Popular Gospel Singer, ‘Egbin Orun’ Is Dead

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April 28, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria, GOMAN, has been thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of popular Gospel Artiste, Morenikeji Adeleke, popularly known as ‘Egbin Orun’.

Breaking the news of her demise was her colleague, Esther Igbekele, who took to her Instagram Page to pay tribute and confirm the news.

Igbekele expressed shock and sadness, sayin Egbin Orun departed suddenly without bidding farewell to her.

She said that Egbin Orun never had the premonition of her death as both of them spoke days ago, not knowing that would be their last conversation on earth.

Igbekele praised Egbin Orun’s beauty, kindness, and strong support for her ministry.

She wrote, “I got home from my program to hear about this great loss.. Prophetess Morenikeji Egbin Orun you left without saying goodbye..

“We spoke together last week not knowing you are about to embark on a journey to the great beyond.. You are such a beautiful and kind hearted woman and a very good supporter of my ministry.

“I am deeply saddened with your demise but God knows best. You will be greatly missed and your good deeds will continue to linger in our hearts.

“ Ah Egbin Orun. Good night! Keep resting in the bosom of Christ.. Ah Gone too soon..Yeeee.”

Though the circumstances surrounding her death remains unknown as at the filing of this report.

She would be missed by her fans, admirers, colleagues and families.

Heatwave: Group Urges Kano Govt To Halt Cutting Down Of Trees

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Ayodele Oni

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April 28, 2024

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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

Amidst mounting concern in Kano State over heatwave, a group, Make Kano Green Initiative, has advised State Government to curtail incessant cutting down of trees.

The group called on Governor Kabir Yusuf to take immediate action to stop the cutting down of trees especially at hospitals and schools across the city.

The call to action comes as Kano grapples with an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures reaching record highs.

Convener of The Make Kano Green Initiative, Ismail Auwal expressed alarm at the seemingly contradictory actions, while praising the governor’s 2.5 million trees initiative launched to combat climate change.

“These trees are vital in our fight against the scorching heat, they provide shade, improve air quality, and protect us from the harsh effects of the sun.

“Cutting them down during a heatwave is illogical and detrimental to public health.”

The group specifically mentioned the Kano School of Nursing, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, and Yadakunya General Hospital as locations where trees were being indiscriminately cut.

The group also demanded an immediate halt to the tree cutting, an investigation into the matter, and the development of a comprehensive tree conservation and planting plan, prioritizing vulnerable populations.

“We commend the governor’s commitment to environmental issues and his tree-planting initiative.

“However, these recent actions contradict those efforts. We urge the governor to intervene and ensure our fight against climate change is consistent and effective.”

Aftermath Of Suleja Jailbreak: 106 Inmates Still On The Loose

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 28, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, has disclosed that it is working tirelessly to nab 106 Inmates who fled from the Suleja Prison, Niger State, following the heavy rainstorm that wreaked havoc on the Prison wall and led to the escape of over 115 Inmates.

It was gathered that three more inmates also fled the Prison, but were recaptured alongside some others, but, 106 Inmates are on the loose.

Making this disclosure the spokesman for the Service, Abubakar Umar, an Assistant Controller, said 106 Inmates are still at large.

He dismissed online reports which quoted unnamed security officials as saying that 50 inmates had been recaptured.

Aside from the 10 earlier recaptured, three more have been recaptured. So, we are on the chase of 106”, said Umar.

Umar quashed a television report which said there were over 8,000 fleeing inmates across the country.

No fewer than 119 inmates had escaped following hours of heavy downpour which destroyed parts of the facility on Wednesday night.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who visited the Facility said there was a need to relocate the Correctional Centre from the urban centre.

According to him, the Centre which was built to accommodate 250 inmates, had 499 before the incident.

He said; ”Obviously, it was a force majeure. There was a storm and there was a breach of the outer wall of this facility and some of the inmates escaped. Of course, we have been able to retrieve about 10 out of the 119. So we have 109 at large and the manhunt is presently ongoing. We will do everything possible to make sure that everyone is brought back”.

Atiku Endorses Emergence Of Agboola Ajayi As PDP Gov Candidate For Ondo Election, Says He’s Winning Strategy

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Ayodele Oni

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April 28, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has endorsed the choice of former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi as the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state November election.

He congratulated Agboola Ajayi for his victory in the hotly contested primaries for the ticket of the party in the forthcoming election.

Atiku, in a press statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe said that the decision of the stakeholders of the PDP to elect Ajayi to fly the flag of the party is a wise decision towards winning the election and add Ondo to the states controlled by the PDP.

Atiku remarked that Ajayi possesses the requisite experience and political exposure to take the PDP to victory in the November election.

“I have utmost confidence in the candidature of Chief Agboola Ajayi to deliver Ondo State to the PDP,” the statement said.

The former Vice President particularly congratulated party stakeholders both at the national level and the leaderships in Ondo state for having conducted a non-controversial primary election.

“I must also express my appreciation to the national leadership of our party and the stakeholders in Ondo State for ensuring that the PDP stays and remains united during and after the process of the primary election.

“The unity will be much-needed when the party goes into the moment of full-scale electioneering.

“The unity in the PDP is our winning spirit. It is for this reason that I will urge every member of the PDP across the country to give undiluted loyalty and support to Agboola Ajayi in this all-important and historic election.”

Ebonyi Assures Of Fairness, As ESIEC Conducts Council Polls July 20

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The Source

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April 27, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled to hold on July 20, 2024, the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission ESIEC, has promised to conduct a free and fair exercise.

This is even as it has assured all the registered and participating political parties of a level playing ground.

The Chairman of the EIEC Barrister Jossy Eze who stated this at the weekend during an interactive session with Chairmen and Secretaries of political parties in Abakaliki, the state capital ,said the election will be conducted in all the 171 wards and 13 local councils of the state ,adding nomination papers are to be filed at the Abakaliki headquarters of the electoral umpire within the stipulated period.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended ) ,the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission law 2001( as amended) ,and the Ebonyi state Electoral and Related Matters Law No 001 of 2017 ( as amended) and all other powers enabling her in that behalf ,the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission do hereby give notice of Local Government elections in Ebonyi state 2024.

“Further take notice that the date of elections is Saturday 20th day of July 2024 ,through out Ebonyi State and that nomination papers are to be delivered at the Commission’s Headquarters Abakliki ,Ebonyi state.

“Also take notice that it is further published in each of the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas and the one hundred and seventy one ( 171) electoral wards in Ebonyi state that elections are to be held..”the ESIEC chairman stated .

Heads of security agencies and some major stakeholders in the state ,were also part of the Commission’s meetings with the political parties.

Eleme Road Mishap: Rescue Efforts Ongoing, As Police Confirm Four Dead, Over 70 Vehicles Burnt

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The Source

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April 27, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Four persons, including a pregnant woman, over 70 vehicles, travelers and others properties worth several billions of Naira were reportedly lost to the late Friday night accident at the Eleme section of the jinxed East-West Road in Rivers State.

Rescue operations were still ongoing by the combined team of Police ,Federal Road Safety Commission personnel, and other relevant officials to evacuate burnt vehicles and other properties ,as well as to maintain law and order.

These were the high points of a press statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Rivers state Police Command, Grace Iringe – Koko SP on Saturday April 27 2024 .

“At approximately 8.30pm on Friday, April 26 ,2024, the Rivers State Police Command received a distressed call regarding a fire incident along East-West Road near Indorama Gate ,Eleme ,caused by a tanker explosion .

“Immediately, action was taken by contacting the Fire Department and mobilising operatives to the scene .

Upon arrival, a joint operation of the Police and Fire fighters successfully extinguished the fire by 10.30 pm.

However, over 70 vehicles were engulfed and several individuals were trapped.

Efforts led to the rescue of many though the total casualties are yet to be determined . Regrettably, four individuals, including a pregnant woman ,have been confirmed dead and those injured are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.” Part of the statement reads.

The Police statement further stated that the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, on Saturday also visited the scene of the accident, while rescue efforts continue.

Although, at the time of reporting, the cause of the tragic accident was yet to be officially confirmed, eye witness accounts blamed it on bad road condition, occasioned by the ongoing construction works on the East-West road, over speeding and reckless driving on the part of the driver of the main tanker truck that caused the inferno.

The ongoing construction efforts, witnesses say, has led to only a narrow portion left for road users from the two sides of the road.

Wike’s Ally Rejects Membership Of Edo Election Campaign Council, Citing Crisis In PDP

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Ayodele Oni

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April 27, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be an unending crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as regards the forth coming Governorship Election in Edo State.

The 200-member Campaign Council put in place for the governorship poll is being depleted as some chieftains of the party decline to serve on the council.

National Vice Chairman of the PDP, South-South, Dan Orbih, for instance, has rejected his membership of the Edo PDP 2024 Governorship Campaign Council.

He made the decision known on Saturday at the Edo North PDP Leaders/Stakeholders Meeting (Legacy) held in Ogbona, his county home, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

Recall that Orbih’s name was featured on the 200-membership Campaign Council list of the PDP for the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki as Chairman.

However, rejecting the appointment, Orbih declared that all is not well with the PDP, adding that no one should be deceived.

Orbih is a strong ally of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyensom Wike.

“Shut Up”, Benue Governor Alia Tells Predecessors

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 27, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has ordered his predecessors in office to shut up if they have nothing positive to offer his administration for the development of the State and the people.

He said their criticism, without offering any solution is mere distraction. He urged them to allow him concentrate on governance and fulfill his promises to the people of the State.

Alia stressed that that the past Governors throwing jibes and plotting to put his administration into disrepute had their opportunity to better the State when they were in the saddle and appealed to them to allow the State have peace.

He said this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Benue Riders Coalition for Alia and other groups who came to welcome him back to the state after his working visit to the United States of America. He said his Government would not relent in its commitment to the wellbeing of the people.

He, also, cautioned those he said were in the habit of addressing Benue youths as thugs, and said it is totally unacceptable and demanded a public apology from those making the derogatory comment.

The Governor advised people of the State to prioritise their security saying his administration would soon establish a call centre with dedicated phone numbers where calls of security threats or breaches could be made for necessary action.

He said security was the responsibility of everyone and people must act as such by providing necessary information where there are security threats or breaches.

He also cautioned the people against selling out to the enemies or encouraging the perpetration of crimes in the various communities, and added: “don’t let anyone get you cowed into aiding perpetrators of any act that will destabilize the state.

“That would be totally unacceptable, and if we get to know such a person within any community, the person is going to face the music.

“ Our people can not settle for less. They knew who they were voting into power. They knew I am a man of peace and I will do my best to ensure that peace prevails in the state because I know what peace can do for all of us.

“ This is why I cannot accept a situation where anyone, irrespective of who he or she is, would create unnecessary trouble in the state.

“ Even if you are a former governor of Benue State, if you don’t have anything positive to contribute to Benue, shut up, because you did your part during your terms and it is over so you must give peace a chance and allow this administration to fully establish and carry out what we promised the people.

“If you are in the state, know exactly what you are saying. Criticisms both on me and my administration are very much welcome but check and verify your facts before putting them out to the public bearing in mind that words have consequences.

“ My administration is poised to bring the desired gmonstrated from day one and there is no stopping on that at all.”

Oyo: Gov Makinde Applauds Voters’ Turn Out As Local Govt Election Holds

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Ayodele Oni

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April 27, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

As people of Oyo state trooped out on Saturday for the Local Government Election, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has commended them for turning out to vote at the Local Government poll.

The Governor rated the conduct of the election high, stating it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Despite the Governor’s view, some voters complained of being disenfranchised as many polling units did not witness the exercise until around 2:00 p.m.

The Governor gave his comment after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state.

While addressing journalists, Governor Makinde said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practice. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.

“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.

“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”

The Governor, who noted that the security report about the election had been excellent, said those who observed any untoward development should report same to the security agencies.

He praised the democratic process at the grassroots level and emphasized its importance for the people of the state.

Highlighting the progress made by his administration, Governor Makinde noted that since assuming office, the state has held local government elections twice, ensuring that the people had a voice in determining their representatives at the local level.

“I will like to commend our people for coming, and take this civic exercise seriously.

“The security has been excellent truly. I challenge people to compare it with the INEC-organized elections and see how transparent the process is.

“For the people I will say accept the outcome. If you see anything that looks like irregularities as far as this exercise is concerned, bring it up to the authorities and then they will deal with it.”

Ekiti Students Demand Justice Over Two Members Shot By Police

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Ayodele Oni

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April 27, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU) has demanded justice for Iyanda Damilola, who was gruesomely shot dead and his brother Olufemi Iyanda who sustained gunshot wounds from Police bullets in Oyo State.

Iyanda Damilola, a graduate and serving Corp Member, and his brother, Iyanda Oluwafemi were reportedly shot by a Policeman in Ogbomosho. Damilola died while his brother sustained injuries.

Ekiti students, in a statement signed by Benjamin Onileowo, president, on Saturday stated that “This incident, which occurred at LAUTECH area, Ogbomoso in Oyo State, is a consequence of the reckless and wholly unprofessional conduct of a police officer in his misguided attempt to extort the victims.

“Our hearts go out to the grieving family of the deceased, and we fervently wish for the swift recovery of Iyanda Oluwafemi.

“We, in the most resolute terms, unequivocally condemn this egregious act of police brutality and demand immediate and unequivocal justice for the victims.

“We implore the government and security agencies to launch a comprehensive and urgent investigation into this matter of paramount importance, ensuring that those responsible for the senseless loss of life and brutal assault are swiftly brought to account.

“Additionally, we insist upon adequate compensation for the bereaved family during this harrowing time.

“We beseech the Government of Ekiti State to collaborate with their counterparts in Oyo State for the expeditious release of the deceased Corp member’s remains for dignified burial and the comprehensive treatment of his brother, Oluwafemi, who sustained grievous injuries from gunfire.

“While we acknowledge the righteous indignation and frustration within our students community, we urge all members to refrain from vigilante actions. Instead, we advocate for peaceful activism and dialogue to ensure that justice prevails.

“Furthermore, FESSU charges the security agencies to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their duties.

“Failure to swiftly and effectively address incidents of police brutality will only exacerbate tensions within the student community.

“We stand in unwavering solidarity with the grieving family of the victims and all students of Ekiti State. We pledge to continue our relentless pursuit of justice and accountability in cases of police misconduct.

“We stand prepared to mobilize the students community in peaceful demonstrations if necessary to amplify our collective voice for our demands. We implore our students to promptly report any instances of police brutality for immediate redress.”