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A pipedream is when an APC Senator becomes Governor and PDP thinks they can grab his Senate seat. Or, when a House of Re...
10/08/2025

A pipedream is when an APC Senator becomes Governor and PDP thinks they can grab his Senate seat. Or, when a House of Representatives member becomes Deputy Governor and PDP dreams of taking that seat too. That’s not politics, that’s pigflying at its finest.

The beauty and cost of democracy can be something else, if you’re not careful.

Anyways, as an incurable optimist, permit me to congratulate Hon. Joseph Ikpea and Hon. Barrister Omosede Igbinedion ahead of their victories in the rerun election in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal constituency.

Appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa and “the one and only Emperor”, Hon. Jarret Tenebe for providing leadership.

Why Tinubu deserves Edo votes, second term in 2027 – Gov. Okpebholo Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has de...
10/08/2025

Why Tinubu deserves Edo votes, second term in 2027 – Gov. Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers Edo State as his home and deserves the unflinching support of the people, especially as the nation looks towards the 2027 general elections.

The governor stated this during the APC senatorial by-election campaign rally held at Ugboha Ward 10 in Esan South East Local Government Area.

He urged the people of Edo Central to show appreciation for the President’s strong support for the State by backing his re-election bid in 2027.

“President Tinubu has taken Edo as his home. He has shown us love, and we must support him in return. Come 2027, let us give him our votes as a mark of gratitude.

“Remember we promised him 2.5 million votes. So, I see the August 16th senatorial by-election as a test”, Okpebholo said.

The Governor, who was accompanied by several APC leaders to the campaign ground, also received fresh decampees from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He described their defection as a testament to the growing popularity of the APC across Edo Central.

He noted that President Tinubu’s affection for Edo is evident in his support for the many ongoing infrastructural projects in the State, pledging to intensify efforts to deliver more.

Responding to community appeals, Governor Okpebholo made fresh commitments to fast-track the construction of critical roads in the area.

“When I came for my campaign, you told me you wanted me to revive the Ugboha water scheme. Today, have I not done that? You also made another request that you want the road from here to Ubiaja. I want to promise you that before the election, we will fast-track it. I want to make another promise to construct the road from here to Anegbete. This is our promise to you because, I remember when we were children, we used to go through here to Anegbete,” he said.

The rally attracted massive turnout and was attended by several APC stalwarts and stakeholders who assured constituents of more democratic dividends if they continue to support the party’s candidates, especially Hon. Joseph Ikpea, in the August 16 senatorial by-election.

Court convicts Edo PDP chieftain, Obaseki’s loyalist for double salary fraudThe Independent Corrupt Practices and Other ...
09/08/2025

Court convicts Edo PDP chieftain, Obaseki’s loyalist for double salary fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a civil servant and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ewere Morgan Eseosa, for receiving double salaries in gross violation of anti-corruption laws.

Following a detailed investigation, the Commission uncovered that Mr. Eseosa had been simultaneously drawing salaries from two separate government entities: the University of Benin, where he was originally employed, and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council, where he subsequently got another job.

This act, which contravenes the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, resulted in the illegal accumulation of ₦1,328,255.47 (One Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two-Hundred and Fifty-Five Naira, Forty-Seven Kobo) in unearned payments.

Upon concluding its investigation, the ICPC, through its Prosecutor, Dennis Nnaemeka Okoro, charged Mr. Eseosa with two counts of obtaining by false pretence and cheating under Sections 419 and 421 of the Criminal Code Act 2004.

The case was filed before the Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin, under Charge No. B/CD/ICPC/2C/2024, following the necessary administrative approvals for prosecution.

One of the counts read: “That you, Mr. Ewere Morgan Eseosa (M), between September 2018 to February 2021 or thereabout in Benin City within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretense and with intent to defraud, obtained employment at Ikpoba Okhia Local Government Council Edo State as a special assistant (Press Secretary) without disclosing that he was at a material time working at the University of Benin, as a Security Officer 11 (step 2 of CONTISS 07) on full time and mislead Ikpoba Okhia Local Government Council Edo State into giving him employment and thereby obtained double emolument September 2018 to February 2021”.

Subsequently, the defendant entered into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution. Under this arrangement, the initial two-count charge was amended to one, to which the defendant pleaded guilty.

The agreement allowed him to avoid a custodial sentence, provided he fulfilled specified terms.

In line with the plea deal, Mr. Eseosa was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of ₦150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only).

The trial judge, Honourable Justice Williams Aziegbemhin, also ordered the convict to refund to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the ICPC Recovery Account, the sum of ₦1,328,255.47 (One Million, Three-Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two-Hundred and Fifty Naira, and Forty-Seven Kobo), which was fraudulently received as salaries.

This conviction underscores ICPC’s unwavering commitment to promoting integrity in public service and ensuring accountability among public officials.

09/08/2025

*PDP Decampees Say 'We have a Reason to Join Okpebholo in APC.'*

As preparations enter top gear for the Senatorial bye election in Edo state, members of the PDP in their hundreds trooped out today Friday to decamp to the APC, citing that the works of Governor Monday Okpebholo in Uromi were convincing enough to support the election of Joseph Ikpea as the next senator.

Managing Director of EDO GIS, Dr Tony Ikpasaja, and the Ward leaders were on the ground to receive the decamping members, which includes foundation members of the PDP.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ikpasaja noted that Efandion was lucky to have several projects in the budget ready for ex*****on by Gov Okpebholo.

Explaining further, he stated that while PDP was built around to make individuals, the APC was committed to bringing projects to the people.

Ikpasaja further assured them that Efandion, which is Ward 8, stands to benefit from the collaboration of Gov Okpebholo and Joe Ikpea as Senator.

He urged members of other parties, including the PDP and Labour, to come out and support development in the area as some signature projects were also ongoing.

Chairman of APC in the Ward, Cyril Ujadughe, while addressing the decampees, noted that there will be no discrimination between new and old members of the party because of the strong unity that exists among them.

Other leaders who spoke said they were proud of Gov Okpebholo, who in less than one year in office was promising in the development of roads across the Senatorial district and in Uromi.

The decampess also promises that more members were ready to cross over to APC ahead of next week Saturday election.

“APC’ll finally nail PDP’s coffin in Edo Central senatorial rerun”, Mayaki …..Says, “Joe Okojie will be disgraced in Uro...
09/08/2025

“APC’ll finally nail PDP’s coffin in Edo Central senatorial rerun”, Mayaki
…..Says, “Joe Okojie will be disgraced in Uromi”

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. John Mayaki, has said that the party is fully set to defeat the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Joe Okojie, in the Edo Central Senatorial rerun election even in his domain, Uromi.

“The main contender in the election is Joseph Ikpea,” Mayaki said. “His election to fill the vacant seat left by Governor Monday Okpebholo will be the final nail in the political coffin of the opposition PDP before the 2027 general election.”

Mayaki told reporters in Benin City that the good work being done by the APC government of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the state would give the party an added advantage ahead of the rerun.

His words: “We are fully prepared to take on our opponent in the election. We will demonstrate with this election that the PDP is dead in Edo State, and we will go further to defeat their candidate in his Uromi stronghold.

“You will see the great margin with which Ikpea will beat Okojie in the election, most especially in his Uromi community. By the end of the rerun election, we will have APC Senators in Edo South, Central and North.

“The governor is fully on ground. The party chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, and all our leaders are fully on ground. We are leaving no stone unturned. People are defecting from the PDP and Labour Party to team up with us. The achievements of the governor are also counting, and ultimately, we will disgrace the PDP in the election.

“If you ask me, the PDP and their candidate know they have no chance in this election. If they are sincere with themselves, they will simply concede victory.”

He, however, advised Mr. Okojie to opt out of the election as he does not stand any chance of winning.

The APC chieftain also explained that the party is consolidating its hold on political power by delivering the dividends of democracy to the people through effective service delivery.

Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu breaks glass scalpel …..as Tinubu appoints first female UBTH CMD  By John Mayaki When news swirled ...
08/08/2025

Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu breaks glass scalpel
…..as Tinubu appoints first female UBTH CMD

By John Mayaki

When news swirled into town that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the appointment of Professor Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu as the new Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), making her the first woman to ever hold the prestigious position since the hospital’s founding in 1973, I knew that a moment destined to be etched in the annals of Nigeria’s medical history was birthed.

The appointment of Prof. Ize-Iyamu is not just a routine administrative change; it is a historic breakthrough in a profession and an institution that, until now, had witnessed only male leadership at the very top.

UBTH as one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary health institutions, has had a string of eminent CMDs over the decades from the pioneering Prof. T. Bello-Osagie to the outgoing Prof. Darlington Obaseki. But none have been female until now.
And so, with the emergence of Prof. Ize-Iyamu, the hospital not only breaks a five-decade trend and gender not defining leadership but hardwork, excellence, competence, experience, and vision.

Now that it is time for a woman to lead UBTH from the all-male affair; brilliant men, no doubt, this is not a call for tokenism, but for fair recognition of talent, service, and merit. Within UBTH’s walls are dozens of highly qualified female consultants, professors, researchers, and administrators, many of whom have served this institution faithfully, broken academic grounds, led departments, pioneered programs, and saved lives. These women have earned the right to be considered for the hospital’s top job.

Around the world and even in Nigeria, women are leading major hospitals and healthcare systems. From Dr. Aisha Umar in Maiduguri to Prof. Rose Longe in Lagos, we are witnessing the power of inclusive leadership. Research consistently shows that diverse leadership teams make better decisions, improve institutional culture, and deliver more compassionate, people-centered care.

A female CMD at UBTH has sent out a strong and clear message that excellence knows no gender, and that our institutions are mature enough to recognize leadership wherever it is found. It would inspire the next generation of young female doctors, nurses, and scientists to aim higher. It would be a progressive statement, not just for UBTH, but for Edo State and Nigeria at large.

This appointment, if you ask me is not just about the best candidate, but also a signal that we are ready to embrace equity at every level and we must commend the president for this decision.

There is no doubt that she is a woman of many firsts, Prof. Ize-Iyamu is also not a stranger to leadership or trailblazing roles. A Professor of Orthodontics, consultant clinician, and academic mentor, she has served in several key roles at UBTH and the University of Benin, including as Head of the Department of Preventive Dentistry.

Her impressive career spans over two decades, with advanced training that includes a Commonwealth Medical Fellowship at Oxford University, focusing on Craniofacial Orthodontics, a field critical to reconstructive surgery and pediatric care.

In 2022, during her inaugural lecture, she raised national awareness about Nigeria’s dire shortage of orthodontists; less than 70 for a population of over 200 million which of course lend credence to her longstanding commitment to equitable healthcare and capacity development.

And so, this appointment has sparked wild jubilation from all and sundry and also received widespread applause across Nigeria’s medical community, gender advocacy groups, and Edo State at large. For many, it represents not just an administrative transition, but a triumph of inclusion and meritocracy.

For me, this is not just a win for women in medicine, but for every girl who dreams of leading in a world that often tells her to wait for her turn. For the first time, the person in charge of the hospital reflects the diverse team that makes it work. It also gives hope to others.

The personality we are talking about here has led beyond the walls of the clinic. Away from the wards and lecture halls, Prof. Ize-Iyamu is also a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), known for her work in youth mentorship and moral leadership. She balances her professional life with an active role in family and faith, and is married to Pastor Dr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a respected politician and legal practitioner.

Most importantly, this is certainly a new era for UBTH and so, as she assumes the reins of UBTH at a time of critical healthcare reforms in Nigeria, Prof. Ize-Iyamu is expected to bring a fresh vision, a compassionate leadership style, and a renewed focus on innovation, training, and equitable care.

The road ahead will not be without challenges ranging from infrastructure upgrades to staff welfare, funding gaps, and medical brain drain but her track record suggests she is more than capable.

This is a watershed moment not only for the hospital but for Nigerian healthcare as a whole. It is proof that the glass ceiling can be shattered not with noise, but with quiet competence, hardwork, and consistent excellence.
My prayer for her is that her story as CMD would be a reminder to institutions everywhere that when women lead, everyone rises.

Omosede and Their ExcellenciesBy John MayakiSomething is fascinating and shaping up the campaign of Hon. Barrister Omose...
08/08/2025

Omosede and Their Excellencies

By John Mayaki

Something is fascinating and shaping up the campaign of Hon. Barrister Omosede Igbinedion who is seeking to return to the House of Representatives to fill the vacant seat left by the current Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa. It is the display of bipartisan politics, unity of purpose and powerful convergence of their excellencies who are former Deputy Governors, including the current. This is unprecedented and remarkable, if you ask me.

For Omosede’s ambition, multiple former Deputy Governors cutting across political affiliations have thrown their weight behind her candidacy and ambition. Being from the stalk of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its flagbearer for Ovia Federal Constituency, Omosede seems to have garnered powerful forces together, both past and present and who are ready to assist her galvanize the necessary support she would be needing to coast home to victory in a landslide during the rerun election.

The latest to join the growing list of influential backers is His Excellency, Engr. Marvellous Omobayo, former Deputy Governor of Edo State. He was reported to have paid a surprise solidarity visit to Omosede at her residence recently.

During the solidarity visit, he was quoted as saying that, “Party and sentiment aside, I support you,” Omobayo declared.

Political pundits were quick to jump at it saying the statement speaks to the broad appeal and spectrum of the candidate. They insisted that it also shows the personal credibility Omosede enjoys, even beyond party lines.

The visit of Omobayo, the first ever to Omosede’s home, can also be seen as the crossing of the aisle. The visitor may not be decamping to the ruling party but tells of a gesture that affirms Omosede’s growing influence as a bridge-builder and unifier in the ever-volatile terrain of Edo politics.

But wait, Omobayo is not alone. Earlier, Omosede’s campaign has attracted the solid backing of every living former Deputy Governor of Edo State. This has even created a formidable coalition of elder statesmen and political heavyweights rallying behind her ambition.

Among the list is H.E. Chief Lucky Imasuen, a respected statesman and former Deputy Governor, has been a consistent presence at campaign events and strategy sessions. We also have Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, also a former Deputy Governor and known grassroots mobilizer, has lent strong support. Philip was a member of the House of Representatives before becoming the Deputy Governor just like Dennis Idahosa and so, we can see comradeship, shared values and mutual political respect.

That is not all. H.E. Rt. Hon. Pius Odubu, another former Deputy Governor, recently joined Omosede on the campaign trail in Oluku. And so, if you ask me, this has further validated her candidacy with elite political endorsement and mass appeal.

With the kind of pedigree and goodwill Omosede enjoys, it’s no surprise to see leaders across divides standing firmly behind her. So, I see campaign being steered by the current Deputy Governor himself and being boosted by every other Deputy Governor.

Idahosa has been in the forefront, if you ask me. He has been boosting the strength and reach of Omosede’s campaign with his active involvement. Although he has been described by Omosede as a “brother,” Idahosa’s leadership has brought clarity and grassroots momentum to the campaign. And this is evident.

We all can agree that his support and presence did not only provide institutional clout but also tells of the unity of purpose within the APC ranks ahead of the elections.

Without being told, I know Omosede would be humbled by this wave of endorsements. Who would not melt when you see the gathering of excellencies who have served and are still serving just to give you support?

This is a candidate that is sure to win and the expected result of the election is undoubtedly telling even before the polls commences. I only hope her competitors won’t cry foul thereafter. A female candidate running on the shoulders of her personal capacity to reach out to the forces that can actualise her dreams and political aspirations and not the one who ruffles shoulders and attempt to blackmail others to submission.

Congratulations ahead.

07/08/2025

After years of thirst, water flows again in Ugboha

I have just stumbled upon a video evidence showing pipe-borne water now flowing in Ugboha community for the first time in many years.

This is not a borehole in one secluded location serving a select few. This is genuine, community-wide pipe-borne water that is accessible to all.

Governor Monday Okpebholo has delivered on yet another of his promises to the people, and the results are visible, verifiable, and impactful.

This is governance that touches lives. This is progress you can see.
And we’re still counting.






Farmers celebrate Edo SSG, Ikhilor on birthday The Nigeria Agro Multipurpose Cooperative Society, has congratulated the ...
06/08/2025

Farmers celebrate Edo SSG, Ikhilor on birthday

The Nigeria Agro Multipurpose Cooperative Society, has congratulated the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barrister Musa Umar Ikhilor on his birthday.

In a statement signed by the National President of the Nigeria Agro Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Farmrade John Mayaki, described the SSG as a humble, committed, dedicated and reliable engine room of the Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration.

Mayaki said the SSG who has a track record of good leadership, intellectual capacity and administrative competence, has been instrumental in driving the programmes, policies and transformative agenda of this administration.

The celebrant, according to Mayaki, “is a tested and trusted lawyer who is also a very thorough person. We want to join others in celebrating you today on your birthday.

“We have always known you to be very hardworking, cool and calculated and having you as the SSG, the engine room of this government is a great asset to our state.

“As you clock another year today, it is our fervent prayer that Almighty Allah will continue to guide your steps, give you the wisdom of Solomon for you to continue to do your best for the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo and together we will build a stronger Edo state of our dreams.

“We pray that Allah will continue to grant the you more fulfilling years filled with sound health and wisdom in your continuous selfless service to Edo state and humanity”.

Federal roads: Mayaki hails Okpebholo for complementing President Tinubu’s effortsIndigenes of Akoko-Edo Local Governmen...
01/08/2025

Federal roads: Mayaki hails Okpebholo for complementing President Tinubu’s efforts

Indigenes of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo State have commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for taking up the rehabilitation of another federal road project, following the flag-off of palliative works on the dilapidated Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo road.

The governor, who had earlier embarked on the reconstruction of Benin-Iruekpen highway, was in Edo North yesterday to flag off the rehabilitation of another due to its significant economic value and safety of the people.

A statement signed by Mr. John Mayaki said the reconstruction of long abandoned federal roads by the Senator Monday Okpebholo administration, especially the Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo federal road, will bring sanity and ensure the security of lives and property.

Mayaki noted that good federal roads in Edo State will undoubtedly improve accessibility for businesspeople, thereby boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.

He observed that over the past three years, travellers and businesspeople using the Auchi, Ikpeshi, Egbigere, Igarra, Uneme-Nekhua, and Ibillo routes have found this federal road hellish, with frequent incidents of kidnapping and robbery.

“The people along this corridor,” according to Mayaki, “are grateful to Governor Monday Okpebholo. We are elated about the award of the contract for the rehabilitation of this dilapidated road.

“The poor condition of this road has caused our people misery for years, hindering development and economic growth in the area.”

He also commended all those who drew the attention of the governor to the deplorable state of the road, saying their advocacy has finally yielded results that will benefit the entire state.

Mayaki added that beyond the palliative works on this federal road, the governor has also honoured Akoko-Edo people by appointing sons and daughters of the area to cabinet position, commission, agency and board. He expressed hope that the governor would also direct the repair of the moribund Ojirami Dam, which has been abandoned for years by past administrations.

Edo Bursary: Between Osunbor, Oshiomhole, Obaseki and OkpebholoBy John Mayaki We received the news of the administration...
07/07/2025

Edo Bursary: Between Osunbor, Oshiomhole, Obaseki and Okpebholo

By John Mayaki

We received the news of the administration of governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state approving the whooping sum of N1 Billion yesterday for bursary for indigenous students in tertiary institutions across the country. It was a cherry news.

Apart from Okpebholo’s intervention in agriculture, road construction among others, this is another major and popular policy decision he has taken worthy of commendation and support. And so, I have decided to look into the past for a contrast of where we are coming from while excluding the era of Chief Lucky Igbinedion.

For many, bursary payments were once a vital form of social intervention, designed to support indigent students across Nigeria. In the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, bursary disbursements were not only popular but expected as a gesture of responsible governance.

In Edo State, however, bursary payments became a thing of the past after 2008. The last time the government officially released funds to support students. The administration of Professor Oserheimen Osunbor initiated the payment, although it was marred by controversy. The scheme was reportedly limited to students of tertiary institutions within the state, leaving many outside the state excluded. There are also reports of accusations of poor coordination and widespread exclusion which led to protests that prompted his successor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to scrap the scheme entirely.

Since then, bursary payments in the state became history. Under Oshiomhole, educational support was granted only to students who applied and were fortunate enough to get the Governor’s personal approval. This approach, while helpful to some, but not structured and inclusive policy that bursary schemes are meant to be.

When Mr. Godwin Obaseki campaigned for election in August 2016 he promised bursary. Particularly, it was at a campaign event in Ekpoma. He promised to revive both scholarships and bursary programs across all state-owned institutions.

However, that commitment never materialized. For his entire eight-year tenure, not a single bursary payment was recorded. Not even the students dared to ask. The fear of repression under his administration, known for its intolerance of dissent, was palpable.

Today, hope is rekindled. Governor Monday Okpebholo has made moves to revive the bursary scheme, which is a return to people-oriented governance we have always yearned for. His promise has generated excitement among students and parents alike, many of whom had given up on such support ever returning.

However, for the bursary scheme to be effective and sustainable, certain reforms must be prioritized: First, there must be a functioning scholarship board or agency. Secondly, existing laws governing bursaries and scholarships should be reviewed and updated to reflect current realities and thirdly, the Ministry of Education must collaborate with tertiary institutions to generate a verifiable list of bona fide Edo State students, preventing impostors from benefiting through falsified local government documentation.

Many young people have never experienced bursary support. For them, it is a new and welcome development. According to several students, “We’ve heard about bursaries, but never witnessed them. If Governor Okpebholo actualizes this promise, it would change the lives of many.”

For me, this policy declaration, in conjunction with the federal government’s NELFUND student loan scheme under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the reason why states must collaborate with the government at the center instead of antagonist it like we experienced under Obaseki. Both the federal and state government have taken steps toward reducing the burden on students. The Okpebholo administration’s intervention would serve as a local complement to federal efforts and as such, the proverbial icing on the cake.

Now, our state is on the brink of reclaiming its legacy of educational support. If fully implemented, the reintroduction of the bursary scheme under Governor Okpebholo would provide relief to struggling students. But beyond that, it would also tell of how responsive the Okpebholo’s administration is shaking the future of our student with people-centered leadership.

Edo guber: Supreme Court set to nail the coffinBy John Mayaki News filtered into town yesterday that the Supreme Court w...
02/07/2025

Edo guber: Supreme Court set to nail the coffin

By John Mayaki

News filtered into town yesterday that the Supreme Court would today hear the case brought by Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the PDP, against Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State, who won the governorship election on September 21th, 2024.

Don’t forget that Okpebholo’s victory was validated by the Election Petition Tribunal and confirmed by the Court of Appeal, both affirming that Okpebholo was the rightful winner of the poll as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Now, what do we expect today? It is either the Court entertains the case and immediately gives judgment, or it would reserve judgment for another day. But either way, the case would be thrown out the window and very quickly too.

Don’t say I didn’t tell you. I reported on the tribunal sitting and told the world that the petitioner would lose and it happened. I also said the same at the Appeal Court and advised Asue Ighodalo to immediately pick up a Senate form instead of wasting his time, but I was heavily criticized.

Now, Ighodalo has approached the Supreme Court for a reprieve from what he claimed was the “hellish” decision of the Election Petition Tribunal and the subsequent Appeal Court ruling dismissing his petition on all grounds. He sought a declaration that he won the election but that INEC wrongfully declared Okpebholo the winner.

However, he will also meet a brick wall at the Supreme Court, just as in the first and second instances, and his case will be brushed off in a manner that won’t be surprising.

So today or in no distant time, the Supreme Court will put the final nail into the coffin of the case. It will do so in a spectacular manner, though I won’t dwell on the details here because I never expected the case to go any other way.

As a matter of fact, based on my deep knowledge of election petitions and a little bit of legal insight gleaned from neutral friends skilled in such matters, I know the case will eventually run into a cul-de-sac. And we are almost there.

We must not forget that the will of the people is the will of God; this is the basis of democracy. And more so, the will of God is the will of the people. Who then are we to question the Almighty since He has already ordained Okpebholo?

Let me once again suggest to Ighodalo: accept defeat and congratulate Okpebholo. I do not expect all hell to break loose with this harmless suggestion and advise.

I say this because I do not need the gift of clairvoyance to know how the Supreme Court case will go: another dead end, a terminal one and that will be it.

So I expect Ighodalo to simply accept the final verdict in the spirit of Edo Agenda and support the governor to deliver on his mandate for the general public, and for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy.

Having said all this, I must sign off by extending my sincere congratulations to His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for being the politician of the year; imagine, from nowhere to the Senate, and within a jiffy, and against all odds, emerging as the Governor of Edo State.

Okpebholo’s grace is matchless. He is a case study. This is a fact and the reality.

And to Ighodalo: the future is brighter. Next time, do not trust an Obaseki who wants you to inherit his enemies, knowing fully well that he is even a stumbling block to himself, not to mention your ambition. It is time to move on.

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