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Edo State residents, please collect your Permanent Voter Cards for the Governorship Elections, says INEC
As the governorship elections in Edo State approach, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the commencement of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection for newly registered voters starting August 22, 2024. This important announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja on Monday.
The Edo governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024. During the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo State, a total of 184,438 voters were registered. This figure comprises 119,206 new registrations, alongside inter-state and intra-state transfers, as well as requests for corrections and replacements.
Prof. Yakubu confirmed the successful delivery of all newly printed PVCs to INEC’s office in Benin City, emphasizing that these cards are now ready for collection. Registered voters can collect their PVCs at any of the 192 Wards in Edo State from August 22 to August 26, 2024, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, including weekends. Afterward, collection will transition to INEC’s Local Government offices from August 28 to September 8, 2024, during the same hours.
In his address, Yakubu reiterated the importance of personal collection of PVCs to mitigate electoral malpractice, stating, “The cards will not be distributed or collected by proxy so that they do not end up in the wrong hands.” He strongly urged all voters to take the time to collect their PVCs in person and to participate in the voting process on Election Day.
Furthermore, Yakubu announced that similar arrangements for PVC collection are being finalized for Ondo State, where the governorship election is scheduled for November. He reassured the electorate in Ondo State that details regarding their PVC collection will be communicated shortly.
In preparation for the upcoming elections, it is crucial for eligible voters to ensure they collect their PVCs and engage actively in the electoral process. Informed participation is vital for the democratic process, and the INEC is committed to facilitating a transparent and efficient voting system.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing trend of renaming streets and public spaces in Lagos State without adherence to constitutional procedures or resident consultation. Falana describes these actions as unlawful and undemocratic.
In a recent statement, Falana specifically criticized the renaming of “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by the former chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Kolade Alabi. He further cited instances of streets named after President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and alleged street naming by industrialist Aliko Dangote in honor of the late Mr. Herbert Wigwe and President Tinubu.
Falana asserts that these actions contravene the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants local government councils the exclusive authority for naming and numbering streets. He referenced the legal precedent set in Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, which affirmed the Abuja Municipal Area Council’s sole authority over street naming within its jurisdiction.
Falana emphasized that the “usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution.” He highlighted the historical significance of the Charley Boy Bus Stop, arguing that its renaming without community consultation represents authoritarianism.
Furthermore, Falana expressed concern over the retention of colonial-era names while targeting names honoring Nigerians with positive societal contributions. He urged local government legislative arms to end arbitrary renaming practices, implement transparent processes with public hearings, and ensure community involvement in such decisions.
Falana concluded by stating that street names should not be altered arbitrarily to cater to the whims of political leaders or promote ethnic chauvinism, particularly in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos.
DAURA, Katsina State – In a gesture of respect and remembrance, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and former Senate President Bukola Saraki visited the gravesite of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday.
Both Kwankwaso and Saraki offered their condolences to the family of the former Head of State in Daura. Images circulating on social media depicted the leaders in prayer at the gravesite.
Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away in London following a period of illness. His remains were interred in Daura earlier this week. The visits by Kwankwaso and Saraki mark the latest in a series of tributes paid to the late president.
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honor the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval. This declaration is part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period.
In a statement, the Minister described Buhari as a leader who served Nigeria with dedication and integrity, emphasizing the holiday’s purpose: to allow Nigerians to reflect on his contributions to the nation’s democratic journey and national development. Citizens are urged to use this day to promote peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, aligning with the late President’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria. During the mourning period, national flags will fly at half-mast. The Federal Government has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians.
A court has mandated that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permit female corps members to wear skirts.
Falana Condemns Unlawful Street Renaming in Lagos.
