News
Okpebholo Alleges Looting, Seeks EFCC Probe Of Edo Officials

The Edo State Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, called on banks to halt the granting of loans to the state government during the transition period.
He also raised concerns over the alleged looting of government funds and properties by officials of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Godswill Inegbe also, Okpebholo called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services to investigate the matter.
On Tuesday, the All Progressives Congress set up a 24-member transition committee, led by former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, to meet with the state government committee ahead of the handover on November 12.
The statement read: “With great shock, we regret the widespread reports of looting of government funds and properties by officials of the outgoing administration from the Government House, Benin City.
READ ALSO: World Bank To Nigerians: Don’t Oppose, Reverse Current Economic Reforms
“It is sad that barely one month to the handover, the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is still allegedly obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions under very shady headings.
“We are also aware of the massive looting and vandalism of properties, including vehicles, furniture, gadgets, household utensils, and even carpets from offices and residences of the Edo State Government.
“This unacceptable behaviour undermines the trust and faith of our citizens in those entrusted to serve them over the past seven years.
“In light of the foregoing, we call on the relevant authorities, including the EFCC, police, and DSS, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure that those found guilty are held accountable while protecting Government House and offices from vandals.”
It added: “Banks and other financial institutions are, by this notice, cautioned to desist from any dealings that would undermine the finances of the state, especially the granting of loans to the Edo State Government during this transition period.
READ ALSO: Yoruba Nation Agitator Dies As 27 Others Appear In Court
“The Accountant General of Edo State is hereby advised to uphold the principle of integrity in his duty, as it is the only action that will put his name in gold.
“We want to state unequivocally that there will be dire consequences for any act of impunity and theft committed by any person or institution found wanting in this regard.
“We will continue to monitor the situation until the last day of the outgoing administration. Senator Monday Okpebholo will not condone any form of unethical behaviour, as he stresses a zero-tolerance policy for corruption.”
When contacted, the Commissioner for Orientation and Information, Chris Nehikhare, said he would respond to the statement on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the government has advised Okpebholo’s associates to wait until November 12 to commence governance, rather than making spurious allegations and claims aimed at creating the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.
READ ALSO: Court Jails 15 Internet Fraudsters In Edo
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, described the statement from Okpebholo’s media assistant as spurious, noting that it was not only incoherent and riddled with fake news, but also contained unfounded conjectures aimed at undermining the government.
He said: “A self-styled special assistant, whom nobody knows, issued a statement to create the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.
“Assuming he is truly speaking for the Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, the immodesty is most reprehensible. He made wild allegations, which he cannot substantiate because they are barefaced lies.
“It is quite understandable that these elements are angling for jobs, but there must be some clear-headedness and not this resort to outlandish and amateurish mudslinging.
“The next administration begins on November 12, 2024, and actors representing the incoming administration should wait for this date to arrive before they begin to govern, as there cannot be two governors of Edo State at the same time.”
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.
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