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CUPP demands immediate transfer of Edo REC, Police Commissioner
The Coalition, which made the demand, alleged amongst other things that both Onuoha and Edwin-Iwo have close ties to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chief Nyesom Wike and therefore, the entire electoral process could be compromised.
The CUPP expressed apprehension that these ‘Wike allies’ may use their positions to create an unfair advantage for their preferred candidate, compromising the level playing field essential for credible elections.
In a statement signed by Chief Peter Ameh, the National Secretary of CUPP yesterday in Abuja, the Coalition demanded the appointment of neutral officials to oversee the election.
It also demanded for credible elections with increased transparency and accountability measures put in place before the 21st of September, 2024. “We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate action and transfer Dr. Onuoha to safeguard electoral integrity in Edo State.
“I am not for the PDP in Edo state because I also saw their actions against Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate for the election. This action is in defense of the integrity of the electoral system in Nigeria.
“The recent revelations that Wike’s cousin is the EDO INEC REC and his ally as the state police commissioner have sparked widespread concern among stakeholders in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, scheduled for September 21st, 2024.
“This development has far reaching implications for the credibility of the election process and the impartiality expected of state actors involved in the conduct of the election. “This development in Edo State ahead of the governorship elections raises serious concerns about the potential for bias and partiality in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
“The appointment of Wike’s cousin as INEC REC and his ally as the state Police Commissioner creates a clear conflict of interest, which could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. “The concentration of power in the hands of individuals with clear political affiliations undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability that are essential for democratic elections.
The REC and state police commissioner play pivotal roles in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. “By appointing Wike’s relatives and allies to these positions, the integrity of the election is compromised, and the potential for bias and manipulation is significantly increased,” the statement read.
The CUPP argued that these developments will undermine the legitimacy of the election outcome, leading to disputes and potentially destabilising the state. In order to mitigate these risks, the CUPP said it had become necessary that the appointments of Wike’s cousin and ally should be rescinded and neutral officials appointed in their place.
Additionally, the CUPP said, all measures should be put in place to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process. However, INEC in reacting to an earlier protest from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the removal of both men said they would not be removing them.
Last Thursday, the Chairman of the Edo State PDP, Anthony Aziegbemhin, escalated the matter by submitting a formal protest letter to INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
But responding to these concerns, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the PDP to focus on the process of the election and not on the REC.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.
This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Speaking on the occasion, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.
“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.
“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”
Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
Meanwhile, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.
AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.
The association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a fresh round of appointments involving a commissioner, three Special Advisers and 1,000 other aides.
The appointments comprise 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants, with the governor saying the move is intended to reinforce his administration and improve its reach across the state.
Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, from Akoko North-West Local Government Area, has been nominated as Commissioner for Special Duties. Her nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.
The governor also appointed Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment, Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, and Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport.
Among those named as Senior Special Assistants are Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Women Mobilisation (South); Bidemi Obayangbon, Forestry; Gboluge Olufunmi Alex, Community Engagement (South); Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Community Engagement (Central); and Obayan Theophilus Ayodeji, Community Engagement (North).
Others include Kelvin Solomon, Students Affairs; Adeolu Iwakun, Volunteer Services; Samson Job Bazuaye, Oil and Gas; Fade Ojamomi, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation; Sam Adepoju, Public Engagement; and Alhaji Samad Orijeminiyi, Scholarship.
Also appointed are Victor Omodara, Grassroots Mobilisation; Abayomi Adefolalu, Photography; and Alhaji Abdukadiri Adenoyi, Prince Nzuoma Egbulefu and Alhaji Garba Goni, all for Non-Indigenes.
About 40 people are suspected to have lost their lives after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms.
An eyewitness said more than 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.
The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” a local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter.
According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.
“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said. (Daily Trust)
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