News

Police To Prosecute Sponsors Of Election Violence In Bayelsa

Published

2 years ago

November 9, 2023

Editor

The police have vowed to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of election violence and their sponsors in Bayelsa.

The DIG in charge of elections in the state, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, said this on Thursday in Yenagoa as the state prepares to elect a governor on Saturday.

Sokari-Pedro gave the warning when he addressed election stakeholders and senior police officers deployed for the governorship election.

He said that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has directed police personnel to be committed to a free, fair, safe, and unhindered democratic process during the off-cycle election.

He said that the police consider all three senatorial zones in the state to be volatile and have identified some local government areas as flashpoints.

“The three senatorial zones that make up the state are politically volatile; some local governments are flashpoints; they include Sagbama, Nembe, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw, and Brass.

“These are just some of the local governments that are most volatile.

“Unfortunately, the youths have been identified as a vanguard of election violence, and the so-called godfathers and principals are the purveyors and patrons of this,” Sokari-Pedro said.

According to him, election violence has been allowed to fester because both perpetrators and their sponsors have always escaped prosecution.

“But we are assuring the peace-loving state that in this election, not only will culprits be dealt with, the identified sponsors will be dealt with as well to ensure a peaceful election in Bayelsa,” he added.

Sokari-Pedro directed police officers in all the local governments to carry out a show of force and put all suspects out of circulation.

“Any civilian that is armed at any polling centre shall be arrested, and failure to do so by the police, the police themselves, or the agent who is responsible for such a lapse will result in arrest.

“Any orderly or guard that escorts his principal to the polling centre shall be arrested and thereafter tried in an orderly room; in this case, if care is not taken, it may lead to his dismissal.

“I want to assure you that at every point, from voting, counting, and collation, the police shall protect voters, INEC officials, property, and materials. Sanctions shall be meted out to officers for any breach,” he said.

The DIG told parents and guardians to warn their children to stay away from trouble during and after the election.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.