News

OPINION: Impeachment Notice On Edo Deputy Gov: A Case Of Abuse Of Office And Privilege

Published

2 years ago

March 11, 2024

Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday ,6 March ,2024 moved a motion and issued a notice of impeachment on the deputy governor of Edo State, Hon.Philip Shuaibu.This course of action by the members of Edo State House of Assembly is quite simply an abuse of office and privilege.The members of the State House of Assembly were elected to defend the Constitution of Nigeria, protect the laws of the State and to also represent the interest of their Constituency.The motion for the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State does not fall into any of the categories stated above.

Abuse of office and the privileges that are associated with elected and appointed political office holders is a common feature that has frustrated the entrenchment of democratic norms in Nigeria.It is has become an acceptable dereliction for political office holders to abandon their Constitutional mandate and instead pursue an agenda of personal aggrandizement .In democratic and civilized nations, political office holders subordinate their personal interest to Constitutional demands.

The members of Edo State House of Assembly have brought disrepute on themselves for making the house available to support this odious agenda. Surely this set of events will not advance the cause of democracy in the jurisdiction. Indeed democracy in Edo state is under a vicious siege and Governor Obaseki is providing the guillotine for its mindless beheading. The only protocols now accepted, are those which serve the ever enlarging ego of a governor on the rampage.

Majority of the members of the Edo State House of Assembly are people of conscience and are not part of this political menace. However, the good nature of these members has been subverted by the overwhelming imperative of bread and butter politics and the need to survive.

Only the following factors can truly restore the confidence and good nature of the members of House of Assembly.
1.Internal democracy in the political parties that will guarantee a free and fair party primaries.The selection of party candidates by the governor or a godfather at the expense of the popular choice of political party members will continue to erode the confidence of the members to do what is right.
2.Free and fair election conducted by INEC to ensure that the electorate elect the representatives of their choice.
3.A Constitutional amendment that will guarantee the independence of the State House of Assembly.
4.A patriotic and democratically elected governor that will respect the integrity of the members and support the independence of the State House of Assembly.

The Constitutional provisions and procedure for the impeachment of a Deputy Governor are clearly stated .The nature of offense that the Deputy Governor should commit to warrant impeachment is equally stated in the Constitution.Aspiration to contest for the position of governor of Edo State and challenge against the conduct of primaries by a political party do not constitute a ground for impeachment.It is known that the Deputy Governor of Edo State is an aspirant for the governorship of Edo State on the platform of PDP.The people of Edo State are equally aware of the parallel result declared by the Deputy Governor of Edo State claiming to be the winner of a parallel primaries conducted by a faction of PDP.It is equally a fact that the Deputy Governor is already in court seeking the interpretation of the court and decision on the factional primaries that was conducted by the PDP.In a true democratic country,the action of Edo State House of Assembly will be interpreted as obstruction of justice.Obstruction of justice is a criminal offense.

The impeachment Notice is an abuse of office, disrespect for democracy and premeptive action by the Edo State House of Assembly to deprive Philip Shuaibu his right to fair hearing and justice.This act should not be encouraged and should be condemned by all persons that are interested in the survival of democracy and prosperity in Edo State.

The House of Assembly should make laws and pass resolutions for the welfare of the citizens and in defense of the Constitution and laws of the State.The House of Assembly should not be willing tools in the hands of the governor to advance his personal interest.

The abuse of office by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State is known to the people of Edo State.The arrogant pursuit of his personal interest at the expense of the collective interest of the people of Edo State requires the urgent mobilization of a Grand Alliance of the people of Edo State to stop him from destroying the future of our dear State.

Edo State House of Assembly should pass a motion to direct the governor for the swearing ceremony of the Judges of Edo State High Court that have been appointed by the NJC for almost one year.A governor that is scheming to undermine the independence of the Judiciary and the House of Assembly cannot be a friend of the people of Edo State.Instead of pursuing personal political agenda of the governor, the House of Assembly should pursue a constitutional agenda that is in the interest of the people of Edo State.

A people or an assembly that thrives in the worship of money and immoral act for the advancement of personal interest will end up in failure.

Edo 2024 will be a contest between those that are in politics to serve and those that are in politics for business.Those who are in politics to serve think of the welfare of the people and fear the laws of the State .Those who are in politics for business for profit making will continue to fight to undermine the laws of the State, undermine the independence of the House of Assembly and the Judiciary.I represent the philosophy of Politics for service and Godwin Obaseki and his surrogates are clearly in politics for business and profit making.

Dr. Isaiah Osifo,
University Teacher and APGA Governorship Candidate, Edo ,2024.
Email: isaiahosifo@gmail.com

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

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.

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

Published

18 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

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.

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

Published

19 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

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.

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.

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.