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Killing Of Travelers: PDP Blames Gov’s Uncoordinated Security Arrangements

March 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Sunday March 30, 2025, decried the near total collapse of the Edo State Security Architecture under Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The Party’s position is coming against the backdrop of the gruesome killing on Thursday March 27 of 16 Northern travelers by a mob, including some members of local vigilante groups in Uromi, Esan North East Local Council of the State.

The travelers who were burnt by their attackers were said to have been mistaken for kidnappers.

Amidst widespread indignation and condemnation of the action, Governor Okpebholo on Saturday announced the suspension of the operations of what he called illegal vigilante and other local security networks in the state under whatever guise .

The Governor also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin ,a retired Commissioner of Police.

But in a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, the Edo State Chapter of the PDP, blamed what it described as the uncoordinated and lackluster All Progressive Congress administration for the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the state.

The party regretted that the killing of some innocent Northern travelers resulted from the alarming increase in criminal activities since the advent of Governor Okpebholo’s Government.

According to the PDP, the ugly security situation has been compounded by a plethora of security organizations operating in the State without any oversight and regulations

“The recent Government’s classification of the perpetrators as illegal vigilante groups only further exposes the absence of a coherent framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game this Government has come to master.

“The suspension of of the Commander of the Edo state Security Corps ,CP Friday Ibadin rtd, is a clear admission by the Government that security architecture of the State has failed.

“The February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo State Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies ,yet Senator Monday Okpebholo chose to ignore it.

“Now, Edo people are paying the price with their lives. It is particularly distressing that a vigilante group, operating without oversight or proper registration was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.

“This is an indictment of the Okpebholo’ administration’s failure to properly regulate ,train ,and coordinate security efforts in the State.

“In the light of this, the PDP demands some urgent measures to restore sanity and prevent any further loss of innocent lives .

“The demands include a comprehensive Audit and Overhaul of the Edo state Security Corps .The security structure must be reviewed to eliminate unregistered groups and ensure accountability in operations.

“Immediate Arrest and Prosecution of all perpetrators of the killings of the travelers .The Government must ensure that all those responsible for the Uromi killings,including their sponsors ,face the full weight of the law.

“Deployment of Federal Security Agencies: Given the State Government’s apparent inability to maintain law and order, Federal intervention is now necessary to stabilize the situation.

” Implementation of a new security strategy: The PDP calls for a non-partisan security summit involving all stakeholders -traditional rulers ,community leaders ,security agencies and opposition parties ,to map out an effective security blueprint for the state”, the PDP statement reads in part.

Like Bayero, Sanusi Cancels Sallah Durbar, Pledges Cooperation With Security Agencies

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The factional Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido has noted that the celebration of Sallah Durbar is not a do or die affair.

He hailed Security Agencies’ decision to ban all forms of Sallah processions and Durbar in the ancient city of Kano during this year’s Eid El Fitr celebration.

The Police authorities in Kano, on Friday March, 28, for the second year running, banned Emirs Aminu Ado Bayero and Sanusi, as well as their supporters from holding or conducting any Sallah Durbar or processions in the State during this year’s sallah festivities.

A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa SP, noted that the decision was necessitated by the need to avoid any possible breakdown of law and order in the state.

Bayero and Sanusi have since May 23, 2023 been locked in a royal tussle for the control of the Kano Emirate throne .

Both are for the first time in the history of the ancient Emirate laying claims to the throne, a situation that has also polarized the State into two camps.

While Sanusi occupies the Palace inside the ancient city of Kano, Bayero whose late father, Ado Bayero, was the 13th Emir, presently holds court at the Nasarawa Mini Palace, the final resting place for his father and other past Emirs.

Similarly, while Sanusi is being backed by the Kano state Government, Bayero draws support from the centre.

The two rival camps’ disposition to hold Sallah Durbar, simultaneously, was at the root of the decision by Security Agencies to ban the ceremony.

However, before the official announcement suspending Sallah durbar, the Camp of Bayero had last Wednesday March 26, voluntarily halted preparations for the ceremony, citing the need to avoid anarchy and breach of peace of the state as reason .

At an Iftar ( Ramadan breakfast ) on Saturday evening, Sanusi, while, also, announcing his camp’s suspension of this year’s Durbar, informed that the decision has become necessary to ensure peace in the State.

According to him, much as the Durbar celebration represents part of the cherished cultural heritage of the people, it is nevertheless not a matter of life and death.

Further speaking during the breakfast which had in attendance Islamic clerics, scholars, Kano Government officials, and other prominent kano indigenes, the Kano State Government- reinstalled 16th Emir, emphasized the imperativeness of peace to the progress, growth and development of any society.

Consequently, he announced his decision to halt all activities earlier lined up for the Sallah Durbar .

He further sued for calm, and understanding from the people, while also pledging to cooperate with security agencies to ensure peace ,before ,during and after the Eid El Mubarak .

Akpabio Promises Appropriation Of Funds For Ekiti Cargo Airport Link Road

Ayodele Oni

March 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has directed the Appropriation Committee of the Senate to allocate funds for the rehabilitation of the link road to the international cargo airport in Ekiti state.

Akpabio spoke in Ado Ekiti on Saturday as one of the guests at the conferment of honorary doctorate degree on the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele by the Ekiti State University, (EKSU).

He stressed that improving road infrastructure in the state would further enhance access to the airport, boost economic activities, and facilitate movement of goods and services.

This, he said, would further complement the state’s achievement in the areas of infrastructure, education, human capital development and security.

“To all the distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that are here, please stand so that people could see that the senators are here to celebrate their leader, the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.

“To the Senate Chairman of appropriation bill, I hereby direct that the road from the airport must be appropriated for and be done before my next visit. We cannot have the best brain here, best education facilities and not have the best roads.

“When you have a good product you do not need to hype it too much people will buy it anywhere, Ekiti people are good people, Ekiti people are the most educated.

“Whenever you open the door of education, you close the door of prison and I predict that in Nigerian prison today, no Ekiti child shall be there because you are educating them to know the right from the wrong and peace shall continue in Ekiti.

“Nobody in Ekiti shall engage in banditry because you have given them quality education, the product they need to go through life.”

Akpabio commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to leveraging education as a transformative tool to address the challenges confronting the society.

He stressed that the Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration’s huge investment in education has not only reshaped the future of the young people but has also served as a sustainable means of combating crime in the state.

The Senate President said the recognition of Bamidele for the honour serves as a testament to his dedication and exemplary leadership, which has significantly contributed to the development of the institution, Nigeria and international community.

He also lauded Governor Oyebanji for his cordial relationship with members of the National Assembly, adding that the relationship has continue to yield positive results for the state and the country at large.

Earlier in his address, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji said his government remained committed to repositioning education capable of driving development to empower youths with qualitative and functional education and create a brighter future for them as well as lay a solid foundation for a prosperous and sustainable state.

The Governor maintained that his administration places a high premium on human capital development, noting that education remained the bedrock of any thriving society as well as critical pillar and Roadmap to Keeping Ekiti State Working.

He called on the Governing Council to allow creativity and innovation to drive progress in all sectors of the economy, stressing the urgent need to embrace the spirit of inquiry and solutions to engender development and transform the standard of the institution and the state as a citadel of knowledge founded to drive global science and technological development.

The Governor observed that EKSU has consistently produced graduates who are well-equipped to compete in the global arena which culminated in the University’s recent acclamation of being ranked as the number one State University in Nigeria and securing the 12th position among over 270 Universities nationwide in the latest comprehensive ranking by Times Higher Education for 2025.

Emir Sanusi Urges Youths Not To Retaliate Edo Killings, Leads Eid-Fitr Prayers

Ayodele Oni

March 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned Kano youths against launching reprisal attacks on innocent non-indigenes in the state over the killings of 16 northern travelers in Edo State.

Sanusi, warned the youths against taking laws into their hands in his sermon after leading the two-rakat Eid-el-fitr prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid ground in Kano.

The monarch called on the relevant authorities to take decisive action and ensure justice prevailed for the victims of the barbaric act.

According to him, “We got information yesterday (Saturday evening) that youths in some areas are planning to launch reprisal attacks on non-indigenes after the Eid prayers. We are instructing them not to carry out such attacks.

“We appeal to them not to take laws into their hands. They should avoid a breakdown of law and order. We call on all traditional leaders to be vigilant.

“Similarly, we appeal to the relevant authorities to ensure justice for the victims. They should investigate and prosecute persons behind the barbaric act.”

Sanusi also called on the Muslim faithful to sustain the lessons learned from the Ramadan fasting and not return to sins or wrongdoings.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf was accompanied by his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, former Deputy Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, commissioners and aides to observe the two rakat prayers.

In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness in governance.

Speaking to journalists after the Eid-el-Fitr prayer in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris emphasized that these principles will continue to guide his administration’s efforts to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

“The year 2025 is a period of consolidation on the giant developmental strides already started by my administration in urban and rural transformation, with emphasis on the socioeconomic growth of our dear state.”

He acknowledged the fervent prayers offered for his success, including those by the Eid Imam and other Islamic clerics, and solicited continued goodwill and support for his administration and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Idris urged citizens to continue supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) for good governance, peace, prosperity, and security.

“As leaders, we shall remain resolute to the service of the country and uplifting the wellbeing of the populace.”

Earlier, the Governor, accompanied by top officials, performed the two Raka’ah Eid-el-Fitr Prayer at the Eid Prayer Ground, led by Imam Muhammadu Yahaya Limanci.

The Wazirin Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, represented the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, at the occasion

Lassa Fever: Nigeria Records 33 Deaths From 645 Confirmed Cases

Ayodele Oni

March 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released figures of those killed by Lassa fever between January and March 2025, saying 645 cases of Lassa fever were confirmed out of 3,465 suspected cases, leading to 118 deaths across 33 states.

In a statement on Sunday, NCDC Head of Corporate Communication, Sani Datti, reported that 20 healthcare workers were infected across nine state.

The record shows eight in Ondo, four in Bauchi, one each in Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Benue, and Ogun, and two each in Gombe and Taraba.

According to the statement, to enhance its response, the NCDC deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to 10 states for two weeks —Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa, while in areas with evolving outbreaks like Edo and Taraba, deployments were extended by ten and seven days, respectively.

Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of NCDC, stated that the Lassa Fever National Emergency Operations Centre (LF-EOC) has been activated at Response Level 2 to improve coordination among stakeholders, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as development partners.

He explained that the agency has distributed essential medical supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPEs) and treatment medications to affected states.

Also, targeted, state-specific advisories have been issued to guide the prevention and control of Lassa fever.

Despite these interventions, Dr Idris said challenges persist, such as weak community-level surveillance, inadequate resources for treatment and contact tracing, and manpower shortages at treatment centers.

He said many patients delay seeking care, often turning to self-medication and unorthodox practices that prove ineffective.

The director therefore advised individuals with suspected Lassa fever to seek immediate medical attention and appealed to state governments to contribute to treatment costs

Dr Idris reiterated that preventing Lassa fever requires collective action, saying while the agency and state governments lead the response; Nigerians have a role to play in curbing the spread of the virus.

He encouraged citizens to uphold environmental hygiene and prevent rats from accessing homes, food, and utensils, as these are the most effective preventive measures.

Dr Idris also urged Healthcare workers to adhere to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and maintain a high level of suspicion for the disease.

Ex-Rivers State HoS, A Serial Betrayer Who Couldn’t Resist Blood Dollars – PDP

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has berated the former Head of Service, HoS, of Rivers State, Dr George Nweke, for being a willing tool in the hands of some unscrupulous characters bent on destabilizing the State for their selfish political ends.

It insisted on the illegitimacy and unconstitutionality of the State of Emergency declared in the State by President Bola Tinubu.

The Source reports that the festering political impasse in Rivers state on Friday, March 28, 2025, took a farcical dimension with Dr Nweke who, a few days ago, resigned his appointment in rather hazy circumstances, alleging the involvement of suspended Rivers state Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the razing of the State House of Assembly Complex in 2023 in a bid to prevent his impeachment by the pro-Nyesom Wike State Lawmakers.

He similarly accused Governor Fubara of lending subtle support to militant groups threatening to sabotage critical national assets in the State particularly oil installations.

Dr Nweke, at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, further alleged a political romance between the embattled Fubara and Governor Bala Muhammad of Bauchi state who is rumoured to be nursing presidential ambition.

Although Dr Nweke’s wife and Governor Fubara have since rubbished the former HoS claims as being induced by some unseen political desperados, the Rivers State Chapter of the PDP has described the action as “a scripted litany of lies orchestrated by the FCT Minister to further create chaos and anarchy in Rivers State”

At a Media briefing on Saturday, March 29, in Port Harcourt, the State Chairman of the PDP Robinson Ewor, while strongly condemning Dr Nweke’s action, also dubbed him a serial betrayer who is known to many.

According to the PDP, it is clear to all and sundry after watching and listening to the interview,that Dr Nweke was only reading a script that he never understood the content.

The State PDP Chairman described Nweke as a compromised tool in the hands of Wike who is playing out a similar role like Judas.

Ewor, however, noted that just like Judas ended, Nweke will also end ignominiously after collecting “dirty and blood dollars” to spew lies against Governor Fubara.

The PDP Chairman described as a lie from the pit of hell Nweke’s claim that he was present when a bag of money was given for the job of bombing the state House of Assembly Complex.

“George lied when he said he was with the Governor when a bag of money was handed to Edison Ehie to bomb the Assembly.

“The fact is that Police arrested seven suspects in 2023 who were charged and remanded in Kuje, and Port Harcourt prisons,and later freed due to prosecutorial lapses, not gubernatorial involvement.

George’s claim of the involvement of the Governor is a lie from the pit of hell” Ewor stated .

He blamed Nweke’s barefaced, spurious and unsubstantiated allegations on Wike’s desperation to gain control of Rivers State governance and resources.

He insisted that the ex-HoS was clearly coerced into reading a script at Abuja Transcorp Hilton after mortgaging his soul for pecuniary gains.

“He is a serial betrayer who couldn’t resist blood dollars”, Ewor posited

The PDP Chairman, also, noted that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers was purely driven by power grab.

He expressed regret that President Tinubu went ahead to declare emergency rule when none of the veritable conditions precedent to state of emergency was present in the political space of Rivers as at the time the action was taken.

Ewor described the suspension of an elected Governor and State legislator as a gross abuse of power, rule of law, and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This is even as the party strongly berated the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, for suspending political appointees and dismantling institutional structures in the State.

However, the party called on party faithful and Rivers State citizens to remain calm and support Governor Fubara, assuring an end to the period of darkness.

Killing Of Travelers In Edo: Gov Suspends Commander Security Corps, Disbands Vigilante Groups

Ayodele Oni

March 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

In a swift response to the brutal killing of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate suspension of illegal vigilante groups operating in the state.

To address the security lapses that led to the tragic incident, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), has also been suspended.

A statement on Sunday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the decision to relieve Ibadin of his job followed a review of the preliminary report of the gruesome killing of some travelers at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of the State.

The statement reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the incident was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.

“Its actions do not reflect the core values, character and principles of the Okpebholo administration, or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.

“This move aims to restore law and order, ensuring the safety of citizens and upholding the rule of law.

“The governor’s directive follows a preliminary report on the incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

“The report revealed that the local vigilante group involved in the killings was operating illegally, without registration or profiling with the Edo State Security Corps.

“Investigations into the killings are ongoing, with 14 persons already arrested and a manhunt underway for others involved.

“Government has assured the public that justice will be served in an efficient, transparent, and proactive manner.

“The Edo State Government has reiterated its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely and engage in lawful business without fear of harassment or intimidation.

“The government is working closely with the families of the victims, community leaders, and the Government of Kano State, where most of the deceased hailed from.

“As the investigation unfolds, the government urges all parties involved to remain calm, assuring that it is committed to ensuring that justice is served.

“The suspension of illegal vigilante groups and the commander of the Edo State Security Corps sends a strong message that the government will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or impunity.

“This development highlights the complexities surrounding vigilante groups in Nigeria, which have been linked to human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.

“The Edo State Government’s decisive action is a step in the right direction towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that security agencies operate within the bounds of the law.”

Abia Govt Partners NASS On Renewable Energy

Tosin Olatokunbo

March 30, 2025

Governor Alex Otti of Abia state has promised his government’s readiness to partner with the National Assembly in the development and promotion of renewable energy towards finding a sustainable solution to electricity supply challenges in the country.

The governor made the promise when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy on a courtesy visit in his Aba country home on Saturday.

Governor Otti underscored the importance of prioritising finding solutions to the country’s power challenges and commended the 10th House of Representatives led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas for taking up the challenge.

He said that immediately after his administration was inaugurated, he prioritised solving the decay in infrastructure in Aba, especially in the areas of environmental sanitation, electricity and roads because they were crucial to boosting the huge industrial potentials of the people in Aba.

The governor said that the government had to enter into agreement with a private electricity distribution firm, Geometric, and, initiated a bill tagged “Abia state Electricity Regulatory Bill which had been passed by the state Assembly and signed into law to back up the electricity supply initiative of the government.

He stated that currently Aba and environs are enjoying between 23 to 24 hours electricity supply with about 80 mega watts electricity supply by Geometric.

He stated the readiness of the government to partner with the programme of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy in hosting its first Legislative Summit on Renewable Energy slated to hold in Lagos from 5th to 7th May, 2025.
He said that his government would participate fully because of the need for a collaborative efforts in addressing the nation’s energy security.

Earlier in his speech, chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, and, member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra state, Victor Afam Ogene told the governor that the purpose of the visit by the members was to enlist the partnership of the Abia state government to the development efforts of the House of Representatives.

He told the governor that the summit aimed to assemble stakeholders, experts and lawmakers to come up with robust policies and programmes that would drive renewable energy growth and grid modernisation.

He said that already some key stakeholders from the country and abroad have confirmed their readiness to participate adding that some of such experts are from South Africa and Gambia.

Hon. Ogene told Governor Otti that already the Speaker of Ghana parliament and some notable global organisations including the INDP, GIZ and EU have agreed to partner with the committee to ensure the success of the important policy programme.

He told the Abia state governor that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas recognises his esteemed role in Nigeria’s development, adding that the Speaker prioritises the development of the renewal energy sector as crucial in solving the nation electricity supply challenges and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The event, the lawmaker said, would facilitate Knowledge Exchange and
Promote dialogue among legislators, experts, and stakeholders on critical legislative priorities, regulatory frameworks, and global best practices, in order to accelerate renewable energy adoption in Nigeria.

Tinubu Has Opened Door To Nigeria’s New Era Of Growth, Says Uzodimma …Felicitates President @ 73

The Source

March 30, 2025

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has showered encomia on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has just turned 73, saying that the President’s leadership has opened the door to Nigeria’s new era of growth and sustainable progress across all sectors.

The Governor reasoned that President Tinubu is being celebrated today as a leader due to the profound impact of the Presidency under his watch has had on the people.

Governor Uzodimma therefore prayed for the wellbeing of the President, asking for divine blessings of long life, good health, and wisdom so that Tinubu will continue to steer Nigeria towards greatness.

Taking to his social media platform on Saturday, the Governor said: “I celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this special day with the admiration he truly deserves.

“With strong passion and commitment to national development, President Tinubu has opened the door to a new era of growth, ensuring that every sector experiences real and sustainable progress.

“His leadership stands out through bold initiatives, people-centric policies, and a compassionate approach that prioritises the well-being of Nigerians. Whether in revitalising the economy or renewing our infrastructure, Mr. President’s dedication to building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria is evident.

“As you mark another year of wisdom and experience, I pray that God blesses you with long life, good health, and even greater insight to guide our great nation. May your vision for transforming Nigeria become a lasting reality, and may the years ahead bring even more remarkable achievements.”

NEF Demands For Bodies Of Slain Hausa Travelers, Gives Ultimatum

Ayodele Oni

March 30, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has demanded for bodies of travelers killed at Uromi in Edo State.

NEF issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okoebholo, and the people of the state, to provide the bodies for befitting burial.

The demand was contained in a statement by NEF spokesperson, Prof Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in which the Forum expressed its deep sorrow and anger over the attack and brutal killing of the 16 travelers.

The statement read in part, “The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has received the shocking, sad, and deeply disturbing news of the barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly killing of innocent Northern hunters who were returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir Sallah festival with their families in Uromi, Edo State.

“This heinous act is totally unacceptable, and we condemn it in the strongest terms.The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past.

“This must come to an end. The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people.

“Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government:

The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths.

“The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.

“The NEF demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.”

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