Pro, Anti Govt Protests Rock Abuja Ahead August 1st

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Group of women on Monday protested against the planned August 1, 2024 Nationwide protest in Abuja just as another group of young Nigerians came out to block Abuja-Kaduna highway demanding end to bad governance in the country.

The Women groups in Abuja staged the protest against the planned nationwide demonstrations over economic hardships.

Many Nigerians have described the women action as an irony of protesting to stop a protest, with some calling it a misuse of resources and questioning the motives behind the rally.

Also, “Say No To Protest” was held in Lagos on Monday to kick against the planned protest.

The “Say No to Protest” Nigerian women in Abuja came out in mass and were spotted dancing as a way of protesting against people planning the August 1, 2024 Nationwide Protest over what many described as alarming rate of hunger and hardship currently in Nigeria.

While the women in Abuja was protesting, in a bold move, anti government protesters blocked the Kaduna Road highway, a critical link between Kaduna and Abuja, just three days ahead the planned 10-day nationwide protest.

The demonstrators, carrying placards with messages like “We Are Not Slaves” and “Hardship Is Unbearable”, chanted anti-government slogans, expressing their frustration with the country’s economic situation.

The protesters demanded an improvement in the cost of living and a reversal of government policies, particularly the reinstatement of petrol subsidies. Nigeria is grappling with its worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, with food prices more than doubling since President Bola Tinubu removed subsidies and floated the naira.

The government has been trying to prevent the protests, meeting with traditional rulers, clerics, and other groups, while security agencies warn of potential violence. However, the protesters seem determined to make their voices heard, refusing to wait for the planned nationwide strike on Thursday.

Another protest took place in Lagos state on Monday when a group of disgruntled MTN subscribers took their frustration to the company’s FESTAC office in Lagos on Monday, damaging the office fence.

The incident was sparked by the telecom company’s recent blocking of phone numbers due to non-compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage requirement, according to reports.

Many subscribers have been affected by the blockage, leading to widespread discontent and protests at MTN offices across the country.

The protesters expressed their disappointment and frustration at being unable to access their phone services.

Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has called on Nigerians to cancel the planned Nationwide protest, saying, the government led President Bola Tinubu is working towards an improved living standards of people in the country.

In a statement signed and made available by Musa Abdulrahaman, the media aide to the Minister of Women Affairs, the ministry said and in quote: “the Federal Government  has called on Nigerians to shelve the planned nationwide protest as government is working assiduously towards ensuring an improvement in the living standards of the people

Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye made the call today during a Women Rally organised by the Ministry at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

She explained that government was not oblivious of the plight of the people, noting that this informed the  provision of sustainable empowerment machines by the Ministry to 16 States of the Federation, including the FCT, Abuja, with a view to equipping women to earn and contribute to their family upkeep as well as nation at large.

Kennedy-Ohanenye assured that plans are also underway to ensure the distribution of these machines to other States of the Federation in line with their specific  needs so as create more job opportunities and ensure poverty alleviation in the country

The Minister added that the resumption of the Cash Transfer Programme by the present administration with modalities being in place for the reduction of food prices as well as other reforms put in place by the Administration would soon yield the desired results.

*We don’t want this protest, we don’t want our children to die, if there is protest, it shatters the economy*, she said.

The Niger Delta Ijaw leader, Asari Dokubo who graced the occasion called for more patience and support to enable the realization of government’s policies and programmes which are tailored towards economic stability, enhancing security as well as ensuring an improvement in the living standards of the people.

Others who graced the Rally was the President, National Association of Nigerian Student (NANS) Comrade Lucky Emonefe, President of Ijaw Youth Council, Representatives of NLC, RTEAN, NURTW, TUC, e.t.c”

Police Arrests Nigerian Ahead Of August 1st Planned Protest

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Men of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a young man allegedly accused of inciting violence on TikTok ahead of the planned August 1, 2024 mass protest envisaged by Nigerians to press home their demand over high cost of living in the country.

Nigeria Police Force in a news release signed and made available on Sunday by Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, said, the suspect in a viral TikTok video called for people to attack security operatives and burn down government properties including police stations.

The Statement reads in quote: “Following the release of a TikTok video that occupied the social media space, stimulating violence in connection with the planned nationwide protest, the Plateau State Police Command has trailed and arrested the author of the inciting video.

On 27/07/2024, the attention of the Command was drawn to the video putatively emanating from a Tik Tok account, identified as “Dam-Mallam68”.

The suspect in the video was seen assertively inciting the public to attack security operatives and burn down critical State and private infrastructures in Plateau State as part of the activities for the protest.

Based on the strength of the information, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, sets tactical assets of the Command on motion to trace and apprehend the source of the mischievous video.

Consequently, on 28/07/2024 around 11:30 AM, one Suleiman Yakubu (male, aged 34 years) of Jos North, Plateau State who appeared in the viral video was picked at Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos through an impeccable informant.

While in our custody, the suspect confessed to being the one in the scatheful video. Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing.

In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police wishes to state that the Police will intensely resist any attempt by mischief makers to plunge the State in to chaos. He stressed the need for peace to remain untempered in the State amidst the before, during and after the protest.

The Plateau State Commissioner of Police also urges the good people of Plateau State to be law abiding and refrain from making inciting comments that will threaten peace and security in the State.

The CP encourages residents of the State to report any suspicious activities to the following GSM numbers: Police Control Room Emergency Numbers:
07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844 and 09053872296.

Members of the general public are also advised to report any misconduct of our officers within the State through the following numbers: Plateau State Complaint Response Unit Numbers:
08060545670 (PPRO), 08037681026, 08067884627, 08069638786 and 08066709795″.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims that the IGP is trying to rewrite Nigeria constitution over the planned nationwide protest.

The Force in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday, said: “the Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses the recent accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the Constitution by requesting the details of the organizers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests.

It is vital to clarify that the IGP has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression, but has rather, at every point, emphasized that the right is that to peaceful assembly and expression.

Also, the Nigeria Police holds the responsibility to ensure that any activity, including protests, does not pose a threat to national security.

In this wise, requesting the details of protest organizers and their leaders and the schedules of their protests which include location, period, routes etc, is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities.

It is also vital for Deji Adeyanju to note that in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons as enshrined in Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this request by the IGP is not out of place.

It is essential to know who is planning the assembly (protests) in each state as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardize the peace and stability of the country, and leave us with pains, sorrows and tears as experienced in the 2020 violent EndSARS Protests. If organized labour and other recognized bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests.

While the Police urges Mr Adeyanju and other organizers not to mislead Nigerians. We therefore call on them to join hands in working together to uphold the security and well-being of our nation”.

If I Die Today I May Escape Poverty, Young Ugandans Defy Fear, Demand End To Corrupt Govt

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Despite dozens of protesters arrested and detained by security operatives in Uganda on Tuesday, some of the Ugandans mostly young ones have vowed to continue the protest against corruption even though they are killed.

Kinuthia Ndung’u, one of the major protesters who was seen on Tuesday helping many of the arrested protesters, said, if he dies, he may escape poverty.

He said alot of people are dying on daily basis hence if he’s killed for standing against corruption, his death does not matter.

Kinuthia was seen dragging a lot people from the security operatives, trying to rescue them from arrest on Tuesday before he was finally arrested.

NTV Uganda and KFM Radio host, Faiza Fabz, and 3 others  arrested and detained over the March to Parliament protests on Tuesday were remanded to Luzira Prison until July 30, 2024.

Ugandan police detained dozens of the  protesters at the anti-corruption rally in Kampala on Tuesday, after the protesters defied a demonstration ban.

Security were intensified around Busega Roundabout towards Masaka Road as youths attempted the July 23rd march to Parliament for anti-graft protests.

Police and other security agencies were seen patrolling the streets of Soroti City in anticipation of the planned demonstrations against corruption by some members of the community.

Security were also heightened around Kalerwe as some youths attempt to march to Parliament to protest against corruption.

Opposition leader, Bobi Wine said heavily armed security forces were besieging his party headquarters on Monday and had arrested several leaders, on the eve of a planned anti-corruption march that has been banned by the authorities.

Three Ugandan opposition politicians were detained and remanded in prison on the eve of a banned anti-corruption march, police had said Monday.

“The three members of parliament and seven other people have appeared in court today, charged with various offences and remanded to prison,” Uganda police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke told AFP late Monday, without giving further details on the charges.

He identified the arrested legislators as Francis Zaake, Charles Tebandeke, and Hassan Kirumira — all members of the opposition National Unity Platform — and said they would appear in court on Thursday for their bail hearing.

Ugandan security forces arrested dozens of people attempting to march to parliament to protest high-level government corruption.

Police and military heavily deployed across Kampala, where some protesters were forcibly detained and still in detention as at Wednesday.

The protests, inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya, aim to pressure Ugandan officials amid growing corruption allegations against Parliament Speaker, Anita Among.

The campaign began after online revelations of irregular expenditures linked to her office earlier in the year, but Among has rejected calls for her resignation. Authorities have deemed the rallies unlawful.

There were shootings in Buddo, Kyengera Town Council, Waiso District.

“We are operating under a military regime, unlike Kenya, where there is support from the judiciary system. Considering our circumstances without the protection and accountability of other government branches. It’s unfair to claim that only a few people represented the cause, particularly when some were arrested. Despite these challenges, the protest was a success” Kirabo Marion, a lawyer said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni had in a statement days before the protest warned protest organizers that they are “playing with fire,” and he accused them of “working with foreigners to foment chaos.”

Young protesters marched to the parliament in Kampala demonstrating against corruption amid heavy police and military presence.

A police spokesperson said there was increased deployments of security personnel following “reliable intelligence” about alleged plans to “subvert public order” during the protests.

A lot of Security forces were deployed along most routes leading to the Parliament of Uganda with limited access.

Landslide Kills 229 People In Ethiopia

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Mudslide or landslide have killed over 229 people in the Southern Ethiopia of Gofa district, local authorities said on Tuesday.

The landslide occurred on Monday morning during a heavy rain burying alot of people in the community alive.

It was gathered that the deadly landslide occurred on Monday morning at around 10:00am local time in southern Ethiopia’s Geze Gofa district.

A government official in Ethiopia’s Gofa District said rescuers searching for victims of a landslide got trapped themselves, pushing up the death toll which was still growing as of Monday.

At least 229 bodies were pulled from the mud between Monday and Tuesday afternoon following the two landslides in the southern Ethiopia, local authorities said.

Misikir Mitiku, the district general administrator of Gofa district in the Southern Ethiopia region, had on Monday said, women, children and local police were among the dead, the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) reported.

Video from the scene showed rescuers digging with tools and their bare hands to find survivors and recover the dead, as grieving people gathered at the site.

According to a local administrator, Dagmawi Ayele, young children and pregnant women were among the victims in Kencho Shacha Gozdi district of southern Ethiopia.

Ayele as reported by AP news said that at least five people have been pulled out alive.

Those killed included many people who tried to rescue survivors, according to local authorites.

It was gathered that many rescue team workers are missing and yet to be accounted for.

On Tuesday, children were seen hugging corpses having lost their entire family members including mother, father , brother and sister, Markos Melese, the Director of the Disaster Response Agency in Gofa Zone stated this as reported by AP news agency on Tuesday.

US Secret Police Director Kimberly Cheatle Resigns Over Failed Attempt On Donald Trump’s Life

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United States of America, USA Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle has resigned following failed attempt to assassinate former US President, Donald Trump who is currently seeking re-election as Republican presidential candidate in the forthcoming general elections in the country.

Kimberly Cheatle who on Monday appeared before a panel of investigation set up by the USA lawmakers over her job functions in relations to the failed assassination attempt on the former President faced alot of condemnations from Lawmakers with some calling for her immediate impeachment.

The US Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle submitted her resignation on Tuesday, according to sources cited by CNN.

Lawmakers from both parties called for her resignation, and some Republican lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings.

Cheatle’s testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Monday was met with criticism, as she declined to answer several questions posed by the committee.

During her testimony before the House Oversight Committee, US Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle recognised that there were substantial issues with security at the rally, describing them as ‘significant’ and ‘colossal’. 

However, she did not acquiesce to calls for her resignation.

“I think I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time,” Cheatle said Monday.

However, House Speaker, Mike Johnson described her resignation as ‘overdue’, emphasising the need to move forward. 

“We have to rebuild the American people’s faith and trust in the Secret Service as an agency. It has an incredibly important responsibility in protecting presidents, former presidents, and other officials in the executive branch, and we’ve got a lot of work to do,” he said.

Following the shooting, Director Kimberly Cheatle initially indicated that she had no intention of resigning. Cheatle was appointed by President Joe Biden to head the Secret Service in 2022.

A gunman identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13, attempted to assassinate Donald Trump during his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The gunman from the rooftop fired some gunshots which injured Trump in one ear before he (the shooter) was shot dead by the Secret Service.

There have been speculations that the Secret Service sniper whom among other colleagues were in another rooftop, cited the gunman early enough but was asked not to shoot.

This speculations widely circulated among the America publics suggested and pointed more accusing fingers to the Director of the Secret Service.

On Monday, shortly after arrived the Congress building, while making entrance, some protesters could be held accusing her of trying to kill Donald Trump.

She looked not disturbed by the accusations from the protesting Americans as she walked into the Congress building after exchanging pleasantries with some of the security operatives around the building.

New Bangladesh Group Protest, Demand PM Hasina Restore Internet After 146 Killed In Anti-Govt Protest

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A new group of protesters gathered at the Prime Minister of Bangladesh office calling on the Minister, Sheikh Hasina to restore internet in the country.

Internet blackout has been experienced in the Asian country since last week when thousands of students blocked major roads in the country most especially at the capital city of Dhaka seeking an end to jobs quota system.

As at on Tuesday local time, it was observed that the country’s army are still on the streets and internet was yet to be restored.

The new group of protesters, Industry Leaders who top business owners demanded that the  Prime Minister, Hasina on Monday to withdraw the curfew and restore internet service, which has been down for days as part of a complete communications blackout.

The group pleaded with her to have the army provide security for the Dhaka-Chattogram highway — the economic lifeline that connects the capital to the country’s main port city — amid fears of vandalism.”

It would be recalled that violence in Bangladesh left estimated 146 dead as students demand reforms to a quota system governing the allocation of government jobs in the country.

Some residents said that the protests intensified following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remarks, where she allegedly said and labelled the protesters as “Razakars”.

This term, according to observers, it’s historically loaded and carrying a negative connotation, harks back to the East Pakistani volunteer force that opposed the creation of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation during its 1971 War of Independence.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court amid the protest ruled and abolished the majority of quotas for government jobs.

Previously, one-third of public sector positions were reserved for the relatives of veterans from the 1971 war for independence from Pakistan. The apex court has now reduced this reservation to just 5%.

Law Minister, Anisul Huq announced that the government would comply with the court’s ruling within days. Despite this decision, some student leaders pledged to continue their protests, demanding further reforms.

Amid the protests, the government expanded a crackdown on opposition parties, with at least 70 arrests reportedly made among the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

The jobs quota system, which had earlier been set aside by the government but was revived by a court last month, would have given 30 percent of government jobs to relatives of those that fought in the war that won independence from Pakistan in 1971.

Once scaled back, as ruled by the Supreme Court, 93 percent of public sector jobs will be dedicated to merit-based recruits, with 5 percent earmarked for veterans’ family members. A further 2 percent will be reserved for people from ethnic minorities or with disabilities.

AlJazeera reported that the protesters in Bangladesh have issued demands amid a lull in the violence that has filled the streets in recent days after the government backed down on quotas on hiring for government jobs.

Student leaders said on Monday that they plan to continue demonstrations despite a decision by the Supreme Court the previous day scaling back the controversial job quota system that sparked the protests.

The demonstrators have demanded that the government release protest leaders, lift the military curfew, and reopen the universities, which have been shut since Wednesday last week. They said they would give the government 48 hours to meet the demands.

It was observed that  alot of protesters were attacked by security forces, as well as other students who back the ruling Awami League party, last week as they launched their call against the quota system, which sought to reserve sought-after government jobs for relatives of war veterans and other groups.

Although the court has largely annulled the quotas, the protesters have demanded accountability for the crackdown, including the resignation of ministers.

They have also called for swift formalisation of the ruling. Law Minister, Anisul Huq had said on Sunday that the government would implement the changes to the legislation within days.

The military curfew that was implemented during the protests was relaxed for several hours on Monday to allow people to buy essentials. However, internet connections remained severed for a fifth straight day in the nation of 170 million people, according to the country last population census.

After the renewed call for a nationwide shutdown on Monday by the students’ protesters, soldiers continued to roam the streets and tanks were seen stationed across the streets of the capital Dhaka.

No more fatalities or large-scale gatherings had been reported by the late afternoon as a tentative calm persisted, to according to AlJazeera reporter.

It was estimated that about 32 people were on Thursday killed in a single day during the protest, with the toll expected to rise further after reports of clashes in nearly half of the country’s 64 districts.

Videos posted online saw security operatives shooting directly at the protesters.

Killing of protesters were also observed in August 2018 when group of students protested over safety of roads in the nation’s capital, Dhaka.

A police statement issued after a near-total shutdown of the nation’s internet said protesters had torched, vandalised and carried out “destructive activities” on numerous police and government offices, according to AFP.

Among them was the Dhaka headquarters of state broadcaster; Bangladesh Television, which went offline after hundreds of incensed students stormed the premises and set fire to a building.

“About 100 policemen were injured in the clashes on Thursday,” Faruk Hossain, a spokesman for the capital’s police force, told AFP. “Around 50 police booths were burnt”. 

The police statement had said that if the destruction continued, they would “be forced to make maximum use of law”.

Police fire was the cause of at least two-thirds of deaths reported so far, based on descriptions given to AFP by hospital staff. 

“At least 26 districts around the country reported clashes on Thursday, broadcaster Independent Television reported.

The network said more than 700 had been wounded through the day including 104 police officers and 30 journalists.

Near-daily marches this month have called for an end to a quota system that reserves more than half of civil service posts for specific groups, including children of veterans from the country’s 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.

Critics say the scheme benefits children of pro-government groups that back Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 76, who has ruled the country since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition.

Hasina’s government is accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including by the extrajudicial killing of opposition activists.

Her administration this week ordered schools and universities to close indefinitely as police step up efforts to bring the deteriorating law and order situation under control.

Mubashar Hasan, a Bangladesh expert at the University of Oslo in Norway, told AFP Thursday that the protests had grown into a wider expression of discontent with Hasina’s autocratic rule.

“They are protesting against the repressive nature of the state,” he told AFP. “The students are in fact calling her a dictator.”

Students have vowed to continue their campaign despite Hasina giving a national address on the now-offline state broadcaster seeking to calm the situation. 

“Our first demand is that the prime minister must apologise to us,” protester Bidisha Rimjhim, 18, told AFP on Thursday. 

“Secondly, justice must be ensured for our killed brothers,” she added.

London-based watchdog Netblocks said Friday that a “nation-scale” internet shutdown remained in effect.

“The disruption prevents families from contacting each other and stifles efforts to document human rights violations,” it wrote in a social media post on X”, AFP stated in quote.

Joe Biden Quits USA Presidential Race, Names VP Kamala To Take over

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United States of America President, Joe Biden has resigned his interest to contest as Presidential candidate of Democrats in the forthcoming USA presidential elections.

The President in a facebook post few minutes ago, named the USA Vice President, Harris Kamala to be nominated as the Democrats presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections.

“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.

My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President.

And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.

Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this”, Joe Biden said.

We had earlier reported that the United States of America President, Joe Biden has said that while in isolation for the Covid-19 recovery medical treatment, he will continue to discharge his constitutional duties as the president of USA.

Joe Biden who tested positive to Covid-19 on Wednesday during his electioneering campaign tour at Nevada, issued the statement through his verified facebook page on Thursday morning night.

In his words, he said” “I tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon, but I am feeling good and thank everyone for the well wishes.

I will be isolating as I recover, but during this time I will continue to work to get the job done for the American people”.

We had reported that information from the annual Unidos US conference where the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden was expected to deliver a speech as part of his campaigns to win voters ahead of the forthcoming election indicated that the president has tested positive to covid following his campaigns earlier in the day at Nevada.

A video of the announcement was made available through the live broadcast on Facebook page of President Joe Biden whose handlers have hooked up to the event to cover and broadcast the expected president speech live through facebook from the venue in Las Vegas.

Unidos US President and CEO, Janet Murguía took to the podium on Wednesday, saying, Biden spoke with her on the phone apologizing for not being able to make it.

“Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding regret. I was just on the phone call with President Biden, and he shared his deep disappointment at not being able to join us this afternoon.

The President’s been at many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for covid”, said Janet Murguía.

The 81-year-old was expected to speak to a room full of Hispanic voters in the swing state ahead of the November election in which he will contend with the former president of USA, Donald Trump who earlier in the week narrowly escaped death after a gunman shot at him severally while on stage campaigning at Butler, Pennsylvania.

The former President sustained injuries from one of his ears hit by the bullets.

Officials at the White House had stated that Biden is experiencing mild symptoms. They also added that the president is vaccinated and boosted.

“Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms.

He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.

The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation”.

Murguía told the guests that the president had sent his regrets.

“So of course, we understand that he needs to take the precautions that have been recommended. He did not put anybody at risk.

He said to tell my folks said we’re not going to get rid of them that quickly. We’re going to have a chance to hear from him in the future directly.

He’s just really sorry he couldn’t be with us, and obviously we share that disappointment, but we’ve seen how covid is still happening in our community still, and we understand that protect all of us”, Murguía stated in quote.

NDLEA Arrests One Legged Man Over Sales of Hard Drugs

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Nigeria anti illicit drugs police, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has arrested one legged man who is allegedly into the sales of cannabis.

NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi made this known in a news release on Sunday.

According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA operatives also arrested numbers of other persons during the week over illicit drugs with one of them arrested alongside AK-47 riffle.

Details of the reports are presented below as reported by the NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi:

“Frantic bids by drug syndicates to smuggle in and out of Nigeria consignments of Cocaine and Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis concealed in incense candles, game packs, dry hibiscus leaves and ladies’ native wears through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, and some courier firms in Lagos have been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, following the seizure of the illicit shipments and arrests of suspects linked to them.

A businessman, Abdulwahab Owolabi Alebiosu was on Thursday 18th July 2024 arrested at his Horizon Court, Lekki, Lagos residence after a consignment of 40 parcels of Loud weighing 20.30 kilograms hidden in packs of chessboards, scrabbles, checkers, and poker set, brought in from Canada on a British Airways flight was intercepted at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport during a joint examination of the cargo with men of Customs Service.

A search of his home also led to the recovery of more exhibits including some drug paraphernalia, such as, weighing scale, and cannabis potency test kit, while four vaping machines were recovered from his business premises on Admiralty Way, Lekki. A Mikano black truck with registration number FST 657 HP was also recovered from his house.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA on Friday 19th July intercepted two jumbo bags going to Pakistan.

The bags contained dried hibiscus leaves, dried bitter leaves and other food items, which were used to conceal four parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of Loud, both weighing 1.360kg.

Further investigations led to the arrest of a businesswoman, Eze Queen Ogechi who claimed she was sending the illicit consignment to Pakistan on the instruction of her brother, Eze Nnamdi Promise based in the South Asia country.

Also at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives attached to Terminal II, Departure Gate of the MMIA, on Thursday 18th July intercepted a male Beninese passenger, Orobi Adoubi Amen, travelling with a bag containing some female native dresses.

The suspect was going to Dubai via Accra, Ghana on an Air Peace Airline flight and a connecting flight to Dubai, UAE on Emirates Airline.

A thorough search of the bag revealed eight parcels of Loud weighing 2.10kg were concealed in the ladies’ native wears.

The suspect claimed he was given the consignment for a fee of ₦600,000 on successful delivery in Dubai.

Not less than 4.5kg of the same substance concealed inside the door panels and boot of an imported Toyota RAV 4 vehicle was on Sunday 14th July recovered from a container marked MSDU 5656394 from Canada during a 100 percent search of the container at Tincan port in Lagos.

Two suspects: Dada Kole and Alaba Oladewusi have been arrested in connection with the seizure.

Meanwhile, a 48-year-old one legged man, Amadu Garba was arrested by NDLEA operatives in his house at Yawuri town, Kebbi State with six bags of cannabis weighing 67kg on Tuesday 16th July.

In Abuja, two suspects: 60-year-old Ademola Elusakin and 34-year-old Nuhu Friday Adamu were arrested by NDLEA operatives on Monday 15th July with 30.0kg of the same psychoactive substance along Kwali-Gwagwalada-Abuja expressway on their way from Lagos to Nasarawa state.

Elusakin claimed he procured the consignment from Ghana via Lagos with Keffi, Nasarawa state as his final destination, where they were to supply illegal miners operating in the area.

At least, 305 blocks of cannabis weighing 152.5kg were recovered from a suspect, Sale Bukar, 39, who was arrested at Geidam in Yobe state on Sunday 14th July while taking the illicit consignment to Diffa, in Niger Republic.

While a suspect: Aham Regal Chinemeze, 43, was nabbed on Thursday 18th July with 60kg of same substance along Owerri – Onitsha expressway, Imo state, Adamu Abdullahi, 24, was arrested with 40.500kg on Wednesday 17th July along Obajana -Kabba expressway, Kogi state. The consignment was recovered from him in a commercial bus coming from Lagos enroute Kano.

In Plateau state, a raid on the storehouse of a notorious drug dealer, Choji Gyang (aka Pararam) who is currently at large, at Rukuba road, Jos led to the recovery of 34 bags of cannabis weighing 312kg while his manager, Kelvin Onwutalu, 43, was arrested.

Two suspects: Ifabiyi Johnson, 27, and Adeleke Musiliu, 54, were on Friday 19th July arrested with different strains of cannabis sativa weighing 30.4kg during a raid in Osogbo, Osun state.

In Jigawa state, the trio of Tukur Yahaya, 55; Idris Haruna, 28; and Tanimu Umar, 29, were nabbed with 90 blocks of cannabis weighing 116.8kg at Roni junction, Kazaure Local Government Area, on Friday 19th July while on their way to supply the illicit drugs to their customers in Kazaure, Yankwashi and Katsina state.

Similarly, the duo of Ibrahim Abdulkadir, 29, and Suleman Mohammed, 22, were arrested with 336 bottles of codeine syrup at Amingo, Kaduna, while Auwalu Hashimu, 35, was nabbed with 45 kilograms of cannabis along Zaria-Kano highway.

Acting on credible intelligence, a team of NDLEA operatives backed by soldiers raided a mechanic workshop opposite Benin garage, Akure, Ondo state where they recovered a white Toyota Hilux Van with registration number EE 328 EKY loaded with 652 parcels of cannabis weighing 685kg.

In Nasarawa state, 38kg of the same psychoactive substance and a locally made AK-47 rifle were recovered from the home of a suspect, Christopher Ombugadu, 32, in Akwanga during a raid on Sunday 14th July.

With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for students and teachers of Federal Science and Technical College, Dayi, Katsina state; Community High School (Senior), Owode, Ogun state; Urban Secondary School, Awgu, Enugu state and Goretti Secondary Commercial School,Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Tincan, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kaduna, Jigawa, Osun, Yobe, Plateau, Kogi, Imo and FCT Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired) noted that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country are well appreciated.

He urged them not to rest on their oars but continue to intensify ongoing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts”.

Confirm Testing

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EDSG Threatens To Arrest Philip Shaibu Over Crisis In Benin, Using Deputy Governor Plate Number

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Edo State Government has said it will take actionable measures against the impeached Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu who was on Wednesday reinstated back to office by Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, after the court ruled and declared his impeachment by the State House of Assembly as illegal and politically motivated.

There was crisis in Benin city on Thursday after Philip Shaibu arrived the city from Abuja.

Videos posted online showed Philip Shaibu was received at the Benin Airport with crowd of supporters and sympathizers from other political parties.

Philip Shaibu in one of the videos and photographs was seen standing outside a vehicle with the front of the vehicle having Deputy Governor symbol of authority which also stand as vehicle plate number of the person occupying the office of the State Deputy Governor.

Edo state government under the leadership of Godwin Obaseki in a statement signed and made available by the state Commissioner of Information, Chris Osa Nehikhare, said Philip Shaibu is known for violence and blamed the wanton destruction of lives and properties in Benin City on Thursday on the politician.

The statement reads in quote thus: “the Edo State Government has observed the level of wanton destruction perpetrated by thugs and elements working in connivance with former Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu in the guise of purportedly enforcing a judgement reinstating him in office.

Shaibu led thugs through Airport Road axis of Benin City, attacking innocent citizens and unleashing mayhem on private citizens who are going about their lawful businesses.

The State Government through this statement is warning Shaibu to desist from this turn to violence in the pretense that he is enforcing a judgement.

He is reminded that he is not above the law and is liable for the wanton destruction perpetrated by him and his co-travellers.

Shaibu’s violent tendencies is well document and he has been warned at different times by respected figures of society, including the revered Benin Monarch to shun violence.

We want to reiterate that Shaibu will face the consequences of violence that he has resorted to in pursuit of his aim to return to the Edo State Government House even when he is aware that a stay of execution of the judgement has been filed.

We enjoin the general public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses as government will continue to deploy the instrumentality of the state to restore and maintain law and order in the State in the face of undue provocation”.

Heritage Bank Staff Protest Non Payment Of Salaries Before CBN Liquidation

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Staff of Heritage Bank that was recently revoked its licence of operations as one of the Nigeria commercial banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, have staged early morning protest at the entrance to the National Assembly complex in Abuja, asking the lawmakers to intervene so that their salaries can be paid.

According to the protesting staff of the liquidated bank, the salary for the month of June was not paid before CBN stopped the bank from operation.

The staff also said the severance packages and access to their savings are also  concern for them, appealing to the National Assembly to intervene.

The protesters held placards with different inscriptions in front of the National Assembly.

The aggrieved staff said that the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, has refused them access to their savings, insisting that their funds are not insured.

The group said they  want the Central Bank of Nigeria to grant them access to their trapped funds in their various accounts in the Liquidated Heritage Bank to cushion the effect of their sudden job losses.

Meanwhile the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the liquidation of Heritage Bank Plc and began processes for customers paid back inline with the savings insurance policies.

The insurer of depositors’ funds in Nigeria, NDIC made this known in a statement issued earlier in the month shortly after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the commercial bank license of Heritage Bank PLC.

The apex bank also appointed the NDIC as the liquidator of the failed bank according to Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.

A spokesperson for the NDIC, Bashir Nuhu, assured depositors with an insured amount of ₦5 million that they would get their money through alternate banks.

“Depositors of the bank with alternate accounts within the industry will be paid up to the insured amount of ₦5 million per depositor using their Bank Verification Number (BVN) to locate their alternate account.

“While depositors with funds above ₦5 million will be paid liquidation dividend upon realisation of the bank’s assets and recovery of debts owed to the bank,” the statement partly read.

Inline with the statement, Step by Step process to reclaim funds included that
all depositors of the defunct bank without alternate bank account in the industry were advised to follow the procedures stated below:

Visit the nearest branch of the bank with proof of account ownership, verifiable means of identification such as driver’s license, permanent voter’s card, National Identity Card, together with their alternate account and Bank Verification Number (BVN) for the verification of their deposits and subsequent payment of insured sums.

File online claims by visiting the NDIC website claims page on http://www.ndic.gov.ng/claims/claims, download and fill the claims forms and upload the required documentation.

“The NDIC wishes to assure the entire banking public of its commitment to the continued safety of depositors’ funds in all licensed banks. As such, depositors are urged to continue their banking businesses without fear as banks whose licenses have not been revoked remain safe and sound,” the statement concluded.

Creditors are advised to visit the nearest branch of the bank to file their claims or via the online platform. Please note that the process of payment of creditors will commence immediately after all depositors have been paid.

Debtors who have yet to repay loans are advised to contact the Corporation’s Asset Management Department (AMD). Visit the NDIC website for more details, according to the statement.

EDHA Moves To Appeal Court To Stop Philip Shaibu Reinstall As DG

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Edo State House of Assembly has filed a stay of execution application at the Appeal Court of Justice following the Judgement of Federal High Court Sitting in Abuja that ruled and declared the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as Edo State Deputy Governor by the lawmakers as illegal, politically motivated and ordered the Inspector General of Police to immediately mobilize his men to reinstate the impeached deputy governor.

According to Channels Television, the Edo State House of Assembly, EDHA appealed the judgement delivered by Justice J K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which set aside the impeachment of the state’s former deputy governor, Philip Shaibu and also filed a stay of execution on the judgement pending the appeal.

It would be recalled that the Edo State House of Assembly, had on Monday, April 8, 2024, impeached Shaibu following the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state chief judge to probe allegations of misconduct against the former deputy governor.

The investigative panel set up was headed by retired Justice S A Omonua and probed Shaibu on allegations of perjury and leaking of government secrets, ending its sittings with the former deputy governor refusing to appear before it.

Shaibu was impeached by the vote of eighteen out of 19 members of the Assembly present at the plenary, while one abstained from the headcount and voting process.

In the wake of Shaibu’s impeachment, Governor Godwin Obaseki picked Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as his deputy to complete his second tenure in office which will end on November 11, 2024.

We had reported that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Inspector General of Police to mobilize his men to reinstate Philip Shaibu to continue his constitutional duties as Edo State Deputy Governor, ruling that his impeachment by the state House of Assembly is illegal and politically motivated.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja passed the judgement on Wednesday.

Justice Omotosho, while delivering judgment in the lawsuit brought before the court, ordered that Shaibu be reinstated to office because the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in carrying out impeachment on  him.

Justice Omotosho also set aside the appointment of the new Deputy Governor who was appointed by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki to replace Shaibu.

The court held that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and did not constitute gross misconduct.

He ordered the Inspector General of Police to provide him with needed security to enable him to resume office and perform the functions of the office until the end of his tenure.

Justice James Omotosho held that the removal of the Plaintiff, Shaibu from office as Deputy Governor of Edo State and the subsequent appointment of Omobayo Godwins as his replacement by the Governor of Edo State was illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

Reports from news reporters that covered the court proceeding indicated that the Court held there was a breach of the provisions of the procedure laid out in Section 188(1) to (9) in the way and manner the impeachment process was conducted. The court noted that the ouster clause in Section 188(10) limiting the jurisdiction is not a stand alone provision.

The Court referred to the decision of the Nigerian Supreme Court in Inakoju versus Adeleke(2007).

Justice Omotosho held that the impeachment was politically motivated, because of Shaibu’s aspiration to contest the office of Governor of Edo State.

The Court, therefore, ordered the 1st Defendant, the Inspector General of Police to immediately restore the security of the Plaintiff, Shaibu as Deputy Governor of Edo State.

The judgment has thrown supporters of Philip Shaibu into mood of celebrations with some of the supporters seen in Edo North and parts of Benin city dancing on the streets.

Some of the supporters of Shaibu were also seen within the court premises, Abuja celebrating the court verdict.

Earlier in April, 2024, we had reported that the Edo State House of Assembly has impeached the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu over a court affidavit filed before a Federal High Court siting in Abuja.

The Edo State House of Assembly had stated before the panel of investigation set up by the state Chief Judge that the affidavit filed by Philip Shaibu contained information about the Edo State Executive Council meeting which 22 out of the 24 lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly considered such as leaking official secrets.

Philip Shaibu had approached Federal High Court in Abuja in 2023 praying the court to stop the conspiracy or plot by the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and members of the state assembly to impeach him from office over his political ambition to contest as governor in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Philip Shaibu in a video press release after his impeachment, described his impeachment by the lawmakers as illegal. Adding that, the action of the lawmakers is a threat to democratic practice in the state.

The lawmakers carried out the impeachment despite an order of court siting in Abuja asking the assembly to stop action.

It was gathered that the Assembly began sitting at 9:41am and voted for the impeachment of the deputy governor by a vote of 18 against one who voted against, among the 20 members present with the speaker expected to give the deciding vote in case of a tie.

Shaibu, according to retired Justice Stephen Omonua led seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate the allegation of gross misconduct levelled against the deputy governor, submitted that the deputy governor was guilty of disclosure of official secret.

In recent time, there was drama in the state ruling political party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP primary election to pick the flag bearer for the forthcoming governorship election.

The impeached Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu was elected as the PDP governorship candidate during a parallel primary election conducted at a location in Benin City.

Asue Ighodalo, reportedly the preferred choice of Governor Godwin Obaseki was also announced winner of another PDP primary exercise which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had recently declared the election of Asue Ighodalo as PDP candidate as illegal, null and void.

That aside, the panel of investigation, however, exonerated the impeached deputy governor on the allegation of perjury as it was not “made up”, that is proven.

It would be recalled that on April 4, Philip Shaibu objected to the seven-member investigative panel proceeding with his planned impeachment, urging them to adhere to an interlocutory injunction issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

On April 5, the deputy governor failed to appear before the seven-man panel that probed allegations of perjury and leaking of the government’s secrets against him.

Following the impeachment of Philip Shaibu, Governor Obaseki swiftly moved to fill the vacancy by appointing Omobayo Marvellous Godwin. A 37-year-old Electrical Electronics Engineer with experience in the oil and gas sector.

The newly appointed Deputy Governor of Edo State, Marvellous Omobayo, was sworn in same day Philip Shaibu was impeached by the State Chief Judge, Daniel Okungbowa.

In his inaugural speech, Omobayo thanked his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, for finding him worthy of the appointment.

He said: “The oath of office l have just taken is my legal acceptance speech. It defines the legal limits that l can or cannot exceed while in office. Beyond this legal ceremony, it is imperative that l publicly express my profound gratitude to our respected Executive Governor, His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and the leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

“After all the very painful and thought-provoking distractions of the past few months, our governor is determined to finish his second term very strong. From his dialogue with me, it is clear that he is very determined to bequeath a legacy of peace, unity, progress and visible development to Edo State. A legacy that the next PDP regime will find exciting to proudly build upon and maintain the leadership position Edo has achieved over time in the comity of states in Nigeria.”

Born July 19, 1986, Omobayo hails from Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the State.

Meanwhile, The Edo State House of Assembly, had explained how the state’s  Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, allegedly leaked the government’s secrets and committed perjury, which, it said, were impeachable offences.

The Assembly, represented by its Deputy Clerk,  Joe Ohaifa, stated its case at the inaugurating sitting of the seven-man panel probing Shaibu.

The panel, headed by retired Justice S.A. Omonuwa, was raised by the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, at the instance of the state Assembly, which on March 5 commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy government.

The Assembly, according to Punch Newspaper, said the impeachment proceedings were based on a petition accusing Shaibu of perjury and leaking the government’s secrets.

The impeachment is believed to be the latest development in the rift between Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“There had been an uneasy calm between the deputy governor and his principal since last year when Shaibu declared his interest to join this year’s Edo governorship race.

Presenting the Assembly case, the Deputy Clerk said Shaibu leaked the state’s secrets in the affidavit he filed in support of an Abuja lawsuit.

He said Shaibu rendered documents relating to the State Executive Council’s meeting.

According to Ohaifa, Shaibu violated the Oath of Secrecy he took and acted contrary to the provisions of  Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution.

The panel, after hearing the Assembly’s case, adjourned for Shaibu to enter his defence.

Earlier at the proceedings, Shaibu’s lawyer, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), had excused himself from the hearing after the panel declined his application to suspend the proceedings.

Awoyale, in his submission, urged the panel to halt the impeachment proceedings pending the outcome of a suit filed by Shaibu before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Awoyale told the panel that the Abuja court had fixed April 8 for parties in the suit to appear to show cause why it should not grant Shaibu’s prayer for an interlocutory injunction to halt the impeachment proceedings.

But opposing the prayer, the Deputy Clerk said by virtue of Section 188 (10) of the 1999 Constitution, no court had the right to prevent the House of Assembly, or the seven-man panel from performing their constitutional duties.

Ohiafi said Shaibu’s lawyer must convince the panel that the provision of the constitution had been altered for the panel to sustain his argument.

In his ruling, the panel chairman, Justice Omonuwa, agreed with Ohiafi.

The retired judge noted that the invitation for the parties to show cause was not an order to halt the impeachment proceedings.

Justice Omonuwa said the panel would continue with the proceedings and asked the House of Assembly to state its case.

Responding to the ruling, Awoyale told the panel that his client would not be able to continue to participate in the investigation and sought the panel’s permission to be excused.

When asked whether he was waiving his right to defend his client, the SAN answered in the negative, stressing that parties must obey the court decision and that they should appear before it to show cause.

Probed further if he was “arresting the ruling of the panel”, Awoyale answered again in the negative and reiterated the need to obey the court which would be sitting on Monday, April 8, 2024.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday resumed sitting in the lawsuit filed by the impeached Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, challenging the move by the state House of Assembly to impeach him.

The SAN, subsequently, took his leave”.

Justice I E Ekwo had on March 28 adjourned till April 8 for the defendants in the suit to appear before him to show cause why Shaibu’s prayer to halt the impeachment proceedings should not be granted.

Since last year, the impeached Deputy Governor had been in the news from one case of intimidation to harassment allegedly by the state governor.

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, in one of the television interviews granted last year, said that his ambition is personal and he is 100 percent loyal to Obaseki.

He made this known during a live interview with Arise news.

Shaibu said in quote, “Ambition is personal, loyalty is given. I am 100 percent loyal to my governor, and that is why he has, I have been intimidated and harassed.

“As I speak to you, I am relocated from government house. I didn’t go to court to check the legality of that action. That is loyalty.

“My office for the fourth or fifth month, no allocation has been given to my office. And this evening, my aides told me that the governor has also instructed that the fuel they used to give to my vehicle should no longer be given to the vehicle, so why all this? I cannot be intimidated.”

During the political battle last year, local media reported that the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, sacked the former Permanent Secretary of the State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere.

“Recall that Obaseki had in August redeployed Chikere from the Sports Commission to Central Administration, Government House, Benin City, amid feud with his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

Mrs Chikere, until her last redeployment, was also the General Coordinator of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin.

She is a sister-in-law to the deputy governor, Shaibu, who is at the moment enmeshed in a battle of wits with his principal, Obaseki, on the 2024 governorship succession plans.

The former Insurance General Coordinator, Chikere, is the elder sister to the Wife of the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mrs Maryann Shaibu.

A government house source who confirmed the development, said it was not unconnected with the rift between Obaseki and his deputy.

The source said Madam Sabina Chikere has been fired by Mr Governor.

The development is coming barely 72 hours after the Edo Deputy Governor,  Shaibu initially withdrew his impeachment lawsuit against his principal, Governor Obaseki.

Shaibu had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking amongst others, an order restraining Obaseki, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Edo State and others from commencing impeachment process against him.

However, on September 5, 2023, the Edo Deputy Governor, Shaibu withdrew the lawsuit he filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, aimed at thwarting the effort by his principal, Governor Obaseki to unseat him (Shaibu) from office.

In a statement, Shaibu said his decision was based on the need to respect the intervention of several prominent individuals, including religious and traditional leaders, while also appreciating the governor for agreeing to the peace initiatives”.

Punch Newspaper also reported that there was a mild drama last year August  when a security aide to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, stopped his deputy, Philip Shaibu, from accessing his principal.

According to Punch Newspaper: “this happened at the 32nd anniversary of Edo State, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

In the photos obtained, a security operative was seen blocking Shaibu’s access to Obaseki during the event.

But speaking after the event, Shaibu had pledged his loyalty to his principal, despite their rift.

This is coming after weeks of dispute between the governor and his deputy. The deputy had gone to a Federal High Court in Abuja and obtained an injunction to stop the governor and state assembly from plots to impeach him”,.