All posts by : Iconic News Team

By :The Editor

The President of the African Bar Association (AfBA), High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja with the aim to strengthen ties between the Association and the Nigerian Army ahead of AfBA’s upcoming annual conference in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for 19th-23rd October 2025.

The AfBA President was accompanied by a high powered delegation, including Mohammed Ndanyako, SAN (Vice President, Budget & Finance); Dr Samson Osagie (AfBA Council member/Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State); Moses Ebute, SAN (Legal Adviser); Major General Wambai (member); Afam Okeke (Director of Treasury); Owoicho Adejo-Ogiri (Director of Membership); Mimi Ayua (AfBA Women Forum) and Teyojesam Eko (media aide to the AfBA President). The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was joined by a number of Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and senior military representatives.

In his remarks, High Chief Eddy Mark commended the Nigerian Army for its longstanding partnership with AfBA. He noted that since AfBA’s revival in 2016, the Nigerian Army has consistently participated in its annual conferences. He praised the COAS for approving a strong delegation of officers to attend the upcoming conference in Ghana, themed “Foreign Interests in Africa: Exploitation or Investment?”

He also highlighted AfBA’s mission since its founding in 1971, emphasizing its commitment to promoting peace, resolving conflicts across African states, and supporting African lawyers both on the continent and in the diaspora. He assured the Nigerian Army of AfBA’s continued advocacy for the rights and welfare of military personnel, while also pledging legal support on issues both locally and internationally.

Responding, Lt Gen Oluyede welcomed the AfBA delegation and acknowledged the Association’s defence of Nigeria in international fora. The COAS called for stronger collaboration between the legal profession and the military, urging Nigerian lawyers to better understand the unique challenges of the army. He also appealed for judicial support in terrorism cases, noting the setbacks caused by technicalities at appellate courts.

Lt Gen Oluyede reiterated the Army’s readiness to collaborate with AfBA in sensitizing the public and judiciary on the military’s efforts to protect the nation.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of a plaque of honour to African Bar Association, President Eddy Mark by the Chief of Army Staff, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the visit.

The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Samson Osagie has congratulated Hon Charles E Khorutomwen Idahosa, JP, OFR, a revered leader and stalwart in Nigerian politics, on his 72nd birthday, celebrating his remarkable contributions to democracy and the development of Edo State.

The birthday greetings reads:

I, Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, PhD heartily congratulates our Leader Hon Charles Idahosa,OFR on his 72nd birthday.

Your life of service to humanity has continued to resonate with the people particularly those who had the privilege to undergo tutelage under your leadership.

You have made immense contributions to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria and development of our dear State.

I wish you many more years of celebrations in good health and sound mind. Happy Birthday Our Dear Leader and Many happy returns.

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, PhD

Hon Attorney General And Commissioner for Justice.

Edo State.

A PEACE IN CEMETERY.

The Governor Fubara return to office yesterday after six months emergency rule in Rivers State. Wike and Fubara, both men declared that peace has returned to their state. But political watchers the alleged peace that has returned to Rivers State can be likened to the serenity found in a cemetery, where conflicts are buried, and tranquility reigns. After six months of emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared that peace and stability have been restored to the state. This new found peace is attributed to the reconciliation efforts brokered by the President, which brought together key stakeholders, including Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Key Aspects of the Peace:

Reconciliation: Fubara and Wike have accepted to “bury the hatchet” and work towards the progress of Rivers State.
Commitment to Peace:
The Governor has emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stating that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war”.
Collaboration:

Fubara has pledged to work harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate social and economic advancement
Inclusiveness:

The Governor has called on all citizens to join hands in rebuilding the state, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation.

Challenges Ahead:

Sustaining Peace: The Governor acknowledges that sustaining peace will require continued efforts and commitment from all stakeholders.
Rebuilding

Trust:

Fubara has emphasized the need to rebuild trust and foster inclusiveness to secure a peaceful and prosperous state.

Addressing Governance:

The state will need to address governance challenges and ensure effective legislative-executive cooperation

Overall, the peace that has returned to Rivers State is a fragile one, requiring careful nurturing and commitment from all stakeholders to ensure its sustainability.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE FUTURE PEACE:

The peace between Wike and Fubara in Rivers State seems fragile, with both leaders seemingly committed to maintaining the truce for now. However, underlying tensions and competing interests may threaten the sustainability of this peace.

Challenges to the Peace

• 2027 Elections:

The power struggle between Wike and Fubara will likely intensify as the 2027 elections approach, with Wike potentially seeking to install a loyal protege and Fubara fighting to secure his own political legacy.

Budget Approval:

The Rivers State House of Assembly’s approval of Fubara’s budget will be a crucial test of the peace, with any amendments or rejection potentially reigniting tensions.

Local Government Elections:

Control of the 23 local government areas is a significant source of power and influence, and disputes over the timing or results of these elections could trigger another crisis.

• Impeachment Threats:

The threat of impeachment hangs over Fubara’s head, and if the legislature revives moves to impeach him or his deputy, the truce will likely collapse.

Key Players’ Positions:

• Wike’s Stance :

Wike has declared that he has forgiven Fubara and is committed to peace, but his actions and words suggest he still wields significant influence and may be positioning himself for future power struggles.

Fubara’s Commitment:

Fubara has pledged to prioritize peace and stability, acknowledging Wike as “our leader” and expressing commitment to reconciliation and inclusiveness.

Uncertainty Ahead:

Given the complex web of interests and alliances, the future of the peace between Wike and Fubara remains uncertain. While both leaders have publicly committed to peace, the underlying tensions and power dynamics may ultimately determine the trajectory of events in Rivers State.
Only time shall tell what is in the offing for Rivers people politically.

Julius Ekhovbiye Onaghise writes from Benin City

The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, recently made a presentation on bail administration, highlighting the delicate balance between the presumption of innocence and public interest. His presentation dealt with expertise in law and governance, providing valuable insights into the complexities of bail laws and practices.

This presentation underscores the importance of ensuring justice is served while protecting the rights of all citizens, shedding light on the intricacies of bail administration in Nigeria’s justice system.

President Bola Tinubu has lifted the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, September 17, 2025.

The state of emergency was declared on March 18, 2025, due to a constitutional impasse between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly.

With the lifting of the emergency, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly will resume work on September 18, 2025.

He also thanked the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration and the traditional rulers and people of Rivers State for their support during the crisis. He further urged governors and lawmakers across the country to prioritize collaboration and peace to ensure the delivery of democracy’s benefits to the people.

Edo AG Joins Call for National Unity at Southern Summit

The Southern Summit of former Legislators has held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, bringing together prominent stakeholders to strengthen national unity with he Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie,who is a former Member and Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, was among the notable attendees.

The Southern Submit of Legislators which was convened by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President, had the theme “National Unity – Bedrock for National Development.” with Stakeholders deliberating on pressing national issues, commending the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at addressing insecurity and implementing economic reforms.

The Edo Attorney General , who is also the Coordinator of the Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Forum of Former Legislators and Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, presented the summit’s communiqué.

In his presentation, he harped on the importance of collective effort, national unity, and consistent policy implementation, noting that these efforts would promote national stability and prosperity.

Also present, were the Edo State delegation to the conference which included former Deputy Governors Dr. Pius Odubu and Hon. Philip Shuaibu,

Others include, Hon Gabriel Oiboh, Hon Razaq Bello-Osagie, Hon Nosakhare Osahon, Hon Dr Patrick Ikhariale, Hon Abass Braimah, Hon Abdul Oroh, Hon Friday Itulah, Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, Hon Johnson Oghuma, Hon Edoror Victor, amongst others
Various participants advocated for national support for the rotational presidency agreement, reaffirming their commitment to collaborative leadership and equitable power sharing among Nigeria’s regions.

Similarly, stakeholders, including former federal and state lawmakers from across the country, pledged their commitment to unity and cooperation and charted a course for a more stable and prosperous Nigeria, with emphasis on the power of collective action in driving national progress.

The Summit resolved to support President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for a second term and to support the North in producing the President of the country from 2031.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Justice

By :The Editor

The Great Pals of Benin Technical College Association has been restrained from conducting any election into the office of the President, Vice President or any office whatsoever. This order was made today by the Benin High Court following a Motion Exparte moved by Gabriel Ehigiator Esq.

The Great Pals of the Benin Technical College has been embroiled in a factional supremacy arising from attempting by duly elected President of the Association to enforce discipline among members of the Executive of the Association. In a suit filed by the President and Vice President Messrs Benson Osazuwa and Osayemwenre Unuabona respectively against the errant factional members of the Executive led by the appointed General Secretary of the Association Idahosa Osagie, the Claimants sought among other reliefs a perpetual injunction against the said Idahosa Osagie Felix and his cohorts from conducting any illegal election into the office of the President and Vice President of Association in gross violation of the Association’s Constitution.

The said Idahosa Osagie Felix and his cohorts have fixed an election into the office of the President and Vice President of the Association for Sunday 14th of September, 2025, at the Talk of the City Hall, Urubi, Benin City without due regard to Constitution of the Association. With this orders already served on the Defendants, it will amount to contempt of court for which sanctions including imprisonment can be meted out on the Defendants if they go ahead to conduct any election for the Association in breach of the explicit order of the Benin High Court.

Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has announced that it will be carrying out staff verification for selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

In a letter signed by the Director of Civil Service Matters, Bamaiyi Osadebamen Rebecca, for the Head of Service, the various MDAs are listed below:

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to entrench transparency, accountability, and open governance as the hallmarks of its administration, stressing its determination to build stronger institutions and empower citizens through sustainable reforms.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the “Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative” (SAGNI) project, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) in Abuja, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, described the initiative as a transformative partnership that has contributed significantly to strengthening democratic institutions across the country and in Edo State in particular.

Dr. Osagie noted that the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, is deeply committed to upholding the principles of openness and public trust. He explained that SAGNI has gone beyond the scope of a conventional development programme, serving instead as “a strategic platform for institutional strengthening, citizen empowerment, and the advancement of accountability.”

Highlighting the direct benefits of the project, the Attorney General revealed that the Edo State Ministry of Justice has, over the past twelve months, enjoyed critical technical support, collaborative engagements, and valuable knowledge exchange. These, he said, have improved the Ministry’s capacity to promote accountability, enhance service delivery, and restore public confidence in the machinery of government.

He emphasised that Edo’s reform-driven approach to governance is guided by its determination to enforce transparency laws and ensure that citizens have access to information. The state, he said, remains committed to the effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, which is central to building trust between government and the governed. In his words, “Governor Okpebholo is unwavering in his belief that a government must be open, accountable, and responsive to its people. That is the spirit we are nurturing in Edo.”

Dr. Osagie commended the Centre for Transparency Advocacy and its partners for their dedication to the project, describing their contributions as invaluable to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space. He pledged that Edo would not only consolidate the gains of SAGNI but would also expand its principles across ministries, departments, and agencies of government, thereby embedding accountability as a culture of governance.

The Attorney General further recalled that Edo, alongside Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory, had benefitted immensely from the SAGNI project. This, he stressed, placed the state in a position of responsibility to sustain the progress achieved and to serve as a model for other states striving to improve governance and accountability frameworks.

“The closeout of this project is not an end but a call to action,” Dr. Osagie declared. “We must carry forward the spirit of SAGNI to consolidate strong institutions, promote transparency, and secure a better, more prosperous future for our people.”

Clementina Agweda

Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Justice, Edo Stae

A

By:Gloria Osemudiamhen

‎The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has commended the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) National Scholarship Programme, and highlighted the importance of educational empowerment as a crucial catalyst for personal and societal development.
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‎Mrs. Anani who gave the commendation during an interview at the RHI’s Midterm Assessment and Interactive Session with its National Scholars, which held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, emphasized the transformative power of educational empowerment and its transformative potential in bridging gaps, unlocking opportunities, which enable individuals to reach full potential, thereby contributing significantly to the State’s growth and prosperity.
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‎ She explained that the initiative was designed to shape lives, break poverty cycles and pave the way for a brighter future.
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‎According to Mrs. Anani, “Empowerment through education is at the core of our mission. By providing our students with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we are not only transforming their lives but also shaping the future of our society. Education has the power to break cycles of poverty, challenge stereotypes and unlock potential. As we invest in the education of our young people, we are investing in a brighter future for all”.
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‎Mrs. Anani commended the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, explaining that it had benefited students like Eigbirenmonlen Sonia, a 300-level Zoology student at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in Edo State.
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‎ She further appreciated the Initiative’s efforts in empowering citizens, particularly women and youths, expressing confidence in its lasting positive impact.
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‎”I am delighted to see a student from Edo State benefit from the Renewed Hope Initiative spearheaded by the wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu. This initiative is a testament to the administration’s commitment to empowering citizens, particularly women and youths, across the Country. I commend the First Lady’s efforts in driving this programme, which aims to bring hope and positive change to our people. I have no doubt that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of our citizens”. Mrs. Anani said.
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‎Some guests and benefitting students including Miss Eigbirenmonlen, expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s life-changing opportunity.
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‎Highpoint of the event was the disbursement of the third tranche of scholarship funds to forty seven (47) students, with each receiving N1 million and a brand-new laptop.
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