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Wike lauds Okpebholo, backs Obi warning at Edo Line launch
Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, July 22, lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for his dedication to advancing the state’s infrastructure and well-being. The FCT Minister spoke at the formal launch of the new fleet of Edo Line mass transit buses in Benin City, commending both leadership and the people’s enduring support amid political challenges.
Addressing dignitaries and residents, Wike praised Okpebholo’s ability to steer Edo State through a turbulent post-election period. “Despite moving from the tribunal all the way to the Supreme Court, Governor Okpebholo remained steadfast in his resolve to serve the people,” Wike noted during his remarks. “Where others may have pleaded distraction, he focused on results. In just eight months, you can see tangible progress. He wasted no time, echoing the energy and drive President Tinubu brought at the federal level.”
Highlighting the impact of the new buses, the minister stressed the practical value for residents. “Reinvigorating Edo Line addresses more than just mobility,” Wike said. “It brings safer, more accountable travel. Now, commuters know the vehicles and drivers, reducing risks and restoring trust. Beyond improving safety, this step also lowers daily transportation costs for students and traders. It is not just talk; it’s improvement people can feel and see.”
He underscored that initiatives like the mass transit service bolster public confidence in government and reinforce Edo’s support for national leadership, remarking, “What is happening here affirms that the people of Edo State stand with the President, as their needs are prioritised and met.”
Turning to recent political discourse, Wike dismissed allegations that Okpebholo had threatened the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the issue of notifying the state government before visiting. The minister explained that, based on security protocols, such notifications are essential for the safety of high-profile visitors: “When I was governor, Peter Obi always informed me of his visits. It is about ensuring their protection, not about politics or exclusion.”
He cautioned against politicising precautionary measures: “The statement was never a form of intimidation. It’s standard security practice. If something happens and there’s no communication, the governor would be held responsible. Transparency here is a duty, not a demand.”
Okpebholo, addressing the crowd, reiterated that his public advice to Peter Obi was a matter of responsibility, not hostility: “My request was clear—inform me as Chief Security Officer before visiting. That’s safeguarding everyone, not just Edo people but all visitors,” he clarified. Reflecting on past violence that resulted in the loss of a security aide, Okpebholo emphasised the importance of proactive measures.
He also used the occasion to express gratitude for federal support: “President Tinubu’s backing continues to fuel Edo State’s growth. In 2027, we are ready to deliver 2.5 million votes, ensuring his return for a second term to keep these improvements coming.”
The commissioning ceremony was graced by former Edo governor and current senator, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, among other dignitaries from across Nigeria. In a rare gesture, Minister Wike extended a public apology to Senator Oshiomhole and residents for having supported the re-election of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, whom he now criticises for underperformance.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced that members can now decide whether to accept or donate the four main components of blood based on their personal conscience.
The organisation made this known in a statement issued by its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York and made available on its website on Friday.
According to the statement, “the decision to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person’s blood is a matter of personal conscience.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses announce adjustment to blood transfusion policy
It added that “each Witness must decide whether or not to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person.”
However, the organisation said its position on whole-blood transfusion had not changed.
“The long-standing refusal of whole-blood transfusions on religious grounds, a core teaching based on the command to ‘abstain from blood’ (Acts 15:20), is unchanged,” the statement said.
International spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses at the organisation’s World Headquarters, Paul Gillies, said, “Blood remains sacred to Jehovah’s Witnesses, who continue to regard life and blood as precious gifts from God.
“We recognise that medical decisions involving blood components are a matter of conscience between each Witness and their God, Jehovah.”
The organisation said the adjustment “follows earlier updates regarding blood fractions and the use of one’s own blood during medical procedures.”
It added, “Since the Bible does not comment on such decisions, they are a matter of individual conscience. That same reasoning has now been extended to the four main components of blood.”
On medical care, the statement said, “Jehovah’s Witnesses love life and want the best available medical care. They do not practise faith healing, and they seek out doctors who can provide effective treatment in accord with their wishes, values and beliefs.”
Gillies said local congregations would not interfere in members’ personal decisions.
“Congregations do not involve themselves in personal decisions that rest with the individual conscience. We will continue to respect and support the personal decisions of our fellow believers.
“We are grateful, too, for the many skilled and compassionate physicians who provide quality medical care that respects our personal wishes regarding blood,” he said.
The organisation said Jehovah’s Witnesses number “over nine million worldwide, in congregations across more than 200 lands.”
Recall that the religious group had clarified its position on the use of a member’s own blood during surgery and other medical procedures.
The clarification allowed individual Witnesses to decide whether their blood could be removed, stored and returned to them during medical treatment, while the organisation maintained its position against receiving blood from another person.
Punch
The Nigerian Army has dismissed as fake and unverified a purported intelligence alert warning of planned Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks on schools, churches, mosques, NYSC orientation camps and other public institutions across the country.
Anele said the Army was aware of the circulation and had heightened vigilance across its formations and commands to prevent attacks on vulnerable facilities.
She described the purported intelligence as speculation and urged the public not to treat the document as an official Army security alert.
The response followed the circulation of a document purportedly signed by one A.M. Sodiq, which claimed that Boko Haram and ISWAP were planning coordinated attacks across several parts of the country.
The document listed churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations as possible targets and alleged that suspected ISWAP operatives had begun surveillance of selected locations.
It further claimed that the alleged attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
However, the Army disowned the document, maintaining that it did not originate from the institution.
The Army assured Nigerians that security formations remained on heightened alert and were taking necessary measures to protect schools, places of worship and other vulnerable public facilities.
MINNA, Niger State — An engine oil seller in Minna, the Niger State capital, has reportedly sustained serious injuries after allegedly being shot during a police operation to disperse protesters.
The victim, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Dada, was reportedly standing outside his shop at Tunga Market when he was struck by a bullet.
Ibrahim’s brother, Yakubu Dada Mohammed, said the victim was not part of the protest and was attending to customers at his engine oil stall when the incident occurred.
According to him, Ibrahim was simply trying to earn a living and support his family when a police officer allegedly fired a shot that hit him in the head and severely injured his face.
«“He was not among those protesting. He was standing in front of his shop selling engine oil when one of the police officers fired a bullet that struck his head and badly injured his face,” Yakubu said.»
Ibrahim is currently receiving treatment at Minna General Hospital, where his condition was reportedly described as critical.
The incident occurred amid protests in Minna over the reported deaths of 37 miners who were allegedly in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Reports indicate that 65 miners were arrested on September 15 and 16, with 37 subsequently reported dead while in security custody.
The protests, which began on Thursday, continued into Friday as security personnel moved to disperse demonstrators. Security forces were reportedly accused of using tear gas and live ammunition during the operation.
However, the circumstances surrounding Ibrahim’s shooting have not been independently established.
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, appealed for calm and said the incident would be investigated.
The case has since heightened concerns over the conduct of security personnel during the ongoing protests.
Jehovah’s Witnesses announce fresh adjustment to blood transfusion policy
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