Niger Delta
Edo Judiciary, Legal Practitioners Unite Against Insecurity
Edo State judiciary and legal practitioners have pledged their full support for the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo’s ongoing efforts to combat cultism and kidnapping.
This unified stance was displayed during a high-level meeting recently at the Government House in Benin.
Okpebholo, in his address during the meeting, stressed the importance of a collaborative approach between the executive and the judiciary, describing their relationship as “very cordial.”
He expressed appreciation for the judiciary’s responsiveness and quick legal advice, which has facilitated his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to fighting cultism and kidnapping, emphasizing that these crimes pose a significant threat to the State’s economic development.
He called for continued cooperation from the judiciary in enforcing law and order, stating, “We must bring these crimes down to the barest minimum so we can feel safe again, our children can invest here, and their investments will be protected.”
This call to action follows recent legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025.
These laws establish strict penalties for cult-related activities and kidnapping, including mandatory jail terms and, in severe cases, the death penalty.
To enhance the judiciary’s capacity to deliver justice effectively, Okpebholo pledged his administration’s support for addressing key institutional needs, such as recruiting additional judicial staff.
This commitment was made in response to the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa’s briefing on the judiciary’s staffing challenges, which have been exacerbated by professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
Okungbowa had informed the Governor of the judiciary’s staffing challenges, noting that several professionals had left in search of better opportunities abroad.
Governor Okpebholo responded positively, acknowledging the urgent need to equip the judiciary with adequate human resources to ensure effective prosecution of cases related to insecurity.
The meeting, attended by a delegation of judges and judicial officers, symbolized a unified commitment from Edo’s legal community to maintain peace, justice, and security within the State.
The meeting ultimately reaffirmed a shared resolve between the executive and judicial arms of the government to rid Edo of criminal elements and ensure a safe environment for all.
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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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