₦airaland Forum

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, says he is heading to the Court of Appeal to challenge the Edo State tribunal verdict affirming Monday Okpebholo as governor.

”I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a huge travesty of justice.”

”This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy, the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future, and the legacy we leave for generations unborn,” a statement read hours after the verdict.

A three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed Ighodalo’s petition due to a lack of merit and the failure to present competent witnesses to substantiate the claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

Ighodalo called on supporters and other party faithful to keep the peace and seek the rule of law in their fight for justice.

”As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this Judgement.”

”However, let it be clear: this is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and I are on the platform of our great Party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”

”While we all may not agree with the verdict, we, however, remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy. Our pursuit of justice in this regard is an affirmation of our firm belief that the right of the good people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders through a credible, free and fair electoral process must never be compromised”

Ighodalo also said ”From the very beginning, your massive show of support, sincere love and belief in our shared vision for a prosperous Edo State have been the driving force behind this journey”

”For us, it has never been about the realisation of a personal ambition but about our conviction to create a clear Pathway to Prosperity for all Edo People while upholding the foundational values of democracy, justice, and the will of the people.”

”We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice.”

According to the reports, the CBN was set to introduce the new notes to reduce cash-handling costs and improve liquidity management.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has refuted claims that it has introduced new ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 notes, describing the reports as false.

This comes after widespread misinformation suggested that the apex bank had unveiled the high-denomination banknotes to enhance cash transactions.

According to the reports, the CBN was set to introduce the new notes to reduce cash-handling costs and improve liquidity management.

Some of these claims even attributed statements to a supposed Deputy Governor, Dr Ibrahim Tahir Jr., regarding the rollout of the notes from May 1, 2025.

However, the CBN has denied these reports, stating: "This content is NOT from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Kindly note that the official website of the CBN is cbn.gov.ng."

A farmer has been arrested in connection with the poisoning of cows in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, according to local authorities.

The arrest followed an investigation into the recent poisoning of 20 cows, an act that has been strongly condemned by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.

The Chairman of MACBAN in Benue State, Risku Muhammed, accused criminal elements in Agatu LGA of poisoning and rustling cattle.

According to him, the incident happened on Saturday in Ucha village, where a farmer, identified as Bawa Oneh, allegedly laced rice chaff with poison and invited a herder to feed it to the cows.

This led to the death of 13 cows, with seven others being treated by a veterinary doctor.

“We received reports from our members that a criminal poisoned rice chaff and invited one of our members to graze his cows on it,” Muhammed explained.

“Sadly, 13 cows died immediately, and seven others are under treatment.”

This incident comes on the heels of another reported cattle rustling episode that occurred the previous Thursday, when 200 cows were stolen.

However, security operatives intervened promptly, arresting one of the rustlers, while others managed to escape.

Muhammed commended the prompt action of the Agatu LGA chairman, Melvin James, who responded quickly to the situation involving the herders and local communities.

He also praised the local government and non-governmental organisations for their continuous support, including compensation for cows killed by criminals in the region.

“The local government chairman, along with NGOs, has been proactive in compensating for cows lost to these criminals,” Muhammed said.

The MACBAN chairman also pointed out that these criminals have been responsible for a series of cattle rustling and killings across several villages, including Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and now Ucha.

In response to the incident, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, confirmed that a farmer had been arrested in connection with the poisoning.

He assured that the situation was under investigation and that efforts were underway to address the problem.

“We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and an investigation is ongoing,” James stated. “Agatu has been experiencing relative peace due to the peace committee, and we will continue to review the peace process. Unfortunately, some criminal elements are trying to destabilise this peace, but the government is committed to stopping them.”

James also commended the state government for its role in maintaining peace in Agatu and requested more security operatives to be deployed to the area.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the arrest of the suspect linked to the poisoning.

“I received a briefing this morning (Sunday) about the poisoning incident, and an investigation is in progress. One suspect has been arrested,” Anene said.

Anene also noted that a peace committee has been working tirelessly in Agatu LGA to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the region, which has faced challenges in the past.