News From Edo
Edo PDP Chieftain Alleges Threats to Life, Petitions IGP to Investigate Community Killings
By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
The Director-General of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the recent Edo State governorship election, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over alleged threats to his life by Gaius Emokpae.
Iduoriyekemwen claimed that Emokpae is attempting to frame him in connection with a series of violent attacks in Amagba, a community in Edo State.
The petition, written on Iduoriyekemwen’s behalf by his attorney, Sir Edward Aibangbee, is titled “Serious Threats to Lives and Properties and Attempt to Frame Up False Allegation Against Hon. Matthew A. Iduoriyekemwen.”
It urged the police to investigate Emokpae’s alleged involvement in orchestrating kidnappings, killings, and arson in Amagba.
The document, released to journalists in Abuja, detailed allegations that Emokpae has been recruiting armed thugs to intimidate and harass community members, instigating unrest that was previously absent.
In the petition, Iduoriyekemwen claimed that Emokpae has accused him of leading an aggressive land dispute over a 715,000-hectare tract in Amagba, allegedly referring to him in a message as an “occultic” leader in the conflict.
Iduoriyekemwen asserted that the accusations are baseless and designed to harm his reputation.
“Before the arrival of Mr. Gaius Emokpae, Amagba was peaceful,” the petition stated. “Now, with his involvement, our client is in constant fear for his life and his family’s safety.”
It appealed to the IGP for an immediate investigation, emphasizing that Iduoriyekemwen has no involvement in any criminal activities.
The PDP chieftain expressed the hope that the police will intervene to protect lives and restore peace to the community.
News From Edo
Edo Gov Courts Investors, Pledges Business-Friendly State
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, has pledged to create a business-friendly environment to attract more investors to the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement indicated that during an inspection of a private steel manufacturing company in Ogua Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, on Tuesday, the governor lauded the company’s contributions to job creation and economic growth.
“We appreciate your investment in Edo. Your contributions to employment and the economy are invaluable, and we are committed to ensuring businesses thrive,” Okpebholo said.
He urged the company to promote Edo indigenes to management positions and fulfill their corporate social responsibility to the community.
Frank Wang, Managing Director of the company, representing Chairman Xianghai Zhang, congratulated the governor on his inauguration and pledged to collaborate with his administration to attract more investors.
“We will work with you to create a business-friendly environment and drive economic development,” Wang said.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s focus on partnerships to foster economic growth and sustainable development in Edo State.
News From Edo
Okpebholo Ends Obaseki’s Judicial Bias, Swears in Excluded Judges
In a decisive move to uphold judicial fairness, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State will today, December 2, 2024, swear in three High Court Judges-designate who were excluded by the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The ceremony will take place at 1:00 PM at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Benin City.
The judges—Ojo Maureen Osa, Godwin Jeff Okundamiya, and Edoghogho Eboigbe—were part of eight candidates approved by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in June 2023.
Despite their clearance, they were conspicuously left out during Obaseki’s swearing-in ceremony in May 2024, raising concerns about bias and favoritism in the judicial appointment process.
Governor Okpebholo’s decision to include the excluded judges underscored his administration’s commitment to restoring the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring that political interference does not undermine the rule of law.
Secretary to the State, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Government, praised the Governor’s action, stating, “This move reflects a commitment to justice, fairness, and the strengthening of the judiciary’s independence.”
The swearing-in marks a turning point in Edo’s judicial system, reinforcing the message that judicial appointments must be based on merit, not politics, and signaling a renewed era of transparency and impartiality.
News From Edo
‘I Sought No Prophet or Native Doctor, God Alone Delivered My Victory’
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has made a bold declaration that his victory in the September 21 governorship election was achieved solely through faith in God, without seeking help from native doctors or prophets.
Speaking on Sunday at Winner’s Chapel in Akho, Irrua, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to God for his success.
His Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua in a statement issued on Sunday quoted the Governor to have said,
“No one but God could have accomplished this. This is the first time in Nigeria that someone contested and won without consulting any prophet or native doctor. My faith is in Christ alone,” he said.
The Governor emphasized that his victory was evidence of divine favor. “If God does not will it, then let it not be done. I did not rely on worldly strategies but trusted entirely in God, and He granted me success,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo attributed his confidence to his membership in Winner’s Chapel. “Both my Deputy and I are members of this church. While others leaned on media tactics, I leaned on God, and He delivered,” he revealed.
Pastor Peter Osawe of Winner’s Chapel, who preached on ‘Wisdom Kits for Joy and Rejoicing’, reminded the congregation that God is the ultimate factor in life. “Nothing happens without God’s knowledge. We must always draw strength from Him,” he said.
Later, Governor Okpebholo attended a service at God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry in Illeh, Ekpoma.
Apostle Ehijele Unuayan praised the Governor for his commitment to Edo’s development and for approving automatic employment for First Class graduates of Edo origin.
In his address, the Governor reaffirmed his dedication to the state. “I am here to pray for the strength to move Edo forward, to use our resources wisely, and to ensure justice and fairness for all,” he stated.
Prayers for Continued Success
Both services concluded with prayers for Governor Okpebholo’s success, as he embarks on his mission to lead Edo State with faith and integrity over the next four years.
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