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#GhanaDecides: Vice President Bawumia Confident Of Victory As Vote Counting Begins

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Dailygazettenig
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Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed strong confidence in his chances of winning Ghana’s presidential election, following Saturday’s polling.

The race has seen Bawumia, the NPP candidate, facing off against former President John Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a closely contested battle for the presidency.

Bawumia, who is hoping to secure a historic third term for the NPP under their “Break the 8” slogan, voted early in his hometown of Walewale, dressed in a traditional white smock. “I am very hopeful of winning this election,” he told reporters, highlighting the positive reception of his party’s message to the people.

The Vice President, a former central banker and economist educated in the UK, pointed to the country’s economic recovery, the government’s digitalisation plans, and its free education and health initiatives as key achievements of his party.

However, he faced criticism over the economic record of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, particularly after the country’s debt default and the IMF bailout negotiations.

To safeguard the election’s integrity, Ghana temporarily closed its land borders from Friday night until Sunday, as confirmed by the Interior Ministry.

A brief security incident occurred when a man was arrested with a weapon at a polling station in Accra, according to the police.

Economic challenges, including high inflation and a debt crisis, have dominated the election discourse, with many voters expressing frustration over the state of the economy.

“We want to vote for change, the economic situation is very hard,” said retired policeman James Nsiah, who was waiting to vote in the Jamestown area of Accra.

As the polls closed at 1700 GMT, voting seemed relatively steady across various neighborhoods, with reports of both calm and slow turnout.

Early election results are expected to be announced on Sunday, with the full presidential results slated for release by Tuesday.

Voters are choosing a successor to President Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down after two terms, and will also elect a new parliament.

Ghana’s two major parties, the NPP and the NDC, have alternated power since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992, maintaining a history of political stability.

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Controversy Trails Reappointment Of Shinkafi As SMDF Executive Secretary

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Dailygazettenig
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The reappointment of Fatima Shinkafi for a third consecutive term as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has sparked concerns among civil society groups.

The Community Watch Vanguard (CWV), in a statement issued on Saturday by its founder, Comrade Umar Ibrahim Gidado, criticized the decision, calling it a violation of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which advocates for good governance and adherence to tenure limits.

Shinkafi, who has held the position since May 24, 2017, saw her second term renewed in 2021 for another four years.

CWV expressed disappointment over her reappointment for a third term, claiming it sets a negative precedent for governance and undermines the principle of term limits for public officeholders.

The group urged President Tinubu, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and other concerned authorities to scrutinize the situation and take appropriate action.

They stressed that this move could jeopardize the administration’s commitment to reform and governance.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that President Tinubu had appointed Yazid Danfulani as the new Executive Secretary for the SMDF, only to reverse the decision and reappoint Shinkafi shortly after.

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Benue State To Rename University After Late Governor Moses Adasu

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Dailygazettenig
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The Benue State Government has announced plans to rename the State University, Makurdi, in honor of the late Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu, a former governor of the state.

Governor Hyacinth Alia made the announcement on Saturday during the university’s combined convocation ceremony, revealing that his administration had forwarded an executive bill to the State House of Assembly for the university to be renamed Reverend Father Moses Adasu University.

Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu, who served as the governor of Benue State between 1991 and 1992, was instrumental in the establishment of the university.

In his remarks, Governor Alia stated, “As a mark of respect for the founder of this institution, our administration has sent an executive bill to the state assembly to have the university named after Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu.”

The governor also revealed plans to establish a satellite campus of the university in Adikpo, located in the Kwande Local Government Area, to provide greater access to university education for residents of the Benue North East senatorial district.

Additionally, Alia announced a donation of 500 computers to the university’s computer-based test center and awarded 100 percent Master’s Degree scholarships to all first-class degree graduates.

He urged the graduands to become ambassadors of the university and the state, emphasizing the importance of integrity, hard work, and making a positive societal impact.

Governor Alia commended the university’s management for effectively implementing the CEFTER program and pledged support to partner with the World Bank to address post-harvest losses through initiatives like revitalizing the Wannune Tomato company and Taraku Mills.

This, he said, would boost the state’s economy and create job opportunities for the youth.

Addressing the graduates, Alia encouraged them to explore agricultural ventures, assuring them that his administration would provide financial assistance and farm inputs to help them succeed in farming as a sustainable livelihood option.

He emphasized that they should not wait for non-existent white-collar jobs but instead seize opportunities within the agricultural sector.

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2027: Labour Party Targets 20 Million New Members, Inaugurates Mobilisation Committees In North Central

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Dailygazettenig
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The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria’s North Central Zone has officially inaugurated its Directorates of Mobilisation and Integration Committees as part of an ambitious strategy to recruit 20 million new members before the 2027 general elections.

The initiative, which aligns with a directive from the LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, is aimed at strengthening the party’s base in preparation for the upcoming elections. Abure has set a clear goal of registering 20 million new members to ensure the party’s success in 2027.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, the National Vice Chairman for North Central, Ibrahim Idoko, confirmed that the inauguration ceremonies held across the region on Friday were peaceful and well-organized, with local party officials attending the events.

The state chairmen, acting on behalf of Abure, read the national chairman’s speech during the ceremonies.

In his speech, Abure stressed the importance of early preparation, citing the challenges faced by the party during the 2023 elections.

“By planning ahead for the 2027 general election, we can avoid the fire brigade approach that was evident in 2023,” he remarked.

Abure emphasized that building a strong, well-structured party is key to realizing the vision of a New Nigeria.

“A New Nigeria cannot be achieved without a political party that is robust enough to defend our votes and uphold the values we stand for,” he stated, urging members to work together toward a united, revitalized Labour Party.

Abure further urged party members to be more proactive in engaging others to join the party.

He cautioned, “Those who are in the Labour Party but have not yet encouraged their friends, families, and followers to join need to rethink their approach if they wish to use the party’s platform for electoral success.”

Idoko also introduced the newly appointed State Coordinators and Secretaries for the Mobilisation and Integration Committees in the region: John Kwaghza (Benue), Kenneth Sunday (FCT Abuja), Philip Yakubu-Pam (Plateau), Ablaku Anthony (Nasarawa), and Ibrahim Sanusi (Kogi).

He called on the new leadership to remain dedicated and disciplined in their efforts to meet the ambitious target of 20 million new members.

“I believe in the ability of our team to deliver. With this new leadership, the Labour Party is set to achieve a landslide victory in the future elections,” Idoko concluded.

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Political Influence, Corruption In VC Appointments Alarming – TETFund Boss

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Dailygazettenig
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The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sunday Echono, has expressed deep concern over the growing political influence and corruption surrounding the appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in Nigerian universities.

He described this trend as harmful to the quality of higher education in the country.

Speaking at the 36th convocation lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, on Saturday, Echono highlighted how political interference and financial motivations have increasingly undermined the integrity of the university leadership selection process.

He pointed out that the sponsorship of VC appointments by politicians had made university management overly dependent on local power structures.

“The sponsorship of Vice Chancellor selection by political figures has made the administration of universities more localized,” he remarked, adding that the undue influence of external forces had tainted the fairness and credibility of the process.

Echono further revealed that the competition for VC positions had become financially driven, with some members of university governing councils being lured by monetary incentives.

He noted that contractors, who often have significant stakes in university procurement processes, have begun to sponsor VC candidates in exchange for future business opportunities, thus further compromising the selection process.

“Our universities are increasingly becoming local affairs, with the majority of academic and non-academic staff influenced by politicians from host communities,” he stated, emphasizing that political affiliation had gained disproportionate importance in VC appointments.

The TETFund Executive Secretary stressed the need for reforms to restore credibility to the process, calling for greater autonomy for universities to shield them from political interference.

He also urged that the criteria for selecting university leaders be transparent and merit-based, with strict accountability at every level.

Echono concluded by advocating for the strengthening of university autonomy and the implementation of clear, transparent procedures for leadership appointments to ensure that meritocracy, rather than political influence or corruption, prevails.

In recognition of his contributions to the development of FUTO, the university presented Echono with a “Macho Man” statue, a symbol of the respect and appreciation the institution’s community holds for his efforts.

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FG Releases Final List Of Successful Candidates For 2023 Fire Service Recruitment

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Dailygazettenig
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The Federal Government has published the final list of successful candidates for the 2023 Federal Fire Service recruitment exercise.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, announced that the names of the selected candidates are now available on the Board’s portal.

“Candidates who applied for the Federal Fire Service recruitment are advised to visit the Board’s portal starting Monday, December 9, 2024, to verify their status and download their invitation letters,” the statement noted.

Ahmed further disclosed that the final documentation process for successful candidates will take place at the Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau Conference Centre, Nigerian Correctional Service National Headquarters, Abuja, from December 9 to 21, 2024.

Successful candidates are instructed to report in white tops and shorts, bringing both original and photocopies of their credentials.

They are urged to follow the schedule and guidelines outlined in their invitation letters.

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Drama As PDP NWC Overrules Ugochinyere’s Expulsion, Declares It Null And Void

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Dailygazettenig
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The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the expulsion of House of Representatives member, Ikenga Ugochinyere, from the party by the Imo State chapter.

The NWC declared the expulsion, announced by the PDP executive in Ideato Local Government Area, as invalid and contrary to the party’s constitution.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that Ugochinyere’s removal was not in compliance with the party’s established procedures, citing Sections 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

The expulsion was announced on Friday by the Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiak, after the party executive in Ideato LGA issued a letter dated December 5, 2024, accusing Ugochinyere of gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.

However, Ologunagba clarified that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) has the authority to expel or discipline members of the National Assembly, including Ugochinyere, in accordance with the party’s constitution.

He explained that the expulsion was not legitimate, as it failed to follow the correct processes.

The statement from the NWC read, in part: “The NWC of the PDP has reviewed the situation and declares the expulsion of Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu as null and void. This action was not in line with the clear provisions of Sections 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which govern discipline within the party.”

Ologunagba stressed that no ward, local government, or state executive has the authority to discipline National Assembly members without the NWC’s consultation.

He further emphasized the importance of adherence to the party’s constitution and rules.

The NWC reiterated that Ugochinyere remains a full member of the PDP, with all associated rights and responsibilities.

Party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters were urged to disregard the expulsion and to remain united in the interest of the party.

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Newlyweds Among 17 Injured In Third Mainland Bridge Accident

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Dailygazettenig
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A newlywed couple, along with 16 other passengers, sustained various injuries in a multi-vehicle crash on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos on Saturday.

The incident occurred as they were returning from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry, confirmed the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq.

According to Taofiq, the accident happened when an LT bus experienced brake failure while traveling at high speed, colliding with a mini truck.

The collision caused injuries to the occupants of both vehicles, including fractured limbs and other serious injuries.

The two vehicles involved were identified as a mini truck with the number plate AGL 22 YE and a commercial LT bus with number plate BFG 204 XF.

Taofiq provided further details, stating, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, alongside emergency responders, coordinated a successful rescue operation for 18 individuals caught in a severe vehicular accident on Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki.”

Among the victims were the newlyweds, who were traveling with other passengers in the bus. The impact of the collision left 16 rear-seat passengers, comprising 11 women and 5 men, injured.

These victims were quickly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for medical attention.

Additionally, two individuals were critically injured after becoming trapped in the wreckage of the LT bus.

They were freed with the assistance of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and bystanders before being rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for specialized care.

Expressing sympathy for the victims, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, urged road users to exercise caution, particularly during the upcoming festive season.

He also emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits and ensuring proper maintenance of vehicles, especially the braking systems.

Bakare-Oki also mentioned LASTMA’s ongoing public safety campaign, led by the Female Elite Corps, aimed at promoting safe driving practices among commercial drivers, particularly ahead of the holiday season.

The emergency response teams at the scene included personnel from LASTMA, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, and the police.

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World’s Longest Toenails Record Holder, Louise Hollis, Dies At 86

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Dailygazettenig
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Louise Hollis, the woman who held the Guinness World Record for the longest toenails, has passed away at the age of 86.

Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Dana, who informed Guinness World Records this week.

In a statement issued on Friday, Guinness World Records acknowledged Louise’s remarkable achievement and her passing, which was shared by Dana through her mother’s official Facebook page.

Dana thanked fans for their support over the years and requested prayers for the family during this difficult time.

Louise, a California native, made headlines in 1991 when her toenails, collectively measured at 220.98 cm (87 inches), earned her the world record.

Her fascination with long nails began in 1981 after watching a television program about the longest fingernails, which inspired her to begin growing her toenails.

She also grew her fingernails to considerable lengths but never set a record in that category.

According to the 2004 edition of Guinness World Records, each of Louise’s toenails was approximately the same width as a page in the record book, marking the longest toenails ever documented at the time.

Over the years, her toenails became a defining feature of her life, and she had to make several lifestyle adjustments to accommodate them, including modifying her footwear.

In a 1999 interview with Guinness World Records Primetime, Louise shared how her toenails had grown so long that walking became challenging.

“I couldn’t walk anymore unless I held up my heel,” she explained, adding that she stopped cutting them because she enjoyed the way they looked.

By 2007, Guinness World Records noted that Louise rarely wore shoes, but when she did, they were custom-made, open-toed with thick soles to prevent her toenails from dragging on the ground.

Louise also made a memorable appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show at age 68, where she showcased her extraordinary toenails.

When Ellen jokingly asked what Louise would do if she had to run, Louise replied, “I just walk softly and carry a big stick.”

She also shared how she dealt with cold weather, explaining that she either stayed indoors or wrapped herself in a blanket to stay warm.

Her record-breaking toenails also affected her personal life, as Louise shared that her marriage ended after her ex-husband gave her an ultimatum: “Nails go or I go.” Louise’s response was firm: “I’ve had you for 22 years; you can split. The nails are new.”

Despite the challenges that came with her extraordinary toenails, Louise never considered cutting them short after achieving the record.

“I think after I get into the Guinness book, I’ll cut them down to size. But they’re never going to be short, anyway. No way!” she said.

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Imo PDP LG Chairmen Appoint Ugochinyere As State Party Leader

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Dailygazettenig
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Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, has been appointed as the new leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State.

Ugochinyere, who is the highest-ranking PDP elected official in Imo, was named the party’s state leader by the PDP chairmen from all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state during a meeting held over the weekend.

In a statement signed by the Coordinating Chairman of the 27 Imo PDP LGA Chairmen Forum, the party leaders called on all stakeholders in the state to unite behind Ugochinyere to help rescue the PDP from potential collapse at both the state and national levels.

The PDP chairmen, who expressed full support for Ugochinyere, also urged the removal of the party’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagun, and national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

They argued that this action was necessary to reinvigorate the party and prepare it for future electoral success.

The statement read: “After extensive consultations and careful reflection on the current state of our party, we, the PDP leaders in Imo, have resolved to appoint Hon. Barr Ikenga Ugochinyere as our leader. This decision is based on his leadership qualities, dedication to the party, and consistent commitment to democratic values.”

“We believe his leadership will be pivotal in restoring the PDP to its rightful place in Imo State ahead of upcoming elections. We call on all party members to support him fully in this critical task of rebuilding the PDP into a formidable political force.”

The PDP leaders also expressed their concern about the leadership of the party at the national level, specifically calling for the immediate removal of the acting national chairman and secretary, citing their continued tenure as detrimental to the party’s progress.

They emphasized the importance of restructuring the PDP in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

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