General News
GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO PREDICTS APC LANDSLIDE VICTORY IN EDO BY-ELECTIONS AS PDP DEFECTORS SWELL RANKS
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will secure a massive victory in the upcoming by-elections. He made this declaration while receiving a delegation of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Okada, headquarters of Ovia North-East Local Government Area, on Sunday. Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua conveyed this in a statement.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s commitment to Edo State, attributing it to his indigenous roots. “Why are we working for Edo people? We are working for Edo because we are confirmed sons of the soil. We are not foreigners. We were not borrowed from somewhere else,” he stated. He highlighted his Esan heritage, noting, “My mother is an Esan woman. My father is an Esan man. I grew up there. My deputy, the same Edo. So, if we are from here, we must work for our people.”
He contrasted his government’s continuous project execution with the “pattern of the immediate-past government,” which he accused of waiting until election periods to roll out projects. “That is why you see us move from executing one project to another. We do not wait until election period before we roll out projects. We do not believe that we can develop in that manner,” Okpebholo asserted. The Governor also reiterated his confidence in delivering 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating, “I can see it coming to reality today.”
Okpebholo assured residents they would appreciate his administration’s performance within three years, saying, “By the time we are three years old as a Government, I know people will sit down and thank God. You will thank God for giving us the opportunity to serve.” Addressing the by-election directly, he announced, “In the next few days, I will be coming back here for a campaign to let our people know that the choice for Ovia Federal Constituency is the right choice for the people.” He humorously referred to Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa as “Mr. Projects” and introduced the House of Representatives candidate as “madam projects.”
Prominent defectors welcomed into the APC included Hon. Andrew Edobor Uzamere, the sitting member representing Ovia North Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly; Hon. Peter Ekhator, a former council chairman; Hon. Uwaifo; Hon. Christopher Igodalo; and their followers. Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe praised Okpebholo’s performance as the reason for the influx of defectors. Speaking for the decampees, Uzamere and Ekhator expressed happiness and pledged commitment to the APC.
The event was attended by key stakeholders including Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Blessing Agbebaku; other assembly members; Chief of Staff to the Governor Hon. Ganiyu Audu; Senator Mathew Urokhide; and former Deputy Governor Chief Lucky Imasuen. Fred Itua signed the statement detailing the event.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.