News
Oshiomhole Tasks New Boards Members On Accountability
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has charged members of the seven newly inaugurated boards of parastatals to key into government’s development efforts, stressing the need for prudence and accountability.
Comrade Oshiomhole who also swore-in two additional members of the Law Review Commission, congratulated the chairmen and members for their well-deserved appointment, pointing out that their appointments were based on their credibility and leadership qualities.
To members of Edo Broadcasting Board, Oshiomhole said “Edo Broadcasting Service is one of the essential services because information dissemination is very important.
“You can imagine Nigeria without radio and television and newspaper, people will just be in the dark. EBS has a very unique role to play in Information Management.
“I am also aware that you have certain challenges, including the fact that for a long time, most parts of the state are not able to receive EBS signals. We are working on that. We are working on buying new transmitters and open up booster station. We need it for our survival. We need it to be able to communicate with our people.
To members of the Rural Electricity Board, the Governor said “It is clear to all of us that the challenge of enriching rural life, encouraging our people to remain in rural areas and strengthening rural economy and improving rural productivity demands that there is electricity.
“Over the past couple of months, we have extended electricity to a number of communities around the state. I believe that there are several communities that are yearning for electricity.
“We will work closely with you under the ministry to ensure that these communities have light. We can encourage small scale industries to locate to the rural areas, if they are sure they can have electricity.
Also, to members of the Land Use Allocation Committee, Oshiomhole said he had no doubt that they were qualified to discharge their responsibilities.
“The Pharmaceutical Company is a Private Limited Company. Previously, it is run as a private business. But because we have a stake, we have to have a member on the Board. We ask you to feel free to advice on any matter that you think we need to reflect on to improve on health delivery in the state,” the governor said.
Comrade Oshiomhole who noted that members of the State Sports Council Board “were carefully selected said, “In all sports, we must be number one. I believe that given your various experiences and background, you will provide the desired leadership to ensure that our sports men and women attain greater heights.
To the Edo Property and Planning Authority, Oshiomhole said “you have a very enormous responsibility. There is a lot in your hands and I want to assure you that the government will cooperate with you and ensure that you succeed”.
He told members of the Water Board “to revisit all the various water projects in the state, assess their state of affairs, where we need to make additional investment, we will do so, where they have broken down, we repair. We can assure our people that no matter the terrain, we will be able to strike water”.
The governor congratulated the members of the Law Review Commission and urged them to accelerate the process of bringing Edo laws up to date.
Ben-ose Ogbemudia, Benin
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene