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Orbih Mocks APC, Says ‘I Have Called Obaseki, Oshiomhole For Settlement’

Published

6 years ago

January 11, 2020

…2020 Election Walkover For PDP-Ex-Senator

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dan Orbih, Friday, January 10, mocked the ruling APC in the state, saying he had invited governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to settle their political fight but they have refused.

Orbih made this mockery statement at Afuze, Owan West Local Government Area of the state during Edo North Local Government Area of the state during Edo North PDP Leaders Tour which kick started yesterday.

He noted that the Tour was an indication that leaders of Edo North PDP have decided to unite in their efforts to rescuing the state.

Leaders of the PDP in Edo North during the sensitisation tour at Afuze, Owan East

“Two weeks ago, I issued a public invitation to Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki to come before me so that I can settle them in their political fight, but they have not answer our patriotic call. With all this, you will agree with me all is not well in Edo State”, he added.

A cross section of members and supporters of the PDP during the Tour at Afuze on Friday

Orbih, who called on Edo people to embrace the PDP in the forthcoming election for job employment and provision of social amenities, lamented that public schools and hospitals have been abandoned by the present administration hence are in pitiable state.

“Today, state of our schools in the state is one that one cannot be proud of. Here in Afuze, the promises made to the good people of Afuze by Godwin Obaseki during his campaign tour have become mere promises. He has neglected the College of Physical Education. Our hospitals are worst than mere consulting clinic”, he said.

Speaking on accountability in governance, the PDP chairman urged Obeseki to immediately investigate and prosecute those behind “the fraud of award and execution of multi-billion naira Edo Central Hospital.”

He said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on Godwin Obaseki to immediately swing into action and bring to book all those responsible for the fraud of award and execution of our Central Hospital, Benin City.

Another cross section of members and supporters of the party at Afuze, Owan East on Friday during the Tour

“They spent billions of our public funds to build that hospital. More than Three years after that hospital was commissioned by president of this country, it is still under lock and key. Those behind the award and execution of the hospital contract must be prosecuted.

“Let me also say this, we must not play politics with public institutions. One would have expected by now that hospital and our other public institutions should be working perfectly, but what do we have, nothing.”

A cross section of supporters and members of the party at Sabongida-Ora, Owan West local govt during the sensitisation tour on Friday

Speaking on the forthcoming gobernosrhip election in the state, former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yisa Braihmor said the election would be a walkover for the Peoples Democratic Party.

The former Senator who represented Edo North in the Red Chamber, assured party faithful that the PDP is regaining power through the next gobernosrhip election.

A cross section of supporters and members of the party at Sabongida-Ora, Owan West local govt during the sensitisation tour on Friday

“My message to you my people is that this is the year of glory for PDP. By the special grace of God, we are going to Osadebey’s house come December 2020.

“The election coming August this year is a walkover for us“, he added.

According to him, the PDP has resolved not to give ticket to any defector who later returns to the party to pick the party ticket with the primary aim of contesting under the party.

He said, “No body will just come to our party and pick up ticket as contestant. No decempee (sic) will come and we make him candidate tomorrow. That era is over.”

A cross section of supporters and members of the party at Sabongida-Ora, Owan West local govt during the sensitisation tour on Friday

Chairman of the Tour, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi said the Tour was to unite the party the more with a view to coming out victoriously in the forthcoming election.

“I want to plead with all of you, eschew the bitterness of the past; forget what had happened in the past. Let us embrace each other; let us work together as one and leave a good legacy for children and the ones unborn. We need to forgive ourselves”, he added.

A cross section of supporters and members of the party at Sabongida-Ora, Owan West local govt during the sensitisation tour on Friday

The Tour well attended by party leaders and members covered Owan East and West today.

News

NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.”

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

News

Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

News

PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

Published

2 days ago

January 9, 2026

Editor

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.

According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.

The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.

“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.

He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.

“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.

According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.

He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.

Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.

Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.