The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has apologised for the glitch on its results viewing portal.

The results page had gone blank early Friday morning but was later restored after roughly two hours.

At the time of the glitch, the IEC said local offices continued to capture results while its technicians were working on restoring services.

The commission did not state a reason for the disruption but assured that results have not been compromised.

“All services have since been restored and the leaderboard is working normally. Result processing continues unaffected,” the IEC said in a statement.

When the portal returned, results had come in from 54.9 percent of polling stations, giving the ruling African National Congress (ANC) 41.86 percent of votes cast.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) had 23.67 percent while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) secured 19.98 percent.

A final result near the current preliminary 42 percent would be a steep tumble for the ANC which achieved its lowest victory margin of 57.5 percent in the 2019 elections.

It would also coerce incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is seeking re-election, to begin negotiations for a coalition government — stoking political uncertainty that could bleed into the country’s shaky economic prospects.

A federal high court in Abuja has granted bail to Chioma Okoli in the sum of N5 million with two sureties.

Okoli is facing trial on a two count-charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking.

Peter Lifu, the presiding judge, ruled on the bail application filed by Inibehe Effiong, counsel to Okoli.

The judge argued that section 36(5) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) guarantees presumption of innocence, adding that it will be unfair to deny Okoli bail.

Lifu ruled that one of the sureties must be her spouse or relative and must be resident in Abuja.

The judge added that Okoli must deposit her international passport with the court.

The case was adjourned to June 13, 2024 for further hearing.

THE CASE

On September 17, 2023, Okoli published a post on Facebook concerning Nagiko Tomato Mix — one of the tomato paste variants of Erisco Foods.

She posited that she had found the paste sugary.

Erisco Foods Limited described the claim as untrue and unfounded.

The company said the post was intended to mislead its customers and discredit the image of Erisco Foods Limited “as previously instigated by some elements and syndicates who are uncomfortable with our increasing market dominance as a leading indigenous manufacturer of 100% natural tomato pastes”.

Days later, Okoli was arrested by the police after the company filed a complaint about the post.

Subsequently, Eric Umeofia, the founder of Erisco Foods Limited, vowed to take legal steps.

On Tuesday, Okoli was arraigned but she pleaded not guilty to the two counts of conspiracy and cyberstalking.

Effiong, her counsel, told the court that his client suffered miscarriage during the course of the legal battle.

The judge had remanded Okoli in the Suleja Correctional Centre and adjourned bail hearing to Friday.

..Marwa commends personnel, grants him special promotion

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has approved special promotion for an officer of the Agency, Francis Ameh Igonoh, a Superintendent of Narcotics, after he emerged the 2024 winner of the prestigious International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Outstanding Operational Success Award.

Announcing the accelerated promotion reward for the officer during a brief ceremony where Igonoh presented the award certificates to the NDLEA boss, Marwa commended him for doing the Agency and indeed Nigeria proud.

According to him, “you have distinguished yourself in our concerted effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria and as such the global recognition of our role in dismantling fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine cartels clearly typifies enhanced intelligence and we can’t but equally appreciate the support of the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States in this regard.

“I will like to also add that with this international recognition, you are not just a pride to yourself, your family but the Agency and the nation as a whole. The sacrifice of a narcotic officer cannot be quantified in gold or silver, for he is fulfilling a higher calling. As we go about our duty of securing our society against the corrosion of illicit drugs, we should be aware that we are the direct beneficiaries of our work because for every kilo of drugs seized, we are making our streets and society safer for our children, family and kinsmen.

This is why NDLEA is proud of its workforce; the Agency treasures the effort of its officers, men and women; the management shall continue to look out for their best interest and we shall continue to reward hard work and excellence.”

Marwa said as a result of the officer’s dedication, commitment to work and professionalism, all attributes that have won him global recognition, he has approved his promotion to the rank of Assistant Commander of Narcotics since he’s already due for elevation to his next rank as Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, to further encourage him and his peers.

The award certificate signed by Harward Lampley, Director, West Africa Regional Training Center, commended the NDLEA officer, saying the recognition was well deserved.

“Your commitment to utilizing the skills and techniques acquired from the ILEA training has contributed to combatting drug trafficking in the region. This feat is a testament of your dedication, hard work, and excellence in efforts to counter Transnational Organised Crime. The West Africa Regional Training Center (RTC) and the ILEA Program appreciate your significant contributions in promoting regional and global security”, the award certificate reads.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Friday 31st May 2024