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BREAKING: Edo Deputy Gov Philip Shaibu Declares Gubernatorial Bid (Full Text)

Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has officially announced his plans to contest the State gubernatorial election in 2024.

Shaibu declared his intention in a press conference held in Benin, the state capital, on Monday, November 27.

Read Philip Shaibu’s full speech below:

”SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. COMR. PHILIP SHAIBU, DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS DECLARATION OF INTENTION TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE

27TH NOVEMBER, 2023

My dear citizens of Edo State,

We come from a lineage of greatness!

Our ancestors built the “Old Bini Empire” on bold ideas, breath-taking innovations and matchless diligence.

From the “Great Moat of Benin” to the world-famous “Benin Bronze Works”, our ancestors dominated their times, led the Nigerian dream from the front and created novel frontiers for the future.

When Edo State was created in 1991, our brilliant leaders, fully aware of our ancestral destiny named us “The Heart Beat of The Nation”. That was not an ordinary slogan. It was a call to destiny…mandate that we must collectively achieve.

As your Deputy Governor in the last seven years, I have had the privilege of working closely with our amiable Governor, His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki, to lay a solid foundation for progress in Edo State.

Under our administration, we have seen remarkable achievements and milestones, but there is still much work to be done.

I am aware of the need by the greater Edo people for a more inclusive government, a government of the Edo people, by the Edo people, and for the Edo people. A government of individuals who have been there and know the pains and wishes of an average Edolite.

A government, together, with the greater Edo people will reignite the Edo Spirit and transform our tomorrow!

Since my foray into politics three decades ago, I have lived among you and you have loved me as your very own son.

I have felt your pains at close quarters, sat with the elders to benefit from their words of wisdom, led the youth in many struggles for their rights, visibility and freedom, learned the intricacies of modern governance and built adequate service capacity.

You all are witnesses to my antecedents in government. When the waters of the Lagdo dam flooded our lands and threatened our means of livelihood, I led the emergency response team that managed the impact and kept it in check and continued to be involved in most humanitarian issues within the state.

When COVID-19 came to threaten our very existence, I put my life on the line in its very early days when protection was not available and worked to restore calm and order at the isolation centres.

Our Sporting treasure, Bendel Insurance, became my responsibility at some point within this administration. Through strategic management and relentless commitment, we have returned Bendel Insurance to the height of glory it belongs.

When kidnappers took some of our citizens from Ubiaja and Igueben Train station, I worked with the rescue team, led the rescue mission from the front and brought back the kidnapped citizens safe and sound.

Under my supervision as the Deputy Governor, our Internally generated revenue has grown impressively; thanks to the introduction of digital and cutting-edge ideas.

Back in the day, you didn’t just call me “Mr Constituency Project” for nothing. In my time as a legislator, I delivered 49 constituency projects at the state level and 13 solid constituency projects within my short stint at the federal level.

I have fought the good fight for you my people, Along the way, suffered humiliations and enjoyed many moments of victory but I am thankful in all things.

I have been pressed but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned, badly hurt but not destroyed. I resonate with the tireless and irrepressible Spirit of the Edo People. By the grace of God, nothing and no one can stop us. After all, I be original Edo son…100% home boy.

This is why today, I stand before you with great conviction and resolve, as I declare my intention to run for the office of the Governor of Edo State under the platform of the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 2024 election and I am confident that with your support, we can take Edo State to even greater heights.

My fellow citizens and party faithful, our campaign will be built upon five core pillars, each vital to the transformation and prosperity of our beloved state.

THE FIRST PILLAR OF OUR AGENDA IS INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION.

We will commit ourselves to building modern, sustainable infrastructure that drives economic growth and enhances our quality of life.

By diversifying our economy, and exploring new sectors for growth, we will create more jobs and economic prosperity for all.

EDUCATION, SPORTS, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, AND JOB CREATION FORMS THE SECOND PILLAR OF OUR AGENDA.

We believe that every child deserves quality education that will equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. We will prioritize the revitalization of our educational system, ensuring that no child is left behind.

We will restore the glory of Edo in the sports sector by ensuring that just like the Bendel Insurance, other aspects of sports will be given priority so that our teeming young people will be able to showcase their potentials, and make a living through sports.

In the same vein, we will ensure that our youths are empowered with the necessary skills to compete in the global job market.

THE THIRD PILLAR OF OUR AGENDA IS HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEMS.

We recognize that a strong society takes care of its most vulnerable citizens. We will initiate a comprehensive overhaul of our healthcare system, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and quality healthcare for all.

Furthermore, we will implement social welfare programs that support those in need, providing a safety net for our people.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION CONSTITUTES THE FOURTH PILLAR OF OUR AGENDA.

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Appeal Court To Deliver Judgment In Sokoto Guber Election Dispute Today

The Court of Appeal in Abuja will today, resolve the dispute in the Sokoto State governorship election.

The court will rule on the appeal filed against the judgment of the state election petitions tribunal, which affirmed the election of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State.

Recall that Saidu Umar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had contested the declaration of Aliyu as the duly elected governor of the state, alleging irregularities, among others.

In a notice of judgment, the Appeal Court disclosed that it would rule on the case by 3 pm on Monday.

“Take notice that APPEAL NO, CA/S/EP/GOV/SK/30/2023: SAIDU UMAR & ANR VS. ALIYU AHMED SOKOTO & 3. ORS is coming up before the Court of Appeal Headquarters Abuja Division for judgment on Monday, the 27th day of November 2023, at 3.00 pm,” the notice read.

Justice Haruna Msheila-led three-man Election’s Petitions Tribunal, in a unanimous judgment delivered on September 30, dismissed the petition of the PDP, saying the petitioners failed to prove the six grounds formulated in the petition.

Msheila said the grounds bordered on alleged ineligibility for Aliyu and Gobir to contest the falsification of certificates, variation of names, election fraud, and noncompliance with electoral guidelines.

He said petitioners could not prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt as required by law, as 70 percent of the exhibits were out of context because they relate to State Assembly elections conducted on the same dates.

The judge said to prove forgery, two documents of persons needed to be presented while Supreme Court provisions settled the variation of names issues.

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Why AY Won’t Perform At My Show – Basketmouth

Bright Okpocha, the popular Nigerian comedian, who is also known as Basketmouth has said that he has sent an invitation to his former rival and colleague, AY Makun to attend his concert in Lagos this Sunday.

He made the gesture weeks after publicly apologising to AY and squashing their 17-year-old rift.

He, however, said AY won’t be performing or making a cameo on stage at the event holding at the Eko Hotel & Suites tonight because it is scripted.

Speaking in a recent interview with Arise TV, Basketmouth said, “AY is not on the bill to perform but he has got a ticket. He’s attending. I sent him his ticket a few days ago.

“I knew a lot of people have been asking, ‘Is he [AY] gonna perform?’ He’s not on the bill.

“In actual fact, I don’t have that many comedians on the bill. I know Bovi is introducing me. Senator, Dan The Humorous and Aproko from Abuja are performing. I got a few people from Ghana as well.

“AY can’t even make a cameo because my show is already designed. We are recording for TV so it’s a three-hour set. As we speak the guys directing and producing they just came into the country about a few days ago.

“And before they even landed, we had already sealed the whole flow of the show. It’s not the kind of show where anybody would just get on stage. It’s not that kind of show. Everything is timed. Precision to perfection.”

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My Ex-Wife Parents Compelled Me To Pay Them N1m For Marrying Her A Virgin – Israel DMW Says

Popular Nigerian singer, Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel Afeare, who is popularly known as Israel DMW, has made a new claim about his estranged wife and her parents,

He claimed that his estranged wife, Sheila’s parents “compelled” him to share the money sprayed at their wedding with them because he married their daughter a virgin.

He said his former parents-in-law also “compelled” him to buy their daughter iPhone 14 Promax worth N1.2 million.

Sharing a screenshot of a bank transfer receipt via his Instagram page, he wrote, “The receipt of [N]1m, part of money sprayed at the wedding.

“Sheila’s parents held my neck to share with them since their daughter is a virgin. They also compelled me to buy her iPhone 14 Promax [N]1.2m, she’s using.”

Israel’s latest revelation came after Sheila denied his earlier allegations that she dumped their marriage as soon as she became famous and that she and her family are “gold diggers” who defrauded him.

Sheila had stated that she left the marriage because of domestic violence, saying contrary to Israel’s claim that she and her family are “gold diggers,” she is from a well-to-do family, adding that her dad and former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole are “first cousins”.

Recall that Israel and Sheila tied the knot on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at a traditional ceremony that was held in Benin City.

However, the couple got separated barely eight months after their lavish wedding over allegations of domestic violence and infidelity from both parties.

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Nigerian Teacher Suddenly Slumps And Dies Inside School Premises In Ogun

Mrs Oluwatosin Aina, a teacher who taught at the Olokinne High School, Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, has died.

She reportedly slumped at the school and died.

The incident was said to have happened on Thursday morning and has left the community in shock.

A source who said he was a close family friend said the late Aina reportedly drove herself to the school on Thursday and was said to have started feeling feverish moments after arriving the school.

The Grade Level 14 officer who teaches Christian Religious Knowledge was said to have gotten permission from the Principal to go take care of her health but slumped right beside her car.

She was said to have been rushed to the annex of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Ijebu Igbo of the state, where she was confirmed dead.

The incident reportedly threw the entire school into mourning, giving the dedication and love of the deceased to the students and colleagues.

Mrs Aina was said to be in her 50s and married to a retired Principal within Ijebu Igbo.

The source said, “Yes, I can confirm that the unfortunate incident happened on Thursday morning. I know her very well. I heard that she started feeling uncomfortable after getting to the school and got permission from her Principal to go and treat herself but slumped beside her car.

“She was confirmed dead at the hospital she was rushed to. She was a Christian Religious Knowledge teacher and married to a retired Principal. She should be in her 50s and either on Grade Level 13 or 14”

Also speaking, a teacher who works in the area and craved anonymity has, however, expressed concern over the rate at which teachers are dying in the state, insisting that the stress of having limited numbers of teachers is taking a toll on the health of the available few hands.

Reacting, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Ogun State, Felix Agbesanwa, while commiserating with the family of the deceased teacher, said that the union was quite aware of the challenges of the lack of required numbers of teachers in the school.

Agbesanwa said, “We have a teacher shortage challenge. This week, the government commenced the employment of 2000 teachers. This is in addition to the 1000 OgunTeach interns who were given permanent employment recently.

“We really appreciate this gesture from the Governor and hope that other outstanding issues that will further aid the teacher’s wellbeing will be addressed just as the Governor has promised.”

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I Don’t Drink Alcohol, But I’m Trying To Quit Smoking – Charly Boy Reveals

UCharles Oputa, the veteran Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Charly Boy, has disclosed that he doesn’t drink alcohol.

He said he has also been trying to quit smoking but often found himself struggling with the addiction.

Speaking in a recent interview with actress Iyabo Ojo, the maverick singer admitted that he takes a bit of alcoholic wine but maintained that he is not a regular drinker.

The 73-year-old said his fitness is due to genetic factors and his lifestyle, noting that his parents and grandparents lived long.

He said, “I was lucky enough to form the habit of always going to the gym and looking after my physical wellbeing. You know, people in the [entertainment] industry a lot of things are speculated about them. But I don’t drink. I’ve never drank [alcohol] in my life. Except you add small wine to it sometimes when I feel like socialising [laughs].

“I’m trying to give up my nicotine [smoking] habit. Because it’s really not good for me. The longest I’ve abstained I think was about seven years. I’ve been having battles with it back and forth. I quit sometimes, I come back.”

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Nasarawa Residents Hold Protest Over Appeal Court Ruling Affirming Governor Sule

On Saturday, a peaceful protest was organized by residents of Nasarawa State and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), operating under the banner of the Indigenous People of Nasarawa. The demonstration was in response to the Court of Appeal’s decision that overturned the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal.

It would be recalled that on 2nd October 2023, a three-member Election Petition Tribunal led by Ezekiel Ajayi, had in a split judgement of two-to-one, declared the governorship candidate of the PDP, David Ombugadu, the validly elected governor of the state during the March 18th, 2023 Governorship election.

Unsatisfied with the Tribunal judgement, Governor Abdullahi Sule filed an appeal requesting the Appeal Court to set aside the judgment and affirm his election as announced by INEC.

Dissatisfied with the Appeal Court judgement, a group comprising women, youths, and others across the 13 local government areas of the state, publicly rejected the judgement, urging the Supreme Court to examine critically the merit of the case and allow the voice of the majority to prevail over mere technicalities.

 

 

Addressing journalists after the protest, Convener of the group, Kefas Elisha Tigga, noted that the Appeal Court judgement was a mere judicial misplacement of justice, describing the judgement as disheartening and a threat to the Nigerian democratic system.

He said, “The new twist in the Appeal judgement has not only created a dangerous precedent that undermines the fundamental principle of majority rule. The rights of indigenous people as expressed through their votes must be protected and upheld without any compromise.

“For long now, Nasarawa State has been subjected to external control, primarily driven by economic exploitation, neglecting the welfare and security of our citizens and their properties. Our people have been under persecution based on either their religious beliefs or their ethnic affiliations.

“We are here today to shed light on the fact that Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP rightfully won the governorship election held on March 18th, 2023. The wrongful declaration of Audu Sule as the winner by INEC was a clear deviation from the true democratic process.

“We are hereby calling on the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union, whose commitment to democratic values is renowned, to come to our aid in Nasarawa State. We must safeguard our democracy against external influences and ensure that the right of indigenous people to determine their destiny is respected.

“Our last hope lies with the Supreme Court, the final arbiter of justice, to stand firmly by our laws and allow the voice of the majority to prevail over mere technicalities. Let this be a moment for the Supreme Court to reiterate its commitment to the principles of democracy and protect the rights of indigenous people. We implore the Supreme Court to correct this injustice and enforce the true will of the people of Nasarawa State.” 

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Sowore Rejects Tinubu’s Intervention In Ondo State, Insists Akeredolu Is Incapacitated, Must Resign

Omoyele Sowore, the human rights activist and convener of #RevolutionNow, has rejected the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the ongoing political crisis in Ondo State, saying it failed to provide concrete solutions.

Sowore, who said this in a post made via his X platform on Sunday morning described, President Tinubu’s intervention as unacceptable and said it was high time for the state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu to resign.

Sowore said, “Let’s remind @officialABAT that his so-called intervention in Ondo state to prop up an obviously incapacitated Governor  @RotimiAkeredolu  is unacceptable, and hereby loudly rejected! Akeredolu must resume or RESIGN!”

SaharaReporters earlier reported how President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with Ondo State lawmakers, deputy governor and elders on Friday in the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, over the current political crisis in the state, where he simply asked all the warring parties to “maintain the status quo.”

Insiders at the meeting had told SaharaReporters that the president gave no clear solution to the current vacuum in governance experienced in Ondo State, as he “simply imposed ailing Rotimi Akeredolu” on the attendants of the meeting as the governor of the state.

Meanwhile, in a release by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to Tinubu, the presidency noted that President Tinubu had resolved the political crisis in the state – a claim which is far from the truth.

The presidency, on Saturday morning said, “In his bid to restore political stability in Ondo State, President Bola Tinubu, late on Friday, waded into the months-long crisis between factions loyal to the Executive Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“This followed marathon negotiations between the President and the Deputy Governor, representatives of Governor Akeredolu, federal and state lawmakers of Ondo, officials of the state’s chapter of the All Progressives’ Congress, and other stakeholders in the state at the State House, Abuja.

“The President advised all opposing parties to bury the hatchet and embrace peace, eliciting commitments to this effect. This means that Governor Akeredolu remains Chief Executive of the State, Aiyedatiwa remains Deputy Governor, and members of the State Executive Council continue their respective duties, even as the leadership of the State’s House of Assembly and the APC Chapter in Ondo State is preserved.

“Mr. Aiyedatiwa, who declared his decision to maintain the status quo and unite all the factions, said: “I want to say that I pledge to all of you that I embrace every one of you. I put behind all that has happened before now. I’ve let go and also let God, just as the President has advised us.

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Actress, Destiny Etiko Leaves Fans In Awe As She Shares Hot Bikini Photos

Destiny Etiko, the popular Nigerian actress, has left her fans in awe on social media.

She stunned her fans when she took to her Instagram page on Saturday, November 25, to share shared hot bikini photos of herself.

Destiny is currently in Miami Florida, U.S. on holiday.

See more photos below…

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My Wife Just Born, I Wan Do Wedding – Asisat Oshoala Slams People Who Flood Her DMs Asking For Money

Nigerian footballer, Asisat Oshoala has taken to her Snapchat to lament.
The Nigerian who plays for Barcelona lamented that people are flooding her DM asking for money.
She used her Snapchat handle to warn individuals against such conduct.
She wrote: “While I enjoy having fun here, there are certain things that should be common sense. I help a lot of people here, but there are situations I won’t condone or support, such as ‘MY WIFE JUST GAVE BIRTH,’ ‘I WANT TO HAVE A WEDDING,’ and so on. Use your common sense. Set your priorities right!!”
See some reactions below:
@jahy_official: “U wey born no sabi say u go take care of the pikin? Lmao. Some people ehn.”
@A1Mustea: “While they fellow foreign comrades are helping they family and loved ones our own na to complain up and down.”
@omo_onipako: “I love this, she has drawn the line now. Why would you be begging for wedding money.”
@EgwuChineduKin1: “It’s disheartening the way people bill others to fund their weddings and live style, do what you can do you said no but you will be going about disturbing people.”
@ChvpoSZN: “Nigerians like awoof eh…“my wife just born“ u get preeq to give woman belle when you no get money to take care of the baby.”
@Teesaids: “This kind of neck pressing requests for money from someone working hard to earn money can be so frustrating and stressful.”

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