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PAP: IPDI Tackles Group Over Attack On Otuaro

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Group known as Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has sent a stern warning to persons it regarded as “enemies of Niger Delta” who according to the group are “sponsoring unpopular, unfounded, mischievous, barbaric and lackadaisical attacks against the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro.”

Reacting to an attack by the group
on the PAP administrator, IPDI said it would not allow “enemies from the pit of hell to defame, demarket and distract the PAP administrator.”

The group, the IPDI described as “non-existing faceless parochial, branding and parading under, the Project Niger Delta (PND),” was said to have attacked the PAP administrator after the president of Ijaw National Congress, INC, Professor Benjamin Okaba endorsed him on behalf of Council.

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The group’s, National president, Comrade Ozobo Austin in a statement said, “Our attention has been drawn to an odious, vexatious, inciting and a provocative online publication by enemies of Niger Delta parading under the cover of a faceless group “Project Niger Delta” attacking the most qualified and experienced Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr Dennis Otuaro and the president the Ijaw National Congress, INC.

The statement reads, “We wish to state that those sponsoring attacks against Dr Dennis Otuaro are agents of darkness and enemies from the pit of hell and that such attacks and unpopular opinions never represent the collective interest of the Ijaw nation.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: ASUP Suspends Planned Strike

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“The sponsors of the attacks should also know that Dr Dennis Otuaro is not deterred by any attack from any quarter but very committed to transforming the almost collapsing presidential Amnesty programme to benefit the Niger Delta region.

“It is our candid advice to the bandwagons to retrace their steps and stop inimical attempts to pull down their brother for selfish interests, and join hands with him to build a legacy for the PAP for the benefit of the region.

“It may interest you to know that Dr Dennis Otuaro is a man who has brought sparkling reforms, innovations and total commitment to advance and improve the performance of the amnesty programme and that only enemies who want to keep the office in a total blackout for the interest of their pockets are attacking him.”

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IPDI described PND’s statement as “misleading” and “unfortunate”, stating that Okaba’s endorsement was a testament to Otuaro’s unwavering leadership and commitment to revolutionary reforms of the PAP to better beneficiaries and the Niger Delta region at large. They accused PND of being “agents of darkness” attempting to discredit Otuaro and Okaba.

“We want to state unequivocally that the sponsors of the said publication acted in ignorance, because there is no part of the INC constitution that states that the president must gathered the entire Exco before expressing gratitude and appreciation in away of endorsement of deserving Ijaw sons and daughters who are doing well.”

IPDI commended Okaba for the wisdom to support his own, saying he had done what is noble and that the endorsement was for the interest of the Niger Delta people. They urged the public to disregard PND’s statement, which they claimed was fueled by jealousy, envy and a desire to incite and divide the region.

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READ ALSO: VIDEO/PHOTOS: MFM G.O.,Olukoya Receives US Presidential Achievement Award

The IPDI’s statement stressed, “We stand solidly behind Dr. Otuaro, who has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the progress and transformation of the presidential Amnesty programme in a few days in office.

“We will not allow the antics of mischief-makers like faceless PND to distract Otuaro from accomplishing his set goals in the office. The faceless PND are the bounce of hungry men who want to cash out by blackmailing Otuaro and the PAP office.

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“We know the people behind the attack, they are some purportedly angry members of the same Ijaw National Congress,INC.It is our warning that such persons should desist from further attack on Otuaro. If they have a dispute with their INC president, let them sort it out between themselves because if they try it, we will expose their identities.

“The PND day dreamers and sponsors who are suffering from mouth diarrhea and dementia should know that Dr Dennis Otuaro is the substantive administrator of the presidential Amnesty programme and not a self-acclaimed PAP Administrator.

“The president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NSA and the National Assembly are relating with him cordially and that PND sponsors should hide their face in shame.

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“We, however, strongly condemn the PND sponsors’ statement alleging that some Ijaw big brothers are depriving and enslaving the voiceless majority and making themselves lords over the Ijaws in Delta and beyond.

“This is a desperation taken too far. It is shameful. Our big brothers are the reason why the Niger Delta Emancipation struggle is still making strong impacts. They should be commended for their selfless sacrifices and unwavering contributions to the Niger Delta struggle. They are not enslaving and depriving anybody rather have empowered thousands of persons to earn a living.

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“We want to state again that the faceless and parochial authors of the said provocative publication are poor students of history, where were these faceless people when the mein part of the Ijaw were dominating the political space beginning from military to democracy, instead of them using such opportunities to advance the development of Ijaw nation and groom young youths, they spent the long privilege to be blocking, and enslaving their brothers and thinking they will be there forever.

“It is sad, we should refrain and stop the pull him or her down syndrome in Ijaw nation and Niger Delta region and work with our big brothers who are more concerned about the Ijaw and Niger Delta struggle.

“It should be also noted that Otuaro is not seeking any endorsement from anyone, his appointment is valid, verified and stamped by Mr president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NSA. He is the popular choice of Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta at large, so Otuaro attackers should go and hug and kiss the transformer and die”, the noted.

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

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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.

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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.”

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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

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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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