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ECOWAS Commends Nigeria’s 2019 General Elections, Urges INEC, Stakeholders to Approach Final Phases with Fairness and Transparency

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The Economic Commission of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has commended the general elections conducted on Saturday, February 23, 2019 by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).

It however, cautioned the electoral body to approach the final phases which include the announcement of the results with fairness and transparency.

ECOWAS made its observations in a document titled Preliminary Declaration – 2019 Nigeria Presidential Elections, and endorsed by the Head of the ECOWAS Observation Mission, H.E. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

Below is the full detail of the regional body’s observation:

ECOWAS COMMISSION v COMISSÃO DA CEDEAO v COMMISSION DE LA CEDEAO
NIGERIA 2019 – GENERAL ELECTIONS

PRELIMINARY DECLARATION

I- INTRODUCTION

1. In keeping with the provisions of the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and within the framework of the Programme of Assistance to Member States organizing elections, His Excellency Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, President of the ECOWAS Commission, deployed an election observation mission (EOM) for the 2019 General Elections in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

2. The Mission is led by Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, former President of the Republic of Liberia, and comprises 200 observers from ECOWAS Member States, including 170 Short Term Observers and 30 Long Term Observers deployed to 31 States across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

3. The membership of the Mission is drawn from the ECOWAS Parliament, the group of West African Ambassadors accredited to ECOWAS, officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of ECOWAS member States, experts from Electoral Management Bodies, as well as
representatives of civil society organizations and the media. The Mission is supported by a technical team from the ECOWAS Commission.

II- PRE-ELECTORAL ENGAGEMENT AND ECOWAS ACCOMPANIMENT THE 2019 ELECTORAL PROCESS

4. As part of its commitment to and support for the electoral process in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the ECOWAS Commission arranged:

ECOWAS COMMISSION v COMISSÃO DA CEDEAO v COMMISSION DE LA CEDEAO
NIGERIA 2019 – GENERAL ELECTIONS

a. A Joint High Level Solidarity Mission with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), on 8 October 2018, to affirm the International Community’s support for a peaceful and credible electoral process;
b. A Pre-election Fact-finding Mission, from 1 – 15 November 2018, to assess the state of preparedness for the elections;
c. Training workshops on dialogue and mediation as tools for preventing and mitigating electoral-related violence between September and December 2018;
d. A 30-member team of Long-Term Election Observers (LTOs) to assess some of the most critical aspects of the electoral process in the lead up to, and immediately after, Election Day. This team has been in Nigeria since 13 January 2019;
e. A Solidarity Mission, on 6 February 2019, led by Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who engaged major stakeholders on key contentious issues around the security of the electoral process.

III- THE ELECTORAL CAMPAIGNS AND THE MEDIA
5. The official campaign period that started on 18 November 2018 provided the Political Parties time and space to present their manifestos and programs to the electorate across the country.
6. On the invitation of the National Peace Committee, ECOWAS and other members of the International Community witnessed the signing, on 11 December 2018, of a National Peace Accord committing to a peaceful campaign process. Subsequently, on 13 February 2019, the Presidential candidates signed a Second Peace Accord to accept the outcome of the
polls.
7. Both print and electronic Media played an effective role in informing the general public about events on the campaign trail and the wider electoral calendar. Social Media platforms were also used by Political Parties to market their candidates and programs to young voters. However, some of these platforms were used to misinform the public and propagate hate speech.

8. Although electoral campaigns were largely peaceful, some incidents led to violence and deaths.

IV- PREPARATION FOR THE POLLS

9. In January 2018 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published its electoral calendar and timetable of activities, well ahead of the scheduled dates for the 2019 General elections. That notwithstanding, INEC announced in the early hours of the scheduled date, 16 February 2019, a one-week postponement of the polls to enable
it address its logistical constraints.
10. Following this postponement, INEC promptly announced a New Operational Plan fixing timelines for the completion of various aspects of its logistics, including refresher training for its ad-hoc staff. Furthermore, in an attempt to sustain confidence in the process, the Commission held daily briefings, from 18 – 22 February 2019, to inform and update stakeholders on the implementation of the New Operational Plan. In all its public engagements during this period, INEC consistently assured the public that it had met all its timelines leading to the conduct of the elections on 23 February 2019.

V- ELECTION DAY OBSERVATIONS
Opening of the Polls
11. Even though large numbers of voters arrived and formed queues by 8.00 am, the late delivery of materials and arrival of polling officials led to delays in the commencement of voting in most places, in some instances for up to five hours.
12. In most of the polling units visited, there was an effective presence of security agents and domestic and international observers. Out of 73 political parties, mainly the APC and PDP had agents at polling units.
13.The Mission also notes the security challenges that occured on the day of elections. Particularly in Maiduguri where, prior to the commencement of polls, heavy shelling was heard. This situation undoubtedly affected the voter turnout as voters could not turn out in numbers to vote under such circumstances.

Voting Process
14. Despite the widespread delays witnessed at the commencement of the polls, the voting process went on smoothly in a majority of polling units when they got underway.
15. However, the smooth flow of the process was disrupted by malfunctioning of the Smartcard Readers (SCRs) in a number of polling units. In some cases, this situation caused agitation among the voters who had been waiting in queues for long hours, forcing some polling officials to resort to manual accreditation.
16. There were also disruptions due to the outbreak of violence in some places, which resulted in the loss of lives and election materials. Voters generally comported themselves and exhibited amazing patience and tolerance, contributing to peaceful conduct on the day.
17. The Mission also notes that it took INEC a long time to respond to the public on the challenges that arose during the polls.

Closing of the Polls
18. Due to the late start in the majority of Polling Units visited, polling generally went on past the official closing time of 2:00 pm to compensate for time lost earlier in the day thereby enabling voters in the queue to cast their votes.
19. Our observers however noted an incident at Kofar Gayam in Nasarawa State where a Presiding Officer arbitrarily tried to end the process before all the voters in the queue were able to cast their votes. This truncated the process for about an hour before normalcy was restored to allow voters to cast their votes.
20. Our observers in Port Harcourt also reported that elections could not hold in the entire Akuku Toru and Bonny Local Government Areas (LGAs) and a number of polling units in Okrika LGA in the Rivers State due to disruption of the voting process.

VII. CONCLUSIONS
21. In light of the stated observations, the ECOWAS Observation Mission has reached the following preliminary conclusions pending the collation and declaration of final results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC):
a. The ECOWAS Observation Mission considers the electoral process was largely peaceful and transparent as voters were able to cast their votes freely. The Mission commends the general public and the voters for their patience and determination to exercise their civic responsibility.
b. The Mission calls upon INEC and other stakeholders to approach the final phases of the process with fairness and transparency until the announcement of the final results.
c. The Mission urges INEC to take steps to address the many shortcomings, including operational capacity and systems that were observed all through the process.
d. The Mission appeals to party leaders, candidates, their supporters
and the press, to show tolerance and restraint leading up to, and after, the announcement of the results.
e. In the spirit of the commitment made in the Peace Accord of 13 February 2019, the Mission urges the candidates to accept the verdict of the polls in good faith, and in case of complaints, to seek redress by legal means solely.
f. The Mission commends the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Security Agencies for their dedication and professionalism and appreciates the effort of political parties for their commitment and their demonstration of maturity during the process.

The Mission also congratulates civil society, the Media, domestic and international observer groups for their contribution and commitment to the strengthening of the democratic process in Nigeria.
g. Finally, the Mission congratulates the voters and the great and good people of Nigeria on the patriotism, tolerance, and sense of duty, which contributed to maintaining peace and stability in spite of the many challenges.

Done in Abuja, this 24th day of February 2019
H.E. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
Head of the ECOWAS Observation Mission

Click to open the original PDF version:

Preliminary Declaration – 2019 Nigeria Presidential Elections

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Finally, Tinubu Honours Humphrey Nwosu As Hero of June 12

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By Eric Elezuo

In a dramatic turn of process, President Bola Tinubu has bestowed the national honour of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) on the Dr. Humphrey Nwosu for his efforts in birthing the new democratic Nigeria.

Tinubu made the announcement while addressing the nation at the National Assembly complex on Thursday to mark 2025 Democracy Day.

It would be recalled that honoring Nwosu has been an issue of controversy. The announcement had some South East legislators cheering.

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FG Applauds Hospitality Sector over Compliance to Top Management Registration

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The Federal Government, through the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has commended hospitality establishments, particularly in Lagos, for their prompt compliance with regulatory provisions requiring the registration of top management staff in the sector.

The compliance drive is anchored on the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, which mandates all operators within the hospitality and tourism value chain to register and obtain appropriate certifications. The goal is to ensure service quality, standardisation, and the creation of a robust industry database, which will help protect and promote jobs for trained and qualified Nigerians.

Speaking in Lagos during a recent compliance exercise, NIHOTOUR noted the positive response from major hotel chains, including Marriott, Radisson Blu, Black Diamond, Four Points by Sheraton, and The Sojourner The agency, supported by security operatives deployed by the Inspector General of Police, carried out a comprehensive audit and headcount of management personnel at these establishments.

According to the agency, these top-end hotels have not only shown readiness to comply but have also embraced the initiative as a step toward professionalism and improved industry standards.

In Abuja, the compliance process has also seen progress, though a few operators are still working to update their profiles and resolve outstanding issues before fully joining the initiative.

Reacting to the development, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) expressed satisfaction with the ongoing exercise in Lagos. FTAN President Nkereweum Onung described the response as encouraging, noting that it reflects a growing industry-wide awareness of the need for regulatory adherence.

“We are pleased to see that a significant number of operators are supporting government’s regulatory efforts. However, we urge for more patience and open communication with those who are still seeking clarification or yet to comply,” Onung said.

He emphasized the need for wider publicity to drive the compliance agenda and called for effective collaboration between government and trade associations to ensure the project’s success.

“We remain committed to supporting the government and promoting the growth of the hospitality and tourism industry. We also expect the government to stay faithful to its promises and contribute meaningfully to the sector’s development,” he added.

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Dele Momodu: Legacy in Motion

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By Konye Chelsea Nwabogor

There are people who chase relevance, and then there are those who become it. Dele Momodu, at 65, stands as one of the few Nigerians who has not only witnessed the evolution of media, politics, and public life, but has also shaped it.

To say he has lived many lives would be an understatement. Journalist. Publisher. Political aspirant. Cultural archivist. Outspoken commentator. And yet, even with a life so full, he’s still writing new chapters—on his own terms.

For decades, he has moved between boardrooms and ballrooms, newsrooms and palaces, always with a reporter’s curiosity and a statesman’s gravitas. Through Ovation International, the glossy magazine he founded in 1996, Momodu did something audacious: he made African success not just visible, but glamorous. He documented history in real-time, spotlighting not just presidents and billionaires, but the spirit of a continent eager to be seen on its own terms.

However, what makes his story truly compelling isn’t just the magazine covers or the celebrity handshakes—it’s the mind behind it all. Dele Momodu has consistently shown a rare ability to stay ahead of the curve. While others were still adjusting to hashtags and livestreams, he was already building his digital voice, engaging global audiences, and mentoring a new generation of storytellers—without losing the elegance and depth that defined his early career in print.

Unapologetically vocal and refreshingly blunt, he has mastered the delicate art of being both insider and outsider. He critiques power without flinching, yet understands the machinery from the inside. His 2011 presidential bid may not have led to a seat at Aso Rock, but it cemented his place in Nigeria’s democratic conversation—a media man unafraid to step into the arena.

At 65, he is reflective, but far from retiring. His curiosity remains sharp, his presence magnetic, his words weighty. Whether he’s sharing memories of MKO Abiola, challenging government policies on Instagram live, or spotlighting a rising designer he bumped into at the airport, Dele Momodu remains an institution unto himself—seasoned, yes, but never static.

In this exclusive interview with Konye Chelsea Nwabogor , he opens up about the Ovation journey, his views on Nigeria today and his fears and hopes for the media.

Happy Birthday, sir. 65 is indeed a markable milestone. What thoughts have been occupying your mind in this season of reflection? When you think back to the young man walking the grounds of Ife, did you ever imagine this life- this kind of journey?

To be quite honest, my life seems to have been on a rollercoaster. It is surreal. I don’t really know how my father, Jacob Momodu, migrated from a village called Ihievbe, in today’s Edo State, to the ancient town of Ile-Ife, and met my mother, Gladys, from Gbongan, and they fell in love with each other. I was born in 1960 and was the only child of their union. My father worked with the Public Works Department (PWD) where he rose to become a Road Road Overseer. My mother was a petty trader who sold food to prisoners and warders at Ife Prisons. We were of extremely modest income but survived on goodwill and contentment.

In 1973, my father suddenly passed on, and life immediately became harrowing for the family he left behind. I was barely 13 at that time and I had to meander my ways through a labyrinth of unforeseen circumstances and unimaginable challenges. We were kicked out of our rented “face-me-I-face-you” home in Moore, Ile-Ife. We had to move in with our sympathetic family, The Oyemades, in Modakeke.

It was impossible to see or envisage a bright future ahead of us. My mother really laboured hard. My dreams then were limited. Perhaps, at the very best, I had hoped to graduate, become a teacher, marry a teacher, and live happily thereafter.

Ovation has become more than a magazine. It’s part of the cultural fabric. Did you always know you were building something that would outlive trends? What was the founding vision, and has it stayed intact over the years—or has it evolved with you?

The story of Ovation is that of a mysterious babe that came out of an unplanned and unexpected pregnancy. I had originally planned to have this baby in 1991, after I lost my job as Editor of Classique magazine, but had to abort the plans when funding it became a major problem.

Fast forward to 1995, I suddenly became exiled in London and a new and scary situation stared at me. How do I survive in a city where every bill must be paid as at when due? My cousin, Segun Fatoye, then came up with the suggestion that I should establish a media company in London.

Once again, funding became a major hurdle to cross.

We managed to raise the less than 20 percent of what was required but we were determined to overcome all obstacles. Our passion for excellence and quality was extraordinary, and we were determined to produce a world-class publication, and God answered our prayers.

You’ve covered some of the most powerful and iconic people in the world. Of all the rooms you’ve entered, and all the stories you’ve captured, which ones left a permanent mark on you?

Without any doubt, it would be the awe-inspiring room of Ambassador Chief Antonio Deinde Fernandez on an island in New York. Nothing compares to it. The closest would probably be the home of Alhaji Mai Deribe in Maiduguri. Both properties were photographed exclusively for Ovation International magazine by the famous Scottish photographer, Colin Ramsay, now of blessed memories. We had so much fun shooting those iconic homes.

You’ve remained consistently relevant in a media landscape that’s constantly evolving. How were you able to expand so seamlessly into the digital space? What do you credit for that adaptability?

My determination to succeed is extraordinary. I have always had this nagging fear of returning to those days of anguish and agony.

Fortunately for me, I decided to contest Nigeria’s Presidential election in 2011. Naturally, I was compelled to embrace social media. After losing the election, I converted them from politics to business. It was the smartest move I ever made.

You have also managed to build a distinct voice online, especially on social media. What do you think is the role of a journalist in the age of immediacy, visibility, and algorithms?

Our role is not just to post salacious falsehoods in the name of beating deadlines or creating trends. We must demonstrate restraint and responsibility. All is not lost, though. Nigeria still parades some of the brightest and boldest journalists in Africa. The biggest impediment to quality journalism is the dwindling income. Most media houses are barely surviving.

No doubt, journalism has become an endangered specie in our country Nigeria. Anyone with a smartphone can set up an instant blog, no matter how poorly educated. This is dangerous and highly inimical to the growth of a once-revered profession.

Do you think Nigerian journalism still holds power, or has it become too entwined with politics, commerce, and survival?

Every media organisation is usually a reflection of the biases and prejudices of its proprietors. This is not limited to Nigeria. This is even more pronounced in Europe and America where media is often divided on ideological grounds.

You’ve always had the courage to say what others won’t. What gives you the confidence to speak so boldly, particularly on political matters?

I graduated from the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and also bagged a Master’s degree from the same institution, which was well renowned for its radicalism and “A luta” culture. I grew up reading Marxist/Leninist and Soyinkean literatures. I participated in many struggles. I was in exile during the Abacha regime, and I joined Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other NADECO fighters in pulling some stunts. Therefore, I cannot be afraid of speaking truth to Tinubu today because he’s President. I expect him to remember and appreciate our journeys together and respect my right to free speech. I will never disrespect or disparage him, but I will never be squeamish in front of any Nigerian leader. At 65, I’m now an elder statesman and ready to make sacrifices for my nation.

Your commentary on Nigeria, especially its leadership, economy, and direction, often stirs intense reactions. Do you worry about backlash, or is that part of the responsibility that comes with being a public voice?

I have since passed the stage of worrying over any backlash from rulers and their acolytes. I’m sure they know I’m a sincere critic and not a career agitator. It would have been a lot easier for me to join the government and gain access to stupendous opportunities, but I chose the road less travelled. I’m very proud of my choice and I intend to exercise my FREEDOM of expression and Association till eternity.

What frustrates you most about Nigeria’s current political landscape? Is there anything that still gives you hope?

I’m definitely frustrated about the lack of principle and ideology in our politics. The shamelessness of politicians also worries me. The level of greed and self-aggrandisement is too shocking and unacceptable in more reasonable terrains. Hope is fast evaporating in me. I’m only awaiting a miracle.

You’ve built a media empire, travelled across continents, shaped public narratives, and influenced policy conversations—but what would you say has been your proudest moment?

I will humbly and modestly say I have succeeded in building not just a global brand but also a double brand, similar to that of Richard Branson of the Virgin Group and Bill Gates of Microsoft.

I received the honorary Fellowship of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) alongside President John Dramani Mahama in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2019, in recognition of my public relations skills. Mine has been an uncommon trajectory. And I give God all the glory.

What would you like Ovation to represent in another 70 years, long after your name has become history?

A media outfit that continues to promote the positive stories of Africa.

What brings you the most joy in private moments—away from the public persona, the interviews, the speaking engagements?

Watching my children grow into men doing great things of their own without relying on their father’s name or contacts.

You’ve mentored many young voices, both in media and politics. What is the one quality you believe is non-negotiable for anyone who wants to last in this space?

Integrity.

What’s something you believe now, at 65, that you didn’t believe at 35?

That Nigeria could ever degenerate to this terrible level.

What still drives you? What keeps you curious?

The passion for greatness.

When all is said and done, what do you hope the Ovation of your life sounds like?

Culled from ThisDay Style

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