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Sirleaf leads ECOWAS election observers in FCT

Sirleaf leads ECOWAS election observers in FCT
By Ahmed Ubandoma/Jessica Dogo
Observation
Abuja, Feb. 23, 2019 (NAN) The Head of ECOWAS Election Observer Mission to Nigeria, Madam Ellen Jonhson Sirleaf, is leading a delegation of ECOWAS election monitors to some polling centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sirleaf led her team to the Durumi II Primary School polling centre with eight voting points to monitor the conduct of Saturday’s Presidential and national Assembly elections in the country.
Sirleaf, who arrived the polling centre at about 8.55 a.m waited patiently until the first female voter, Mrs Comfort Akale, cast the first ballot of the polling unit at about 9.50 a.m.
The head of the ECOWAS election observer mission depart the polling unit at 10.05 a.m without a word to newsmen.
NAN also reports that the polling centre was crowded due to the large turnout of eligible voters.
However, some voters have expressed their disappointment over the delay in the commencement of the exercise.
They attributed the delay on the inability of INEC officials to arrive the venue on time.
Mr Daniel Chukwu, expressed his dismay over the late commencement of voting.
“ I came here since 7.30 a.m and this is 10.40 a.m we have not made any progress,” he said.
Mrs Ailemen Edith, a voter, told NAN that she was unable to cast her vote as at 10.35 a.m due to the problem she had in transferring her voter’s card from Wuse II to Durumi II polling unit.
“I transferred my voter registration point from Wuse II to Durumi II in 2018, only to find out that my name is not captured in Durumi voters register.
“Though, I am not the only one that is affected but the INEC officials told us to stay aside, that they will attend to us later,” she said.
NAN also reports that the card reader machines are working perfectly at the Durumi polling unit as at 9.50 a.m.
However, only NYSC corps members were at the Apo Legislative Quarters polling unit as no INEC official was on ground to monitor the arrangement of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials when NAN crew visited the venue as at about 7.30 a.m.
Eligible voters have already queued up waiting for the commencement of the accreditation and voting process at 8 a.m.
Meanwhile, various party agents have taken stock of the materials and the ballot boxes, while accreditation and voting was yet to commence at 8.30 a.m at the Apo Legislative Quarters. (NAN)
MU/JEZ/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Environment

Durumi residents want FCTA to provide water, basic amenities

Durumi residents want FCTA to provide water, basic amenities

NAN-AE-4
Water
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, Feb. 1, 2017 (NAN) Some residents of Durumi, a suburb of Abuja, on Wednesday called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to provide potable water to cater for their domestic needs.

They told a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent in Abuja that they spend some money to buy water from water vendors, also known as ‘mairuwa,’ on a daily basis.

They reiterated that water as an essential commodity to human beings is one basic social amenity government has failed to provide in their communities over the years.

They opined that it was the responsibility of the government to make water available for the citizenry.

A salon owner, Ms Adenike Yusuf, said it was disturbing the way government neglected some parts of the Federal Capital Territory, in terms of provision of essential amenities.

She lamented that, “while some privileged few, especially the politicians, lived in perpetual wealth, the ordinary man continues to suffer in a country where there is uneven distribution of wealth.’’

Yusuf called on FCTA to look at possibilities of providing potable water for the community, pointing out that a large number of children, especially under-five, often contact water-borne diseases.

She also called for improved road network, saying vehicles and motorcycles found it difficult to reach some parts of the area, thereby forcing commuters to trek long distances before getting to their homes.

A civil servant, Mr David Auta, who expressed regret that the little he earned was being spent largely on buying water.

He said that many Nigerians were going through some difficulties before getting water for their chores.

“Water is something you can’t do without; it is rather unfortunate that the government is not doing anything to solve this issue of lack of potable water in the area.”

While stressing that the water bought from the vendors cannot be trusted, he said, they still had to resort to sachet water for drinking in his house.

Auta expressed optimism that the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, would make access to potable water a priority.

Obinna Elochukwu, another resident operating a restaurant, said a large number of Nigerians are optimistic that the present administration would provide water and other basic amenities to the people.

“We are in the era of change, and we hope that this change is a positive one that will affect all segments of the society.
“We need leaders that will be responsive to our basic needs like potable water and electricity, you won’t believe how we suffer to get water for all uses,’’ he said. (NAN)
TAK/MOL/AFA
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Felix Ajide