Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed the immediate suspension of all state-owned bank accounts.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor clarified that the accounts would stay frozen until further instructions are given.

The governor also urged commercial banks and leaders of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement the directive without hesitation.

The statement emphasized that Okpebholo warned that anyone, including MDAs leaders and government employees, who ignores the order would face stringent consequences.

“All state bank accounts with commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with this order and ensure that not a single naira is withdrawn from government coffers until further notice.

“Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must ensure full compliance without delay.

“Following necessary investigations and reconciliations, the governor will take appropriate action and decide on the way forward. For now, this order remains in effect,” the statement read.

The governor also instructed the appropriate government bodies to restore the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to its former name, the Ministry of Works, a change that was made during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Okpebholo mandated swift adherence, insisting that the updated name be formally adopted.

“It is odd to name a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, especially when not a single bridge was built by the previous administration — not even a pedestrian bridge.

“In the coming days, we will examine further actions taken by the previous administration and make decisions that serve the best interests of the state,” the statement concluded.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) announced on Thursday that it would be sending 1,500 officers to oversee the smooth operation of the Ondo State governorship election, set for November 16, 2024.

This deployment, authorized by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, is part of a wider strategy to collaborate with other security agencies and ensure compliance with vehicle movement restrictions during the election.

In a statement from Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC emphasized the critical need for maintaining order throughout the election process.

The personnel will be supported by 25 patrol vehicles, seven tow trucks, and six ambulances, all positioned to manage traffic, clear road blockages, and handle emergencies.

The Corps Marshal encouraged the officers assigned to demonstrate the utmost professionalism and honor the rights of every voter.

He cautioned against any behavior that could violate democratic rights, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a peaceful and well-organized election.

As election preparations progress, the FRSC has urged voters to adhere to the vehicle movement restrictions and work together with officials to ensure a smooth and impartial electoral process.

The statement read, “As part of efforts put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the forthcoming Ondo State Gubernatorial election scheduled by the electoral umpire to hold on 16 November 2024, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has approved the deployment of 1,500 operatives, and ordered them to collaborate with other security agencies to enforce compliance on restrictions of vehicular movement.

“The directive issued by the Corps Marshal also mandated the Personnel to clear obstructions from the roads, carry out rescue operations in case of emergencies, and maintain orderliness in polling booths.

“In the same vein, adequate mobilisation has also been made for operational tools, including deployment of 25 patrol vehicles, seven tow trucks, as well as six ambulances to strengthen enforcement of restrictions during the entire process of the election.

“He warned the personnel deployed to play an active role in the democratic exercise. While emphasising the need to exhibit the highest sense of professionalism, the Corps Marshal also admonished them to avoid any act that could lead to abuse of the rights of electorates.”

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a prohibition on all forms of transportation, including vehicles on roads, waterways, and other modes, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the day of the Ondo State governorship election, which is set for Saturday, November 16th.

A statement released on Thursday by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi stated that essential services such as ambulances, media personnel, fire services, and accredited journalists would be exempt from this restriction.

Furthermore, the IG has banned security personnel and VIP escorts from accompanying their principals to polling stations and collation centres in an effort to maintain order and prevent disturbances.

Adejobi also revealed that vehicles without authorization would not be allowed to use sirens on the election day.

He said, “As part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day, except for those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.”

“Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling stations and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorised vehicles will be enforced.”

He guaranteed that priority would be provided to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, among others, on election day.

Adejobi said, “Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with mobility challenges to ensure polling stations remain accessible.”

Adejobi also mentioned that DIG Sylvester Alabi would oversee the security plans for the election, with assistance from AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu.

He said, “In preparation for the elections, the IGP has deployed DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the elections, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period, while AIG Bennett Igweh, mni, and CP Tunji Disu are deployed as AIG and CP Elections, respectively.”

Adejobi called on citizens to report any suspicious activities that could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process and reiterated the police’s dedication to ensuring a secure and democratic atmosphere as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.Adejobi called on citizens to report any suspicious activities that could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process and reiterated the police’s dedication to ensuring a secure and democratic atmosphere as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.

“The police will also work with the military and other federal security agencies, as collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are vital to ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully,” he added.

The Ogun State Security Network, also known as the Amotekun Corps, has uncovered a self-kidnapping plot allegedly orchestrated by 41-year-old resident Enitan Awoyemi, who sought to escape a debt of approximately N1 million.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.), the state’s Amotekun Commander, revealed that Awoyemi, from Irolu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area, allegedly staged his own abduction to avoid settling a significant gambling debt.

The scheme came to light when Awoyemi’s wife, Mrs. Tope Awoyemi, reported on November 10 that her husband had contacted her, claiming he was kidnapped the previous day by unidentified captors who were demanding a ransom of N5 million for his release.

“Upon receiving the report, the Amotekun Intelligence team launched an investigation into the alleged abduction. Findings revealed that Enitan Awoyemi had accrued significant debts from gambling in a lotto game, amounting to a staggering N1 million,” the statement read.

The statement further revealed that Awoyemi, known for his regular gambling habits, had once won N6 million, using a portion of the amount to buy a Toyota Corolla Sport and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle for business use.
However, when unable to settle his debts, he reportedly staged his own kidnapping.

Amotekun personnel, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and other local partners, traced the suspect first to Ijagba town and then to Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

Officers detected a strong odour of insecticide on Awoyemi, indicating a potential suicide attempt. He was promptly taken to Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu for treatment.

Brigadier General Adedigba reassured the public that Awoyemi would undergo the appropriate legal procedures.

“Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will be handed over to the police for further proceedings,” he stated.

The Amotekun Commander commended the teamwork that resulted in the arrest of the suspect and encouraged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour.

“This incident underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring safety and security,” Adedigba said.

A 35-year-old man, Felix Vhimga, was discovered dead under unclear circumstances in the Ojowo area of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.

PUNCH Metro reported that Vhimga had gone missing after visiting his brother, Sunday Robert, in the community on Monday.

After the visit, Vhimga reportedly said goodbye to his brother around 9 p.m.

Robert, who later raised concerns about Vhimga’s disappearance, said he hadn’t arrived home the next day after leaving his place.

A police source, who spoke to our correspondent anonymously as he was not authorized to discuss the case, said that Robert eventually initiated a search for him.

The source added that when attempts to find his location failed, Robert hurried to the police station to file a report.

He said, “Sunday Terkuma Robert, brother of the deceased, reported to the police that Felix visited him on November 11 and left around 9 pm. However, when Felix couldn’t be heard from the next day, Robert searched for him. It was after he could not locate him that he came to the station.”

The police source, however, disclosed that the body of the deceased was eventually discovered close to a stream in the area.

The source reports that the body was found around 7 am, bearing a wound on the forehead near the left eye.

“The body was discovered around 7 am on November 13 with a wound on the forehead, close to the left eye. A team of policemen inspected the scene, evacuated the corpse, and deposited it at Alayangbe Private Morgue for autopsy.”

The case was reported to have been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Ijebu Igbo.

“Investigation is ongoing into the incident,” the source added.

The Police Public Relations Officer of Ogun State, SP Omolola Odutola, was unavailable for comment, as calls to her phone went unanswered. A text message sent to her had also not been responded to at the time of filing this report.

The PUNCH

The immediate past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has embarked on what he termed a “post-tenure vacation,” citing the need to rest and undergo comprehensive medical examinations after completing his eight years in office.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Crusoe Osagie, on Wednesday.

According to Osagie, the vacation provides an opportunity for Obaseki to recuperate and reflect on his years of service while also prioritizing his health.

The former governor expressed deep gratitude to God and the people of Edo State and Nigeria for giving him the privilege to serve in the capacity of governor.

Obaseki completed his second term on November 11, 2024, marking the end of his administration.In the statement, Obaseki conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the citizens of Edo State for their support throughout his tenure.

He urged Edo indigenes, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, to remain hopeful and committed to the vision of a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous state.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of collective prayers and efforts toward ensuring the growth and development of Edo State and the country at large.

Obaseki handed over the reins of governance to Monday Okpebholo, the new governor of Edo State, who emerged victorious in the recently concluded governorship election.

Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeated his closest rivals, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, in a keenly contested election.

The inauguration ceremony for Okpebholo took place on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

The peaceful transition of power has been hailed as a testament to Edo State’s commitment to democratic values and good governance. Political observers have praised Obaseki for his contributions to the state during his tenure, which saw significant advancements in areas such as education, infrastructure, and economic development.

However, his tenure was not without its challenges, including political disagreements and economic constraints.

As Obaseki begins this new chapter in his life, many stakeholders in Edo State have expressed their good wishes for his well-being.

Meanwhile, expectations are high for Governor Monday Okpebholo to build upon the achievements of his predecessor and address pressing issues affecting the state.

The people of Edo eagerly anticipate his approach to governance and the fulfillment of campaign promises.

This transition marks a new era for Edo State, with hopes for continued progress and stability in the years ahead.