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  TO: * The National Assembly Leadership (The Senate President & Speaker of the House of Representatives) * The Executive Governor of Rivers State * The Chairman, South-East Governors' Forum * All Delegates and Stakeholders of the National Restructuring Framework Date: August 28, 2026 In light of the deep-seated contentions surrounding the geopolitical alignment of Port Harcourt during recent regional autonomy debates, I am compelled to issue this open letter to clarify historical truths, protect indigenous self-determination, and chart a peaceful path forward rooted in true fiscal federalism. 1. Ancestral Truth and Indigenous Autonomy: Let it be stated unequivocally that Port Harcourt belongs fundamentally to its indigenous host communities—most notably the Ikwerre     (of Diobu/Rebisi) and neighboring Okrika-Ijaw groups. While our Igbo neighbors share historical, trade, and deep linguistic ties with various indigenous populations of Rivers State, shared ethno-l...

  Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Thursday swore in Mr Terry Igiebor as Chairman of the Ecological Funding and Management Commission, while Prof. David Osifo was sworn in as a member. Okpebholo also sworn in Dr Shittu Shaibu as Chairman of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, with Mr Thomas Inegbedion, Abdulrasak Abubakar, Alex Oniawu and Patrick Iluobe as members. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Government House, Benin, Okpebholo, while congratulating them, said that their appointment came with enormous responsibilities According to him, it is a difficult one, especially the rural electrification agency, adding that it was something they needed to work together to achieve a common goal for the people. “The task before you is enormous, it is going to be difficult, but with your determination, we can achieve whatever we want to achieve. If we work together and work hard, we can achieve whatever we want to achieve so that we can have a common goal in the elect...

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Bishop Akhalamhe, has commended Edo Gov. Monday Okpebholo for conducting a free, fair and credible local government election in the state. Akhalamhe, who led other members of the IPAC executive on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, said the election was adjudged one of the best ever conducted in Edo State. He said IPAC was ready to continue collaborating with the Okpebholo led administration to ensure the governor delivers good governance to the people of Edo State. “Election has come and gone, but we congratulate you on the success of the election as winners have emerged. “The election was free, fair and credible with no issues. We will collaborate with the local government chairmen and ensure they succeed because if they succeed, it is the state government that succeeds,” he said. Akhalamhe also commended the governor for what he described as his developmental achievements in less than two years in of...

Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated Edo people at home and in the diaspora on the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, describing the occasion as a celebration of unity, resilience and shared progress. The governor, in a message to residents, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating development through the SHINE Agenda, while acknowledging the contributions of past administrations, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to the growth of the state. Reflecting on Edo’s creation on Aug. 27, 1991, from the defunct Bendel State, Okpebholo said the anniversary provided an opportunity to assess the state’s progress, consolidate existing gains and renew the collective commitment to its development. “Edo’s 35 years represent both an achievement and a responsibility. We inherit a state with deep cultural roots, economic potential and people with proven capacity. Our task is to translate these assets into tangible i...

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has appealed to the concessionaire handling the Benin-Asaba road to immediately write to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Works to enable it to terminate their contract. The minister also ordered the concessionaire to urgently remove all the blockages on the Benin-Asaba road to allow free flow of traffic. Umahi made the appeal and issued the directive on Wednesday in Benin at a stakeholders' engagement in Government House, Benin. According to him, we are therefore pleading with you to give us written approval to proceed in this manner, we believe this is the way forward. "Therefore, our directive going forward is that you should be removed from the site of this project, within the limits of our rights. You have added no value to the project," he said. He stressed that the Federal Ministry of Works should write to the Independent Engineer to request measurements of all the works that have been carried out, excluding what we...

In 1991 General Ibrahim Babangida regime, carved Edo State out of the old Bendel state and that was beginning its peculiar journey — neither entirely in the southwest's sophisticated political machinery, nor quite aligned with the midwestern traditions that once defined the region. Thirty-five years later, has it truly progressed? To understand the present, one must reckon with the past. Edo State's first three decades were defined by cycles of promise and disappointment, ambition pursued and abandoned, leaders who arrived with grand visions only to leave behind incomplete legacies. The early years, through the 1990s and into the early 2000s, were shaped by what many observers describe as the state's attempt to find an identity. Under successive administrations, Edo pursued an image centered on tourism — particularly Benin's historical monuments and cultural heritage. The Benin National Museum, the Oba's Palace, the city's artistic traditions all received attent...

  Subject: Charter for Regional Governance, Gender Parity, Layered Defense, and Economic Self-Reliance  Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Esan Nation, Standing firmly upon the monumental legacy of the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, CFR—the Architect of Nigeria’s Independence who bravely moved the historic motion for self-rule in 1953 Chief Anthony Enahoro always championed a profound vision for our people: he wanted Esanland to be entirely self-governed, economically self-reliant, and to stand as a glorious pathfinder for the benefits of regional governance across the entire Nigerian federation.  He believed that true democracy must be built from the bottom up, and that efficient governance is one that derives its power directly from the grassroots. This vision is the continuation of a life-long struggle. Having proudly ran for the House of Representatives under the then National Reformation Party (NRP) led by the late Chief Anthony Enahoro—as the party no longer exists for n...

It has become necessary to let the good people of Edo State know that Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo and his team are working night and day to deliver all the dividends of democracy which he earlier promised, including building cosmopolitan infrastructure.  Regarding the roads linking Edo state from the various entry points, we have read some commentaries from members of the public, including those who by their profession, should know what obtains on road construction, but have chosen to be uncharitable. We want all concerned to know that all roads leading to Edo state, have all been awarded to contractors for repairs.  The delay in fixing them has been due to the incessant rainfall that invalidated the weather forecast. The repair works cannot progress in the rain. For example, the Benin-Ore road which is undergoing repairs, is presently halted because of the heavy rainfalls.  Ditto for the Benin- Agbor road, which is also undergoing serious reconstruction, to birth a...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has signed the Edo House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023 and the State Judiciary Financial Autonomy 2023 Amendment Bill into law. The governor signed the bills on Monday at Government House, Benin City, while receiving the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Prince Yekini Idiaye. He commended the lawmakers for the swift passage of the legislation, saying he was pleased that the issue had been resolved. “I am indeed delighted because this has become like a controversial law, I must confess to you,” Okpebholo said. He said the three arms of government — the executive, legislature and judiciary — had distinct responsibilities and should operate within their constitutional mandates. According to him, the executive is responsible for administration and implementation, while the legislature makes laws and performs oversight functions and the judiciary interprets laws and punishes offenders. “For me, deviating from these is totally out of ...

The Edo State Government has commenced a Train-the-Trainer Programme to equip vocational and technical teachers with modern skills, digital technologies, and innovative teaching methods. The programme, organised by the state Ministry of Education under the leadership of the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Washington Osifo, is aimed at strengthening teachers’ capacity and preparing them for the changing demands of education in the digital age. Representing Gov. Monday Okpebholo at the programme, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Musa Yakubu, stressed the importance of continuous learning and professional development among teachers. The training focuses on industry-relevant technical skills, digital technologies, competency-based teaching methods, and emerging innovations, including artificial intelligence, to improve teaching and learning across the state. Participants are being introduced to digital tools and practical techniques designed to make classroom teaching more engaging and ...

  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured that his administration will continue to fund and support contractors handling road projects across the state to ensure significant progress before Christmas. Governor Okpebholo who gave the assurance on Monday  after inspecting ongoing work on the Arue-Uromi-Agbor road projects in Esan North East Local Government Area, said the projects were progressing despite the challenges posed by the rainy season. “We are here to look at what they are doing. We have gone around several project sites since morning to see how far they are going, and the work is progressing,” he said. Okpebholo said the rainy season had limited the construction activities that could be carried out, making drainage works a major focus at the moment. “By the grace of God, we are looking at what we can achieve between now and Christmas, because of the rainy season, nothing much can actually be done. “The only thing they can do now is the drainage, whic...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has congratulated Senator Francis Asekhame Alimikhena on his coronation as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, urging him to use his vast personal experiences to promote peace, unity and development in the kingdom. Speaking Saturday at the coronation ceremony of  Alimikhena as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, the governor said the event was a historic occasion. The governor said Alimikhena came to the throne with decades of experience in public service, including two terms as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Your Highness, you come to this throne with a wealth of experience gained from decades of distinguished public service, including two terms as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “You have served at the highest levels of government, and your experience in leadership, governance, and community development will surely be valuable in your new role.” Governor Okpebholo, however, reminded the new monarch that traditiona...

  Our enemies are at it again; we did not ban Davido from entering Edo state. The proclaimer of that ban is an enemy of Edo State; an impostor, and a fraud.  The Government of Edo State hereby dissociates itself from such spiteful behavior, and wishes to state further that Edo state is home to all, regardless of their belief, political persuasion, affinity and or legal affiliation . As a matter of fact, should Davido intend to perform in Edo state in future, the state will be willing to collaborate and partner with him.  Governor Okpebholo is very well balanced at home with various demographics and their leanings. Davido is one of our illustrious sons, whose mother hails from Edo state; he's exemplary, and we are pleased to associate with him. Should he wish to visit Edo state, we would happily host and fete him.  Whatever  transpired in Osun state in the wake of last week's election was purely politics and nothing more. There was nothing personal in the convers...

Edo Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured members of the Nigerian-American Nurses and Nursing Association (NANNNA) that the state remains safe despite reports of insecurity in parts of Nigeria. Governor Okpebholo gave the assurance on Friday in Benin while receiving members of NANNNA, who travelled to Nigeria to support healthcare delivery in Edo. The governor thanked the group for coming to the state despite security concerns that could discourage people living abroad from travelling to Nigeria. “Thank God you are here and you can see for yourselves the security situation in our state. Nigeria is very safe, and we are also trying to make Edo safer for our people to do business. It will be safer in the next few months,” he said. He also assured the organisation of the state government’s support whenever its members return to Edo for medical interventions. The governor urged members to notify the newly established Edo Diaspora Agency ahead of their visits so the government coul...

Edo State Gov. Monday Okpebholo has tasked the management of Rongtai Building Materials Nigeria Ltd. on strengthening its safety measures to protect the lives of its staff and workers. The governor, during a visit to the company's premises in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state, commended its investment in Edo and urged the management to remain committed to its corporate social responsibility to the host community. Recall that a total of five workers had died in the company last month, with others reportedly dying from electrocution and falling off a crane. The crisis that broke out led workers, relatives and some community youths razing a section of the firm, including over 20 vehicles and motorcycles, following the death of the forklift operator. According to Governor Okpebholo, "What happened here came to me as sad news, and the incident is condemnable. An establishment of this nature should not be attacked like this. "The protest was triggered by the...

  The Special Adviser on Projects Implementation and Monitoring Department (PIMD), Mrs Phoebe Williams-Bello, has thanked Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo for embarking on various road projects across the state. Williams-Bello made the remarks during the department's quarterly site inspection on Wednesday in Benin. According to her, we are not yet two years in office, and the governor has embarked on massive and brave road construction projects in the state, and we are happy about it. “Presently, we are in the rainy season, and Edo has a lot of rainy weather, if not more than the dry season, and contractors are still on sites. Why? Because the governor is funding the projects. “For now, we are advising our contractors to do more concrete works due to the wet weather. They are trying, and we urge them to keep doing quality work,” she said. She explained that in areas where the contractors were yet to arrive at pavement level, they were urged to embark on palliative work to enable road u...

The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), an organisation committed to promoting good governance and civic engagement, has unveiled the first phase of its grassroots campaign in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 presidential election. The initiative, which coincides with the commencement of the 2027 election campaign season, will combine street-level mobilisation with traditional and digital media platforms, including human mascots, a city-wide SMS campaign, a weekly Pidgin-language radio programme and an original campaign jingle. In a statement signed by its Director of Press and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, HAI said its support for Tinubu’s re-election was anchored on the administration’s “bold reforms and initiatives” which, according to the organisation, are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s long-term economic and institutional development. The group cited reforms in the petroleum sector, which it said had helped end perennial fuel scarcity and encour...

   When  Comrade Sunny Osayande, MD/CEO, Big Joe Ventures Nigeria Limited,  a renowned Transport and Logistics company, publicly declares that, “in terms of logistics, Edo State is the most performing state,” it is not just corporate praise. It is market feedback.  The Big Joe boss said Edo state is number one for logistics performance during the Edo Youth Impact Forum 2.0 held in Benin City. With that statement we should pause and ask: What is Edo doing right. Edo sits at the center of Nigeria. From Benin, you can reach Lagos, Abuja, Asaba, Onitsha, and Port Harcourt on a day’s drive. For a logistics company, that means faster turnaround, lower fuel cost, and fewer broken goods.  That geographic advantage only becomes useful when the roads and security allow it to work and the Big Joe MD believes that a lot can be done from Edo State today because of the transformation going on around the state by the state government Since assuming the office, Senator Mon...

The Edo State Government is winning the battle against crime and criminality through a combination of proactive security measures, stronger law enforcement and sustained political commitment, according to political commentator and analyst, Prince Oluwatobi Idaomi. Idaomi, a political analyst, activist, banker-turned-nursing practitioner and holder of multiple academic degrees, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and determined approach to tackling insecurity across Edo State. He said the administration’s renewed focus on security has helped restore confidence among residents and created a more peaceful atmosphere for businesses and economic activities. According to him, a secure environment is essential to attracting both local and foreign investment, while also encouraging farmers, entrepreneurs and other residents to pursue their livelihoods without fear. What informed Governor Okpebholo’s bold approach to fighting criminality? Governor Monday Okpebhol...

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been commended for his deliberate investment in grassroots sports development as Team Edo continues to record impressive performances across various competitions. The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, gave the commendation while celebrating Team Edo’s achievements at the National Open Championship in Abuja, the 4th South-South Under-13 Badminton Tournament in Asaba, and the 2026 FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship. At the traditional sports championship in Abuja, Team Edo emerged overall champions with eight gold and four silver medals in Ayo, Dambe and Kokowa. The state also recorded notable performances in the Under-13 Badminton Tournament, with Achinbong Joel winning gold in boys’ singles and mixed doubles, while Ita Bright secured gold in mixed doubles. Enabulele also celebrated chess star Miss Omoruyi Sandra, who emerged champion in the Women’s Under-2000 Rap...

  From left: Deputy APC Chairman, Edo State, Sylvester Aigboboh; APC Chairman, Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye; Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barr. Musa Umar Ikhilor; and Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, during a courtesy visit by members of the Edo State House of Assembly to the Governor at the Government House, Benin City, on Monday, August 17, 2026 Photo: Okondoh Talle Ebose Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has charged the new leadership of the state House of Assembly to embrace humility, unity, transparency and teamwork, urging lawmakers to put aside personal differences and focus on serving the people. The governor gave the charge when he received the newly elected speaker, Prince Yekini Oisayemoje Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency 1. The governor said political office was temporary and should be handle...