News
Mayaki Apologises To Igini, INEC, Others Over Unverified Publication

Mr. John Mayaki, Chairman, Media Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19th governorship election in Edo State, has apologised to Dr. Mike Igini, Resident Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, INEC, and Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, over his (Mayaki) publication he said has been unable to “pass integrity and credibility checks.”
Mr. Mayaki, a trained journalist and media consultant had, August 27th, in a build up to the Sepetember 19 governorship election in Edo State published a statement titled “APC accuses INEC REC, Mike Igini of colluding with Obaseki over secret night meeting” and with a rider: “REC left Governor’s residence with sacks of money,” wherein he raised the “alarm” that Dr. Igini held midnight meeting with Obaseki and consequently collected bribe from him.
Mayaki, who admitted that he was misled by his source and that he allowed his political interest to have taken better part of him in publishing the misleading press statement, in a latest statement titled ‘Mike Igini: I got it wrong, I apologise’ further admitted that the statement was not just embarrassing to him as a professional journalist but also proved fatally wrong and unable to pass credibility check.
According to the former Chairman, Media Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, he has scrutinised and and review his source, the story itself and also listened to the testimony of other credible persons on the statement and discovered it was a false.
READ ALSO: Edo 2020: APC Alleges Attacks On Her Youths In Esan Central
The statement reads in part: “In the year ending, the 27th of August was the most unethical day for me. It was during the period of my assignment as the Chairman, Media Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19th governorship election in Edo state, that I released the above statement at about 5:27pm without cross-checking and interrogating my source. As a professional journalist, rather than base my judgement of the information from this source on its news value and public’s right to know the unbiased truth, I unfortunately allowed my political interest to motivate and take better part of me.
“I have taken time to scrutinise and review my source, the story itself and also listened to the testimony of other credible persons on this statement and the impeccable character of Mr. Mike Igini and have come to the conclusion and admission that something went wrong – my investigation and findings have now revealed that the story was not only untrue but unable to pass integrity and credibility checks.
“Being the chairman of the media campaign council, I took my assignment with a great dose of responsibility, privilege and honour. I appreciate the confidence and trust repose in me to serve in that capacity but for this source who thought he could advance my political interest with fake news and thinking propaganda could land us a win, this has proved wrong. This source did not only misled me to mislead the people but also to impugn on the reputation of Mr. Mike Igini and for which I am deeply embarrassed – I apologise.
“I agree, I was manipulated by this source and also complicit in the achievement of his goal because I failed to apply the simple rules of investigative journalist and logic to the allegations raised against one of the highly respected and reputable resident commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – as the statement was highly offensive and should not have allowed this source have a better part of me. I’m sorry and regret that I did.
READ ALSO: Edo 2020: APC, PDP In A Row Over N300m Allegedly Earmarked By Tinubu, Others For Vote Buying
“I failed by inadvertently allowing sinister forces, who were hellbent on destroying our institutions, to abuse our trust and use this to achieve their nefarious objectives. I will learn from these embarrassing moments and am determined to win back the confidence of my readers by putting in more hard work in whatever assignment under my supervision.
“I tender my profound apology to Mr. Mike Igini, the Governor of Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki, Mr. Anselm Ojezua – whose names appeared in that statement and on whom the story touches directly.
“By extension, I apologise to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the inconveniences or embarrassment this statement has occasioned them as I hold Mr. Mike Igini in the highest esteem.”
Mr. Mayaki who said he has resolved to rewin the trust of friends, admirers and strive in carrying out his professional job by following the professional ethics and rules, noted that being human, he’s bound to err.
“I am thankful to my conscience for acknowledging this great mistake and am also glad I listened and also to learn. I resolve that I will do my best to re-win the trust of all friends and admirers, my readers and those I have offended with the said unfortunate “August” statement. Human beings make errors, I am human and I am no exception,” he added.
READ ALSO: Edo 2020: APC Alleges Attacks On Her Youths In Esan Central
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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.
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.”
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
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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.
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.
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.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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.
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.”
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.
“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.
Metro5 days agoMy Husband Abandoned Me On Our Wedding Night To Attend Political Meeting, I Want Our Marriage Dissolved
Headline4 days agoWoman Passes Out After Receiving 100 Strokes Of Cane
Politics5 days agoWarri Ijaw Hail INEC Delineation Report, Call For Additional Electoral Wards, Others
Headline4 days agoJUST IN: White House Locked Down Briefly As Gunman Opens Fire At Security Checkpoint
News3 days agoMore Pain For Nigerians As Cooking Gas Price Increases Nationwide
Politics3 days agoTwo Masked Men Gun Down Politician In His Rivers State Hotel
Metro5 days agoMy Wife Stop Cooking My Food, Beats Me Black And Blue All the Time, Man Tells Court
News5 days agoAlleged Terrorism: Court Rejects Defendant’s Bid To Travel Abroad
Metro4 days agoPolice Reject N500m Bribe, Recover N7.8bn Illicit Drugs In Lagos
Politics5 days agoWhat I’ll Do As President Of Nigeria — Amaechi










