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Poll: Chief Of Defence Staff In Edo, Assures Peaceful, Free, Fair Gov Election

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2024

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

…says President Tinubu has mandated us to ensure a fair, credible process

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Wednesday, assured that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with its sister security agencies, would ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful gubernatorial election come September 21, 2024.

The Chief of Defence Staff gave the assurance when he and other top military officers deployed to the state on election duty, met with Governor Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

General Musa, who noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces were in the state to support and make sure the election was peaceful, called on political actors in Edo not to raise tension in the state because of the election.

He said, “I am delighted to be here and my visit here today is to bring peace. Having watched unfolding events on TV and tension within the State, I usually want to come a few days before any election to preach peace.

“As Nigerians, we should learn how to do things properly as there is no need to raise tension because of the election; it’s not necessary. We have seen how other Countries conduct elections peacefully as people will be working, and doing their normal things while elections are on. I wonder why ours seem to be different.

“I want to assure you that members of the Armed Forces are here to support you in this election and make sure that it’s peaceful.

“Our mandate from Mr. President is that the Edo Governorship Election should be peaceful, free, fair and credible. This is what we are here to do; everybody you see here is here to ensure that it’s done. That is the mandate from Mr. President.”

He further stated, “This is why I am here to see the troops and address them critically for them to understand the importance of free, fair and credible elections in Edo State. We give you the assurance that none of us are going to take sides as we would ensure that there is peace in Edo State.

“Nobody is to take sides. Whoever is the person that is popular and the people want, the people should be able to elect such a person but not the person imposed on them. I can guarantee you. We have done it in other States in the past three elections, we want to do the same here. You would have noticed that it went well and we want to do the same here. The days of impunity are over; election is not war. People should not die because they want to elect a leader.”

Commending Governor Obaseki for his government’s developmental strides, the CDS added, “I congratulate you on all your efforts and things you have done for Edo people. I have served in Edo State and the State has been part of me. I thank you for all you are doing and the warm reception.”

Governor Obaseki, who was delighted to receive the Chief of Defence, said the visit was very reassuring to the people of the State.

He said, “I want you to help me thank your men in Edo State. Since the resumption of the GOC, he has been very supportive in terms of security in Edo State. A few weeks ago, we went to commission an army operations base in Ehor which has stabilized security in the Benin Auchi axis.

“We had approval to build another in Sobe which has reduced drastically the incident of kidnapping and banditry around that axis. We are writing to you through the GOC for approval for the third base along the Northern border between Edo and Kogi State where we are still having incidents.

“The Chief of Air Staff has been kind enough to collaborate with them to set up a FOB towards the Okada axis. This tells you the level of support and cooperation that we have been receiving from your men.”

He continued: “I am glad you are here today because some of the political actors don’t seem to understand the national security implications of this Edo election. The way some people have conducted themselves, it’s quite on becoming of people who swore to oath.

“Politicians can behave the way they like but members of the security agencies should give the public assurances and confidence. We are not asking for any favour but saying that Edo citizens should be free to go to the polls to express themselves the way they wish, and we will accept the outcome of a properly conducted poll.

“But when you have a situation where citizens are being intimidated by men in uniform, it’s not acceptable. Last night, I was woken up at 3 am that some policemen at Edo Central were trying to arrest people. I got a call again this morning about a Sienna Bus with a mandate to come and arrest people.

“We have people arrested and taken away from Edo to Abuja, instead of trying those they claimed to have committed a crime in Edo. The people arrested and taken to Abuja have been detained for more than two weeks on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police.

“When we confronted the IGP in Edo, during the Peace Accord signing, he said they were arrested for murder but when they were finally charged to court, the charge read possession of firearms.”

He further stated, “As I speak, we have our people arrested and being detained in Suleja, Niger State, because they don’t want them to participate in the election on Saturday. When you create situations like this, it results in a lack of trust and confidence.

“When an opposition candidate is campaigning with a police helicopter in the State, then I don’t think it’s fair as they are not creating a level playing field for all candidates.

“Sir, if it’s possible to appeal to the IGP because we know what EndSARS protests caused the people of Edo State in terms of rebuilding the burnt-down police stations

“We received a lot of information and when we pass it across to the relevant authorities they fail to act. We have intelligent reports of arms movement and thugs being housed in hotels but nothing is being done.”

“We don’t want an election that will lead to loss of lives because it’s not necessary. Once citizens feel they are not being treated fairly by the instrument of the state, you will see the kind of tension and violence that can occur in an election. Your presence here today is reassuring. There can’t be a better assurance as you understand the national security implications of this election,” Obaseki added.

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Coordinator, Edo First Lady Office, Majority Leader, Rights Lawyer, Others Bag 2025 Leadership Award

Published

13 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Editor

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani; Majority Leader, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, and human rights lawyer, President Aigbokhan, alongside 27 others were on Friday , December 19, 2025, honoured with the 2025 Leadership & Development Award.

In his welcome address at the event with the theme: ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Innovating for a Sustainable Future,’ Team Lead, Leadership and Development Initiatives, Dr. Sunny Duke Okosun, said the initiative was to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations that are shaping the future of “our world.”

Okosun, who said the awardees were not just selected for award sake, noted that “our awardees have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact in their respective fields. Their stories will inspire us, their achievements will motivate us, and their dedication will challenge us to strive for greatness.”

The Team Lead, while expressing his organisation’s
commitment to identifying, recognizing, and empowering leaders who are making a difference, said “we also look to the future, recognizing that the leaders of tomorrow will be those who innovate, collaborate, and prioritize sustainability.”

Okosun, who congratulated the awardees on “your outstanding achievements,” stressed: “Let us continue to inspire, motivate, and challenge each other to be the leaders we need for a brighter tomorrow.”

In her keynote address, Anani described the theme of the event as timely and profound, stressing that “it speaks directly to the urgent need to prepare our present and future generations with the skills, values, and mindset required to navigate an increasingly complex world.”

The Coordinator, who noted that “a sustainable future demands leaders who are conscious of the environment, committed to social inclusion, and driven by economic responsibility,” challenged: “Leadership in our time must go beyond titles and positions; it must be anchored on service, innovation, integrity, and a clear vision for sustainable development. Leadership empowerment begins with education, mentorship, and opportunity.”

She added: “When we invest in our young people by equipping them with knowledge, encouraging creativity, and providing platforms for growth we are laying the foundation for enduring progress. Innovation, in this context, is not limited to technology alone; it also includes innovative thinking in governance, entrepreneurship, social development, and community engagement.

“A sustainable future demands leaders who are conscious of the environment, committed to social inclusion, and driven by economic responsibility. It calls for leaders who can balance progress with preservation, growth with equity, and ambition with compassion. As a society, we must therefore foster innovation that addresses real challenges, creates jobs, strengthens communities, and improves the quality of life for all.”

Guest Speaker at the event, Prof. Festus Olise, described leadership as a curse to Nigeria, adding: “Year in, year out, we elect leaders into leadership positions yet our problems persist.”

Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly who happened to be one of the recipients, thanked the organisers, stressing that it is a challenge for him to do more for his people.

“I have done much for my constituents since I was elected, but the award will spure me to do more. Leadership is about catering for the followers, and this is a role I have been playing to the best of my ability.”

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Delta Speaker Advocates Strict Legislative Protection Of N’Delta Environment

Published

2 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Editor

The Speaker of the Delta state House of Assembly Hon. Emomotimi Guwor has advocated for more stringent legislations to protect the Niger Delta environment against violators, especially multinational and local oil companies.

He lamented that these multinational and local oil companies have turned the Niger Delta environment to dumping sites with the pollution of oil exploration and exploitation.

Guwor spoke at the 2nd annual Ijaw media conference 2025, organized by the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, IPF in Delta State.

According to him, this will curb further damages of the Niger Delta environment, thereby saving the environment for future generations.

The Delta state speaker, who was represented by a former Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Emma Amgbaduba, noted that environmental neglect and social injustice were key drivers of unrest in oil-producing areas.

According to him, ”fishermen and farmers are in acute hunger and hardship due to the polluted rivers and degraded farmlands have pushed many families into hardship, threatening livelihoods that once sustained entire communities”

He warned that unless urgent steps are taken to protect natural resources, the human cost of oil exploration would continue to deepen poverty and insecurity in the region, with consequences for the national economy.

Guwor emphasized that host communities must demand strict compliance by international and indigenous oil companies with global environmental standards and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He noted that environmental neglect and social injustice were key drivers of unrest in oil-producing areas.

Guwor urged residents to take ownership of environmental protection in their communities, while acknowledging ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft, which he said has worsened pollution and economic losses.

The Speaker stressed that peaceful coexistence within communities remained critical to restoring confidence, attracting investments and improving living conditions in the Niger Delta.

News

IPF’s Conference: Igali Seeks Approval Of License For Locals To Operate Modular Refinery

Published

2 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Editor

The National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum,( PANDEF) Amb. Godknows Boladei lgali, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve license for Niger Delta sons and daughters who have the requirements to operate modular refineries as it is done in the US and the Western world.

Dr. Igali who was the keynote speaker at the 2025 Ijaw Media Conference made the call on Wednesday December 17, in Warri.

He stated that the operation of modular refineries was for the best interest of increasing the growth of the nation’s economy as well as to create a sense of belonging to the people that own the crude oil and gas.

He said that it is important for the people to properly manage their God-given resources towards the welfare of humanity rather than being destroyed in the name of illegal oil bunkering.

by government security agencies thereby resulting in pollution and degradation of the environment they lived in.

He asserted that most of the raw materials used by industries are deposited in the Niger Delta region, especially crude oil, Gas, palm oil, rubber, cotton etc, stressing that the region will continue to be relevant in Nigeria because of her natural wealth.

He affirmed that Niger Deltans should think of sustaining its natural resources as well as safeguarding its environment for today and the future generations.

He urged the people to be more focused on education and professional skill acquisition, stressing that with the right education and skills, the scholars can invent new things that will better the society.

Igali also commended the Presidential Amnesty Programme Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro for his good works, while urging him not to be distracted by critics rather, he should continue sending “our sons and daughters abroad to acquire more skills and come back home to develop the Niger Delta region.”

He also urged Niger Deltans to sustain the existing peace, stressing that without peace development cannot strive in the communities.