Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents of the state that his administration will continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property while urging citizens to embrace peace and unity.

Okpebholo gave the assurance in a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The governor described security as his administration’s first responsibility, noting that economic activities such as farming, trade and investment could only thrive in a peaceful environment.

“We have worked hard to make Edo safer. We are rebuilding our roads, upgrading our schools and hospitals, and creating opportunities for our teeming youths.

“The safety of every Edo citizen, in the city and in the village, remains my first duty,” he said.
Okpebholo said his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to sustain peace across the state.

He described traditional and community leaders as important partners because of their closeness to residents and their knowledge of the local terrain.

The governor also warned individuals who may attempt to disrupt the peace in the state, declaring that Edo would not provide a safe haven for criminals.

“Edo State is not a safe place for criminals,” he said.

Beyond security, Okpebholo highlighted what he described as ongoing efforts by his administration to improve healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and education under the SHINE Agenda.

He said several hospitals that had been closed for years, with some shut for nearly two decades, had been reopened, while more than 600,000 residents had been enrolled in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIC).

The governor also said his administration had maintained regular salary payments and noted that Edo was among the states implementing the ₦75,000 minimum wage.

While acknowledging that there was still more work to be done, Okpebholo said the achievements recorded so far represented a foundation for further development rather than the completion of his administration’s task.

He commended Edo residents for their patience and urged them to continue providing feedback to the government.

“Government exists to serve you, and I will keep listening, even when the feedback is uncomfortable,” he said.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as efforts to reposition Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the Federal Government’s economic policies were aimed at achieving national revival, stability and growth.

Okpebholo urged Edo residents to use the 66th Independence Anniversary to recommit themselves to peace, unity and responsible citizenship.

According to him, true patriotism is reflected in how citizens treat one another and protect public assets.

He wished the people of Edo State a peaceful Independence Day celebration and prayed for continued progress in the state and across Nigeria.

Idahosa urges Nigerians to renew faith in Nigeria

Also, Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and commit themselves to building a stronger, united and prosperous nation.

Idahosa made the call in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He described October 1 as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices of the generation that secured Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

According to the deputy governor, Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite the challenges it has faced since independence, adding that the country’s greatest strength remains its people and diversity.

He urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, justice, democracy and shared prosperity.

“Nigeria is a nation of great promise. We may have faced challenges along the way, but our story is not one of failure; it is one of resilience, courage, and an unbroken determination to build a better country.

“The Nigeria of our dreams will not be built by government alone. It requires the patriotism, sacrifices, creativity, and commitment of every Nigerian,” Idahosa said.

The deputy governor also commended President Tinubu for efforts to reposition the economy and strengthen the foundation for sustainable development.

He assured that sub-national governments would continue to support the national development agenda.

Idahosa further reaffirmed the commitment of the Okpebholo-led administration to improving the lives of Edo residents through investments in security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and human capital development.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, stressing that nation-building requires patience, sacrifice and responsible citizenship.

“Let us choose hope over despair, unity over division, and service over selfishness. The Nigeria we desire is possible if we work together and put the interest of our nation above our differences,” he said.

Idahosa congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace, unity, prosperity and progress across the federation.

The African Action Congress (AAC) has dragged President Bola Tinubu before the Federal High Court in Abuja over his extended stay in Europe, alleging that he breached the 1999 Constitution by failing to formally notify the National Assembly before leaving Nigeria.

The party is also challenging the alleged failure of the National Assembly to take steps to authorise Vice President Kashim Shettima to act as President after Tinubu’s absence exceeded 21 days.

The legal action came amid a growing debate over the President’s prolonged stay abroad, with a member of the House of Representatives, Wale Ahmed, defending Tinubu and arguing that the President has continued to discharge his constitutional responsibilities despite being outside the country.

At the same time, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has pledged that its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would run an accessible and responsive government if elected in the 2027 general elections.

AAC challenges Tinubu’s absence in court
Tinubu commenced what was announced as a 21-day working leave on August 30, 2026, and was initially expected to return to Nigeria on September 21.

However, the Presidency later announced that his return had been extended, saying the President would return at the weekend.

A subsequent statement issued on Sunday said Tinubu was hale and hearty and would return to Nigeria on Tuesday ahead of the October 1 Independence anniversary.

Against this backdrop, the AAC filed an originating summons at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to determine whether Tinubu complied with the constitutional requirements governing a President’s absence from the country.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2358/2026, names Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly as defendants.

The party is asking the court to declare that Tinubu breached Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution by leaving Nigeria without transmitting a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The AAC argued that the constitutional provision requires the President to transmit such a written declaration before proceeding on vacation, irrespective of the number of days involved.

It is also asking the court to declare that the alleged failure to transmit the declaration was unconstitutional and a violation of the President’s constitutional obligations.

The party further challenged the National Assembly’s alleged failure to convene and pass a resolution empowering the Vice President to act as President after Tinubu’s absence exceeded 21 days.

The AAC wants the court to hold that such an alleged failure constituted a violation of the duties imposed on the National Assembly under Section 145(2) of the Constitution.

It is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Tinubu from embarking on future vacations, whether within or outside Nigeria, without first transmitting the required written declaration to the Senate President and the Speaker.

The case was filed by Inibehe Effiong of Inibehe Effiong Chambers on behalf of the AAC.
No date has been fixed for hearing.

Lawmaker defends Tinubu
While the case is before the court, Ahmed, who represents Agege Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, defended the President’s extended stay abroad.

Ahmed argued that Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria should not be interpreted as an abandonment of governance or constitutional responsibilities.

He said the President was entitled to annual leave and that the key issue should be whether the machinery of government continued to function and presidential responsibilities were being discharged.

According to the lawmaker, Tinubu had remained engaged in official and investment-related activities while in France.

Ahmed cited meetings involving the President and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as businessman Vincent Bolloré.

He also pointed to agreements involving the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, with investments reportedly valued at more than $7 billion.

The lawmaker said the engagements demonstrated that Tinubu’s stay abroad included activities aimed at attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s economic relations with other countries.

He also defended Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, noting that Shettima represented the President and delivered Nigeria’s national statement.

Ahmed argued that the Vice President was constitutionally positioned to assist the President in carrying out executive responsibilities and that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had also represented the President at official engagements.

The lawmaker further cited Tinubu’s directive for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners detained in Niger State as evidence that the President remained engaged with developments in the country.

He maintained that the effectiveness of government should be assessed through decisions, policies and outcomes rather than solely by the President’s physical location.

Atiku campaign promises accessible presidency
Meanwhile, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council has promised that Atiku would provide what it described as an accessible and responsive presidency if elected in 2027.

The Director of Media and Publicity of the council, Kola Ologbondiyan, made the pledge on Monday in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Atiku Unity Movement, led by Francis Eburuwe.

Ologbondiyan said Nigeria required a president who would be available to take timely decisions on matters concerning the economy, security and the welfare of citizens.

He said the country could not afford uncertainty over who was effectively directing government affairs during critical periods.

The ADC spokesman also highlighted Atiku’s economic policy positions, including his argument during the 2023 presidential campaign that petrol subsidy removal should be implemented gradually rather than through an abrupt withdrawal.

According to Ologbondiyan, the economic difficulties experienced by Nigerians in recent years had reinforced the need for a presidency that was accessible and responsive.

He said an Atiku administration would focus on addressing rising living costs, improving citizens’ welfare and restoring confidence in public institutions.

Ologbondiyan also referenced Atiku’s recent proposal for a production-based intervention in the pricing of petroleum products refined in Nigeria, saying the proposal was aimed at reducing energy-cost pressures on households and businesses while promoting transparency in public expenditure.

Earlier, Eburuwe said the Atiku Unity Movement would mobilise support for the former Vice President ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the movement planned to take Atiku’s message to communities across the country and mobilise Nigerians around what he described as the need for a change in the country’s political direction.

The AAC’s lawsuit, Tinubu’s defence by members of the National Assembly and the ADC’s campaign message have consequently placed presidential availability and constitutional procedures surrounding the President’s absence at the centre of fresh political debate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after leading the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

Shettima arrived in Nigeria on Monday after spending several days representing President Bola Tinubu at the annual gathering of world leaders.

The Vice President departed Abuja on September 20 after President Tinubu mandated him to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA, following the President’s decision to remain away from New York.

According to a statement issued by Shettima’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement during the General Debate.

Nigeria used the international platform to renew its call for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, particularly for greater representation of Africa in the council’s permanent membership structure.

The statement said the Tinubu administration also reinforced its position on the need for a more representative and equitable global order.

“President Tinubu reinforced his call for a more representative and equitable global order,” the statement said.

Nigeria advocated permanent African representation on the UN Security Council, alongside fairer global financing arrangements, stronger climate support and deeper multilateral cooperation.

Nigeria pushes value addition in mineral sector
One of the key issues raised during the Vice President’s engagements in New York was the need for African countries to reduce their dependence on the export of raw minerals.

At the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, the Nigerian delegation urged African countries to move beyond exporting raw mineral resources and instead prioritise processing, manufacturing and value addition.

The position aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic strategy of increasing domestic value creation and reducing reliance on the export of unprocessed commodities.

The statement said Nigeria used the engagement to emphasise the importance of Africa developing the capacity to process its natural resources locally and derive greater economic benefits from its mineral wealth.

Shettima backs $5bn education financing campaign
At a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector.

The Vice President expressed Nigeria’s support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing campaign.

He described education as “a critical investment in productivity, human capital and national prosperity,” stressing the role of quality education in developing human capital and supporting long-term economic growth.

The engagement provided Nigeria an opportunity to highlight education financing as an important component of its development priorities.

VP engages Nigerians in Diaspora
During his stay in New York, Shettima also met with Nigerians living abroad, where he highlighted the contribution of the diaspora to national development.

He stressed the importance of diaspora investments, expertise and professional networks to Nigeria’s economic and social development.

The engagement formed part of efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen its relationship with Nigerians living outside the country and encourage greater participation in national development.

Meetings with ECOWAS, UN officials
The Vice President also held high-level meetings with the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.

According to the statement, the discussions covered development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security.

Shettima’s participation at the UNGA also provided an opportunity for Nigeria to engage with international partners on issues affecting the country, West Africa and the wider African continent.

With the conclusion of the engagements, the Vice President has returned to Nigeria to continue his official duties as the country’s second-highest-ranking political office holder.