News
Why Ex-Akwa Ibom REC, Igini Was Reluctant To Meet Akpabio At NBA Conference Revealed

Amidst the backlash that has greeted the statement from the Office of the President of the Senate over the meeting between Senator Godswill Akpabio and former Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mike Igini at the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Conference in Lagos, a legal luminary, Shola Akerele, has explained that the former INEC REC was reluctant to meet with the President of the Senate when he was beckoned upon.
Recall that the media aide to the President of the Senate, Jackson Udom, had in a scathing statement insinuated how Igini made efforts to truncate Akpabio’s election victory in 2023.
The statement partly read: “It would be recalled that Igini presided over the 2019 elections in Akwa Ibom State. He ordered the results of the Senatorial election of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, to be taken to Uyo for declaration of the winner against the Electoral Act.
“Igini, presided over the declaration of the results after the figures were cancelled and results sheets mutilated in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The former Akwa Ibom INEC chief before, during and after the 2023 general elections was involved in another attempt to truncate Akpabio’s efforts at returning to the Red Chambers by recognizing a faction of the party.
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“It took the pronouncement of the Supreme Court for Akpabio to be recognized as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.
“Despite all the landmines on Akpabio’s way to the Senate, the will of the people of Akwa Ibom North West, finally prevailed when he was declared the winner of the Senatorial contest in a landslide victory and subsequently elected the President of the 10th Senate.”
The statement did not go down well with some of the lawyers that were at the NBA Conference that witnessed what happened.
They claimed that the statement from the Senate President office was written in bad faith and meant to impinge on the integrity of a man that was adjudged to be upright in the discharge of his duties as INEC Commissioner.
Barrister Akerele, who reacted to the picture taken by the President of the Senate and Igini and the purported reconciliatory meeting by the duo, said there was nothing like reconciliatory meeting as was insinuated in some quarters.
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According to him, “The recent photograph capturing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Resident Electoral Commissioner Barr. Mike Igini, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Barr. Solomon Umoh at the NBA Conference in Lagos has stirred a whirlwind of interpretations across social media.
“Various narratives, often laden with political undertones, have surface, some symbolizing reconciliation, others suggesting political maneuvering. Yet, most of these interpretations lack the credibility of firsthand experience.
“As someone who was present at the event and seated close to Barr. Mike Igini, I offer a detailed and factual account of the circumstances surrounding this photograph, particularly shedding light on Barr. Mike Igini’s visible reluctance to oblige the request in the first instance.”
Continuing, he said, “Amidst this atmosphere, Akpabio began exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries seated nearby, his laughter punctuating the ongoing session.
“It was during this time that Barr. Solomon Umoh, who had previously engaged in legal battles with Akpabio, caught his attention. The two exchanged cordial greetings, a sight that caught the attention of many in the hall.
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“Umoh, in a surprising turn on the request of Akpabio who apparently had been told that Barr. Mike lgini was seated close by sought to meet him. Solomon Umoh SAN beckoned Barr. Mike Igini. I clearly heard Umoh convey Akpabio’s request for a photograph.
“Igini, ever the epitome of professional decorum, hesitated and it was those of us seated close to him that appealed to him not to shun him.
“His reluctance was evident as he slowly approached the spot where Akpabio and Umoh were standing waiting for him. It was clear to those observing that Igini was uncomfortable with the situation.
“His reluctance was not rooted in animosity, but in an understanding of the optics and implications of such an image, especially considering Akpabio’s penchant for leveraging public appearances for personal gain. Now we know better why lgini was reluctant.
“Despite his reservations, Igini obliged out of respect for the office of the Senate President, a gesture of courtesy rather than camaraderie. The photograph was taken, and within hours, it became fodder for social media speculation.
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“The narrative quickly spun out of control, with the image being touted as a symbol of reconciliation—a gross misrepresentation of the actual events. Igini’s fears were realized as the photograph was used to paint Akpabio in a light of unwarranted sanctity, twisting a moment of professional courtesy into a political tool.”
He further said, “The truth of the matter is that Igini’s presence in that photograph was a product of circumstance, respect for the senior lawyers and judges on the second roll that lgini was seated that appealed to him and not a matter of choice.
“His reluctance and the eventual use of the image highlight the manipulative tendencies of political actors who seek to exploit even the smallest gestures for their gain.
“As an eyewitness, it is crucial to correct the record: Igini’s involvement was nothing more than an act of professional respect, not an endorsement or a sign of reconciliation given that lgini had publicly stated severally that he has no personal issue with Akpabio or anyone but only carry out a public duty as an Umpire who must be above board like julius ceaser’s wife.
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“Thus, the narrative being spun around by one character Jackson Udom, the media aide to Senator Godswill Akpabio about the photograph is a disservice to truth and to the integrity of these personalities especially Igini, a man that overwhelming majority of Nigerians continue to applaud and attest to his unquestionable integrity and votary for due electoral process.
“The facts of how both Senator Akpabio and Ahmed Lawan two whom were presidential aspirants that participated in a convention on June and stepped down but suddenly won a senatorial contest that took place much earlier in May endorsed by a corrupt supreme Court are well known to Nigerians.
“No amount of lies and revisionism can change what Nigerians know about what happened. But for lgini’s unwavering commitment and doggeddnes in August 2014, Governor Rauf Aregbeshola would have been rigged out in lfe south base of his opponent Senator lyola Omisore.”
Vanguard
News
Tenebe Threatens To Suspend Edo Commissioner Who Fails To Wear Asiwaju’s Cap

Chairman of the All progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any Commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.
Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of Commissioners, to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meeting.
Tenebe in a television interview and monitored by our reporter said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any Commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.
He said any impediment for Edo APC not to achieve 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.
READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens
He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.
“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.
“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President.
“We are expressing our loyalty to the President by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We, in Edo, have made it clear. No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”
News
Police Alert Public On Anonymous Bomb Threats In Edo

The Edo State Police Command has alerted corporate organisations and members of the public to a wave of anonymous bomb threats being used by unidentified fraudsters to extort money.
The warning was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
She said the command is investigating what it described as clear attempts to extort through fear and intimidation.
“The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.
READ ALSO:Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant
“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases,” Ikoedem said.
In light of the development, the command urged members of the public to remain calm.
She added, “Do not panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers. The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives.
“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.
READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens
“Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.
“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.
The Command also confirmed it is working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.
News
Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

The Deputy Governor of Edo State on Monday led the state’s government delegation to pay last respect to the late Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edo StaSte Command, Agun Joseph
The delegation comprised of all the security heads in the state, associates, politicians, as well other security.
The event which took place in Festival Hall in Benin, the deputy governor of the state described the late commandant as a man who impacted positively in the lives of the people.
Idahosa said Joseph will surely be missed, not only by his colleagues, but hundreds of others who came in contact with him.
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“Joseph was a man of man of exemplary leadership, a team player, and a thorough bred officer who shared intelligence with sister agencies during his service years.
“As a state and people, we appreciate the commandant for being an astute officer who displayed quality leadership, exemplified courage, fairness, and justice in matters of security and governance.”
“Through his leadership at the NSCDC in the state, he exemplified courage, integrity, and professionalism of the highest order.
“He was a man guided by fairness, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility and excellence, always adhering to global best practices in matters of security and governance.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: NSCDC Commandant, Slumps, Dies In Edo
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay our last respects to a remarkable officer, a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
“A man whose life was dedicated to serving our dear state and nation with distinction and honour,” he stated.
On behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.
Addressing the daughter, and brother of the deceased who were physically present at the valedictory session, Idahosa said, “We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss.”
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“Though Commandant Agun has departed this world, His legacy endures — in the countless lives he touched, in the officers he trained, and in the peace and stability he worked so hard to uphold.
“As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for — integrity, diligence, and selfless service to humanity,” he stated.
Heads of security agencies present at the event were that from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC.
It would recalled that until his death, Agun, 57, was the commandant of the state command of the NSCDC.
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