News Corner Nigeria

07/09/2024

THE STORY OF A LEGEND

Sam Loco Efe was born in Enugu on 25th December 1945.

His father was a warder, by name— Arase Efeimwonkiyeke. He was a Benin man who worked in Eastern Nigeria and his mother was a petty trader who sold akara.

He spent his childhood in the town of Abakaliki in present-day Ebonyi State. In fact, he spent much of his years in Abakaliki.

When he was in primary school, he lost his father. He had to support his mother in her business which made him spend longer than usual years before graduating from primary school.

He started acting while still in school when a theatre group came to stage a play called "The Doctor In Spite of Himself", afterwards he discussed with members of the group about the theatre and performance arts.

In elementary school, he was a member of various groups including a drama society that performed a rendition of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar at an Eastern regional arts festival in Abakaliki, the play came last in the drama competition but Efe was noted as the best actor which earned him a scholarship to complete elementary school.

After finishing elementary school, he attended various secondary schools and was active in the drama society, organizing a performance of The Doctor in Spite of Himself and a play called Vendetta.

After secondary school, he was a member of a traveling theatre group and played soccer earning the moniker locomotive later shortened as loco. That was how his name Loco came to being.

During the Biafran genocidal War, Efe fought on the Biafra side until he returned to Benin in 1968. He saw himself as an Igbo man and a Biafran before anything.

While in Benin in the 60s, he started the Ovonranwen Theatre Group with their debut production being Ogierhiakhi’s Obaiwape.

However, his earnings from acting was meagre and thereafter, he traveled to Lagos to seek better career opportunities and to explore a career in football.

He got his first job in 1972 working for Michelin Tyres. He applied for the position without knowing how to drive which was a requirement for the job.

He learned how to drive a day before the interview. During the interview, he passed the oral interview and failed the driving test but honesty about his error in judgement won over the interviewer.

He worked for Michelin selling tyres in Lagos, Ijebu Ode and Abeokuta. He soon left Michelin to work for Dunlop Tyres as a Senior Sales Representative in the Tyres and Allied products division.

While working for Dunlop in Benin, he was a cast member of NTA Benin's television series, Hotel de Jordan and also performed in a rendition of Ola Rotimi's The Gods are Not to Blame.

In 1977, he left sales for a career in theatre. He auditioned and got the lead part of Langbodo, a play by Dapo Adelugba presented during FESTAC.

After the end of Festac, Adelugba introduced him to a friend of his at University of Ibadan about opportunities in theatre. Adelugba's friend was able to get Efe a position as a senior artiste in the institution.

Sam Loco would later become a household name and one of the early pioneers of Nollywood.

He was such a funny actor.

He featured in movies like :

1. Tom and Jerry
2. Final World Cup
3. Long John
4. Ukwa
5. Akịdị
6. My Love
7. IJELE the son of Masquerade
8. Anunuebe and a lot unmentioned.

Sam Loco Efe died in his hotel room at Amakọhịa, Owerri, Imo State on 7th August 2011. Till date, nobody knows the cause of his death. Ventolin inhaler was found with him when the room was broken. Report has it that Sam Loco was an asthmatic patient.

29/08/2024

A group photograph was taken in 1958 in Harlem, USA. The same picture with the same people standing where they stood in 1958 was repeated in 1996. Most of the people had passed on. May we learn to appreciate and love one another. In 50 years' time, most of us would have passed on. And it is happening little by little, step by step every year. Think about this, and let's love, tolerate, and appreciate each other.

18/08/2024

Well said APC chieftain

18/08/2024

Burger🍔is popular in America
Spaghetti 🍝is popular in Italy.........is popular in Nigeria 😆😅😂🤣🤣

18/08/2024

**BREAKING NEWS: APC Suspends Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma**

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has suspended former House of Representatives member, Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma, who represented Ikpoba-Okha. His suspension follows his appearance on TVC, where he openly declared his unreserved support for Barr. Asue Ighodalo.

When contacted by the party leadership regarding his actions, Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma showed no remorse. Instead, he told the APC state chairman that no one is above making mistakes. The chairman directed him to return to TVC to correct his statement, but Hon. E.J. refused, insisting that he could only issue a correction via social media. The party deemed this insufficient.

Subsequently, state party chairman Jaret Tenebe instructed APC Ikpoba-Okha Ward 6 Chairman Mr Osahon Eriamiatoe and the LGA party chairman Mr SUNNY Ogbewe to suspend Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma. The suspension was ratified last night, and as of now, Hon. E.J. is no longer a member of the APC. However, he is reportedly attempting to reach out to Adams Oshiomhole, the campaign director-general, Senator. Matthew Uroghide to appeal for his reinstatement.

The APC in Edo State remains deeply divided, casting doubts on its ability to secure a victory in the upcoming elections.

E.J's loyalty lies with Barr. Osarodion Ogie, yet your self-interest is with Akpakomiza.

Hon. Esemuede Igbinigie
APC Dep, publicity director

11/08/2024

Whenever I get up around 5:30am, I usually see girls coming back home. Please where are they coming from??

09/08/2024

*Elder-Spokesman Adams Oshiomhole*

By John Mayaki

As an Ex-Governor, Former National Chairman of the ruling party, and sitting Senator whose rise in politics was built on his dramatic tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adams Oshiomhole fits the bill as an elder-statesman. However, the combative politician appears to be stepping down from that distinguished role to serve effectively as the elder-spokesman for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the mute candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo governorship race.

He resumed duties yesterday on ARISE TV, arguing frantically for the election of a candidate without a manifesto, who cannot speak, and has no known professional work experience outside being a computer supplier. In the process, he cast aspersions on his main opponent, Asue Ighodalo, demanding an investigation into how much he allegedly made as a consultant to the Edo State government. Like a typical politician, he brought no evidence forward to support the slander.

That notwithstanding, the investigation of public officers, current and aspiring, is good and consistent with the ideals of democracy. As such, Oshiomhole must now subject himself to the same demand and answer the calls from protesting Nigerians about the value of his representation at the Senate, considering that it costs the nation so much to keep him there.

Is Oshiomhole deserving of full-time compensation as a Senator if the job is so cushy that he has enough time to assume another role as elder-spokesman to a puppet candidate who was selected and imposed on the party to carry out instructions dictated to him, and to which he has committed in advance? What does this say about the cost of governance and the productive utilization of the country’s resources?

The same goes for the candidate Oshiomhole has tossed on his back and firmly held with a wrapper. Okpebholo is a colleague of Oshiomhole at the Senate. There too, the Akpako man, as he is otherwise called, says nothing, contributes nothing, and merely occupies space in the chambers. He is a failure in all respects and, instead of showing contrition and seeking help, he seeks a promotion. No institution functions like this, not even an adult school, as Okpebholo would know, given his rumored recent enrollment in one.

It is understandable that Oshiomhole has attached his ego to this election. He desperately seeks to get one over Obaseki, who nearly saw to his retirement from politics. He is reeling, consumed by vengeance, and eager to re-establish himself as the ‘mover and shaker’ of Edo’s politics. But as an elder, he must understand that time and season happen to all. The leadership of Edo State is too important to settle old scores with, and the era of one man determining the direction of a state is long gone.

The Elder-Spokesman should step aside and let the people lead.

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09/08/2024

*ASUE or MONDAY: A Critical Choice before the Edo Central People*

_By *Saintmoses Eromosele*_

As the gubernatorial elections in Edo State approach, *we the people of Edo Central District* face a crucial decision. The two leading candidates, Asue Ighodalo and Monday Okpebholo, both hail from our district. However, the political dynamics surrounding them differ significantly, which could impact the future of Edo Central.

*Monday Okpebholo is a risky gamble for us in the district.* Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate, is backed by politicians who have historically resisted the idea of an Edo Central governor:

*Adams Oshiomhole* previously opposed power shifts to Edo Central, raising questions about his current support for Okpebholo. As Governor, he refused to anoint anyone from Edo Central. As National Chairman of the Party, he refused to anoint anyone from Edo Central. And as sole administrator of Edo State APC, he not only refused to support any of the Edo Central candidates, but fought very dirty, embarrassing himself and dividing his party in vehement resistance to the Edo Central candidate whom he now carries about like a motor boy. Oshiomhole's antecedents raises fundamental questions about the genuineness of his sudden support for someone from the district where he deposed a respected monarch and worked the least while he was governor.

Both *Senator Matthew Urhoghide and Clem Agba*: have shown reluctance to endorse Edo Central's claim to the governorship. Neither of them supported any Edo Central aspirant, and until Oshiomhole punctured Clem Agba's chances by the prunning down he did to disqualify Agba to tactically increase the chance of Dennis Idahosa to clinch the ticket, Clem Agba vemently resisted Edo Central aspiration during the primaries.

*Philip Shaibu, Dennis Idahosa, Tony Kabaka, and Dan Orbih*: all have their past actions suggestive of a preference for maintaining influence over genuine support for an Edo Central governor. Philip Shaibu broke ranks with Governor Godwin Obaseki over Obaseki's decision to shift power to Edo Central. Dennis Idahosa fought bitterly with Monday Okpebholo, having Tony Kabaka to lead people to cause destruction to their own party secretariat over the possibility of APC ticket shift to Edo Central.

These associations pose a risk that Okpebholo, if elected, might be manipulated or outmaneuvered, undermining Edo Central's development and ultimately risking the possible of a contrived premature removal to achieve their heart desire.

In contrast, *Dr Asue Ighodalo is supported by Governor Obaseki, who has demonstrated a commitment to power rotation and development for Edo Central.* Ighodalo's candidacy is backed by leaders who genuinely advocate for Edo Central’s empowerment, offering a greater likelihood of progress and equitable resource distribution. Besides, he has the requisite education, pedigree and popularity to command respect of not only the Edo Central people but all Edo State people and beyond.

Edo Central must critically assess the candidates and the influences surrounding them. Supporting Asue Ighodalo means choosing a candidate with a genuine commitment to inclusive development and a fair representation of Edo Central's aspirations.

The choice of governor will determine whether Edo Central progresses or remains marginalized. Dr Asue Ighodalo, supported by true advocates for Edo Central’s advancement, represents the most promising path forward. Choosing wisely ensures a bright and prosperous future for Edo Central.

_Saintmoses Eromosele is Executive Director of ONEGHE SELE FOUNDATION, a pan-Esan Non-government organisation committed to supporting the education and health of less privileged persons and infrastructural developments of disadvantaged communities._

09/08/2024

*Stop harassing Edo PDP chieftains, Edo PDP tells Police*

_*…‘Go after identified gun-wielding APC thugs’*_

The Edo State’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Nigeria Police Force to stop the continuous harassment of chieftains and members of the party under the guise of the investigation of the Thursday, July 18, 2024 breakdown of law and order and violence on Airport Road in Benin City, which was orchestrated by thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State to disrupt peace and order in the State.

The party also urged the Police to go after the gun-wielding touts and suspected culprits, whose faces were clearly displayed in a newspaper publication and video clips bearing fi****ms and causing mayhem on the Airport Road axis of the Benin metropolis in the guise of welcoming the impeached Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu and the Governorship candidate of the APC, Monday Okphebholo.

In a statement by the Deputy Director General for Media and Publicity of the PDP Campaign Council for the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, Rev. Olu Martins, the party noted that rather than arrest the suspected culprits, the police is hounding and harassing Edo PDP leaders and members, even though there is no evidence to show that they were at the scene of the incident.

According to him, “For the past couple of weeks, some members of the tactical unit of the Nigeria Police Force have been moving around the State in three Hummer buses and a Hilux van, threatening and harassing Edo PDP chieftains while leaving those who were photographed in that mayhem walk free.

“This is totally condemnable and unacceptable and reinforces the concerns of many political actors in the State that the police have become an extension of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The situation has further heightened tensions and created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, which poses a serious threat to the forthcoming September 21 governorship election in the State.”

Olu Martins further stated, “We would like to stress that the role of the police is to impartially uphold the law, and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. It is deeply troubling that those who are supposed to ensure public peace and that everyone has equal and unhindered access to justice have become tools in the hands of desperate politicians who are hell-bent on stirring crisis and chaos in the State in pursuit of their selfish

“We call upon the Inspector General of Police to call his men to order to prevent a descent to anarchy in the State. They must read the mood of the nation and know that there is anger and angst in the land and the poor handling of any matter, especially in the buildup to the forthcoming Edo Governorship Election slated for September 21, may just be the ignition for a conflagration that may well be avoided.”

While urging the Police to ensure that those responsible for the July 18 violence and breakdown of law in the State are held accountable, the PDP charged the Police not to allow themselves to be used as tools to unjustly hound and harass political opponents.

05/08/2024

Edo State Government has not received rice from any external source.

05/08/2024

The former Governor, Samuel Ortom have been suspended!

05/08/2024

Women and Chicken eh!

#

05/08/2024

She was released today! Congratulations to him

Bob risky

05/08/2024

Jay Jay Okocha Wonders

05/08/2024

Leak chats from Edo APC group……Politics and propaganda

05/08/2024

https://saharareporters.com/2024/08/04/benin-traditional-chief-victor-ekhator-accused-brutalising-75-year-old-grandmother-over

Mrs. Victoria Edugie, a 75-year-old woman, has spoken out against the alleged brutal assault she suffered at the hands of Chief Victor Ekhator, a titled traditional chief in the Benin Kingdom of Edo State, Nigeria. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of the elderly in t...

31/07/2024

Veteran Nigerian Music Icon, Onyeka Onwenu, Passes Away at 72

Renowned singer, songwriter, and actress Onyeka Onwenu has sadly passed away at the age of 72. According to eyewitnesses, she collapsed on Tuesday evening, July 30, 2024, while attending the birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli, where she had just performed. She was immediately rushed to Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she was pronounced dead.

The news was confirmed by an eyewitness at the party, who spoke to TheNiche. Onwenu's sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, and she will be deeply missed by her fans and colleagues.

29/07/2024

This is princess Igwiyisi, first daughter of Oba Eweka ll, who fought her younger brother Akenzua ll, after the passage of their father, she wrote series of letters to the king of England to help her in her Quest too {On the stand that women her given the chance to rule in England too}.
She was declined by not only the chiefs and people but the colonial government she wanted to use against her brother.

24/07/2024

Edo Airport Violence: Faces of Suspected Culprits

22/07/2024

ASUE IGHODALO WINS AGAIN

*- Philip Shaibu fails again at Appeal Court*

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, this morning dismissed the case brought before it by Philip Shaibu, reinforcing that the valid candidate of the PDP in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State is Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

Details later…

21/07/2024

APC Chairman, Edo Edo State Testifies that Philip Shaibu is a violent Gunrunner who stole his Watch, Turaya Phone

21/07/2024

*Edo Violence: State Govt petitions Police IGP, fingers Shaibu, Kabaka, others*

The Edo State Government has petitioned the Inspector General Police over the Thursday, July 18, 2024 breakdown of law and order in the State which was orchestrated by the former Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu under the pretext of executing a judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja for which a stay of ex*****on had been filed and an appealed entered.

In the petition signed by the State Solicitor General, Prof. Faith Osadolor on behalf of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the State Government said Shaibu, contrary to the rule of law, recruited a throng of heavily armed thugs, including Tony Adun (Aka Tony Kabaka), Daniel Eromosele (Aka Pikolo), Efe Stewart, Joseph Okonigene, Noah Amiolemen Idemudia, among others, resorting to self-help, leading to the wanton destruction within the Benin metropolis and death of a Police officer.

The government therefore urged the Police to thoroughly investigate the matter by inviting Hon. Philip Shaibu and other members of his gang, and if found culpable, be brought to book.

The document is titled, “Request to Investigate a Case of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Murder, Malicious Damage to Property, Breach of Public Peace and Assault Occasioning Harm by Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu and his Cohorts,” and was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 5.

The petition reads: “Firstly, write to formally express our heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria Police Force on the passing of one of your gallant officers, Inspector Akor Onuh attached to MOPOL 45 Abuja, who was a victim of the attack of 18 July, 2024, instigated by a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu.

“Inspector Onuh was a true hero and dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His bravery and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten by the government and people of Edo State. We beseech God Almighty to comfort the Inspector General and other officers of the Nigeria Police, including the family of the departed officer.

“In addition to the above, I wish to restate, on behalf of the Edo State Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, that on the 18th day of July, 2024, there was a breakdown of law and order which was orchestrated by former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu, under the guise of enforcing a court judgment which is a subject matter of a pending appeal, and to which a motion for stay of ex*****on had been filed and served on him.”

According to the Attorney General, “The facts leading to this petition are presented in the manner below:

“On Wednesday, 17th day of July, 2024, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja delivered a judgment nullifying the removal of Hon. Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

“The Edo State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who was sued as the 3rd Defendant in the said suit, immediately lodged an appeal against the said judgment alongside a motion praying the court to stay the ex*****on of the said judgment. Copies of the Notice of Appeal and Motion for Stay of Ex*****on were served on all parties to the Appeal, including Hon. Philip Shaibu.

“On the 18th day of July, 2024, Hon. Philip Shaibu, purportedly in an attempt to interpret and enforce the judgment without awaiting the final outcome of the judicial process and contrary to the rule of law recruited a throng of heavily armed thugs which included one Tony Adun (Aka Tony Kabaka), Daniel Eromosele (Aka Pikolo), Efe Stewart, Joseph Okonigene, Noah Amiolemen Idemudia, Chief Osahon Airhunmwnde (MD/CEO Play House Hotel Ltd), Eric Imariagbe (Aka Baroko), Kelly Okungbowa (Aka Ebo Stone), Lucky Igiebor, Kassy Chukwu, Osarumwense Marvis (Aka Eweanwan), Osasenaga (Aka Osasenaga Ogbe) and others, resorting to self-help with the aid of the aforementioned armed thugs and non-state actors and in an attempt to overreach the final outcome of the Motion for Stay and Interlocutory Injunction as well as the substantive suit.”

He further noted, “In line with their common intention, Hon. Philip Shaibu and his armed thugs invaded the Benin Airport shooting sporadically and thereafter moved into town, attacking road users, destroying vehicles, and other private and public properties.

“In the wake of their attack on harmless citizens, a police officer was shot dead by the fierce thugs while several other citizens were assaulted and sustained varying degrees of injuries, and even lawyers were attacked at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benin Branch.”

The government said it was reliably informed and believes that Hon. Philip Shaibu, the above named persons, and others conspired with mathematical accuracy to execute with brutal efficiency such that Edo State will become ungovernable by taking over Edo State government house, increasing the level of destruction of the legitimate properties of innocent Edo citizens and continuing their sporadic and intermittent shootings at targeted areas, amongst others.

The Attorney General charged, “In the light of the above, we urge you to embark on a thorough investigation of this matter by inviting Hon. Philip Shaibu and other members of his gang, and if found culpable, be brought to book, as no man is above the law.”

18/07/2024

Impeached Deputy Governor of Edo state Shaibu

15/07/2024

VDM said it all!

12/07/2024

https://bit.ly/chiefjanetobaseki

MEETING ID: 994 0891 5799 METTING PASSWORD - 12345

10/07/2024

This revelation about Dr Asue Ighodalo and Barr Osarodion Ogie is really Overwhelming . Watch till the end

08/07/2024

Justice walks on the shoulders of the poor