Okpebholo Archives - Citybuzz News

Don’t Visit Edo Without Security Clearance – Okpebholo Warns Peter Obi

July 18, 2025 by admin

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has warned that the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, must get security clearance before coming to the state. Obi had visited Benin, the state capital, on July 7 and donated N15m million to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of projects in the school. The governor, who spoke on Friday while receiving Marcus Onobun, the last remaining opposition federal lawmaker in the state, into the All Progressives Congress, condemned Obi’s visit to the state. He asserted that his visit coincided with the resurgence of violence in the state. “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance. “His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state and this will not be tolerated,” the governor stated. Speaking at the event, the governor described Onobun’s move to APC as the final nail in the coffin of the PDP in Edo State. He said that the APC is now firmly in control of Edo State, declaring that all traces of the opposition would be completely erased by the 2027 general elections. He added, “We are not lobbying anyone to join APC; they are coming because they see the results of our governance. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu. “Last week, we finally buried the PDP in Edo State. I saw someone crying at Ring Road, talking about having 65 per cent. That is what we call social media winning. When I said I would become the Governor, I meant it. Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site, and they can see it,” he said. The governor further accused key opposition figures of deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement, claiming some of them were responsible for derailed national infrastructure projects and national insecurity. He said, “Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and even ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers. These same people now want to form new parties. Today, SDP, tomorrow ADC, next ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants,” Okpebholo declared. Acting Deputy State Chairman of APC, Sylvester Aigboboh, said the defection is a major boost for the party, as it prepares for a major senatorial rerun election coming up next month. He said the remnants in the PDP are expected to join the ruling APC in the coming months, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. In his remarks, Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, said that his defection was both ideological and strategic. “I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot be in the opposition. I have seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing; Edo people have seen it. I am back home to support him so that our people can get more,” he said. Onobun was accompanied into the APC by a host of former APC members who had earlier defected with him to the PDP. Their return, observers say, is a major consolidation of political strength ahead of future electoral contests in the State. Punch

Akpabio Congratulates Okpebholo On Supreme Court Victory

July 11, 2025 by admin

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his confirmation as the duly elected candidate in the September 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo. Akpabio, in a congratulatory message personally signed by him on Friday in Abuja, described the Supreme Court verdict as the triumph of democracy and the will of the people. Akpabio said, “What the apex court in the land has done is to affirm the will and wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State. It shows that the election was transparent, free and fair. “The declaration by the Supreme Court in favour of Sen. Okpebholo against Mr Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party has proven that elections are won at the ballot and by people who have identified with the grassroots.” The Senate President added that the ruling confirmed Okpebholo’s grassroots popularity and the growing acceptance of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State. He added, “This milestone affirms Okpebholo’s mandate and paves the way for him to continue delivering exceptional service to the good people of Edo. “He has done well in the past seven months, and I believe he will do excellently well in his four-year tenure. “My distinguished brother, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, on behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations to you and the wonderful people of Edo on this landmark victory at the Supreme Court.” He assured the governor of the Senate’s support and collaboration in promoting the state’s development. “Congratulations once again, Gov Okpebholo. I look forward to a robust working relationship with you,” the Senate President said. NAN reports that in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, the apex court dismissed as lacking in merit an appeal the candidate of Ighodalo filed to nullify the outcome of the governorship election. The apex court held that it found no reason to set aside the concurrent judgments of both the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which returned Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest. It held that the Appellant failed to adduce credible and admissible evidence to substantiate his claim that the election was marred by irregularities that included over-voting and substantial non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act. Likewise, it held that the Appellant failed to call relevant witnesses to demonstrate some of the evidence he tendered in support of his case, especially the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines. It held that some of the proof of evidence, which were tendered from the Bar, were merely dumped on the tribunal without establishing alleged non-compliance in 432 out of a total of 4,519 polling units in the state. NAN

BREAKING: Edo Tribunal Dismisses Action Alliance’s Petition Against Okpebholo, APC.

April 2, 2025 by admin

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance and Adekunle Omoaje against the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission. In its judgment on Wednesday, the three-member tribunal struck out the petition, describing it as lacking merit and frivolous. AA and Omoaje had challenged Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, alleging corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. They argued that the APC candidate did not secure the majority of lawful votes and that INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo as governor was illegal and unconstitutional. The petitioners also claimed that AA was denied the opportunity to field a governorship candidate, as the nomination form had not been signed by the party’s National Chairman. INEC had declared Okpebholo winner with 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who polled 247,655 votes. In its judgment, the tribunal ruled that Omoaje lacked the legal standing to challenge the election since he did not participate in the poll. It also held that his claims, which stemmed from his non-recognition as AA’s National Chairman by INEC, had no basis under the Electoral Act 2022. Consequently, the tribunal dismissed the petition in its entirety. Punch

Okpebholo Meets Senate Deputy President Over Edo Travellers Killing

March 31, 2025 by admin

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, over the killings of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The governor was at the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate in Abuja on Monday. A mob had intercepted the travellers who were on their way to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle and gruesomely murdered them on Thursday. The victims are hunters from Kano State. This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Monday. “The governor extended his condolences to the Deputy President of the Senate, who is from Kano State, pledging that the state government will assist the families of the victims. According to the statement, the Edo State governor disclosed that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings of the travellers are going to be taken to Abuja for further interrogation. While assuring that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, he described the killings of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable. “It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy. The president is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects. “So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” the governor was quoted as saying. Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others. “We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected. ” I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts. “If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again. “I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good. Please continue what you are doing. Mr President also told us that you are doing very well in this direction, and we have seen it because, as I said, we have spoken several times on this matter in the last 72 hours,” he said. Punch

Okpebholo Takes Over In Edo, Oshiomhole’s Son Makes Cabinet

November 13, 2024 by admin

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo and the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, were sworn in on Tuesday in Benin City. Following his victory in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former Governor Godwin Obaseki. Amid heavy crowd and security presence, Okpebholo, accompanied by his two daughters, took the oath of office and allegiance at 1:00 pm administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. Earlier, Idahosa, accompanied by his wife, mounted the podium to take the oath as the deputy governor of the state. The governor later went ahead to inspect the guard of honour as well as a parade by the officers and men of the Nigeria Police. Supporters of the party at the stadium cheered all through the oath-taking exercise meant to usher in the new administration in the state. Speaking after his swearing-in, Okpebholo unveiled a five-point agenda for the development of the state. In his inaugural speech, he pledged to prioritise security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education. The governor declared war on criminals, saying the era of incessant kidnapping and other violent crimes was over. “Our citizens are a top priority for us. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to grow robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people. “We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa,” Okpebholo said. Bemoaning incessant cases of kidnapping and other crimes, the governor said his administration would be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of the state. “For a long time now, our people have become victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes. “To end this ugly situation, we will be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land, so that farming and other business activities will flourish again. “The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another. “Our policy to develop road infrastructure is targeted at constructing roads, drainages, and bridges to ease transportation for all. “We shall immediately commence work to make the roads passable again. “We are also ready to partner with the Federal Government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, those in the diaspora, and other stakeholders, to develop our state across all sectors,” he said. The governor promised that the new administration would support small businesses and market women with soft loans. “Our teeming youthful population will not be left out. We shall support them in acquiring relevant skills for self-empowerment. “My administration shall immediately swing into action to recruit teachers and rebuild the deplorable classrooms. “Tertiary education will be strengthened in many ways, too, to ensure quality education,” Okpebholo added. He added, “Fellow citizens, my administration is ready to link communities that have not yet been connected to the national grid to ensure that they have electricity. “Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play their role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage. “It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, which were looted by British colonial forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897,” he said. He promised to work closely with other arms of government to strengthen democracy and good governance in the state. The governor also announced a panel of inquiry into the remote cause of the failure to inaugurate 14 members-elect of the House of Assembly in 2019. Okpebholo names new appointees The governor appointed Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, son of the former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner for Health-designate. In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Tuesday, the governor also appointed Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to State Government and a former member of the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice-designate. Cyril’s academic journey began at St. Anne’s Primary School, followed by Command Secondary School. He later pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery. He enrolled at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, where he obtained a Master of Science in Public Health, majoring in Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management. His academic pursuits continued at Harvard University, Boston, where he underwent postgraduate training in Clinical Research and at Queen Mary University, London, where he studied Gastroenterology. Ikhilor was born on the 6th of August 1980 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LL.B in 2008 (Second class Upper Division). In 2009, he obtained a B.L. (Second Class Upper Division) at the Nigerian Law School and was enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In 2017, Ikhilor proceeded to acquire his Masters degree in Telecommunications Law (LL.M) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He has over 11 years of experience in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, lawmaking procedures and processes, constitutional drafting and amendment, and general legislative governance issues working in various capacities at the National Assembly. In 2019, he was appointed a Consultant to the House of Representatives on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he had been closely analysing and reviewing matters on gender equity, human rights, strengthening institutions of government and creating efficient and transparent processes and systems to deliver good governance. Also in 2019, he was appointed as Senior Special Assistant and later Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives who also doubled as the first Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. In May 2022, he was assigned to act as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker of the House of … Read more

Just In: Okpebholo, Idahosa Take Oath Of Office As Edo Gov, Deputy

November 12, 2024 by admin

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa have been sworn in on Tuesday. The Chief Justice of the state, Daniel Okungbowa, administered the oath to the number one and two citizens of the state at the stadium at Samuel Ogbemudia, Stadium. They both swore to uphold the constitution and work within its dictate as well as see to the well-being of the people of the state. Supporters of the party at the stadium cheered all through the oath-taking processes meant to usher in a new administration in the state. Details later…

Don’t Visit Edo Without Security Clearance – Okpebholo Warns Peter Obi

Akpabio Congratulates Okpebholo On Supreme Court Victory

BREAKING: Edo Tribunal Dismisses Action Alliance’s Petition Against Okpebholo, APC.

Okpebholo Meets Senate Deputy President Over Edo Travellers Killing

Okpebholo Takes Over In Edo, Oshiomhole’s Son Makes Cabinet

Just In: Okpebholo, Idahosa Take Oath Of Office As Edo Gov, Deputy

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