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Ex-EFCC Chairman Bawa Reveals Nigeria’s $450 Million Loss to Fuel Subsidy Fraud

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Ex-EFCC Chairman Bawa Reveals Nigeria’s $450 Million Loss to Fuel Subsidy Fraud

Abdulrasheed Bawa, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has stated that Nigeria lost $450 million due to fraud in the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) between 2006 and 2012.
According to reports, Bawa made the disclosure in his newly released book “The Shadow of Loot & Losses: Uncovering Nigeria’s Petroleum Subsidy Fraud,” which details the deep-rooted corruption that afflicted Nigeria’s petrol subsidy regime.
The former EFCC chairman, who led a special investigation team during his time, revealed that several oil marketers were found guilty and prosecuted.

Bawa estimated that Nigeria has spent about ₦16.5 trillion on petrol subsidies since the return to democracy in 1999.
He stated, “Our investigations revealed that, as admitted by the oil marketing companies involved, fraud related to petroleum subsidies exceeded N68 billion, equating to more than $450 million in direct fraudulent activities.” This fraud affected 59 of the 141 companies that participated in the PSF scheme between 2006 and 2011. Bawa reported uncovering bogus claims of ₦19.6 billion relating to dealers and sellers, which oil marketing companies denied knowing about.

Read Also: NSCDC Alleges Police Support for Illegal Miners, Urges Probe

“Our investigation revealed an attempted fraud of N9.4 billion in which oil marketing companies fabricated documents to match revised dates on mother vessel bills of lading in order to secure larger subsidy payments. However, because to existing difficulties in the execution of the standards, these changed bill of lading dates were eventually not used.

“Interestingly, no infractions were recorded in 2006 or 2007. In 2008, 2009, and 2010, we discovered fraud involving ₦11.5 billion, ₦4.88 billion, and ₦10.3 billion, respectively. In 2011, we found ₦41.7 billion in illegal fuel subsidy activities, making it the top period. Fraudulent schemes totaled over ₦68 billion, with nearly 80% recovered. Unrecovered monies are related with lawsuits that are still pending in court or promoters who have died.

“These direct revenue losses, combined with many other unreported amounts and indirect revenue losses, could have been utilized to fund critical public services, infrastructure development, and social welfare initiatives. Unfortunately, the illegal drain on public funds has compounded the budgetary deficit, forcing budget cuts in important areas like as education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.

“Table 6.1 shows the financial records for subsidy payments under several regimes since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Nigeria has spent ₦16.5 trillion on subsidies over its 25-year democratic governance.

Bawa further stated that a “substantial portion of the expenditure” was related to bogus claims and theft from the public treasury.

NSCDC Alleges Police Support for Illegal Miners, Urges Probe

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NSCDC Alleges Police Support for Illegal Miners, Urges Probe

The Nigeria Police Force has been accused by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) of impeding its efforts to combat illegal mining in Nasarawa State. The NSCDC claims that some officers are aiding suspects and preventing investigations.
Attah John Onoja, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, reportedly made this charge in a petition submitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on June 2, 2025.
Onoja said that officers from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), under the command of CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, have not only shielded criminals from prosecution but have also endangered NSCDC staff members by harassing them, detaining them illegally, and even shooting them.

Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: PDP Urges Tinubu to Act on Key Demands

The Mining Marshals, a specialist task squad under Operation Hayakin Kogo, arrested a number of illicit miners in October 2024, including a man named Ali Tanko and his Chinese colleagues, according to the appeal.
According to him, a petition from Capital Apex Synergy Global Ltd., which has legitimate mining rights in Rafin Gabas, which is situated in the Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, led to these arrests.

According to Onoja, the suspects subsequently faced charges in the Federal High Court in Abuja under two cases: FHC/ABJ/CR/577/2024 and FHC/ABJ/CR/131/2025 after confessing to working without a mining license since 2021.

However, when police officers started to sabotage investigations and dispatch officers to the mining site, the NSCDC says its attempts to prosecute were thwarted.

Four police officers allegedly opened fire on the Mining Marshals on April 3, 2025. He claimed that the cops were disarmed and turned over to the police, along with their firearms.

Onoja claimed that the Inspector General of Police did not look into the shooting, which was similar to another incident in February 2025 when police officers allegedly opened fire on NSCDC employees who were defending another illicit mining operation in Ondo State. The NSCDC described the incident as an attempted murder.

Onoja claims that on April 8, 2025, CSP Abdulmajeed and about 30 police officers returned to the Rafin Gabas site, where they allegedly coerced four NSCDC members into falsely accusing their commander, attacked and detained them, and took away their personal belongings and weapons.

He further accused the Police of falsely accusing the NSCDC of unlawful mining and even homicide without a death certificate or supporting documentation, and of using an ex parte application to obtain a restraining order from the Federal High Court.

The Mining Marshals have filed an application to have the court order overturned, claiming the suppression of facts and a lack of authority, he said, calling it “fraudulently obtained.”
The Senate Committee is urged by the petition to hold a public hearing in order to review the Police’s activities and suggest disciplinary measures, including sanctions against CSP Abdulmajeed.

Furthermore, it asks for legislative protections to prevent any such interruptions to Mining Marshals’ countrywide operations.

The police’s recent actions, including the reported threat from CSP Abdulmajeed to employ the military to attack the secured mining site, constitute a grave abuse of power, Onoja warned, and they may impede legitimate prosecution proceedings.

“A video recording of the threat has been presented to the Senate, along with several annexures detailing communications between the NSCDC, Police, Army, and legal representatives,” he said.

Eid-el-Kabir: PDP Urges Tinubu to Act on Key Demands

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Eid-el-Kabir: PDP Urges Tinubu to Act on Key Demands

In keeping with the kindness and sacrifice embodied by Eid-el-Kabir, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately evaluate all anti-people policies, such as the exorbitant cost of petrol, power rates, and fees for basic services.
The call was reportedly made by the party in a statement released in Abuja on Friday by Debo Olunagba, its national publicity secretary.
President Tinubu was asked by the opposition party to focus the final two years of his term on improving the lives of Nigerians and governing with humility and selflessness.

The statement stated, “The PDP calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to devote the remainder of his term to the welfare of Nigerians in accordance with the call for selflessness and submission to God’s will, as symbolized by the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.”

Read Also: Only Tinubu Can Lead Us to the Nigeria of Our Dreams

Along with demanding a full recovery of public money that have been stolen, the party also called for strong action against corruption. It stated that these funds should be used to improve national security, revitalize the productive sector, and build infrastructure.

“Such stolen funds must be recovered and directed toward the provision of critical infrastructure, revitalizing the productive sector, and improving the operations of our security agencies,” the statement continued.

In the face of increasing economic hardship, social unrest, and insecurity, the PDP urged Nigerians to maintain their optimism, patriotism, and prayerfulness.

Nigerians are urged by the PDP to maintain their patriotism, share with one another during this difficult period, and pray continuously for God’s divine intervention in the country’s affairs, the party said.

Despite the current difficulties, it also exhorted the populace to strengthen their belief in “the unfailing love, kindness, and provision of God.”

In addition to wishing all Nigerians a happy and peaceful Eid-el-Kabir, the PDP congratulated Muslims nationwide on the festival.

Only Tinubu Can Lead Us to the Nigeria of Our Dreams

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Only Tinubu Can Lead Us to the Nigeria of Our Dreams

According to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the nation needs leaders like President Bola Tinubu in order to realize the “Nigeria of our dreams.”

In his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, “The Nigeria of our Dreams,” which he gave on Thursday at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Mr. Wike made this statement.

Mr. Wike emphasized that the prevalent problem of poor leadership was Nigeria’s biggest obstacle and a hindrance to its progress.

Rice Tiamin
He concurred with Chinua Achebe, whose seminar, “The Trouble with Nigeria,” aptly encapsulated the problem, when he said that “the absence of proper leadership is fairly and squarely the trouble with Nigeria.”

Despite how harmful it may seem, it is quite hard to refute this notion.

The majority of our leaders have arisen as a result of self-serving plots that are mostly unrelated to the advancement and interests of the country.

He stated, “This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts.”

But according to him, Tinubu has distinguished himself as the leader the people need to propel Nigeria toward development and wealth.

Nigeria needs a leader who is ready to lead with integrity and perseverance in the face of adversity, he clarified.

The leader must also believe in the limitless possibilities that Nigeria represents, he continued, and make wise, proactive, rational, and well-informed choices that will maximize her potential.

“This leader needs to be bold and bold enough to take action, build, innovate, and generally push the boundaries of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasize excellence over mediocrity,” he said.

“More importantly, the leader of Nigeria’s dream must establish a society of responsible and free citizens whose potentials flowed freely and free enterprise flourished,” he continued.

At this point, I’d want to boldly declare that Tinubu is one of the leaders of our nation today.

In many contexts and at various points in time, he has demonstrated a strong dedication to the establishment of democracy in our nation, even going so far as to risk his own life in the process.

Read Also: Senate Committee Confirms Tinubu’s Support for Local Capacity Development

“Unprecedentedly rapid and exponential development of Lagos state under his watch and even beyond is evidence of his great capacity to generate development,” he continued.

Additionally, he claimed that Tinubu had shown uncommon bravery by eliminating the fuel subsidy on his first day as president.

He claimed that although previous governments have all discussed the evils of gasoline subsidies, none had the guts to undertake the extortion of doing away with them.

The unavoidable, unexpected, and occasionally planned repercussions of this removal are something Tinubu has dealt with and continues to do.

These days, our states have a lot more resources to work with, debt isn’t piling up, and the price of gasoline is gradually but surely falling in line with supply and demand as well as the stringent enforcement of regulatory requirements.

Additionally, the widespread protest of excessive national power and resource concentration, together with the resulting misuse of federalism, is being methodically addressed.

The establishment of zonal/regional commissions with the authority to transfer developmental momentum to the corresponding zones and regions is one way to address this and ensure that the people regain control.

Speaking on security, Mr. Wike stated that adequate funds and security force training and retraining were being used to address the issue.

With Tinubu’s approval of the hiring of forest guards nationwide to oversee the country’s forests, the minister continued, terrorists and bandits would no longer have free areas to operate and incubate.

Simply put, there will soon be an end to the period of terrorism and banditry.

“Tinubu is putting together these and numerous other policies and measures to put our nation back on the path of development and progress,” Wike stated.

Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun, had earlier called Wike a simple politician and said his leadership style and breadth of political experience were excellent.

The governor praised the minister’s imaginative infrastructure reform in the FCT, as represented by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi.

The lecture’s theme, “Nigeria of our Dream,” was deemed timely and thought-provoking by Prof. Adebayo Bamire, the university’s vice-chancellor.

At a pivotal point in our country’s democratic history, when issues of governance, civic trust, and equitable development are at the forefront of public conversation, this lecture provides an essential forum for introspection, participation, and forward-thinking.

“It challenges us to examine the systems that support democracy, the values that direct responsible governance, civic engagement, and the tactics that can unleash Nigeria’s development potential,” he stated.

Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Royal Father of the Day and Ooni of Ife, stated that he greatly admires Wike for his courage.

The minister, according to him, was a “upright politician” who “said things as they are.”

“Like him or hate him—what will be will be.”

Senate Committee Confirms Tinubu’s Support for Local Capacity Development

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Senate Committee Confirms Tinubu’s Support for Local Capacity Development

President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to increase local capacity development by expanding job possibilities for the country’s increasing number of graduates and artisans has been confirmed by the Senate Committee on Local Content.

During an oversight visit to the famous Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the committee’s chairman, made this clear.
According to Senator Thomas, who represents the Delta South Senatorial District, the committee’s goal is to make sure Nigerians get the most out of the nation’s natural resources, as stated in Order 96 of the Senate Standing Orders (2023, as modified).

He urged all parties involved in the oil and gas sector to back the federal government’s efforts to create jobs through improved local content programs.

He underlined, “It is impossible to overestimate the advantages of local content.” “The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which must be strictly followed, lays out our desired goals, and our cooperation with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is essential to reaching them.”

He explained that the purpose of the oversight visit was to confirm that NCDMB was acting in accordance with the true objective of the NOGICD Act of 2010.

The senator asserts that the NCDMB is tasked with enhancing the economic possibilities and standard of living of Nigerians in order to increase their involvement in the oil and gas industry.

He gave the board his word that the committee would keep working to create an atmosphere that would allow local companies to prosper.

The NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, welcomed the committee members and conveyed his sincere gratitude to the senators for their oversight visit to the board’s operations headquarters, the Nigerian Content Tower, to evaluate current events.
Engr. Ogbe outlined some of the board’s noteworthy accomplishments, including as the continuing “Back to the Creeks Initiative,” which aims to reach host and rural communities. The initiative allows students who are unable to pay their WAEC fees to participate in their exams by providing financial assistance from the board.

Read Also: Finally, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom Joins APC

He reaffirmed the board’s dedication to its mission and voiced hope that the Senate’s visit will enhance its operations and spur increased production in the oil and gas industry.

Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation for the NCDMB, also spoke and characterized the board’s work as a “50-50 win situation,” pointing out that the board had made significant investments in the industry.

The Senate Committee members took a tour of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) at Emeyal 1 in the Ogbia Local Government Area as part of their visit. Project Manager Engr. Kelly Olali gave the team a tour of the facility, answering senators’ questions and outlining several project components.

Senator Ede Dafinone (Vice Chairman), Senator Eze Kenneth Emeka, Senator Ezra Okechukwu, Senator Isa Shu’aibu Lau, Senator Tony Nwoye, Senator Anthony Ani, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Senator Amos Yohanna, Senator John Williams Enoh, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Osita Izunaso, and Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo were among the visitors from the Senate Committee on Local Content.

Finally, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom Joins APC

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Finally, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom Joins APC

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has formally declared his switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Friday in the state capital of Uyo, Eno said the decision was the result of three months of intensive discussions with important political figures around the state.

He claimed that there has been conjecture in the political community for a while now regarding his possible departure from the PDP, the party that helped him become governor, both in this state and nationwide.

“This discussion has produced a range of viewpoints. To answer those unanswered questions, I’m here today. “We should never lose sight of our common values, but we should always be receptive to change,” the Dalai Lama once stated.

Governor Eno attested that he had handed in his official resignation from the PDP to his ward chairman. Copies were also sent to the state and national leadership of the party.

I gave the PDP ward chairman a written letter of resignation earlier this morning. He added that copies were forwarded to the national and state chairmen. “Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving Akwa Ibom under the PDP’s banner, and I am grateful for their love and support.”

He stressed that a number of discussions with party stakeholders and political leaders preceded the decision, which was not made hastily. He mentioned that his last consultation happened during a meeting with important PDP leaders on Thursday night.

Read Also: Nigerians Asked to Join in Prayer and Support Tinubu’s Tireless Nation-Building Efforts

Before taking such a step, he stated, “I think no one in this state’s political history has consulted as widely as I have.” I took this action out of respect for each and every one of you as Akwa Ibom project stakeholders. I needed your advice and thought it was necessary to give the rationale for this choice.

In reaction to the changing political landscape, Eno explained his defection by saying: “We must be able to interpret the times, flow with them, and not swim against the tide.” After completing my consultations, I have made the decision to support the All Progressives Congress.

Nigerians Asked to Join in Prayer and Support Tinubu’s Tireless Nation-Building Efforts

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Nigerians Asked to Join in Prayer and Support Tinubu’s Tireless Nation-Building Efforts

Mukhail Abiru, the senatorial representative for Lagos-East, advised Nigerians to continue to be strong and pray on Friday.

The Eid-Kabir season is a time of celebration, introspection, compassion, and a reaffirmation of dedication to nation-building, according to Mr. Abiru’s Sallah goodwill message, which was sent by his media assistant, Enitan Olukotun.

In view of the ongoing national efforts to solve economic and social difficulties, Mr. Abiru, who is also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, asked Nigerians to embrace peace, religious tolerance, and unity.

Regardless of religion, nationality, or political party, we need to unite as one people now more than ever, he stated.

“Let us assist our leaders at all levels, particularly President Bola Tinubu, in their tireless efforts to create a more stable and prosperous Nigeria.”

Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Tinubu Encourages Sacrifice, Devotion, and Hope Amid Challenges

The politician emphasized how crucial perseverance and group accountability are to the development of a country.

“Unity, hope, and hard work will see the country through the difficult road to economic recovery,” Mr. Abiru said.

As they celebrated Eid-el-Kabir, he exhorted the Muslim faithful to follow the principles of sacrifice, obedience, and unwavering faith, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

The lawmaker believes that the faithful should be reminded throughout this holy season of the eternal lessons of devotion, humility, and complete surrender to Allah Ta’ala’s will.

“As we celebrate the blessed occasion of Eid-El-Kabir, I extend my felicitations to my Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos East and throughout the nation,” he continued.

 

Eid-el-Kabir: Tinubu Encourages Sacrifice, Devotion, and Hope Amid Challenges

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Eid-el-Kabir: Tinubu Encourages Sacrifice, Devotion, and Hope Amid Challenges

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his warmest congratulations to Nigerian Muslims and the global Muslim Ummah on Eid-el-Kabir, asking them to exemplify Prophet Ibrahim’s (Peace Be Upon Him) values of sacrifice, dedication, and selflessness.

Tinubu’s Eid-el-Kabir speech stressed the significance of the occasion, adding, “Eid-el-Kabir represents the high point of the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a period filled with opportunities for acts of worship and good deeds.”

The President also emphasized the importance of resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the country’s progress, reinforcing his commitment to these principles. “I reaffirm my commitment to these values and express my deep appreciation for the faith, patience, and perseverance Nigerians show as we implement bold reforms,” he told reporters.

Tinubu acknowledged Nigerians’ struggles but urged them not to lose hope, adding, “We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope.” He assured them that the most difficult times were behind them, and that the country was entering a new period of renewed hope and prosperity.

Read Also: You Ran to Ghana and Hid Under Your Wife’s Wrapper, While Wike Led the Charge’ — Lere Olayinka Hits Amaechi

“We are beginning a new period of fresh hope and prosperity, as promised two years ago. Though the path has not been easy, and some have questioned our course, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the unwavering support of the majority of Nigerians, is producing results,” Tinubu stated.

The President noted that the changes are gaining traction, with key economic indicators improving, and urged Nigerians to be hopeful and persevere. He also encouraged Nigerians to look after one another, especially during this season.

“Eid-el-Kabir encourages love, compassion, and kindness for everyone, regardless of faith or background. Let us care for one another’s well-being this season and always,” Tinubu stated, referring to the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, and encouraging Nigerians to work with the government to help those impacted.

He closed by praying for Nigeria’s leaders, front-line officers, and the country’s peace and prosperity, adding, “May the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha multiply in our lives and the life of our great nation.”

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You Ran to Ghana and Hid Under Your Wife’s Wrapper, While Wike Led the Charge’ — Lere Olayinka Hits Amaechi

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You Ran to Ghana and Hid Under Your Wife’s Wrapper, While Wike Led the Charge’ — Lere Olayinka Hits Amaechi

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has charged Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers, with fleeing to Ghana in order to escape the political unrest in the state.
In an interview with Arise News on Friday, Olayinka asserted that when Amaechi departed, Wike “faced fire” and held the fort in Rivers State.
He was responding to a statement made by Amaechi that described Wike as a little boy. In response, Olayinka said that Amaechi had lost to the “child” in 2015, 2019, and 2023.

He claimed that Wike was in Rivers, spearheading the effort to restore Amaechi to his position as governor, when he fled to Ghana and was hiding under his wife’s wrapping.

The Supreme Court ruled that Amaechi should return to his position as governor of Rivers State while he was in Ghana. Since he was unable to confront the flames here, who traveled to Ghana to bring him back? It was Wike. Wike remained in the fire’s path. In order to oversee Wike, he made him Chief of Staff, despite Wike’s request to be Commissioner for Finance. And I ask: don’t governors oversee the finance commissioners as well?

In 2015, 2019, and 2023, he was defeated by the same individual he referred to as a youngster. Which political victory has Amaechi achieved since he and Wike parted ways? Tell me about one election that Amaechi has won. Not a single election has been won by him since. The PDP’s structure was taken from him by Wike.

How is the Minister’s ability to carry out his duties affected by this? Tinubu will commission 17 projects between June 10 and July 3, which Wike completed.

The FCT Minister’s ability to carry out his responsibilities has not been hampered by the rekindled rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, according to Olayinka.

According to what he revealed, Tinubu will commission a number of projects that Wike oversaw.

Of those initiatives, the President will personally commission ten. You perform your duties and play politics. You can vouch for the fact that politics has not impacted the Minister’s operations. It’s obvious to everyone that Wike is doing his job,” he continued.

PDP Urges Okpebholo to Follow Court Order, End Extravagant LG Vehicle Purchases

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PDP Urges Okpebholo to Follow Court Order, End Extravagant LG Vehicle Purchases

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has charged Governor Monday Okpebholo with extravagant expenditures concerning Local Government Chairmen he is alleged to have imposed.
Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, issued a signed statement on Thursday in which he strongly condemned the actions of Senator Okpebholo’s administration. He criticized their ongoing illegal imposition and retention of imposters as Local Government Chairmen, despite clear and enforceable court rulings from competent authorities in the country.
Nehikhare asserted in the statement that it is on public record that two court rulings exist which require the immediate reinstatement of council chairmen who were legitimately elected, and who continue to be victims of Okpebholo’s extraordinary attack, including Hon. Tajudeen Alade, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, and Hon. Zibiri Marvellous, Chairman of Etsako West Local Government.

The PDP pointed out that the Courts, in distinct declarative judgments, established that there had been a failure to comply with the procedures specified in Section 19 of the Edo State local government law and that the duly elected Council chairmen had not been given a fair hearing before their unlawful removal, thereby nullifying their removal.

As a result, the Courts mandated their immediate reinstatement and return to office, directing Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to provide necessary security for the elected council chairmen’s prompt resumption of duties.

Nevertheless, the opposition camp noted that despite these clear rulings and several other injunctions concerning the issue, the Okpebholo administration has consistently ignored the rule of law without consequence. This behavior undermines and trivializes the democratic process, which clearly defines the governance structure at federal, state, and local levels, as well as the principle of separation of powers. This conduct is not just blameworthy; it also poses a major danger to our country’s democracy.

Read Also: Adeleke’s Outburst Exposes APC’s Ignorance of Democratic Values – PDP Demands End to Presidency Insults

“Rather than comply with the court orders, and embarrassingly so, Okpebholo has embarked on a spree of vehicle purchases for these illegal appointees he imposed on the Local Government Councils, squandering millions of taxpayers’ money.

“Aside from the beneficiaries of this reckless expenditure being frauds, how can a state or local government invest vast amounts of money in vehicle purchases at this time?”

“This is blatantly insensitive, verges on illegality, and constitutes a clear misappropriation of public funds that could have been used to enhance the lives of Edo people, who are currently enduring immense hardship and suffering due to poor leadership and economic mismanagement by the APC government at all levels,” the statement noted.

It further stated: “What is even more troubling is the growing intolerance of dissent and opposition by the Okpebholo government. Just recently, Albert Obazee, a social media critic from Edo who is based in the UK, condemned an alleged assault on and demolition of his residence in Benin City (the capital of Edo State). This attack was reportedly carried out by thugs under the leadership of Adun Tony Kabaka, the youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State. The incident was linked to Obazee’s remarks regarding political events and governance in the state. It was reported that property valued in the millions of naira was destroyed.

“This dastardly deed, one of many assaults that opposition members have faced during Okpebholo’s brief tenure, illustrates the tactics of a regime that is both unpopular and distrusted by the public. With no recourse but to resort to threats and brutality to quell dissent, it demonstrates a profound desperation. This is very disgraceful and shocking.

Everyone must denounce Okpebholo’s irresponsible misuse of funds, his reliance on criminality, and his engagement in gangster behavior.

„Wenn es regnet, berührt es alle Dächer.“

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