Edo 2024: APC takes early lead, wins 10 LGAs out of 16 

The All Progressives Congress has short in the lead in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State. Before the announcement of a break at the collation centre in Benin City, the Edo State capital, at about 2:10pm, APC was in the lead. It had won in 10 out of the 16 local government areas where the results had been announced. Edo State has 18 local government areas. The Peoples Democratic Party took the remaining six local government areas. The results from two local government areas were still being expected. The collation of result will resume at 5pm. Meanwhile, the accredited civil society organisations have expressed concerns on the transparency of the results collation process in the 2024 Edo Governorship election.  The Group, in a joint-signed statement, opined that reports of disruptions at ward and local government collation centres, including intimidation of INEC officials and attempts to collate result ls contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, raise significant concerns about the credibility of the results collation process.  “We acknowledge INEC’s recent statement recognising reports of result mutilation and its commitment to investigate and after any proven violations.  “In light of this, we urge INEC to invoke its powers under Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022 to review any declarations and return where results  were not declared voluntarily or violated provisions of the electoral act and INEC regulations, and guidelines.  “We further call on security agencies to refrain from interference in the collation process and to ensure that accredited party agents, the media, and the election observers are granted full access to collation centres.  “We wish to emphasise that the role of security agencies in the election is to safeguard the process and not to create a situation that will undermine the transparency of the process and this impact negatively on the credibility of the outcome of the election,” statement read.  Results so far: Etsako West LG APC: 32,107 LP: 2,116 PDP: 17,483 Etsako Central LG APC: 11,906 LP: 381 PDP: 8,455 Etsako East LG APC: 20,167 LP: 604 PDP: 9,683 Owan West LG APC: 19,380 LP: 446 PDP: 14,189 Orhionmwon LG APC: 16,059 LP: 556 PDP: 14,614 Ovia South-West LG APC:10,150 LP: 849 PDP: 10,260 Esan North-East LG APC: 10,648 LP: 194 PDP: 12,522 Esan Central LG APC: 10,990 LP: 418 PDP: 8,618 Akoko Edo LG APC: 34,847 LP: 2,239 PDP: 15,865 Egor LG APC: 16,760 LP: 1,966 PDP: 14,658 Esan South-East LG APC: 8,398 LP: 98 PDP: 14,199

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NDLEA intercepts N14.9bn opioids, arrests octogenarian, community leader’s wives, son

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted a total of Twenty- Fivr Million (25,000,000.00) pills of tapentadol, an opioid three times stronger than tramadol and Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand (350,000) bottles of codeine- based syrup at the Tincan port complex in Lagos.  The seizure were made on Tuesday 17th and Friday 20th September 2024 from three containers which had been on the watchlist of the Agency following processed intelligence. As a result, the NDLEA had requested for 100% joint examination of the shipments with men of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies. The 25 million pills of tapentadol have an estimated street value of Thirteen Billion Seven Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Naira (N13,725,000, 000.00) while the codeine consignment us an estimated street value of Two Billion Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N2,450,000,000.00), bringing the total value of the seizures to Fourteen Billion Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N14,950,000,000.00).  The tapentadol consignment packed in 500cartons was discovered in one of the containers on Tuesday 17th September while another container examined same day contained 175,000 bottles of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine packed in 875cartons. The third container containing 175,000 bottles of CSC cough syrup with codeine was examined on Friday 20th September.  Meanwhile, operatives of the Lagos State Strategic Command of the Agency on Friday 29th September arrested an 89-year old grandfather, Oba Aremu Shojobi with 14 kilograms of cannabis at his home in Iyana Ioaja area of the state. In his statement, the Octogenarian claimed he has been in the business of selling illicit drugs for 25 years. He further claimed he get his supplies from Benin Republic, and sells to his customers from his residence between 7am and 10pm every day.  In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Lagos on Wednesday, 18th September raided the two homes of a community leader and Sarkin Yama of Badagry Weat LCDA, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Taobalinga, where a total of 226kg of cannabis was recovered from his two wives and son.  Though Alhaji Talba is currently at Lege, a search of his house in Ashoka area of Seme Badagry led to recovery of 93 compressed blocks of cannabis saliva weighing 57.6kg from his first wife, Asma’u Bashiru, 35, and son, Sadat Bashiru, 22, while ano the search of his house at Aketegbi area of Seme Badagry led to the seizure of 302 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 168.6kg from his second wife Hausa Bashiru, 42. 

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Anthony Joshua plans to activate rematch clause against Dubois 

Eddie Hearn has revealed the identity of Anthony Joshua’s next opponent in the wake of his shock knockout by Daniel Dubois. Joshua was knocked out in the fifth round at Wembley in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley by the 27-year-old Brit. Dubois retained his IBF heavyweight title with an impressive victory, knocking down his challenger four times. Despite the disappointing outcome on Saturday and suggestions in some quarters that he should retire, Joshua is already looking ahead to his next fight. After the fight Hearn was asked about what the next steps are for Joshua, 34.  Hearn disclosed that there is a rematch clause for Joshua to face Dubois again and added that it is likely to be activated.  Speaking to DAZN, Hearn said: ‘I’m sure he’ll exercise that rematch clause, I think that’s a given. He’ll need a rest and it’s a dangerous fight. This guy’s growing in confidence all the time.  ‘He’ll believe he can hurt Dubois. He’ll believe he can beat him, but full credit to Daniel Dubois, he deserves all the credit tonight. It was a great performance from Daniel.’  Following his defeat, Joshua admitted that he wanted to ‘kick off’ in the ring. He said: ‘Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice of success, but we came up short. ‘You know I’m ready to kick off in the ring, but I’m going to keep my cool, keep very professional, and give respect to my opponent. ‘I’m always saying to myself I’m a fighter for life… We keep rolling the dice. ‘I had a sharp opponent, a fast opponent and a lot of mistakes from my end, but that’s the game.’

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Dubois demolishes Joshua in ‘Battle of Britain’ to retain title

Britain’s Daniel Dubois demolished compatriot and two-times world champion Anthony Joshua with a fifth-round knockout to retain his IBF world heavyweight boxing title at a packed Wembley Stadium. Dubois sent his fellow Briton to the canvas in the opening round with a stinging right, the referee delivering a standing eight count, and the 27-year-old proceeded to tear up the pre-fight predictions as swiftly as he ripped into his opponent. Joshua was on the ropes again in round two but managed to ride out the storm before round three came crashing down around him again. With Dubois landing more banging right-handers, Joshua’s defence failed to protect him and he was literally on the ropes as he took another count. Joshua could barely stand at the end of the fourth, after going down again with two minutes remaining, and he lasted just 59 seconds of the fifth with the rebuilding of his career suddenly in ruins. “I’ve only got a few words to say: Are you not entertained?,” declared Dubois after the biggest win of his career. “I’m a gladiator, I’m a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this game and reach my full potential. “I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride. This is my time, this is my redemption story, and I’m not going to stop until I reach my full potential.” Organisers said a British post-World War II record of 96,000 spectators attended the fight at London’s Wembley Stadium.

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UK-based boxer Arenyeka tips Joshua to beat Dubois

United Kingdom-based Nigerian boxer Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka has tipped Anthony Joshua to stream roll Daniel Dubois in their face off for the IBF World title today. Arenyeka, whose fought Ben Whittaker in June believed Joshua has what it takes to triumph over his opponent.  “Yeah, AJ versus Daniel Dubois, it is going to be a tough fight.  “Daniel Dubois in the last two fights was really looking great, same with AJ. He’s really found new form.  “Dan Dubois got the dynamite and same as AJ, so let’s see how it plays out.  “For me, I’ve got my home boy, AJ. So I think AJ is going to do the business. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.  “It’s not going to be easy but I believe AJ wins in the late rounds. May be eight or the ninth round,” Arenyeka opined.  Arenyeka currently competes in the light-heavyweight division.  In 2019, he won the ABA’s Elite Cruiserweight Eastern Counties Championships and in 2022, he won the Nigerian Super Middleweight Title.

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Tinubu pens to First Lady on her 64th birthday

President Bola Tinubu penned an emotional message to the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on her 64th birthday.  Tinubu expressed his goodwill message on his official X handle.  The elated Nigerian president wrote; “My Dearest Oluremi, “On this beautiful day, as we celebrate your 64th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman you are. Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life. Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria. “You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom. Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady. “On your special day, I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you. Your love sustains me, wisdom guides me, and strength lifts me. I could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life. “As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come. “With all my love and appreciation, now and always, “Yours Bola.”

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Edo election: Okpebholo’s disqualification is fake news

In the final hours to the Edo State Gubernatorial Election scheduled to be held tomorrow Saturday, September 21, 2024, certain political parties  have desperately resorted to forgery, disinformation and blackmail by circulating a fake Magistrate court ruling purportedly disqualifying Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC Gubernatorial Candidate in the election.  The circulated ruling is fake, a fabrication and an act of pure desperation in the face of their imminent defeat at the polls. The Magistrate Court that purportedly issued the FAKE RULING has issued a disclaimer stating categorically that the FAKE RULING did not emanate from that court.  The fake news meant to sow seeds of doubt about the APC candidate is a blatant and calculated attempt to subvert the will of the Edo electorate and must be thoroughly rejected by the good and discerning people of Edo State. This illegal and underhand tactic of the parties involved constitutes a despicable attack on our electoral democracy. We call on our law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate and bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice. “We urge voters in Edo State to remain vigilant and resolute in the exercise of their democratic rights at tomorrow’s polls.  “We trust that the  Edo people will reject this and other illegal devices by desperate candidates and their parties to subvert this important election. “Senator Monday Okpebholo is, and remains, the standard bearer of the APC in tomorrow’s Edo State Gubernatorial Election,” Felix Narka, the National Publicity Secretary of APC affirmed. 

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Ex-Super Eagles’ goalie bags coaching certificate 

Former Super Eagles and Enyimba FC of Aba goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba is now a certified coach.  The Kwara United FC goalkeeper became a certified coach after the completion of his coaching course at the National Institute For Sports (NIS). Aiyenugba returned to Nigeria ahead of the 2020-21 season to play for Kwara United after 13 seasons in Israel with four teams. His son, Daniel Aiyenugba, is also a goalkeeper. The two played against each other when Kwara United played against Beyond Limits in the semi-finals of the Value Jet Cup in Ikenne, in August 2023.

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