By Fred Itua

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, could best be described as a day of gloom in Edo State, and indeed, our country, Nigeria! It turned out a black Wednesday as mind blogging, heart rending, and unbelievable revelations were brought to light.

Gloomy enough to declare for a state wide mourning, with all residents dressed in sack-cloths, covered in ashes as they mourned the depth of plundering, mind-bogging looting, heartless shady deals, lack of transparency and institutionalisation of corruption by the Godwin Obaseki led administration.

While many often taunted the immediate past administration of Obaseki as an MoU government, known only for rhetorics and no action, not many (if any) would have envisaged or imagined the level of fraud and corruption that took place under his watch as governor of Edo State.

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Submitting its findings contained in 3,900 pages to the incumbent Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Assets Verification Committee, a body set up on the 26th November, 2024 to assess government’s assets and liabilities, unveiled a can of worms and shady dealings perpetrated by former Gov Obaseki and his cronies that would make any conscientious citizens cringe in holy indignation.

From the reports, one thing became glaring and obvious – Obaseki ran Edo State like a mafia, and his mission resonates with the first part of John 10:10; “to steal, to kill and to destroy”, and that, he did.

Like a ravaging demon, he embarked on a plundering spree, and today, the state bleeds from his satanic kind of looting.

With over 900% increase in the official debt profile of the state (from N84b in November, 2016 to N682b in November, 2024), Obaseki, a self-proclaimed financial expert and economist, made rubbish of his profession with his clear lack of financial discipline, and outrageous financial dealings.

What is even more outrageous and annoying, is the fact that, these monies were borrowed only to be redirected into the pockets of his friends and allies in the name of consultancy, shady deals and inflated projects whose procurement processes were shrouded in secrecy.

His personal company, Afriinvest, and that of his godson, Asue Ighodalo, played prominent roles in this demonic order.

In an unprecedented and very worrisome manner, State funds were used to build structures and infrastructure and handed over to private individuals/companies with no record of financial commitments.

For example, after committing N19b of Edo State taxpayers money in constructing Radisson Hotel, Obaseki’s administration ceded away 80% of the ownership to Tribury House Ltd, a private company registered in 2024 with no single financial commitment to the project.

Within December 2022 and July 2025, Obaseki’s government paid N967 million as consultancy fees to Tanit Engineering to supervise work at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital. Yes, you heard right! N967 million not for the project itself or to purchase equipment but just to supervise work at the hospital. Even more chilling is the revelation that the procurement process in this bid was restricted to only one company – Tanit Engineering…. Who owes Tanit Engineering?

EdoBEST program, which many have now nicknamed, “EdoSCAM” was not spared in this looting spree, as the heartless, looting “general” disguised as an investment banker and technocrat serially raped the state educational sector blind, while gloating in self-deceit as he continually reeled out superfluous claims to the general public. Like one drunk in his own deception and foolishness, Obaseki embezzled the funds meant for EdoBEST, while our children and teachers suffered in harsh learning conditions.

The chilling discovery that Obaseki only remitted $5m out of the $75m released by the World Bank for basic education reforms and renovation of schools to SUBEB is not only nauseating but outright wickedness. Withholding a whopping 93% of funds meant for Edo pupils and students, Obaseki demonstrated an unusual high level of lack of empathy for the Edo child.

It is disheartening that the same man that swore on oath to protect the vulnerable Edo child stole and took that which belonged to the same child.

Time and space would fail me to talk about the many atrocities of the Obaseki-led administration as revealed in the 3,900-page committee’s report.

Is it the dirty racketeering at the demolished iconic Central Hospital valued at N5b, which now houses a private museum whose ownership is shrouded in secrecy despite Edo State Government providing all the funding? Or the road contracts in which kilometers of roads were inflated and contractors paid huge sum of money, negating the procurement laws of the state?

Three months after leaving office, the Edo State Civil servants still develop goosebumps at the mention of the name, “Obaseki”! Using a consultancy firm, Greenfield to run their duties, the civil service was made redundant as “consultants” with no proven track record or work experience, had a field day, running the service as they deem fit. The result of which saw the grounding of the Nigerian Observer, Edo Broadcasting Service, Edo line, and many others.

The circle of corruption continues unabated in Nigeria because there are no consequences for people’s actions and inactions. Many times, those who have taken advantage of their leadership position to steal and abuse offices are given a pat on the back and asked to steal no more. Those who dare to call them out are asked to focus on their own and let bygones be bygones.

In this regard, Edo people sincerely are glad that Governor Monday Okpebholo had the courage and guts to order a probe into the dealings of his predecessor. It is the way to go if sanity must be restored in our public offices. These findings (the report of the asset committee) should be made public so the average Edo citizen sees the extent to which Obaseki raped and defrauded them.

Also, the relevant authorities must step in and carry out a thorough investigation and prosecution. Gone are the days when committee reports are seen merely as academic exercise. This one must and will be different.

Obaseki must unveil the identity of these shady companies he used as cronies, and the balance of $70 million World Bank funds meant for Edo schools must be released. With the volume of revelations contained in the committee’s report, we might just have in our hands a level of looting that would make the notorious Abacha’s looting appear a child’s play.

Obaseki has bitten too much! He has eaten sour grapes, and his teeth must be set on edge. Never again should our children and generations yet unborn suffer because of the uncanny greed and heartlessness of any man.

Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, wrote from Benin City, Edo State

By Olalekan Johnson

In recent times, Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has been embroiled in a series of unprovoked attacks against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

These attacks have culminated in Sowore’s recent arraignment in court, rightfully raising concerns about his conduct and the potential consequences for both the individual and the larger society.

Sowore has long built his career on harassing, defaming, and undermining the Nigeria Police Force, particularly its leadership. This is not a mere coincidence or an isolated incident, but a pattern of behavior that dates back years.

One of the more recent episodes that illustrate this pattern was when Sowore posted a self-indicting video of himself resisting and obstructing police officers who were merely doing their job in Lagos. This act, alongside others like it, reflects Sowore’s repeated disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, incitement against the police, and, specifically, attacks against the office of the Inspector General of Police.

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What many fail to realize is that Sowore’s attacks are not just random provocations. They are part of a calculated effort to destabilize the country. His relentless criticism of IGP Egbetokun, who has consistently demonstrated professionalism and adherence to the law, speaks to a larger agenda aimed at creating chaos and eroding the authority of the police force. This is no longer just a case of ideological disagreement, it is a deliberate effort to sow discord and division.

Sowore has long thrived on controversy and has found a niche for himself in the realm of baseless activism, cheap populism, and political blackmail. His actions have always been driven by opportunism, with little regard for the long-term stability of the country. Under the guise of advocating for democracy, Sowore has become synonymous with inciting violence, misleading the public, and promoting himself as a hero of the masses, despite his true motives being rooted in self-interest and a thirst for attention.

While Sowore may have managed to amass a following of blind supporters, it is critical for patriotic citizens to recognize the dangers in his rhetoric. His consistent pattern of false accusations, cyberbullying, and incitement is not just a threat to the Nigeria Police Force, but to the very fabric of society itself. His actions are a direct affront to the rule of law, and should be condemned by anyone who values peace, democracy, and justice.

It is commendable, then, that IGP Egbetokun, despite facing incessant attacks, has opted to pursue legal action against Sowore rather than resorting to violence or intimidation. This response is a testament to the maturity, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law that Egbetokun has consistently displayed in his tenure as the head of the Nigeria Police Force. Under his leadership, the police have shown a firm commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that no one, regardless of their status or influence, is above the law.

Sowore’s behavior illustrates a deep misunderstanding of the purpose of activism. Activism, at its core, should be based on facts, sincerity, and a genuine desire to improve the conditions of the common man. Unfortunately, Sowore has distorted the concept of activism into a tool for personal vendettas, cheap sensationalism, and blackmail journalism. By portraying himself as a champion of the people, he has deceived his followers into believing that he is fighting for justice, when in reality, his actions are self-serving and harmful to the stability of the nation.

Source: Verified handle of the NPF on X

By Fred Itua

The ongoing Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal has no more or less become the epicenter of political discourse in the State and beyond, with analysts and citizens closely monitoring unfolding developments.

At the heart of the proceedings is Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose victory was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the September 21 election is being challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Akintunde Ighodalo.

Interestingly, despite the opposition’s claims, proceedings so far suggest that Governor Okpebholo’s position remains unshaken. The evidence presented by the PDP apparently revolves around alleged irregularities.

But Governor Okpebholo’s legal team has meticulously dismantled these claims, presenting counter-evidence and testimonies that validate the credibility of the election.

The tribunal acknowledged the detailed documentation submitted by the petitioners and ordered a verification by all parties to highlight a robust and transparent election process.

So far, witness testimonies have further bolstered the Governor’s case. Independent observers before now had testified that the election was largely peaceful and conducted in line with electoral laws.

Their accounts align with reports from international and domestic monitors who hailed the election as a credible exercise. These testimonies directly counteract the opposition’s narrative of widespread manipulation.

The tribunal’s scrutiny of evidence has also favoured Governor Okpebholo. A significant turning point was the forensic audit of the BVAS machines used during the election. The audit, requested by the PDP, ironically affirmed the authenticity of the results, showing that votes recorded tallied with the electoral commission’s figures. This revelation has weakened the opposition’s case and reinforced the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s victory.

Another critical factor working in favor of Governor Okpebholo is the perceived overreach by the PDP’s legal team. Their strategy of contesting results in all 18 local government areas has been criticized as overly ambitious and lacking in focus.

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The tribunal’s insistence on concrete evidence for each claim has exposed weaknesses in the PDP arguments, further tilting the scale toward Governor Okpebholo.

Governor Okpebholo has maintained a calm demeanor throughout the proceedings, a move that has also endeared him to the public. He has consistently expressed confidence in the judicial process, emphasizing his respect for the rule of law. This posture has contrasted sharply with the petitioner’s frequent & public outbursts, which some observers perceive as a sign of desperation.

The Governor’s legal representatives are equally impressed with their meticulous approach. Led by some of the brightest legal minds in Nigeria, the team has demonstrated a deep understanding of electoral jurisprudence. Their ability to counter the opposition’s claims with precision has been instrumental in shaping the tribunal’s perception.

Public sentiment appears to be swinging in favor of Governor Okpebholo as well. Many citizens have taken to social media to express their belief that the tribunal will uphold his victory. The Governor’s track record, especially in road infrastructure development, has solidified his support base, with many viewing the tribunal’s proceedings as a mere formality.

As the tribunal proceeds, the momentum remains firmly with Governor Monday Okpebholo. His administration has continued to function effectively, demonstrating his focus on governance even amidst legal challenges. This dual commitment to justice and service has reinforced the public’s trust in his leadership.

With proceedings so far reflecting a strong case for Governor Okpebholo, the tribunal’s eventual decision will likely affirm his mandate. For now, the APC and its supporters remain optimistic, while the PDP faces an uphill battle to substantiate its claims. The unfolding drama at the tribunal underscores the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the enduring will of the Edo electorate.

Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo