Connect with us

Politics

PDP condemns marking of Reps, LG chairman’s houses for demolition over alleged cultism

Published

on

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State has condemned the marking for demolition of the residence of Marcus Onobun, a member of the House of Representatives, for alleged connection to, cultism by the state government.

Ekwutosblog reports that Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee made the condemnation in a statement made available to newsmen Wednesday in Benin City.

In the statement, Aziegbemi disclosed that houses belonging to Marcus Onobun, representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and the illegally impeached elected chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Collins Aigbogun have been marked for demolition by the state government.

 

The statement dated June 11, 2025, is titled, “unwarranted demolition threat against Marcus Onobun and Hon Collins Aigbogun, a clear case of political victimization”.

He said the two chieftains of the party’s property in their various hometowns were jointly marked for arbitrary demolition.

He alleged that the perpetual resort to political harassment and witch-hunt is a desperate attempt to intimidate, silence and cripple the opposition in the state.

The PDP caretaker committee chairman, also alleged that the brazen move by the State government represents a disturbing abuse of power and a misuse of legislation to target political opponents.

He, however, demanded an immediate halt to the planned demolitions, just as he also called on the State Government to retrace its steps and respect the legal rights and fundamental freedoms of Onobun, Aigbogun, and all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.

“The Anti-Cultism Law, as passed, clearly stipulates that property can only be subject to forfeiture or demolition “after a valid conviction by a competent court of law.

“At present, there is no such conviction against Hon Onobun and Hon Aigbogun but only baseless allegations. This is not law enforcement; it is a “political witch-hunt.

“We wish to remind the Edo State Government that Nigeria is governed by law, not by executive fiat. The weaponisation of laws to stifle opposition voices and intimidate perceived political rivals is not only a threat to democracy in Edo State but a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country”, he said.

He, however, described the marking as vindictive action and called on all well-meaning citizens, civil society organisations, and the international community to speak out against the injustice.

Aziegbemi, however, put the policemen, bulldozer drivers, as well as owners of the bulldozers, on notice that they will be held liable if, for any reason, they participate in the supervision, destruction, or demolition of any building or property without a valid court order.

He opined that the policemen, bulldozer drivers, as well as owners of the bulldozers, do not enjoy the immunity that the governor enjoys, and the law frowns at the execution of unlawful orders!

“At this juncture, we call on Senator Okpebholo and the Edo State Government to cease this intolerance for dissenting voices and vindictive demolition in various guises and redirect their efforts towards delivering transparent, inclusive, and effective governance that truly serves the interests of the Edo people. This political victimisation must stop”, he added.

Politics

Unity in Transition: Success Opara Call for Brotherhood in David Mark’s ADC

Published

on

As ADC Transitions Through David Mark, Success Opara Calls on Imo ADC to be Their Brother’s Keeper”

In a bid to strengthen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, Success Opara, a prominent figure in the party, has called on ADC members in Imo State to stand together in support of one another.

As the party transitions under the leadership of David Mark, Opara emphasized the importance of being their “brother’s keeper,” recognizing that the challenges ahead are uncertain and require collective strength.

With the party’s growing influence and potential for success, members are being encouraged to stand together in support of one another.

The call for unity comes as the ADC continues to attract prominent figures and gain momentum across the country.

Under David Mark’s leadership, the ADC is poised to make a significant impact in the 2027 elections, and Opara’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation within the party.

 

Continue Reading

Politics

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE — Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

Published

on

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE

— Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

— Says Right of Way Must Be Cleared to Protect Reconstructed Roads

The Imo State Government has begun a sweeping evacuation of all unauthorized structures and occupants on government verges across the state, reiterating that the Imo State Housing Corporation is not authorized to allocate any portion of government verge for private use.

This decisive action comes after investigations revealed that some individuals have been illegally occupying government verges, presenting backdated and fraudulent allocation letters as purported evidence of ownership. A prime example is the document currently circulating and attached herein, which was illegally issued and fraudulently backdated in favor of one Hon. Clinton Amadi, allegedly allocating a plot at Aladinma Garden Estate.

Government officials have confirmed that such allocation does not have legal backing, as the verge — which is public land reserved for utility easements and road buffer — cannot be lawfully allocated for personal or commercial purposes by any agency of government, including the Imo Housing Corporation.

Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance noted:

“The government is committed to preserving the integrity of its urban planning and infrastructure. The ongoing occupation of verges not only violates land use regulations but also obstructs the natural right of way for stormwater flow, leading to flooding and accelerated deterioration of our newly reconstructed roads.”

The statement emphasized that any structure or development encroaching on verges is deemed illegal and will be demolished without further notice. The public is hereby warned not to patronize touts or fraudulent officials claiming to offer legitimate allocation papers for such lands.

A Stern Warning to All Illegal Occupants:

All individuals or businesses currently occupying government verges are hereby directed to vacate such areas immediately. Failure to comply will result in forceful eviction and possible prosecution for illegal possession and obstruction of government property.

Government verges are not meant for private development, kiosks, or recreational businesses. They are critical to road safety, drainage flow, and infrastructure sustainability. Blocking these spaces is not only a violation of state policy but an assault on public interest.

The Imo State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law and urban order and will not tolerate any actions that undermine its infrastructural investment and development efforts.

Residents are urged to report suspicious allocations or unauthorized activities on government verges to the Office of the SA on Monitoring and Compliance or the Imo State Ministry of Lands for immediate investigation.

Signed:
Office of the SA to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance
Government of Imo State,
Owerri, Nigeria.

05/07/2025

Continue Reading

Politics

As ADC Becomes Nigeria’s Sanctuary, Okoroma’s Leadership Soars – Success Opara

Published

on

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is gaining momentum in Imo State, with its State Chairman, Prof. James Okoroma, leading the charge. Success Opara, Local Government Chairman of ADC Owerri Municipal, has praised Okoroma’s leadership, describing the party as “Nigeria’s Sanctuary” – a viable platform to rescue the country and state from political and economic turbulence.

Under Okoroma’s guidance, ADC is experiencing unprecedented growth, with key stakeholders and political heavyweights joining the coalition. Opara commended Okoroma’s exceptional leadership style, calling him a detribalized Nigerian and an astute political manager with a global vision.

Opara highlighted Okoroma’s efforts in building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. “Prof. Okoroma is not one for ‘eating politics.’ He is building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. Imo ADC, under his watch, is alive, well, and stronger than ever,” Opara stated.

The party’s growing support base is evident in the recent defections, including Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and past Governor of Imo State. Rumors also circulate about potential defections from other prominent figures.

With Okoroma’s leadership, ADC is poised to make a significant impact in Imo State’s political landscape. As Success Opara noted, “Under the competent leadership of Prof. Okoroma, ADC remains safe, intact, and focused.”

Continue Reading

Trending