OndoDecides2024: Party agents spotted with cash at polling units
Reports from Irele Local Government Area, Ondo State, highlight blatant vote-buying during the ongoing election. Party agents were openly seen distributing cash at Anglican Primary School, with one agent using a Ghana-must-go bag to deliver money via a minivan. A female agent urged voters to check their names on the register, reinforcing suspicions of electoral malpractice. Residents described participation as transactional, linking voting to monetary benefits for household needs. Read more
Athena Commentary: The overt vote-buying reported in Ondo State reflects a concerning erosion of democratic integrity, where financial incentives replace voter conscience. Comparatively, established democracies emphasize transparency, stricter campaign finance laws, and voter education to mitigate such malpractice. In countries like the U.S. or Germany, robust legal frameworks criminalize vote-buying, while digital voting technologies reduce manipulation. The Ondo State scenario underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms, civic awareness, and enforcement to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral credibility.
Ogun LG poll: PDP decries late distribution of materials
The Ogun State PDP has criticized the late distribution of electoral materials during the November 16 local government polls, raising concerns about election credibility. The party decried the use of two result sheets per polling unit, delays in material dispatch, and potential voter disenfranchisement. Highlighting logistical issues, PDP state agent Waliu Oladipupo demanded extended voting hours and transparent result declaration at polling units to uphold electoral integrity. Read more
Athena Commentary: The logistical issues highlighted in Ogun State’s local government poll, including delayed distribution of materials and procedural irregularities, sharply contrast with election processes in developed countries. In nations like Germany or Canada, electoral logistics are meticulously planned, leveraging technology for efficiency and transparency. Such lapses, as seen in Ogun, erode voter confidence and underscore the need for Nigeria to prioritize electoral reforms, ensuring timeliness, fairness, and inclusivity in its democratic processes.
President Tinubu Tasks Universities on Cutting Edge Research to Aid Development
At the 29th and 30th convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo, President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerian universities to prioritize transformative, cutting-edge research to drive national development. Represented by UNIPORT Vice Chancellor Prof. Owunari Georgewill, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges. Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno praised Tinubu’s economic vision and highlighted people-focused governance through initiatives like free education and healthcare. The ceremony celebrated academic achievements and national progress. Read more
Athena Commentary: President Tinubu’s call for universities to focus on cutting-edge research highlights a commendable vision for aligning education with national development goals. However, this ambition faces hurdles due to limited funding, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent policy implementation in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. In developed countries like the United States or Germany, governments and private sectors heavily invest in research, ensuring robust funding, modern facilities, and innovation ecosystems. For Nigeria to emulate this success, it must prioritize sustained investment, accountability, and university-industry collaboration.
NNPC, Oil Marketers Import 1.5m Tonnes of Petrol in 42 Days Putting Pressure on Naira
Nigeria’s economic challenges persist as NNPC and oil marketers imported 1.5 million metric tonnes of petrol in 42 days, valued at approximately $1.9 billion. The naira weakened further, trading at N1,740/$ in parallel markets. Inflation climbed to 33.88% in October, driven by higher food and energy prices, with food inflation surging to 39.16%. Analysts forecast sustained price pressures in November, citing currency volatility, elevated transport costs, and structural agricultural challenges. These dynamics highlight Nigeria’s economic fragility amid rising import dependency. Read more
Athena Commentary: Nigeria’s current economic struggles, marked by surging inflation (33.88%) and naira depreciation, underscore systemic inefficiencies in governance and economic management. Unlike developed nations, which prioritize local production and strategic reserves to curb dependency on imports, Nigeria remains heavily reliant on imported petroleum products, draining foreign reserves. Effective fiscal policies, robust local industries, and accountability, as seen in countries like Norway’s sovereign wealth model, are vital to stabilize prices and strengthen the economy.
Compiled by:
Chukwunonso Momah