Headline

Edo PDP Inaugurates Caretaker Committee, Confident Of Reclaiming ‘Stolen Mandate’

Published

5 months ago

November 9, 2024

The Edo State’s chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated the Caretaker Committee Members set up by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to run the party’s affairs pending the election of new executives.

The Committee is chaired by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, with Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe as Secretary.

Other members of the caretaker committee are Hon. Harrison Omagbon, Hon. Fidel Igenegbale, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, Tony Anenih Jnr, Arch. Bishop Anthony Okosun, Hon. Segun Saiki, Adezat Kuburat Ibrahim and Augustine Edosomwan.

The Committee set up in pursuant of Section 29(2)(b) of PDP’s Constitution (2017 as amended), is charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Party in Edo State, as stipulated in Section 21(2) (a-b) of the Party’s Constitution for a period not exceeding 90 days (3 months) or till a new Executive Committee is elected.

Speaking at the inauguration at the PDP Secretariat in Benin City, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, expressed confidence that the party will reclaim its mandate stolen by the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the September 21 governorship poll.

Addressing party leaders, local government chairmen, party chieftain, and other party stakeholders, the governor charged for unity and cohesion as the party explores the judicial process to reclaim its mandate.

He said, “We want a cohesive party as we fight for our stolen mandate and I am sure we will get it back. Our mandate was stolen in broad daylight; everybody saw how they stole the mandate of the people.

“We have evidence to show how our mandate was stolen and by the grace of God, we will recover it. It will be difficult for them to go away with this stolen mandate. We have a process in government, they stole our mandate, yes but we have laws, and there is a way things are done. We are inaugurating a new government in Edo State and the Edo State Government is not involved.

“People behave as if there is no law, forgetting that we are guided by constitution and law; there are procedures to handle things. They are doing an inauguration and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new State.”

Obaseki continued, “Illegality parades the land and we have to be patient for a while as our democracy must work. We know how they stole our mandate; we have evidence of how they stole it but let’s see how they get out of this.

“Our people came out to cast their votes for our party, we are challenging that result and we know victory will be ours. Let’s play our parts as politicians. We know these people are great liars and good at deception. We have to be out there talking and never allow their lies to take over.

“The tribunal hearing will start by December and we want the people to be alert. The people are asking questions; it shows they are interested. The greatest thing we need now is harmony in the party and we need to talk to our people more now. The party must be in touch with the local government chairmen on a weekly basis. The party must be in touch with the House of Assembly members; let the people know what is going on.

“In this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the people. They are going to struggle to change their perception. We have almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations, but they have started blowing it, and they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration which is going to cost them N2 to N5 billion. That is the money they will first take from the treasury.”

The governor assured the people that he will not be far away from the party as he will never leave the party but remain in the party to give advice.

He added, “This our stolen mandate, we will get it back, for the sake of Nigeria because if we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria. This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy.”

On his part, the party’s candidate in the September 21 guber poll, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, charged the party to be ready for a tough battle and the journey to reclaim the stolen mandate.

He thanked the governor for his focus, determination and for leading the people right, charging the people to be focused on the project of reclaiming their stolen mandate.

Ighodalo noted, “We expect them to reply to our petition next week. We also have five days to reply to their petition. This will take us to about the 19th of November 2024. We will then start what is called the pre-hearing before the major hearing which may start by the end of November.

“Our lawyers are working and are ready to reply to their petition. Times are hard and we are in difficult times; we should stand firm and be strong as we navigate the journey to reclaim our stolen mandate.”

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Headline

Many Feared Dead As Four-storey Building Collapses In Ojodu-Berger

Published

23 minutes ago

April 19, 2025

The Pledge

A four-storey building has collapsed in Lagos, with occupants trapped, and some feared dead.

The incident occurred in Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos State.

Details later…

For more Nigerian Breaking News in Entertainment, Politics, Sports and Crime, please visit our website.

Entertainment

Murder: Police Complete Extradition Of Killaboi, To Face Charges ‎

Published

36 minutes ago

April 19, 2025

The Pledge

‎The Nigeria Police Force said it has completed the extradition of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, widely known as “Killaboi,” from Doha, Qatar, to Nigeria.

Killaboi, who had been on the run for the murder of Augusta Onuwabhagbe, was returned to the country in the early hours of today, Saturday, through the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Abuja and the Qatari Judicial Authorities.

‎The extradition followed a petition from the family of the deceased, submitted through their legal representatives, dated 29th September 2024.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, said the matter was assigned to INTERPOL NCB Abuja, after which investigations revealed that the suspect murdered Onuwabhagbe, a 21-year-old first-class student of Lead City University, Ibadan, in his residence located at No. 24a Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos, on 13th July 2023. After committing the crime, he fled Nigeria and later released an online video purporting to confess to the act, a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts.

‎Following his declaration as wanted by the NPF Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on 13th October 2023, an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his global apprehension.

The statement said “He was initially arrested in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 20th October 2023 under the false identity ‘KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,” but escaped custody during a prison break on 26th November 2023 in Freetown.

“Further intelligence gathering revealed that the suspect continued to evade law enforcement, traversing multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, under forged identities before eventually relocating to Doha, Qatar on 24th January, 2025. Operating under the alias “TOURE ABDOULAYE” with a fraudulent Guinean passport, he secured illegal employment and concealed his identity.

“Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025. An official extradition request, processed via the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, was subsequently approved by the Qatari judicial authorities, resulting in his repatriation to Nigeria.”

‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while recognising the strength in the synergy amongst nations to curb trans-border crimes, commended the diligence of INTERPOL NCB Abuja.

He extended appreciation to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Government of Qatar, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their invaluable collaboration in securing the fugitive’s return.

‎The Inspector-General of Police further assured the general public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that the suspect faces diligent prosecution, as part of the NPF’s dedication to justice and the safety of all Nigerians.

For more Nigerian Breaking News in Entertainment, Politics, Sports and Crime, please visit our website.

Headline

Easter, period of sacrifice, renewal for Nigerians , says Power Minister

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2025

The Pledge

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabuhas extended warm felicitations to all global Christian community, especially Nigerians and by extension the people of Oyo State as the Christian community celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He said the season reminds,“us of the enduring virtues of sacrifice, love, and renewal—values that align with our collective efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria” .

A statement by BolajiTunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister quoted Adelabuon his avowed commitment to Power Sector Stability.

“The Federal Ministry of Power remains steadfast in addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s energy sector. We acknowledge the economic hardships faced by many, and reaffirm our commitment to stabilizing the grid, expanding access, and fostering investor confidence. Recent reforms, such as the ongoing upgrade of transmission infrastructure and partnershipswith renewable energy developers, are pivotal to achieving sustainable solutions”.

The Minister described Easter as a period of unity and compassion and called on Nigerians to continue to support government policies and initiatives by reporting illegal activities such as energy theft and infrastructure tampering. “Let us also embrace energy-efficient practices to reduce strain on the grid.

As emphasized by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, collective resilience and patriotism are vital to overcoming national challenges .

Adelabuended the messages with a prayer for peace and prosperity. “May the spirit of Easter inspire hope and solidarity. I pray for a Nigeria where every home enjoys uninterrupted power, and every citizen thrives in an environment of peace and progress. Together, we shall triumph over obstacles and illuminate our nation’s future”.