Headline

‘Little Setback,’ PDP To Appeal Court Verdict On Edo Gov Primary

Published

10 months ago

July 6, 2024

National Campaign Council for the Edo State Election meets in Abuja on July 6 ahead of the September 21 governorship poll in Edo State.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will appeal the court’s verdict invalidating the party’s primary election in Edo State.

On Thursday, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja voided the February 22 primary that produced Asue Ighodalo as its candidate.

According to the court, the exercise was voided on the ground that 378 delegates who were supposed to vote at the primary election were unlawfully excluded by PDP.

But the party, through its National Campaign Council for the Edo State Election, described the court verdict as a little setback.

Chairman of the council and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, reacted to the court verdict on Saturday at an inaugural meeting with the PDP National Executive Committee, which was held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He urged council members to be steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP is in the race to win following what he described as the sterling performance of the outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

“There is a little setback, temporarily. God will see us through it. This is what will not stand in the court of law, particularly that we will be approaching the court of appeal,” Fintiri said.

“Referring to the three days, I mean, three days ago’s court judgment, anybody who peruses and looks through the entire process, you know that is a child’s play. And that shouldn’t deter us.”

He said the party is solidly behind its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to ensure he wins the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

For the PDP National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, the position of the party on the judgement does not in any way invalidate the candidacy of its party.

He also noted that the PDP has eight cases following the Edo State PDP primaries, and Friday’s ruling was the seventh, and he’s hopeful that the appeal court will set the records straight.

On his part, Ighodalo acknowledged that the forthcoming election isn’t going to be an easy one, as there will be many distractions.

He, however, expressed hope that PDP will be victorious, as he and his running mate are ready to give everything they have for the election

“I know it’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be very difficult. We’ve already seen the signs that this is going to be a difficult election, not only issues but on distractions.

“Sometimes distractions are more difficult to deal with than issues. But I know that we have leaders here who are more than capable to set the ball rolling and to lift us higher than some others. So I’m truly grateful.

“Mr Chairman, Sir, you’ve already said everything that needs to be said. Every man and woman in this room has the full commitment to do the necessary work to take us through this hurdle.

“They are all extremely successful people in their own right. They will not commit themselves to this task if they are not fully committed to everything to assure our victory,” Ighodalo said.

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Headline

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

Published

58 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…

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Entertainment

Murder: Police Complete Extradition Of Killaboi, To Face Charges ‎

Published

1 hour 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”.