News
Gubernatorial Election: Anambra Decides Tomorrow Amid Tension, Heavy Security.
Anambra State goes to the polls tomorrow to elect a new governor, but the atmosphere remains charged with tension, uncertainty, and anxiety over security, possible vote buying, and the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible exercise.
Much of the apprehension surrounds the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, who faces his first major national test since assuming office.
Stakeholders and observers are closely watching whether he can outperform his predecessor, Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure was marred by controversies involving the late delivery of materials, BVAS malfunction, logistics breakdowns, and delayed result uploads during the 2023 general elections.
Naija News reports that Amupitan has promised transparency, timely deployment, and renewed discipline in election management.
However, his credibility hinges on how efficiently INEC handles logistics, ensures neutrality, manages security agencies, and curbs widespread vote buying.
Tomorrow’s governorship poll, they say, will reveal whether INEC has made real improvements or remains trapped in entrenched inefficiencies.
2.8 Million Voters, 16 Candidates, Massive Security Presence
Sixteen candidates from various political parties will vie for the top seat, with 2.8 million registered voters expected to participate across 5,720 polling units.
To forestall violence, no fewer than 60,000 security operatives have been deployed. These include personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Civil Defence.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of election operations, Abayomi Shogunle, confirmed that the police alone deployed 45,000 officers, along with drones, helicopters, tactical teams, and intelligence units.
Shogunle said the deployment should not be interpreted as intimidation.
The increase in security personnel is not to intimidate eligible voters but to ensure effective operations and safety at every polling unit.
“We assure the people of Anambra that the election will be free, fair, transparent and devoid of intimidation,” he stated.
The decision to bar the state-owned security outfit, Agunechemba, from participating in the exercise has generated mixed reactions.
Opposition parties accuse the state government of previously using the outfit to intimidate voters and influence outcomes, especially in rerun elections for the Anambra South Senatorial and Onitsha State Constituency seats, both won by APGA.
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has warned security agencies against turning the state into a militarized zone.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, and two human rights lawyers, Joy Igboeli and Chidimma Udegbunam, the group condemned what it termed “threats of fire and brimstone,” cautioning that such a posture may discourage voter turnout.
According to the organisation, the deployment of armoured tanks, explosives, and heavily armed personnel often creates a war-like environment.
The group said, “Security forces have often made voting environments hostile for vulnerable voters through militarisation and weaponization of civic spaces. These so-called shows of force frighten voters and undermine democratic participation.”
Intersociety urged the police and military to adopt intelligence-driven, discreet, and non-intimidating operations to restore public confidence.
The rights group also expressed deep concern over the continuing decline in voter turnout in Anambra elections:
46% in 1999
25% in 2013
21% in 2017
10.5% in 2021
With 2.82 million registered voters and 2.5 million PVC holders for tomorrow’s exercise, the group warned that another low turnout could further weaken electoral legitimacy.
News
Shettima Steps Aside from Office After Three Years
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.
According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.
The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.
He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.
Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch
He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.
The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.
News
Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason
Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.
Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.
The ministry said in its official statement:
“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.”
What is Umuganura Day?
Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.
The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.
Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.
History of Umuganura festival
Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.
Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.
News
BREAKING: Nigerian Gov Announces 19 New Appointments
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of 19 new permanent secretaries and the redeployment of 14 others across Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state civil service.
The state Head of Civil Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu-Maimota, made this known through a statement released on Tuesday, August 4, in Kano, signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment in her office, Rukayya Uba-Sulaiman.
Uba-Sulaiman said the new appointments followed the recent promotion of qualified directors to the rank of permanent secretary, with the aim of strengthening government operations and improving service delivery across state agencies.
“The posting follows the recent upliftment of some deserving Directors to the position of Permanent Secretaries, which was aimed at re-strengthening the machinery of Government for an effective and efficient service delivery,” the statement read.
The statement conveyed the governor’s approval directly, noting that the exercise was designed to reposition the civil service for greater efficiency under the current administration.
Newly appointed permanent secretaries were urged to carry out their duties with diligence and competence in support of the government’s broader objectives, Punch reported.
According to the statement, the postings take immediate effect. All handover processes between outgoing and incoming officers are expected to be concluded no later than Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Uba-Sulaiman described the appointments as a call to greater responsibility and selfless service to the people of Kano State, Vanguard reported.
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