Metro

OPINION: Edo 2024 Is ‘Eghe Esan’

Published

2 years ago

September 29, 2023

By Victor Ofure Osehobo

A few years ago, it was the norm in Edo politics, since the South had the Governor, for the North to have the Deputy Governor and for Central to have the speaker’s position. It was the custom of the ruling PDP then that to promote oneness and give all districts in the state a sense of belonging, it was better to observe this unwritten code.

This is why from 1999- 2007, when the PDP was in power, the governor was from the South, his deputy from the North and the Speaker from Central. It was the same picture during the 18-month PDP tenure from May 2007 – November 2008, when the governor was from the Central, his deputy was from South and the Speaker from the North.

But this worthwhile development which made for peaceful, harmonious co-existence and brotherhood in an ethnically diverse state like Edo was set aside when the APC found itself in power first in Edo in 2008. The governor was from Edo North, deputy, South and Speaker, South. In 2012, while the governor was from North, the deputy remained in the South and the Speaker remained in the South.

Thus from 2008, Edo Central has been left out in the scheme of things. In 2008, with the governor from Edo north, deputy from the South, it was said that the party had a greenhorn in the legislative branch who could not occupy the high office of Speaker.

Despite the hue and cry of the Central folks Edo south clung to the two vital slots from 2008 till the dying minutes of 2016, when reluctantly the Speakership was left for the Central district.

Those who expected this vital change in 2016 to survive as if to rectify a fault or correct an anomaly were shocked when the Central was stripped of the Speakership midstream in favour of the South again.

And for the political gains anticipated the South reluctantly donated the Speakership to the Central, during the campaigns, tele-guided the office while it went to Central and even worked against the occupant, before the run of unhealthy events saw the the North take the office back.

Since 2016, Edo has had a governor from the South, a deputy from the North and a Speaker from the North, leaving the Central empty. From 2020 till now, it is the same scenario. Unfortunately this very ugly trend now reverberates through the state government apparatus in Benin City.

Key state government establishments embark on the deliberate removal of Edo Central folks from key positions and offices they were appointed into on the basis of qualification and competence and are replaced with South and North counterparts.

The reason is that the people of Edo Central or the modern Esan nation are part and parcel of Edo. We are citizens who left the Benin Empire and formed communities and kingdoms thereafter. We were not slaves before or after. History is clear on this.

As 2024 approaches, there is once again desperate moves to sideline Edo Central. Political Leaders from North and South, who ought to know better are either aspiring themselves or busy sponsoring aspirants from their zones to rob Edo Central of this rare opportunity.

This should be avoided. This is how it happened in the recent past with the office of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly. The goat will bite when faced with no escape but pushed to the wall. This attempt to blank out Edo Central must stop.

My name is Victor Ofure Osehobo. I am making Common sense

Metro

Law School Student Freed, Five Colleagues Still In Kidnappers’ Custody

Published

16 hours ago

July 31, 2025

Editor

Police Arrest Suspected Stolen Goods Dealer In Akwa Ibom, Recover Items

One of the six Nigerian Law School students abducted in Benue State has regained freedom, it was learnt.

The students were kidnapped on Saturday while travelling from Onitsha, Anambra State, to the Yola campus of the Nigerian Law School in Adamawa State.

They were en route to resume academic activities after their court externship break, with lectures scheduled to recommence on Monday.

Earlier, the abductors had allegedly threatened to kill the victims if their ransom demand was not met.

Metro

Two Killed During Domestic Violence

Published

17 hours ago

July 31, 2025

Editor

Three suspects have been arrested by the Adamawa State Police Command, in connection with two domestic violence that led to killings in Madagali and Gombi Local government areas.

Police spokesperson, SP Yahaya Nguroje, explained that the first incident, in Pallam District, Madagali, involved two co-wives, Rhoda Anthony, 55, and Victoria Anthony, 36.

“During the fight, Victoria’s son Ijai Anthony, 16 years, allegedly hit Rhoda with a piece of wood on the head and she fell on the ground. She was rushed to Cottage Hospital, Madagali, but died while receiving treatment. Victoria and her son have been arrested.” Nguroje revealed.

In the second case, police in Gombi arrested one Idi Buba for allegedly stabbing his father, Buba Jelli, on the neck and the back during a domestic dispute.

The father was confirmed dead by medical personnel at a nearby health centre.

The spokesperson confirmed the Police were able to recover a Knife, suspected to be the murder weapon from the scene.

Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, condemned the killings, particularly the fact that they involved family members, and urged residents to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. He assured that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court once completed.

Metro

Security Operatives, Youths Arrest Notorious Drug Dealer In Delta Community

Published

17 hours ago

July 31, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Delta Sweep and youths of Abraka community in Ethiope-East Local Government Area of Delta State have arrested a notorious drug dealer, Benson Izah, with a stash of illicit substances concealed in his motorcycle.

The suspect was arrested at the secretariat of the Abraka Community Youth Wing.

Izah is suspected of spearheading the drug trade in the university town.

His arrest triggered immediate investigations, leading security operatives to four warehouses reportedly linked to him.

Each site yielded significant quantities of assorted hard drugs, validating long-standing suspicions of Izah’s role in a wider drug distribution network.

Authorities have confirmed that Izah and the confiscated substances will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

The arrest has been met with widespread relief and jubilation across the town, according to a local youth leader.

The operation has reignited calls for deeper collaboration between community stakeholders and security agencies in the ongoing war against drug abuse and crime.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe is yet to comment on the incident.