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Just In: Obaseki’s ADC, One Other Officer collapse At Inauguration

Published

5 years ago

November 12, 2020

The second term inauguration ceremony for Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State was almost marred on Thursday as the Aide-de Camp, ADC,to the governor collapsed on the podium.

Decked in the police ceremonial regalia, the Superintendent of Police, who stood directly behind the newly sworn-in governor, started wobbling before he slumped.

While the drama was ongoing, Governor Obaseki, who was making his inauguration speech, was oblivious of the near fatal incidence happening behind him.

As the police officer slumped, two Department of State Services, DSS, personnel, calmly came to the rescue of the police officer and escorted him to the sitting arena.

That was just as the former Commissioner of Health in the state, Dr. Patrick Okundia, rushed to give the officer first case assessment and stability.

It was gathered that the Superintendent of Police, who is of the Northern extraction was immediately rushed into the waiting ambulance stationed at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the inauguration ceremony and was subsequently taken to the hospital.

When contacted on state of health of the ailing ADC, a senior police officer in Edo State Police Command, who pleaded anonymity, sad that “the officer is stable condition”.

“We have no doubt about the state of health of the concerned officer. People do fall I’ll and with the stress of rehearsals, movement and other activities the officer’s principal in preparation for the ceremony, such an incident can happen. That shows our humanity and there is no cause for alarm. All our officers and men are in good shape and nobody should use an isolated case like that to judge how healthy the men and officers of the Command are”, the source said.

Before Obaseki’s ADC’s collapse, a lady who was one of the paramilitary guard of honour had also slumped and was quietly taken out of the parade as the governor made to inspect the guard of honour mounted in his honour.

Recall, the preparatory to the inauguration ceremony, the Edo State Government had issued a statement that the ceremony would be low key, with manageable crowd.

The government had therefore directed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leadership in all the 18 Local Government Areas to organise parties for the party’s loyalists in their localities.

News

JUST IN: Tinted Permit Enforcement Placed On Hold Due To Court Order – Police

Published

21 minutes ago

October 8, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force said on Wednesday that the enforcement of the vehicle tinted glass permit has been suspended following a court order halting the exercise.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this during an interview on Africa Independent Television, AIT.

She said the decision to halt the enforcement came after the police officially received the court order.

Adeh said, “Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict”.

Disclosing that the directive to suspend enforcement would remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process, Adeh said, “We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict”.

Speaking on public concerns about the purpose of the tinted glass regulation, Adeh explained that it was introduced for security reasons, noting that some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

“The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,” she said.

She dismissed claims that the policy was designed for financial gain, noting that all payments related to tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

18 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

19 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.