News
Obaseki’s Failure and Urgent Need for Good Governance in Edo State
Obaseki’s Failure and Urgent Need for Good Governance in Edo State
By Augustine Osayande
As the September 21 gubernatorial election approaches, I feel compelled to address the urgent issue of governance in Edo State. My concerns have been intensified by recent news: “Benin Group Issues Ultimatum to Obaseki, Demands Apology to Oba of Benin” and “200 Members of Governor Obaseki’s Family Defect to APC, Endorse Okpebholo for Governor.” These reports highlight the growing discontent with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
While poor governance is not unique to Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration has been particularly disappointing. His tenure has been characterized by unfulfilled promises and significant lapses in leadership, positioning him as a notable example of ineffective governance. Compared to his peers, his administration’s failures are especially stark, making him one of the most prominent figures among underperforming governors.
It is not surprising that the most recent damning verdict showing the woeful performance of Governor Godwin Obaseki for the past eight years is coming from his immediate family. According to the news report, the Agho Obaseki’s family in Edo State announced their decision to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and throw their support behind the All-Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Osaro Obaseki, a prominent figure within the Obaseki clan, revealed the reasons behind their dramatic decampment. “We have stood by our brother, Governor Godwin Obaseki, since 2016. However, his administration has failed to deliver on the promises made to the people of Edo, and we can no longer support him, especially when he intends to bring and foist his replica on us,” Osaro stated, expressing the family’s disillusionment with the current state of affairs in the state.
The Obaseki family, which numbers over 200 members, voiced their dissatisfaction with the perceived neglect of crucial infrastructure and the lack of respect shown to traditional institutions, including the Oba of Benin. “We believe that Senator Monday Okpebholo has the vision and commitment to turn things around for the better. His track record and dedication to the people of Edo have convinced us that he is the right leader to guide our state forward,” Osaro Obaseki added.
Again, just before his family verdict, concerned People of Benin Nation (CPBN) issued a seven-day ultimatum to Obaseki, demanding a public apology to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, for what the group described as “sacrilegious disrespect” to the Benin throne.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday by Prof. Amen Uhunmwangho, and co-signed by prominent figures, including Dr. Jacob Abusomwan, Barr. Osarenkhoe, Leftist Agho Omobude, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, Comrade Eseosa Omoregbee, Chief Omuemu Etinosa, Chief Friday Omoragbon, and Rev. Osamuyimen Isibor, the group demanded that the apology be published in at least three national newspapers.
The CPBN, representing a wide, cross-section of Edo State residents, also outlined several other demands, including an immediate halt to the construction of a museum intended for repatriated Benin artefacts, which they asserted was being undertaken without the Oba’s consent.
They also called for the withdrawal of lawsuits allegedly filed by certain Enigie against the Oba, the reallocation of lands whose Certificates of Occupancy were revoked by the governor, and the return of communal land they claimed were illegally acquired by the state government.
The group is advocating the payment of salaries and allowances to 14 Edo State House of Assembly members who have been prevented from taking their seats for the past four years, in what they described as unconstitutional actions by the state government. The CPBN’s demands reflect a growing discontent with the governor’s actions, which the group believed had undermined the Benin Kingdom and its people.
In evaluating the numerous controversies surrounding Governor Godwin Obaseki, it is essential to start with his actions that contradict the very principles that facilitated his rise to the governorship of Edo State. Democracy, widely regarded as the most effective form of governance, derives its legitimacy from the people, with the legislature serving as its essential safeguard.
The constitutionally enshrined principles of checks and balances require the three branches of government to function independently and harmoniously for the benefit of the populace.
Governor Obaseki, in a troubling display of disregard for democratic norms, obstructed the inauguration of 14 duly elected members of the Edo State House of Assembly in 2019. This act, which remains a documented breach of democratic process, significantly harmed the people of Benin, as 10 of the excluded members represented the Edo South Senatorial District, including the elected representative of the governor’s own Oredo East Constituency, Hon. Chris Okaeben.
Consequently, the Benins were reduced to a minority in the House, with only four members. This undemocratic exclusion deprived millions of Edo citizens of representation for four years, during which governance in the state was marked by an unchecked and unbalanced consolidation of power by the governor.
This pattern of governance has continued, with two members of the Edo State House of Assembly—Hon. Emankhu Addeh and Hon. Ojeme Donald Okogbe—recently suspended from the House without due process, further depriving their constituencies of effective representation. Such acts of oppression, exclusion, and intimidation have marred Edo’s recent history.
Furthermore, Governor Obaseki has repeatedly undermined the progress of prominent Benin citizens by allegedly sponsoring protests against their appointments to significant positions, such as the nomination of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Pius Odubu, and Chief Victor Ekhator for leadership roles within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2019. This, along with other actions, reflects a pattern of hindering opportunities that could have brought substantial development to Edo State.
The abandonment and destruction of critical state infrastructure, such as the Benin storm water project and the Ekehuan road project, further highlight the administration’s failure to prioritize the welfare of Edo citizens. Governor Obaseki has also been accused of demolishing long-standing public institutions like the specialist hospital on Sapele Road and the Institute of Continuing Education, replacing them with private ventures.
In the lead-up to the 2020 gubernatorial election, the governor’s alleged indifference to assassination attempts on political opponents and his persistent conflicts with the Benin traditional institution, particularly his attempts to interfere with the repatriation of Benin artefacts, have further estranged him from the people he is supposed to serve.
The governor’s actions have also included the demolition of property in Oke-Oroma Community, despite a subsisting court order, and the allocation of vast forest reserves to private entities, often at the expense of local communities and without transparent benefits to the state.
Governor Obaseki’s administration has been marked by what many perceive as a series of high-handed actions against individuals and communities, including the revocation of land titles and the demolition of property belonging to prominent citizens, often on grounds seen as politically motivated.
In conclusion, the people of Edo State are urged to critically assess the character of those who seek to lead them, especially as the next gubernatorial election approaches. It is vital to resist choices that could lead to further hardship and regression for the state. The resilience of the Edo people and their commitment to democratic principles should guide their decisions in this crucial period.
■ Augustine Osayande, PhD contributed this piece from Abuja via austinelande@yahoo.com
Obaseki’s Failure and Urgent Need for Good Governance in Edo State
News
NSCDC TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CYBER CRIME PROHIBITION, PREVENTION ACT 2015 IN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS
NSCDC TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CYBER CRIME PROHIBITION, PREVENTION ACT 2015 IN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS
By: Michael Mike
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu has disclosed that henceforth, investigation and prosecution of offenders of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) would be carried out under relevant provisions, protection of CNII order, 2024.
Odumosu made the disclosure during a one day internal workshop to acquaint personnel of relevant department and units of the Command, such as ICT, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Intelligence and Investigation, Legal unit and personnel from the Area Commands and Divisions, with the provisions of the cybercrimes Acts and Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) order.

The workshop was convened in line with the directive of the Commandant General (CG), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni OFR, following the directive of the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on the application of the cyber crimes prohibition, prevention etc Act, 2015, in the prosecution of offences relating to Critical Information Infrastructure (CNII) as contained in the designation and protection of CNII order, 2024.
He said some individuals apprehended for vandalism or stealing CNII, like fiber optics cables, transmission towers, communication bases and switching stations with other ICT – related infrastructure are still being charged under conventional laws applicable to theft or malicious damage which has failed to address the National Security, Economic and Strategic implications of tampering with CNII.
The FCT Boss hinted that it was imperative to note that CNII comprises of Networks, systems, and facilities especially in telecommunications, finance, energy, transportation, and Defence whose disruption could compromise National Security, Economic and Public Safety.
The Commandant said CNII remains one of the core mandates of the Corps and all hands must be on deck to ensure that Critical National Assets and Infrastructure remains secured and capable of supporting the nation’s growth in this digital era.
“This gathering is not just a response to security threats but a proactive step towards fostering collaboration, innovation and strategic planning to safeguard our cultural heritage from vandalism”

“It must be clear that the Cybercrime law underscore the fact that attacks are no longer just physical – cutting cables, vandalizing installation but also digital or hybrid system interference, unauthorized access, data tampering”.
He urged all the participants to cascade the knowledge they have garnered to officers under them to ensure that vandalism is completely obliterated from the Capital Territory.
NSCDC TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CYBER CRIME PROHIBITION, PREVENTION ACT 2015 IN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS
News
NSCDC Arrests Kidnap Syndicate Along Zaria-Kano Highway
NSCDC Arrests Kidnap Syndicate Along Zaria-Kano Highway
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a five-man syndicate who specializes in kidnapping, extortion, theft and criminal conspiracy and operate along Zaria-Kano road.
Briefing the journalists in Abuja, the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad Commandant; Apollo Dandaura narrated the encounter with the notorious gang nabbed for committing brigandage and forcefully attacked one Sani Ahmad driving along Zaria to Kano and was flagged down by the gang on the account that there was danger ahead.
He said the victim, Sani Ahmad was compelled to stop the vehicle unknown to him that he was already in the hands of kidnappers who subsequently extorted valuables from him.
Sani Ahmad from his statement hinted that he is a journalist and on the said day, he was travelling with his friend, Mallam Haruna, his wife and child but the unfortunate incident happened after he dropped his friend and family in Zaria and continued his journey to Kano.
He said: “After insisting that I stopped the Car, they invaded my vehicle and picked my travelling bag, took 2 IPhones 12 Pro max, Techno Camon 40 pro and compelled me to transfer ₦300,000 through my Opay Account to an Opay account 9026238691 with the name Abdullahii Lawan Garba which was provided by one Ibrahim Abubakar after firing a gun to threaten my life”
Dandaura said the names of the suspected kidnappers are: Ibrahim Abubakar Garba, Umar Fulani, Aliyu Mohammed, Murtala Salisu and Imrana Hassan all male and have volunteered statements admitting their individual involvement in the heinous crime committed.
He said the following were recovered as exhibits from the suspects: 6 mini Smart phones, 1 IPhone 12 Pro max, 1 Techno Camon 40 Pro similar to the ones stolen from the victim at gun point already sold to Imrana Hassan; First Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank and Opay ATM cards, 1 Samsung Galaxy A15, 1 Infinix X6531B, 1 Itel keypad phone, Wrist Watches, Ear pods, Bangle, Rings and many other personal belongings.
He affirmed that thorough investigation is ongoing on the case and all suspects would appear before the Court of competent jurisdiction; he however warned travellers to be wary of late night movements noting that criminal minded persons are on rampage to extort innocent citizens most especially as the Yuletide season is very close.
NSCDC Arrests Kidnap Syndicate Along Zaria-Kano Highway
News
Global Governance Initiative: China’s Bold Step Against Hegemony, Injustice
Global Governance Initiative: China’s Bold Step Against Hegemony, Injustice
By: Dr. Bridget Chiedu Onochie
At a time when the world is grappling with complex challenges – social unrest, economic hegemony and unhealthy politics, a robust global governance system appears the only panacea. The prevailing unwholesome scenarios playing around the world not completely occasioned by natural tendencies but majorly orchestrated by leadership idiosyncrasies at the global level, no doubt, threatens human peace, and if left untamed, may further destabilize sequence of events by creating disharmony among peoples of the world.
By global governance, we refer to the systems, rules and standards that guide international relations and cooperation among countries, international organizations and other stakeholders in global development and peace. It envisages collaboration among nations towards addressing world’s challenges with international institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund formulating inclusive, equitable and people-oriented policies.
The primary goals of global governance, include promotion of peace and security in such a manner that conflicts are prevented; fostering economic development, protection of human rights by upholding dignity and well-being of people as well as decisively combating global natural challenges such as the climate change, pandemics and any other issue of urgent global interest.
Unfortunately, the inability of the international institutions to balance national interests with global needs, guarantee fair representation and participation, and effectively address complex global challenges through cooperation, diplomacy and other relevant tools, has witnessed escalation of natural occurrences and hostilities across the globe.
The Chinese President, Xi Jinping and his country therefore deserve commendation and accolade for amplifying the call for efficient and enduring global governance.
By proposing the GGI, Xi bold stepped forward to expose existing discrepancy in global governance, especially the forcelessness of the Global South in the essential mechanisms for global governance irrespective of their contributions to world’s economy and overall development.
The gap in international relations and its governance process have over the years, denied the essential contributions and cumulative insight of the majority of the world stakeholders.
The initiative, which was proposed by President Xi on September 1, 2025, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO Plus) meeting held at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center, among other necessities, targets necessary reforms at the global institutions’ level.
That GGI was tied to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, having been established on October 24, 1945, speaks volume of Chinese attention to history and how its hands in shaping the future.
Unfortunately, 80 years down the lane, the global institutions entrusted with the responsibilities of safeguarding member countries, especially the less powerful nations from socio-economic hegemony, appeared overwhelmed while blatant disregard for territorial sovereignty permeates the world.
One of the greatest benefits of the proposed
GGI as canvassed by several well-meaning citizens of the world therefore is the expected drastic reforms of the institutions to enshrine inclusivity and mutual respect.
As aptly proposed by China, there should be a commitment to peaceful coexistence and strengthening of confidence in a manner that guarantees a win-win situation. Beyond the proposal, China has also volunteered to work with all countries to ensure that a more just and equitable global governance system is enshrined. This perhaps, may be one of the fastest lane to its long time clamour for a community with a shared future for humanity.
The Global Governance as an initiative stands on five solid pillars of sovereign equality, international rule of law, practical multilateralism, people-centered approach and taking real actions.
Through these pillars, China canvasses a global governance structure that promotes to sovereign equality by ensuring that all countries, irrespective of size, strength and wealth, are equal participants in decision-making, beneficiaries in global governance. It also seeks greater effort towards entrenching a democratic culture in international relations to the extent of amplifying the voice of developing countries by increasing their representations in international institutions.
The second pillar, which dwells on the need to abide by international rule of law, clearly defines the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and other universally recognized basic norms of international relations. It holds that international law and rules should be applied equally and uniformly without double standards or few countries imposed upon others.
The GGI expressed the need to uphold the vision of global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contributions for shared benefit, that which strengthens solidarity and coordination, opposed to unilateralism, and that, which firmly safeguards the status and authority of the U.N to enable it play the expected key role in global governance.
Another reason for seeking a reform of the global governance system is to make governance more people-oriented, the one that recognizes people of every nation as equal players and by so doing, gradually bridges the gulf between the Global North and the South.
There is also need to transcend rhetoric in addressing world challenges. The new GGI supports a systematic and holistic coordination of global actions and the ability to fully mobilize resources, struggle for more visible outcomes and enhance practical cooperation to prevent the governance system from disintegration.
Since no individual or country gives what it doesn’t have, it is not surprising therefore that the in past 24 years, the SCO has adhered faithfully to the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development, thereby setting the pace for practical and exemplary global governance.
The fact that China’s regional affairs are inclusively discussed and provides platforms and mechanisms for actions built together and cooperation that benefits buttressed the possibility of a new global governance if players are determined and resolute.
The SCO has drawn inspiration from the lessons of the past and their contemporary implications. According to experts, foundation of the initiative was laid by issues emanating from rigorous interrogations of the prevailing existential reality and international conditions, a circumstance that promotes survival of the fittest and emphases for living before essence.
The GGI is therefore a clarion call for objective representation of every country, for collective consensus of the global family that defies factional coalitions and bloc loyalty, having been conspicuously made evident that no matter how powerful some countries may be, they may not possess adequate mechanism to deal with emerging challenges of international system exclusively.
As the wave of development blows across the globe, even the once relegated, developing, nations are experiencing subtle but accelerated progress in science and technology. That is the reality of the Global South, especially China, which has astronomically leapt into the mainstream of the contemporary global power.
Yet, the beauty of China’s development is the positive impacts that country has made on other continents and respective countries of the world, including Africa. By so doing, it has assumed, without self-gratification, international responsibilities as the emerging big brother of the Global South, not only with the deployment of its resources to translate visions to visible, actionable development but equally, building a reputation for seeking inclusive world that is peaceful, equitable and conducive for all.
Therefore, the five GIG concepts, which are already set in motion in China, should be considered imperative for the new global order. The fact that SCO has increasingly become a catalyst for the development and reform of the global governance system is something that should excite the world rather than build walls of sentiments.
President Xi in his powerful address reiterated that China was ready to work with all parties in order to uphold courageously, the great principle and the common good of the world, to promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, to resolutely safeguard the fruits of their victory in the War, to deliver more benefits to the entire humanity through the reform of the global governance system and to build of a community with a shared future for humanity.
For Nigerians across different sectors, a new Global Governance Initiative (CGI) is the long awaited game-changer. Although it is the fourth development idea proposed by China under the leadership of Xi, it is highly expected that other ideas will seamlessly fall in line if global governance is gotten right.
The Federal government of Nigeria has also described the initiative as a well thought out contribution towards strengthening the international system. As one of the Africa’s largest economies and an active participant in multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria sees GGI as a valuable platform for advancing shared priorities, including reform of the UN, inclusive governance in emerging domains and promotion of equitable development.
By this, it has joined the rest of the peace-loving countries of the world to reaffirm sustained commitment to a just, inclusive and effective international order, which reflects the aspirations of all peoples, and upholds the principles of shared responsibility and mutual respect.
For China, the Global South appreciates your contributions and constant reminder in words and actions, that no nation should be left behind. The newly proposed GGI is just one of those valuable contributions.
Global Governance Initiative: China’s Bold Step Against Hegemony, Injustice
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