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Renowned Niger Delta leader and elder statesman, Edwin Clark, died on Monday at the age of 97.
His death was confirmed in a statement on Tuesday morning by a family representative, Prof. C. C. Clark.
The PANDEF also issued an official announcement, signed by its spokesman, Obiuwevbi Ominimini.
The statement was jointly released by Professor College Clark of the Clark-Fuludu-Bakederemo family and Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF.
Here are 10 key things to know about Edwin Clark:
- He was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
- He started school at African Church School in 1938 and later attended Government Teachers Training College, Abraka.
- Between 1961 and 1964, he studied Law at Holborn College in the United Kingdom.
- His political career began in 1953 when he was elected a councillor in Bomadi (now in Delta State).
- Over the years, he held several important roles, including:
Commissioner for Education (Mid-Western Region, 1968-1971)
Commissioner for Finance and Establishment (Bendel State, 1972-1975)
Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon (1975)
- As Commissioner for Education, he helped establish the Mid-West Institute of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.
- Clark was a strong voice for the Niger Delta, pushing for:l better resource control, environmental protection and economic development in the region
- He was a key figure in the PANDEF and the Ijaw National Congress, consistently working for policies that supported the Niger Delta’s growth.
- He founded Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, Delta State, to provide education opportunities for young Nigerians.
Billionaire Aliko Dangote has described his $23bn Dangote Refinery project as the “biggest risk” of his life, acknowledging the challenges he faced in bringing the venture to fruition.
In an exclusive interview with Forbes on Monday, Dangote opened up about the risks involved in such a massive undertaking.
“It was the biggest risk of my life. If this didn’t work, I was dead,” he said.
Despite the refinery’s groundbreaking capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and its status as Africa’s largest, Dangote revealed that the journey to completion was fraught with uncertainties.
Dangote also spoke about the hurdles he faced in financing the project, the regulatory challenges, and securing suppliers.
Dangote said he is committed to providing a blueprint for industrialisation across Africa.
“We have to build our own nation by ourselves. We have to build our own continent by ourselves, not [rely on] foreign investment.
He added that Africa has been “a mere dumping ground for finished products,” and his refinery represents “a pivotal step in ensuring that Africa has the capacity to refine its own crude oil, thereby creating wealth and prosperity for its vast population,” he said.
Undeterred by the challenges, Dangote is determined to ensure the success of his refinery.
According to the Forbes report, despite establishing a family office in Dubai and involving his three daughters in various roles within the family business, his focus remains firmly on Nigeria.
He continues to dedicate much of his time to the refinery, regularly meeting with engineers and managers to oversee progress.
Dangote is also working on ambitious projects such as building a subsea pipeline to transport natural gas from the Niger Delta to Lagos and expanding the capacity of the refinery’s fertiliser plant.
Looking ahead, he plans to take the refinery public within the next year or two.
“I’ve been fighting battles all my life and I have not lost one yet,” he said.
The recent incursion of armed officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) into the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday has taken a new twist with more details emerging.
Naija News reports that a letter has surfaced indicating that the House had solicited the DSS to enhance security measures surrounding the Assembly complex in anticipation of February 18, 2025.
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The letter’s content referenced allegations that the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, intended to reclaim his former position.
Recall that operatives from the DSS and the Nigeria Police assumed control of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.
An ongoing leadership dispute within the Assembly prompted this action.
In a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the acting Clerk of the House, Abubakar Ottun, it was cautioned that Obasa’s potential return could represent a security risk to both the Assembly and its members.
Consequently, the House has requested the DSS to assign operatives from February 16 to implement stringent access control measures within and around the premises.
“I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action.
“The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025 as the speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.
“In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday 16th February, 2025 by increasing the presence of your Men and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice,” the letter reads
The Ogun State Police Command has declared controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, wanted for allegedly leading a violent attack on government officials carrying out their lawful duties.
In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said the incident occurred on February 5, 2025, around 10:00 a.m. when three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office, TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi, were conducting an enforcement exercise at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota.
During the exercise, the officials encountered Portable’s father at Odogwu Bar, a property linked to the singer.
Moments later, Portable, armed with a firearm and other dangerous weapons, allegedly led a gang of nine thugs in an attack on the unarmed officials.
Naija News learnt that the officials sustained injuries but managed to escape and reported the assault to the Ota Area Command, which escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Singer Ignored Multiple Police Invitations
Odutola noted that Portable repeatedly ignored multiple formal invitations to appear at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
“Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted,” the statement read.
The police urged the public to provide information leading to his arrest, warning that anyone aiding him would face legal consequences.
Accomplices Arraigned, Granted Bail
This comes two weeks after nine of Portable’s associates were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, for allegedly assaulting town planning officers.
The defendants, aged 19 to 28, pleaded not guilty to charges including felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Police prosecutor, Sunday Ekong, said the defendants, along with Portable, obstructed the officials while performing their duties at Odogwu Bar.
Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted each defendant ₦5 million bail with sureties and adjourned the case to March 17, 2025
Meranda vs Obasa: ‘Lagos not for kindergarten politics’ – Joe Igbokwe on DSS invasion of Assembly
AFOLABI
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe, has declared that Lagos State is not for kindergarten politics.
Igbokwe was reacting to the invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police.
Reports had it that DSS operatives took over the complex in an attempt to seal up the offices of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, the Deputy Speaker, and the Clerk of the House.
Mojisola Meranda, the Speaker of the House, reportedly arrived around 12 pm with her convoy.
However, the lawmakers had expressed confidence in Meranda’s leadership.
Recall that Meranda emerged as Speaker on January 13, 2025, after Mudashiru Obasa was impeached.
Obasa was impeached while he was in the United States (US).
Upon his return, Obasa dismissed his impeachment, stressing that lawmakers never followed due process.
However, a letter signed by the Clerk of the Assembly requesting DSS operatives had emerged after the invasion.
The letter, dated February 14, said DSS operatives were requested to strengthen security around its premises ahead of February 18.
The letter cited reports that Obasa planned to resume as Speaker.
However, posting on his Facebook page, Igbokwe wrote: “I am yet to comprehend what happened at the Lagos State House of Assembly today. I know that Lagos is not a place for kindergarten politics.
“I know also that Lagos is not a state where anything goes. It is still the center of excellence. Dazzol.”
Embattled Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, BoT, Adolphus Wabara, has revealed plans to woo Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to join the party.
Wabara said Otti’s developmental strides was evidence-based, and devoid of party politics, adding that PDP would love the governor to return back to its fold.
He disclosed this during yesterday at the International Conference Centre, ICC Umuahia, the Abia State Capital.
Wabara said Otti and his counterpart from Enugu State, Peter Mbah have been very outstanding in the entire South East.
He said: “Politics ends after campaigns and elections, then governance begins. Even a blind man can see what is happening in Abia.
“Governor, continue to do well. Our ancestors in Abia are with you, and I want to believe that you are on constant touch with them for guidance. Every Abian is happy with you.
“I came from Enugu two days ago and I saw the massive development by Governor Peter Mbah of the PDP. Even APC people are confessing that you and your colleague, Peter Mbah are pace setters.
“I have never mentioned your party – the Labour Party. I have always said Gov Alex Otti is doing well. Nobody knows where he will swing in 2027. So, when these characters ( Wabara’s critics) are doing this and that, let them know I’m talking about Alex Otti. We are all wooing him. Governor, we are all wooing you”.
This is coming at a time the former Senate President was engrossed in a crisis with PDP.
DAILY POST recalls that the PDP Abia State Working Committee, SWC, had suspended Wabara BoT Chairman.
But, the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, had nullified Wabara’s suspension.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the purported suspension violated the party’s Constitution (as amended in 2017) and does not follow due process
The National President of the Association of De Change Operators, Aminu Gwadebe, has revealed that the pick-up of the interbank proceeds to Bureaux de Change as directed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and other factors is the reason the Naira has recorded a significant gain against the dollar in the last week.
Gwadebe made this known at the weekend while reacting to the recent performance of the Naira against other currencies in the foreign exchange market.
DAILY POST reports that the Naira in the last week gained N15 at the black market to close at N1565 against the dollar.
Reacting to the impressive run by the Naira, Gwadebe explained that Nigeria’s currency moved from “about N1660, we are now talking about N1,552 per dollar. That is significant”.
According to him, “A combination of factors is playing together. The pick-up of the interbank proceeds to Bureaux de Change as directed by CBN is helping to inject liquidity and reduce panic in the market.
“Others are linking it to the Chinese holiday, which has possibly reduced the demand aspect. Thirdly, the FX Code has continued to bring some sanity, discipline, and monitoring oversight, and fourth, the confidence of the investor.
“The market, especially the interbank, is awash with portfolio inflows. Also, there is no negative perception.
“All along, we have been battling with a negative perception, with confidence in even the management of the Central Bank, but they have been able to put some confidence in them now, especially since they have cleared the $7bn (FX) backlog, and the impact of the policy is making the CBN put their foot on the ground to ensure the reforms continue to give positive reports.
“They are doing a lot of forward guidance so that they can communicate with investors, operators, and other stakeholders.
“I think that approach has been giving a lot of people hope that the CBN has resolved to engage with stakeholders and work with them.”
Meanwhile, at the official market, the Naira remained flat at N1,507.8 per dollar, according to CBN’s exchange data on Thursday
The United States of America billionaire and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, has said51 the country must reduce federal spending to avoid slipping into bankruptcy.
Elon Musk disclosed this in a video he posted on his official X account on Monday.
According to him, all federal spending in the US stems from taxation, either through direct tax or inflation.
“All federal spending is taxation. It is either direct tax revenue or inflation (they just print money). We have to reduce federal spending, or we will go bankrupt as a country,” he stated in the short video.
This comes as DOGE-backed President Donald Trump had continued to ramp up investigation and review on spending across US federal agencies.
The US International Development Agency, Department of Treasury, Education, Health, Agriculture, and Defence are worse hit by DOGE’s sledgehammer aimed at cutting costs.
Earlier, DAILY POST reported that DOGE terminated 586 wasteful contracts across 10 federal agencies in the US valued at $2.1 billion
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says 11 suspects involved in cybercrimes targeting Japanese victims have been arrested, following a collaborative operation with the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA).
In a statement released on the X page of the PPF on Monday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, said reports of five cybercrime cases were received and acted upon.
“On April 3, 2024, the NPF National Cybercrime Centre, working in conjunction with Nigeria’s National Central Bureau and the NCB Tokyo, received reports regarding five cybercrime cases linked to 13 identified threat actors operating from Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“The subsequent investigation led to the apprehension of eleven individuals and unveiled an extensive network that exploited social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent romantic relationships.
“Victims were duped into transferring funds through wire transactions, which were eventually converted into cryptocurrency and funneled to various digital wallets in Nigeria.
“The preliminary stages of the investigation yielded the recovery of $33,320, with ongoing efforts to reclaim additional stolen funds and dismantle the entire syndicate responsible for these crimes.”
Adejobi said the “Nigeria Police Force remains committed to using all available resources and emerging technologies to combat cybercrime and ensure public safety”
Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun state, has been taken into custody by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after being indicted for conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Oloyede was crowned as the monarch of Ipetumodu in 2019 but frequently travelled between Nigeria and the US for “royal and personal engagements”.
Indigenes began raising concerns after his throne was vacant for nearly a year.
He had reportedly missed three major traditional festivals, including the annual ‘egungun festival and Edi celebration’.
A statement issued by the US department of transportation said a grand jury indicted Oloyede and one Edward Oluwasanmi for conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.
“The indictment alleges that Oloyede and Oluwasanmi fraudulently obtained over $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs),” the statement reads.
Oloyede and Oluwasanmi were arrested on April 5, 2024.
According to the indictment, from April 2020 through February 28, 2022, Oloyede and Oluwasanmi submitted PPP and EIDL applications containing false information for entities under their control.
They also allegedly submitted falsified tax and wage documents to support these applications.
“Oloyede received $1.7 million, and Oluwasanmi received $1.2 million in SBA funds for their businesses,” the statement added.
“Additionally, Oloyede submitted falsified PPP and EIDL applications in the names of other co-conspirators and confederate borrowers and their businesses.
“Oloyede obtained approximately $1.3 million through those applications, totaling at least $4.2 million obtained through the fraud.”
The statement said relevant US authorities, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, are investigating the case
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Members of the Association of Resident Doctors at University College Hospital in Ibadan have embarked on an indefinite strike, an official said on Monday.
The association’s General Secretary, Dr Uthman Adedeji, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State capital that the strike was due to a power outage in some of the hospital’s residential areas.
NAN recalls that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, reconnected UCH on Wednesday, after more than 100 days of power outage.
The association had earlier issued a communique that members would embark on an indefinite strike if electricity was not restored no later than 4 p.m. on Monday.
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Adedeji said while electricity had been restored, only some parts of the residential quarters were reconnected.
He said, “Arising from the just-concluded Emergency General Meeting of ARD UCH which was convened to appraise the current situation, it was observed that a part of the residential quarters were reconnected.
“Some other parts were however left in darkness.
“In the light of the prevailing circumstance, we are left with no other option than to embark on the earlier planned total and indefinite strike until all residential quarters are sorted (taken care of).
“We acknowledge the efforts of the UCH Management towards meeting our demand, but a lot needs to be done to guarantee uninterrupted service delivery.”
Adedeji assured all that the association would regularly review the current imbroglio infringing on the welfare of its members
Residents of the Sedu 2 community in the Ogijo area of Ogun State are calling for an increased security presence, particularly from the Ogun State Police Command, following the discovery of a dismembered body of an unidentified woman on Sunday.
The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the discovery of the dismembered corpse on Sunday and stated that an investigation was underway to track down those responsible for the gruesome act, suspected to be a ritual killing.
This incident comes just days after an Islamic cleric in Kwara State, Muhammed Bello, allegedly murdered his girlfriend, Hafsoh Lawal, and dismembered her corpse, whom he had met on Facebook.
PUNCH Metro gathered on Sunday that the headless body, with both hands severed and wrapped in a sack, was found in a fenced farmland within the community.
The unsettling discovery was reported at the Ogijo Police Station on Sunday, at about 3:10 p.m. by some of the residents who spoke with PUNCH Metro.
Stating that preliminary investigations suggested the body was dumped at the location, Odutola disclosed that the crime scene was cordoned off and the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu for preservation and forensic examination.
Odutola also noted that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, had ordered a thorough investigation into the case to apprehend those behind the crime.
She emphasised that the CP urged parents and guardians to engage their children in security discussions at home, highlighting the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in crime prevention.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro, a resident who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal, called on the police to conduct regular patrols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“A member of the community saw a wrapped bag with blood dripping from it. When someone tried to check what was inside, a severed human hand fell out,” the resident recounted.
“They dismembered her body and brought it to our community. We need protection. We don’t want things like this to happen again.”
Another resident, who identified herself as Ronke, expressed shock at how the body was dumped without anyone noticing.
“Her head was cut off. Her two hands were severed. They squeezed her body inside the sack. It is difficult to identify her,” she said
Popular Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has deactivated her Instagram account, fueling speculation surrounding rumours that her husband, billionaire businessman and politician Ned Nwoko, has allegedly welcomed a child with her senior colleague, Chika Ike.
Social media has been abuzz with claims that Nwoko, who is married to six wives, Regina being the youngest, has secretly welcomed another child.
The rumours gained traction after Chika Ike recently announced her pregnancy, sharing maternity photos that sparked both congratulatory messages and controversy.
Adding to the speculation, Regina, known for publicly supporting her husband’s political career, was noticeably silent on his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
She also did not post any Valentine’s Day tribute to him, which was a deviation from her usual social media activity.
Further fueling the reports, a check by our correspondent revealed that the 24-year-old actress’ Instagram account is no longer accessible with online sources suggesting that Chika Ike is allegedly set to move into the billionaire’s mansion, potentially replacing Regina.
As of the time of this report, neither Ned Nwoko nor Regina Daniels has responded to the rumours.
Nigerian billionaire cum lawmaker, Senator Ned Nwoko, has denied plans of marrying Nollywood actress, Chika Ike, and rumours of being responsible for her pregnancy.
Reports circulating on social media alleged that Chika Ike, who recently announced the birth of her baby with maternity photos on Instagram, is set to move into Ned Nwoko’s home.
Naija News reports that amid the ongoing rumours, Nwoko’s wife, Regina, has deactivated her Instagram account.
However, in a statement on Monday through his Director of Communications, Ned Nwoko described purported plans to marry Chika Ike or being the one responsible for her pregnancy as entirely baseless and a product of malicious speculation.
The senator urged the public to disregard the rumours and warned media practitioners of the consequences of spreading fake news.
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to the recent false rumors alleging that Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko is planning to marry Nollywood actress Chika Ike as his seventh wife and that she is pregnant for him. We categorically state that these claims are entirely baseless and a product of malicious speculation. Similarly, reports claiming he made statements about Tuface and polygamy are completely untrue.
“As a public figure and with his wife also being an actress, it is not unusual for bloggers seeking attention to fabricate such stories. However, Senator Nwoko is currently on a national assignment, focused on delivering on his political mandate, and has no time for distractions. This office remains available to journalists for verification of information, and we remind media practitioners of the consequences of spreading fake news. The public is advised to disregard these rumors and rely only on official statements from his office.”