TheNewsGuru

Tag: Edo State

  • Election: ‘We don’t want bloodshed in Edo primaries’

    Election: ‘We don’t want bloodshed in Edo primaries’

    The Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdufatah Enabulele has said the people of Edo State do not want bloodshed during the parties primary elections in the State.

    Enabulele, who made the call in an interview on Monday in Benin, said the plea includes the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election coming up in June.

    Recall the APC governorship primaries for Edo had been scheduled to hold on June 22, while that of Ondo State is to hold on July 20.

    “The Edo and Ondo elections are almost coming up at the same time, hence there is political tension in both States now due to their political differences.

    “We are appealing that they should understand it is God that gives power, which as Muslims, we put them in prayers during the Ramadan.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari also has big role to play in this regard. He is the commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and he is the most senior leader of the (APC).

    “The president must not be silent, he should use his power and authority to ensure that there is equity and fair play during the primaries of these two states.

    “Buhari should be able to call all the parties involved to order so that there will be peace and tranquility in Edo and Ondo states.

    “For us in Edo, we have been enjoying peace and we want to continue in this regard,” Enebulele told NAN.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had fixed the governorship election in Edo for Sept. 19, while that of Ondo state was fixed for Oct. 10.

  • Edo 2020: Oshiomole’s silence a dangerous signal to Obaseki’s camp

    Edo 2020: Oshiomole’s silence a dangerous signal to Obaseki’s camp

    …as PDP like a vulture patiently waits

    …Oyegun spits fire

    The comrade Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC , Adams Oshiomhole has never been this silent in his entire political career.

    Definitely this silence is capable of rattling any camp that knows the antecedents of the comrade.

    He is a fire brand that spits fire like the mythical dragon in cartoon series because once dared he emits fire from all cylinders.

    His silence is also capable of making all permutations misfire as Edo politics today is laced to comrade’s groins.

    In the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP there’s no visible sign that the party has any serious contender.

    The political stalwarts there are patiently waiting for the comrade’s miscalculation to latch on.

    If the APC primaries fail to produce a Godwin Obaseki as its flag bearer and he moves over the challenge to win the election will be gangantuan for the administrator.

    Akinwunmi Ambode dared the Asiwaju of Lagos the results are all over Nigeria for all to see.

    The Asiwaju simply told supporters of his APC”Ambode is a good administrator but not a good government man and chikena the matter was rested.

    For sometime now, the comrade of Nigeria has not spoken but his body language and signals from all those that matters in Edo politics point to the fact that it’s not going to be a rosy affair for Obaseki in APC.

    Edo may follow the path of Lagos as Obaseki maybe Ambodenised.

    Oyegun’s piece of mind:

    The former chairman of APC and governor of Edo State Chief Odigie Oyegun has never his anger over how a state he once nurtured is being turned into a mine- field and battle ground.

    Apparently peeved by this development, the elder statesman has made it clear that on no account should any leader should be involved in the conduct of the party’s primaries scheduled for June 22.

    Oyegun in a veiled message directed to Oshiomhole said “some persons in the leadership of the party (APC) are part of the contrived crisis in Edo state and must not be allowed to plan , participate or supervise the primary election in the state.”

    Oshiomhole in his new style of observing the law of silence has remained mum clearly sending another dangerous signal that all is not well in Edo APC.

    The ambodenisation of Obaseki is gradually unfolding as 22nd of June lurks around the corner.

  • NDLEA opens up on large supplies of weapons, cannabis seized in Edo State

    NDLEA opens up on large supplies of weapons, cannabis seized in Edo State

    The Edo State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Benin City has described as unfounded the claim of large supplies of arms, ammunition, and cannabis seized by Edo youths in a video trending in the social media.

    State commander, Mr. Buba Wakawa said that the video is a mischievous attempt by some criminal-minded individuals to unnecessarily heighten political and ethnic tensions in the State despite the prevailing peace and security.

    “I am shocked by the deceit and false claim because the video being circulated was the seizure of a truck containing Cannabis Sativa that was intercepted by the Edo State command in November 2016.

    “The case was charged to court and the perpetrators duly convicted. Unfortunately, the same video is being used to spread rumours aimed at creating fear and insecurity in the State. It is completely spurious and should be ignored,” Wakawa stated.

    https://twitter.com/ClemMoses/status/1263212143895330817?s=19

    The false video urged Nigerians especially Southerners to be vigilant because supplies of ammunitions to Benin City have been intercepted by Benin youths at Aduwawa area of the State capital meant for Hausa community.

    Wakawa added that in November 2016, the command intercepted a Dangote Truck at Enweh with 7,950kgs of dried cannabis concealed in bags of cement.

    Investigation revealed that the driver, Segiru Amadu collected the sum of 1.3 million naira to transport the drugs to Maiduguri. The Agency got excellent cooperation from Dangote Cement Company in the said case.

    The driver who fled the scene of seizure was arrested by Dangote Cement Company and charged for breach of contract before a Kogi State Magistrate Court.

    After serving his jail term in Kogi, he was brought to Edo State for the criminal trial of unlawful transportation of cannabis for which he was also convicted.

    Subsequently, Dangote Cement Company was given a clean bill of non-complicity in the case and equally commended for its high level of cooperation.

    The commander further clarified that the cannabis seizure in 2016 has nothing to do with firearms or the management of Dangote Company, stressing that the good reputation of Dangote Group of Companies should not be smeared.

    The Agency maintained that investigation will be conducted to uncover those behind the calumny and punish them accordingly.

  • APC places N22.5m fee on gov. aspirants in Edo, Ondo

    APC places N22.5m fee on gov. aspirants in Edo, Ondo

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) says all governorship aspirants in Edo and Ondo States will pay N22.5 million as part of the requirements for contesting in the States’ governorship elections on Sept. 19 and Oct. 10.

    In a timetable released in Abuja on Wednesday, APC National Organising Secretary Emma Ibediro said that the party would begin the primaries with the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms to the governorship aspirants.

    According to Ibediro, the sale of forms to Edo governorship aspirants will begin from May 20 to June 2, while that of Ondo State will be from June 11 to July 1, 2020.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in February, fixed the governorship election in Edo for Sept. 19, while that of Ondo State was fixed for Oct. 10.

    The party’s organising scribe said that the forms for each aspirant in both states had been fixed at N22.5 million.

    According to him, this includes N2.5 million for expression of interest form and N20 million for the nomination form.

    “There shall be no separate charge for the deputy.

    “Female aspirants and physically challenged aspirants will pay 50 per cent of the prescribed fees for each position,” he said.

    Ibediro said that all payments would be made into the party’s bank account.

    The party’s Edo governorship primary will hold on June 22, while that of Ondo State is to hold on July 20.

  • Popular Edo Royal Family loses three notable Princes in quick succession

    Popular Edo Royal Family loses three notable Princes in quick succession

    The successive deaths of three notable princes in a popular royal family in Edo State has stated fueling panic in the state.

    According to reports, the popular Momoh Royal family (lkelebe kindred) of Auchi, currently the custodian of the Auchi Royal stool, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, lost three of its prominent sons in space of two months.

    The Momoh family recorded a death each in March, April and May of 2020.

    The three Princes, Azeez, Hafiz and Liasu, died in quick succession.

    First to succumb to the pang of death was Prince Azeez Momoh. He died in the first week of March, as a result of a brief illness, at the age of 68 years.

    The late Prince who held the traditional title of Daudu I of Auchi Kingdom, a notable Electrical Engineer, a politician and former Chairman of Etsako West local government area Transition Committee.

    While the royal family was still mourning the great loss, death struck again on the 25 April, picking Hafiz Momoh, a 76-year-old retired Major-General. He died in Lagos during the lockdown curfew imposed by the Federal Government.

    Hafiz who held the traditional title of Takobi of Auchi Kingdom, served as the Commandant, Nigerian Army Education Corps and also as Director-General, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.

    He was buried in accordance with Islamic rites at his country home in Auchi, after a full military honours due to officers of his rank.

    Again, on May 5, news of the death of Prince Liasu Momoh, a Benin-based business magnate and a one time leader of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, filtered into Auchi Kingdom.

    The deceased who died at 78, was the Madaiki of Auchi Kingdom, a close associate and right-hand-man of the then Governor of defunct Bendel State, Prof. Ambrose Alli.

    He worked in the Medical Department of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

    Meanwhile, in his tribute, a member of the Momoh Royal Dynasty and former Information Minister, Prince Tony Momoh, urged other members of the family to accept the demise of their brothers as the will of Allah.

  • Task force intercepts trailer load of humans tucked between goats in Delta [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

    Task force intercepts trailer load of humans tucked between goats in Delta [VIDEO/PHOTOS]

    A trailer conveying about 30 persons tucked between goats from Bauchi State to Asaba was on Tuesday intercepted in Agbor, Ika North East local government area of Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the trailer was intercepted by the Chairman of Ika North East LGA, Hon. Barr. Victor Ebonka and his team of enforcers at Owa-Ekei/Owa-Alero junction at about 9:30 pm.

    The trailer and the occupants were immediately turned back and escorted to Delta/Edo border at Uromi junction by the Ika North East and Ika South Council Chairmen with the DPO of both LGA in the convoy.

    See video and photos:

    Task force intercepts trailer load of humans in Delta [VIDEO/PHOTOS]
    Trailer load of humans intercepted in Delta
    30 persons found tucked between goats in the trailer
    30 persons found tucked between goats in the trailer
    30 persons found tucked between goats in the trailer
    30 persons found tucked between goats in the trailer
    Task force returns trailer
    Task force returns trailer
    At the border between Delta and Edo States
    At the border between Delta and Edo States
  • COVlD-19: Edo Govt. records 29 confirmed cases, 3 deaths – Commissioner

    COVlD-19: Edo Govt. records 29 confirmed cases, 3 deaths – Commissioner

    Edo Government says the State has recorded 29 confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) with three deaths.

    The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Patrick Okundia, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Benin on Tuesday.

    According to him, since the first outbreak of Coronavirus in the state, a total of 254 suspected cases has been tested as at yesterday, the 27th of April.

    “And in all of these, we have a total of 29 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 194 of these suspected cases has been confirmed negative.

    “We have a case fatality rate of 10.3 per cent of the 29 confirmed cases we have with three deaths.

    “So far, we have discharged eight persons. The total active cases that are currently under treatment in Edo is 18 and these are distributed as follows.

    “We have nine of these cases in Stella Obasanjo hospital, three in University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

    “While three are also receiving treatment in Irrua Specialist Teaching hospital, all our active cases are stable and they are responding to treatment.

    “We want to also let you know that about 31 samples has been sent and results are still pending.

    On his part, the state Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, who doubles as the Chairman of the Coronavirus Response Committee, said that Gov. Godwin Obaseki was consulting with medical experts and other stakeholders in the state to reach a decision on new orders regarding the curfew.

  • COVID-19: Gov Akeredolu confirms Ondo 6th case is a murder suspect arrested in Edo State

    COVID-19: Gov Akeredolu confirms Ondo 6th case is a murder suspect arrested in Edo State

    Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has confirmed the sixth Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in the State is a murder suspect arrested in Edo State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Akeredolu made the confirmation on Monday during the State weekly update on COVID-19.

    In his address during the live broadcast, Akeredolu said the suspect was arrested in Edo and transferred to Ondo for trial of crime earlier committed in Ondo.

    “As you are aware, Ondo State recorded five more Cases of Covid-19 infection over the weekend. The fourth and fifth Cases occurred on Saturday while the sixth, seventh and eighth Cases were discovered yesterday, Sunday.

    “The fourth and fifth Cases are officers of the Nigerian Police Force, serving under the Lagos State Police Command while the sixth case is a murder suspect who was arrested in Edo State and transferred to Ondo State for trial of crime earlier committed in Ondo State.

    “The seventh case was a female civilian who sneaked into the State from Abuja. Meanwhile the eighth case was discovered in Owo and samples taken were confirmed positive late last night,” the Governor narrated.

    He further stated that he had directed the activation of a wider process to trace, isolate and test all primary and secondary contacts of COVID-19 in the State.

    “In order to curtail a further spread of the infection through these Cases, I have directed the activation of a wider processes to trace, isolate and test all primary and secondary contacts with all the Cases while at large in the State.

    “The Nigerian Governor’s Forum has consistently reviewed the trends and patterns among the 36 States. We are seriously worried about the implications of the existing measures on the self-preservation, well-being and prosperity of our people.

    “Already, the mass production and free distribution of facemask by Government has commenced and is gaining traction satisfactorily. I am confident that in a matter of days, all the critical sectors of our society will have been covered.

    “I have also been briefed of efforts of public spirited individuals who have also been providing and distributing face masks and food items as palliatives to the public, particularly the people in the vulnerable category.

    “Government notes such charitable efforts with satisfaction and expresses its gratitude to every individual and body captured in this category.

    “Finally let me again thank all our health workers, the media and other stakeholders for the great sacrifice and dedication. I sincerely pray that God almighty will see us through these challenging times”.

  • Edo CP wades into Ehor communal crisis, vows to unravel root cause

    Edo CP wades into Ehor communal crisis, vows to unravel root cause

    Mr Lawan Jimeta, the Commissioner of Police in Edo, has waded into the violent crisis that hit Ehor community in Uhumwode Local Government at the weekend, vowing to dig into the roots of the incident.

    Jimeta, who visited the scene of the violence on Sunday, decried the level of destruction to lives and property, and promised to fish out those responsible.

    He wondered why members of a community that had lived together for years during which they intermarried and carried out business activities together would suddenly take arms against each other.

    “Preliminary reports available to me showed that there was a quarrel between two persons in the community leading to the death of one of the parties.

    “Some youths were said to have been angered by the incident and went on rampage which led to massive destruction. We shall investigate further.”

    The commissioner of Police, who also visited the palace of the Enogie of Ehor, Dr David Igiehon, assured the monarch that the Police would intensify efforts toward protecting lives and property in the community.

    He said that the tactical team of the command would be deployed to investigate the crisis, while giving assurance that a robust strategy had been put in place to monitor the highway and apprehend criminals.

    The monarch had earlier commended the Police official on his quick response by coming on a fact-finding mission.

    He called on the Police to investigate the cause of the crisis, pointing out that members of the affected community had lived peacefully “for more than 50 years”.

    He, however, alleged that some bad elements recently invaded the community and perpetrated crimes like kidnapping, rape of women on their farms and destruction of crops.

    “From what I gathered, it is that development that triggered the setting up of local vigilance in the community to augment security provided by state security agencies.”

    He called on the Hausa community in Ehor to purge their settlements of bad elements so as to promote mutual trust and peaceful co-existence.

    Also speaking, Alhaji Badamasi Saleh, Chairman of the Hausa community, said that the crisis would have escalated if his colleagues had retaliated what was done to them.

    “As a law abiding community, we did not join in the fight. We believe that the law will take its course.”

    Similarly, Alhaji Salihu Ibrahim, the Chief Imam of Ehor, sued for peace while lamenting the burning down of the Ehor Mosque by the irate youths.

  • COVID-19: Court sentences 29 persons for violating curfew in Edo State

    COVID-19: Court sentences 29 persons for violating curfew in Edo State

    An Uselu Mobile Court in Benin on Friday sentenced 29 people to community service for violating the curfew order imposed by Edo Government to curtail COVID-19 spread.

    The state government had on April 19 imposed a state-wide dusk-to-dawn curfew.

    The curfew began on April 20. It runs from 7.00p.m. to 6.00a.m. daily.

    Prosecution counsel, Mr Agbokhaode Ayo, said that the 29 people, who were apprehended at the New Benin axis, pleaded guity.

    The Chief Magistrate, Prince Mutairu Oare, ordered the convicts to carry out community service.

    ”The punishments include clearing drains, shrubs, picking of trash, compulsory community sensitisation and grass cutting.

    ”The sentences range from five to 10 days non-custodial community service,” Oare held.

    The chief magistrate, however, gave the convicts an option of fine, ranging from N3,000 to N5,000.

    The offenders would be handled by correctional officers during the punishment period.

    At the time of filing the report, 23 out of the 29 convicts had paid fines.