News

Edo: PDP, APC Trade Blame Over Gunshots, Death During Campaign

Published

3 years ago

January 20, 2023

Editor

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its counterpart-All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state have engaged in a war of words over the suspension of the PDP’s campaign in Edo central senatorial district as a result of the death of an individual in Ewu, Esan Central local government during its campaign on Wednesday.

A statement by the Director of the PDP Campaign Council in Esan Central, Anselm Ojezua said the party had to suspend its campaigns because of the incident for police to do its investigations and to avoid further possible incidents.

He said that “due to the unfortunate incident, the party has decided to suspend all political campaign rallies until the police come up with their investigation and findings.

But a statement by Godswill Inegbe for the APC candidates in Edo central called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter and avoid turning the area to a war zone.

Part of the statement read “Barely 37 days to the Presidential Election, which is the first round of the 2023 general election, the political atmosphere in Edo Central is in turmoil, because of the increasing violence and mayhem trailing the electioneering campaigns of a faction of PDP in Edo Central Senatorial District.

“Just yesterday, Wednesday, 18th of January, 2023, a life was lost in ward 07, in Ewu Kingdom, Esan Central LGA, while another life is in a medical life support system in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), as a result of the violence and maiming that took place during a political rally of a faction of the PDP in Edo Central” where it mentioned the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Marcus Onobun and the senator representing Edo Central in the senate, Clifford Ordia as the leaders of the campaign.

The statement said the APC was worried that, if no urgent steps were taken by the relevant security agencies, “the attacks within the ranks and file of the factionalized Edo PDP leaders, will intensify as we approach the election date, and if this persists, there is no gainsaying that, violence in the pre-election period, such as we are now, will lead to voter apathy, as nobody wants to die, because of voting in an election.”

But Ojezua in a counter statement carpeted the APC’s statement saying “While the PDP campaign Council states unequivocally that the incident did not take place at the venue of the campaign but nearby, we are surprised however at the twisted narrative of the Edo Central APC to the incident.

“As a Peace loving political organization, we decided not to allow ourselves to be drawn into any diatribe with the APC. However, we call on all security agencies to look into the incident as it seems the adage, the witch cried yesterday, the child died this morning, is coming to play in this happening.

“While we have placed our campaign rally on hold to mourn the dead, we appeal to relevant security agencies to come to our aid as the failed APC has an agenda of mayhem and bloodshed.

“The PDP still remains a better alternative considering the abysmal failure of the APC to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”

News

JUST IN: Senate Confirms Amupitan As INEC Chairman

Published

38 minutes ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.

Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.

He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.

At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.

Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.

Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.

According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.

The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.

The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.

The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law.

News

IPF Commends Tompolo’s Commitment To Security In Delta, Nigeria

Published

4 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his remarkable commitment to improving security in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

In a press statement by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF described Tompolo’s gesture towards Delta Security Trust Fund as a demonstration of his firm commitment to promoting peace, security, and progress in the atate, Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The group’s leadership lauded Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts, which according to them, portrayed his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the country.

Recall that Tompolo promised continued support for the Delta State Security Trust Fund after making a handsome donation at the event held at the government house yesterday.

“The unprecedented donation and firm commitment to peace and security in the country by High Chief Tompolo are shining examples of his leadership and dedication to the development of Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

“We commend him for his vision and generosity, and we urge others to follow his footsteps in supporting initiatives that promote peace and security in Delta State and Niger Delta region.

“High Chief Tompolo’s support will go a long way in enhancing security measures in Delta state and contributing meaningfully to the overall development of the country,” the statement reads.

News

University Suspends Students’ Union Over Controversial ‘Gender Swap Day’

Published

7 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The management of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has suspended the Students’ Union Government (SUG) indefinitely following allegations of misconduct during the recently concluded 2025 Students’ Week celebration.

The decision came after photos and videos from the event’s controversial “Gender Swap Day” surfaced online, sparking outrage from members of the university community and the general public. The university said the activities violated its values, dress code, and moral standards.

In a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the management described the incident as “regrettable and disappointing,” noting that some students’ actions were inconsistent with the institution’s core principles.

An emergency management meeting held on Monday, October 13 reviewed the incidents and blamed poor supervision and coordination by the current SUG leadership for the disorder that occurred during the week-long celebration.

As part of the resolutions reached, the SUG has been suspended indefinitely to pave the way for a complete restructuring of student leadership and representation. The university also announced plans to introduce a new framework promoting accountability, discipline, and inclusiveness among student leaders.

“Students who were involved in actions that misrepresented the university’s image will face disciplinary action,” the statement read.

“Those whose behavior involved criminal acts have been arrested and will be handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.”

In response, the SUG led by Victor Mishak Abednego, tendered an official apology to the university management, expressing regret over the embarrassment caused by the event and promising stricter adherence to university rules in future activities.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and moral integrity, warning that such conduct will not be tolerated in any future student-organized events.