other related matters, the Executive Director of Accurate Giant Company, Mr. Alex Kwofie Hanson, has donated a brand new 4×4 Nissan Pick-Up to them.

Mr. Kwofie Hanson noted at the presentation ceremony that there are many institutions in New Edubiase and that these institutions needed to be protected from operations of criminals, hence the donation of the vehicle to the police to help them deal decisively with those miscreants.

DCE Ankomah handing over keys to the vehicle to COP George Ankomah

Mr. Hanson said the vehicle will also help the police in the management of the upcoming general elections in the country.

He emphasised that the gesture was the company’s real commitment to ensure that the police are assisted to perform their duty well.

The Adansi South DCE, Mr. Francis Ankomah, called for more police personnel to be posted to the district pointing out that the district has as many as over 400 communities and would, therefore, need more police to manage it.

The donated vehicle

The Edubiasehemaa, Nana Akua Dwum II, appealed to Edubiaseman to give the company the needed help to thrive so that it would, in turn, provide more amenities to the community.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP George Ankomah, who received the vehicle on behalf of the Police administration and the New Edubiase Police, thanked Mr. Hanson for the donation.

He called on other companies to emulate the shining example of Accurate Giant Company by coming in to support the police, to help them give adequate security and protection to the society.

From Frederick Danso Abeam, New Edubiase

Amma & Kwasi Prempeh Foundation donates to needy institutions, to mark anniversary

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Amma Prempeh - Founder

The Amma and Foundation has donated a number of items to 21 institutions in and outside Kumasi to mark the sixth anniversary of its founding, which fell on January 19.

The items include; water, cartons of oats, assorted drinks, personal protective equipment (PPE’s), T-shirts and Amazon fire computer tablets.

Donation at Kumasi Children’s Home

Beneficiary institutions in Kumasi includ the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Bomso Clinic, Asokwa Children’s Hospital, Kumasi Children’s Home, KNUST Hospital, Mount Zion Hospital and the Anglican Eye Clinic at Jachie in the Bosomtwe district.

Other beneficiaries are; Church of Christ Mission Clinic in Bomso, University Primary School and the Homeless on Kumasi streets and Alabar area in particular.

In Accra, the  distribution  was taken to the Cancer Research department of the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, Achimota School, The Royal Seed Orphanage Accra and Prima Medical Centre, as well as the Akropong School for the blind (Special Education School in Akropong), Akosombo Wood World Mission Training School & Nursery,

The Tamale Teaching Hospital, St. James Seminary School at Sunyani and the Takoradi District Hospital also received donations.

This year’s  charity  event,  during  which donations  were distributed were like the previous years, sponsored by family and friends of the  Founder, Miss Amma Prempeh, a United States-based Ghanaian journalist who doubles as Executive Producer, Film Director and Lawyer.

Ms. Prempeh thanked sponsors who have contributed to the success of the charity event over the years and hoped their support would complement her efforts to bring about change through her charity work and uplift the youth in Ghana.

At the Bomso clinic

Among the sponsors are; ⁠Mrs. Mabel Prempeh, ⁠Mr. Emanuel Nana Kwame Prempeh (Pharmacist UK), Mr. Edusei Prempeh (UK), ⁠Mr. Kwame A. Prempeh, ⁠Pastor Victor Kusi Boateng (Power Chapel Church, Kumasi), ⁠Mr. Richard Okai, ⁠Mr. Harry Asumadu (Pharmacist UK), Oheneba Owusu Afriyie IV, Otumfuo’s Apagyahene, Mr. Frank Fosuhene (Architect), Mr. Clement Amankwah (Investment Banker, UK), Mr. Manu Nankani & Suresh, Nana Kwame Bediako (Owner of Number One Oxford Street Hotel & Presidential Candidate – New Force), ⁠Mr. Kofi Appiah (Engineer, UK) and Nana  Apau Wiafe  Ababio Sanwoansan, Chief of Kwabre Heman.

The rest are ⁠Mr. Samuel Boadu and Mrs. Nancy Mensah (Rhode Island, USA ), Mr. Avedis Jeghalian (LLL), Mr. Kwaku Asamoah (UMB Bank), Nana Atta Poku Agyemang (Engineer), Mr. Kankam, Mrs. Mary Konadu,  Mrs. Julie Baidoo-Ansah (EfatabyJuba),  Mr. Dauda,  Mr. Mohammed Bawa and Mr. Simms.

Tinubu condoles with Namibia over death of president Geingob

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Namibian President Hage Geingob

President Bola Tinubu has, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, extended deep condolences to the government and people of Namibia over the passing of President Hage Geingob. The 82-year-old President Geingob died early Sunday in a hospital in Windhoek, his office said.

Mourning the death of the Namibian leader, Tinubu in a statement by his media aide on Sunday, described him as a “proponent of good governance, and advocate of economic, social, and political solidarity among African peoples.”

The Nigerian leader noted that “this tragedy comes at a time when Africa needs more visionary leaders who believe in the common destiny of the continent, and who can strengthen bonds across borders and spread the tendrils of cooperation across all fields of human endeavour.

“As Namibia mourns, President Tinubu assures the Republic that his thoughts and prayers, and indeed those of Nigerians, are with them,” the statement added.

Geingob, who was serving his second term as president and was his country’s first prime minister after independence, revealed last month that he was being treated for cancer.

Most recently, he took a stand by supporting South Africa’s complaint against Israel under the Genocide Convention and by condemning Namibia’s former colonial ruler Germany for rejecting the case.

Credit: channelstv.com

 

 

INEC suspends re-run elections in 20 PUs in three states

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INEC boss, Professor Mahmood Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the ongoing re-run elections in 20 polling units in specific constituencies in Enugu, Akwa-Ibom and Kano states.

It said this was due to disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, on Saturday in Abuja.

The affected constituencies according to Mr Olumekun include Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom; Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State; and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State.

Mr Olumekun said that elections in two polling units: Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA, where all election materials were carted away by hoodlums, have been suspended.

In Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State l, Mr Olumekun also announced the suspension of elections in all eight polling units where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls.

For Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State, he said that the commission also suspended elections in all 10 polling units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalisation and disruption by thugs.

Credit: premiumtimesng.com

INEC declares APC’s Ehindero winner of Ondo House of Reps bye-election

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feoluwa Ehindero, the declared winner

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of All Progressive Congress(APC), Ifeoluwa Ehindero, as the winner of the bye-election in Akoko North-East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency in Ondo State. The Returning Officer in the election, Prof. Johnson Fasinmirin, of the Federal University of Technology, Akure(FUTA) announced the results at the collation centre at Victory College, Ikare-Akoko.

Fasinmirin said that the APC candidate polled 35,504 votes to defeat his closest rival Bada Olalekan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 15,328 votes.

According to him, the total votes cast were 51,896; the total valid votes were 51,341; while 555 votes were rejected.

The Federal Constituency became vacant in 2023 after the former legislator, Hon. Olubummi Tunji-Ojo resigned, following his appointment as Minister of Interior by President Bola Tinubu.

Credit: channelstv.com

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