News
Edo Guber: Violence Will Escalate COVID-19, INEC Warns

Says PTF Has Provided 3000 Thermometer
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Thursday warned that violence of any form may undermine COVID-19 protocols during the September 19 Edo governorship election.
The Commission expressed worry the situation could lead to spread of the virus.
INEC Chairman, Mahmud Yakubu gave the warning at the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 briefing, Thursday, in Abuja.
He noted that such irregularity may complicate the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ ALSO: Edo Election Tension: Group May Take Peace Pact Form To Governorship Candidates
According to the INEC Chair, violence may not only disrupt the election but also lead to further spread of the pandemic.
He said: “I will like to appeal to all parties and candidates and all those involved in the electoral process to eschew violence. In the context of COVID 19, violence will not only disrupt the election, it will also complicate the nation’s response to the health emergencies.”
He however assured the Commission is fully prepared and ready for the conduct of the election and would fully comply with the COVID-19 protocols.
READ ALSO: Edo 2020: PDP Planning To Buy Each PVC At N250,000 APC Alleges
Responding to whether the Commission can assure a violence- free poll, Yakubu explained that “we can only assure of efforts we are making that there is no violence.”
He added: “We have identified eight protective measures ranging from mandatory use of face mask, physical distancing, use of infrared thermometers
“It is mandatory to wear face mask or face covering without which the voter will not be allowed to vote. Face covering will be sufficient for the voter to be accredited and to vote.
“Voters are required to maintain physical distancing. The Commission introduced two-queues, one outside the polling area and the other inside the polling area.
READ ALSO: Edo 2020: No Face Mask, No Voting – INEC
‘’Within the inner queues, voters must maintain the mandatory two meter distance from each other and we clearly mark this in one of the bye elections.
“Voters showing symptoms must obey all directions from officials to stop other voters from been infected.”
He also explained that INEC has produced its policy in Braille for virtually impaired voters who may not be able to read it’s flyers and posters.
“All these steps are in the realm of planning but the true test of the plan is the actual implementation. We are going into Edo next week, assured that we have test run our preparations for voting under the COVID 19”.
READ ALSO: Edo 2020: CAN Declares Fasting And Prayer Day
The INEC boss disclosed that the PTF had provided 3,000 thermometers to deploy to polling units in Edo state.
(NATION)
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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