INEC Replies Atiku, PDP, Says We Are Going To Grant You Access To Election Materials When …..

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has in a
riposte replied the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its
Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on its reasons for
denying the party access to inspect the election materials used
during the presidential election.

Recall that PDP had on Saturday accused the commission’s
chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu of disobeying the ruling of an
Appeal Court, which directed it to allow its candidate, Atiku
access to inspect the documents and materials used in the
presidential election.

The party equally accused INEC of colluding with the All
Progressives Congress, APC, to deny its candidates victories which
Nigerians have given them.

But reacting to the above allegations, spokesman of INEC
chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi who spoke to Thecable, opined, “It is
common knowledge that since the declaration of the results of the
presidential election, the commission has been busy with the
multiple activities associated with the national assembly,
governorship, state houses of assembly and federal capital
territory elections.

“Only last Thursday, the commission presented certificates of
return to senators-elect and house of representatives
members-elect, including PDP members.

“Nevertheless, the commission will comply when the due process
is followed.”

Nigerian Army Commissions New Projects in
Bayelsa

The Nigerian Army has commissioned several landmark projects at
the 16 Brigade in Bayelsa State.

The projects commissioned include remodeled 16 Brigade Quarter
Guard, the Garrison Headquarters Complex,
Integrated Medical Centre, the Warrant Officers and Sergeants’ Mess
and ‘Tukur Buratai Camp’ accommodation.

Nigerian Army Projects Bayelsa

Commissioning the projects, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General
Tukur Burataion charged commanders to always impact positively on
their environment.

Represented by Commander, Training and Doctrine Command
(TRADOC), Major General AA Salihu, the COAS promised to provide
more funds for infrastructure in the Brigade and army formations
across the country.

He also called on the citizens to cooperate with the military by
providing useful information to tackle insecurity in the
country.

In his address at the occasion, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa
State, Rear Admiral Jonah Gboriagha (rtd) called on Nigerians not
to blame the army for its involvement in the 2019 general elections
saying he had investigated the Nigerian Army’s involvement in the
elections and found out that what they did was not different from
what the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai mandated
them.

While appealing to Nigerians to continue to support the Nigerian
army which he described as a stabilising factor, to discharge its
duties he recalled that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Buratai
had at different fora warned officers and soldiers of the Nigerian
Army to stick to the rules of engagement of participation in the
elections in suppory of the Nigerian Police Force.

He cited Section 217 of the 1999 constitution as amended which
empowers the army to support civil authority in addressing internal
security challenges when called upon.

Also speaking at the occasion, the GOC 6 Division Port Harcourt,
Major Gen. Jameel Sarham noted that the Brigade would assist in
addressing security challenges in Bayelsa and Niger Delta in
general.

Sarham thanked the state government for the support it provided
for the construction of the barracks.

Welcoming guest at the commissioning, Brigade Commander, 16
Brigade, Brigadier General Aligbe said what was required in the new
barracks now was perimeter fence, parade ground and officers’
quarters.

Statement by Col Sagir Musa
Acting Director, Army Public Relations.
………………