News

Disclose Debt Profile Of The State, Orbih Tackles Obaseki

Published

6 years ago

January 13, 2020

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih, Sunday, challenged governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to publicly declare debt profile of the state as at when he came to power and present.

Orbih, who spoke at the grand finale of the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour in Fugar, described Edo State as the second most indebted state in the country.

He said, “I want to challenge Governor Godwin Obaseki to disclose the state of indebtedness to the people of the state. Indebtedness as when he took over power and as of today. Somebody just wisper to my hear that he has evidence to show that Edo State is the second most indebted state in Nigeria today.”

Former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe (left) and Chief Dan Orbih, PDP chairman, Edo State (right) during the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour at Fugar on Sunday

Stating that Edo State treasury has been emptied by the ruling APC, Orbih called on gobernosrhip aspirants under the party to prepare for the worst when the party eventually assume office.

He said governorship aspirants under the PDP are crops of young men who have what it takes to rule the state, stressing that the PDP is the only party that can deliver dividence of democracy and profer solution to the challenges of the state.

L-R: Dan Orbih, PDP Chairman Edo State; Senator Victor Oyaifo and High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, chairman of the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour at Fugar on Sunday

“The present governorship aspirants under the PDP are crops of young men who have what it takes to rule the state. But I want to use this occasion to send a strong signals to our governorship aspirants that as they prepare for the governorship primaries, they must put at the back of their minds that when PDP comes back to government, they are going to face very serious problem because they are going to inherit an empty treasury”, Orbih added.

Speaking on the incessant fire outbreaks that occure in the state, the PDP chairman lamented that resources the state government ought to use in procurement of fire fighting equipment are been expended on the internal crisis rocking the ruling party.

He noted, “I want to use this opportunity to call on the government to do something urgent so that there will be permanent end to fire incident in the state. A lot of people have lost so much in these market fire outbreaks, and I believe and will be speaking with authority to call on Godwin Obaseki that he should direct the resources of the state to finding lasting solution to the problems of the state. And let them put aside their internal crisis. What the government is using in fighting their internal crisis is enough to purchase fire fighting equipment for our fire fighters.”

Also speaking, Deputy National Woman leader of the PDP, Umoru Adizet Hadizat, said leaders of the party have resolved to stop the tactics of rigging of the ruling party, lamenting that though the PDP did win past elections in the area, the APC successfully rigged them.

She urged the people present at the event to “go out like missionaries and preach the gospel of PDP as the only party that can deliver dividence of democracy to the people.”

A cross section of PDP supporters during the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour at Fugar on Sunday

She said, ” You can see there is hardship in the land. People are not happy because they are frustrated by the hardship brought by this government. We want you to therefore go out as missionaries and tell the people that the PDP is the only party that can rescue them.”

Chairman of the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour, High Chief Raymond addressing PDP supporters during the Edo North PDP Leaders Tour at Agenebode on Sunday

Chairman of the Tour, High Chief Raymond, on behalf of leadership of the party urged the party to allocate the deputy gobernosrhip position to the Senatorial District, stressing that this will inspire the people in the area to vote massively for the party.

He noted that the PDP has no division but has resolved to work together as one with a view to winning the forthcoming election.

News

JUST IN: Senate Confirms Amupitan As INEC Chairman

Published

1 hour ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.

Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.

He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.

At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.

Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.

Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.

According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.

The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.

The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.

The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law.

News

IPF Commends Tompolo’s Commitment To Security In Delta, Nigeria

Published

5 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his remarkable commitment to improving security in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

In a press statement by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF described Tompolo’s gesture towards Delta Security Trust Fund as a demonstration of his firm commitment to promoting peace, security, and progress in the atate, Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The group’s leadership lauded Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts, which according to them, portrayed his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the country.

Recall that Tompolo promised continued support for the Delta State Security Trust Fund after making a handsome donation at the event held at the government house yesterday.

“The unprecedented donation and firm commitment to peace and security in the country by High Chief Tompolo are shining examples of his leadership and dedication to the development of Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

“We commend him for his vision and generosity, and we urge others to follow his footsteps in supporting initiatives that promote peace and security in Delta State and Niger Delta region.

“High Chief Tompolo’s support will go a long way in enhancing security measures in Delta state and contributing meaningfully to the overall development of the country,” the statement reads.

News

University Suspends Students’ Union Over Controversial ‘Gender Swap Day’

Published

8 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The management of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has suspended the Students’ Union Government (SUG) indefinitely following allegations of misconduct during the recently concluded 2025 Students’ Week celebration.

The decision came after photos and videos from the event’s controversial “Gender Swap Day” surfaced online, sparking outrage from members of the university community and the general public. The university said the activities violated its values, dress code, and moral standards.

In a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the management described the incident as “regrettable and disappointing,” noting that some students’ actions were inconsistent with the institution’s core principles.

An emergency management meeting held on Monday, October 13 reviewed the incidents and blamed poor supervision and coordination by the current SUG leadership for the disorder that occurred during the week-long celebration.

As part of the resolutions reached, the SUG has been suspended indefinitely to pave the way for a complete restructuring of student leadership and representation. The university also announced plans to introduce a new framework promoting accountability, discipline, and inclusiveness among student leaders.

“Students who were involved in actions that misrepresented the university’s image will face disciplinary action,” the statement read.

“Those whose behavior involved criminal acts have been arrested and will be handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.”

In response, the SUG led by Victor Mishak Abednego, tendered an official apology to the university management, expressing regret over the embarrassment caused by the event and promising stricter adherence to university rules in future activities.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and moral integrity, warning that such conduct will not be tolerated in any future student-organized events.