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How Five Rivers State University Students Were Abducted From Their Hostel

December 3, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Gunmen suspected to be Cultists abducted no five students of the Rivers State University, RSU, Emohua Satellite Campus in the early hours of Tuesday.

The victims were taken at gunpoint from their off-campus residence.

It was gathered that the students who live outside the campus had, last week, protested persistent attacks and harassment by cultists and appealed to the RSU management to relocate them to the main campus in Port Harcourt for safety.

However, at a pre-convocation briefing on Monday, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, ruled out closing the Emohua campus or relocating students, saying the University was addressing security concerns through engagements with community leaders, council authorities and security agencies.

A student who craved anonymity said the gunmen invaded their residence around 2.00am and shot dead the security dog before proceeding to seize the victims.

“He was running after me and even shot at me, I don’t know how many times. I couldn’t look back because I was focused on escaping.

“Someone from the bush then ran after me. I had to run faster to the gate. Some of our students, about four or so, are missing now,’’ the student said.

Spokesperson of the Rivers State police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the abduction, described the perpetrators as cultists.

“They were abducted by cultists. In the early hours of Tuesday (yesterday), a group of cultists numbering five stormed an isolated area of Rumuchi/Rumuohia, shot sporadically and abducted five persons to an unknown destination,” she said.

While disclosing that the Police has launched a manhunt for the abductors, she said: “We have put efforts in place for their safe rescue. As I speak, the commissioner of police has gone there with tactical teams to ensure they regain their freedom.”

AFCON 2025: Chelle Releases 54-Man Provisional List

Akinwale Kasali

December 3, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

With less than three weeks to the commencement of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025, Championship in Morocco, Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle has announced a 54-Man Provisional List that will open camping in Egypt on December 10 ahead of the tournament.

The Malian born tactician said that he made the list long in other to give all the invited players opportunity to fight for a shirt and jostle for positions in the team.

In addition, Chelle extended invitations to standout home-based players such as Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Adekunle Adeleke, highlighting his intention to evaluate domestic talent ahead of the tournament.

According to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, the team will be streamlined to 28 Players in the coming days.

The Super Eagles will open their training camp in Egypt on December 10, where they are expected to play warm-up matches before the competition kicks off on December 21.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda as the team aims for a strong showing in Morocco.

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos).

Defenders:

William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors).

Midfielders

Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Peter Agba (Maccabi Haifa, Israel); Tom Dele-Bashiru (Gençlerbirligi SK, Turkey).

Forwards:

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic Glasgow, Scotland); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Boniface (Werder Bremen, Germany); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes); Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen, Czech Republic); Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United); Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves); Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (OH Leuven, Belgium); Philip Otele (FC Basel, Switzerland); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia); Emmanuel Michael (Linzer Athletik SK, Austria).

It’s Fake News, There Was No Mass Abduction In Ngor Okpala, Imo – Police Command

The Source

December 3, 2025

Aboki Danjuma - Imo Commissioner of Police — Aboki Danjuma, Imo state Commissioner of Police

The Imo State Police Command has dismissed as fake, the viral news, accompanied by two videos, of a mass kidnapping at Ngor Okpala.

According to the video, a fully loaded passenger bus going to Aba from Owerri, was attacked at Ngor Okpala area of the Expressway, and all the 14 passengers abducted. There is, also, another version of it which said was four buses and a Lexus were involved.

However, the Police Command has debunked both the video and the story, and, in a statement, said no such incident happened in the State. It said it was a recycled story/video of an incident that happened earlier in the year. It also said all the 14 passengers abducted then were rescued.

The statement, signed by the State Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, warned that the sharing of such false stories, is an offence.

Following the full text of the statement.

“IMO POLICE COMMAND DEBUNKS FALSE REPORT OF MASS KIDNAPPING AT NGOR OKPALA

” The Imo State Police Command is issuing this statement in response to a misleading viral video circulating on social media, which falsely claims that 14 passengers were kidnapped at Ngor Okpala while travelling from Owerri to Aba on 1st December, 2025 .

” Investigations reveal that the video originated from an incident that occurred earlier this year and has been recirculated online to create unnecessary panic. Concerted efforts were put in place at the time to ensure the safe release of the victims.

” CP Aboki Danjuma urges the public to disregard the misleading video and cautions against sharing unverified information capable of generating fear and tension.

” The Commissioner of Police has deployed adequate security along the axis, in synergy with other sister security agencies and local security outfits, to ensure the safety of commuters, particularly during the holiday season of celebration.

” Residents are advised to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency contact line 0803 477 3600.”

President Tinubu Appoints Senator Anyim South-east Coordinator, Renewed Hope Initiative

Adesina Soyooye

December 3, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the South-east Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative

Anyim who was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, under President Goodluck Jonathan, was inaugurated alongside other five Zonal Coordinators.

Each of Nigeria’s six Zones has its own Coordinator. The overall boss is the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma who was appointed by the President as the National Ambassador of the RHI. He it was who inaugurated the Zonal Coordinators on behalf of the President.

The main job of the Coordinators is to help in the promotion of President Tinubu’s vision and political agenda nationwide.

The full list of the Zonal Coordinators is:

South-South: HE Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa
North-East: HE Isah Yuguda
North-West: HE Aminu Bello Masari
South-East: Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim
South-West: Oladipupo Oyinbande
North-Central: HE Tanko Al-Makura

For the records, Anyim was Senate President and SGF under a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Government. However, like many others, he has since dumped the PDP for the APC, no thanks to PDP’s unending crises which has placed it close to the grave.

Nasarawa To Enforce Compulsory Basic Education For Children

Ayodele Oni

December 2, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Nasarawa state government has taken a bold move to bridge the gap of the state backwardness in education, as it threatened to prosecute parents that fail to enrol their children in school.

Executive Chairman, of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kassim Mohamed-Kassim, disclosed this at a press conference on Tuesday in Lafia as part of activities preparatory to the Thursday’s Education Summit organised by the board.

He emphasised that basic education is a fundamental right of every child in the state, not a privilege and vowed to enforce it to ensure that no child is left behind.

The Chairman explained that the board has decided to embark on a massive enlightenment campaign through town hall meetings and the mass media to sensitize parents on the need to send their wards to school.

To this end, he revealed that the board has purchased seven buses for sensitisation to all the nooks and crannies of the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to enlighten parents and guardians on the need to enrol their children and wards in school.

The chairman further stated that meetings would be organised in every LGA for herders, other community leaders and parents whose children and wards were mostly out of school.

“We will let them realise that they must compulsorily enrol their children and wards in schools, or face sanctions.

“Parent that fail to send their children to school will face legal action in line with the existing law,” he added.

On the summit, Kassim-Mohammed said the event would bring together stakeholders comprising educationists, government officials, traditional rulers, policy makers, parents, teachers, among others from the International, National and Local scenes.

He noted that the stakeholders would provide solutions to education-related challenges, help improve quality, share best practices and innovations to enhance teaching and learning outcomes in the state.

He explained that the board under him had discovered so many challenges, hampering the quality of education in the state.

He listed some of the challenges to include; substandard school structures, lack of chairs, inadequate teachers, truancy by staff and lack of proper placement of teachers, among others

“Already we have taken a lot of steps towards addressing the identified problems to reposition and improve the standard of basic education in the state.

“We reported the outcome of our findings to Gov. Abdullahi Sule, and he has approved the purchase of 30,000 chairs to be distributed to schools to ensure that every child is comfortable to learn.

“We have redeployed 1,900 teachers that were hitherto working as administrative staff back to the classroom, and about 1000 would soon be deployed to fill in the shortage of teachers in our schools,” Kassim-Mohammed added.

Gov Otti Meets President Tinubu, May Have Discussed Nnamdi Kanu

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 2, 2025

Governor Alex Otti and President Bola Tinubu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Expectations were high on Tuesday December 2,2025 that the issue of a possible political resolution of the fate of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB may have topped discussions between Governor Alex Otti and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Abia State Governor was a guest of the President at the Presidential Villa a couple of days after his visit to the Abia-born ,IPOB leader at the Sokoto Custodial Centre where he is serving his jail sentence.

The Source reports that Kanu was on Thursday November 20 , convicted and sentenced to life in jail by Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court Abuja on seven-count charges bordering on terrorism related Offences preferred against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He was subsequently moved to the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Friday November 21,from the Department of State Service, DSS, detention facility in Abuja .

The Abia State Governor who had, in the wake of the conviction, assured that efforts are underway to secure freedom for Kanu through political means, re-echoed the pledge during his visit to Sokoto custodial centre.

Accompanied on the visit by the Abia state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ikechukwu Uwanna SAN , Kanu’s younger brother Emmanuel Kanu, and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Ferdinand Ekeoma,as well as some top Sokoto state Government officials, the Governor reiterated his earlier promise to continue to explore political options in the resolution of the IPOB leader’s travails.

“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu retains the right to appeal his conviction, I want to assure that I have activated and will persist with the agreed strategy until his freedom is achieved” Governor stated .

Although as at the time of reporting details of the meeting between Governor Otti and the President were not known, however, there are widespread speculations that Kanu’s case must have formed a large part of discussions.

Our Nation Is Wobbling Politically

The Source

December 2, 2025

By Bode George

“Learn from First Republic. Nigeria cannot afford another political collapse

Dear Mr. President,

Nigeria is entering a troubling season — one where the very principles of democracy are being tested.

Those entrusted with safeguarding our Republic now appear, regrettably, to be undermining it through actions that erode trust, civility and institutional integrity.

History teaches that no nation survives when power is placed above principle.

Yet, rather than strengthening our democratic institutions, some actors are lowering standards, sidelining critical reasoning and placing personal ambition over national interest. In the process, Nigerians are paying a painful price.

Across the country — from Kebbi to Zamfara, Borno to Benue, Kwara to Ogun —citizens are being abducted and killed by violent elements.

Instead of responding with urgency, the APC-led Federal Government appears preoccupied with political positioning ahead of 2027, even if it means weakening institutions and suffocating the opposition.

The recent disruption at the PDP Secretariat on November 18 is a grave warning. The actions of a group previously expelled for anti-party activities —reportedly encouraged by a serving Federal Minister —constitute an unacceptable assault on democratic order.

Their attempt to prevent a duly-elected leadership from assuming office was not only unlawful but part of a broader pattern that threatens the future of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

As a life member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), I maintain without ambiguity: anyone wishing to leave the party is free to do so.

A political party, like a tree, grows stronger when unhealthy branches fall away.

But what must not continue is the deliberate provocation, the disregard for party rules, and the attempt to seize what does not belong to one.

The forced entry into the PDP National Secretariat crossed every line of decency and legality.

Nigeria has moved beyond the era where sheer force overrides order. The question now is: Who authorised the police to take over the headquarters? Under what authority? Since when does a tenant overtake a landlord?

It is troubling that, in the face of all this, the President — the custodian of our democracy — has remained silent. Silence at such a moment can only be interpreted as tacit approval.

Our nation’s history between 1962 and 1966 teaches us that seemingly small political infractions, when ignored, can snowball into national disasters.

The powers-that-be then thought they were dealing with the opposition party. They didn’t know they were pulling apart our dear nation. Their actions and inactions eventually led to the collapse of the First Republic, which unfortunately dovetailed into the civil war between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970 when more than two million Nigerians were killed.

Everything was done to silence the leader of opposition. The Leader of opposition was placed under house arrest and the Coker Commission of Inquiry was set up. Nothing came out of it.

Then, the opposition leader and some of his loyalists were charged with treason.

They were eventually jailed in 1963.

Everything was done to destroy the party and the institutions in the Western Region.

All the Federal and Regional elections were shamelessly rigged, leading to ‘Operation Wetie’ where people were killed and their houses burnt.

In 1965, the Prime Minister was asked what he was doing about the crisis in the Western Region and he said as far as he was concerned, there was no crisis. Painfully, in 1966, the Prime Minister and the First Republic became history.

The same scenario is playing itself out today with the way the APC-led Federal Government is trying to destroy PDP, the only true national party in Nigeria.

In 1972, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the great and iconic Nigerian musician who was born by a clerical father and a highly politically inclined mother, released his popular album, “Roforofo Fight” where he sang ‘When Trouble Sleep, Yanga Wake Am, Wetin E dey Find, Na Palaver E Dey Find. Na Palaver E Go Get oooo’.

Fela died in 1997 but unfortunately, the effect of that song is still reverberating in Nigeria today.

Those in charge of the polity have closed their ears to reasoning and deliberately coming out with actions capable of disintegrating the country.

It is disheartening that Nigeria is precariously and dangerously staggering on the path of self-destruction.

I want to reiterate that what the Federal Government is doing in this PDP matter, by giving police protection to some renegades who have vowed to destroy our party, is completely illegal and Nigerians know this. Constitutionality is being disregarded and disrespected. It is not possible for illegality to overcome legality. It will never happen, now or later.

Mr. President, this is not the time for silence.

Our country’s image is suffering, and the actions of a few are giving governance an unfortunate public face.

The younger generation, watching these events unfold, may grow disillusioned with democratic processes if this trajectory continues.

The PDP governed Nigeria for 16 years without subjecting any political opponent to this level of harassment or institutional manipulation.

It is, therefore, imperative that you call your minister to order and insist that he respects the laws of the land.

I am equally concerned about the role of the Judiciary.

Why are PDP-related cases consistently channeled to the same few judges within the Abuja Division? The Judiciary must be seen to be impartial. Anything short of fairness weakens its moral authority.

Our party’s National Leadership, led by Senior Advocate Kabiru Turaki, has not called for the sealing of our headquarters.

So, on whose order is the Police acting? Why the persistent effort to weaken the PDP ahead of 2027?

Nigeria has already witnessed where such political intolerance can lead — most notably in the First Republic.

To Minister Nyesom Wike, I speak as an elder: you have been a major beneficiary of the PDP — Chairman of a Local Government, Chief of Staff, Minister, and Governor. The party nurtured your political rise.

It is, therefore, painful to watch you take actions capable of damaging the very institution that supported you. Power is temporary; reputation is permanent. Do not allow yourself to be used as an instrument to destabilise the Republic.

History is replete with lessons. When institutions are weakened, chaos follows. This is not the path Nigeria deserves.

Since 1999, PDP has remained the only truly national political party.

Current actions by some individuals risk pushing our democracy towards instability.

Nigerians are watching. Their silence should not be mistaken for indifference.

I also respectfully appeal to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, regarding the National Library project.

While libraries are valuable, the world has changed. With today’s digital tools, N20 billion could empower millions of young Nigerians through soft loans and microcredit schemes.

Our youths need opportunities, not monuments.

To Mr. President: is this democracy as envisioned by the Constitution, or are we drifting into a pattern of governance that contradicts its spirit?

Repeated violations of due process and unchecked abuses of power undermine public confidence and threaten national cohesion.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads.

The current trajectory does not lead to peace or stability.

If not halted, it could plunge the nation into deeper political crisis.

I speak from experience, and from a sincere desire to preserve the unity and future of our country.

Let this serve as a solemn warning: Enough is enough.

This country belongs to all of us.Power is not eternal, and every leader must govern with that humility in mind.

For the sake of our democracy, our history, and our children, the time to act responsibly is now. Nigeria cannot afford another avoidable political collapse.

A word is enough for the wise.

Thank you for your attention.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Chief Olabode Iboyinka George is the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland
DECEMBER 2, 2025

Constitution Amendment: Reps To Vote Next Week

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 2, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Baring any last minute changes, the House of Representatives has been scheduled to vote on the proposed Constitution amendment bill between December 10 and 11 ,2025.

The green chamber of the National Assembly will also conduct the last debate on the about 87 items contained in the bills on Wednesday December 3 and Thursday 4 , preparatory to the final voting.

The Deputy speaker ,Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, who is also the Chairman of the constitution review committee, while announcing the development during plenary on Tuesday, Informed that the Committee has concluded all the necessary technical inputs ahead of the next phase of the review exercise.

Kalu further stated that having finalized all the required works, the review committee is presently preparing ground for the harmonized documents to be laid before the Committee of the whole House for consideration and voting.

The Source reports that there are no fewer than 87 bills lined up to be amended within the country’s 1999 Constitution

Items billed for amendment include judicial reforms, electoral reforms, creation of State Police, the creation of reserved and additional seats for women in the legislative arm of Government, fiscal reforms, Local Government full autonomy among others.

It is not, however, known if the issue of State creation, particularly for the South East region, in the spirit of fairness and equity, will form part of the debate and voting.

Misunderstanding Between Niger Republic Troops And Nigerian Security Personnel Under Control – DHQ

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 2, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Military High Command on Tuesday December 2, 2025, gave an insight into the actual circumstances surrounding the misunderstanding between Katsina State local vigilante operatives and Nigerien security forces.

The Source reports that the local vigilante members had reportedly opened fire on the convoy of Security Personnel from Niger Republic, thus sparking both diplomatic and military tension between the two sister countries.

But the Defence Headquarters attributed the incident which occurred in Mazanya Village ,Jibia Local Council of Katsina state on November 29, 2025, to a minor misunderstanding and misjudgment.

A statement from the spokesperson for the Nigerian Military High Command, Major General Michael Onoja, informed that on the said day ,a convoy of four gun trucks and a Toyota SUV, laden with Nigerien security operatives had crossed over to Mazanya Village in Katsina to fetch water as usually done by the country’s troops within the border in the past.

However, the unprecedented high number of the vehicles in the convoy ,as well as the troops were said to have sparked suspicion among the vigilante operatives who mistook them for advancing enemies, prompting them to open fire.

General Onoja informed that high level discussions between the military authorities of the two West African countries led to an amicable resolution of the misunderstanding and the Nigerien troops allowed to continue with their water-drawing mission.

According to Onoja ,the DHQ convened a high level joint Border Security Meeting on Monday December 1 ,2025, to resolve and strengthen liaison arrangements between the two sister countries, with a view to preventing such similar incident.

He emphasized that lessons drawn from the incident are being taken seriously, and noted that they are being used to form concrete measures to ensure such misunderstandings do not reoccur

This is as he reaffirmed the long-standing cultural, economic and security ties between the two countries , expressing the optimism that both countries will continue to cooperate and collaborate in addressing terrorism, smuggling, illegal migration and other transborder criminal activities.

“The DHQ wishes to officially address and clarify the circumstances surrounding the border incident involving Nigerian local vigilante elements and Nigerien troops at Mazanya Village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State on November 29, 2025 at approximately 1500 hours.

“This statement aims to correct misinformation, reassure the public and highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen cross-border coordination with the Republic of Niger in order to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“A convoy consisting of four gun trucks and one Toyota jeep carrying Nigerien military officers and soldiers entered Mazanya community to fetch water — a routine activity historically conducted by troops from the Niger Republic.

“But the unusually large size of the convoy raised concern among local vigilante members ,who mistakenly perceived the movement as a potential hostile advance.

“This misunderstanding led to the vigilantes opening fire on the Nigerien troops .

“Following dialogue between Nigerian security authorities and the Nigerien Commander on the ground, the Nigerien troops proceeded to fetch the required water and returned to their side of the border without further incident..

“The Commander emphasized the importance of prior liaison ,and communication before any future cross-border water-fetching missions., particularly when involving large troop formations, or visits by senior commanders.

“The situation is fully under control and both Nigerian and Nigerien authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians living along the border” General Onoja stated .

Edo Accuses Fmr Gov Obaseki Of Launching Education Programme Without Teachers, Infrastructure

Ayodele Oni

December 2, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Government has punctured the EdoBEST education reform programme introduced by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, describing it as falling short of the accolades it received during the regime.

Government alleged that despite its global praise and heavy publicity, the initiative suffered from severe teacher shortages in rural classrooms, chronic logistical failures, crumbling infrastructure, and an unsustainable top-down model that sidelined local communities.

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‎In a press statement on Tuesday, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua described EdoBEST as a programme “birthed with perceived good intentions” but plagued by “hard implementation gaps” that left thousands of rural pupils without qualified teachers, while urban and pilot schools received disproportionate resources.

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‎The statement dismissed yesterday’s defence statement by the factional PDP as an “emotional meltdown” designed to shield Obaseki from accountability.

It accused the past government of bequeathing a deteriorating security situation, questionable land acquisitions, unfinished flagship projects, and a culture of opacity.

‎The statement asserted that kidnappings and violent crime escalated sharply during Obaseki’s final years, citing the brazen abduction of PDP state chairman Dr Tony Aziegbemi in the heart of Benin GRA as proof that criminal networks had reached urban areas previously considered safe.

‎It added that community vigilantes were starved of logistics and coordination, forcing the Okpebholo administration into “urgent repair work.”

‎Describing the much-touted agricultural hub Saro Farrm, as a “flashpoint,” the government stated that local communities protested over alleged forceful acquisition of ancestral farmlands with inadequate compensation, grievances that predate the current administration.

“‎The Benin industrial park project was labelled largely conceptual and bogged down by legal disputes, unclear financing and community resistance, necessitating a pause for reassessment rather than political sabotage.”

‎‎Also, the statement highlighted the ongoing cultural and diplomatic row over the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), noting protests by palace supporters, postponement of major events, and questions over custodial authority of returned Benin bronzes.

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It demanded that Obaseki should explain land clearances and stakeholder consultations that led to the current impasse.

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‎On Edo GIS, the digital land registry was accused of being weaponised to obscure rather than clarify titles, with widespread complaints of overlapping allocations and sudden revocations eroding public trust.

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‎The release challenged Obaseki and the PDP to produce “documents, community consultations, contract records, title histories and audited accounts” to prove clean governance instead of resorting to threats of partisan retaliation.

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