Observers say Saturday’s vote to re-elect Muhammadu Buhari or his main rival Atiku Abubakar is too close to call. The election was marred by technical issues that delayed the opening of polling stations in some areas.

Most polling stations closed at 2 p.m local time (1300 UTC) in Nigeria on Saturday following a delayed election to pick the president of Africa’s most populous nation and leading oil producer.

Despite a promise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that it had overcome logistical difficulties that forced the postponement of last weekend’s vote, some polling stations still opened hours late.

A coalition of civic groups said there were delays to the delivery of some materials and deployment of staff. Election officials allowed those stations to remain open past the afternoon deadline.

Incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari was one of the first to vote, and he emerged from the polling booth in his home town of Daura, in the northwest state of Katsina, to say he was confident of victory.

His main challenger, Atiku Abubakar, who represents the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), voted in Yola, in the northeastern state of Adamawa.

Early results have revealed Abubakar lost at his home polling station in the northern city of Yola, with Buhari coming in first place with 186 votes compared to 167 for Abubakar.

Economic woes weigh on Nigerians

Most observers say victory for either frontrunner is still too close to call, with the outcome set to hinge on which man voters most trust to revamp an economy still struggling to recover from a 2016 recession.

The results — including for a parliamentary election that ran alongside — are to be announced in the early part of next week.

Saturday’s election was postponed by a week just hours before polls were due to open on the morning of February 16 with officials blaming logistical challenges. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP accused each other of conspiring with INEC to rig the result.

Hours before polls opened on Saturday, suspected Islamist insurgents attacked the northeast town of Geidam, forcing residents to flee.

Despite the delays and concerns that heavy security may intimidate potential voters, Buhari described the voting process as « smooth. »

Some voters who made it to the polls encountered frustrating logistical problems. Before casting their ballot, registered voters must check to see if their serial number is listed on the wall at the polling station. But would-be voter Grace could not find her number on the list at a polling station in Abuja.

« I have checked, I can not see my own, » she told DW. « I have a voter’s card but I cannot vote because I don’t have my serial number. »

Grace was eventually assured by a polling station official that she would still be allowed to vote, however, DW cannot confirm that she cast her ballot.

#DefendYourVote

Nigerians are still divided over who deserves the top job. The majority of voters are under 35 and many young Nigerians want Buhari out.

« A lot of us are not happy, » one young woman told DW. « There is bloodshed, the government is not doing a lot [to fix] what is happening in this country. »

But others think Buhari deserves a second term, with one young male vote in Abuja telling DW: « He has fought corruption and he has actually provided direction. »

Despite the record number of registered voters, militant group Boko Haram warned people not to cast their ballots. The group and its offshoot, Islamic State in West Africa Province, have carried out deadly sporadic raids in the northeastern Borno state.

The election campaign has coincided with fresh violence in northern Nigeria, blamed on criminal gangs as well as Boko Haram jihadists. More than 200 people have died since the start of this month alone.

72.8 million voting cards

Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the INEC, said that 72.8 million cards had been collected out of 84 million registered voters. Candidates need to win the most votes and at least 25 percent support in two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.

Buhari was elected president in 2015, but many Nigerians believe he has failed to live up to his initial campaign promises which included cracking down on rampant corruption and fighting Boko Haram. For Abubakar, it is his fifth attempt at the presidency on the PDP ticket. The 72-year-old businessman-turned-politician has been implicated in a number of corruption scandals over the years.

Fanny Facsar contributed to this article

The National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus.

The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, on Saturday condemned the postponement of the 2019 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

In a statement his spokesperson, Ike Abonyi, Mr Secondus described the development as a deliberate plot by President Muhammadu Buhari to cling on to power even when it has become obvious to him that Nigerians want him out.

Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, announced at about 2:40 a.m. Saturday that the election had been postponed, barely hours after Nigerians were set to hit the polling units.

The elections would now hold on new dates scheduled as February 23 for presidential and National Assembly elections and March 9 for governorship and state assemblies elections.

Mr Yakubu said the announcement came hours after a string of strategic meetings were held by top INEC officials to review preparedness for the exercise. It was concluded that a rash of logistics challenges that arose on Friday informed the postponement.

Ekiti, Niger and Taraba States were identified as some of the states that faced glitches in distribution of voting materials that would be difficult to resolve in time for the elections Saturday morning, thereby forcing the postponement.

Nigerians online expressed severe disappointment in INEC’s decision, with many criticising the umpire for displaying incompetence since it had four years to prepare for the exercise.

Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate, also condemned the postponement and accused the Buhari administration of inflicting it on Nigerians to disenfranchise them.

Mr Secondus warned that the party will not accept anything short of a well organised electoral process devoid of manipulation, harassment and intimidation of voters and opposition elements.

« Having failed in all their nefarious options to enable them cling on to power, the APC and the INEC came up with the idea of shifting election an action that is dangerous to our democracy and unacceptable », Mr Secondus said.

Mr Secondus alleged that the APC in connivance with the INEC has been trying to undermine the exercise, including burning down INEC offices in some states and destroying electoral materials to create artificial problems upon which to stand for their dubious act.

« With several of their riggings failing, they have to force INEC to agree to a shift in the election or a staggered election with flimsy excuses pre-manufactured for the purpose.

« For the avoidance of doubt the PDP sees this action as wicked and we are also aware of other dubious designs like the deployment of hooded security operatives who would be ruthless on the people ostensibly to scare them away, » Mr Secondus said.

The National Chairman recalls that the PDP had earlier alerted Nigerians that the APC was coming up with lined up rigging strategies including burning down of INEC offices and engineering crisis in PDP strong hold areas to scare away the people.

Mr Secondus also blamed the killing of about 66 persons, including women and children, in Southern Kaduna on the APC, saying it was a scheme by the ruling party to frighten the people away from voting states.

Mr Secondus did not present any evidence to support his allegations against the APC on either the elections shift or the deaths in Kaduna State.

Earlier, Festus Keyamo, a spokesperson for Mr Buhari’s campaign, released a statement criticising the PDP as being behind the postponement, and called on Nigerians and the international community to safeguard the independence of the electoral commission from sinister influence of the opposition.

Source:Premium Times

By Ozibo Ozibo

A group of 71 lawmakers of the House of Representatives, mostly from the opposition PDP have canvassed for the return of Nigeria to the parliamentary system of government.

Briefing newsmen at the National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday, spokesmen of the group, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) and Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta), said the parliamentary system, as opposed to the presidential system, suited Nigeria because it was more friendly, cost effective and largely efficient in the conduct of government business.

Reading from the ‘Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2018,’ the lawmakers lamented that whereas countries under the parliamentary system were prospering, the presidential system had « reduced Nigeria to the poverty capital of the world. »

« We are 71 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives who feel that the parliamentary system of government promulgated by the Littleton Constitution of 1954 is the best for Nigeria since the presidential system has reduced us to the poverty capital of the world, » they said.

« Our position in this legislation clearly points to compelling advantages of parliamentary system of government, such as economic growth and development, as well as inherent efficiency in the conduct of government business.

« Studies have shown that countries under the presidential regime consistently produce lower output, volatile inflation and greater income inequality relative to those under parliamentary system, » the group also said.

However, their call came just few months to the expiration of the legislative life of the 8th Assembly, thus raising concern over the period required to push the bill through the normal legislative process.

The bill, if passed, will also require the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari to become law and be enshrined in the constitution.

Nigeria had practised the British-styled parliamentary system of government in the First Republic that lasted between 1960 and 15 January, 1966 when the military took power.

However, the 1979 Constitution returned the country to the US-styled presidential system of government.

Aside Ossai, other members of the group present at the briefing included Abdulsamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), Boma Goodhead (PDP, Rivers), Timothy Golu (PDP, Plateau), Gabriel Onyenwife (PDP, Anambra), Sergius Ogun (PDP, Edo), Emeka Ujam (PDP, Enugu) among others.

Source: Daily Trust

After a pulsating match which saw the super falcons of nigeria lose a penalty in regulation time fought hard to defeat the Bayana Bayana of south Africa through a tense penalty shooutout.

The super Falcons have now won AWCON a record Nine times. Meanwhile, the Bayana Bayana made history by reaching the world cup for the first time after finishing as runners up in this year »s AWCON

CAF names Oshoala, Ebi, Oluehi in 2018 AWCON XI

After countless efforts, South Africa finally qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time after beating Mali 2-0 in their semi-final clash on Tuesday in Cape Coast.

Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana and Lebohang Ramalepe scored in either half as Banyana Banyana set up a final African Cup of Nations date with eternal rivals Nigeria on Saturday in Accra. Holders Nigeria had earlier edged Cameroon 4-2 on penalties in the other semi-final game in Accra.

This is the fourth time South Africa has reached the final of the flagship women’s competition. And Desiree Ellis and her charges will be seeking to make history by winning the ultimate after achieving qualification to the World Cup.

In their three previous final appearances, South Africa lost to Nigeria in 2000, before suffering defeats to Equatorial Guinea in 2008 and four years later.

Banyana captain Janine van Wyk was the first to threaten Mali’s goal with a long-range free-kick in the opening minutes was no trouble for the Mali goalie.

On 31 minutes, Kgatlana broke the deadlock after capitalising on a poor clearance by the Malian defender, to fire home the opener and her fifth of the tournament.

The South Africans maintained control of the game but had to wait till the 81 st minute to be certain of victory after Ramalepe’s long shot beat Malian shot stopper Adoudou Konate.

Meanwhile, Cameroon will face Mali in the third place match on Friday in Cape Coast that will also determine the final African representative for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next year.

Total Woman of the Match: Linda Motlhalo (South Africa)

Desiree Ellis (Head Coach, South Africa)

We knew Mali was going to be a tough match and as usual our analysis was spot on. We made sure that we neutralise the players we thought would pose any danger on us. I felt we were always in control, moments in the second half. I spoke about it in the dressing room that we needed to stay focused and also make sure we didn’t lose possession. And also made sure we don’t do silly mistakes but we always in control and got the second goal with few minutes to the end.

We knew that we had accomplished what we wanted to do and that’s going to the World Cup. This is not about this team only. This is about all of South Africa. This is about all the coaches there before. About all the players who have been there before. It is also about the Football Association. We wouldn’t have been anywhere if they weren’t on board. They have tremendous in the preparations we have had over a year. They made sure we made the best preparations possible.

We will celebrate tonight and start preparing for the final. We are not a team that talk much in the media. We will work together as a team and plan again. And hope to execute the plan because that’s all it is about. We have never won the Women’s AFCON and we are going to give it shot and see what happens on the weekend.

Mohamed Saloum Houssein (Head Coach, Mali)

It didn’t go well as we expected this time. We played against a well organized team with great strength and unfortunately we lost 2-0. We did our best but once more we played against a strong side.

We have nothing to lose since our mission has already been accomplished and that’s making it to the semi-finals for the first time. We are yet to play the 3rd and 4th play off. We are hoping to see our fate in that match.

I want to thank coach Desiree Ellis (South Africa) for the encouragement and the compliments. I learned a lot from what you have said. As you rightly said there is another journey ahead of us and that can determine our fate so we putting things in order to make sure we do well.

Source: CAF

By Chineme Okafor

Abuja — The August 2018 edition of the monthly financial and operations report of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) released Thursday indicated that after about six months of recording back-to-back profit on its operations, the corporation slid back to loss-making with about N3.90 billion incurred as operational deficit for the period.

The report also showed that eight subsidiaries of the corporation have persisted in making losses for the state-run oil firm.

The eight subsidiaries with their persisted poor operational performances were listed by the corporation in the report.

According to the report, the three refineries of the NNPC in Warri; Port Harcourt; and Kaduna, collectively incurred an operational deficit of N10.79 billion, making them the largest loss-making subsidiaries of the corporation.

The other loss-making subsidiaries of the corporation according to the report included the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company Limited (NPSC) which is charged with the task of building, maintaining and managing pipeline and storage infrastructure of the NNPC across Nigeria.

It is also responsible for managing the transmission and storage of petroleum products, the NNPC Shipping; the NNPC Ventures and the corporation’s corporate headquarters.

Describing the situation, the report stated, « This 37th edition of the report indicated a trading deficit of N3.90 billion which is 179.87 per cent lower than the previous month’s surplus of N4.88 billion.

« This drop in performance month-on-month is principally attributable to the drop in performance of NPDC owing largely to revenue decrease and higher expenditure level when compared to previous month in July 2018. »

The report explained that the refineries’ production in August amounted to 21.51 million litres of petroleum products as against the 38.64 million litres produced in July 2018.

According to it, « The corporation has been adopting a merchant plant refineries business model since January 2017. The model takes cognisance of the products worth and crude costs. The combined value of output by the three refineries (at import parity price) for the month of August 2018 amounted to N8.67 billion while the associated crude plus freight costs and operational expenses were N9.78 billion and N9.68 billion respectively. This resulted to an operating deficit of N10.79 billion by the refineries. »

It added that for the month of August 2018, only the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries produced 53,881 metric tonnes (MT) of finished petroleum products and 8,017MT of intermediate products out of the 56,804MT of crude processed at a combined capacity utilisation of 3.02 per cent compared to 4.83 per cent combined capacity utilisation achieved in the month of July 2018.

It further explained the lower operational performance recorded was as a result of the ongoing revamping of the refineries which it noted is expected to further enhance capacity utilisation once completed.

On oil production, the report stated that a total of 57.45 million barrels (mb) of crude oil and condensate were produced within the period, thus representing an average daily production of 1.85 million barrels (mbd).

« This represents an increase of 3.95 per cent in the average daily production compared to June 2018 average daily performance. Out of the July 2018 production, Joint Ventures (JVs) and Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) contributed about 33.65 per cent and 40.50 per cent respectively. While AF, NPDC and Independents accounted for 14.24 per cent, 6.15 per cent and 5.46 per cent respectively.

« In July 2018, crude oil production in Nigeria increased by 70.35tb/d or 3.95 per cent to average 1.85mbd compared to the month. Production during the month was affected by shut-down of Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) and Trans Forcados Pipeline due to leakages while ERHA and USAN terminals were shut for maintenance and tank top management.

« Production was also cut back at Bonga, Agbami, Yoho, and Odudu terminals for issues around Christmas-tree change out, rig movement and the like, » the report stated.

It further said that in August, a total of 86 pipeline points were vandalised of which only two pipeline points failed to be welded, adding that it was an improvement over the 204 vandalised points recorded in the previous month.

The NNPC report stated that as part of the corporation’s refinery collocation initiative designed to boost local refining capacity and end the era of petroleum products importation, it has plans to establish a 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) brownfield refinery in both Port Harcourt and Warri.

Source: This Day

Atiku Abubakar.

By Daji Sani

The Crown Prince of Adamawa Emirate, Alhaji Mustafa Barkindo yesterday asked the electorates not to vote for former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in 2019 presidential election.

Barkindo, also Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs in Adamawa State, noted that Buhari would win the next presidential election while the state governor, Senator Jibrilla Bindow would win the state’s governorship election in 2019.

He made the remark in Yola, the Adamawa capital yesterday inaugurating some coordinators of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to mobilise support for Buhari/Bindow at the grassroots.

While Barkindo is the first son of the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Aliyu Musdafa and crowd prince, Atiku is the Waziri of Adamawa Emirate, next in command to his father.

At the inauguration yesterday, the crown prince explained that inaugurating the squads was basically to vote for Buhari and Bindow and other APC candidates only.

He said, « I am confident that Buhari would defeat Atiku Abubakar in Adamawa State. That is why we are here to plot this teaming squad to go out and deliver every unite in Adamawa State for Buhari/Bindow. »

« We must work hard to give victory to Buhari in Adamawa State and Governor Bindow, » the governor added

He noted that he had decided to form the squad in the 21 Local Government Area (LGAs) so that the APC will sweep Adamawa and defeat the Waziri Adamawa in the 2019 elections.

He urged the electorates « not to waste their votes on any person, but vote Buhari and Bindow only. They are the only people who can guarantee the future for Adamawa people because of many development projects embarked on by Buhari and Bindow in the last three and half years.

Source: This Day

Melania Trump in Kenya wearing a controversial hat.

Acclaimed Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie has described United States First Lady, Melania Trump as racist.

Adichie made the statement in a recent interview with international magazine, Esquire UK where she talked about her stance on feminism, Melania Trump’s visit to Africa and racism.

When asked if she thought Melania Trump was racist, she answered in the positive with reference to Melania’s recent visit to Africa.

She said, « Had you asked me this question yesterday, I would have said ‘yes’ and my evidence would be that she supported her husband when he was being incredibly racist to Barack Obama.

« But I just watched an interview that she gave and I was just appalled by it. She sort of stepped out of a colonial 1750 guidebook about how to be in Africa.

« There’s a pith helmet and then I am thinking maybe this is supposed to be ironic? Maybe it is a critique of colonialism.

« She really thought this is what you do when you go to Africa and it says something about someone who is so removed from reality, » Adichie said.

Recession knocks at the door; fg ignores it.

Adichie went on to reference a jacket Melania wore to one of the US children immigration camps which read « I really don’t care: Do you? » and caused a media frenzy.

She said, « And I remember when the media made a lot of noise about that jacket. I remember actually kind of being on her side when all that noise was happening.

« I thought – she doesn’t know, she couldn’t possibly do this knowingly. She did, so the answer to your question is ‘yes’. I think she is racist, » Adichie said.

When asked why she passionately fights for feminism and not racism despite being black, Adichie stated that she always finds the need to make a case for feminism.

She said, « In my own personal space, the people I love, my family and friends all get race. So I have never with them had to make a case for why something was racist.

« So I am with my circle of friends and something happens to do with blackness and immediately, we all get it.

« But with gender, I find that with the people I love, I am constantly being expected to make the case – the ways in which women are reduced.

« And it gets emotionally exhausting because I don’t feel that I have the kind of effortless support that I have when I talk about race, » Adichie said.

Adichie, an award winning writer, has constantly used her voice and books to advocate for equal opportunities for men and women.

Adichie trended in April when she said she was upset that the Twitter bio of former US presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, began with ‘wife’ despite her numerous achievements.

NAN reports that Adichie’s feminism campaign has been a pivotal crux of her writing as her characters centre around powerful women who are usually dwarfed by the patriarchal system in their environments.

Her TedX talk ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ was sampled on American singer Beyonce’s hit song ‘Flawless’ and was also part of Beyonce’s performance routine at 2018 Coachella.

In 2017, Adichie released a small book titled – ‘Dear Ijeawele or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions’. (NAN)

Source: allafrica.com