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Tag: Okpebholo

Okpebholo Claims Rising Kidnappings Are Plot to Undermine President Tinubu

Wale busari02 mins

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has alleged that the recent spike in kidnappings across the country is a calculated move to weaken President Bola Tinubu politically. According to the governor, the same strategy was deployed years ago against former President Goodluck Jonathan and it worked at the time. However, he maintained that it will fail under the current administration. His comments follow a string of violent abductions by suspected bandits in different parts of the country. In November, gunmen invaded the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Oke Isegun, in the Eruku area of Kwara State and kidnapped several worshippers during a church service. Around the same period, at least 10 residents were also abducted from Biresawa and Tsundu communities in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State. While addressing Igbo leaders at the Government House in Benin City, Okpebholo described the kidnappings as politically driven rather than random criminal acts. “What they are doing now is that they will go and kidnap people just because they want to discourage Mr President but he is resolute. “They are kidnapping people because somebody wants to win an election, it’s not fair. They did this to Goodluck Jonathan and they succeeded, but we know their trick already.”

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Edo Governor Sacks Fred Itua, Appoints Dr. Ebojele Akhere Patrick As New Chief Press Secretary

Wale busari02 mins

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has replaced Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary, appointing Dr. Ebojele Akhere Patrick as his successor. According to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, Itua will complete the handover and await a new assignment to be announced later. The statement expressed gratitude to Itua for his service and contributions. Dr. Ebojele is described as an accomplished journalist, public administrator, researcher, and lecturer with extensive experience in media, public affairs, and academia. His appointment, the statement noted, reflects the administration’s commitment to improving communication with the people of Edo State and ensuring clear, transparent, and effective dissemination of government policies and activities. Dr. Ebojele’s journalism career includes serving as Edo/Delta Correspondent for Channels Television, as well as holding positions with New Nigerian Newspaper, Champion Newspaper, and Comet Newspapers. He will now take over from Itua as the state’s Chief Press Secretary.

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Obaseki Rejects Edo Assembly Summons As MOWAA And Radisson Probe Remains In Court

Wale busari03 mins

The immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has declined to appear before the State House of Assembly’s Ad hoc Committee investigating the funding and ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu hotel. Obaseki, who was scheduled to testify on Thursday, said the matter is already before the courts, making the Assembly’s invitation unnecessary. The panel was set up following a request from Governor Monday Okpebholo to probe the projects, including the state government’s financial involvement in MOWAA and the Radisson hotel. Alongside Obaseki, the Committee, through a letter signed by Secretary Bekisu Wilson, invited several other key figures. These include former Edo Finance Commissioner Joseph Eboigbe, former Attorney-General Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, and the Managing Director of Tilbury House Nigeria Limited. Other invitees included Pramod Thorat, Project Manager of the Hospitality Investment and Management Company; Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director of Afrinvest Capital Limited; and the Managing Directors of Meristem Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd. The Committee said their appearances were crucial for its investigative work. Obaseki, through his media aide Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the invitation as “offensive and laughable,” insisting it was inappropriate to summon him over a matter already being adjudicated. He added, “The Edo Assembly should understand how the law works. It is sub judice for the former governor to appear before the Assembly on an issue already in court. Why subject him to another round of questioning on the same issues?” MOWAA management has also refused to appear before the Committee. Its lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi, said the Assembly could only make recommendations, while the courts have the authority to resolve the issues conclusively. Tensions around the museum flared on November 9, when an exhibition intended for investors, artists, and foreign envoys descended into chaos. Protesters claiming the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin stormed the venue, forcing the event to shut down. Viral footage showed foreign dignitaries, including ambassadors from the European Union and Germany, being evacuated under tight security after being trapped by the protesters, raising serious safety concerns.

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Edo Governor Okpebholo Orders Cabinet To Wear Asiwaju Mandate Cap Or Face Sanctions

Wale busari02 mins

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered all cabinet members to wear the “Asiwaju mandate cap” in support of President Bola Tinubu, warning that defaulters would face sanctions. The directive came during the swearing-in ceremony of commissioners and board members of state agencies and commissions in Benin City on Tuesday. “I will not forgive any commissioner who is not wearing this cap,” the governor said. “During our Exco meetings, if you show up without a suit and the Asiwaju cap, you will be sent back.” Governor Okpebholo attributed the All Progressives Congress’ victory in the state’s last governorship election to President Tinubu’s backing. “This could not have happened without a responsible president. In past elections, the lack of presidential support was a major challenge. Today, we say thank you,” he stated. He emphasized that the appointments were not rewards or patronage, but opportunities for dedicated service. “Our administration is committed to practical governance that directly impacts the lives of our people. Your appointments are for service and sacrifice, not personal enrichment. Your success will be measured by the positive change you bring to Edo communities,” he added. The newly sworn-in commissioners include Vincent Osas Uwadia, Etin-osa Ogbeiwi, Saturday Uwuilekhue Idehen (JP), Charity Amayaenvbo, Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Omorodion Ignatius, Ohimai Ehijimetor, Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Afekokhe Eshieshi, Kassim Afegbua, Jerry Uwangue, John Akhigbe, Festus Ebea, Elizabeth Ebosele, Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien, and Usenbo Paul Ehigie.  

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Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in Edo Guber Election

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment till a later date in the appeal filed in relation to the dispute over the last governorship election held in Edo State. After taking arguments from lawyers to parties on Wednesday, a five-member panel of the apex court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba, said the date for judgment would be communicated to them. The appeal was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election held on September 21, 2024, Asue Ighodalo (SAN). Respondents in the appeal are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okpebholo and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). While arguing the appeal, appellants’ lawyer, Ken Mozia (SAN) prayed the court to allow the appeal, set aside the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal and return Ighodalo as the winner of the election with the majority of lawful votes cast. Lawyers to the respondents prayed the court otherwise and sought a dismissal of the appeal.

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Edo: Okpebholo appoints Gani Audu as Chief of Staff

Fola Badmus02 mins

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Hon. Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff. The appointment takes immediate effect. In an official communication signed by the Secretary to State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, Audu’s appointment will help Governor Okpebholo in driving meaningful reforms in the State. “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly the good people of Edo State, that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the appointment of Hon. Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff. The appointment takes immediate effect,” the official communication signed by the Secretary to State Government read. Hon. Audu, born 18th August 1969, obtained an HND from Auchi Polytechnic in 1994, a PGD in Business Administration from Benson Idahosa University in 2011 and an M.Sc in Intelligence and Global Security from Baze University, Abuja in 2024. Hon. Audu was an elected Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council from 2004 to 2010. He was elected member Edo State House of Assembly (Etsako West Constituency 1) from 2015 to 2023. Hon. Audu was the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2020 Edo State Governorship elections.

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Edo Guber: Tinubu congratulates Okpebholo on inauguration

Fola Badmus02 mins

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration today as the Governor of Edo State. In his message, President Tinubu urged Governor Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure. Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former governor Godwin Obaseki. Reflecting on the transition, President Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress. He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state. The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the Legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance. Expressing concerns, President Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure. Additionally, President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024. The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.

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Edo Governor-elect Okpebholo’s WAEC certificate surfaces 

Fola Badmus01 mins

The West Africa Examination Council (WAE) certificate of the Edo State Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo is in public domain. Trendbrio.com can report.  The West African Senior School Certificate now on various social media platforms, was issued in June 2008.  Meanwhile, Okpebholo was born on August 29, 1972 and attended Liberty Comprehensive College, Jos as stated on the SSCE certificate.  The Serving Senator, according to the breakdown on the certificate failed five subjects out of six.  The breakdown is as follows;  Commerce -D7  Christian Religious Knowledge-D7 Economics-D7 Government-D7 English Language-D7 Mathematics-C5  Okpebholo’s candidate number is 4320545182 while the Certificate number is 11023655.  The All Progressive Congress candidate was declared as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.  Okpebholo polled a total of 291,667 votes to defeat Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 247, 274 votes. 

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