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Tag: Okpebholo

  • Okpebholo rescues trafficked Edo girl from Burkina Faso

    Okpebholo rescues trafficked Edo girl from Burkina Faso

    A 20-year old girl, Iwinosa Okunrobo, who pleaded in a tik tok video to be rescued from Burkina Faso has been returned home to her parents.

    Okunrobo was trafficked to Burkina Faso when she was 15 years after she was lured with a promise to be taken to the United Arab Emirates.

    She was rescued by Governor Monday Okpebholo who sent the Director General of the Edo Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, to Burkina Fasob to ensure her safe return.

    Governor Okpebholo, who received Okunrobo in Benin City, vowed to ensure punishment for human traffickers.

    Okpebholo, who was represented by the Edo Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, said his administration would not relent from paying attention to the welfare and security of Edo citizens whereever they were across the globe.

    Governor Okpebholo reminded traffickers that their properties could be seized or forfeited under certain circumstances if found guilty.

    He vowed to strictly enforce the laws against human trafficking with courage for the sole purpose of protecting vulnerable children and saving a number of families from the agony of loss of their loved ones.

    The Edo Governor said the office of the First Lady and the Edo Migration Agency would re-integrate Okunrobo into the society as mandated by EDMA Law.

    “Our young daughter, Okunrobo Iwinosa now represents the very many young people who have been unfortunate to be trafficked overseas with the promise of a better life in Europe. 

    “His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpeholo is committed to pursuing vigorously the implementation of the extant law; Edo state Trafficking in Persons Law 2018 and to enforce it penal provisions of the law. This law is designed to protect vulnerable women and children who have been most affected by the ugly incidence of human trafficking and illegal migration”. 

    Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Edesili Okpebholo Anani, said she would work hard to ensure the state broke the chain of human trafficking.

    Read Also: Cultism: Ijaw youths to accept Okpebholo’s amnesty

    Anani said the necessary care and support would be provided for the victim.

    “We are going to bring all our girls back. Human traffickers will not go free. Once you break tbe law, you will face the music. The rate of rape cases is alarming. What is more alarming is fathers sleeping with daughters. My office is handling many cases of rape.

    “We will go to our schools and preach the message. We have a case of two sisters whose father are sleeping with them. These are the ills we must stopped. Our temple should not be violated. We will sensitise our state and our environment.”

    Mother of the victim, Mrs Imuetiyan Osabuoyen, said she thought her daughter had died.

    Mrs. Osabuoyen said she never knew when her daughter left the country five years ago and lost contact with her.

  • Cultism: Ijaw youths to accept Okpebholo’s amnesty

    Cultism: Ijaw youths to accept Okpebholo’s amnesty

    Some Ijaw youths led by Lawrence Yanbor have said they would drop their arms and accept the amnesty proposal by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Okpebholo had promised to buy guns and ammunition of repentant cultists that accepted amnesty.

    The Ijaw youths, however, said they were not cultists but agitators.

    Yanbor, in a statement, issued in Benin City, said they hail from Okomu Ijaw community in Ovia South West local government area.

    He said:  “I want to use this medium to wholeheartedly inform the governor and the world to know that I and my boys are not cultists and we are not kidnappers but we are agitators fighting for development and emancipation of our people, we decided to accept and follow the process of Mr Governor because I saw a very high level of wisdom, development and understanding on the side of the governor that inspired me and my boys to accept and work with the governor.

    Read Also: FG threatens to prosecute parents, guardian aiding exam malpractices

    The previous government stated the process for us to accept amnesty but because the Obaseki led government was not sincere as  we backed out.

    “We did not in anyway see any level of sincerity in him, we decided to pull out. We are accepting Governor Monday Okpebholo’s offer and we want to appeal to the governor on the following that:

    “We are ready to work with him in synergy with all the security agencies to see that there is no hideout for criminals in Edo state.

    “Okomu oil palm company should be called to order on its inhuman treatment to our people.

    “Udo, Inikorogha through to Okomu Ijaw Community Road should be tarred.

    “We should be put along into the federal government Amnesty programme, trained and be reintegrated back into the society.”

  • Benin Crown Prince backs Okpebholo’s anti-cultism campaign

    Benin Crown Prince backs Okpebholo’s anti-cultism campaign

    Crown Prince of the Benin Kingdom, HRH Ezelekhae Ewuare II, has expressed support for the anti-cultism campaign of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    The Benin Crown Prince, however, cautioned men of the Edo State Police Command against alleged harassment of young men while fishing out suspected kidnappers.

    HRH Ewuare II said the operational style adopted by the police to fish out cultists made young people run away from the state.

    He added that the exodus of young men from the state was not good for the people and productivity in the state.

    In a statement signed on his behalf by his spokesman, Cosmos Oviasuyi, Prince Ewuare II said, “This is a clarion call to all Benin sons and daughters to shun cultism, which has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society and threatens to uproot the foundation of our kingdom.

    “Benin Kingdom and its people have a very rich history of brotherliness and hospitality, its reputation in these remains unequalled over the years and centuries.

    “It is disheartening that in recent times, this age-long reputation is under threat as a result of cult related activities and clashes, which have led to loss of valuable lives with the senseless killing of vibrant young boys and destruction of properties.

    “Many young women have become widows as a result of the killing of their husbands, and many young children have become orphans as a result of the killing of their fathers.

    “On this note, I call on all and sundry to support the efforts of the current state government to check the menace of cultism in our dear state, because no meaningful development can take place in a place where there is no peace.

    Read Also: Benin Crown Prince chooses royal name today

    “However, there have been complaints from our people on the activities of policemen in the course of implementing the government’s position on the issue of cultism.

    “The alleged harassment by men of the police force against our innocent young ones is becoming a counterproductive strategy adopted by the police.

    “Even though we are against the activities of cultism and cultists, making them run away from their homeland because of fear of harassment is disagreeable.”

  • Okpebholo distributes 17 New SUVs to Edo LG chairmen

    Okpebholo distributes 17 New SUVs to Edo LG chairmen

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo has presented 17 brand-new 2025 model SUVs to local government chairmen to enhance grassroots service delivery statewide.

    Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said Okpebholo was joined by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa and other top officials at the event on Saturday in Benin.

    Okpebholo emphasised that his administration would not interfere with local government funds, adding that he allowed councils to drive development at the grassroots without constraints.

    He criticised the previous administration for sidelining local governments, adding that his government recognised and empowered council chairmen with tools like the new SUVs to enable function better.

    Okpebholo expressed gratitude to God for enabling chairmen to now enjoy brand new vehicles, describing it as a sign of progress in Edo.

    He said the new development was unfolded under President Bola Tinubu, stressing that Edo would soon rival cities like Lagos and Abuja in terms of growth.

    The governor warned that the SUVs were not for personal use but strictly for public service.

    He vowed to monitor their use across the local governments.

    Read Also: Okpebholo, Idahosa, APC leaders celebrate Appeal Court victory

    He added that council funds were untouched by the state, adding that performance would be measured based on visible outcomes aligned with financial allocations.

    The Commissioner for Local Government, Lucky Eseigbe, praised Okpebholo for upholding local government autonomy and ensuring accountability and transparency in council operations.

    Eseigbe noted the positive impact of the autonomy, highlighting new infrastructure like newclassrooms, roads, and healthcare centres across the 18 local government areas.

    According to him, this is the first time in Edo’s history that brand new SUVs 2025 model were purchased for all local government chairmen.

    (NAN)

  • Okpebholo, Idahosa, APC leaders celebrate Appeal Court victory

    Okpebholo, Idahosa, APC leaders celebrate Appeal Court victory

    • As party tells Ighodalo to sheathe sword

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has said the regular defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given the people continuous cause for celebration.

    The State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, party leaders, youths, market women and other party stalwarts, joined the Governor on a motorcade around Benin City to celebrate the Appeal Court judgment which gave victory to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to the Governor, God will continue to give Edo people victory as He is in charge of affairs of the State.

    “The PDP is making us celebrate in the State. We have defeated them in the governorship election, Tribunal and now at the Appeal Court. We will still defeat them at the Supreme Court. We will continue to defeat them,” he said.

    The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his interest in the State, noting that Edo is enjoying development and growth.

    According to him, “2027 is a done deal in Edo and Edo people will surely cast their votes for the President come 2027 and nobody can stop Edo people’s voice, not even the PDP.

    Read Also: INEC fixes June 20, Aug. 8 for 2026 Ekiti, Osun guber polls

    “All the money they have stolen in Edo State was taken to court to buy judges and judgment but they failed as judges refused to be bought and they ensured they did the right thing.

    “Those who wanted to steal the people’s mandate are crying that their mandate has been stolen. They are following their masters like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi who are leading them to form a coalition which will not stand.

    “The time of PDP is over in Edo State, and under my watch, Edo people will continue to enjoy practical governance and development.

    “The State is experiencing development and growth. The first flyover is under construction at Ikpoba-Hill in Ikpoba-Okah Local Government Area. The second and third are under way,” he added.

    In a related development, the ruling APC has advised the Democratic Party (PDP) Edo State governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to sheathe his sword and join hands with Governor Okpebholo to move the state forward.

    This advice came on the heels of Okpebholo’s Thursday victory at the Appeal Court.

    The PDP flag bearer lost the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election to the APC standard bearer.

    The three-man panel of the Appeal Court on Thursday upheld the judgement of the Edo State Governorship Tribunal that earlier affirmed Okpebholo’s victory in the governorship election.

    APC National Publicity Secretary, Bar. Felix Morka in a statement yesterday said: “We are confident that this victory will serve as a fillip for the governor, whose transformational leadership is resonating across the state, to double down on delivering the dividends of democracy to Edo people.

    “We urge the PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to sheath his sword, and join the governor in his unyielding efforts to bring meaningful development to the state, for the good of all.”

  • Ighodalo heads for Supreme Court as Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo’s election

    Ighodalo heads for Supreme Court as Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo’s election

    • Governor: accept appellate court’s judgment

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the election of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the governor of Edo State and winner of the election held on September 21, 2024.

    But Ighodalo has rejected the verdict, saying he’s heading for the Supreme Court.

    In a judgment yesterday, a three-member panel of the appellate court unanimously held that the appeal by Asue Ighodalo, who was the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election and his party was unmeritorious.

    Ighodalo and the PDP have vowed to challenge yesterday’s decision of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court.

    A chieftain of the PDP, who was in court, said the appellants’ legal team had been instructed to file an appeal before the apex court.

    Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the appellants failed to show that the election tribunal erred in its decision and proceeded to affirm the judgment of the tribunal delivered on April 2.

    Justice Adegbehingbe also held that the tribunal was right to have held that the petitioners (appellants) did not prove their allegations of non-compliance and over voting.

    The judge equally held that the evidence of 19 witnesses, called by the appellants at the tribunal, were insufficient to prove the allegations, adding that they failed to call relevant witnesses from the polling units complained about.

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    “The case of the petitioners (appellants) was inadequately presented by calling only 19 witnesses, most of whom did not witness what happened at the polling units,” he said.

    Justice Adegbehingbe noted that 14 of the 19 witnesses called by the respondents at the tribunal, gave evidence about what they did not witness, having not been present at the polling units when the election was held.

    He said it was impossible for the appellants to prove over voting when they failed to tender voters register.

    In partly allowing the cross appeal filed by Okpebholo, Justice Adegbehingbe set aside the decision by the tribunal, admitting the 133 Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines tendered by the appellants in their bid to prove over voting.

    The judge said the BVAS machines were wrongly admitted, having been tendered from the bar by the appellants’ legal team.

    He further held that the tribunal was in grave error when it admitted the BVAS machines that were tendered from the bar in the absence of a prior consent of parties.

    Justice Adegbehingbe said: “The condition precedent to the admission of exhibits from the bar, which is concession, was absent.

    The 133 BVAS machines were wrongly admitted in the manner adopted by the tribunal.”

    The judge added that the admission of the BVAS machines was a miscarriage of justice. He proceeded to set it aside and expunged the BVAS from the record of the tribunal.

    Justice Adegbehingbe also struck out some parts of the petition filed before the tribunal by Ighodalo and the PDP for being defective.

    • Wike lauds verdict

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on the defeated governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to accept yesterday’s judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which affirmed his victory.

    Okpebholo, through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said: “The judgment, being a confirmation of the people’s will, should serve as a signal for political actors, especially  Ighodalo, who has since been abandoned by his political godfather, Godwin Obaseki, to set aside partisan differences and join hands with the administration to build a more prosperous Edo State.

    “Governor Okpebholo hails the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice, and for once again demonstrating its role as the last hope of the common man. This judgment is not just a victory for our party, the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), but also a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in Edo State.”

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike yesterday congratulated Governor Okpebholo on the Appeal Court judgment.

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike urged the governor to “remain focused and committed to good governance and provision of democracy dividends to the people.”

    The minister described the Appeal Court judgment as a further confirmation of the mandate freely and genuinely given to Okpebholo by the people of Edo State.

  • Wike applauds Okpebholo’s Appeal Court victory

    Wike applauds Okpebholo’s Appeal Court victory

    …urges more commitment to serving Edo people

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, congratulated the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, on the Appeal Court judgment, affirming his election in the September 2024 governorship poll.

    According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike urged the governor to “remain focused and committed to good governance and provision of democracy dividends to the people.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo’s election as Edo governor

    The minister described the Appeal Court judgment as a further confirmation of the mandate freely and genuinely given to Okpebholo by the people of Edo State.

    He reiterated his confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s ability to continue to provide good governance, saying, “I have watched him since he assumed office and I can say that he has been doing well for Edo State and its people.

    “For me, I believe in him, and I am confident that his government will have a sustainable impact on Edo State”.

    While urging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asuerime Ighodalo, to accept the Appeal Court judgment, the FCT Minister said he (Ighodalo) should, in the collective interest of Edo State, accept the judgment and allow the “sleeping dogs of the election to lie.”

  • Tinubu deserves second term in office, says Okpebholo

    Tinubu deserves second term in office, says Okpebholo

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, praised President Bola Tinubu’s impressive two years in office, stating that one good term deserves another.

    Okpebholo, through his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, also lauded President Tinubu’s transformative leadership.

    He said, “President Tinubu’s first two years have laid a formidable foundation for national renewal and sustainable progress.

    “His Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan, it is a demonstrable commitment to rebuilding our economy, securing our nation, and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.

    “The strategic reforms, infrastructure drives, and the renewed focus on critical sectors like agriculture and education are clear indicators of a leader determined to deliver on his promises.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo’s election as Edo governor

    Edo governor also highlighted the impact of the federal government’s policies, noting the synergistic relationship between the federal and state levels of governance, which he noted had accelerated development across the state (Edo).

    He said, “We have witnessed President Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to the collective prosperity of Nigeria. His decisive actions and visionary policies have begun to yield tangible results, bringing hope and stability to our people.

    “Edo State, under Governor Okpebholo, remains a steadfast partner in the national development efforts spearheaded by President Tinubu.

    “The collaborative spirit between the Presidency and the states is crucial for unlocking our nation’s full potential, and we are proud to be a part of this progressive journey.”

    Okpebholo also expressed his profound appreciation for President Tinubu’s steadfastness and courage in implementing necessary reforms, even in the face of global economic uncertainties.

    He said, “It is evident that President Tinubu possesses the clarity of vision, the political will, and the patriotic zeal required to steer Nigeria to its rightful place among the comity of nations.

    “His President Tinubu’s) achievements in these two short years speak volumes, and indeed, one good term deserves another.

    Edo governor also wished President Tinubu continued strength, wisdom, and divine guidance, as he continued to lead Nigeria towards greater heights of peace, unity, and prosperity.

  • Okpebholo urges Ighodalo to accept Appeal Court verdict, join hands for Edo’s progress

    Okpebholo urges Ighodalo to accept Appeal Court verdict, join hands for Edo’s progress

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to accept the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which affirmed his victory in the forthcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election.

    The appellate court upheld the earlier decision of the election petitions tribunal, validating Okpebholo’s mandate as the duly elected candidate by the people of Edo State.

    Despite the ruling, Ighodalo has vowed to continue his legal battle by taking the case to the Supreme Court, insisting on reclaiming what he described as his stolen mandate.

    In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo said, “The judgment, being a confirmation of the people’s will, should serve as a clear signal for all political actors, especially Asue Ighodalo, who has since been abandoned by his political godfather, Godwin Obaseki, to set aside partisan differences and join hands with the administration to build a more prosperous Edo State.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo’s election as Edo governor

    The governor commended the judiciary for its diligence, stating that the verdict reaffirms the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man. He described the ruling as a victory not only for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but for democracy and the rule of law in Edo State.

    Governor Okpebholo further urged the opposition and Ighodalo to reflect on the implications of the prolonged litigation, warning that it could distract from the pressing task of governance and delivering democratic dividends to the people of Edo.

    Itua said, “His Excellency, Governor Okpebholo, has consistently extended an olive branch to all, irrespective of political leanings, emphasising that the development of our dear state remains paramount. He reiterates this call.

    “Now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. The legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear.”

    Okpebholo also assured the residents of Edo state that he remained fully committed to his “People First” agenda, which is focused on accelerated development across all sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

    He urged all well-meaning Edo residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.

    Edo governor also assured of his being re-energised by the affirmation of his mandate by the appellate court, and he would continue to work tirelessly to serve the best interests of every resident of the state.

  • Okpebholo considers amnesty for cultists, illegal-arms possessors

    Okpebholo considers amnesty for cultists, illegal-arms possessors

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has opted for amnesty for cultists and illegal-arms possessors.

    Okpebholo, yesterday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, made the disclosure while meeting with the leaders of Obagie, Oke-Oroma and Amagba communities over land and insecurity concerns in Benin.

    Restating his administration’s resolve to develop the proposed new city around the communities, he said a technical committee would soon be set up to handle the restitution of cult members and criminally-minded youths, in a bid to reduce the menace of crime, including kidnapping.

    The governor noted that a major component of the proposed amnesty programme would include skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for the affected youths, in order to make them useful to themselves and the society.

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    He assured the visiting leaders of his support to bring about peace in their communities, especially as Edo government would be embarking on the development of the new city in their domain.

    Okpebholo said peace would be restored to all restive communities in Edo, including Obagie, Oke-oroma and Amagba.

    He said his administration was ready to listen to the victims of demolition by the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki, asking them to see members of the committee on land resolution with their papers.