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Edo Election: Government And Group Clash Over Alleged Misuse Of Council Funds For Campaigns

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Edo Election: Government And Group Clash Over Alleged Misuse Of Council Funds For Campaigns

Writing by Sediq Mutari....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A conflict has emerged between the Edo State Government and a pressure group, the Edo People’s Advocacy Organisation of Nigeria, over accusations that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration is using local councils’ funds to finance the Asue Ighodalo election campaign. The group has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a forensic audit of the councils’ finances to uncover the alleged misuse of funds.

The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo, has firmly denied the allegations, urging the opposition to focus on their campaigns and leave Ighodalo out of their accusations.

The group made its accusations in a petition submitted to the Benin Zonal Office of the EFCC. The petition, signed by Coordinator Agbogun Monday and Secretary Odeh Johnson, was received by Williams Oseghale, the Head of Public Affairs at the Benin Zonal Office of the EFCC. Oseghale reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and assured that the petition would be handled professionally.

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In their petition, the group stated, “While other states’ local government councils across the country are carrying out developmental projects, Edo State councils are allegedly busy using public funds to continue the third term bid of Obaseki by funding the Asue Ighodalo campaign. We hereby demand that the EFCC carry out a forensic audit of our 18 local government areas in Edo State to recover looted and diverted funds. The council chairmen should be invited to show records of the last four months’ expenditures immediately so as to recover looted funds channeled for funding Obaseki’s third term bid.”

Osaigbovo’s Response

In a phone interview, Commissioner Osaigbovo refuted the allegations, explaining that local government areas are currently struggling to meet financial obligations, such as paying the new minimum wage, and therefore could not divert funds for political campaigns.

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“Our local governments are struggling to pay salaries, they are trying to pay their pensioners because of the increase in the minimum wage. Local government total salaries used to be a little above N1 billion but now it is over N1.4 billion. Are those the people that can fund somebody’s election?” Osaigbovo questioned.

He added, “Every chairman and councillor may be working for the PDP and its candidate, but definitely not using council funds. They should face their campaign. Did Asue get his nomination using council funds? He went round the 192 wards before he got the party’s ticket, so the allegation is false. Before now they accused us of withholding their funds, that has failed and now they have come up with funding Asue’s campaign, it is all false.”

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FA Introduces New Rules To Limit Heading Over Brain Health Fears.

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The Football Association (FA) has announced new restrictions aimed at reducing heading in football, following increasing concerns about its possible long-term effects on players’ brain health.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the decision comes after growing scientific research suggesting a possible link between repeated heading of the ball and neurological problems later in life.

Experts explain that each header produces a short burst of force that travels to the brain at impact. While a single instance is considered low risk, medical specialists warn that repeated exposure over time may contribute to cumulative brain injury.

A major study known as the FIELD research project found that former professional footballers are about 3.5 times more likely to develop neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population.

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In response, the FA has introduced a phased restriction on heading for children under the age of 11. It has also issued updated training guidelines to reduce high-impact headers, especially those from set pieces such as corners, crosses, and free-kicks.

Officials say the measures are designed to reduce repetitive head impacts while preserving the essential nature of the game.

FA Chief Medical Officer Charlotte Cowie said the decision was based on new independent findings that provide deeper insight into the issue.

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She added that the research had been shared with global football governing bodies, including FIFA and UEFA, to encourage wider collaboration on the matter.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association has taken a stricter approach by banning heading in training sessions the day before and after matches in professional football.

Football authorities say these steps are precautionary and part of ongoing efforts to protect players while research into long-term effects continues.

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“Sambisa Under Fire As NAF Airstrike Targets Terrorist Strongholds”.

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that its Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted a precision airstrike that neutralised several terrorists in the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the operation, carried out on April 19, 2026, forms part of ongoing military efforts to maintain pressure on insurgent groups in the North-East region.

According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the mission was based on credible intelligence, supported by Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities.

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He explained that the intelligence confirmed the presence of terrorists operating from fortified positions and underground bunkers within the area.

Ejodame said the Air Force deployed precision-guided munitions on the identified targets, successfully destroying the structures and eliminating several terrorists as well as key logistics hubs.

He added that post-strike assessment confirmed significant damage to the targets.

“The sustained tempo of air operations continues to degrade terrorist networks, leaving them increasingly exposed and disrupted, with mounting pressure forcing them into desperate and reactive actions,” he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to continuing operations until insurgent elements are fully eliminated.

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He stated that the Air Force would sustain intelligence-driven missions aimed at protecting personnel, safeguarding the nation, and ensuring the safety of citizens.

The NAF also noted that it will continue precision operations across various theatres while strictly adhering to operational rules of engagement and working to minimise any risk to civilians.

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“Explosive Revelation As Nwosu Claims Bala Was Present At All ADC Meetings”.

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The founder and pioneer National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has maintained that a prominent party member, Bala Nafiu, was actively involved in all party activities, rejecting claims that he was sidelined amid the ongoing internal crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Nwosu made the clarification during an interview with Punch, where he addressed growing tensions and disputes within the party.

Responding to questions on Bala’s participation in key meetings, Nwosu insisted that records showed he was present throughout.

He said, “One hundred per cent, yes. There was no meeting he missed. The records are there. INEC records are there.”

He further stated that evidence of Bala’s involvement had been submitted during court proceedings.

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“When Bala went to court claiming something, one of the documents presented was from INEC. INEC itself confirmed that he participated in everything,” he added.

However, Nwosu expressed surprise over what he described as a change in position by the electoral body.

“But recently, we heard that INEC had gone back on what they presented when Bala started this troublesome thing,” he said.

The ADC founder also alleged that the party’s internal crisis was being influenced by external interests attempting to create the impression of division.

“What is happening is that people are being induced to appear as if there is a crisis in ADC,” he said.

He questioned the idea that a few individuals could represent a faction in a large political organisation.

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“How can one individual be a faction in a group that is now five million persons?” he asked.

Nwosu also criticised Dumebi Kachikwu, accusing him of trying to exaggerate his influence within the party.

“As far as Dumebi is concerned, he is using anything that would make it look as if he influences ADC,” he said.

He further alleged that financial influence from political actors was worsening the situation, claiming that opposition activities were being targeted.

Despite the tensions, Nwosu maintained that those involved in the dispute represent only a very small fraction of the party’s large membership base.

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