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Edo Guber: Yakubu Holds Stakeholders Meeting With Party Leaders, Security Agencies, Promises Credible Election

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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu on Friday, assured that the outcome of the September 21 governorship election would be a reflection of the people’s choice.

Yakubu who gave this assurance at a stakeholders meeting in Benin City, however, did not yield to the call in some quarters that the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) be extended from the 10 days allocated to it.

The meeting had in attendance leaders of various political parties and heads of various security agencies including the police, Army, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

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Speaking further on the call for extension of the CVR, Yakubu said that daily reports from the exercise showed that the majority of those registering were young people mostly students.

READ ALSO: Edo LP Crisis: Drama As Two Individuals Lay Claim To Chairmanship At INEC Stakeholders Meeting

He said: “The 2023 election was the most open election in the history of Nigeria, the most with diverse outcome, political parties that were least expected to win elections, won elections because of the proactive actions of the Commission.

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“In February, we conducted state assembly elections, APGA won seats in a south-south state and three months after, local government election was conducted the same party did not win a single seat.

“We have deployed technology in every election circle to improve on the previous one. Today, with BIVAS which is no longer the card reader, we are sure that 98 per cent of people who will vote in any election are eligible voters, and must be accredited.

“Nobody can be disenfranchised, that was an improvement in the card reader. We have 98 percent successful accreditation with BIVAS.”

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READ ALSO: Edo Guber: PDP Crisis Takes Twist As Aziegbemi Dumps Party

Yakubu who assured all parties in the election of a level-playing field during the election, urged them to play the game by the rule, in order to ensure peaceful election in the state.

He, however, condemned the reported shootings during the on-going CVR in Oredo ward 4, Egor and other centres in the state.

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Professor Yakubu who said that such shootings were uncalled for noted “it is only the people that have the right to decide who govern them, therefore, their rights must be well protected and they should not be prevented from doing so.”

READ ALSO: INEC Promises Credible Election In Edo, Despite Destruction Of Critical Infrastructure

Earlier the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Anugbum Onuoha said “This meeting was called because of the happenings especially on security matters.

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“Some of the centres have been affected by shootings, like Oredo ward 4, Egor and many other local governments.

“Some of our staff have been affected by these shootings. So, it is important that we interact with these security agencies and see how we can prefer solutions.”

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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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.

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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.”

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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

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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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