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INEC, stakeholders strategise for Jigawa by-election

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The Independent National Electoral Commission held a crucial stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday at its office in Babura, Jigawa State, as part of preparations for the upcoming by-election in the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency.

PUNCH Online reports that the by-election was necessitated by the death of the constituency’s representative, Isa Yaro, who passed away on May 10, 2024, at the age of 46.

To fill the vacant seat, the by-election has been scheduled by INEC for August 16, 2025.

Interest in the election is high, with the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party nominating Rabiu Mukhtar and Auwalu Manzo, respectively, as their candidates.

The meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including security agencies, political party representatives, community leaders, and members of transport workers’ unions.

Speaking during the meeting, the Electoral Officer of Babura Local Government, Hafiz Khalid, outlined the schedule of election activities and emphasised the importance of cooperation and transparency at every stage.

According to him, the by-election is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation and support of all stakeholders.

Khalid described the meeting as a platform for stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the success of the electoral process and urged everyone present to work together to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election.

Stakeholders at the meeting made valuable contributions and raised critical questions aimed at enhancing the credibility and smooth conduct of the electoral process.

Logistics, security, voter sensitisation, and the conduct of political parties were among the key issues discussed during the two-hour meeting.

In his remarks, the District Head of Babura, Alhaji Muhd Mustapha, who was present at the meeting, expressed his commitment to supporting INEC and ensuring a peaceful election.

“We will work with INEC to ensure that the by-election is successful,” he said.

Also speaking after the meeting, Nura Abubakar, a representative of a community-based organisation, expressed confidence in INEC’s capacity to deliver a credible process.

“We are optimistic that INEC will do the needful and ensure that the by-election is free and fair,” he said.

Another stakeholder, Haruna Aminu of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, said:

“We are educated on the task ahead of us and the contribution expected from us in the electoral process,” he said.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work in synergy to ensure the by-election’s success. Participants pledged to support INEC’s efforts in delivering a peaceful and credible exercise.

Representatives of security agencies also assured of their readiness to provide adequate security.

“We will ensure that the election is peaceful and secure,” said one security officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

He added, “The meeting was successful as INEC showed its level of commitment to transparency and accountability in the forthcoming electoral process. INEC officials assured us in front of all stakeholders that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure a credible election.”

The Babura/Garki by-election is shaping up to be a closely contested race, with multiple political parties vying to fill the vacant seat.

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Two die as mining pit collapses in Ebonyi

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The Ebonyi State Government has said it has commenced investigation into the collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu village, Ishiagu community, in the Ivo Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, stated this at the site during a fact finding mission with federal mining officers and security agencies, on Friday.

Two persons lost their lives, while three other sustained varying degree of injuries when a section of the mining pit caved in, penultimate Friday.

The incident had been blamed on negligence on the part of pit operator, Greenfield Metals Ltd. But according to the commissioner, preliminary investigation suggested it was a case of natural occurrence.

He said, “Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards. From our preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence.

“Investigation is ongoing by all regulatory bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, police, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to ensure transparency.

“If we find recklessness, we will act accordingly. But if it is a natural disaster, we must accept it as such.”

He therefore commiserated with the bereaved families, adding the site was not leased out to illegal miners as being alleged.

The commissioner urged the public not to worsen the grief of families with false claims and reiterated the state did not encourage illegal mining.

“Here, we fully respect licenses issued by the Federal Government,” he said.

A community leader, who doubles as the Ihetutu Development Union Board of Trustees Chairman, Prince Fabian Chukwu,said the company had empowered a lot of people in the community.

“They built the road to this site and never delayed in giving the community its due entitlements.

“That is why we stand by them in this unfortunate incident,” he added.

The company had since suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of investigations.

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Man kills self in Imo over hardship, family neglect

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Tragedy struck Amakpu Okuku community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday morning when a man in his 50s, identified simply as Odomma, was found dead after allegedly taking his own life.

Residents said the father of four, who sold water in jerry cans and buckets, had long struggled with financial difficulties that left him unable to fend for himself and his family.

His body was discovered hanging in an uncompleted building near his residence as people headed out for their daily activities.

According to villagers, Odomma had threatened to commit suicide about three months ago, complaining that his wife and children had allegedly stopped giving him food because he could no longer provide for the family.

A community member, who simply identified as Ikenna, told our correspondent that the deceased had shared his frustrations with a few friends.

“He said if the situation continued, he would take his life to end the misery.

“We advised him to report the matter to the village head for settlement. Sadly, he chose this path. Just see how this man ended his life because of money. He could have sold his GP tank or generator to get food, but he decided to take his life. Now others will gather to eat and he won’t be part of it,” Ikenna said.

Eyewitnesses said tens of residents rushed to the scene after hearing the news, crowding the uncompleted building to catch a glimpse of the lifeless body and filming with their phones.

Odomma, who was widely patronised in the community for water sales priced from ₦100 upwards, was described as hardworking but visibly depressed in recent months.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Imo State, Henry Okoye, said he would verify the incident with the Divisional Police Officer of Owerri West.

“Please give me some minutes to call and confirm from the DPO of Owerri West Local Government Area. I will get back to you shortly,” he said. However, subsequent attempts to reach him were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable.

More details to follow

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Japan designates city as hometown for Nigerians

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The government of Japan on Thursday named the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country as part of its strategic efforts to deepen cultural diplomacy, promote economic growth and enhance workforce productivity.

This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.

The statement noted that under the new partnership, announced on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development, the Japanese government will create a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work.

“Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan.

“Japan International Cooperation Agency, in a ceremony, also named the cities of Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture the hometown of Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture the hometown of Mozambique.

“Through the arrangement, Japan looks to strengthen exchanges with the four African countries by officially connecting municipalities with existing relations with those nations,” the statement stated.

On her part, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires, Mrs. Florence Adeseke, also the Acting Ambassador to Japan, and Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu, received the certificate from the Japanese government naming Kisarazu the hometown of Nigerians.

The four cities will foster a foundation for two-way exchanges for manpower development that will add value to the economic growth of Japan, Nigeria, and the other three African nations.

“Local authorities hope that the designations will increase the population of their cities, contributing to their regional revitalisation efforts.

“Kisarazu was the official host town of the Nigerian contingent for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The team conducted their pre-games training camps and acclimatisation in the city before moving to the Olympic village, in the COVID-19 delayed Olympic Games,” it added.

In his opening address at the TICAD9, where he announced $5.5 billion in New investment in Africa, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasised the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative efforts for Africa’s development. The Prime Minister outlined Japan’s focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged the challenges of Japan’s ageing population but emphasised that locally rooted solutions are essential for Africa’s development.

“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at the TICAD 9, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and Regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa”.

He appealed to African countries to assist Japan as it grapples with the challenges of a declining population and shrinking agricultural land.

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