News

Edo Guber: IGP Warns Politicians On Violence, Says 31,000 Personnel Deployed

Published

5 years ago

September 14, 2020

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu Abubakar on Monday, September 14, read riot act to politicians including candidates of various parties, members, and youths who may want to test the will of the police force to desist from acts capable of jeopardizing the success of Saturday’s governorship election.

IGP Abubakar who read the riot acts in a stakeholders meeting in Benin, said the police are not unconscious of pockets of violence which characterised campaigns in the political landscape of the state, just as he said his men are equally not resting on ensuring security of lives and property of the citizens before, during and after the election.

He announced the deployment of 31, 000 policemen for effective protection of personnel, assets of INEC, electorate and residents of Edo people during and immediately after the poll.

He emphasised the commitment of security agencies to a free, fair, credible and successful election, even as he assured that personnel of the force shall remain impartial, firm and professional in exercise of their statutory duties as provided for in the Electoral Act and other enabling laws.

“The success of any election is dependent on the passion all of us gathered here today. Action plans have been mapped out to deal with situation at identified flashpoints.

“All the three senatorial districts, 192 wards, 18 LGAs and 2, 623 polling units across the state have appropriately been mapped out for adequate deployment of policemen for guaranteed security.”

He pointed out that this massive deployment is not only to checkmate violent political actors that might be bent on threatening the process through acts of thuggery or conducts that violate the provisions of Electoral Act, but to also serve as a strong warning that government is poised to bringing such characters to justice should they embark on unwanted unpatriotic intent.

“For the political actors and electorate that are law abiding, they are assured of optimal security as they exercise their electoral rights.

“However, for the deviants who want to deploy violence and other illegal means to advance their political interests, they should be prepared for consequences of their actions as they will be decisively dealt with irrespective of their status or political affiliations,” Abubakar declared.

He continues, “While I call on all the political parties to embrace the virtues of democracy by seeing election as a call to serve the people and not do or die affair, I as well implore parents and guardians to counsel their children and wards to resist the unprofitable urge of being recruited by politicians for thuggery and other acts of violence.

He reassured “Political parties and people of Edo State that the Nigeria police force, INEC and other security agencies involved in the conduct of the election have resolved in line with our respective oaths of office and allegiance to the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria that this election must be free, fair, credible and conducted in safe and conducive environment.”

He further disclosed that security details of important personalities will be withdrawn until after the election.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

11 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

13 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

13 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.