News

Defection: Okpebholo Mocks PDP, Predicts Collapse Of Party In Edo

Published

8 months ago

April 16, 2025

Following the defection of the opposition-PDP-members particularly from the Edo State House of Assembly, the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, has predicted the collapse of the party in the state.

Okpebholo made the prediction in his office when he received the member representing Ikpoba Okha State Constituency, Nicholas Asonsere, who dumped the PDP for the APC.

With the deflection of Hon. Asonsere, the ruling APC now controls the majority in the Edo State House of Assembly with 15 members, while the opposition has nine members.

The Governor, while thanking all new members who joined the APC, assured them that no one will discriminate against.

He said they would be given a room to contribute to the development of the State.

“Thank you for the decision to join the APC. The winning party will not regret it. The party will stand with you as it is a place of unlimited opportunities.

“When I came into the APC, I never had the mind to contest for any position, but look at where I am today. I was pressured by people who love good things to contest as a senator and governor, and I won both elections, and today, look at where the state is.

“Very soon, the opposition PDP will collapse in Edo State because of what the APC represents. My idea for Edo people is development. My focus is on development, and I will not be distracted from making life better for Edo people.

“I will utilize Edo resources, which is obtained from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Federation Allocation Accounts Committee (FAAC).

“The resources meant for Edo people will be used to develop the State and make life comfortable for the people,” he declared.

Okpebholo said that since he became Governor, he has not traveled abroad because he is serious with developing the state and making life better for the people.

The Governor noted that former Governor Godwin Obaseki cheated the people, claiming to be doing much in the education sector, while there was actually nothing on ground in schools in the State.

“On Wednesday, I went to Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okah Local Governments and noticed that Obaseki cheated Edo State as governor.

“JSS 1 and JSS 2 have just one classroom combined. We have just six classrooms in a whole school, and these structures are all dilapidated. With this school, I noticed that Obaseki cheated Edo people,” he said.

APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, who presented the defector to the governor, said the member representing Ikpoba-Okah constituency voluntarily decamped without pressure from anyone.

Responding , Asonsere said he was glad to join the APC, following the developmental strides of the Governor.

“I am here this afternoon to be part of the Progressives. I was not approached by anybody but convinced by the developmental strides of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

“The Governor is developing Edo State and my Constituency where he is building the first flyover in Benin City. With his good works, I cannot be on the other side but rather join hands with him to develop the State.

“The governor has a vision for the people. He has a good heart to make Edo people happy. I had no choice but to join the governor to move Edo State forward. Your developmental strides have wooed me to the party,” he explained.

News

Christmas: Otuaro Preaches Peace, Unity In N’Delta, Hails Tinubu’s Support For PAP

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the Niger Delta, calling for renewed commitment to peace, unity and communal harmony as the region prepares to enter the New Year.

Otuaro, in a message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, ex-agitators, youths and communities across the Niger Delta for their sustained support for the PAP and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described peace and unity as the bedrock upon which sustainable development in the Niger Delta must continue to be built, urging the people to remain steadfast in protecting the hard-earned stability currently enjoyed in the region.

“Peace and unity remain the strongest foundations for sustainable development. As a people, we must continue to reject violence and embrace dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect as we work collectively for the progress of our region.

“I also express my profound appreciation to all stakeholders and the people of our region for your sustained support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.

Otuaro noted that the PAP recorded significant milestones in 2025, including improved welfare for beneficiaries, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities, and strengthened reintegration outcomes, all aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths to contribute meaningfully to society.

He attributed these achievements to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the institutional support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which provides strategic guidance for the effective implementation of the programme.

Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, the PAP boss described it as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, compassion and reconciliation, values that resonate deeply with the communal culture and shared heritage of the Niger Delta people.

“Christmas reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice and togetherness. These values align naturally with the communal spirit of the Niger Delta, where collective responsibility, mutual support and shared progress have always defined our identity,” he added.

He urged beneficiaries of the Programme and residents of the region to celebrate the season with moderation and a renewed sense of responsibility to their communities.

Otuaro wished the people of the Niger Delta a Merry Christmas and expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in greater opportunities, peace and prosperity for the region and the nation at large.

“As we step into the New Year, I am confident that with continued unity, peace and collaboration, the Niger Delta will record even greater progress. I wish our people a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year,” the PAP Administrator stated.

News

Okpebholo Slams ₦25bn Libel Suit On Edo PDP Chairman

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has given Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, a seven-day ultimatum to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a letter by the governor’s counsel, Ray Okezie, and addressed to Aziegbemi, the PDP State Chairmen was also requested to publish a public apology in three national dailies over the alleged defamatory statements.

Aziegbemi was said to have allegedly accused the governor of using thugs and non-state actors to carry out official duties.

“In the letter dated December 22, 2025, and titled ‘Demand for Damages and Apologies for Defamation of the Character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,’ the PDP Chairman was said to have in a press statement of December 7, 2025 portrayed Okpebholo as an unintelligent, dishonest, and, lawless person.

“Accordingly, we have the instructions of our client to demand from you the sum of N25, 000,000,000.00 (Twenty Five Billion Naira only) being compensation for the damage you have inflicted on his reputation through your said press release.

“The above stated sum must get to our client within seven (7) clear days from the date of this letter. In addition, you are required within seven (7) days to publish a retraction of the said press release in three (3) National Newspapers which must include the Guardian and the Vanguard newspapers,” the letter partly reads.

The governor’s counsel threatened to proceed on legal action in any Nigerian court should the PDP State Chairman fail to comply with the demands

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.