Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, said security remains a top priority of his administration as he moved to halt killings and abductions in the state.

The governor revealed this on his verified X handle, as he held a meeting with security chiefs and key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to enhance security across the state.

The governor’s pledge came as the daily protest in Ekpoma over the alleged killing of a suspected “Yahoo boy” by the police last week continued on Monday.

In the past few weeks, there have been clashes between farmers and alleged produce thieves in Ovia, which was said to have claimed 22 lives.

Also, cases of kidnapping have been on the rise as 21-year-old Seminarian, Peter Andrew, of the St.Peter Catholic Church in the Ivukwa Community, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state was killed last Thursday by his abductors.

He was kidnapped on March 3 alongside Rev Fr Peter Ekweli, who had been freed and reunited with the church.

Speaking against the backdrop of the killings and abductions, Okpebholo said discussions during the security meeting focused on proactive measures to tackle security challenges, restore peace, and ensure the citizens can live, work and conduct business without fear.

The governor said, “Earlier today (Monday), I convened a Security Council Meeting with security chiefs and key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to enhance security across Edo State.

“Our discussions focused on proactive measures to tackle security challenges, restore peace, and ensure that citizens can live, work, and conduct business without fear.

“Security remains a top priority on our administration’s agenda because where there is security, there is progress.

“This administration is committed to building a safer, more prosperous Edo for all.”

Speaking during the protest in Ekpoma, a resident told The PUNCH that the crisis started last week.

He said the police stopped a car at a checkpoint while the driver took to his heels after he was stopped.

In the process, one of the police officers shot the fleeing suspect, leading to his death, while his brother, who was with him in the car was arrested and taken to the state command headquarters in Benin.

The resident said, “The boy who is suspected to be involved in Internet fraud known as Yahoo Yahoo was stopped by the police, but he opened his car and took to his heels.

“One of the officers shot him, and he died. His brother was in the car with hi,m and he was arrested and taken to the state command in Benin.

“Members of the community have been protesting since then. Today (Monday), they moved to Ambrose Alli University, hoping that the students will join the protest but the school is not in session.”

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has appealed to real estate firms in the state to help in reducing the cost of rents payable on rented properties in the state.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Johnson Erijo, made the appeal on Monday at the 13th anniversary/annual convention of Property World Africa Network Marketing Company in Asaba, the state capital.

“I would like to use this medium to appeal to real estate organisations to help in reducing the cost of rents payable on rented properties.

“The current skyrocketing rents are not sustainable, especially for public service workers. I urge you to apply your innovative skills to find ways to make housing more affordable,” he said.

The governor lauded the visionary leadership of the company, stating that it had redefined excellence in the real estate sector.

He said, “As we reflect on PWAN’s journey, we must applaud the visionary leadership that propelled this company from its humble beginnings in 2012 to become a key player in Africa’s real estate sector.

“Over the past 13 years, PWAN has not only expanded its market presence but has also redefined excellence in the real estate sector.

“Its ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver top-notch real estate solutions has earned it the trust of clients and investors nationwide.”

The Global President and immediate-past Group Managing Director of PWAN, Dr Obioma Onwumere, described the firm as an empowerment industry.

“This is a gathering of entrepreneurs here in Asaba. PWAN group is not just only in the real estate business but it’s an empowerment industry.

“The mandate of the PWAN group is that each affiliate will empower 10 and that 10 will empower another 10, which will continue in that circle.

“Together, PWAN will change the face of empowerment in Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks shortly after his appointment, the Acting Managing Director of PWAN group, Prof Julius Oyedemi, pledged to uphold the vision of the company.

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court on Monday reserved judgment in the suit filed by the reinstated Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who is challenging the legality of the January 13, 2025 proceedings that led to his initial removal.

The judge heard several preliminary objections by various counsel representing the defendants and said the date to deliver the judgment and rulings would be communicated to parties in due course.

Earlier when the matter came up, Obasa’s counsel Prof. Joshua Olatoke (SAN), urged the court to assume jurisdiction to hear the matter.

He argued that the House was in recess at the time the lawmakers convened illegally on January 13, 2025, without duly informing either the Speaker or the Majority Leader, who has the power to reconvene any session during recess.

However, counsel for the Assembly, Mr Femi Falana, (SAN), opposed the suit brought by way of originating summons.

Falana contended that the proceedings of March 3, 2025, which saw the reelection of Obasa as Speaker, had overtaken the earlier proceedings.

But one of the lead counsel representing the 3rd to the 35th defendants, Olu Daramola (SAN), in his argument stated that the removal of the Speaker was an internal affair of the House, which the courts cannot interfere in.

He added that the proceedings of January 13, 2025 were valid, having been held in the Assembly and the decision taken to remove the Speaker was taken by more than the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority of the members.

On his part, the lead counsel representing the 36th to the 40th defendants, who are in support of the claimant’s action, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), argued that the January 13, 2025 sitting was done in clear violation of the rules governing the House of Assembly, which empowers the court to assume jurisdiction to hear the case.

In the preliminary objection filed by the Assembly, Falana contended that Obasa’s suit should be dismissed by the court as it was instituted without a pre-action notice known to law issued by the House of Assembly.

He also argued that the House had the right to appoint and remove the Speaker and other principal officers of the House, without the court’s interference.

Falana added that by virtue of Obasa’s reelection as Speaker, and Mojisola Meranda being restored to her previous position of Deputy Speaker on March 3, 2025, the case had become academic.

The counsel representing Meranda, as well as the 33 lawmakers also argued similar motions for the suit to be dismissed, saying it was an abuse of judicial processes as the Speaker agreed to be reelected and yet, he is still suing the House of Assembly.