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Edo Poll: ‘It’s Display Of Lack Of Accountability, Impunity,’ NERG Reacts To APC, PDP Candidates Failure To Attend Debate

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The Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) has reacted to the failure by the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Peoples Democratic Party’s counterpart, Asue Ighodalo to show up at a governorship debate slated for today, September 15, 2024, saying it is “a demonstration of lack of accountability.”

NERG, in conjunction with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) had scheduled a debate for governorship candidates of political parties ahead of the September 21 election.

It was an avenue for political parties’ candidates to tell the whole world and Edo people what they have in store for them but unfortunately alone candidates of the Labour Party, Barr. Olumide Akpata, People’s Redemption Party, Patience Ndidi and Action Democratic Congress, Derek Izedonwmen showed up at the debate at NUJ Press Centre, Benin City.

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In his opening remarks, representative of the NERG, Eddie Emessiri, said that the both candidates who failed to show up at the debate displayed to Edo people that they have no regard for them, urging Edo people “not to forget this act of disregard.”

READ ALSO: [JUST IN] Edo Guber: ‘This Is Disrespect For People’ – LP’s Akpata Reacts As APC, PDP Candidates Shun Debate

Emessiri, who said Edo people deserve leaders who respect them, said those “who are willing to stand before them and be judged on their ideas and policies, noted that the people do not need “leaders who believe they can rig their way to power or coast through without being accountable.”

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The NERG representative who stated “we cannot stand by and allow this culture of impunity to thrive, noted that “the fact that these candidates are willing to avoid scrutiny speaks volumes about their disregard for the democratic process and the importance of your vote.”

He added: “They believe that election outcomes are pre-determined by other means, not by the will of the people, and that is both dangerous and shameful.

“The electorate deserves better. We, the people, deserve leaders who are willing to engage, to explain, and to answer tough questions-not to hide behind their handlers and spin doctors.

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READ ALSO: Germany Opens Doors To 250,000 Kenyan Workers

“This debate, and any debate, is not just a formality-it is a cornerstone of democracy. It is an opportunity for you, the people, to evaluate the candidates, to understand their policies, and to make informed choices. But when candidates refuse to participate, they rob you of that opportunity, and in doing so, they undermine the very foundation of democracy.

“So, to those who have chosen to stay away from this debate, I say this: This Edo off season election will make or mar our drive to entrench democratic ideals in Nigeria. You have disrespected the people of Edo State. You have demonstrated a lack of accountability, and in doing so, you have shown that you are not ready to lead.

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“We will not forget this act of disregard. And I urge the people of Edo State not to forget it either, because democracy thrives when the electorate is informed, engaged, and unafraid to demand better from those who seek to lead.”

Emedsiri also blamed media handlers of these candidates whom he said “rather than preparing their candidates to stand before the people, to articulate their policies, to demonstrate leadership and communicate effectively, these professionals advise them to avoid debates altogether. Are they truly trained journalists and broadcasters?”

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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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