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International election observers under the aegis of Pan African Women Projects, have stated that the March 18, 2023 governorship and state house of assembly elections held in Akwa Ibom state have met the international commendations of free, transparent, and peaceful conduct of the electoral process.

They made this statement at a press conference held on the 21st of March, 2023 in Uyo with the theme, “Strengthening Democracy”.

The Pan African Women Projects which is an international non-governmental organisation comprised of women from all 54 countries in Africa has observed several elections in over 15 African countries including Nigeria.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday, the non-governmental organisation said it deployed over 150 trained elections observers to the 31 local government areas, and made their observations and submissions in the areas of logistics, INEC ad-hoc staff, turnout of voters, security, vote-buying/lobbying, technology (BIVAS), etc.

The organisation’s spokesperson, Ms. Candice Solomon at the press conference commended the Independent Electoral Commission, citizens of Akwa Ibom, and security personnel for organising a free, transparent and peaceful election which prompted them to adjudge it as having met international standards.

“We use this medium to appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the opportunity to serve in this election as one of the accredited FOREIGN OBSERVER GROUPS.

“We want to sincerely and greatly appreciate Professor Mahmud Yakubu and the entire department of gender and inclusivity of the commission, especially for the unwavering supports that made our work very easy.

“We also appreciate the various security agencies that worked tirelessly to ensure our safety by providing all the intelligence and protection needed to carry out our onerous duties.

“The 18th March 2023 Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections in Akwa Ibom State meets International commendations of a free, transparent and peaceful conduct of electoral process.”

The observers however called on security agents to “address all security lapses in the 2023 election and employ more personnel into the system to improve on a more effective security network during elections in Nigeria.”

They also noted general low turnout of voters in the exercise and submitted that “INEC’s performance at the Presidential elections especially as results were seen not to be transmitted to the IREV across the State had altered people’s trust in the electoral system.

Pastor Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP won the Governorship elections ahead of Senator Bassey Albert and Mr Akan Udofia of the YPP and APC respectively.

By; MURTALA ADOGI MOHAMMED

Congratulations to all the brand new elected and re-elected Governors. Is not easy! The time to hit the ground running is NOW!

However, you need to know that, the work of a Governor begins with a transition period and if the primary responsibility of the Governor is to govern, that begs the question, HOW?

One thing you need to know is that campaigns are over, now it’s time to think and answers some of these questions – such as

1. How can I approach the job as a newly elected Governor?
2. How can I convert my campaign promises into Agenda & Results?
3. What is expected of me as a newly elected Governor as per things to do before the inauguration?
4. Want immediate decisions must be made?
5. What are the key things I need to do as per – policy development, governance, and communication tools?

In responding to some of these questions here are 7 Low Hanging fruits for a quick win…

1. Constitute a transition team with robust TOR, remember you only have two months to inauguration. As Governor-elect you will soon have full power and responsibility of the executive branch of the state. Constitutionally and practically – the statutory power of the Governor is often perceived by new Governors as more limited than they imagine.. The Notes developed by the transition committee will give you an insight into what is expected of you.
2. Constitute a technical team to handle the transition, you need a combination of technocrats and politicians. The ability of the Governor-elect to navigate the difficulties of governing will largely depend on the quality of work done by the transition team
3. Begin to build and nurture relationships with other arms of government, to effectively navigate the turbulent waters of governance, you need to have a strong working relationship with civil servants, legislatures, the press, and the public… Begin to do that today, through breakfast meetings and dinner.
4. On making appointments, the most important decisions a governor-elect will make during the transition will be selecting individuals to staff the Governor’s office, central management agencies, and executive council. Apart from individuals you also need a ‘team’ that will drive and coordinate the day-to-day running of the state. Competence, character, and commitment should be paramount in engaging people to work with.
5. Follow the rules of the game, and look at the processes of your administration as important tools to accomplish your key objectives. Communicate your goals to the team members, your target, milestones, and results should be very clear to all. As a newly elected Governor, make sure you keep your priorities firmly focused
6. Implementation of the 4 Years Strategic Plan – if you have one, good! If don’t have to develop one within 6 months of your administration. Immediately upon taking office, the Governor-elect is expected to be a master of the intricacies of the state government. Plans and programmes are the lifeblood of the state government, including emergency response plans and tracking of people’s complaints, and delivery of results
7. Media Team and Press Relations, we are in the era of people surviving through ‘cooking and sharing fake news’, therefore as a Governor-elect, you need a robust media team. Engaging the electorates through social media and offline. Mistakes at the beginning of your tenure can lead to serious challenges. Using the full power of press relations is not all about daily updates on social media, but it is about the overall narrative of the governor’s tenure…..

In conclusion, you need to know that, the transition period of a new Governor has often been described as the most intense period after the campaign. Also, you need to know that…successful Governors are principles leaders who remain in touch with their constituents. Remember to shape your administration with leadership, management, results tracking, and communication tools.

The first 3 appointments, Chief of Staff, Spokesman, and SSG – will tell who you are, not as Governor, but as LEADER!

Murtala Adogi Mohammed PhD is the Founder/Executive Director
System Strategy & Policy Lab he can be reached via mamurtala@gmail.com

BY Chimezie Kalu

Abia Obidients have lambasted the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) over the electoral umpire’s inconsistency regarding Abia governorship election.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Chetachi Ikpe and Ndubueze Obiakwata, Coordinator, Peter Obi Grassroots Movement (POGM), Abia State and Chairman, Obidients Across Parties Alliance(OAPA) respectively, accused INEC of double standards and not being consistent with its inconsistencies.

“Abia Obidients categorically demand that INEC must strive to avoid playing double standards by not being consistent with its inconsistencies regarding the electoral umpire’s bizarre decision to suspend the announcement of Governorship results from Obingwa LGA”.

It would be recalled that INEC earlier today suspended the collation of results in the said LGA for investigation and interrogation

The groups urged INEC to declare the results and advised aggreived members to seek legal redress.

“Using the commission’s position on the presidential election as a precedent, we urge INEC to immediately announce the Obingwa LGA Governorship election result and proceed to announce the winner of the election. It is disheartening when INEC appears to have different set of rules for different political parties and personalities. That is very unhealthy for Nigerian democracy”.

ENDS

Nigeria’s Foremost humanitarian Activist Comrade Iyere has warned Julius Abure, Chijioke Edeoga, Nnia Nwodo and Barth Nnaji against making their ongoing desperate move to truncate the ongoimg collation of result for the 2023 Enugu Guber Election.

He said that the above named Chieftains of the Labour Party had asked their party agents to disrupt the ongoing collation of the 2023 guber results, seeing that their own candidate has lost the poll to a more qualified candidate, who is Barr Peter Mbah, the candidate of the PDP. He advised them to desist from such fraudulent acts because it will be resisted with civil action.

Comrade added that the imposition of Edeoga during the primaries weakened his support from the OBIDIENTs who splinted their votes amongst LP, PDP and APGA

…Avalanche of testimonies from first two sessions

It’s live, yes, the final session of the global online healing crusade tagged Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris., which began on Friday March 17 through today Sunday March 19.

And you can join this wave of the miraculous now by login on to http://www.healingstreams.tv/LHS

Since the programme commenced it has become practically impossible to get over the aura and excitement ignited during the Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris. Still basking in the supernatural experience and divine insights received at Day 1 and Day 2 of the March 2023 Healing Streams Live Healing Services, and here comes the final healing service. A time for divine transportation and transformation.

The Day 2 of the Live Healing Services kicked off with the Loveworld Singers leading in harmonious praises. Right after, the Healing School Director, Pastor Deola Phillips warmly welcomed participants around the world and proceeded to lead in a session of prayers.

Healing Streams One of the Scriptures she shared as she prayed, was culled from 1 John 3:8. She emphasized on the life of Christ, ‘For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.’ She described the work of God as concerns divine health, “The work of God is your miracle today, the work of God is your testimony today, and the work of God is your healing today. There’s restoration for you today!”

She continued by encouraging participants expecting a miracle, “Prepare for your testimony by documenting the condition you are now and get ready to celebrate. Prayers have gone forth for you!” she declared.

Then, there was a special talk show segment with Pastor Deola Phillips and Rev. Tom Amenkhienan discussing the impact and outpour of testimonies on the first day.

Like many, they were in awe of the teaching of the man of God, and the astounding miracles ushered in the lives of countless all over the world.

Janet Polar is one remarkable recipient of the healing power of God at Day 1 of the Live Healing Service with Pastor Chris. This woman suffered from a heart disease and paralysis, which left her bedridden and incontinent for 2 years. While participating from a healing center, she was revived. Now she can walk, run, and move around freely.

The Lord said we would witness extraordinary miracles, and so has it been. Momodu Mohammed had lived with mental depression and drug addiction for five years; this resulted in uncoordinated speech and mental instability.

For the first time in 5 years, he sat still for 4 hours, participating in the Live Healing Services without agitation or violence. Momodu testified of feeling an abnormal ‘thing’ leave him through his legs in the course of the service.

The peak of this segment were these words from Rev. Tom, “Healing is God’s will for you. It’s God’s purpose for you. This is His will, get ready today. Your testimony is next, and nothing can stop you”.

The service advanced in to a session of prayers, and Rev. Ray Okocha led the global audience in special prayers for the nations of the world; decreeing the Lordship and dominion of Christ in every nation. This was a precious sight to behold as participation from every nation was recorded, which means every nation was prayed for. Glory to God!

Then came moments of jubilation as live testifiers were on set with Evang. Dr. Eddy Owase to share their divine encounters as a result of participating in previous editions of the Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris.

Shalin was the first live testifier for the day, a young and vibrant teenager, who was oppressed by demons for six years. This led to her collapsing frequently, attempting suicide on several occasions and being unconscious. Today, these things are history! Shalin was completely set free at the July Healing Streams Live Healing Services when the man of God, Pastor Chris, laid hands on her and the demon left forever.

This testimony meant so much to her family as their lives were earlier destabilized owing to her unstable condition.

Another family filled with gratitude for the Healing Streams Live Healing Services is that of Nicholas. One night, without any symptoms, Nicholas’ baby became pale and motionless. She was dead. While her parents prayed intensely for a miracle, they remembered a prayer by Pastor Chris for children from a previous edition of Healing Streams. Nicholas played the audio right next to the baby’s ear, and instantly, the baby’s eyes popped open. She received life!

Thrills and excitement saturated the atmosphere. Every testimony displays the wondrous love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What followed this segment was an enrapturing praise session led by the scintillating Loveworld Singers. While they sang, the congregation witnessed the arrival of the man of God.

In his teaching during the service, Pastor Chris enlightened participants across the world on a Christian’s future in Christ. He said, “The Glory of God is integrated to you when you believe the Gospel.”

Further dissecting this truth, he read several verses in the book of Romans, which explains how Jesus gave His Glory to anyone who believes in him.

That’s the reason why ‘if any man be in Christ he’s a new creature’. He has received a new life. This new life came with the righteousness of Christ, guiltless and acquitted.

Christ paid with his life so all who come to know him wouldn’t have to suffer the judgement to come. ‘Those who believe in Jesus will be bold on the Day of Judgment (1 John 4:17).

The exhortation came to its peak as Pastor Chris concluded with these words, “All people are beautiful when the right thing happens with them. When Christ comes into your life, there’s a beauty and there’s a glory.”

The pivotal moment came when Pastor Chris approached the sick in the studio, and one could see their hunger and desire for a new diagnosis of divine health.

As the man of God laid hands on the sick, rebuked the evil spirits, and in some cases, blew on them; the devils of darkness fled. The lame walked, the bedridden jumped, the weak sprung up with renewed strength, and many more miracles took place!

The healing power enveloped everywhere, as prophesied in the days leading to the March Live Healing Services, and the testimonies received are simply beyond what the mind can fathom.

Lucy in the United Kingdom had a stroke and diabetes for two years, she was confined to a walking aid. As Pastor Chris ministered, she received her healing, and now, she walks without the aid.

Over in China, a 40-year-old was healed of hemiparesis due to cerebral hemorrhage. A woman paralyzed since 2020, who was also deaf in both ears, testified of her healing, and also, her brother gave his life to Christ and received the Holy Spirit.

The glory of God was evident. Expectations were surpassed. The final session of the Live Healing Services for this March edition holds from 3pm (GMT+1) today. One cannot begin to imagine what the Lord has in store.

The Spirit of God has said, “It’s going to be powerful; it’s going to be extraordinary.” It’s time for the crème de la crème.

Your testimony is very important, as it’s an avenue to inspire others and beget more testimonies.

Do share your testimony here: healingstreams.tv/testimonies

 

 
The management of Paradigm Communications Limited wishes to convey to our esteemed guests and the general public that the National Daily Awards  earlier scheduled to hold on March 23, 2023, in Lagos has been postponed.

The decision to postpone the event was as a result of developments beyond our immediate control. A new date for the Awards will be announced very soon.

Meanwhile, all the nominees and awardees remain as planned.
The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, emerged the Man of the Year for the National Daily Awards. IGP Usman Baba is to be honoured at the 2022 National Daily Awards on a new date that would be announced soon, alongside other eminent career and professional individuals, who include Nduka Obaigbena of ARISE Television/THSIDAY Newspaper, Ernest Ndukwe, Leo Stan Eke, Dambatta, and many others, that have distinguished themselves in their trade in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria.

We regret all inconvenience this postponement might have caused our invited guests, recipients and the general public.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
 
 
Signed
Sylvester Ebhodaghe
C.E.O/Editor-in-Chief

A group known as Peter Obi Support Network (POSN), Zone 3 has endorsed the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru Kudan and his Deputy Governor to be, John Ayuba for March,18 gubernatorial election in Kaduna state.

Endorsing the PDP candidate, in a press statement signed by Comrade Derek Christopher, Zonal Coordinator, All Zone 3 Local Government Coordinators, Peter Obi Support Network, Kaduna South Senatorial District Coordinator and all Local Government Coordinators in Kaduna state; said, they are calling on all the Members of this group and other OBIDIENT family from Kaduna South Senatorial District to vote wisely during the Saturday election and vote for someone who is very obvious that there’s great hope of winning the Ticket.

It said, the group is calling on all good citizens of Kaduna State to vote for people who would bring back Hope to Kaduna State and not concentrate on the business of dividing the people along religion.

The POSN added that, “As leaders of the people, the vision and chances of getting an LP Governor are very slim because there’s little spread of LP in Zone 1 and some LGA of zone 2.

According to it, “We have interacted and listen to the vision of the PDP Governor candidate and his deputy, their commitment to entrenched people oriented leadership in Kaduna State that’s going to respect our humanity and unite the people of Kaduna State and make it home again. Dr John Ayuba and Alhaji Isah Ashiru have shown that Peace and Security of the people of Kaduna state is of paramount importance to them.

“During our interaction with Dr John Ayuba, he reassured that their Government is going to bring more development and Southern Kaduna would no longer be left out.

“Our Principal Peter Obi encourage us to always stand for credibility chanchanta and to be able to play the politics devoid of emotion and how Southern Kaduna would not be secluded again in the next Government.

Speaking on the Labour Party candidate, it said, “We want all OBIDIENTS to know that if you become rational to ask yourself how many LGA that Asake got in the Basket and can deliver, you can only mentioned but few. So instead of being emotional with blind support by not being very critical and analytic, Saturday election would surprised everyone if the MM ticket fly at the end of the day.

“Another question for you is, why do most APC guys encourage Asake to stand still and not back down, which is a very good advice, but still their support is for Uba Sani MM Ticket. Don’t you see how you are been played here. Politics is a game of numbers and we don’t have the numbers to win the election.

“We are soliciting for your vote today because it is very important, it’s our commitment to peace and security, it’s our only hope for the farmers to return to farm, Scholarship would be revived. There’s going to be slashing of the Hike in Tuition fees in our university and higher institutions in Kaduna State so that the children of no body can go to school.

“If you vote today for Ashiru/John Ayuba, be rest assured that you have voted for your freedom.

“Zone 3 cannot and would never produced a Governor on its own, the more reason why we must align and be part of an inclusive Government than to stubbornly stick to Asake Ticket which is very clear that he will come distant third in the race and more votes for Asake is increasing the stakes of APC winning”, the group declared.

A professor of urban planning at Ahmadu Bello University Professor Adamu Ahmed has observed that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Abba Kabiru, provides greater vision for economic development, industrialisation and physical development needed to improve economic competitiveness of the two states with spill-over to the Northern economy.

In an interview on the significance of governorship elections in Kaduna and Kano States for the North, Professor Ahmed a former Bauchi State Commissioner of Lands and Survey noted that the governance challenges of hosting two of the top six most expansive cities in Nigeria and the major economic hubs of the North is bound to benefit from grounded polices that both candidates present.

He referred to a World Bank report on Nigeria, that institutional reforms and strategic investment in infrastructure are essential to economic growth and poverty reduction, and that cities will replace Oil as strategic drivers of economic growth for Nigeria in the not too distant future that States need to be adequately prepared for.

He further noted that the 60% contribution of Lagos to Nigeria’s non-oil GDP means there is a lot to play for by both Kaduna and Kano States in providing the enabling environment to attract Foreign Direct and Local Investments essential to improving economic competitiveness.

Recent reports have shown that institutional reforms and strategic investment in infrastructure implemented in Kaduna State has erased nearly 20 years of infrastructure deficit similar to what Kano State achieved in 2015.

Kaduna State was also first in Ease of Doing Business in the Country in 2018 and has attracted over USD 4 billion since 2015.