BREAKING: NAFDAC FINALLY APPROVES PAX HERBAL REMEDY FOR COVID-19

By Simeon Osajie 

The Director of the Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories, Ewu, Edo State, Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Anslem Adodo, OSB, has announced that NAFDAC has finally approved their Herbal remedy for the Treatment of symptoms associated with COVID-19. 

Fr Anselm Adodo said, "after a series of screening, spanning eight weeks, NAFDAC has today approved our PAXHERBAL Covid-19 herbal drug, PAXHERBAL CUGZIN, for public use. It is the first to be so approved and presently the only one. The drug is specifically for treating the symptoms associated with the coronavirus."

EDO 2020: Edo APC Parades A Disabled Gubernatorial Candidate - Ab Initio... LABOUR PARTY.

By Simeon Osajie

The former Chief of Staff to Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor government and the  Labour Party Candidate in the Edo State 2020 Gubernatorial Election  slated for September 19, Hon. Isaiah Osifoh has questioned the choice of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as All Ptogresdive Party (APC) governorship candidate who is undergoing criminal trial for money laundary accusing the party of lacking in morality and taking Edo voters for granted. 

Hon. Osifoh stated this Thursday while addressing journalists in Benin City alongside the National Secretary of Labour Party, Julius Abure Esq. and Comrade Oghalol K.S.E., the Edo State Chairman of the party, noted that the choice of Ize-Iyamu who is hopping in and out of the courts for criminal trials bothering on stealing and laundering of public funds as the governoship candidate of the APC is a disobedience of all rules of morality and a definition of a political party's leadership that is not interested in morality.

"The choice of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as APC gubernatorial candidate in the the 2020 Edo governoship election is an operational definition of a party's leadership that is not interested in morality. 

"This is dangerous to our collective moral fabric and civilisation as a society. Ask yourself whether it is not sickening and disgraceful for APC to have her Edo State governoship candidate to be hopping in and out of the courts on criminal trials bothering on public funds in a period leading to the decision of Edo State voters to elect a credible governor? 

"We watched the court proceedings on July 7th, 2020 where the Judge ordered the Edo APC gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to appear in court on July 14th and rejected his oral application for a prolonged adjournment. 

Justice Garba stated that he will have no other option but order the arrest of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu if he fails to appear on the said date. "How can a political party be so insensitive to and disregard the good conscience of Edo people? Edo people are better than this and we are a people that are morally conscious," Osifoh said.

While tasking president Muhammadu Buhari on whether or not he's in line with the choice of an APC candidate who's on criminal trial for money laundering, Isaiah Osifoh wondered who is giving the APC leadership the Dutch courage to covince their members to believe that the federal government is wasting time and tax payers' money in the prosecution of the case against their governoship candidate, and dared former Governor Oshiomhole to defend the choice adding that the rules in all responsible public service including the rules in Nigeria public service requires public servants undergoing criminal prosecution to step aside which is called interdiction in the civil service until the final resolution of the matter and wondered the intention of the party in choosing a candidate who is disabled by reason of on going criminal prosecution.

"The APC leadership had convinced their members to believe that the federal government is wasting tax payers's money in the prosecution of the case against Edo State APC governoship candidate. We think this is an insult on the anti-corruption policy of the federal government under the leadership of President Buhari. 

"We do not expect President Mohammed Buhari to be in line with this and we do not expect Edo State former Governor Adams Oshiomhole to defend this."

MAGU IS HISTORY: Just Like Adam Oshiomole.

Francis Ilenloa Igberaese, Ph.D

Early enough in life, I learned that it is dangerous for a man to submit himself for dirty jobs, or to be known for his ability to perform dirty jobs. Hence, I have long deliberately decided that I should be known for integrity, even though I may posses the capacity to be a commander of dirty jobbers. 

This is why I may sympathize with the embattled EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, who may not have had similar enough experiences early in his life. If he had, he wouldn't have be in this mess; being dumped in such a humilating manner by those whose sole benefits he had served in the last five years . I do not intend to dwell *on* the legality of his disgraceful arrest or "kidnap" in the street of Abuja; the Femi Falanas can do that for us.

What I want "us" to learn from it is as simple as watching it when it appears too rosy working for the interest of a cabal, "we" aren't really part of.

Magu remains in the history of Nigeria, the only EFCC Chairman who acted for as long as five years, that is, without confirmation by the Senate.

Whereas, Magu was not supposed to remain in office for more than 90 days, after the Saraki-led Senate refused him confirmation twice (for the same purpose he is being persecuted now), the Presidency came out strongly, rewriting the law. The  Vice President,  as a lawyer, suddenly found a job and relevance, to explain to us that Magu could remain in acting capacity for as long as the president wants. Then, Magu was on top of the world. He didn't know that soon, he would, as my grandma would say, be sent on an errand as that of the arrow; an errand without a return and with a lost destiny.

Unlike Nuhu Ribadu, I can't recall any case initiated by Magu against any APC member (in power). At least, the cases of the former Secretary to Federal Government, David Babachir Lawal and that of the former Chairman of APC, Adam Oshiomole were clear enough to have made Magu a shining light and by now, elicit sympathy from the public court and become a legend like Robadu 

Magu blew opportunities to be feared by "them" and respected by "us". Maybe he feared "them" so well that he wouldn't dare their many troubles. But didn't Shakespeare write that "cowards die many times before their deaths", as it seems to him so strange that men should fear, seeing death as a necessary end, which must come when it would come? 

Now that like Oshiomole, Magu's end has come because he has become too dirty by his former benefactors, you want Nigerians to kill themselves for him as they nearly did for Ribadu ? Please, he has enjoyed it when it lasted; we only have to entertain and enjoy ourselves with the televisions and newspapers.

Francis Ilenloa Igberaese writes from Benin.

ADP Structures Remains Intact in Edo State - Princess Adelaja Adeoye

...Urges public to disregard machinations of political jobbers.

By Simeon Osajie

The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has called on Nigerians to disregard the media statement issued by the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through the State Publicity Secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare which stated that the structure of the ADP has been collapsed into their party. 

In a press statement signed by the ADP National Publicity Secretary, Prince Adelaja Adeoye said there is no iota of truth in the said publication, but just a wishful thinking, at best a media stunt that holds no waters, and has no possibility of becoming a reality.

Prince Adeoye said "ADP is a full fledged political party, that is participating fully in the upcoming election in Edo State and have not at any time, entered into any kind of merger, coalition or arrangement with the PDP or any other political party."

"Those parading themselves as members of our great party in the State, claiming to have defected with others, have no record on our membership list, and as such cannot be said to be our members."

He further warns that, anybody impersonating and fraudulently using the name of the party, ADP to swindle people will be handed over to the law enforcement agencies for prosecution in the court of law.

"In the interest of the public, it is important to make this clarification for people to disregard the machinations of political jobbers who are always moving from one party to the other at every election cycle."

"ADP is certain of victory in the poll and have assured it's members across the country and in diaspora that there is no cause for alarm" he said.

N700M FRAUD: Judge Orders Osagie Ize-Iyamu to Appear in Court July 14 or Face Arrest.

By Simeon Osajie

A Federal High Court in Benin has ordered Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo State to appear in court on Tuesday July 14, 2020 over the alleged N700m money laundering case that was preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Mohammed Garba who gave the order following the absence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who is the first defendant in the suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016, however did not order Ize-Iyamu's arrest, who was said to be indisposed.

But the judge held that the hearing of the pending motions challenging the jurisdiction of the court would be held on July 14, 2020 after rejecting the oral request for a prolonged adjournment of the case by the Counsel to Ize-Iyamu, who argued that his client will not disobey the order of court.

Justice Garba stated that the last time somebody was here, he (the judge) made an order for the accused person to appear in court or face arrest.

Earlier in his application to the court, counsel to the first defendant (Ize-Iyamu), Mr Charles Edosomwan (SAN) told the court that his client was sick and thereafter presented Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s medical certificate which was also admitted in court as evidence without any objection by the prosecution.

The accused persons including former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, Mr. Efe Erimuoghae-Anthony and others are facing eight-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N700 million meant to prosecute the 2015 general elections.

Speaking during an interview with journalists, Barr. Pascal Ugbome, Counsel to the Second defendant, said "the case was adjourned due to the inability of the first defendant (Ize-Iyamu) who is sick to be present in court."

“We were served today with medical certificate of Pastor Osagie ize-Iyamu." Barr. Ugbomo said.

Prof. Osunbor deserves APC National Chairman.

By Simeon Osajie

A political group, 'Esan Agenda' (AG),  has  appealed to the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to consider electing  a former Governor of Edo State and two term Senator from Edo Central, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor in the party's special convenction later in the year. 

The group made it's position known in Benin City while addressing newsmen, noted that the former governor  has the charisma, sound knowledge of leadership with the necessary capacity to lead the party at this critical period. 

Speaking on behalf of the group,the Director of Publicity, Mr. Akhuetie Oyakhilomen emphasised the need to consider merit, competence and party loyalty, qualities as  Prof. Osunbor has them in abundance.

He said, "Osunbor is a loyal party man to lead the ruling party and position it  for enviable position to succeed in the next convention.

Mr. Oyakhilomen emphasized the need to always consider merit, when choosing somebody for any  position that requires high intellectual skills as important as the office of the National Chairman.

"The 2018 conventions that brought Adams Oshiomhole was possible through the success of  the benevolence of Mr. President Mohammadu Buhari.

"Osunbor stands shoulders high with vast knowledge of governance administrations having served as a Senator, Governor and a professor of law will be the best thing that could happen to the ruling party."

While deploring the marginalisation of Edo Central Senatorial district, said 

'Esan Agenda', as a special political group was set up for the political and economic emancipation of Esan Senatorial zone in Edo State vowing that the group will deploy every legal means to agitate for the position of National Chairman of APC emphasizing that it was a collective decision of the group to project Senator Prof. Osunbor. 

"We praised the leadership style of Mr. President which came to the fore in the amicable resolution of the crises that almost set the party ablaze adding that the group has resolved to meet with the present leadership of the party to present its position in writing which will be endorsed by two third majority of the zone." the group emphasised.

According to him, "we will soon give our position in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State. We need those that will put our pain as their pain and ensure that Esan People are not left out in any government.". He concluded.

ADP Remains the Party to Watch - Gabriel Oloruntobi

By Simeon Osajie

Edo State chapter of Action Democratic Party (ADP) has reacted to press release credited to Edo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chris Nehikhare stating that ADP has collapsed its structure for PDP.

Reacting to the press statement trending in socio media, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of Action Democratic Party (ADP) Gabriel Oloruntobi said "ADP remains the party to watch come September 19 governorship election."

Oloruntobi said "My attention has just been drawn to the release by PDP SPS on the purported dissolution of ADP into PDP.

"To put the record straight, some of our  members in Egor LGA decamped to PDP yesterday 6th June 2020. This is being expected especially as election approaches its high point.

"The Party remains intact and going on with our candidate and nothing has changed. Action Democratic Party (ADP) remains the party to watch and by extension to beat" 

Panic grips Edo State House of Assembly

By Simeon Osajie

Edo State House of Assembly members are in confusion following  the alleged infection of one of its member with Coronavirus (COVID 19.)

Sources close to the house said the house has relocated to old legislative chambers in the government house adding that both the workers and Honourable members have been asked to go for test to ascertain their health status as regard to the covid 19. 

Sources also disclosed that the affected person is a high ranking member of the State House of Assembly.

the9jatrend recall that the honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye was the first index case in Edo State. 

You will also recall that for over three weeks, the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex at Kings Square was shot down for the fumigation.

A Civil Rights Activist Admonishes Youths to be Weary of Politicians

By Simeon Osajie

A human rights activist, Comrade Patrick Eholor has urged Edo youths to eschew all forms of electoral violence before and during the Edo Governorship polls scheduled for September 19.

Eholor who noted that youths have become readily available tools for unscrupulous politicians to recruit in their bid to win elections at all cost, warned the youths to reject such offers particularly as the electioneering campaign in the state draw near.

Comrade Eholor appealed to the political gradiators particularly the ruling Peolles Democrstic Parry (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress  (APC) in the state to maintain peace as they rally support in the forthcoming governorship election. 

Comrade Patrick Eholor, founder of One Love Foundation equally harped on the need for stakeholders to begin early advocacy and sensitization of the electorate on the dangers of electoral malpractices and violence.

"I want to remind the Edo youths that the children of politicians and all those vying for the governorship position do not vote. Their children are outside the country. So, I ask the youths this question, why do you want to kill yourself for a token because of any of politicians, who do not know if you have electricity, hospitals, roads,  security and if your children attend school or not. I beg our youths that whatever is not worth living for is not worth dying for., "he said.

Chief Johnson Atseleghe and 11 Others Remands Over Alleged Kidnap and Murder

By Simeon Osajie

The Benin High Court Criminal Division has approved a remand order sought by the police to keep the Iyatsere of Warri and the leader of Itsekiri people in Edo State, Chief Johnson Atseleghe and 11 others over alleged kidnap and murder of the youth leader of Kolo-kolo Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Sunny Etchie.

Chief Atseleghe and others were brought  before the Court with Charge No B/Ed/445M/2020 on four count charges of “attempted kidnap, kidnap, attempted murder and murder of Sunny Etchie” which is punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, Section 2 (2) and punishable under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law 2013 of Edo State, Section 324 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 316 (1) and punishable under Section (319) (1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Justice Efe Ikpomwonba refused any bail application by counsels to the accused and granted that the accused be remanded in police custody for two weeks and adjourned sitting to July 23rd while he ordered that duplicates of the  case files be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.

The Commissioner of Police of the Edo State Police Command, Johnson Kokumo had confirmed to the 9jatrendonline  on phone Monday that Atseleghe was in their custody and being investigated on the disappearance of Etchie.

   

He said: “I can confirm to you that one Mr. Johnson Atseleghe is in our custody who is being investigated over allegation over an incident that somebody is missing and the persons who were last seen with the missing man were linked to him.”

  

Etchie was reportedly picked by some persons believed to be under the directive of Atseleghe over three weeks ago and he is assumed to have been killed..

  

It would be recalled that a group, Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) recently raised alarm over alleged incessant killing, kidnapping and disappearance of people in Kolo-kolo village.  

   

President of the group, Comrade Curtis Ugbo who led a protest to the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 5 also called on the police to hold the leader of Itsekiri people in Ologbo, Johnson Atseleghe responsible for the happenings in the area accusing him of complicity in the incidences.