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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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2 years ago

September 16, 2024

Editor

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

“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.

“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?”

Related Topics:#edo poll APC Edo Guber PDP

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

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2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

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2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.