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Peace Accord Fallout May Affect Edo Voters’ Turnout – Itodo

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The Executive Director of pro-democracy group, Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, says Thursday’s Peace Accord fallout may impair voters’ turnout in the September 21, 2024 governorship poll in Edo State.

“What has happened today will further escalate the tension,” Itodo said on Thursday.

“When you have this crisis of confidence, you just give voters so much fear that their votes will not count next week.”

“There is a crisis of confidence in Edo State as it stands,” the YIAGA boss said. “The stage has been set for all forms of post-election disputes.”

He said the peace committee should lower the temperature of tension in the state and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun should call the stakeholders to a meeting and address their concerns.

Though 17 political parties fielding candidates in the poll like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), among others, signed the General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led peace pact in Benin City, the state capital, on Thursday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shunned the pre-election ritual.

General Abubakar, former Head of State, said PDP chieftain and outgoing governor Godwin Obaseki said the party won’t sign the peace pact over some allegations levelled against the police.

PDP Chairman in the state, Tony Aziegbemi, also stormed out of the peace pact venue in protest on Thursday. He told journalists on his way out that a member of his party who doubles as Esan West Local Government Area Chairman, Collins Aigbogu, was picked up by the police days ago and had not been released.

“Gentlemen of the press, if it were you as a political party, would you in good conscience sign that Peace Accord? That will be very dishonest,” a furious Aziegbemi said.

Commenting on the dramatic episode in Edo, Itodo said “this is the first time that a political party won’t sign a peace accord” in about a decade.

He urged the PDP and its candidate to sign the accord to de-escalate tension in the state.

According to Itodo, there are fears about the election as politicians are preparing for a showdown.

He warned that if the environment is not safe, voters won’t come out to vote on D-day.

Itodo appealed to security agents and the electoral umpire to conduct themselves in an impartial and unbiased manner.

Itodo said, “I want to call on the IG and the police to invite the stakeholders to a meeting giving the sensitivity of this particular issue and address some of the concerns that they have raised but to also call on the actors on the other side that they need to sheathe their swords, and come to the dialogue table.

“If their (politicians’) concerns are addressed, they should go back to their supporters not to embrace violence.”

He said a lot can be done before the election to boost the confidence of voters.

The forthcoming governorship election in the state has top contenders including PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, LP’s Olumide Akpata, and APC’s Monday Okpebholo.

Ighodalo, former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), secured the endorsement of the incumbent governor, who shunned his deputy and party man, Philip Shaibu. Shaibu and former governor Adams Oshiomhole have pledged their support for Okpebholo.

Over 2.6 million registered voters are to decide the next governor of the South-South state.

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Politics

We’re working on new 2025 budget for Rivers – Sole Administrator Ibas

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April 3, 2025

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The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced that a 2025 budget is being prepared to enhance healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Speaking on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, while receiving a delegation of the Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, Ibas stated that the anticipated budget would also focus on creating more employment opportunities for the people of Rivers State and advancing technological development in critical areas of public life.

The delegation was led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District.

Other members included Senator Allwell Onyesoh and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The rest are honourables Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Godwin Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu, and Victor Obuzor.

The sole administrator emphasised that since assuming office, he has remained committed to restoring law and order in Rivers State, with the support of security agencies.

Ibas reiterated his administration’s commitment to making Rivers State a model of peace among states, with a stable economy and an environment where citizens can pursue their livelihoods without fear or intimidation.

He highlighted the importance of the lawmakers’ support as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly, calling for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing to bring his administration’s initiatives to fruition.

He said: “Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.

“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and, most importantly, expedited.

“Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.

“The budget, which is being finalised, focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.

“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that it is implemented without delay.”

According to Ibas, the people of Rivers State have demonstrated resilience in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and uphold the rule of law.

He assured that his administration remains committed to achieving lasting peace in the state.

In his remarks, Senator Mpigi assured that members of the National Assembly caucus would support all efforts aimed at bringing development to the state.

Notable National Assembly members absent at the meeting include the immediate past Deputy Governor, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, and Hon. Boma Goodhead.

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I will not only win, I will win with an overwhelming victory because I have been tested and trusted, people have seen my trajectory, they know my past, they know where I am coming from and they know why I am in politics —– Valentine Chinedu Obigbo

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April 3, 2025

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During a meeting with the APC Leaders in Anambra central, the Anambra governor aspirant for APC affirmative stated that he is going to win the Election Anambra state with an overwhelming victory.

He also mentioned that with him, Anambra State must return to its glory as light of the nation, going by his slogan “Ka Anambra Chawapu”.

He promised to make God proud and use Anambra state to set standards as what good governance ought to be when he assumes the position as Governor of Anambra.

 

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Vice President, Kashim Shettima has arrived Dakar, Senegal, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

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April 3, 2025

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This evening, Vice President, Kashim Shettima arrived in Dakar, Senegal, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Upon arrival earlier today, accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oluwole Oke, he inspected a Guard of Honour at the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar.

 

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