News
Obaseki: “The Audacity of a Drowning Governor”
Obaseki: “The Audacity of a Drowning Governor”
By Augustine Osayande
In the intricate landscape of Edo State politics, recent events have thrust the suspension of two esteemed Enigies, Prof Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, into the spotlight once more. Their suspension by the monarch of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has sparked legal challenges and raised pertinent questions about governance, authority, and political dynamics within the state.
The suspension of Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen stemmed from their alleged involvement in leading a delegation to the Governor with the aim of restructuring the traditional councils within the Benin Kingdom. This moves incited backlash from community elders and ultimately led to their suspension by the Benin Palace.
The assertion by the Enigies that only Governor Godwin Obaseki possesses the authority to remove them from their offices has triggered a legal battle, highlighting a chapter in Edo’s political history that will likely endure in collective memory. While the Edo State Government officially distances itself from involvement in the legal proceedings against the revered Oba of Benin, rumors on social media speculate about potential support from Governor Obaseki for the Enigies’ cause. However, these speculations have been vehemently dismissed as the work of malicious elements with ulterior motives by the government’s spokesperson.
The underlying question persists: if Governor Obaseki is not supporting the Enigies, why do they maintain that only him has the power to suspend them? Furthermore, why has the governor refrained from publicly condemning their actions, particularly their claim of being dispatched from the Palace during their visit to Ife? Again, on several occasions, Governor Obaseki have been seen winning and dining with the suspended Enigies
Governor Obaseki’s decision to distance himself from the legal proceedings against the Oba of Benin presents a challenging stance. The complexities of Edo’s political landscape suggest that this case will continue to attract scrutiny, shedding light on the intricate power dynamics within the state.
Governor Obaseki’s administration withheld statutory allocations to Edo traditional institutions amid the controversy, citing unresolved administrative issues between the government and the Benin Palace. However, the subsequent disbursement of these funds separately to the Benin Traditional Council and other newly created traditional councils across Edo South LGAs raised eyebrows and fueled speculation.
The decision by the Edo State Executive Council to create traditional councils especially in Edo South Senatorial District further exacerbated tensions, leading to legal challenges from the Benin Enigies. The ongoing legal dispute underscores broader questions about governance and political allegiances within the state.
The matter concerning the repatriation of artifacts presents another aspect in which Governor Obaseki’s actions have been subject to criticism. It is widely acknowledged that Governor Obaseki enlisted the services of undisclosed consultants without the prior knowledge of the Oba. In doing so, the governor deviated from the agreed-upon strategy established in conjunction with the Palace, of which he was initially a participant. In response to the Palace’s reservations regarding Governor Obaseki’s unilateral approach, characterized as “hasty,” the governor proceeded to mobilize his Chiefs to explore alternative avenues for asserting the Benin Kingdom’s claim to its ancient treasures.
In conclusion, the unfolding events in Edo State underscore the delicate balance between governance, tradition, and political realities. In navigating these intricate power dynamics, Governor Obaseki faces the challenge of balancing governance, tradition, and political realities. While Governor Obaseki’s designated candidate for the forthcoming September 2024 Gubernatorial election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and Osarodion Ogie Campaign Council the Campaign Council have formally articulated their stance, expressing profound disapproval towards any actions perceived from Abuja via austinelande@yahoo.com
Obaseki: “The Audacity of a Drowning Governor”
News
Madiba Advocates Raise Alarm, Urge Presidency, Labour Ministry, NSITF Management Board & relevant authorities to Probe Alleged ₦297bn NSITF Irregularities Linked to MD Faleye Oluwaseun
Madiba Advocates Raise Alarm, Urge Presidency, Labour Ministry, NSITF Management Board & relevant authorities to Probe Alleged ₦297bn NSITF Irregularities Linked to MD Faleye Oluwaseun
Madiba Advocates for Good Governance has criticised what it described as the continued silence of authorities over serious allegations of financial irregularities at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, the NSITF Management Board, and other relevant agencies to urgently initiate a comprehensive investigation.
The group said the allegations, which have persisted in the public domain for weeks, involve the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NSITF, Mr. Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, and have yet to receive any clear institutional response despite their gravity.
The call follows a series of petitions and public disclosures that have brought increased scrutiny to the management of the Fund, particularly in relation to financial transactions and governance processes within the institution. Madiba Advocates noted that the scale of the allegations and the sensitivity of the funds involved make immediate intervention both necessary and urgent.

At the centre of the controversy are allegations involving the management of approximately ₦297,019,145,288.60 in funds collected under the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) between January 2 and October 9, 2025.
The Employees’ Compensation Scheme is funded through mandatory employer contributions designed to provide compensation to Nigerian workers who suffer injury, disability, or death in the course of employment. Stakeholders have consistently emphasised that these funds are not government revenue, but trust funds belonging exclusively to Nigerian workers, requiring strict oversight and accountability.
₦243bn Allegedly Spent Without Board Approval

Documents referenced in the public domain indicate that out of the total inflow of ₦297 billion, an estimated ₦243,203,518,621.17 was expended within the same period. Sources allege that a significant portion of these expenditures may have been carried out without the approval of the NSITF Management Board, raising concerns about compliance with the NSITF Act and established financial regulations.

‘No Approval Limit’ Raises Governance Concerns
Central to the allegations is an internal document reportedly linked to a March 4, 2025 Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting, which outlined financial approval thresholds for officials. While limits were reportedly set for other officers, the Managing Director was allegedly assigned “no approval limit”, a development that has raised serious concerns about internal controls and governance safeguards.
Multiple Accounts and Financial Flow Allegations
Further reports allege the existence of over 100 bank accounts linked to a single Bank Verification Number (BVN), alongside financial inflows amounting to over $7.3 million and hundreds of millions of naira into accounts linked to the Managing Director and associated entities. Analysts note that such patterns, if verified, would require thorough scrutiny by relevant financial and regulatory authorities.

₦5.5bn Commission Payments Queried
Additional concerns have been raised over alleged commission payments totalling ₦5.53 billion, reportedly made without clear evidence of requisite approvals from the Board or the supervising Ministry. The payments are said to range between 15 and 20 per cent commissions and were allegedly executed outside standard procedures.
Governance Gap Raises Further Questions
Observers have also pointed to a governance gap between July 2023, when the Managing Director was appointed, and January 2025, when the Management Board was reportedly constituted, raising concerns about the level of oversight during that period.
Madiba Advocates for Good Governance stated that the issues have now reached a critical point, requiring decisive action from all relevant authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the Fund.
Call for Urgent Investigation
Reacting to the development, Madiba Advocates for Good Governance, led by its Executive Director, Alhassan Kabiru, expressed concern over the prolonged delay in addressing the allegations and the absence of a coordinated institutional response.
The group called on:
• The Chairman of the NSITF Management Board,
• The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment,
• Relevant regulatory and anti-corruption agencies, and
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
to urgently intervene and ensure a thorough and independent investigation into the matter.
“This matter has lingered in the public space without clarity. It is important that the appropriate authorities take decisive steps to investigate and establish the facts,” the group stated.
Madiba Advocates emphasized that transparency in handling the allegations is essential to restoring confidence in public institutions and safeguarding workers’ funds.
Responses and Presumption of Innocence
When contacted, Mr. Faleye reportedly stated that he was not aware of the allegations. Officials of the Ministry of Labour were also said to have denied prior knowledge of the claims, while the NSITF Management Board indicated that the issues would be verified.
All allegations remain unproven and subject to investigation.
A Test of Accountability
Analysts say the situation presents a significant test of Nigeria’s public finance accountability framework, particularly for institutions entrusted with workers’ welfare.
Madiba Advocates for Good Governance warned that the continued delay in addressing these allegations risks sending the wrong signal about accountability within public institutions. The organisation urged the Presidency, the Ministry of Labour, and the NSITF Management Board to act without further delay to investigate the issues and restore confidence in the system. It added that failure to act decisively could further erode public trust and undermine the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Madiba Advocates Raise Alarm, Urge Presidency, Labour Ministry, NSITF Management Board & relevant authorities to Probe Alleged ₦297bn NSITF Irregularities Linked to MD Faleye Oluwaseun
News
Easter: IPCR Calls for Peace, Unity, National Reconciliation
Easter: IPCR Calls for Peace, Unity, National Reconciliation
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and national reconciliation as Christians across the country mark Easter.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Director-General of the institute, Joseph Ochogwu, extended warm greetings to Christians, describing Easter as a sacred season that reflects sacrifice, redemption, and hope.
He noted that the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ remains a defining moment in the Christian faith, symbolising victory over adversity, renewal of life, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Ochogwu urged Christians to use the period to pray for peace, tranquility, and harmony in Nigeria, especially at a time when the country is grappling with security challenges. He referenced recent incidents of violence in parts of the country, including Plateau State, Kaduna State, and Maiduguri.
The IPCR boss expressed condolences to families and communities affected by the violence, offering prayers for strength, healing, and comfort for those grieving.
He emphasised that Easter serves as a reminder of the enduring power of hope, urging Nigerians—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background—to embrace peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
Ochogwu also called on citizens to remain vigilant and support lawful efforts to safeguard lives and property, stressing that peacebuilding is a collective responsibility.
“As we celebrate this holy season, let us preach love, extend kindness, and demonstrate compassion in our daily interactions,” he said, adding that the spirit of Easter should inspire reconciliation and a renewed commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The institute reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue, strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms, and supporting initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace across Nigeria.
He gave a message of hope, praying that Easter would bring healing to the nation, comfort to the afflicted, and renewed optimism for a future defined by unity and shared progress.
Easter: IPCR Calls for Peace, Unity, National Reconciliation
Military
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 13 Brigade, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected cultist and gunrunner during a raid operation in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 1:10 a.m. on April 3 along Effangha Spring Road in Ikom.
The sources disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was apprehended during the coordinated raid.
According to the sources, troops recovered one revolver pistol, one sword, two laptops, four mobile phones, one digital camera, one wristwatch, three identity cards, and a sack of garri allegedly used to conceal the weapon.
The suspect and recovered items have since been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and illegal arms circulation in the South-South region.
Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons
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