Violence Erupts at Ijaw Youth Council Election in Port Harcourt, Several Dead

By: Zagazola Makama

What began as an election for the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in Abulomma, Port Harcourt, took a deadly turn on 14 September 2024, leaving several people dead in its wake.

The election, which was held around 4:45 PM, descended into chaos after disagreements arose among the members, resulting in violent clashes.

The unrest escalated rapidly, leading to the death of one individual during the initial fracas, and the situation worsened with road blockades being erected by angry factions. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) intervened, restoring a semblance of order in the area.

However, tensions flared up again the following morning. At approximately 7:20 AM on 15 September 2024, additional bodies were discovered in Abulomma, heightening fears of further violence.

Reports indicate that a gunfight broke out during the IYC Eastern Zone election after several candidates refused to step down in favor of prominent figures, including EG Ateke and Asari Dokubo, who were also contesting for leadership positions. This led to violent clashes, resulting in further loss of life.

Violence Erupts at Ijaw Youth Council Election in Port Harcourt, Several Dead

Edo leaders slam PDP, Obaseki

· Pronounce Okpebholo next governor

· Say September 21 election will be violence-free

By: Our Reporter

Top political leaders in Edo State on Sunday slammed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for spreading unfounded rumour, refusing to sign the peace agreement and envisaging election violence.

They also urged PDP and Labour Party members in the state to shun violence in the September 21 governorship election.

At a meeting to review strategies for the September 21 governorship election, the leaders expressed belief in Okpebholo’s capacity to restore trust in government and open new business and investment.

‘’ ’There is a strong hunger for change right now in Edo State. There is no question about APC’s expected victory as the party has very strong connection to the grassroots in the state’’

The notable leaders spoke with deep sincerity on the APC candidate’s approach, skill at persuasion and ethos.

They hailed Okpebholo for making a positive difference in the lives of the people of Esanland.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is the candidate that is strong on the economy, security, infrastructure and welfare programmes’’.

Dr. Amos Obasuyi, spokesman of the Edo Rescue Mission 2024, in a statement in Igueben pronounced the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as ‘’ the right man for the governorship job’’.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo will run an economy driven by the private sector, improve the business environment, empower the people and ensure good governance and unity in the state’’

The influential people in Edo politics listed infrastructure, healthcare, security and, education, agriculture, industrialization, minimum wage and good jobs for all as areas of interest to the APC governorship candidate.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo will attract foreign investments, lower certain taxes to encourage industrialization and get rid of useless regulations that discourage economic development. He will push for more investments in roads, bridges and infrastructure’’

The statement emphasized Okpebholo’s exceptional creativity, liveliness and positive leadership traits.

’’Senator Monday Okpebholo will increase public education funding and expand state’s literacy programmes’’

The statement also highlighted economic growth, a strong focus on modern education for our children, meaningful infrastructural development that properly integrates our state from end to end, qualitative, consistent and accessible healthcare and expansion in private sector led industry that takes our youth of the streets.

They praised Okpebholo for having the type of empathy and direction Edo State needs

‘’Edo North people are looking up to Okpebholo. The Esan hope is in Okpebholo. The Benin people want Okpebholo to be the next governor of Edo State’’

They said Okpebholo has the record to govern Edo State and that the people of the state were ready to take their destiny in their hands through Okpebholo in the September 21 polls.

‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo has ideas and understands the current challenges’’

Edo leaders slam PDP, Obaseki

APC will win Edo-Ganduje

By: Yahaya Wakili

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the Edo state governorial election, inshallah.

Dr. Ganduje stated this while answering questions from the newsmen in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. He said we are campaigning seriously, and the people of Edo State have accepted our candidate.

He assured us that we have campaigned peacefully and that the election will be peaceful. We are ready for the Edo election, and we will win it, inshallah.

The National Chairman further said some few hours ago we were in Maiduguri, the headquarters of Borno, in order to sympathize with them and also condole them on the unfortunate natural disaster that took place there.

And now we are here in Damaturu inoder also to sympathize and condole the people of Yobe State for the unfortunate Boko Haram attack.

He called on the government and security agencies to bring an end to the menace of this Boko Haram and prayed to Almighty Allah to bring this menace an end.

APC will win Edo-Ganduje