NEWS
Conflict Intensifies As Edo Deputy Governor’s Press Crew Denied Entry At Event
On Monday, Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, exited a government function due to security officials denying his aides entry.
The event, hosted by Governor Godwin Obaseki, took place at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum.
While Governor Obaseki delivered his opening speech, Deputy Governor Shaibu and his aides arrived.
Amid the unfolding drama, captured in a viral video on social media, security personnel attempted to clarify the situation to Shaibu. However, he stood firm, asserting that his aides “must come with me.”
After unsuccessful attempts to come to a mutually agreeable solution with the officers, Shaibu eventually turned to his aides and said, “let’s go.”
In the meantime, the Edo State Government took action by disbanding the media crew linked to the deputy governor’s office yesterday.
The deputy governor was instructed to approach the Ministry of Communication and Orientation for media coverage of his office’s activities.
According to a statement signed by Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, the state government attributed the incident to certain journalists who identified themselves as part of the media crew.
According to him, these journalists allegedly tried to enter the hall forcefully where the governor and other dignitaries were seated.
“This act was contrary to the accreditation protocol that had been established for media coverage of the event. The orchestrated and stage-managed walkout and disruption is highly regrettable,”Nehikhare said.
Reca that BIZTELLERS reported similar incident on Sunday, where security personnel prevented Shaibu from exchanging pleasantries with Obaseki during an interdenominational thanksgiving service commemorating Edo State’s 32nd anniversary .
Speaking after the incident, Shaibu had pledged allegiance to Obaseki, saying: “My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is in solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed loyalty to the governor and nothing more.
“As for the issues that were around town when I was away, I really would not want to talk about them, especially about the governor. He is my elder brother and boss, and I don’t think I should talk about anything. And if I have issues with him, I think it is better settled at home and not in the media.”
Reacting to the incident at the thanksgiving service, Obaseki’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Andrew Okungbowa, said: “Whatever happened at the church service was not at the behest of the governor, nor was he aware of what security aides were doing. In fact, the aides were doing their job. Besides, the governor was not aware that the deputy was coming to greet him.”
Han Jong-hee, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics and a driving force behind the company’s dominance in the global television market, has died of a heart attack at the age of 63, the company confirmed on Tuesday.
“He died from cardiac arrest today,” a Samsung spokesperson stated, adding that Han is survived by his wife and three children.
Having joined the company in 1988, Han played a significant role in shaping Samsung’s television business.
READ MORE: Samsung Reports Worst Quarterly Profits In 14 Years
His leadership was instrumental in the launch and success of the company’s high-end LED TVs, which helped establish Samsung as a global leader in the industry.
“Han was central in the unveiling of Samsung’s world-class LED TVs,” the company noted in a biography published earlier this month. “His numerous other innovations enabled the company to continually demonstrate its technology leadership.”
His efforts ensured that Samsung maintained its position as a dominant force in the global television market.
Han’s death comes at a time when Samsung Electronics is grappling with challenges in the AI chip sector.
The company has been facing difficulties in meeting Nvidia’s standards, while its South Korean competitor, SK Hynix, has emerged as the leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips for Nvidia’s AI processors.
Chairman Lee Jae-yong recently underscored the urgency of the situation, urging Samsung to adopt a “do-or-die” approach to overcome the growing challenges in the AI industry.
Last October, the company acknowledged it was facing a “crisis,” citing concerns over its “fundamental technological competitiveness and the future of the company.”
NEWS
Ifon/Ilobun/Erin Osun Crisis: Adeleke Inspects Conflict Zones, Orders Distribution Of Relief Items
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate distribution of food and relief materials to the displaced people of Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun.
This was contained in a government house statement in Osogbo on Tuesday by the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed.
According to Rasheed, the governor has also issued a directive to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Service to summon the traditional rulers, chiefs and identified ring leaders in each town for grilling and signing of peace undertakings.
Additionally, the state chief executive directed the search and arrest of perpetrators of the violence, insisting that those arrested should be charged to court without further delay.
ALSO READ: EFCC Busts Ponzi Scheme Academy, Arrests 133 Suspects In Abuja
The Governor issued these directives after inspecting the three towns, lamenting the extensive damages in the conflict zones, vowing to permanently resolve the matter.
“This is really sad. I thank the security services for restoring peace. The 24 hours curfew imposed is working. We need to put a permanent end to this needless destruction of lives and properties.
“I have ordered distribution of food and relief materials to the displaced. The foods are going to the three palaces for distribution to the victims. We will ensure accountability. Those behind the mayhem will be brought to book.
“We are also taking stern measures to stop this ugly incident from reoccurring. The monarchs, chiefs and chieftains of each town will be grilled and be made to sign peace undertaking”, the Governor posited.
The governor was accompanied by top security and government personnel.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was recently suspended from the Senate, has refuted reports suggesting she apologised over the dispute that led to her suspension.
The Kogi Central lawmaker described the claims as false and insisted she remains resolute in her fight for justice.
In a statement on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her position, vowing not to succumb to intimidation.
READ MORE: Kogi Central Constituents Submit Recall Petition Against Sen. Natasha
“I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stand firm in my resolve to never apologise for speaking my truth. The desperation to silence me is palpable, but I will not be intimidated,” she declared.
She alleged that her suspension was politically motivated and accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of corruption.
“The games being played in full view of the Nigerian people will be exposed, and the corrupt individuals who have hijacked our institutions will be held accountable,” she added.
Recall that some constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District have taken steps to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan from office.
On Monday, a petition seeking her removal was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
The document, titled ‘Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’, was presented by Charity Ijese and received by INEC Secretary, Rose Anthony.
The petitioners argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who secured her Senate seat through an Appeal Court ruling in October 2023, no longer represents their interests effectively.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for alleged violations of Senate rules, has taken her case to the international stage, addressing the United Nations Inter-parliamentary conference in New York.
At the forum, she accused Akpabio of victimisation, sexual harassment, and abuse of office, further fueling the controversy surrounding her suspension.
Despite the challenges, she remains defiant, pledging to continue advocating for justice and gender equality.
“I will continue to fight for the rights of Nigerian women and ensure that our voices are heard,” she stated.
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Samsung Electronics Co-CEO, Han Jong-hee Dies At 63
NDSF Torch Brightens Edo State
Ifon/Ilobun/Erin Osun Crisis: Adeleke Inspects Conflict Zones, Orders Distribution Of Relief Items
EFCC Busts Ponzi Scheme Academy, Arrests 133 Suspects In Abuja
