INEC Must Not Allow This Election To Be Rigged – ADC National Chairman

 

 

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress [ADC], Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu has called on the management of the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] to follow the path of honour by maintaining their policy of continuous improvement of the nation’s electoral systems and process which they have done so well and committed so much resources build.

“They must not at this time collude with unpatriotic elements and self-serving politicians to compromise the integrity of the commission and our democracy. The scandalous flirtation between some of its ad-hoc staff and principal officers is capable of discrediting the effort the commission, the political parties and Nigeria citizen especially the youths to ensure that our nation takes its rightful position in the comity of nations. He calls INEC to ensure that the right thing is done in light of the unfolding events surrounding the ongoing presidential election of 2023. It smacks of gross irresponsibility for the commission and its staff to attempt to mess with the much prized BVARS and servers in spite of the commitment and understanding of all stakeholders and our international friends”.

 

The National Chairman made the call in a Press Statement made available to pressmen in Abuja where he cited the serious works and efforts put in by the electoral umpire and commended them for conducting the 2023 general elections under very difficult circumstances but urged them to endeavour to finish well to help our nation heal and democracy to continue to advance.

 

While commending the INEC, Chief Okey Nwosu urged the INEC to remain neutral and unbiased in its execution of this critical election. “The voices that spoke so loudly and clearly cannot be allowed to be drowned by the evil machination of a few, that had put Nigeria in darkness since independence. The unfolding incidents around the many regions are simply unfortunate and near despicable.”

 

Chief Okey Nwosu said the liaison between INEC and Governor Wike and some other influential persons in Imo, Edo, Delta and Lagos, almost marred the great preparation and readiness of the commission to give Nigerians a quality election that is adjudged as free, fair and credible. The noticeable and embarrassing irregularities appear suspicious to the citizens of Nigeria and to the many international observers who came from as far as the United States of American, EU, South Africa and other countries.

 

“The political shenanigans include the stampede, hijack and destruction of electoral materials in Imo state, and crude fifth columnists’ antics of Governors of Imo, Rivers, Kaduna and the managers of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu campaign organization”.

 

“The youths and majority of our citizens have made so much sacrifice for this day. It behoves INEC and President Buhari to take whatever steps necessary to correct the abnormalities of today in all carry over elections and uphold the integrity of the nation’s electoral process. After 24years, our democracy should be making steady progress.”

 

He continued that “residents in Rumuonhwa polling unit in Rivers state, have cried out over claims made by the INEC adhoc staff that they forgot the Presidential ballot papers and so they would only proceed with the National Assembly elections. A woman who was at the polling unit and recorded a video demanded for INEC to do the right thing and not prevent them from casting their votes for their preferred candidates”. Nwosu questioned, How can INEC say they forgot the ballot papers when they went to the polling station to conduct the Presidential election.

 

“All SPOs in Obio Akpor LGA disappeared with BVAS password for uploading results, only for the CSO to Governor Wike to appear with armed policemen, shot sporadically in the air and then took away all the BVAS machines to Obio Akpor LGA Headquarters. It seemed planned in connivance with the INEC officers and Adhoc team”.

 

Concerning the upload of results and the faults that suddenly developed by the BVAS, Chief Nwosu frowned at the electoral umpire. He indicated that information from our party’s agents in the field has it that in places like Agege, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Surulere, and Ibeju Lekki in Lagos State amongst others where results shows that the Labour Party won convincingly, the INEC officials claim that the BVAS suddenly developed fault. “The developing third force is a collective effort and sacrices of Nigeria youths following the tragedies of the end SARS and cluelessness of the political elites, executive branch and legislators. The Nigeria youths and citizens deserve their victory and no wedge must be placed on their way”.

“It is beyond reason that in Lagos, many of the INEC staff refused to upload the results for the presidential election. This is as they uploaded the results of Senate and House of Representatives.” According to eyewitnesses, the INEC and their collaborators were using the police to drive agents of the Labor party, the ADC Star Alliance and their supporters out of the voting places. The INEC staff claim they have concrete instructions from the INEC headquarters not to upload. “Why must this be, especially after the promises and Peace Accord”

Chief Nwosu continued to add that “INEC must provide a clear and immediate explanation why the results were stopped from being uploaded. It was done in Osun and in Ekiti, and we set the protocol for this election before all stakeholder. Who is subverting the process?”

“Nigeria cannot be allowed to descend to anarchy. We have come along way. INEC and the federal government should ensure the anomalies of the elections are rectified. The people of Nigeria have spoken and they spoke loudly and clearly. INEC must not allow this election to be rigged.”

–

Signed

 

Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu

National Chairman

 

Africa needs to curb emissions to attract investments

 

Niamey, 25 February (ECA) – The Institute for Development and Economic Planning (IDEP) held on Saturday 25 February a webinar on “How Africa can go green through a clean energy strategy” in preparation for the 9^th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development scheduled to take place in Niamey (Niger) from 28 February to March 2^nd, 2023.

 

Urbanization and population growth are putting intense pressure on Africa’s energy infrastructure. Demand is significantly outstripping supply leading to power cuts and limiting economic development. This situation may worsen further as Africa’s urban population keeps rising to an expected 1.2 billion by 2050.

 

Rising demand and oil prices, the looming depletion of global oil stocks and climate change mean that Africa’s traditional reliance on conventional energy sources is no longer a viable option. However, the continent’s clean energy transition is not without challenges either.

 

Africa is the continent with the highest renewable energy potential in the world and is the one with the least access to it, said Andrea Renzulli, Senior Expert at RES4AFRICA Foundation. Against global trends, the continent’s renewable energy investments have reached a historical low, accounting for only six percent of total investments in renewable energy.

 

In West Africa, for example, regulatory barriers are partly to blame for the slow development of renewables, said Mr Renzulli, stressing that the slow regional integration process, unclear routes to market, non-cost reflective tariffs and the inefficiency of infrastructures are having a negative impact.

 

Yet, renewable energy could greatly contribute to West Africa’s development provided its natural (solar, wind and hydropower) resources are properly exploited. According to IRENA estimates, West Africa’s renewable potential is around 37 times its current energy production levels (i.e. 82.5 TWh including non-renewable production), Mr Renzulli added.

 

A transition to clean energy can bring many benefits, such as access to energy for all or opportunities for leapfrogging. It can also have a positive impact on other economic sectors, health and pollution levels, etc. said Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga, UNFCCC Director for Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress.

 

According to IDEP Director Karima Bounemra Ben Soltane, Africa can become a major supplier of gas. Beyond meeting its own needs, the region can help achieve energy security in Europe. To do so, Africa must increase and diversify its energy supply chain. “Even if Africa is not known for being one of the main polluters, it needs to start curbing emissions to attract investments,” insisted Bounemra Ben Soltane.

 

In a presentation on capacity building prospects and partnerships opportunities in the clean energy sector, head of the IDEP’s E-Learning, Knowledge & Management Division, Thierry Amoussougbo, discussed strategic steps required for Africa’s successful transition to clean energy such as harmonising regulatory frameworks, reducing investment risks and providing public private partnership opportunities to attract investors and step up the private sector’s contribution.

 

Other key interventions include facilitating trade in renewable energy across the region, large scale training policies to reach a critical mass of expertise that will facilitate the continent’s transition to clean energy, including by adapting curricula and improving policy makers’ ability to move from the planning to the execution stages.

 

Recommendations from the webinar on “How Africa can go green through a clean energy strategy” will contribute to the conversation at the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) jointly organized from 28 February to 2 March by the Economic Commission for Africa and the Government of Niger, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and other entities in the United Nations system.

 

This year’s edition of ARFSD will be an opportunity to assess Africa’s progress in the implementation of several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy); SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation); SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure); SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities); and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals) and the corresponding goals of Agenda 2063.

 

The African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) is a pan-African institution created in 1962 by the UN General Assembly whose primary purpose is to support African countries’ efforts to develop their human resource capacities to promote their socio-economic development.

 

 

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L’Afrique doit réduire ses émissions pour attirer les investissements

 

Niamey, 25 février (CEA) – L’Institut pour le Développement et la Planification Economique (IDEP) de la CEA a organisé samedi 25 février un webinaire sous le thème : « Comment l’Afrique peut adopter une politique verte grâce à une stratégie d’énergie propre » dans le cadre des préparatifs de la 9^ème session du Forum régional Afrique sur le Développement Durable, prévu à Niamey (Niger) du 28 février au 2 mars 2023.

 

L’urbanisation et la croissance démographique exercent une pression intense sur les infrastructures énergétiques africaines. La demande dépasse considérablement l’offre, entraînant des coupures d’électricité et limitant le développement économique des pays. Une situation qui pourrait s’aggraver davantage à l’heure où le nombre d’Africains vivant en zones urbaines continue d’augmenter, leurs effectifs étant prévus à 1,2 milliard d’ici 2050.

 

Face à la hausse de la demande et des prix du pétrole, à l’épuisement imminent des stocks mondiaux de pétrole et au changement climatique, la dépendance traditionnelle du continent vis-à-vis des énergies conventionnelles n’est plus une option viable. Cependant, la transition énergétique propre du continent n’est pas non plus sans défis.

 

L’Afrique est le continent du monde au potentiel énergétique renouvelable le plus élevé au monde mais aussi celui qui y a le moins accès selon Andrea Renzulli, expert senior à la Fondation RES4AFRICA. A contre-courant de la tendance mondiale, les investissements dans les énergies renouvelables y ont récemment atteint un niveau historiquement bas avec seulement 6 % du total des investissements dans les énergies renouvelables.

 

Dans le cas de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, les barrières réglementaires sont en partie responsables du lent développement des énergies renouvelables selon A. Renzulli, la lenteur du processus d’intégration régionale, l’accès insuffisamment clair aux marchés, les tarifs ne reflétant pas les coûts et l’inefficacité des infrastructures ayant eu un impact négatif.

 

Pourtant, les énergies renouvelables de la sous-région pourraient contribuer de manière significative à son développement à condition que ses ressources naturelles (solaires, éoliennes et hydroélectriques) soient exploitées de manière adéquate. Selon les estimations de l’IRENA, le potentiel renouvelable de l’Afrique de l’Ouest est d’environ 37 fois sa production d’énergie actuelle (soit 82,5 TWh, production non renouvelable inclue), a-t-il indiqué.

 

Une transition vers l’énergie propre peut apporter de nombreux avantages, tels que l’accès à l’énergie pour tous ou la possibilité de sauter des étapes de développement. Elle pourrait également avoir un impact positif sur d’autres secteurs économiques, la santé de la population ou les niveaux de pollution, etc., a indiqué Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga, Directrice du soutien intergouvernemental et du progrès collectif auprès de la CCNUCC.

 

Selon Karima Bounemra Ben Soltane, Directrice de l’IDEP, l’Afrique peut devenir un important fournisseur de gaz capable non seulement de satisfaire ses propres besoins, mais aussi de contribuer à la sécurité énergétique de l’Europe. Pour ce faire, l’Afrique doit augmenter et diversifier sa chaîne d’approvisionnement énergétique. “Même si l’Afrique n’est pas connue pour être l’un des principaux pollueurs, elle doit commencer à réduire ses émissions pour attirer les investissements”, a insisté Bounemra Ben Soltane.

 

Lors d’une présentation sur les perspectives de renforcement des capacités et les opportunités de partenariats autour des énergies propres, le responsable IDEP de la Division de l’apprentissage en ligne et de la gestion des connaissances Thierry Amoussougbo s’est penché sur les étapes stratégiques nécessaires à la réussite de la transition du continent vers l’énergie propre, telles que l’harmonisation des cadres réglementaires, la réduction des risques liés à l’investissement, et la mise en place de partenariats public-privé pour attirer les investisseurs et accroître la contribution du secteur privé.

 

D’autres interventions clés comprennent la facilitation du commerce des énergies renouvelables dans la région, le développement de politiques de formation à grande échelle pour atteindre la masse critique d’expertise nécessaire à la transition du continent vers l’énergie propre, cette dernière nécessitant notamment l’adaptation des programmes de formation et le renforcement de la capacité des décideurs à passer de la planification à l’exécution des politiques.

 

Les recommandations du webinaire « Comment l’Afrique peut adopter une politique verte grâce à une stratégie d’énergie propre » seront soumises dans le cadre des contributions au Forum régional africain sur le développement durable (FRADD), organisé conjointement la semaine prochaine par la Commission économique pour l’Afrique  et le Gouvernement du Niger, en collaboration avec la Commission de l’Union africaine, la Banque Africaine de Développement et d’autres entités du système des Nations Unies.

 

Cette année, le FRADD sera l’occasion d’évaluer les progrès de l’Afrique dans la mise en œuvre de plusieurs objectifs de développement durable, notamment l’ODD 7 (recours au énergies renouvelables) ; ODD 6 (accès à l’eau salubre et à l’assainissement); ODD 9 (industrie, innovation et infrastructure) ; ODD 11 (villes et communautés durables) ; et l’ODD 17 (partenariats pour les objectifs mondiaux) et les objectifs correspondants de l’Agenda 2063.

 

L’Institut Africain de Développement Economique et de Planification (IDEP) est une institution panafricaine créée en 1962 par l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies dont le but premier est de soutenir les efforts des pays africains pour développer les ressources humaines nécessaires à leur développement socio-économique.

 

 

Niamey hosts the 7th edition of the Coding Camp for connected girls in Africa

 

Niamey, Niger, February 24, 2022 – The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in collaboration with the Government of Niger and UN-WOMEN, is organizing from February 20 to March 1 in Niamey, Niger, its 7th edition of coding training for young girls in Africa.

Approximately 100 Nigerien girls aged 12 to 25 are participating in person in this coding camp in Niamey.

This training, which is part of the ECA’s “Young African Women Connected Coding Camp” initiative, aims to promote access to ICTs for these girls, provide them with a good foundation for long-term success in their employment, business creation or further education, and build important partnerships.

The launching ceremony of this coding camp was chaired by the Minister of Post and New Information Technologies, Mr. Hassane Moussa Baraze, in the presence of the Minister of Women’s Promotion and Child Protection, Ms. Allahoury Aminata Zourkaleini, the Minister of National Education, Mr. Ibrahim Natatou, Members of the Parliament, the Director of the ECA Sub Regional Office for Africa, Ms. Ngone Diop, the Director of the ECA Division of Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, the Representative of UNWOMEN in Niger, Ms. MIAN DJANGONE Anne Marie Rachelle and several guests.

In his launching speech of this coding camp, the Minister of Post and New Information Technologies of Niger, Mr. Hassane Moussa Baraze, said it was imperative to strengthen vocational training in general and that of young girls in particular and operationalize the skills required to drive creativity and innovation.

“Technology skills can lift women out of poverty by providing them with middle and higher level jobs. It is also a stepping stone for high-potential women to higher levels. It also reduces the gender gap between men and women,” said Hassane Moussa Baraze.

The Director of the ECA Sub-Regional Office for West Africa, Ms. Ngone Diop said that “In Niger, 70% of the population does not yet have access to the Internet & this segment of the population excluded from its use is mainly made up of women, young people and the elderly”.

“More than ever, Africa must accelerate digital transformation initiatives by strengthening the participation of youth in STEM activities,” said Ms. Ngone Diop.

The ECA’s Director of Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Jean Paul Adam, he said that since the launch of this initiative in 2019, “ECA has already had to train more than 20,000 young women and girls, with 239 innovative projects and 49 awards for the best prototypes designed to solve the socio-economic challenges of the continent across the continent.”

This Nigerien girls’ coding camp covers technical areas such as animation, gaming and web development, robotics and the Internet of Things, and 3D printing.

It also includes generic cognitive processes such as project development, design thinking, and the role of women in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

 

For further  information, please contact :   Tahirou Gouro, Communication, Officer  ECA/SRO-WA  Email :  gouro2@un.org

 

 

Election violence: SERAP writes Biden, seeks visa bans, property sanctions against perpetrators

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the US President Joe Biden to exercise his powers “pursuant to the Presidential Proclamations 7750 and 8697 and the Immigration and Nationality Act to ban Nigerian officials, politicians and other perpetrators and sponsors of violence during the just concluded elections.”

 

SERAP also urged Mr Biden to “use the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to block or revoke the visas of anyone suspected to be responsible for cases of intimidation, harassment and violence during the elections, and to impose asset freezes and property sanctions on them and their families.”

 

The letter followed reports of cases of election-related intimidation, harassment and violence in several states of the country, including in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Gombe, Lagos, Edo, Ogun, Osun, Rivers, and Taraba states, and Abuja.

 

In the letter dated 25 February, 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The imposition targeted sanctions against suspected perpetrators and sponsors of election-related violence in Nigeria would promote accountability, end impunity, and deter human rights violations.”

 

SERAP said, “Applying the presidential proclamations, Global Magnitsky Act, and Immigration and Nationality Act as recommended would be very helpful to the efforts to stop further violence before, during and after elections, facilitate free and fair elections, and encourage the people to exercise their right to vote.”

 

The letter, read in part: “The recommended travel bans, asset freezes and property sanctions should also cover anyone who may perpetrate and sponsor violence and human rights crimes during the postponed elections in 141 polling units, and the governorship elections scheduled for March 2023.”

 

“SERAP welcomes your government’s publicly expressed commitment to impose visa restrictions on officials, politicians and other perpetrators and sponsors of election-related intimidation, harassment, and violence. We urge you to include asset freezes and property sanctions on the list.”

 

“Giving serious consideration to our recommendations and promptly implementing them would give meaning to this commitment, and demonstrate the willingness of your government to support and strengthen democracy, citizens’ participation and the rule of law, as well as end a culture of election-related violence in Nigeria.”

 

“SERAP notes that presidential proclamations 7750 and 8697 underscore the US ‘enduring commitment to respect for human rights and humanitarian law’, which requires that its Government be able to ensure that the US does not become a safe haven for suspected violators of human rights, including election-related intimidation, harassment and violence.”

 

“The proclamations also aim to help the US authorities to secure peace, promote the rule of law, combat crime and corruption, and strengthen democracies around the globe.”

 

“Significantly, the presidential proclamations underscore that it is in the interests of the United States to take action to restrict the international travel and to suspend the entry into the United States, as immigrants or non-immigrants, of certain persons who are suspected to be involved in serious violations of human rights.”

 

“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, officials and politicians and other suspected perpetrators and sponsors of election-related violence will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those who directly or indirectly undermine democracy in Nigeria.”

 

“Under these provisions, certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including before, during and after the elections which took place on 25 February 2023 may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.”

 

“SERAP urges you to apply the presidential proclamations, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act as instruments of foreign policy to promote targeted sanctions against officials, politicians and other suspected perpetrators and sponsors of election violence.”

 

“Applying these instruments would also end election-related intimidation, harassment and violence, and facilitate equivalent visa bans, asset freezes and property sanctions in other globally desirable locations as well.”

 

“Proactive initiatives by your government to protect democracy, citizens’ right to political participation and the rule of law in Nigeria would invariably be in the best long-term interests of the US. Such initiatives would also be entirely consistent with the US international obligations.”

 

“Such sanctions would not violate due process and presumption of innocence principles, as long as the reasons for the sanctions are communicated to those that may be affected. The imposition of travel bans, asset freezes and property sanctions is a preventive and not punitive measure.”

 

“According to our information, the Presidential and National Assembly elections which took place today across the country were characterized by cases of election-related intimidation, harassment and violence in many states. There are reports of loss of lives, injuries and disruption of the voting process in many states.”

 

“Armed thugs also disrupted elections in several states of the country including in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Gombe, Lagos, Edo, Ogun, Osun, Rivers, and Taraba states, and the Federal Capital Territory.”

 

“Armed thugs snatched ballot boxes, took away election materials, broke chairs and dispersed voters in several areas of in Kogi State, including in Anyigba Dekina towns. Thugs also reportedly attacked polling units in polling units in Niger, Delta and Katsina states, stealing at least eight BVAS machines.”

 

“Presidential and national assembly elections were postponed in 141 polling units in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State because of incidents of election-related intimidation, harassment and violence.”

 

“A pregnant woman identified as Ruth Osah, and a member of a local security outfit, Mark Orduize, were allegedly killed at a polling unit in the Ubimini community, Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State. One person was reportedly killed in Taraba State.”

 

“Armed thugs also injured two voters in Akwa Ibom State before carting away a Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation Machine System machine for units 11 and 12 at the Oniong West Ward I in the Onna Local Government Area of the state.”

 

Thugs also reportedly snatched ballot boxes and voting materials at the Oredo Ward 4 Unit 42 on Butcher Street, Benin, Edo State, and chased away the polling officials. Political thugs also destroyed 24 ballot boxes in at least eight polling units in Abuja.”

 

“On Dipolubi Street in the Surulere area of Lagos, a woman, Efidi Bina Jennifer, was allegedly stabbed by thugs at the polling unit. A polling unit outside the Oba Elegushi Palace at Ikate in Eti-Osa, Lekki, was also reportedly attacked by thugs, who carted away ballot boxes and chased away electoral officers.”

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

26/2/2023

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202