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Edo Poll: EDOCSO Urges Security Agencies On Neutrality As Police Pledge Readiness For Credible Election

Published

1 year ago

September 13, 2024

The Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), yesterday, urged the security agencies deployed for the conduct of the September 21 governorship election in the state to maintain a high sense of neutrality before, during and after the election.

The group made the call during a rally to the Edo State Police Command headquarters and the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Benin respectively.

Addressing the Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo at the state command on what they tagged “Security agencies stay neutral in this Edo guber election #eyesontheball”, the Coordinator-General of the group, Leftist Omobude Agho, said that the governorship election is very important to the people of the state, stressing that the police and its sister agencies must do all in their powers to restrain themselves from being used by one political party to intimidate others.

Leftist Agho said the undue harassment and intimidation of other political opponents by security agencies under the influence of one political party would discourage potential voters from coming out to exercise their franchise on election day.

He said the state has been very peaceful not until the ugly incident that happened at the Benin airport where a police officer was shot dead.

Agho added that the people of the state would want to count votes and not the number of deaths in the election and that the police can do that by playing by the rules of the game.

On the part of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo, he said the police under his watch would always remain neutral as they don’t belong to any political parties.

“I want to assure you and reassure you that we are neutral. Nigeria Police and other security agencies, we are neutral. And we are going to make sure that this election is conducted in a very peaceful environment”, Edwin-Iwo said.

He said he has conducted elections in other states and that there were no issues raised, noting that he is willing to replicate same in the state.

“We have conducted elections in so many states.

“I have conducted in Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa, the records are there. We are very neutral and we came out without blemish.

“Whatever they are saying is their own because we have a focus to make sure that this election is properly conducted.

“Yes, police and other security agencies, they have their shortcomings but I am telling you that before the election, everything is going to be streamlined.

“So, I am assuring you again that we are neutral and I am going to ask you to support me to make sure everything goes on successfully”, Edwin-Iwo said.

The Commissioner of Police further appealed to the civil society group to help sensitize the members of the public to come out in their large numbers to cast their votes for their preferred candidate.

He said the police can only arrest those who are involved in crimes.

“Please help me tell the people of the state to come out and vote. Tell them to do the right thing and if you do the right thing, nobody is going to arrest you. If you watch well, most of you who are members of the civil society activists, nobody is arrested but that doesn’t mean if you commit crime, we will not arrest you.

“We have not arrested you but if you commit a crime we will arrest you and it is not because you are in a party or whatever it is.

“We don’t know political parties and what we know is that, do the right thing, obey the law”, Edwin-Iwo said.

News

Edo Dep. Gov. Idahosa Inducted, Bestowed With Rotary Premium Award

Published

4 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Editor

The Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has been bestowed with the Rotary Premium Award by the Benin Metropolitan Rotary Club, District 9141 in recognition of his humanitarian disposition.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor was accorded this recognition when the humanitarian organization visited his office to induct him into the club

Idahosa expressed appreciation for the recognition and promised to continue to contribute his best for the betterment of the society and humanity.

“When I was growing up, my prayer to God, was Bless me so that I will be a blessing to the world,” he stated.

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He noted that the recognition was in no doubt, a call for higher responsibilities.

Rotary President, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie who gave reasons for the award and investiture, maintained that the induction was based on Idahosa’s humanitarian disposition which is in line with Rotary Club’s doctrine of service above self, humanitarian and community.

“This is a reflection of where your heart is,” she told Idahosa.

The Assistant District Governor of the Club, (AG) Samson Olayiwola of Zone 20, D 9141, later decorated Idahosa with the “Rotarian pin,” the recognized logo of the Rotary Club worldwide.

This was in addition to the presentation of a certificate of membership and embroidered with a sash that uniquely identifies Idahosa as a member of the “RC Benin Metropolitan District.”

News

Doctors’ Strike Continues As NARD Demands Fair Deal, Better Pay

Published

5 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to immediately conclude a long-delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), as their indefinite strike entered its 15th day on Saturday.

It also demanded a review of the outdated Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the union said: “Dear Nigerians, Doctors Deserve a Fair Deal! For long we’ve waited for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a simple, written promise that ensures fairness, clear work terms, and proper pay. But the government keeps delaying, while doctors face rising costs and crumbling morale.

“We demand the immediate conclusion of the CBA and review of the outdated CONMESS salary structure.”

The strike, which began earlier this month, has affected 91 hospitals nationwide, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and federal medical centres, disrupting medical services across the country.

NARD said the union’s 19-point demand list is reasonable and necessary for the welfare of doctors and patients.

The list includes the payment of arrears under the CONMESS salary structure, disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, prompt payment of specialist allowances, recognition of postgraduate qualifications, and improved working conditions.

The union stressed that these measures are essential to sustain doctors and maintain a functional healthcare system.

President Bola Tinubu has also directed the Ministry of Health to immediately resolve the strike, noting that the government is addressing the doctors’ demands.

Despite the directive, NARD said delays in finalising the CBA and reviewing salaries have continued to demoralise doctors, many of whom face rising living costs while providing critical medical services.

News

VIDEO: Fayose Speaks About Own Death, Burial

Published

6 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Editor

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said his body should be buried within four weeks of his death. Fayose also laid out detailed instructions for his burial, including that nobody should visit after he is buried.

He said his body and the burial arrangement should be handled by the Ekiti State Government.

In a six-minute video shared on YouTube by City Edge TV on Saturday, Fayose, who turns 65 today, said: “Remember me for anything. And when I die, let me say this. Death is inevitable. My body belongs to the Ekiti state government… I’m delivering a letter to the governor.”

Fayose added that regardless of when his death occurs, the state government should take charge of his remains.

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“Let us say in another 20, 30 years, 15 years, whatever time, for the glory of God. The Ekiti state government takes over my body, and I must be buried within four weeks. Because the state might not be ready within two, three days, we allow them four weeks.”

Fayose added that his children should wear their own clothes and follow the directives of the government at the time of his death.

About his final resting place, he said: “My grandmother’s home, the mother of my father, I’ve made the garden there. I should be laid to rest there. After my departure, nobody must come there again. Allow me to go. If you want to show me love, if you want to take care of me, do so now.”

The channel also shared a 20-minute video showing popular juju musician King Sunny Ade serenading the former governor on stage while he danced at his birthday thanksgiving reception.

Celebrated by several political figures. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike described Fayose as “a valuable friend and brother, who will never pretend about where he stands on issues,” adding: “Ayodele, my younger brother, may you reach the age of your elder brother in good health, and may God continue to make your days on earth fruitful, with immeasurable blessings.”

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, also congratulated Fayose in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, praising his “remarkable contributions” to the state and describing him as: “A leader who loves and connects well with the people, a respected grassroots politician and mobiliser, and a statesman who will never shy away from bearing his mind in his determination to see a more prosperous state and country.”

Watch the video here