Barely a week before the Edo State governorship election, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pledging to defend its candidate’s votes “with blood” against any form of electoral malpractice. During the grand finale of the party’s campaign rally in Benin City, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagun, made this bold declaration, warning INEC to avoid announcing election results in the dead of night. “We are urging INEC not to engage in any form of midnight results announcement. We will be vigilant,…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
Former Senator Dino Melaye, who once represented Kogi West in the Nigerian Senate, has responded defiantly to his suspension by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his local ward. In a video posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Melaye dismissed the suspension, metaphorically stating that “a breeze cannot be suspended.” His remark was a direct response to the disciplinary actions taken against him by the PDP executives in Ayetoro Gbede Ward 1, Kogi State. Melaye also used the opportunity to criticise the PDP’s Acting Chairman, Illiya Damagun, whom he blamed for the party’s internal issues. In a…
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has revealed that his appointment by President Bola Tinubu had the full backing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. According to Wike, the PDP not only approved his appointment but actively encouraged him to accept the position. Wike’s disclosure came during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels TV, where he discussed the events leading to his acceptance of the ministerial role. This revelation has sparked discussions within political circles, particularly regarding Wike’s role in the 2023 general elections, where he notably…
As Edo State prepares for its forthcoming gubernatorial election, Governor Godwin Obaseki has issued a stern warning, describing the contest as a ‘do-or-die affair’. The governor, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), spoke at a rally in the Ekemwan area, highlighting his administration’s achievements and cautioning the opposition against electoral malpractices. Obaseki’s fierce rhetoric underscored the high stakes involved in the upcoming election, warning that any form of electoral misconduct, particularly from opposition parties, could lead to dire consequences. His impassioned speech captured both his determination to safeguard what he believes to be the state’s progress under his…
As the 2024 Edo State governorship election approaches, former Vice President and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has issued a strong warning against any attempt to manipulate the election process. Addressing a crowd at the grand finale of the PDP’s governorship campaign rally in the Ekemwan area of Edo State, Atiku cautioned that Edo is not Lagos, implying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not be able to rig the election as he claimed they did in Lagos. Atiku’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in the state as the electorate prepares…
A civic advocacy group, the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, has called for the immediate transfer of Dr Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State. The group’s demand comes amid concerns that Onuoha’s alleged political affiliations with Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, could jeopardise the integrity of upcoming elections in Edo State. This call for action was made in a strongly-worded petition addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu. In a statement issued on Saturday by its Country Director, Mr…
Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that Philip Shaibu, the embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, has officially decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a tumultuous relationship with Governor Godwin Obaseki. According to Oshiomhole, Shaibu’s decision to switch parties is a direct result of the frustration and maltreatment he experienced under Obaseki’s administration. These accusations were made by the senator during the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Saturday. Oshiomhole’s bold claims come at a crucial time, as Edo State prepares for its highly anticipated gubernatorial election…
In a recent crackdown on vandalism, personnel of the Osun State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) apprehended a 24-year-old man, Akeem Sulaiman, for allegedly vandalising Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School in Iwo. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by the NSCDC to tackle the rising cases of property destruction and theft in the state. The arrest, which occurred on Sunday, 7th September 2024, was made public by Osun NSCDC Commandant Michael Adaralewa in a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, Adeleke Kehinde. The suspect, a resident of No. 23 Aladorun Compound in Iwo, was caught while transporting stolen…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Ibrahim Mohammed, a 26-year-old from Adamawa State, wanted in connection with the theft and illegal possession of a vehicle belonging to the anti-graft agency. This development has sent shockwaves through the public, as the EFCC, which is responsible for tackling corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria, is now a victim of theft within its ranks. The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, issued a statement on Friday, confirming that Mohammed is wanted for allegedly stealing one of the commission’s vehicles. The statement detailed the crime and urged the public to assist in locating…
Alaowei Cleric Ebikonbowei, a prominent human rights activist and legal practitioner, has voiced deep concerns over the environmental degradation affecting Eseimogbene and Ayakoromo communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. These Niger Delta communities, like many others in the region, have suffered extensive damage due to the unchecked activities of oil exploration, leaving the residents grappling with the devastating consequences. As the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC), Ebikonbowei has been a strong advocate for the protection of the environment and the rights of those impacted by oil-related activities in…
In a bold statement on Saturday, Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, confidently declared that Nigeria is winning the war against terrorism. His declaration came in response to the elimination of the notorious terrorist leader, Sani Wala Burki, by Nigerian military forces in Katsina State. The death of Burki is seen as another victory in the ongoing struggle to restore peace and security to regions long plagued by insurgency and terrorism. Sani Wala Burki, a notorious terrorist leader responsible for numerous attacks and disruptions, was killed by Nigerian troops in Katsina State. Burki’s death represents a…
The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State has issued a stern warning, threatening to boycott the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for September 28. This announcement was made following concerns over unauthorised candidates being associated with the party, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process in the area. Party Officials Raise the Alarm In a statement released in Awka on Friday, the Local Government Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Chidi Chinwuba, alongside the party’s Secretary, Mr. Onyeka Aghadiuno, expressed their dissatisfaction with the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC). The party’s…
The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to be cautious of fraudulent individuals and groups posing as legitimate tax collectors. The agency raised the alarm over the growing number of impostors operating in strategic areas of the state, deceiving unsuspecting citizens into paying taxes, levies, and fines to unauthorised persons. Speaking at a news conference held on Friday in Kaduna, the Executive Chairman of KADIRS, Mr Jerry Adams, expressed concern over the illegal activities of these fraudulent tax collectors. According to Adams, the agency had been alerted to the operations of…
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made a firm declaration that he will no longer support the political ambitions of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This vow comes amidst a growing political rift between the two, stemming from allegations of dishonesty and betrayal. In a recent interview on Politics Today, aired on Channels Television, Wike publicly voiced his disappointment with Fubara, accusing the governor of fabricating lies about him in a bid to tarnish his reputation. During the interview, Wike expressed deep frustration over claims made by Governor Fubara that Wike had asked him for…
Five rural communities within the Gassol district of Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State, have raised their voices against what they describe as the illegal confiscation of their ancestral farmlands by Senator Sanusi Dagash. The affected communities, whose primary livelihood is farming, have expressed their determination to resist the alleged land grab, staging a peaceful protest to show their disapproval and demand intervention from the state’s leadership. On Friday, representatives from the five communities held a peaceful demonstration, marching through the council headquarters to express their displeasure. They carried placards with inscriptions such as “Dagash, stop land grab in our…
The Ijumu chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the letter of suspension issued against Senator Dino Melaye, labelling it as a forgery that holds no legal standing. The local chapter’s leadership expressed firm support for Melaye, condemning the actions of external forces attempting to destabilise the party. In a communiqué released on Friday, the Chairman of the PDP in Ijumu Local Government Area, Hon. Olorunmaiye Olabode, categorically stated that the suspension of Senator Dino Melaye is not only invalid but a deliberate attempt to undermine the senator’s position within the party. The communiqué, made available to news…
Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing claims that he is an outsider or a mole within the party. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Wike addressed speculations that he was distancing himself from the PDP, particularly after accepting a ministerial appointment in the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Bola Tinubu. Wike, who has been a vocal and influential figure in Nigerian politics, made it clear that no governor within the PDP could question his…
In a tragic turn of events, five individuals lost their lives in a horrific road accident involving a commercial bus and a gas tanker on the Ife/Ibadan/Lagos Expressway in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday. The fatal collision caused significant gridlock, leaving travellers stranded on the busy highway for hours. The accident, which took place on September 12, 2024, has since been confirmed by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Kehinde Adeleke, the NSCDC spokesperson, released a statement on Friday detailing the incident and confirming the number of casualties. According to Adeleke, the crash occurred when a gas tanker…
As the Ogun State Local Government elections scheduled for November 16 draw closer, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has given assurances of fairness and equal opportunities for all political parties. This commitment is aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility throughout the election process, ensuring that the people’s will is accurately reflected. Babatunde Osibodu, the Chairman of OGSIEC, made these remarks during a media briefing held in Abeokuta on Friday. During this engagement, Osibodu reiterated the commission’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the state’s local government areas. He emphasised the commission’s…
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Edo State has confirmed the rescue of six passengers and the recovery of two bodies after a tragic accident in which a bus plunged into the Ovia River. The accident, which occurred along the busy Lagos-Port Harcourt route, has sent shockwaves through the community as rescue operations continue, with the chances of finding more survivors looking increasingly slim. Cyril Mathew, the Edo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, shared the details of the incident with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, stating that the rescue mission had been in full swing…