Politics

Obaseki Warns Against Politics Of Lies, Manipulation

Published

2 years ago

October 5, 2023

Editor

…says politicians must work to earn public trust to win elections rather than rely on courts

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has warned against politics of lies, manipulation and blackmail, noting that politicians must begin to put in deliberate efforts to earn the trust of the people to win elections rather than relying on court judgments for political power.

Obaseki gave this advice during the inauguration of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) in Edo Central Senatorial District, in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Council.

The SSAs and SAs were drawn from Igueben, Esan West, Esan South East, Esan North East and Esan Central LGAs of the State.

Obaseki said, “One of the criteria used for this appointment is that you must reside in your wards and if not, we will withdraw your appointment. Any SSA or SA working outside the local government or operating from Benin City will be dropped immediately.

“You are supposed to give a report monthly which will be reviewed to improve the lives of the people. You are a very important plank of our administration.

“We have just gone through our local government election and you campaigned with me and I thank you for what you did, which made it possible for us to have achieved the results we achieved during the election.”

On winning and losing elections by politicians, he noted, “I heard that some people are complaining that they lost the election. I wonder why they will win the election when they didn’t come out to campaign. Well, that is the nature of our politics as they believe that the Court will appoint people into power. They rely on the Court for political power rather than hoping on the people for political power.

“Politics is being played on lies, misinformation, and rumours as a way to get political advantages. They want to confuse our people but your job is to put the record straight, letting the people know the truth.

“We have Chairmen and Councillors who will administer the local government councils but those we are swearing in today are officers responsible to the Governor of Edo State as your role is different from that of the local government.

“We have done a lot across the State, particularly in Esan land. EdoBEST has brought confidence in our children and we will be grateful in years to come. When these children will be occupying big and important positions across the world, we will appreciate the investment in education.”

He added, “We have done a lot and tried to make changes in the progress of the State and your job is to let me know what is happening in your locality. We are working to ensure the wards across the State have first-class Primary Healthcare Centers as we are training health workers to man our primary health care centers.

“I need to know what is going on in terms of security and creating economic opportunities for our young people. You must continue to keep us updated as you are the eyes and ears of the governor in the various wards you come from. We will train you and have an onboarding session with you in line with our government’s vision to make Edo great again.”

Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

Politics

Govt That Fails To Protect Its Citizens Has No Business Remaining In Office – Kwankwaso

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling 2,000 operatives of the Kano State Neighbourhood Security Network.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief” in addressing banditry and other security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s military “remains one of the most gallant in the world,” having served in international peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones.

However, he said the armed forces are not being adequately supported to perform optimally.

“Today, many innocent Nigerians are being killed, while the perpetrators walk freely as if nothing happened. The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, added: “When I was Defence Minister, I knew the capability of the Nigerian military. They are courageous and professional but need clear direction, support, and political will to do the needful.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically ranked among the best globally and urged the government to equip them properly to change the current security situation.

Kwankwaso also said that if elected president in 2027, he would recruit over one million additional military personnel to strengthen national security.

“Any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed woefully and has no business remaining in office,” he declared.

He further called on the Federal Government to integrate community-based security initiatives, like the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security system to boost morale and improve intelligence-driven operations against criminals.

Politics

ADC Announces Temporary Closure Of Secretariat

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC , says it has temporarily closed its National Secretariat as part of the end-of-year break.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said full operations are scheduled to resume in the New Year.

According to the statement, the secretariat will close on December 23, 2025, and reopen on January 5, 2026.

The party, however, said essential skeletal services will remain available throughout the period, while all other official activities at the National Secretariat will be suspended to allow staff and party officials observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“This is to inform the public that the African Democratic Congress National Secretariat will close for the year on 23rd December 2025 and will resume full operations on 5th January 2026.

“During this period, only skeletal services will be available, while all other official activities at the Secretariat will be temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

The party thanked its members, partners and supporters for their continued loyalty and cooperation throughout the year, noting that their support remains critical to the growth and stability of the party.

The ADC also said it is committed to its ideals and to democratic engagement as it prepares for activities in the coming year.