News
Rivers Post Election Tension: APC Petitions Canada, Appeals For Intervention

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state has petitioned the government of Canada to, in defense of democracy and good governance, intervene in the post 2023 elections tension brewing in Rivers state, Nigeria.
The Rivers APC petition signed by its Ontario, Canada based chieftain, Joe Korka-Waadah, and channeled through the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, knocked Canada for being silent over alleged conspiracy among Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to thwart tribunal hearing on election petitions by the opposition.
Korkah Waadah narrated to the Canada government how, “Monday April 3 PDP thugs allegedly manhandled 2023 governorship candidate of the APC, Pastor Tonye Cole and Emeka Beke, the state party chairman, in Port Harcourt.
“So, this petition is borne out of long and endured human victimization, oppression and suppression on members of the opposition parties by the ruling PDP in collaboration with security agencies particularly in Rivers, Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Protester’s Death: Rivers APC Kicks As Police Invite Gov Candidate, Tonye Cole
“This act of ill-treatment intended to muzzle the opposition political parties in Rivers and make the state a one-party state became more pronounced before, during and after the general elections of February 25 and March 18, 2023..
“Since the elections, arrests and detention of opposition party members have continued in the state. The attack on Pastor Cole which left him with injuries in attempted murder just as the hired thugs literally pull down APC flags at its state secretariat.
“It is worrisome and sad to note that, Canada, a country known to champion democratic causes, has neither condemned the attacks or the rape on democracy that took place in the general elections, particularly in Rivers State.
“As a Canadian and a Nigerian in the diaspora, it is disappointing that our country’s High Commissioner in Nigeria has been silent while killings and rape of democracy continue. The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria should urgently act in a manner that democracy could be protected in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers.”
READ ALSO: Rivers Father Of Three Shot Dead While Controlling Traffic
APC raising false alarm -PDP
Meanwhile, Rivers PDP Director of Publicity in the 2023 elections campaigns, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, in a statement he signed in Port Harcourt on Tuesday has accused the APC of overheating the polity and pushing the state towards crisis by calling stakeholders names without proof.
Nwuke, a former Reps member said, “We are aware what is playing out on the streets of Port Harcourt is part of a pre-arranged plot of the APC to derail the transition process in Rivers after being undeniably visited across the state by the ghost of abandoned property.
“Tonye Cole (APC guber candidate), has without proof called the PDP names and made allegations about our supposed relationship with INEC and security forces that are not true. The reckless comments credited to him, including talking into existence a Wike police have left us in shock.
“We warn that there is a limit to our perseverance, our peaceful disposition and understanding even as we vow this day, in the name of God, to defend the mandate of the Rivers people and the PDP. “
News
Okpebholo, Idahosa Bag UNIBEN Distinguished Service, Leadership Awards

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo and his deputy, Hon Dennis Idahosa have been awarded the University of Benin Distinguished Service and Leadership Awards, respectively, for their exemplary leadership styles since assumption of office on November 12, 2024.
The awards, which were conferred on them by the university’s Vice Chairman, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, is part of the activities lined up for the institution’s Faculty of Social Sciences golden jubilee celebration.
The deputy governor who received the awards said expressed delight for the recognition by the university as an alumnus.
“It is an honour to be part of this historic occasion marking the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
READ ALSO:Idahosa Hails Insurance 1-0 Thrashing Of Niger Tornadoes
“For five decades, this faculty has produced outstanding scholars and change-makers who have contributed immensely to national and global development,” he said.
The deputy governor commended the faculty’s legacy of excellence, describing it as “a beacon of research, critical thinking, and civic engagement.”
He praised the university for its role in shaping generations of leaders who continue to influence public policy and nation-building.
Reflecting on the governor Okpebholo-led administration’s priorities, Idahosa reiterated the governor’s commitment to revitalising education in the state.
READ ALSO:Idahosa Lauds Edo Specialist Hospital Facilities
“The administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to strengthening the education sector, with a particular focus on inclusivity and infrastructure.
“We are determined to guarantee access to quality education for all, including children with special needs,” he stated.
Idahosa concluded with an appeal to students to steer clear of vices, particularly cultism, stressing that the government would deal decisively with anyone found engaging in such acts.
“You are our most precious assets and the hope of a prosperous Nigeria. Shun all forms of vices and violence. Focus on your studies and become agents of positive change,” he pleaded.
READ ALSO:Idahosa Optimistic Shaibu Will Perform As National Sports Institute DG
Speaking on a lecture titled: ‘We Will all Be Consumed Unless,’ Prof. Brownwell Amadasun, sparked lively reactions among attendees as the academic delved into Nigeria’s foundational challenges and their lingering impact on national development.
Amadasun critiqued the ideological roots of the Nigerian state, asserting that the nation’s founding fathers laid a framework deeply entrenched in ethnic and religious divisions.
“Our national leaders were ethnic leaders. They laid the foundation we are struggling with today. Ethnicity and religious allegiance continue to hinder national growth. We must move away from it or we will all be consumed,” he said.
He called for a fundamental shift in leadership philosophy and collective mindset to foster unity and sustainable progress.
The Faculty’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue throughout the week with lectures, exhibitions, and alumni engagements celebrating five decades of scholarship, service, and societal impact.
News
Reps Move To Regulate Cryptocurrency, POS Operations

Concerned about the growing cases of cybercrime, money laundering, and terrorism financing linked to digital finance platforms, the House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale (POS) operations in Nigeria.
Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, who inaugurated the committee on Monday in Abuja, said the move became necessary amid increasing concerns over fraud and consumer exploitation in the country’s rapidly expanding digital finance ecosystem.
He noted that while Nigeria’s resilient economy has the potential to support cryptocurrency growth, the risks associated with its unregulated operations, including its use for illicit financial flows, cannot be overlooked.
Abbas explained that the absence of clear regulatory guidelines, coupled with the volatility and complexity of digital assets, compelled the House to intervene and establish a regulatory and consumer protection framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), including cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets.
READ ALSO:NNPP Expels Reps Member, Drags Him To Court
He said Nigeria’s economy has consistently demonstrated resilience, often recovering from recessions and recording growth in non-oil sectors, making it a potentially strong environment for cryptocurrency trade. However, he cautioned that the vulnerabilities inherent in digital currency operations must not be underestimated.
“It is because of this absence of clear rules, coupled with the volatility and complexity of the technology, that the House of Representatives found it imperative to establish regulations and consumer protection measures that will regulate the activities of Virtual Assets Service Providers, including cryptocurrencies and crypto assets,” Abbas said.
He added that the committee’s mandate includes conducting public hearings to gather input from stakeholders that would guide the House in developing legislation for a comprehensive regulatory framework governing cryptocurrency and other digital finance platforms.
READ ALSO:Court Case Stalls Reps Hearing On Takeover Of Benue, Zamfara Houses Of Assembly
The Speaker urged members of the committee to discharge their duties with patriotism and integrity, ensuring that the best interests of the nation guide their work.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Olufemi Bamisile (APC–Ekiti), described the assignment as one of national importance aimed at striking a balance between financial innovation and national security.
“We have been entrusted with a task of national significance — to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale operations in Nigeria,” Bamisile said.
He added that the committee would work closely with key regulatory and security agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force.
News
World Habitat Day: Okpebholo Commends Building Control Agency For Developmental Milestones

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has commended the management and staff of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA) for their significant contributions to urban growth and infrastructural development across the state.
The governor gave the commendation on Monday when he played host to the delegation of the agency in his office as part of programme to mark this year’s World Habitat Day celebration.
The deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa who received the team on his behalf, commended the agency led by the Managing Director, Mr. Imoisili Igabali, for its “selfless contributions” to the development of our dear state.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa noted that the agency had played a pivotal role in driving urban renewal and enforcing modern building standards in the State, describing their efforts as vital to the government’s vision of sustainable city planning.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Okpehbolo Appoints New VC For AAU
“We want to thank you for being part of the growth and development of our dear state. Your work has not gone unnoticed.
“What is most important to us is that we have the political will to ensure that this agency continues to fulfill its mandate effectively,” he stated.
He expressed optimism on the future of urban development in Edo State and pledged continued government support for the agency’s initiatives.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, I want to thank you for this wonderful day.
“We congratulate you as a state, and we thank God for giving us a capable leader in Mr. Igabali, whose dedication and teamwork continue to yield results,” he said.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Warns Companies Against Fuelling Edo–Delta Boundary Dispute
Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the agency expressed appreciation to the Governor and his deputy for their support and for taking the time to receive the agency’s delegation during the World Habitat Day observance.
The 2025 World Habitat Day celebration in Edo State was marked with renewed calls for sustainable housing, improved infrastructure, and enhanced urban management — key pillars of the Okpebholo administration’s development agenda.
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