Posts in category: General News

A scandal erupted recently involving Tony Elumelu, chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), when false rumors spread on social media claiming he had divorced his wife, Awele. UBA quickly debunked the claims as baseless and malicious, and three individuals have been arrested for spreading the false information.

The origins of the rumor are unclear, but UBA acted swiftly after filing a complaint, leading to the arrest of Kingsley Akunemeihe, Chigozie Success Ihebom, and John Surpruchi Nwanorue. The bank described the claims as “false, defamatory, and malicious,” and warned it would pursue all necessary legal action to protect Elumelu’s reputation.

The incident has sparked discussions about Nigeria’s defamation laws and social media’s impact on personal reputations. Some argue such cases should be civil matters, while others believe criminal charges are fitting given the damage caused by false information.

Tony Elumelu remains focused on his work, championing entrepreneurship and youth empowerment through his foundation. The case highlights the power of social media and the need to verify information before sharing it.

UBA’s swift response shows it takes such matters seriously, especially involving its leadership. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in Nigeria.

The arrested individuals face legal consequences for their actions, serving as a reminder of the importance of accountability online.

Renowned grassroots leader, international businessman, philanthropist and proud son of Edo State, Imafidon Desmond Oni, has hailed the transformative leadership and remarkable milestones achieved by Hon. Chief Dr. Billy Osawaru, the member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Based in the United Kingdom, Mr. Oni lauded the lawmaker for his “unprecedented commitment” to the development of his constituency, noting that the tangible evidence of his “good works” has resonated far beyond the borders of Edo State.

Mr. Oni highlighted that Dr. Billy Osawaru’s tenure has been characterized by high-impact projects and people-oriented representation. He pointed to several key areas where the lawmaker has made significant strides including among others:

i. Infrastructure Development: The facilitation of road repairs and the provision of solar-powered streetlights in rural communities.

ii. Education and Empowerment: Consistent support for students through scholarships and the distribution of educational materials, alongside vocational training programs for women and youth.

iii. Constituent Welfare: Responsive leadership that prioritizes the direct needs of the Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode people at the National Assembly.

In light of these achievements, Mr. Oni is making a passionate plea to the constituents and stakeholders to support the return of Hon. Chief Dr. Billy Osawaru to the National Assembly. He emphasized that for the constituency to maintain its current momentum, experienced and proven leadership is required.

In his words: “Governance is about results, and Dr. Billy Osawaru has delivered. When you see the level of development he has attracted to Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode within this timeframe, it is only logical to sue for his return.”

“We cannot afford to experiment with our future when we have a representative who understands the corridors of power and uses that influence for the benefit of the common man.”

Mr. Oni concluded by urging the youth and elders of the constituency to remain steadfast in their support for the lawmaker, noting that the “evidence is on the ground for all to see.” He expressed total confidence that a return to the Green Chamber for Dr. Osawaru would mean even greater dividends of democracy for the region.

Edo State Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has extended heartfelt condolences to Hon. Washington Osifo,Aspirant House of representatives Orhionmwon /Uhunmwode Federal Constituency following the death of All Progressives Congress chieftain and Medical Director of Suyi Hospital, Dr. Nosa Suyi Ekunwe, who passed away on April 20, 2026.

In a condolence message made available to the press, Dr. Osagie described the news of Dr. Ekunwe’s passing as a rude shock. He commiserated with Hon. Osifo and the Ekunwe family, describing the deceased as a respected leader in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, a loyal party man, and a very close associate of Hon. Washington Osifo.

“Dr. Nosakhare Ekunwe was an excellent gentleman and a very generous medical professional. His contributions to the All Progressives Congress since its inception were remarkable. He made tremendous sacrifices for the development of Uhunmwode Local Government Area and for the advancement of its people,” Dr. Osagie stated, and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Similarly, Hon. Washington Osifo has expressed deep appreciation for the condolence message. In a statement, Osifo noted that the message of condolence has brought comfort to him and the bereaved family.

“Your letter of condolence on the passing of my leader, father, and mentor, Dr. Nosakhare Suyi Ekunwe, reached us and touched us deeply,” Hon. Osifo wrote. “To lose him is to lose a father. To hear from you is to feel less alone in our grief.”

He further thanked Dr. Osagie for his kind words, prayers, and recognition of the late Dr. Ekunwe’s selfless service to the party, the community, and humanity, and prayed for eternal rest for the deceased.

The Edo APC Diaspora Media Group has formally written to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to express grave concerns over the administration of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State under the leadership of the State Chairman, Mr. Jarret Tenebe.

The letter, signed by the group’s General Coordinator, Hon. Taju Omoruyi, Dr. Alasa Braimah, and other executives, was also addressed to the APC National Working Committee, NWC, the National Executive Council, NEC, the Board of Trustees, and the Edo State leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In the petition, the group stated that the manner in which Mr. Jarret Tenebe is running the affairs of the party in Edo State is unacceptable and poses a significant threat to party unity and electoral success.

Founded in 2013, the Edo APC Diaspora Media Group comprises approximately 1,800 committed members residing across various countries worldwide.

“We wish to draw Mr. President’s attention to a long-standing, ticking time bomb which, if not immediately addressed, will severely undermine the electoral fortunes of our party in Edo State,” the letter stated.

The group specifically referenced a public declaration made by the Edo State APC Chairman on April 18, 2026, in which Mr. Tenebe stated that “the party would not give tickets to serial losers.” The group contends that the statement was directed at Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, whom they described as an elder statesman, a founding leader of the APC in Edo State, a former Director General of a victorious campaign, a former gubernatorial flag bearer, and a frontline aspirant for the Edo South Senatorial ticket.

Describing the remark as reckless and highly disrespectful, the group noted that it reflects a disturbing and consistent pattern of unguided public statements by the State Chairman against respected party leaders.

“A true leader must exhibit restraint, inclusiveness, and the ability to unify members. Regrettably, these qualities have been consistently absent in the conduct of Mr. Jarret Tenebe,” the group said.

The Edo APC Diaspora Media Group is therefore appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene, asserting that Mr. Tenebe has demonstrated a lack of leadership and the capacity to unify members. The group further warned that his actions continue to undermine the image and credibility of the party at both state and national levels.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.

According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.

Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.

Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.

The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”

Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”

Signed:

Yomi Odunuga,
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation

The Edo State Government has approved full educational scholarships for the three children of the late Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, an indigene of the state who died in active service to the nation.

In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Patrick Ebohjele, the approval, granted by Governor Monday Okpebholo, ensures that the children’s education will be fully funded from their current levels through to university. The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to honouring the sacrifice of fallen military personnel and supporting the families they leave behind.

The beneficiaries are Farida Hussain-Braimah, 18, a 100-level Software Engineering student at Nile University, Abuja; Amir Hussain-Braimah, 16, currently in SS3 at Olumawu Senior School, Abuja; and Yasmeen Hussain-Braimah, 12, a JSS2 pupil at Olumawu Junior Secondary School, Abuja.

Governor Okpebholo, while speaking on the gesture, described it as both a moral obligation and a demonstration of responsible governance. He noted that Brigadier General Braimah’s death represents a profound sacrifice in the service of Nigeria.

“Brigadier General Braimah paid the ultimate price in service to this country. It is only right that we stand by the family he left behind and ensure his children have uninterrupted access to education,” the governor said. He reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to support the children throughout their academic journey, positioning them for stable and meaningful futures.

The governor had earlier described the late officer as a symbol of discipline, courage, and patriotism. His death occurred during ongoing security operations, and he was laid to rest with full military honours at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to the governor, the scholarship initiative aligns with the education pillar of his administration’s SHINE Agenda, which places emphasis on human capital development, social welfare, and inclusive governance. “No child of an Edo hero should be denied the opportunity to succeed. This is about responsibility, honour, and a deliberate investment in the future,” he added.

The Edo State Government further called on other state governments and private sector stakeholders to emulate the initiative by providing structured support, particularly in education, to families of military personnel who die in the line of duty.

Edo State Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice ,Dr Samson Osagie has paid a heartfelt tribute to the Former Chairman of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Local Government Councils,Hon John Jesuorobo

The tribute reads:

The death of the former Chairman of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Local Government Councils, Hon John Jesuorobo jolted me with a huge sense of loss.
Although, he has been ill for quite some time, it was not the expectation that he will pass on at this time.

Hon John Jesuorobo was one of those who cut our political teeth at the dawn of the 4th Republic. A soft spoken and tireless politician, he was an epitome of humility and service.

Regrettably, within three decades of my incursion into active politics many of those we met in the trenches during the struggle to exit the military from governance have all gone to be with their maker. This is both instructive and a reminder that nothing last forever.

I will like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of late Pa John Jesuorobo and pray God to grant his soul eternal rest. Amen

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie,FICMC, Ph.D
11th April,2026

A legal dispute has emerged between two Edo State political figures following allegations of defamation and false representation.

The law firm of Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, acting on behalf of Hon Billy Famous Adesuwa Osawaru, has issued a formal demand to Hon Patrick Asowieren. The demand calls for an immediate retraction and public apology over statements made on April 6, 2026.

The statements allegedly included assertions that Hon Osawaru was rusticated from the University of Benin, lacked academic qualifications, and was a native doctor.

Osawaru currently serves as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa,and also represents Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency.

Through his legal team, Osawaru strongly denied the allegations. The letter maintained that he holds a degree in Microbiology from the University of Benin.

It further stated that he has postgraduate qualifications in Business Administration from Schiller International University and Argosy University in the United States.

The lawyers argued that references to electoral qualification standards do not invalidate Osawaru’s credentials. They added that such references do not justify what they described as “slanderous attacks” on his character.

Currently,no public statement has been released by Asowieren concerning the allegations or the legal demand.

In commemoration of the 4th anniversary of the passing of Late Mrs. Olabisi Osagie, the BISAM Care Foundation is organizing its annual health and empowerment initiative to take place on April 30, 2026.

Venue for this year’s outreach is the Emotan Girls’ College, Benin City, the alma mater of Late Mrs Olabisi Amenze Osagie

Programme of activities includes free genotype tests, sickle cell education, HPV and cervical cancer prevention education as well as vaccination awareness. There will also be live testimonies and free welfare packs distribution

This year’s event is targeted at Secondary School girls and is hosted by Dr Samson R Osagie, Edo State Former Attorney General who is the Foundation’s President,and Lady Uyioghosa Osagie ,the Executive Director , in honour of their late wife and mother, Mrs. Olabisi Amenze Osagie (JP), who passed on April 10, 2022.

Edo State Former Attorney General, Dr Samson Osagie has commiserated with the Deputy Governor of Edo State Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa,over the passing of his mother.

In a condolence letter personally signed by him, the former Chief Law Officer of Edo State noted the late mother of the Deputy Governor , Madam Esther Imanguomwanruo Idahosa, lived an exemplary life worthy of emulators by all.

He prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest while wishing the deputy governor and every member of his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Accept once more my sincere condolence,” the letter concluded.