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

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

Published

8 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

9 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

12 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.