dailyfrontlinenews

... Ikpoba Hill Youths, men, women would work with Edo State governor - Kingsley Osemwingie  From Chris Akhabue, Edo  President Bola Tinubu has ordered an emergency intervention on the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road following worsening deterioration, severe gridlock and prolonged delays experienced by motorists and communities along the corridor. Represented by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, the President said the intervention was aimed at responding to the hardship suffered by road users on the critical highway linking Edo and Delta states with other parts of the country. The President spoke on Thursday in Benin during the inauguration of the emergency intervention on the road. He said the Benin-Asaba corridor had been concessioned under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), with the expectation that the road would be completed within three years. Tinubu, however, said the pace and manner of execut...

...orderliness is the foundation of increase, we will follow party's directives, vote top-to-bottom for all NDC candidates..._ A prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and National Coordinator of The Dickson Movement (TDM), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, has called on support groups within the party to align their activities with the directives and leadership of the NDC in order to promote unity, coordination and effective mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. TDM made the call in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Benin City, where he stressed the need for all support groups operating within the party's political structure to understand their roles and avoid actions that could create conflicting interests. They said the position of the National Leader of the NDC on the role of support groups was clear, arguing that such groups were established to mobilise support for the party’s candidates and political causes rather th...

From Chris Akhabue,  Edo  The Edo State Government has said it will intensify the rehabilitation of bad roads across the state during the dry season, explaining that major road repairs undertaken during the current rainy season would be undermined by persistent rainfall. The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, stated this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Benin City, where he addressed concerns over the deteriorating condition of roads across the state. Afegbua attributed the current state of some roads to what he described as poor-quality construction carried out by the immediate past administration, saying the government had assessed several roads and found extensive potholes and other infrastructure defects. “The level of decay now is suggestive of the fact that they were quantity rule, not quality rule,” he said, adding that several roads previously rehabilitated had deteriorated considerably. According to him, the g...

The National Coordinator of The Dickson Movement (TDM) and prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, has attributed the growing interest of prominent politicians in the party to the political credibility, integrity and leadership qualities of the party’s National Leader, Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. Ogbidi stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, stressing that the growing movement of established political figures into the NDC was an indication of increasing confidence in the party and its leadership. According to him, the political credentials of Dickson are increasingly attracting politicians from different parts of the country who, he said, are looking for a political platform founded on what they consider to be integrity, consistency and credible leadership. He said, “Very recently, we witnessed the entry of another prominent political figure into the NDC. Th...

The National Coordinator of The Dickson Movement (TDM) and prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, has described the recent Court of Appeal judgment upholding the registration of the NDC as a significant development for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. TDM, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday, said the judgment had further strengthened confidence in the legal foundation upon which the NDC was established. The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had, in a 2–1 majority decision, set aside the Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, which had reversed an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. The appellate court held that the lower court had erred by effectively revisiting its own earlier final judgment. Reacting to the development, TDM said the outcome demonstrated what he described as the sound leg...

... _threatens mass civil action over alleged political violence with impunity..._  The National Coordinator of the Dickson Movement for Democracy (TDM) and prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to investigate and, where appropriate, arrest and  prosecute the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Hon. Blessing Albert Ebhodaghe, over alleged political intimidation of commercial drivers and hoteliers who are employers of labour in Edo state.. Ogbidi's call followed reports and a video and audio conversations circulating on social media in which the council chairman was seen addressing commercial drivers at Onitsha Park in Ekpoma and warning them against wearing caps, T-shirts or other political materials associated with opposition parties and another speaking to a hoteliers who gave his business premises for meeting...

Tribute by : Michael Egbejule  The earthly journey of Dan Osi Orbih has reached its final chapter, yet his profound legacy remains indelibly etched in the collective consciousness.  A towering titan within the Nigerian political sphere, he commanded the room with an authoritative resonance and an unshakeable moral compass.  He fundamentally reshaped the regional landscape, forging the opposition in Edo State into a formidable engine of change. Through sheer intellect and relentless dedication, he elevated politics from a superficial pastime into a rigorous arena for visionaries and intellectuals. Subject to the frailties of mortality, he could not escape the final horizon; nevertheless, the abruptness of his departure leaves us grappling with a hollow, aching query: why?  In hours of such profound desolation, human logic falters, leaving us to humbly acknowledge that the ultimate mysteries rest solely with the Divine. Though his physical voice has been st...

The Dickson Movement for Democracy has announced plans to commence a nationwide free medical outreach aimed at providing healthcare services to Nigerians, with the first phase scheduled to begin in Bayelsa State at the end of September. The initiative, according to the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, he said the Movement, is inspired by the commitment of its Grand Patron, former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, to improving access to healthcare and supporting vulnerable Nigerians. The movement said that the outreach will provide free medical consultations, treatments, eye care and minor surgical procedures. The movement said it had engaged medical experts, consultants and specialist doctors in different fields to participate in the programme, which will begin in Bayelsa before being extended to other states.  According to TDM, the initiative was designed to address some of the immediate heal...

The Dickson Movement for Democracy (TDM) has described former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator, Henry Seriake Dickson, as a political leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development have earned him national recognition. The group stated this following the presentation of a notification of nomination for the 2026 Politician of the Year award to Dickson by representatives of the management and board of Leadership Newspaper. The presentation, which was witnessed by the leadership of TDM, was described by the organisation as a significant moment that underscored what it called Dickson’s contributions to political leadership and democratic development in Nigeria. According to TDM, the recognition is an indication that democratic leadership should be based on commitment to public service, character, ideas and the willingness to serve the interests of the people. The group said Dickson’s political journey, from his early career as a lawyer ...

Wednesday, September 15, 2026, was a memorable day for Nigera's Ambassador to Serbia and the Balkans, Ambassador Abass Braimah as he officially presented his letter of accreditation to the country's President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade.  Being a prominent Nigerian who creates waves wherever he finds himself, Ambassador Braimah's presentation of his letter of accreditation to the  President was witnessed by some high net worth Nigerians among who was Chief Richard Lamai.  Picture 1 shows the Ambassador presenting his letter of accreditation to the President while in the second picture Chief Richard Lamai is standing on the immediate left side of the Ambassador.

By Chris Akhabue, Benin City The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Ikpoba Hill Youths Forum, Comrade Kingsley Osemwingie, has pledged to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, government institutions and other stakeholders to make Ikpoba Hill, in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, a safer and more investment-friendly community. Osemwingie made the commitment shortly after he was inaugurated for a second term as chairman of the youth organisation, having emerged unopposed in the election. Speaking at the inauguration, Osemwingie expressed appreciation to members of the forum for renewing their confidence in his leadership, saying the decision to return him to office was a responsibility he could not reject. He said although he had initially looked forward to handing over leadership to another member after the expiration of his first tenure, the absence of another candidate and the persistent calls from members compelled him to a...

_...loyalty is a scarce commodity in our polity today..._  As Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, the nation’s political landscape is witnessing renewed conversations around the values that should define political leadership, including loyalty, trust, sincerity of purpose, mentorship and commitment to national development. One of the political figures whose legacy continues to resonate in this regard is the late Chief Tony Anenih, a prominent Edo-born politician who played significant roles in Nigeria’s political development and was instrumental in the formation and growth of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Anenih, who served in several important political capacities, including as Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, was widely regarded as one of the most influential politicians produced by Edo State. Beyond occupying political offices, however, his greatest legacy was arguably his ability to identify, mentor and empower people who subsequentl...

By Festus Alenkhe There is no greater sign that a government is working than when the people who keep it running can plan their lives with certainty. Since November 2024, Governor Monday Okpebholo has given Edo state workers and pensioners that certainty. Salaries and pensions now land every 25th of the month. Like clockwork. And promotions for civil servants are no longer a story of "waiting for next year." It is  now very regular as preparation for 2027 promotion is ongoing. . This is not small. This is governance. * What This Means for Edo Families * For too long, "salary delay" was part of our vocabulary. Workers borrowed to survive. Pensioners who served the state for 35 years were left to beg. That uncertainty broke homes and killed morale. Today, the story has changed.    * Predictability *: When you know your pay will come on the 25th, you can pay school fees, rent, and hospital bills without fear. * Motivation *: Regular promotion is re...

On behalf of the Ikpoba Hill Youths Forum, I, Comrade Kingsley Osemwingie, warmly congratulate the Executive Chairman of Uhumwonde Local Government Council, Hon. Imafidon Augustine, on his inauguration into office. Your assumption of office signals the beginning of a new chapter in the development of Uhumwonde Local Government and presents another opportunity to translate the aspirations and expectations of the people into tangible achievements. The people of Uhumwonde have demonstrated their confidence in your leadership by entrusting you with this important mandate. I am confident that your experience, capacity, commitment and understanding of grassroots governance will enable you to provide purposeful and responsive leadership while advancing the welfare and development of the people. I urge you to approach this responsibility with humility, transparency, accountability and an unreserved commitment to service. Your administration should remain focused on addr...

On behalf of the Ikpoba Hill Youths Forum, I, Comrade Kingsley Osemwingie, heartily congratulate the Executive Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Council, Hon. Sino Osawaru, on his inauguration into office as the Chairman of the council. Your inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter in the development journey of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government. It is also a renewed opportunity to strengthen the confidence and expectations of the people through purposeful, responsive and people-oriented leadership. The people of Ikpoba-Okha have entrusted you with a significant mandate, reflecting their confidence in your capacity, experience, commitment and ability to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy at the grassroots. I therefore urge you to regard this mandate not merely as an opportunity to lead, but as a solemn responsibility to improve the welfare of the people and accelerate the development of the local government. As you assume office, I encourage you to align yo...

Questions have been raised over the arraignment, conviction and sentencing of Mrs. Meye Okuntu at the Iguobazuwa Magistrate Court, Edo State, following a petition alleging that she was denied access to legal representation and did not understand the language in which the charge was read to her. The petition, dated September 2, 2026, was written to the Chief Judge of Edo State by Comrade Vincent Abulimen, a relation of the woman, in respect of Charge No. MIGU/90C/2026. According to the petitioner, Okuntu was arraigned on September 1, 2026, pleaded guilty and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to two months’ imprisonment without an option of fine. The petition alleged that no lawyer was present for Okuntu when she was arraigned, despite an alleged request for legal representation. It further alleged that the defendant did not understand English and that the charge and proceedings were not interpreted to her in Ijaw, the language she was said to understand. The petitione...

On behalf of my family and members of staff of Transoris Construction Nigeria Limited,  I, Mr Oris Akhere Okpebholo, heartily congratulate the Executive Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Area, Honourable Saturday Iyioha, on his inauguration into office today, as the executive Chairman of Esan North East local government Council. This inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter in the development journey of Esan North East, and I am confident that your emergence will further strengthen the hopes and aspirations of our people for purposeful and responsive leadership at the grassroots. The people of Esan North East have implicit confidence in your capacity, experience, commitment and ability to deliver the desired dividends of democracy. I therefore urge you to see this mandate not merely as an opportunity to serve, but as a solemn responsibility to improve the lives of the people and advance the development of the local government. As you assume office, I...

...always insisting on prudence, self reliance, and financial sustainability of the party..._ At a time when financial transparency and accountability remain major concerns in Nigeria’s political space, the management of party finances by the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is being presented as a departure from the conventional approach to political party administration. The Dickson Movement (TDM), in an assessment of the party’s internal financial management, said the leadership of the NDC had demonstrated that political parties could operate with greater transparency, financial discipline and accountability. According to a prominent  chieftain of NDC and national Coordinator of The Dickson Movement for Democracy, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, the leadership style of the National Leader of the NDC, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Henry Siriake Dickson, has been central to what it described as the party’s emerging culture of financial prudence and ...