News

Diri To Cabinet Members: Prepare Your Handover Notes

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Editor

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has directed members of his cabinet to begin to prepare their handover notes as his first term in office winds down.

He gave them the directive during the 126th state executive council meeting inside the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday.

Diri will be sworn in for another term on February 14, 2024, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He was declared the winner of the November 11, 2023, off-cycle governorship election, polling a total of 175,196 votes to defeat his major opponent, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 110,108 votes.

The governor asked the political appointees to tidy up their handover reports to achieve a smooth transition to his second term, a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said.

He commended his cabinet members for adding value to the state through their performance and thanked them for the selfless service they rendered in the last four years, noting that the achievements recorded by his administration in its first term were collective and were not an exclusive preserve of himself or his deputy.

While urging them to continue to contribute their best till the end of the term, Diri said, “As you are aware, our administration is winding down its first tenure and I know you will not wait for me to tell you to start preparing your handover notes. I believe some of you have started from last year. At the end of the day, everybody will see what you have done.

“I want to commend you for the selfless service you have rendered in the last four years and as you prepare your notes, dot the i’s and cross the t’s. So, for future purposes, those who will take over or even if you are continuing, you will be guided.

“I commend you for the spirit of oneness, unity and love we all saw in this executive council. That is why we have achieved so much under this four years. That is why the people said this government must come back for the next four years.

“It was not an exclusive preserve of myself as governor or my deputy governor. Yes, we led the pack but all of you contributed very well to the successes we have recorded in infrastructure, education, health, sports, security and even in the judiciary. So on behalf of the deputy governor, I say a big thank you to this state executive council. We have not dissolved the cabinet yet and today is not the last day.”

Earlier, the council held a valedictory session for the late former Commissioner for Finance, Steven Ogullah.

Diri said it was the policy of his administration to honour Exco members who served meritoriously, adding that he would propose an amendment to the policy to ensure that only those who served the state without blemish would be honoured.

He described the late Finance Commissioner as a dedicated man who gave his all to the service of the state and that he would be greatly missed.

The governor said even out of office, Ogullah remained committed to service to the state, as he was very supportive of his administration until his last days.

He also stated that Ogullah formed an organisation to galvanise support for his re-election and expressed gratitude to the departed commissioner for his abiding loyalty and support.

Diri urged members of his family to be comforted by his footprints in the development of the state, which he said will remain indelible.

News

Tenebe Threatens To Suspend Edo Commissioner Who Fails To Wear Asiwaju’s Cap

Published

7 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

Chairman of the All progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any Commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of Commissioners, to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meeting.

Tenebe in a television interview and monitored by our reporter said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any Commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.

He said any impediment for Edo APC not to achieve 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.

He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.

“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President.

“We are expressing our loyalty to the President by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We, in Edo, have made it clear. No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

News

Police Alert Public On Anonymous Bomb Threats In Edo

Published

7 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

The Edo State Police Command has alerted corporate organisations and members of the public to a wave of anonymous bomb threats being used by unidentified fraudsters to extort money.

The warning was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.

She said the command is investigating what it described as clear attempts to extort through fear and intimidation.

“The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.

“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases,” Ikoedem said.

In light of the development, the command urged members of the public to remain calm.

She added, “Do not panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers. The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives.

“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.

“Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.

“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.

The Command also confirmed it is working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

News

Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

Published

8 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State on Monday led the state’s government delegation to pay last respect to the late Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edo StaSte Command, Agun Joseph

The delegation comprised of all the security heads in the state, associates, politicians, as well other security.

The event which took place in Festival Hall in Benin, the deputy governor of the state described the late commandant as a man who impacted positively in the lives of the people.

Idahosa said Joseph will surely be missed, not only by his colleagues, but hundreds of others who came in contact with him.

“Joseph was a man of man of exemplary leadership, a team player, and a thorough bred officer who shared intelligence with sister agencies during his service years.

“As a state and people, we appreciate the commandant for being an astute officer who displayed quality leadership, exemplified courage, fairness, and justice in matters of security and governance.”

“Through his leadership at the NSCDC in the state, he exemplified courage, integrity, and professionalism of the highest order.

“He was a man guided by fairness, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility and excellence, always adhering to global best practices in matters of security and governance.

“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay our last respects to a remarkable officer, a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a devoted father.

“A man whose life was dedicated to serving our dear state and nation with distinction and honour,” he stated.

On behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.

Addressing the daughter, and brother of the deceased who were physically present at the valedictory session, Idahosa said, “We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss.”

“Though Commandant Agun has departed this world, His legacy endures — in the countless lives he touched, in the officers he trained, and in the peace and stability he worked so hard to uphold.

“As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for — integrity, diligence, and selfless service to humanity,” he stated.

Heads of security agencies present at the event were that from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC.

It would recalled that until his death, Agun, 57, was the commandant of the state command of the NSCDC.