The senate has approved the request of President Bola Tinubu for emergency rule in Rivers state.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter during Thursday’s plenary before lawmakers went into a closed door session.

….More to come

The Oyo State Government has withdrawn all charges against Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The trio had been facing legal action following the tragic stampede at a children’s event in December 2024, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children.

After Thursday’s court session, the defendants appeared visibly relieved, exchanging smiles and pleasantries as the charges were officially dismissed.

Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, confirmed the development, explaining the government’s decision.

“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So, the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation,” Aikomo said.

However, he noted that while prosecution was initially pursued, the accused individuals demonstrated deep empathy and compassion toward the victims’ families.

“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute, but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they tried to persuade the feelings of the affected parties. And in the circumstance, we felt the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them,” he explained.

“It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today. So, we withdrew the charge, and it was struck out by the court. There is no charge against them again, so they are free,” Aikomo concluded.

There is tension at the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, following a petition against the Acting Managing Director, Mrs Toyin Rose Adeboyega over an alleged N1.361 billion contract fraud.

SOCIETY REPORTERS reports that Mr Christopher Abhulimen, a staff of the corporation, wrote the petition against the Managing Director to the Edo State Government.

The petition addressed to the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo was dated February 6, 2025.

The petition is titled, ‘Concerning instances of misappropriation of funds, mismanagement of public funds, poorly executed contracts/fictitious contract projects facilitated by the previous administration with the abetment and instrumentality of the Acting Managing Director of Edo State Urban Water Corporation, Mrs Toyin Rose Adeboyega’.

Abhulimen, who listed about eight projects allegedly involved in the fraud, noted that not only did some of the aforementioned projects not exist in reality, but even for the few that exist, there is nothing in them to justify the astronomical funding commitments.

He appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to take all necessary actions to ensure thorough investigations of the projects as well as the complicity of the Acting Managing Director, and/or any other person(s) in the facilitation of alleged unwarranted hemorrhage of public funds.

In the petition, Abhulimen, listed the projects and their cost to include N700 million pipeline network reticulation to Ugboha, Uromi and environs, N23 million funding of Abico Pumping Station, and N120 million provision of potable water to Emotan Garden Estate.

Others are N150 million reactivation of water schemes at Etsako and Akoko-Edo, N150 million supply of pipes and accessories to Ugboha/Uromi Water Scheme, N15 million for supply of chemicals, N160 million for the management of Ugboha Dam and N43 million of illegal sales/disposal of exhumed ductile pipe in the course of road construction at Iruekpen and environs.

When contacted, the Acting Managing Director of the Corporation, Mrs Toyin Rose Adeboyega, said a journalist has already written a rejoinder on the petition.

Adeboyega, who forwarded the alleged rejoinder to DAILY POST, denied the allegations levelled against her.

Mrs Toyin Rose Adeboyega, Acting Managing Director, Edo State Urban Water Corporation.

The alleged rejoinder written by Comrade Robinson Akhenoba, titled, ‘Allegation against Mrs Toyin Rose Adeboyega’, alleged that after conducting a thorough investigation in the said ministry, it was found that “these allegations are not only misleading but also a gross misrepresentation of facts”.

Akhenoba, while urging the governor to take time to investigate the allegations as contained in the petition, advised him to remain vigilant and not succumb to the alleged manipulative tactics of those who seek to divide and rule.

According to him, these individuals often rely on misinformation and speculation to achieve their goals, which can lead to unfair treatment of dedicated public servants.

“I implore you to prioritize facts and figures when evaluating these allegations, rather than getting swayed by baseless claims. As findings have shown, Mrs Adeboyega possesses a high level of integrity and a strong commitment to her role. It’s crucial for you to recognize and appreciate her efforts in serving the people

“By focusing on verifiable evidence and ignoring malicious rumors, you can ensure that justice is served,” he added.