Politics

Edo 2024: Reflection On Imansuangbon’s Generosity (Part1)

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2023

By Richard Idemudia

One of the key attributes that defines a philanthropist, is the ability to empathize with the sole objective to create a better society and world for all.

The passion to give and put smiles on the faces of the downtrodden have been the hallmark of Edo State-born prominent educationist, humanist and philanthropist, Barrister Ken Imansuangbon. In the last 20 years Imansuangbon has demonstrated in practical terms his desire to see to the upliftment of humanity through his activities of philanthropy.Every year, Imansuagbon popularly referred to as the “rice man” usually storms the streets of Benin City and other parts of the state with trailer loads of rice which he personally distributes free to residents of the state.

The gesture by the educationist and politician has earned him a special place in the hearts and minds of Edo people who often look forward to every December for the free gift of rice from Imansuangbon. Besides, his free rice gesture, Imansuangbon’s generosity attracted the attention of the Management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (UBTH) who honoured his philanthropic gesture toward indigent patients and providing financial support for the institution.

As a visionary patriot, his contributions to the educational sector in Nigeria is legendary and also speaks volume to his commitment in building a generation of Nigerians that will continue in the task of nation building towards an egalitarian society.

His footprint to bequeath a legacy of prosperity and development saw him gifted thousands of I-pads, computers, books and also organizing sporting competitions in both universities and secondary schools with his hard earned resources, a gesture that is very rare and stands him shoulder high above his political contemporaries.

The educationist today remains one of the most popular politicians in Edo State. The mere mention of his name evokes a sense of compassion, love and admiration among the indigenes.

As a politician, Imansuangbon’s name rings bells and a factor to reckon with. His foray into politics and desire to bring his over two decades experience into the governance of the state further confirms his love to change the narrative for the better.

In several fora, he has espoused that Edo State under a purposeful and focus driven leadership with its god-given human and natural resources, if well utilized and harnessed, the state can become one of the most prosperous in the nation, a realization that informed his decision to join the journey to occupy the number one seat of power many years ago.

His move to re-align forces with the Labour Party(LP) is seen by many as a right political step towards his dream to govern Edo State.
Among aspirants jostling for the LP ticket, none can be compared to his political clout and experience. He, therefore, remains the aspirant to beat for the party’s governorship ticket.

Imansuangbon is the Labour Party’s best bet to win the 2024 Governorship election.

Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

Politics

Govt That Fails To Protect Its Citizens Has No Business Remaining In Office – Kwankwaso

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling 2,000 operatives of the Kano State Neighbourhood Security Network.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief” in addressing banditry and other security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s military “remains one of the most gallant in the world,” having served in international peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones.

However, he said the armed forces are not being adequately supported to perform optimally.

“Today, many innocent Nigerians are being killed, while the perpetrators walk freely as if nothing happened. The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, added: “When I was Defence Minister, I knew the capability of the Nigerian military. They are courageous and professional but need clear direction, support, and political will to do the needful.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically ranked among the best globally and urged the government to equip them properly to change the current security situation.

Kwankwaso also said that if elected president in 2027, he would recruit over one million additional military personnel to strengthen national security.

“Any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed woefully and has no business remaining in office,” he declared.

He further called on the Federal Government to integrate community-based security initiatives, like the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security system to boost morale and improve intelligence-driven operations against criminals.

Politics

ADC Announces Temporary Closure Of Secretariat

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC , says it has temporarily closed its National Secretariat as part of the end-of-year break.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said full operations are scheduled to resume in the New Year.

According to the statement, the secretariat will close on December 23, 2025, and reopen on January 5, 2026.

The party, however, said essential skeletal services will remain available throughout the period, while all other official activities at the National Secretariat will be suspended to allow staff and party officials observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“This is to inform the public that the African Democratic Congress National Secretariat will close for the year on 23rd December 2025 and will resume full operations on 5th January 2026.

“During this period, only skeletal services will be available, while all other official activities at the Secretariat will be temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

The party thanked its members, partners and supporters for their continued loyalty and cooperation throughout the year, noting that their support remains critical to the growth and stability of the party.

The ADC also said it is committed to its ideals and to democratic engagement as it prepares for activities in the coming year.