Politics
Labour predicted to win as British voters go to polls
Polling stations across the United Kingdom are opened on Thursday morning, with opinion polls suggesting the centre-left Labour party on course to secure a big majority.
Labour is expected to secure majority in the House of Commons and form a new government, after 14 years in opposition.
Millions of people will cast their vote between 7a.m and 10pm, An exit poll, published shortly after 10p.m., would provide the first indication of how the election has gone on a national level.
The first of the 650 seats are likely to declare their results from 11.30p.m.
Party leaders have made their final appeals to voters after touring the country since the election was called.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Thursday represents a pivotal moment for the country’s future as he claimed Labour would “wield their unchecked power to increase taxes should they secure a supermajority’’.
Sunak was joined by his wife Akshata Murty as they visited a polling station to vote on Thursday.
He said “morning’’ and waved at reporters as he entered Kirby Sigston Village Hall in Northallerton.
In his final stump speech on Wednesday evening, Sunak said: “this underdog will fight to the final whistle.’’
Labour leader Keir Starmer said the UK “cannot afford five more years under the Conservatives, adding Britain can begin a new chapter’’ under his party.
“Britain’s future is on the ballot,’’ he said.
Starmer was also cheered by activists as he spoke at a community centre in Redditch, Worcestershire, as his campaigning came to a close.
“That’s what we are fighting for, let’s continue that fight.If you want change, you have to vote for it.’’
As the bookies’ favourite to be the next prime minister, Starmer said he was pleased with Labour’s campaign and his party was “ready for what comes next’’.
An average of all polls completed during the seven days to July 3 puts Labour on 39 per cent, the party’s lowest rating since the campaign began 18 points ahead.
The Conservatives on 21per cent followed by the right-wing populist Reform UK on 16per cent, the centrist Liberal Democrats on 11per cent and the Greens on 6 per cent.
The Conservatives are up slightly on the figures for the previous week while Labour are down, with the averages for the seven days to June 26 being Labour 41per cent.
Conservatives 20 per cent, Reform 16 per cent, Lib Dems 11per cent and Greens 6 per cent.
Sunak had called the snap general election on May 22.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State on Saturday passed a vote of confidence on Gov. Uba Sani after following the achievements he has recorded within one year in office.
The vote of confidence was passed during the State Executive Committee meeting of the party held at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna.
The motion, moved by Mr Garba Babawo, the party’s Zonal Vice Chairman, North-West, was seconded by Mr Yakubu Barde, former House of Representatives member, Chikun Federal Constituency.
It was followed by encomiums from the party stakeholders who respectively spoke about the feats recorded by the Governor within the year in record.
Mr Emmanuel Jakada, the State Party Chairman, in an opening address, described the meeting as an extraordinary one aimed ‘at giving honour to who honour is due.”
He said, “We are also here to rub minds on issues of concern to our great party in Kaduna State and especially to celebrate the remarkable milestone of the first year in office of our visionary, indefatigable and able Governor, Sen. Uba Sani.
“His Excellency’s one year in office has marked a significant achievement in his journey towards transforming Kaduna State into a home for progress, peace and prosperity.
“His leadership model has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the people of the State.
“His administration’s efforts to revamp the education sector, improve healthcare infrastructure and drive economic growth are laudable.
”His numerable initiatives aimed at empowering youths, promoting agriculture and enhance security are indeed commendable.”
According to Jakada, what he has achieved within the short time gives hope that his performance will surpass all his campaign promises, adding, ”’ as such, his leadership is bringing hope and progress in the state.
”His Excellency within one year in office has demonstrated visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and a passion for the people of Kaduna State.
”This has earned him trust and administration from all the people of the state and even across party line.
”The aforementioned had motivated the State Executive Committee to call for this extraordinary and special State Executive Council Meeting today to appreciate and encourage him to continue with the good work.”
Also, Mr Yahaya Pate, the party’s State Secretary, commended the feat recorded by the governor within his one year in office especially in the education and security sectors.
Pate assured Sani of the party’s continued support and loyalty.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting witnessed the presence of a former Governor, former Deputy Governor and seasoned politicians.
Others were party members from all the local government areas of the state, party officials, past and present legislators and the members of the state executives.
Youths in Edo State on Saturday explained that the issue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, winning the September 21 governorship election was a forgone conclusion.
‘’There is no alternative to Monday Okpebholo in the September 21 governorship election’’
They said Okpebholo’s governorship was an idea whose time had come.
‘’Monday Okpebholo will usher in change and accountability’’
Reading from a prepared text on behalf of Esan youths, community leaders and women on Saturday in Igueben, the Chairman of Esan Youths Movement, Pastor Jonathan Omozokpia, said Okpebholo’s governorship ambition was practically signed, sealed and delivered.
‘’Monday Okpebholo has succeeded in building a network of friends across Nigeria and abroad. He is a darling of the grassroots and will definitely win the September 21 governorship election in Edo State’’
The youths stressed that Okpebholo’s governorship ambition was an answer to the clarion call by well-meaning individuals, including traditional rulers, frontline politicians and Edo professionals in Nigeria and abroad.
‘’’We want a governor who can launch a rebirth and lead Edo away from backwardness to true greatness’’
They dismissed the governorship ambition of Asue Ighodalo, describing him as a complete disadvantage and stranger in Esanland.
‘’Monday Okpebholo shares our values’’
The youths applauded the judiciary for declaring invalid the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primary election held on February 22, 2024 which produced Asue Ighodalo as its governorship candidate.
They noted that the Federal High Court Abuja decision was a victory for democracy.
‘’Many people are tired of incompetent and inept leaders, people who are unable to dream great dreams for Edo State. They are tired of mediocrity and selfishness’’
Particularly, the youths criticised Governor Godwin Obaseki for disappointing the good people of Edo State.
‘’We need to ‘break from the past, save Edo State from ruins. There has been too much noise but far less action in Edo State. There is a lot of retrogression in several areas’’.
They also praised PDP members who recently announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
By Dennis Udoma, Uyo
A former political aide to the Kano State Government Dr. Asikpo Essien Iboko had lamented that Nigeria has practiced all forms of corruption since independence, describing it as a deceitful and immoral behavior that has impacted various sectors of the economy.
Speaking as a guest lecturer at a public lecture organized by the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Uyo, Dr. Asikpo attributed the causes of corruption to weak governance, lack of transparency, political influence, and cultural norms, among others.
“Corruption in Nigeria has revealed a cancerous spread which the country refused to treat at its early stages of development, now becoming more pervasive and complex than public service corruption,” Dr. Asikpo said.
He recommended structural rigidity, poverty alleviation, employment opportunities, and addressing educational needs to address the problem of corruption in the country.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Trenchard Ibia, described corruption as “misuse, abuse or misapplication of position, privilege for personal gain,” while the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Uduak Ibom, described it as “a serious and dreadful disease, virus and epidemic” that has ravaged many African countries, including Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, represented by DVC, Administration, Prof. Anthonia Essien, commended the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, for organizing the public lecture, saying, “There is nothing that can embarrass a nation like corruption, and this lecture is a call to every Nigerian to stop corruption.”
Dr. Asikpo’s lecture is a call to action for Nigerians to address the long-standing problem of corruption that has hindered the country’s development. As he aptly put it, “The liberation of national development in Nigeria from the shackles of endemic and systemic corruption rests on the radical reconstruction of our decadent socioeconomic and sociopolitical systems that breed corruption.”
NYSC allowance to increase after minimum wage negotiations – DG
Ondo Govt. releases N1 bn for gratuity arrears of retired LG workers, teachers
