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Victims of Oyo market fire seek Makinde’s help

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The victims of the popular Oranyan Market fire incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, appealed to the government and well-to-do individuals in the state to come to their aid as the incident has affected their means of livelihood.

According to Metro reports that over 40 shops were completely razed to the ground, at the herbal section of the market, in the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of state, on Saturday.

Though no life was lost, the incident destroyed multimillion naira property and herbs.

Our correspondent, who visited the market again on Monday, observed that the affected traders had been rebuilding the shops.

Some of the traders, who spoke with According to Metro, lamented that they had been living from hand to mouth since the incident occurred, hence the need to appeal to the state government, and other philanthropists to assist them financially to start their business again.

The market youth leader, Fatimoh Adebimpe, said, “Since that fire incident, we have been living from hand to mouth. As you can see by yourself, we have been rebuilding the market but we still need a lot of money not only to complete those shops but to buy goods.

“Many of us just obtained loans from different places to purchase goods before it happened. At this time, we can only appeal to the government through our governor, Seyi Makinde, to come to our aid. We know he is a listening governor. We believe so much in him, as he has rendered humanitarian services to different groups in the state before.”

Another victim, Kafaliat Lucky, the market secretary, said the cause of the incident was still sketchy after almost four weeks.

She urged the Ibadan North East Local Government executive members and Makinde to assist the affected traders.

“We are facing many challenges now. The school fees of our children are there, and you know that the incident happened during the vacation of schools, both private and public schools.

“Some of us pay before their resumption but with the current situation, I don’t think one quarter of the affected traders have paid anything. So, we are all struggling on how to equip the shops right now to continue performing our responsibilities as parents. We therefore appeal to the government to help us,” she explained.

488 vehicles impounded for BRT lane violations in eight months—LASTMA

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The Lagos State Government has impounded a staggering 488 vehicles over an eight-month period for illegal use of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes.

This was disclosed in a press release issued on Monday through Lagos State Traffic Management Authority’s official social media platform, X, titled “LASG Issues Strict Warning to Motorists on Persistent BRT Lane Violations.”

The statement, signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, emphatically warned both private and commercial motorists to immediately stop infringing upon BRT lanes across the state.

According to LASTMA, these vehicles were apprehended between January and August 2024, with all offenders subsequently charged to the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecution.

Particular focus has been placed on motorists violating BRT lane rules along the Abule-Egba corridor, where the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) recently completed road rehabilitation projects.

With improved road conditions from Abule-Egba to Iyana-Ipaja, officials state that further violations of BRT lanes are not only unnecessary but entirely unjustifiable.

“Motorists plying routes from Abule-Egba through Iyana-Ipaja, Dopemu, and Oshodi must strictly adhere to designated lanes,” the release emphasised.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by the Mobile Court.

While the crackdown has been widespread, key areas affected include Ikorodu, Maryland, Anthony, Apongbon, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ojuelegba, and Oyingbo, where LASTMA operatives have been active in enforcing the regulations.

The government’s broader infrastructure development efforts hinge on cooperation from road users, who are urged to exercise discipline and patience to maintain an orderly traffic environment.

“Lagos State remains committed to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for all citizens, but such progress requires the active cooperation of road users,” the statement concluded.

The release further stressed the need for motorists to refrain from further encroachments.

In July, LASTMA said it impounded 9,370 vehicles from January 2024  to June 2024 for alleged traffic violations.

The General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki said that 3,034 private vehicles were impounded, adding that they comprised  1,849 cars, 549 buses and 636 Sports Utility Vehicles, among others.

LASTMA, in an enforcement operation in December 2023, impounded 78 trucks for indiscriminate parking in the Apapa-Ijora area of the state.

Court jails man six months for stealing three yam tubers

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An aluminium worker based in Okinni, Osun State, Sunday Ejoh, was on Monday sentenced to a six-month jail term by an Osun State Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo for stealing three tubers of yam.

Ejoh, who appeared before Magistrate Mr M. Olatunji, had been arraigned on one count of theft of the yam, valued at N3,000.

Giving the facts of the case, the prosecutor in charge, Mr Jacob Akintunde, said, “Ejoh, on September 22nd, 2024, did steal three tubers of yam valued at N3,000 belonging to one Oluwole Durojaye.”

The prosecutor stated that the stolen tubers, a cutlass, and a pair of slippers were recovered from the defendant.
He added that the offence committed was contrary to and punishable under “Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Law of Osun State, Nigeria 2002.”

The artisan, who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty, stating that hunger had compelled him to commit the crime.

He told the court, “I was hungry, and I have a family.”
Delivering judgment on the matter, Magistrate Olatunji found the defendant guilty and subsequently sentenced him to “six months’ imprisonment with an option of a N25,000 fine.”

Olatunji also directed that the stolen yam should be returned to the owner.

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My mandate brazenly stolen, claims Ighodalo

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The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has claimed that his mandate was brazenly stolen and has slammed the shameful subversion of the will of voters.

In a statement released on Monday, Ighodalo thanked the people for believing in him and supporting him throughout the journey.

He said, “First, in all things, we must give thanks to God. We give thanks to God for the gift of life, for health, and for the love you all have shown me.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has stood by us on this incredible journey.

“I would like to particularly thank the good people of Edo State who defied the rain, intimidation, threats of violence, harassment, arrests, and financial inducements to cast their votes for us overwhelmingly last Saturday, 21st September 2024. You are the true heroes of our democracy, and your sacrifices for a better Edo State will never be forgotten.

“My aspiration was not borne out of a love for power but from a genuine desire to serve the people and create a Pathway to Prosperity for All in Edo State. I travelled through every ward and every local government area, sharing this message and engaging in meaningful conversations with you.

“To all our beloved supporters, thank you for believing in this vision, for your countless hours of dedication, and for every conversation you had with people about this cause. Together, we ran a great campaign, and your overwhelming support was evident in the ballots before our progress was unjustly halted on 21st September 2024 by people who do not mean well for you or our state.

“That day will forever be etched in our history as one of our darkest moments, marked by the brazen theft of our mandate and the shameful subversion of the will of the people.

“Yet, in the face of this challenge, we must not be discouraged. The illusory triumph of evil over good is only temporary.”

#EdoDecides2024: Okpebholo’s victory confidence vote in Tinubu leadership

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress on his emergence as the winner of the just concluded governorship election in Edo State.

Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to beat his closest opponent, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party who scored 247,274 votes in the September 21 governorship election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday evening.

Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado Ekiti on Monday, hailed the people of Edo for reposing confidence in the APC and its Renewed Hope Agenda and rewarding the party with Okpebholo’s victory.

The governor, who stated that the Edo people have spoken through the ballot, congratulated President Bola Tinubu for deepening democracy in the country.

He said, “The victory is a vote of confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu who has deepened our democracy. It is the victory of our party APC and indeed a victory for democracy.

“It is a new day in Edo State and I congratulate the people of the state for returning the state to the progressive fold,” Oyebanji said.

The governor commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for ensuring that the people’s votes count, stressing that “democracy is taking a firm root in the country, with the electorate being able to reward political parties and candidates, appropriately with their votes”.

He called on the governor-elect and the deputy governor-elect, Dennis Idahosa, to be magnanimous in victory and extend hands of fellowship to their opponents in the election.

Oyebanji also urged the governor-elect to see his election as a call to serve, urging him to implement people-oriented programmes and policies that would bring progress and prosperity to the people.

“The Edo people have spoken clearly and loudly. Hearty congratulations to my brother, the governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa.”

Amotekun arrests 27 suspected kidnappers in Ondo

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The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps has arrested no fewer than 27 people in connection with various criminal activities across the state.

The corps said the suspects were allegedly involved in crimes such as kidnapping, stealing, killing and burglary among others.

Parading the suspects at the headquarters of the corps in Akure the state capital, the state on Monday, the Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were apprehended within three weeks.

Adeleye said, “Today we are parading 27 suspects. Among the 27 suspects, we have Usman Sehu, Ojo, Temidayo and Pelemo. They were the people who had been joining their colleagues in kidnappings around Ikakumo Akoko. We also have one Michael Ojo, who was among the syndicates that specializes in killing okada riders and stealing their bike. He had confessed to stealing so many motorcycles and he said he has lost count.

“Furthermore, we have one Oladimeji and one Imole who steal where you park your bike. We have one Akerele Ibrahim, who is also a criminal that has been under tracking for some time but this time around he went and threatened to kill somebody having destroyed his farmland in the Akoko area too.

“On anti-grazing, we have one Wakini Ibrahim who has been arrested several times and since he is not repentant, he will face the full wrath of the law on anti-grazing charges. This is the cross-section of the suspected criminals that engaged in various security breaches.

“We also have those that specialize in breaking shops that engage in the sales of mattresses, stole and sold them at cheap amount to people. We went after them and retrieved the mattresses from those who bought them. When a mattress that should normally go for N100,000 is being sold for N5000 or N10000.”

Speaking on the security situation of the state, Adeleye noted that despite security breaches in the state, the security situation of the state was relatively good as suspects were arrested based on only three subheadings out of the 12 subheadings the corps operates on.

“Across the board I want to say that despite pocket of security breaches, the security situation of the state is good. Out of the 12 subheadings under which we operate, we only have suspects in anti-grazing, kidnapping and law and order.

“There was no arrest made on pending enforcement, land issues, labour union, human trafficking, student affairs or cultism among others. This shows that Ondo State is experiencing peace” he noted.

Adeleye lauded the residents of the state, for always giving the corps timely information. The Amotekun boss also appealed to the people to continue to support the corps.

‘Edo people have spoken,’ Reps congratulate Okpebholo, Idahosa

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The House of Representatives has congratulated Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, on his victory in the Saturday governorship election.

The House also congratulated the deputy gov-elect, Dennis Idahosa, a lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services in the 10th Assembly.

Okpebholo and Idahosa of the All Progressives Congress were declared winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission after polling a total of 291,667 votes to beat the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, Asue Ighodalo and Olumide Akpata who garnered 247,274 and 22,763 votes respectively to finish in second and third places.

The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued by the spokesman for the House, Akin Rotimi, on Monday.

Rotimi quoted the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, as describing the election as a reflection of the choice made by voters in Edo State.

“Edo people have spoken with their votes, reflecting their desire for positive change and progress. The Speaker lauds the election of the deputy governor-elect, Mr Idahosa, a sitting member of the House,” he said, noting that this victory highlights the increasing role of parliamentarians in shaping governance and politics across Nigeria.

Abbas urged Okpebholo and Idahosa to work together to serve the common good of the people of Edo State, urging the duo to “remain good ambassadors of the National Assembly.”

He also urged them to use their new positions to champion policies that would benefit the people and foster development in the oil-rich State.

“As the newly elected leaders prepare to assume office, the House calls for magnanimity in victory. Speaker Abbas urged Senator Okpebholo and Mr Idahosa to extend a hand of fellowship to their opponents, fostering unity and peace in Edo State.

“He also urged the people of Edo to remain calm and respect the democratic outcome, which reflects the collective decision of the majority.

“The House of Representatives remains committed to promoting democracy and good governance and looks forward to the positive contributions of Senator Okpebholo and Mr Idahosa in their new roles,” the statement added.

Kwara gov swears in 16 LG Chairmen

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Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, on Monday, swore in the newly elected chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the 16 local government areas of the state, urging them to “be prudent with power and work with the people” in the interest of all.

The new chairmen emerged from the local government elections conducted by the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission on Saturday.

Speaking shortly after the oath of office at the Government House in Ilorin, the governor congratulated the new council chiefs, their families, party leaders, community stakeholders, and everyone who played various roles in their emergence.

“Set realistic goals for yourself. Be conscious of your legacies. Be fair to everyone and yourself. Attend to the needs of the people, and be open to positive engagements across the board.

“Our country is in a transitional phase as our economy undergoes reforms. This has brought some inconveniences for the people. Please be sensitive to the realities of the time. Don’t indulge yourselves while the people struggle to meet basic needs.

“As local government areas and the first layer of government, be creative, explore areas of cooperation, and complement one another for bigger accomplishments.
Importantly, please prove to the people that you truly deserve to occupy this esteemed office. I wish you all the best, ladies and gentlemen,” he said.

The party chairman, Sunday Fagbemi, commended the people of the state for their support and the governor for his statesmanship and commitment to the public good.

“This is a great moment. We have just cemented the foundation laid for the good of Kwara. We are thankful to the Kwarans for their support. The agenda is to develop Kwara and take the state to the next level,” Fagbemi said.

The chairman of the Ilorin South Local Government council, Majeed Podo, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, stated that they would work hard for the good of the people in their respective local government areas.

He couldn’t win his LG, I feel vindicated, Shaibu mocks Obaseki

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The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has mocked the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, over the result of the just concluded governorship election in the state.

Shaibu said he felt vindicated after Obaseki lost his local government area for the Peoples Democratic Party, noting that he holds no grudge against the outgoing governor.

Shaibu stated this while reacting to the outcome of the 2024 governorship during a chat with Arise TV on Monday.

The deputy governor noted that Obaseki had never won an election, noting that he has been helping achieve the victories he had recorded so far.

He stated that the All Progressives Congress’s victory vindicated him against those who claimed he couldn’t win the election.

“I feel vindicated; even the governor couldn’t win his local government. I won my unit, ward, and local government. Where are the governor’s results? He has never won; we always assisted him,” he stated.

He also urged Obaseki to apologise to the people of the state.

He said, “What is left now is for him to go back and start begging and apologizing to the people of Edo State and he has a lot of them that he needs to go and apologize to.”

On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the All Progressives Congress candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo as the new governor of the state.

The governorship position was keenly contended by Okpebholo, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

The APC candidate secured 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. Akpata of the LP finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.

Meanwhile, Obaseki lost his local government, Oredo Local Government Area, to the APC.

I weep for Nigeria’s democracy, Fintiri laments

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The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has raised serious concerns over the conduct of Saturday’s Edo election, describing it as a blatant attack on Nigeria’s democracy.

Fintiri condemned the alleged irregularities, “including vote buying, voter intimidation, and the manipulation of election results,” which he claimed “undermined the integrity of the electoral process” in a post on his X platform on Sunday.

The governor also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of violating democratic norms, citing incidents where APC officials, including the party’s national chairman, flew into Edo on election day despite movement restrictions.

On September 22, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the All Progressives Congress candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, victorious in the recently concluded Edo State governorship election.

Okpebholo triumphed over his main challengers, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Kuta, announced Okpebholo as the winner at the collation centre in Benin City, the state capital, on Sunday.

The APC candidate secured 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. Akpata of the LP finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.

Reacting to the outcome of the election, Finitiri further criticised the INEC for reportedly favouring the APC, warning that the country’s democracy was at risk if such practices continued unchecked.

The statement read, “I weep for Nigeria’s democracy after witnessing the shameful Edo Gubernatorial poll. The @OfficialAPCNg’s desperate attempts to discredit me by falsely claiming I announced results won’t distract from the real issue. I merely shared results from INEC’s Irev portal, as collated by INEC from the various Local Government Areas.

“What’s truly shameful is APC’s national chairman flying into Edo with a private jet on election day, defying movement restrictions, while their Governors used armoured escorts to intimidate voters. This blatant disregard for democratic norms is the real brigandage. Nigerians are outraged, slamming @inecnigeria for compromising and favouring APC.

“The reported vote-buying, disruption of collation processes, and suspicious results with more votes than accredited voters undermine trust in our democracy. Democracy indeed is under attack. We must condemn this rape of democracy and demand accountability. The world is watching, and Nigeria deserves better.”