Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, cast his vote during the ongoing Local Government elections at polling unit 002 located at Ofuiyi Square, Umueze, in Isuofia Ward 13, Aguata LGA.

He arrived at approximately 11:45 a.m.

After exercising his franchise, Governor Soludo expressed his contentment with the peaceful conduct of the elections in a brief interview with journalists.

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He reported that feedback indicated a smooth voting process across all polling units in the state’s 21 local government areas.

He encouraged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, commending the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission for its prompt initiation of the voting activities.

“This election exemplifies a promise fulfilled,” he stated, emphasizing the transparency and integrity of the Local Government elections. “From the information I have received prior to my arrival, voting is taking place peacefully here and in other regions of the state.”

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Soludo noted a significant level of enthusiasm among voters, stating, “People are endorsing the excellent work we have accomplished. We are the only party that presented candidates for all 21 chairmanship and 326 councillorship positions.”

He concluded by likening the election atmosphere to a “mock referendum,” expressing optimism that the will of the people would prevail in the outcome.

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, as a public holiday in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians both at home and abroad on the historic occasion.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, relayed the minister’s message, which praised the resilience and dedication of Nigerians, emphasizing that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

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Dr. Tunji-Ojo also reflected on the theme for the celebration, urging Nigerians to honor the contributions of “our heroes past” and draw inspiration for future challenges, stressing that a united Nigeria is essential for the nation’s progress.

Wishing Nigerians a joyful Independence Day, the minister called on citizens to continue their efforts in nation-building.

The local government elections in Anambra State faced significant setbacks on Saturday due to the late arrival of officials from the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) at polling units statewide.

Although ANSIEC had previously announced that voting would begin at 8 am and conclude by 4 pm, many polling units remained unattended as late as 8:50 am.

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In Awka, a reporter on the ground found no indication that elections were underway at several polling locations.

For instance, at Ukwu Orji Government House, while police officers were on-site, ANSIEC ad-hoc staff had yet to arrive by 9 am.

Polling units impacted by this delay included Aroma Ward Three, Odoagba Ward One, and Unizik Junction Polling Unit.

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In Iyiowa/Odekpe, located in Ogbaru Local Government Area, there were no signs of ANSIEC personnel, security forces, or electoral materials by 9 am, and only a single APGA party agent was present.

The combination of the late start and a noticeable lack of voter engagement, with many residents participating in monthly sanitation activities or attending to their businesses, cast a pall over the elections.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially recognize Chief Olusola Ebiseni and Dayo Awude as the Labour Party’s (LP) candidates for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 16.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling during a hearing of a joint suit brought against INEC by the Labour Party candidates.

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He asserted that Ebiseni and Awude are entitled to all rights and privileges associated with their candidacy for the election.

In the suit number, FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, Justice Nwite upheld the validity of the second primary election conducted by the Labour Party, which resulted in the selection of Ebiseni and Awude as candidates.

He noted that Ebiseni had deposited N20 million into the United Bank for Africa (UBA) account of the Labour Party to secure his nomination form and was subsequently issued the necessary documentation for the primary.

The judge further revealed that the Labour Party had instructed Ebiseni to pay N5 million to Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as reimbursement for expenses incurred upon his withdrawal from the race.

Justice Nwite criticized the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party for attempting to disavow the new primary election that legitimately produced Ebiseni and Awude.

He emphasized that they had fulfilled all prerequisites for candidacy.

Consequently, the court ordered INEC to accept the nominations of Ebiseni and Awude and to publish their names as the official candidates of the Labour Party for the forthcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), led by Sly Ezeokenwa, has condemned the alleged suspension of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo by factional chairman Edozie Njoku, labeling it as delusional.

Ezeokenwa made these remarks during a press conference held at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, responding to Njoku’s recent announcement suspending Governor Soludo and his supporters from the party.

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Describing the situation as laughable, Ezeokenwa criticized Njoku for presuming to suspend legitimate party members, including the party’s national leader.

He stated, “We categorically condemn Chief Edozie Njoku’s reckless statements against Governor Chukwuma Soludo and other party members.”

He further emphasized, “It is regrettable to witness the farcical and delusional behavior of Chief Njoku, who claimed to have suspended esteemed members of APGA, including myself, Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, and Dr. Alex Obiogbulu.”

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According to Ezeokenwa, Njoku’s purported suspension lacks any legitimate authority and is a desperate attempt to distract from his own shortcomings.

“Let us be clear: Edozie Njoku has no right to suspend loyal and dedicated members of our party. His actions demonstrate a misguided attempt to control a party of which he is not even a member.”

Ezeokenwa likened Njoku’s claims to “an intruder attempting to evict homeowners from their own property,” describing such audacity as unfounded and offensive to the integrity of APGA.

He reiterated that the party would not allow anyone or any group that does not embody APGA’s spirit of service to undermine the sacrifices of its founding members.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended former Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, in connection with a N27 billion fraud case.

He is set to face trial on 15 charges, including criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and public fund diversion.

According to a source close to the EFCC, Ishaku’s arrest is part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to address corruption within Nigeria’s public sector.

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The source confirmed that Ishaku is currently in EFCC custody and will be arraigned in court to answer the charges.

The alleged misconduct took place between 2015 and 2021, during Ishaku’s tenure as governor, and involves funds belonging to both the Taraba State Government and Local Government Councils.

Among the allegations are the diversion of N1.01 billion from the 2.5% contingency fund of the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State, between August 2015 and March 2016.

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Ishaku is also accused of misappropriating N1.138 billion from the same fund between July 2015 and May 2019 and diverting N193 million from the Donga Local Government Council.

Additional charges include the misappropriation of N650 million from the Gassol Local Government Council, N170 million from the Gashaka Local Government Council, and N201 million from the Ardo Kola Local Government Council.

Ishaku is further alleged to have used N3.348 billion from Local Government funds for personal purposes and diverted N639 million for his own use.

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Moreover, the former governor allegedly used N23 million of Taraba State funds to purchase a duplex in Abuja and applied N761 million to repay a loan for his company, Worthy Construction Limited.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesperson, confirmed Ishaku’s arrest but declined to provide additional details.

The charges, seen by Saturday Vanguard, describe how Ishaku, while serving as governor, misappropriated public funds entrusted to him, including the misdirection of significant sums to personal and business interests.

Ishaku’s trial is expected to begin shortly, and if found guilty, he could face serious legal consequences for the alleged offenses.