News

Leadership Crisis Rocks Edo Farmers Association

Published

3 years ago

January 31, 2023

The leadership crisis rocking the Edo State branch of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFAN), came to the fore on Tuesday as a faction led by Comrade Julius Usiagu as chairman dissociated itself from one Alhaji Bako Dogwo who is also parading himself as the chairman of the association in the state.

Comrade Usiagu, who claimed to be the authentic chairman of ALFAN in Edo State said Dogwo has no legal right to speak for Edo farmers because he had been suspended and remained suspended, further describing Dogwo as an impostor.

Comrade Usiagu stance is coming after a media report had it that Dogwo, on behalf of ALFAN, endorsed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu for President.

Comrade Usiagu, during a press conference in Benin also berated Dogwo for a statement credited to him (Dogwo) that Edo State Government has not done anything in agriculture, saying the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has done greatly well for farmers.

“Bako has no locust standing to speak for farmers in Edo State. He is a suspended member of ALFAN in Edo State and his suspension is still pending. So, he cannot speak for ALFAN in Edo State.

Usiagu continued: “We are calling on Edolites to stop transaction with him, he is not chairman of ALFAN in Edo State.”

On Edo State Government not doing anything in agriculture, Usiagu said: “Bako also said Edo State Government is not doing anything in agriculture, that is a slite on governor Godwin Obaseki-led government. For the record, Edo government has so far supported 1, 376 small holders’ farmers with inputes (Rice, Maize, Cassava bundles, Soya Bean, Fertilisers and Agrochemical) under the Independent Farmers Initiative.”

Comrade Usiagu who alleged that Dogwo is also impersonating himself as His Royal Highness in Benin land, said: “I appeal to our Royal father, Ewuare II to call Dogwo to order. I don’t know where he got his title. He cannot be in Benin land and be regarded as HRH. The place where he stays, there is an Enogie, so how come, are we going to have two Enogies in a Dukedom in Benin land, no. Oba should call this man to order.”

But in a swift reaction, Alhaji Dogwo said he remains ALFAN chairman in Edo State, claiming that Usiagu has no relevant documents to back his claim as chairman up.

According to him, he is the chairman national body of the association recognised and dealing with in the state.

On alleged Tinubu’s endorsement, Dogwo said he or his team never endorsed any candidate, adding that APC candidates came to see him and his excos, and as required, the candidates were accommodated to speak and not endorsed.

Speaking on the alleged impersonation, HRH, Alhaji Dogwo said he is the His Royal Highness from Bassa, Kogi State.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

15 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

15 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

16 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.