News
Omobayo replaces Shaibu as Edo deputy governor

Thirty-seven-year-old Godwins Omobayo was yesterday sworn in as Edo State deputy governor by the Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa.
He replaced Philip Shaibu, who was earlier in the day removed from office by the House of Assembly.
Shaibu was recommended for impeachment by the panel set up by the CJ. The lawmakers ratified the recommendation and sacked Shaibu.
Omobayo, an engineer was Labour Party (LP) House of Representatives candidate for Akoko-Edo Constituency.
The new deputy governors said his kinsmen were excited about his appointment, being the first deputy governor from the area.
However, Shaibu vowed to fight what he described as his illegal removal, saying that it smacked of injustice.
In his four-page acceptance speech, titled: “A Day of the Lord: A Day I Will Never Forget,” shortly after his inauguration at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin, Omobayo said the hitherto marginalised Akoko-Edo had made history.
He said: “For my people in Akoko-Edo, it has been joy and excitement. Since colonial times, when the LGA was created, no administration has bothered to tempt Akoko-Edo with the position of deputy governor, even for one day. Akoko-Edo has not produced a state governor, no federal minister or other high-ranking government officers, except for the constitutionally-mandatory ones.
“Etsako has ruled the state as governor. It has also been lucky to produce some military governors and vice military head of state and several ministers. Etsako has additionally produced two deputy governors of this state. Owan too has produced a deputy governor, some House of Assembly speakers, among other highly-placed government functionaries.
“This history is important to explain why my people are very excited about this appointment, even though it is for only a few months. In the six local government areas that make up Edo North Senatorial District, Akoko-Edo is the oldest and the largest in population, and in voting population. It is the third largest in population in Edo State.
“In 1963, Etsako and Owan were one division, and they had four members in the then Midwest House of Assembly. Akoko-Edo was also a division with four members in the same House of Assembly. Today, the number for Akoko-Edo has reduced to only two, while other LGAs have had their numbers doubled or even tripled. So, we place importance on the decision of the Obaseki-led administration and the PDP to consider Akoko-Edo for this position.”
Omobayo added: “My Principal, Governor Obaseki, has demonstrated from the outset of his administration that he is aware that Akoko-Edo is being flagrantly marginalised. He therefore, took practical steps to bridge the gap, as much as possible. His first Chief of Staff (CoS), Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Research, Documentation and Writing were all from Akoko-Edo.
“He (Obaseki) has further entrenched the practice of appointing two commissioners from Akoko-Edo. In his time too, Akoko-Edo produced a Speaker of the House of Assembly, a deputy speaker and chief whip. And today, Akoko-Edo people have broken the yoke and shattered the jinx by producing a deputy governor in his time, on platter of diamond, designed by the Almighty and delivered by His Excellency.”
The new deputy governor acknowledged that the oath of office he took defined the legal limits that he could not exceed while in office.”
How Shaibu was removed
Obaseki said the inauguration of the new deputy governor was in line with constitutional provisions, following the removal of Shaibu by Edo lawmakers.
At yesterday’s plenary, the lawmakers, having adopted the recommendations of the seven-man panel, Impeached the former Deputy governor.
The House Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian (Ovia Northeast 1), said the report of the panel had two findings and one recommendation.
Aiguobarueghian explained that the report of the panel was unable to establish the case of perjury levelled against Shaibu, but the panel found him guilty of disclosure of government secrets.
The majority leader moved a motion that the report be considered, seconded by the minority leader, Eric Okaka (Owan East).
The Clerk of the House, Yahaya Omogbai, conducted a head count of the lawmakers, with 18 of 19 present lawmakers (excluding the Speaker) voting in support of Shaibu’s removal, while one abstained.
Omogbai noted that the votes of two thirds (16 of 24) of the lawmakers would be needed to remove Shaibu.
The Speaker, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, then directed the Clerk to forward copies of the impeachment to Obaseki for his assent.
Shaibu: My removal was illegal
Shaibu declared that he was illegally impeached over trump-up charges, saying that he will fight on without any fear of intimidation.
He described the impeachment as a dangerous descent into dictatorship, a threat to democracy and display of tyranny and oppression.
Shaibu said in a four-minute, fifty-second video: “I denounce in strongest term, the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over trump-up charges. This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but on the very democratic principles that we hold dear. It is a dangerous descent into dictatorship, and a threat to the foundation of our democracy.
“Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo State 2024 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance, and those in power seek to silent opposition through illegitimate means. I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens.
“I have upheld the values of democracy and justice, and yet, in return, I am faced with baseless accusations, and a blatant disregard for due process and rule of law.”
The former deputy governor insisted that the allegations brought against him were nothing more than a full screen to conceal the true motive behind the impeachment.
He said: “It (his removal) is a fragrant abuse of power, and a betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials. We refuse to stay inactive, while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain.
“We will fight this injustice with every iota of strength in our being, for the sake of the people of Edo State, and the future of democracy.
“I call upon all well-meaning citizens of Edo and indeed all Nigerians, who believe in the principles of democracy and justice, to stand with us in this moment of crisis. We cannot allow tyranny and oppression to take root in our society. We must resist the forces that seek to undermine freedom and trample upon our rights.
“To the members of Edo State House of Assembly, who chose to forsake their oaths of office, and participated in this charade, history will judge harshly for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests. You do not have the power to silent the voice of justice and truth.
“I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. Let the truth prevail over lies. Let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me, and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.”
Court order:
The interlocutory order by the Federal High Court, Abuja, directed the parties to appear before the presiding judge on April 8, 2024 (yesterday), to show cause why the relief sought by Shaibu should not be granted, particularly the enforcement of fundamental human rights.
Defendants in the suit before Justice Ekwo are Inspector-General of Police (IGP); Department of Security Services (DSS); Omonua, representing himself and the members of the panel; Edo chief judge, and the House of Assembly.
The interlocutory order ought to prevent the chairman and the unnamed three other members of the panel from participating in the impeachment proceedings, on account of bias.
On March 25, the Chief Judge of Edo State, reconstituted the seven-member panel, which he initially put together on March 22.
Two professors: Violet Aigbokhaebo and Boniface Onomion Edegbai, declined to serve on the panel to investigate the allegations, as contained in the March 6, 2024 impeachment notice by the members of Edo House of Assembly.
Okungbowa reconstituted another panel, in line with Section 188 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
On March 19, the House of Assembly, through a resolution by 19 of 24 members, directed the chief judge to constitute the seven-member panel.
Other members of the reconstituted panel were Prof. Theresa Akpoghome, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Dr. Andrew Oliha, Idris Abdulkareen, President Aighokhian, and Mariam Erakhoba Ilavbare.
AA candidate condems impeachment
African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate Dr. Udoh Oberaifo condemned the impeachment, saying that due process was not followed.
He said in a statement in Benin, that Shaibu was not given a fair hearing, adding that the impeachment was a blatant disregard of the principles of justice.
Oberaifo said: “Of particular concern is the fact that the impeachment proceeded despite a pending case filed by the deputy governor at the Federal High court.”
News
Nigeria: There’s Fire on the Mountain, and no one is a runnin’
It is sad that foreign armed groups are able to overrun the nations’ security apparatus not minding the mind bugling amount of funds voted every year in the nation’s budget on security.

By John Segun Odeyemi
Image credit: Burnt Community in Benue
Until now, I have refrained from writing commentaries about the political landscape of our country, Nigeria.
I have become disenchanted with the downward spiral of the absurdities that have become common place within the political space.
Within the last few days, I have read several articles on the killings in Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue States, and I am convinced to add my voice to the outcry of government’s inability to act proactively in securing the safety of Nigerians from marauding and murdering Fulani insurgents, Boko Haram terrorists and the incessant and now common place kidnapping for ransom.
Anywhere in the world, the first duty of any government is to secure the safety of its citizens in and outside of the country.
It is clear that the government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is either incapable or unwilling to tackle the continuous decimation and subjugation of our people.
In most other climes that claim democratic principles, those in leadership should have resigned from office.
Not in Nigeria! Here we glorify ineffectiveness and inefficiencies.
In the epic 2008 song titled, “There is Fire on the Mountain,” by the Nigerian musician who goes by the name Asa, she makes the claim even though this fire is raging, surprisingly, no one is running.
I find two corollaries, one in an old English idiom, and the other in traditional Yoruba oral tradition; for the English, “The proverbial ostrich that buries its head in the sand.
And the Yoruba wisdom, “No one lights a torch and leaves it burning around a thatched roof.”
In both instances, the culprit is inertia or the lack of desire to act in preventing a disaster.
Either of which does not describe, even at the minimal level, a people willing to act fundamentally from a place of common sense!
Unfortunately, when I see the shenanigans, politicians have reduced my country to, I can only conclude we have politicians who have knowingly set a fire to the country.
And we have a citizen who see the fire and refuse to run.Human life is sacred and each individual’s life should be protected.
Sadly, the entire nation seems inured to a culture of bloodletting, savagery and the disposal of human life.
Our social media space is diffused with gory videos and pictures of unthinkable scenes of inhumane accounts of man’s inhumanity and cruelty to other humans.
Anywhere in the world, the first duty of any government is to secure the safety of its citizens in and outside of the country.
More specifically, of brigandry to defenseless communities.
A situation where aggressors over run entire communities, displace the communities and inhabit their homes without re-adjudication or lawful intervention by constituted authority and, or state intervention.
I continue to hear of “insecurity” in the nation when in reality, what we have is the invasion of our sovereignty as a nation.
It is sad that foreign armed groups are able to overrun the nations’ security apparatus not minding the mind bugling amount of funds voted every year in the nation’s budget on security.
One is forced to question the usefulness and functionality of government sponsored and funded state security agencies.
One cannot but wonder why insurgents are better equipped than the nation’s army in arms and intelligence gathering?
Who are the invested players who supply them with arms and ammunition?
How can bandits become so powerful as to brazenly over run our country’s army encampment, capture Nigerian soldiers, take their armored cars and weapons and put all of this on social media?
There are multiple narratives circulating and making the rounds especially on social media.
Unfortunately, there is no way of verifying the authenticity of some of these claims.
Some shadowy entities trace the incessant bloody and extremely violent attacks on a bid, either for the Islamization of the country or Jihad aimed at a land grab in favor of all shades of Fulanis from the Sahel.
Some even make the claim that it is both issues morphed into one.
I find some plausibility at least in the Fulani bid to find a home in Nigeria.
The current governor of Borno state made that claim on national TV. When asked if the Fulanis coming from outside Nigeria are Nigerians.
He blatantly said “Yes.” Immediately, when I encounter political impropriety and lack of diplomacy at this level, my mind goes into a default.
I try to find a matching partner for buffoonery; in this instance, I thought his less- cellency should be sent to Donald Trump’s school of diplomacy and should not be allowed to return without a doctorate.
For far too long, we have behaved like the ostrich, unable to confront, nationally, the real issues we need to confront; our federalism vis-à-vis regionalism, state policing, our current constitution, our so called “democracy”, and the relationship between the North and the rest of the country.
I believe there is enough land and space in the North to accommodate kith and kin from other climes to settle and graze their cattle up north.
Ranching versus grazing and any other animal husbandry is fine as long as your business does not disrupt mine.
But we all know that grazing is intentionally done to destroy people’s hard work on their farms.
We all know it, but we are looking the other way and mumbling the fool’s mantra, “It is well!”
It is not well, and there is no way it will be well, if some psychotic, marauding murderers, rapists, and demented drug addicts are allowed to kill innocent citizens of our country.
We can no longer be silent if we are human and sane.
If the corridors of power are playing politics with our fellow citizens’ property, security and lives, we have a moral obligation to rise up in holy and righteous anger to stump on evil.
Just last week, we witnessed in the United States, how an entire country came out en-masse to protest what was perceived as oligarchy, an affront on the idea of American democracy, which was tagged “No King.”
Why are we unable to hold our politicians accountable? Why is it that it seems we do not understand that they work for us (even though they steal from us all the time!)
If we do not force a change by our action as citizens, knowing that our so-called politicians are only interested in their own welfare; we must then ask ourselves the mother of all questions… pardon me to borrow from Asa again; “…
One day, the river will overflow and there will be nowhere for us to go.
And we will run, run, wishing we had put out the fire.”
When all has been said, we need to all agree as Nigerians, that these killings are too much! If you do not feel this empathy, then know you are a part of the killing spree.
Those who nurture this theater of war are not interested in building a nation or having a viable ecumenical union among religions in our country. it is all about disorder so they can continue to steal and enrich themselves; “… the more you see, the less you understand, Abracadabra!” If we keep quiet, they continue to eat away at the innards of our country and the rest of us, shall be unaware of what our infestation is coming from?
From within, they will polarize our peoples, dislocate the unity of our communities.
From our jaded communities, we help spew hate and hate and more hate. This in turn corrodes our ability to build a unified front.
Our politicians place their lighted touch under a thatched roof and go to bed on their watch.
When the fire starts, where are we going to run? We can douse the fire now if we imagine the conflagration that a burning Nigeria will look like.
∆ John Segun Odeyemi, is a Catholic Priest and assistant professor of Systematic theology at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies, Xavier University of Louisiana.
Crime
Kaduna Police Command reveals identity of man in Tinubu’s recent near attack (Video)

The Kaduna State Police Command has revealed the identity of the man who caused panic after charging towards President Bola Tinubu during his visit to the state.
According to the police, the suspect has been identified as Umar Mohammed, a resident of Anguwan Muazu in Kaduna.
The incident happened during the commissioning of a 300-bed specialist hospital in Millennium City.
As President Tinubu was addressing the audience, Mohammed suddenly broke through the crowd and rushed toward him, triggering a swift response from security operatives.
The moment left Tinubu visibly shocked, as seen in a widely shared video showing his startled reaction and the confusion among his security team.
Police later disclosed that the man has a mental health condition he has lived with since birth.
They described his actions as unplanned and driven by excitement, adding that he was unarmed and posed no real threat after being restrained.
Despite the scare, the event continued as planned.
Governor Uba Sani led the inauguration of the hospital, which is expected to boost healthcare access in Kaduna.
Video credit: TVC (Twitter)
News
Hardship: Govs Agree to Dismantle Illegal Road Blocks, Multiple Taxes
The communique was signed by NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Governors of the 36 states of the federation have agreed to dismantle illegal road blocks and multiple taxes across the country.
They made the resolution after a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja, which ended early Thursday.
The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who read the communique at the end of the meeting, said that the governors resolved to dismantle illegal road blocks and multiple taxes, which they said contributed to food inflation in the country.
The communique was signed by NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
(ThisDay)
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