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Attack on Obaseki, Lagos Oba: Edo Dep Gov Lambasts Oshiomhole
Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, on Monday described the Saturday attack on Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Oba of Lagos and others as the deliberate design of the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.
Recall that on Sunday, Oshiomhole alleged that the deputy governor mobilised over 200 commercial motorcycle riders (Okada riders) and thugs to the venue of the convocation of the Edo University, Iyamho to embarrass him and his guests.
Oshiomhole alleged the whole essence of the attack on him was to create an impression that he was no longer popular at home.
But a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Musa Ebomhiana, denied the allegation.
He said, “In fact, the deputy governor was himself a victim of the Saturday attack considering the fact that he was actually in the same bus with the governor, Oba of Lagos and other dignitaries
“I see this as clearly a case of entrapment, because the national chairman invited them to his house knowing very well that he had prepared for them an attack by his political infantry as the statement dished out at the Sunday press conference did not add up,” he said.
The deputy governor claimed the simple truth was that the national chairman felt offended and intimidated by the huge crowd of party youths that came out in solidarity with the governor.
“He then decided to teach the governor and his deputy a lesson by organising those misguided elements to take up arms against the state. He should be courageous enough to own up to his design.”
Musa described the deputy governor as a man of peace and honour, who had never been associated with thuggery or violence.
“As much as I would not want to banter words with our highly respected national chairman, Nigerians know better between him and the Edo State deputy governor who has thugs as associates.”
Meanwhile, the Edo Peoples Movement, a group in the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, has asked Obaseki and his deputy to apologise to Oshiomhole.
The EPM in a statement signed by its convener and former commissioner for justice and attorney general of the state, Henry Idahagbon, said, “We are wondering what could the governor and his deputy be looking for at the residence of the national chairman if not trouble because they were never invited for lunch. The incident at the gate of the national chairman was masterminded by the state government so as to give Oshiomhole a bad image.
“Unfortunately, the deputy governor, who was battling to impress his boss in an area where he is not popular, resorted to use thugs to intimidate members of the community. These people have embarrassed our party, the APC, enough and we are giving them seven days to apologise to Oshiomhole or we will move for their suspension from the party.”
Another group, the Afemai Youth Vanguard, a socio-cultural group in Edo North Senatorial District of Edo State, also on Monday decried what it described as the persistent threat on the life of their son, Adams Oshiomhole.
In a statement issued Monday in Abuja and signed by one Alhaji Adams Mumin, the group vowed to hold the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration responsible if anything bad happened to Oshiomhole.
“We are worried that three weeks ago, the residence of our son, Oshiomhole was attacked in Benin by thugs sponsored by the state government. We are aware that those who masterminded it are being interrogated at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“As if that was not enough, the deputy governor of the state threw caution to the winds when he rode on a motorbike to a convocation ceremony in Iyamho in company of over one thousand thugs. Due to his persistence that the thugs will join him into the convocation hall, he was tear-gassed by the police,” the statement read in part.
The Punch
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One of the winners, Basirat Mayowa Opatunji, couldn’t hide her excitement after winning an Infinix Hot 40 smartphone. “I’ve always recharged my Glo line through the Palmpay app, but I never imagined I’d actually win a phone,” she said. Currently studying at Ekiti State University through the Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun study centre, Basirat added that she would be picking up her prize in Osogbo.
To participate in the ongoing bonanza, Glo subscribers can simply visit: http://bit.ly/PalmPaySms
The Federal government has responded to the United States’ recent visa rules that reduce how long Nigerian visitors can stay in the United States and limit them to one entry per visa by calling on Washington to reconsider its new visa policy.
The U.S. Department of State had recently updated its non-immigrant visa policy for several countries, including Nigeria, on Tuesday.
Under the new rule, most non-diplomatic and non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be valid for only three months and allow just a single entry into the United States.
The changes took effect immediately.In a notice published on its website, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria state: “Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity. We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity. You can view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.
“The Federal government responded to this by describing the new US directive as “misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect” that ought to govern bilateral engagements between friendly nations in a statement released on Wednesday through Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson.
The Federal government said it views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.
“The attention of the Federal government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry,” it stated.
“The Federal government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries. The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.”
It also claimed that this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.
The government also said it understands that every country has the right to make its own immigration rules, but it hopes the U.S. will “reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.”
It also added that diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has assembled a team of 97 lawyers to challenge what it describes as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s ‘fake lawsuit’ against its interim leadership, including former Senate President David Mark and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola.
The legal team, led by Barrister Mohammed Sheriff, made this known in Abuja on Tuesday, accusing the ruling APC of filing a suit using the names of individuals who are not members of the ADC.
The latest development follows a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja between Senator Mark, who is now the ADC’s Interim National Chairman, and the party’s Kogi State chapter.
At the meeting, Mark assured Nigerians that under his leadership, the ADC would operate with total transparency and would not favour any presidential aspirant.
“I don’t own this party more than any other member… All Nigerians must come together and take ownership of the ADC,” he said.
He, therefore, urged party members to set aside their differences and focus on building a united political force, warning that Nigeria’s democracy could fail if citizens remain passive.
The ADC chairman also criticised the APC, saying the ruling party should focus on fixing its own policy failures rather than targeting individuals.
“If they admitted that insecurity was bad and promised to improve it but instead made it worse, should Nigerians continue to support them? The answer is no,” he said.
The ADC alleged that the APC had fabricated names in its lawsuit against the party’s interim leadership.
According to the ADC, investigations showed that the supposed plaintiffs in the suit were not registered members of the party in either Kogi or Nasarawa State.
“It smacks of desperation that a party entrusted with leading 200 million Nigerians would engage in such dishonesty,” the party said.
Mark used the occasion to call for national unity and encouraged Nigerians to support the ADC’s vision of a reformed and people-centred democracy.
“Let us work together to rebuild this nation for future generations,” he urged.
Barrister Sheriff, head of the ADC’s national legal support team, confirmed that 97 lawyers have volunteered to take up the case.
“We are fully prepared to defend the ADC and its leaders against this politically motivated attack,” he said.
