Legislature

Conference of Speakers Condemns Uromi Attack

By Web News 84

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislature of Nigeria, CSSLN, strongly condemns as horrific the lynching of 16 northern travelers who were in transit, accused of possessing Dane guns (local firearms). 

It would be recalled that these individuals were tragically killed by a mob in Uromi, Edo State, on Friday, March 28, 2025. 

The Conference, in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, said the action of the so-called members of the Vigilance group responsible for their killing was barbaric and unjustifiable.

It decried the act of mob violence by the local security officers as a gross violation of human rights and a serious threat to peace and security. 

“Such extrajudicial killings undermine the rule of law and contribute to the erosion of societal values.” “We commend the prompt response of the Edo State government and security agencies in addressing the situation, but we urge the state government to intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law”, the statement noted.

Furthermore, the Conference called for proper and rigorous oversight of the community policing structures established by various state governments. 

“It is essential to ensure that these local security operatives operate with professionalism, respect for human rights, and in line with the rule of law. Effective oversight will safeguard the integrity of these initiatives and ensure they do not become instruments of injustice. Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased. We extend our deepest condolences during this time of grief and stand with them in their loss”, the statement added.

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Crime

Police Parade Final Year Student for Murder

By Web News 375

Men of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 24-year-old final-year student of the University of Port Harcourt, Victor Ochonogor, for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, Success Regha, to death on Monday.

Ochonogor, a student of Applied and Industrial Chemistry, reportedly committed the offence at 10, Osahon Street, Ogheghe Quarters, off Sapele Road, Benin City.

He and his late girlfriend were said to have locked themselves inside the house when the violence broke out and started stabbing each other.

The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Dankwara, who disclosed this at a press conference on Tuesday in Benin, said the suspect’s landlord, Emmanuel Momoh, reported the case to the police.

Ochonogor was said to have stabbed the deceased in the neck and chest with a knife.

The suspect told journalists that he had been dating his late girlfriend for three years, adding that she came from Asaba to Benin to visit him, and while they were together, she accused him of being a kidnapper and he was angered by the accusation.

“I have been dating her for three years now and she accused me of being a kidnapper. I asked her why she was accusing me of being a kidnapper,” he said.

Also, one Etinosa Omoregie attached to the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service was paraded before journalists for alleged murder.

The suspect, the police boss said, reportedly shot one Eric, who was rushed to a hospital and died.

Other suspects arrested by the police include one Efosa Osayande, 31, for allegedly releasing the nude picture of his ex-girlfriend to the public as well as Friday Igberase for rape.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

Police Raid Shrine, Recover 20 Bodies, Arrest 3

By Web News 593

The Edo State Police Command at about midnight on Wednesday said it busted a ritual shrine in a building along Asoro slope, off Ekenhua Road, Uzebu quarters in Benin, recovering 20 mummified bodies and arresting three male suspects.

The Command, in a press statement signed by the Deputy Spokesperson, Jennifer Iwegbu, said the arrest was possible through information made available to the police.

The statement read, “In pursuance of its operational mandate of nipping crimes in the bud, Operatives of the Edo State Police Command on 17/08/2022 discovered a suspected ritual shrine.

“Following credible information that some corpses were discovered in a building along Asoro slope off Ekenhua Road, Uzebu quarters, Benin city, Operatives of the command immediately mobilised to the scene.

“At the scene, three suspects, Chimaobi Okoewu ‘M’ and Oko Samuel ‘M’ both of Afikpo in Ebonyi and Gideon Sunday ‘M’ of Akwa-Ibom State were arrested while others fled. An intensive effort is ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspects.

“15 mummified male corpses, 3 mummified female corpses and 2 mummified children corpses were discovered at the scene.

“To this end, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro, fdc, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of state CID to carry out a discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the discovered corpses and therefore enjoins the general public to be calm as the command will continue to ensure the safety of all law-abiding citizens and those residing in Edo state.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

Police Kill one during Robbery in Edo

By Web News 437

The Edo State Police Command on Tuesday said its officials killed one armed robber while he was on a raid on Mandela Hostel, Gabriel Street, Ihumudumu, Ekpoma with his gang members.

This was contained in a statement by the state command Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, who said the police were also searching for four other gang members, who escaped with gunshot wounds.

The statement read, “In its continuous determination to tackle violent crimes, the Edo State Police Command has neutralised one armed robber In Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.

“On Monday, August 15, 2022, at about 03:30hrs, five armed robbers while invading one Mandela Hostel, at Gabriel Street, Ihumudumu, Ekpoma were intercepted by men of the command attached to Ekpoma Divisional headquarters following a distress call.

“Upon receipt of the information, the officials immediately mobilised in collaboration with the vigilante men and moved into action. On sighting the team of the police, the robbers opened fire on the police which led to a gun duel. With the superior firepower of the police, the robbers scampered for safety with various degrees of bullet injuries.

“However, one of the hoodlums, who was later identified as Emmanuel Johnson, about 24 years, was neutralised during the gun duel, while an effort is ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.

“Recovered from the gang are one locally made cut-to-size single barrel gun, five live cartridges, four expended cartridges and one laptop,” she added.

The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, urged members of the public to continue to provide the police with useful and credible information on criminal activities across the state while assuring citizens and visitors that the police would continue to do its best to ensure a crime-free state.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Security

Police Neutralize Kidnapers, Rescue one in Edo

By Web News 382

Edo State Police, on Monday, said it killed five suspected kidnappers, recovered arms and rescued one victim in Ughoshi-Afe bush, Ibillo, in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, the suspects were said to have been killed in a gun duel.

The statement read: “The Edo State Police Command in its avowed commitment to rid the state of violent crimes, especially kidnapping, on Sunday, rescued one kidnapped victim, neutralised five kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition.

“This feat was achieved following credible information given to the command that hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers were operating in the Ughoshi-Afe bush, Ibillo, in the Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State.

“On receipt of the information, the command immediately mobilised its tactical team from Ibillo as well as the vigilantes and hunters to the scene.

“The kidnappers on sighting the operatives opened fire on them, which led to a gun duel that left five of the kidnappers fatally injured and were later confirmed dead. One kidnapped victim, Mr Innocent Achebe (38 years), was rescued unhurt and had since been reunited with his family.

“Items recovered at the scene include two locally made pistols, charms and cartridges,” the statement added.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

APC Chairman Escapes Kidnapper’s Den

By Web News 459

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ward 9, Orhionmwon Local Government of Edo State, Mr Godwin Aigbogun, has escaped from his abductors’ den.

The kidnappers, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, were said to have demanded N5 million ransom from his family after Aigbogun was abducted on his way back to his village from his farm in Ologbo-nugu on Monday evening.

The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Barrister Peter Uwadiae, confirmed his escape to newsmen on Wednesday morning and said that he had since rejoined his family.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Crime

8 Die in Cult-related Attacks in Benin

By Web News 650

After what looked like a respite for almost a year, cult-related killings have resumed in Edo State as no fewer than eight persons were feared dead in various parts of Benin City due to rival cult clashes.

Although the identities of the cult groups remain unclear, it was gathered last night that the killings were because a young man abandoned his cult group to join a rival group, which was said to be a taboo in his group.

He was said to have been killed by members of his former group while members of his new group embarked on a revenge mission.

Reports say one of the groups had gone to look for one of their targets around Wire Road but did not see him and they killed his mother.

The killings reportedly took place in Asoro, Igbukguoko, Evbuotubu from Ogida side, Wire Road, Ibiwe, Ebo Street areas and had led to several persons being injured.

But the Edo State Police Command said two men were killed in separate gun attacks in Benin City, on Wednesday.

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Chidi Nwabuzor said: “I do not know about eight people getting killed and it is not good for members of the public.

“What I know is that on Wednesday, one man in Ugbowo axis was attacked and killed, so, I promptly asked the control room to do something about it. And the DPO in that area swiftly moved to the crime scene to evacuate the body.”

“Also in the afternoon of the same day, we got information that a Public Work Volunteer, PUWOV, official while discharging his duties was killed by some suspect who came in a vehicle and opened fire on him.”

Vanguard/Maxwell Oyekunle

Security

Okada Ban: Obaseki Assures Residents of Security

By Web News 438

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has pledged to sustain partnership with security agencies in the state to ensure improved security of lives and property of citizens of the state.

According to Mr Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser on Media Projects to the governor, it was gathered that Obaseki, while reviewing the state’s security situation for the month of May, said the ban on motorcycles in the Benin metropolis was still in force.

The review came after a joint security meeting with representatives of various security agencies in the state.

Obaseki said, “The ban on motorcycles in the main city is still in force. We only allowed tricycles in and around Semi-Urban areas. Motorcycles can still be used in rural areas where the road network is not as good as that of the city and that is the position in the state today.

“The bulk of the accidents that we are seeing is not from the city. We are witnessing them on the federal roads, particularly in the Ovia area and around Agbede and Ewu area. Those are the main areas where we experienced accidents because those roads are not quite motorable.

“We also noticed that there was a slight increase in reported drug cases. Kidnapping cases were stable for the month. We also witnessed a slight increase in armed robbery, which was not totally unconnected with political activities during the period.”

“The security situation in the state is fair. The cooperation level amongst the security agencies in the state continues to be very good and that is why we’ve been able to control the situation within the state,” he added.

On his part, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abutu Yaro, said, “Edo is now very, very safe under the watch of the governor of the state. It’s ready for business and ready for leisure, and at all times, the synergy of the security architecture of the state is second to none. You are all reassured that the best is yet to come.”

Punch/Taiwo Akinola

Crime

ASUU Strike Responsible for Increased Cases of Drug Abuse – Obaseki

By Web News 498

Edo’s Gov. Godwin Obaseki on Friday in Benin blamed increasing rate of drug abuse in the state on the lingering Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU) strike.

Reviewing the state’s security situation for the months of February, March and April, Gov. Obaseki said Edo recorded 19 drug abuse cases in February, 34 cases in March and 23 cases in April.

“Drug abuse is now number two issue of concern in our state.

“Our analysis shows that there is high rate of consumption of drugs in the last few months.

“This is not unconnected with the ASUU strike which has kept many students at home and idle,’’ the governor said.

The review came after a joint security meeting between the state government and representatives of various security agencies in the state.

“I use the opportunity of this meeting to appeal to ASUU and the Federal Government to do all they can to end this strike as soon as possible.

“This is in the interest of the children so that we do not keep them at home and destroying their lives.

Vanguard / Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Politics

I’ll Fix Nigeria if Elected as President – Oshiomhole

By Web News 494

Former Edo State Governor and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidency. 

Oshiomhole made his declaration at Cyprian Ekwensi House in Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said he would fix all sectors of the country if elected and ensure a stable academic calendar for  universities. 

“I want to declare that I will do everything possible to engage not just ASUU, but all stakeholders to ensure the academic calendar is maintained,” he said.

The former APC National Chairman noted that he was not contesting to lament the imperfections in the country, but  he was contesting to set Nigeria on the path of greatness.

He said that going by the dictates of the country’s constitution, President Muhammadu Buhari will vacate the office on May 29, 2023, hence, his decision to replace him as the president of the country.

Oshiomhole stressed that the economy of the country remained an issue, despite the effort of the present APC administration.

He noted that the issue of poverty, insecurity and unemployment are interrelated, adding that one does not have to be a professor to know poverty, unemployment breeds insecurity.

“I want Nigeria to be described as the smartest country on the continent under my presidency,” the former Edo governor said

Newspeak/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko .

Politics

2023: Support candidates with proven track records – Obi

By Web News 828

One of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirants and former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has appealed to party loyalists to prevail on the leaders of the party to support a candidate with a proven track record and not the one who will sway the minds of Nigerians with “grammar and empty promises”.

Mr Obi who made the appeal when he met with the Edo State PDP delegates at the party’s secretariat in Benin City said, he has a proven track record as a former governor of Anambra State that Nigerians can verify, which qualifies him to be president.

According to him, “I am here to appeal to you to let us change the system this time around, by ensuring that our party brings out a competent and credible candidate with a proven track record and not grammar to say I promise this and that and luckily too I am happy that Edo State is not far from Anambra State”.

“I have Anambra people here, ask them, most of them will even tell you that they are not happy with me because I can tell you the problem I had with them when I was a governor and which will likely happen maybe with the political elites if I become president”.

“The big ones may not be happy with me but you will be, to make sure that the right thing is done, we must pull out our children from poverty by supporting micro, small-medium businesses”, he said.

Mr Obi said Nigerians now live in fear due to the level of insecurity in the country, noting that all these are narrowed down to leadership failure and that something urgent needs to be done collectively to correct the situation.

“We now live in a country where we wake up every day to sad news. You might think it is not happening in Benin, some of us think it is not happening in Lagos, some people think it is not happening in Enugu, or in Akwa but I assure you, unless you do something, it will happen in those places”.

“What we are witnessing in Nigeria today, is a cumulative effect of leadership failure over the years and it is going to go round”, he said.

The former governor of Anambra State also said the rate of poverty in the country is higher than the two most populous countries in the world.

“Your country today has more people living in poverty than any other country in the world. I will shock you before COVID-19 and immediately after COVID-19, Nigeria has more people living in poverty than the two biggest nations of the world combined, China and India, with 2.8 billion people living in these two countries but in Nigeria, a country of two hundred million, more people are living in poverty”.

“We are looking at the future of Nigeria. We don’t want to wake up and Nigerians are talking about there is no food. How can we be talking about food? Today, Nigerians spend more than 100 percent of their incomes on feeding”.

“If I say to you today, no matter what somebody gives you today, buying foodstuff has become a problem let alone looking after your children. So, it is a crisis situation that we all have to deal with”, he lamented.

He said his administration will support micro, small and medium businesses noting that they are the drivers of any given economy.

He, however, said he is not opposed to zoning the presidential slot but he believes in equity, justice, and fairness.

Edo State chairman of the PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi in his response thanked Mr Obi for his presidential movement and promised to go all out in ensuring that the party presents the best candidate that will win the 2023 presidency, just as he assured the former Anambra governor that they will go out of their way to support his presidential ambition.

Theleadnews

Education

Nigerian First Female Vice-Chancellor, Alele-Williams Dies at 89

By Web News 604

The first Nigerian female Vice-Chancellor at the University of Benin, Edo State and the first Nigerian woman to receive a Doctorate, Alele-Williams, has died. Ms Alele-Williams, a professor of mathematics gained prominence after she was appointed the vice-chancellor of the prestigious University of Benin in 1985.

Her tenure witnessed a drastic reduction in cultism, a menace in UNIBEN at the time.

 Before her appointment as vice-chancellor, she made history as the first Nigerian woman to obtain a doctorate degree in Mathematics education in 1963, a rare feat in the sixties.

What led to her death is still unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Saturday ordered the flying of the institution’s flag at half-mast to mourn the death of the first female vice-chancellor.

In a statement issued by the University of Benin’s spokesperson, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, she said Prof. Lilian Salami, current vice-chancellor of the institution on behalf of the university community mourned the passing of her predecessor.

Salami, the second female vice-chancellor in the institution after Alele-Williams, described the late former and first female vice-chancellor as an iconic giant for breaking the glass ceiling for other women to blossom.

She expressed solace in the fact that the late professor was being celebrated rather than mourned.

“The Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff, Alumni and Students, mourns the passing of her predecessor, Prof. Grace Alele- Williams.

“Prof. Salami described the late former and first female vice-chancellor of the University of Benin as an iconic giant who broke the glass ceiling for other women to blossom,’’ Dr Ehanire stated.


Kogiflames/Vanguard

News

Police Brutality: Edo Police Command Arrests, Disciplines Operatives For Harassing The Public

By Web News 400

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a team of its operatives made up of an Inspector and three others who were involved in an unprofessional conduct and incivility against two young men as seen in a viral video, have been identified, arrested and subsequently defaulted.

According to a statement by SP Kontongs Bello, the PPRO of the Command said: “The Commissioner of Police, Philip Ogbadu, condemned the act and had ordered a full scale investigation and assuring that, the outcome of the investigation would be carried out and as well communicated to the public without reservation.

“The CP further assured members of the public of their safety and urged them to make it a responsibility to always report unwholesome, or unprofessional conduct of personnel of the command.”


Adewumi Faniran /Popularnews

News

Max Air Aircraft Rams Into Air Peace Plane At Benin Airport

By Web News 1573

A plane in the fleet of Max Air on Saturday rammed into an Air Peace plane at the Benin airport, damaging the elevator and rendering the plane grounded and unserviceable in the aftermath of the accident.

Air Peace said that no fatalities were recorded in the accident which happened about 2 pm.

A statement by the airline says “The management of Air Peace hereby notifies the general public that an incident occurred today around 14:00hrs at the Benin Airport, Edo State, when a taxing Max Air aircraft 5N-ADB rammed its right wing onto our parked aircraft, 5N-BUQ, which was boarding our Abuja bound passengers at the time the incident occurred.

“The hit damaged the left elevator of our aircraft thereby rendering the aircraft grounded and unserviceable.

“Passengers on-board the Air Peace aircraft were disembarked and another aircraft deployed to operate the flight.

“We sincerely apologise to all the passengers this situation would likely affect today for any inconvenience caused them, as a result.”

Adewumi Faniran

Education

Profile of New UI Pro-Chancellor, John Odigie-Oyegun

By Web News 3121

Chief John Evboyomwan Kenneth Odigie-Oyegun was born on 12 August, 1939 into the family of Pa Daniel Osagiede Odigie-Oyegun, MBE and Mrs. Shaka Elizabeth Oyegun, nee Amurun.

He was admitted to the University College, Ibadan in 1960 and bagged a Bachelor of Science, (Hons) in Economics in 1963.

He was a resident of Kuti Hall where he served as the Hall Secretary.

Postgraduate institutions attended by this distinguished Nigerian include: United Nations Economic Development and Planning Institute, (IDEP) Dakar, Senegal between 1966 and 1967 where he was the only participant that earned his Postgraduate Diploma at merit level; and the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank, Washington DC, USA in 1970.

He joined the Federal Civil Service in 1963, worked in various capacities and at different levels and was appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary in 1975 at the age of 36.

In this capacity, he served Cabinet Office, Ministry of Science and Technology, 1982 -1983; Ministry of Internal Affairs, from February to September 1984; and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, from September 1984 to December 1985.

By retirement in December 1985, he had put in a total of twenty-two years in the Federal Public Service, nine of which was as Permanent Secretary.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun, at various times, served in the Board of many public, private and international entities.

Some of these include the defunct Nigeria Airways, Nigerian National Shipping Line, Nigerian Ports Authority, Regency Paints Ltd, Editorial Board of Guardian Newspapers etc.

He was also a member of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and also represented Nigeria on the Board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

With his wealth of planning and management experience, in 1989 he ventured into politics in which he made a significant success against all odds.

In 1991, he contested and won on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and became the first Executive Governor of Edo State in January 1992.

He has since remained a principled yet prime actor on the Nigerian political stage.

A man of steadfast principle, courage and conviction, he sacrificed all to play a key role in the crisis that followed the aborted and now historic June 12 elections of 1992 and the crisis that followed.

A staunch member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Odigie-Oyegun paid a steep price when he was forced into exile where he emerged as the Executive Secretary to the NADECO-Abroad.

Along with the likes of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Professor Wole Soyinka among many others, he waged a relentless struggle for a permanent end to military rule and the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun was the Deputy National Chairman, (South) All Nigeria Peoples Party.

He was also the Vice-Presidential candidate of the party and later member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

He was a Foundation member of and First National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

An Industrialist and businessman, he is Chairman of many companies including Teletok Nigeria Ltd, Lagos and Imperial Woodwork Industries Limited, Benin City, Edo State.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun belongs to several professional and social clubs including the Metropolitan Club, Lagos.

He was a past President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi.

He is a member of Nigerian Economic Society (MNES); a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM); a life Trustee of the Benin Club.

He is a life sustaining member of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association and a very active member of the Benin Branch.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun got married to Mrs. Victoria Nkosenyem Oyegun (nee Ugbode) in 1965 and the marriage is blessed with adorable children.

He succeeds Nde Waklek Joshua Mutka, mni, whose tenure ended on 18 April, 2021.

Directorate of Public Communication, Office of the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan.

Politics

Speaker OYSHA Advocates Youth Inclusion in Politics

By Web News 730

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has appealed to the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the Country to give more opportunities for youth to participate in future political activities at the local, state and the national levels. 

The Speaker made the appeal in Benin City, Edo state when he led PDP Party Youths on a visit to the National Vice Chairman South-South of the party, Chief Dan Orbih.

Hon. Ogundoyin said the PDP must put machineries in place at all levels to enhance youth involvement and participation in politics. 

He stated that he was in Benin City to solicit the support of the PDP Deputy Chairman for the Next Generation of young business leaders and politicians, and to show solidarity to him.

According to the Speaker, the era of excluding the youth from decision making and political process is virtually coming to an end across the globe.

While commending the wind of political renaissance and resurgence blowing in the PDP across the Country, the Oyo State Speaker stressed that more youth should be factored into the scheme of things of the party and indeed if the nation at the moment to enable them participate and make impacts in politics and governance as well as help address the problems rocking Nigeria.

“The vibrancy of the youth makes them indispensable and relevant as such their inclusion in politics should be encouraged in line with the #NotTooYoungToRun policy of the Federal Government.” Oyo Speaker told the PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South.

Chief Orbih in his comments pledged the commitment of the PDP to the promotion of youth in politics, and commended the Speaker for showing the way to other youth on the need for them to show more interest in politics and governance for better tomorrow.

Mosope Kehinde

Sport

NSF: Oyo Govt. Presents Instant Cash Rewards to Medalists

By Web News 682

Oyo State Government has presented instant financial rewards to the state’s athletes who have so far won medals at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Edo State.

Presenting the cash awards to the medalists at the camp of Team Oyo, University of Benin, Chairman, Oyo State Sports Council, Chief Gbenga Adewusi said the gesture was to encourage other athletes to win more medals.

Chief Adewusi said the move is apart from the financial rewards to be showered on the  medalists when they return to Oyo State, and that it was the idea of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Chief Adewusi said five thousand naira courtesy of his office and another five thousand naira from the General Manager of the State Sports Council, Mr Gboyega Makinde were added to the twenty thousand naira approved by the state government as instant rewards to gold medalists.

Two gold medalists were presented with thirty thousand naira each, four silver medalists were given ten thousand naira each while eighteen bronze medalists were presented five thousand naira each.

Olaolu Fawole

Crime

Students, Teacher Kidnapped at National Institute of Construction Technology in Edo State

By Web News 1344

Some suspected hardened gunmen have kidnapped three persons at the National Institute of Construction Technology in Uromi, Edo State.

Among those kidnapped are two students of the institution and staff identified as Miss Uzo of the Environmental Studies department.

The heavy gunmen who stormed the institution in a commando-style around 3 pm on Wednesday had first shot sporadically into the air before gaining access into the school’s main campus along Amedokhian Road Uromi, Edo state.

The gunmen immediately abducted the three persons to an unknown destination.

The situation forced the staff and students of the institution to run for safety.

Some students told Standard Gazette that “we are currently writing our second-semester exam, and the two kidnapped students wrote the examination on Wednesday, and they have more to write on Thursday. Our colleagues just came out of the examination hall when they were just kidnapped inside the campus”.

In a telephone interview, a former Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Hon. Friday Itulah said, “The institution is known for excellence and wondered what made the kidnappers storm the school. I wish to call on the police and other security agents to improve on the security architecture of Esan land “.

Hon. Itulah, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives from Esan North East/South East Federal constituency, urged the people of the locality to always be vigilant.

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer SP Kontongs said the police would wade into the incident.

Festus Alekhen

Crime

Edo Joint Security Taskforce Nabs suspected kidnappers

By Web News 958

Edo State Joint Security Taskforce at the weekend raided the Upper Sakponba area of Benin City and combed riverine communities, leading to the arrest of suspected kidnappers terrorising the state.

The suspected kidnappers, comprising seven males, were arrested around Ogbemudia oil palm plantation on Saturday, barely 24 hours after the taskforce kicked into action.

Prior to the operation, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Omozoje, had intimated Governor Godwin Obaseki on their activity in the state, promising to bring a halt to the recent rise in criminality and lend support to efforts at capturing fleeing escapees from the two federal correctional facilities in Benin City, the state capital.

Maj. Gen. Omozoje also met with heads of security agencies in the state, making a case on the need for synergy among the agencies with a view to restoring peace and order in the state.

On their operations in the riverine communities and other hotspots, he said: “Troops of the 4 brigade are on clearance operation at suspected kidnappers hideouts at Ogbemudia oil palm plantation and the river behind it. We intend to disrupt all kidnapping activities along the axis and secure the Benin-Auchi Expressway.”

He also noted that several escaped prisoners and criminal gang leaders have been arrested, as the taskforce is focused on ensuring a reduction in crime in Benin metropolis and environs.

He added that he is in synergy with the Commander 4 Brigade, Brig. Gen. UM Bello, and the Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Zone 5, Mr. Sola Davis.

Politics

Keep Ondo State first as you go out to vote – Deji of Akure

By Web News 1347

The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has expressed the readiness of corps members that will participate in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state to build on the impressive feat recorded in Edo state.

Brigadier General Ibrahim stated this when he paid homage to the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo in his palace.

The DG who led some management staff of the scheme to the Deji’s palace said the corps members had been briefed on the need to be professional in the conduct of the election and in accordance with their training in preparation for the election.

He however urged Ondo state residents not to be hostile to corps members as they are not indigenes of the state with any ulterior motives concerning the election.

He also commended the traditional institution for the hospitality given to corps members deployed to Ondo state. 

In a remark, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetiyinbo who described political activities in the state as tense, expressed confidence that corps members used as ad hoc staff would help achieve a free and fair election in Ondo state.

The monarch also urged voters in Ondo state to put the interest of the state first in their hearts when casting their votes.

Kayode Animasaun

Politics

The Media is a critical stakeholder for credible election in Edo – IPC

By Web News 612

The International Press Centre, IPC, has encouraged security agencies to be professional in the discharge of their duties and recognize the media as a critical factor for credible and peaceful elections in Edo State.

IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade made the call while speaking against the emerging accusations and counter-accusations by political actors and other players in the electoral process and state governorship election tomorrow.

Mr Arogundade, who noted that though the signing of the peace accord had allayed fears of the electorate, said there was the need for stakeholders including the observers to provide the journalists covering the elections with useful information to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.

IPC Executive Director also encouraged the journalists to shun partisan politics, be safety conscious and report any form of attack to the relevant agencies, especially the state chapter of NUJ for prompt action.

Modupeola Sobukonla

Politics

Obaseki Commiserates With Edo APC Over Loss Of Security Aides, Others To Accident

By Web News 915

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condoled with the APC, former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osagie Ize-Iyamu, over a road accident involving a backup security vehicle and top chieftains of the APC in the party’s campaign entourage.

In a statement, the governor commiserated with the families of the victims of the crash and prayed that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss of their loved ones.

According to him, “I received the news of the accident with shock and commiserate with the former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu over the very unfortunate incident involving their security aides and top chieftains of the party in the campaign team.”

He added, “While we pray for strength for the families of the deceased persons, we also pray for the quick recovery of those who were injured and are receiving treatment.”

It would be recalled that gunmen attacked Governor Obaseki’s convoy few days ago.

Adedayo Adelowo

Politics

BREAKING: Ize-Iyamu Wins Edo APC Primary

By Web News 842

One of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has emerged winner of the party’s direct primary conducted on Monday.

Chairman of the Edo State APC Primary Election Committee, Governor Hope Uzodinma, declared Ize-Iyamu winner of the election after collating the results turned in by the returning officers in the 18 local government areas of the state.

He pulled 27,838 votes, while his closest rival, Dr Pius Odubu scored 3,776, while Mr Osaro Obaze pulled 2,751 votes.

With the result, Ize-Iyamu will face other contenders in the September 19 governorship election in the state.

Source: Punchng.com

Politics

APC Governorship Primaries Election Committee Lands in Benin

By Web News 703

All is now set for the conduct of All Progressives Congress primary election to elect a candidate for the September 19 governorship election in Edo State.

The Party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Azebamwen stated this while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Benin City.

Mr. Azebamwen confirmed to our correspondent that the committee was already on ground and the state chapter of the party was pleased by efforts so far put in place for a successful conduct of the primaries tomorrow.

The state party spokesperson dismissed the rumour of consensus candidate insisting that three aspirants are contesting for the direct primary.

 He assured  that the party would give all aspirants a level playing field for members of the party to elect their choice as candidate to face the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party in the main governorship contest.

He also said all logistics have been put in place to ensure security of lives and properties during and after the primary election.

Adewumi Faniran

News Analysis

INEC and the e-Voting Option

By Web News 1378

Some weeks ago, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu announced the commission’s readiness to use electronic voting in some elections slated for next year.

The INEC boss noted that, the move is in response to the health threats posed by the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

While promising to work towards the full introduction of electronic voting in major elections, starting from 2021.

He explained that it would give room for the trial run of the system for a decent period of two years before the 2023 general election.

The commission will also adopt electronic platforms for the submission of nomination forms by political parties ahead of governorship elections billed to take place this year.

In the Edo and Ondo elections scheduled for September 16 and October 10, 2020, facemasks will be mandatory for voters stepping into polling units, the commission has announced, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Electoral officials, ad-hoc staff, security personnel and observers monitoring the vote will also use face masks in the governorship elections in both states.

Polling areas will be redesigned to ensure substantial compliance with established protocols such as physical distancing.

The commission also announced that infrared thermometers will be used at the various collation centers, alcohol-based hand sanitisers at the polling units for election officials while methylated spirit and cotton wool are to be provided for the disinfection of the smart card readers after the fingerprint of each voter is read.

The commission added that it would regularly clean up the biometric register of voters while continuous voter registration is suspended forthe time being to prevent the health risks associated with it in the context of COVID-19.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, still votes and collates manually, even though registration for voting has been digitized.

Sadly, human interference in the balloting process has led to results being contested in courtrooms following allegations of widespread rigging.

Although, e-voting will discourage mass gathering of people, in line with the COVID-19 containment protocol, it has benefits far beyond the maintenance of physical distancing.

It has the potential to sanitise the electoral process, which is currently bogged down by violence, restriction of movements as well as the pathetic inability of the electoral body to overcome the challenges of logistics.

The announcement is commendable but there is the need for caution, e-voting can mean a variety of things, from voting via a device rather than a paper ballot to remote voting via smartphone.

According to report, fears that e-voting machines could be hacked have caused some to warn against their adoption in some countries.

When fully implemented, it will be the culmination of more than five years of the electoral body’s experimentation with technology in the organisation of elections.

The e voting system is expected to correct anomalies that have charaterised past elections in the country.

Countries that have adopted e-voting on the continent include Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo while countries like Ghana and Kenya have had strong digital components in their elections.

According to data from the international institute for democracy and electoral assistance, globally, thirty three countries had already adopted e-voting as of 2018.

Although, it is believed to produce faster and more accurate results, it is not as if e-voting is a panacea for all election-related problems that have been burdening the country.

INEC and NOA have to complement e-voting with massive political education of the citizenry to address voter apathy disenfranchisement and above all, provision of constant power supply without which e-voting will be a mirage.

Titilayo Kupoliyi