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Articles by John Mayaki
Okpebholo among Nigeria’s best
By John Mayaki The Edo governor’s growing collection of awards is noteworthy, but equally significant is the confidence his leadership continues to inspire among the state’s people and across Nigeria. We all know that when recognition comes repeatedly from different institutions, across different sectors, and within a relatively short period, it becomes a development worth attention. Such is the case with Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Edo: A case of two celebrations
By John Mayaki An Edo marked 35 years of statehood, Governor Monday Okpebholo turned 56 two days later. What followed was more than a birthday celebration: senators, former governors, traditional rulers, Benin leaders, party chiefs, political aspirants, government officials, grassroots groups and the Diaspora turned newspaper pages and digital platforms into an extraordinary exhibition of political goodwill. Some returned to the newspapers for a second day.
Edo: Two celebrations in one
As Edo marked 35 years of statehood, Governor Monday Okpebholo turned 56 two days later. What followed was more than a birthday celebration: senators, former governors, traditional rulers, Benin leaders, party chiefs, political aspirants, government officials, grassroots groups and the Diaspora turned newspaper pages and digital platforms into an extraordinary exhibition of political goodwill. Some returned to the newspapers for a second day.
I Have Lost A Friend Indeed” — Wike Mourns Political Ally Dan Orbih, 64
FCT Minister says South-South Politics Lost “One of Its Biggest Trees” Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has paid an emotional tribute to his longtime political ally, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, who died on Monday, August 31, 2026. He was 64.
Gov Okpebholo’s Midas Touch In Edo
By John Mayaki Many governors have come and gone in Edo state with different styles and interests. When former Governor Oshiomhole manned the helm in Edo, he brought an earthy style, with his experience in the labour that was absolutely sensible and down to earth. He was a genuine leader with no pretense. He worked a lot on roads and state infrastructure and this connected him deeply to Edo state. He is well loved in the state and is now a senator.
Project 2027: How Okpebholo is galvanising regional support for President Tinubu
By John Mayaki Politically, the stakes are high in the South-South region and one man is already stepping up as the region’s most formidable force in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and that man is the governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Obaseki: The dangers of trusting technocrats with political power
By John Mayaki I am no longer a neophyte when it comes to politics – at least, I studied under late Chief Tony Anenih – though not too close but through my late leader, Chief Barrister Samson Ekhabafe. That was when I realized that the game of politics is that of structure, loyalty, and endurance. It is not a one-off business deal where you take your profit and walk away.
Edo’ll SHINE under Okpebholo’s watch
By John Mayaki On November 12, 2024, Edo State turned a new page – that was the day Senator Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as governor. It effectively ended an era defined by empty sloganeering and misplaced priorities and the beginning of one grounded in real leadership, action, and results.
Something big in the offing for Edo farmers
By John Mayaki Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state is planning something big for Edo farmers in the weeks ahead – he has invited anyone who wants to act as an Observer to indicate interest – he is set to get our people back to farm in a manner never seen before, it was learnt.
That Protest against Joan Oviawe, By John Mayaki
I stumbled upon a video celebrating the end of Godwin Obaseki’s tenure as governor of Edo State and subsequently that of Joan Oviawe in the ministry of education. Particularly, the video was against Oviawe, who was also the Executive Chairperson of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and promoter of the now known scam – EdoBest. Not just the video.
Okpebholo: Is anyone still in doubt?
For those who doubted Governor Monday Okpebholo’s capacity to govern Edo State efficiently and effectively – I mean those of us who questioned his ability to unite the people, enhance security, and position the state prominently in national politics during the electioneering, it is now abundantly clear that we were mistaken. We were not just mistaken, but damn wrong. Okpebholo has defied expectations, proving that he is not the weakling some of us assumed him to be.
Godwin Obaseki’s EdoBest as EdoWorst, By John Mayaki
Last week, I watched the Secretary to the Government of Edo State, Barrister Musa Ikhilor who appeared on Channels TV Politics Today roasting the former Governor, Godwin Obaseki and by extension, his Education Commissioner, Joan Oviawe who oversaw the sham known as EdoBest. The SSG said EdoBest was never about improving education but a well packaged deception to secure the World Bank’s $75 million grant. He alleged that under Obaseki and Oviawe, EdoBest became a PR stunt with no real substance.
Ikhilor: Okpebholo’s square peg in a square hole
When Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo appointed Barr. Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), three months ago, many were left wondering. His name wasn’t one that resonated loudly in Edo State’s political circles, yet he was entrusted with the engine room of the administration. Now, as the governor marks his first 100 days in office, it has become abundantly clear – Okpebholo got this appointment absolutely right.
THISDAY's 'All Eyes on Edo Tribunal', Riposte By John Mayaki
A recent article published in THISDAY, titled “All Eyes on Edo Tribunal”, reads less like an objective analysis and more like a carefully crafted PDP press release. It is a curious departure from professional journalism—one that raises questions about why a respected journalist would author such a one-sided narrative.
Nigeria Blocks Export Permits Of Oil Producers Not Meeting Local Refinery Quotas
Nigeria to block export permits of oil producers not meeting local refinery quotas Nigeria's upstream oil regulator said on Monday it would deny export permits for oil cargoes from producers who fail to meet their stipulated supply quota to local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, Africa's largest.
Edo and the billionaire farmers of Kaduna
I watched Babajide Kolade-Otitoju on Journalists’ Hangout last week Friday as he documented his trip to Kaduna state, where he interviewed some billionaire farmers. You needed to see these men – if you come across them on the street, nothing about them suggest their paths ever came across money – at least, not in their appearance, yet they are some of the wealthiest individuals in their community – thanks to farming. According to Otitoju, gaining access to their location wasn’t easy.
Edo State: Disregard Statement by John Mayaki
The Edo state government has distanced itself from statements being issued by Mr. John Mayaki, a former Chief Press Secretary to the immediate-past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki. A statement on Tuesday by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary said the unauthorized statements by Mayaki do not reflect the official position of the governor’s office on any matter and should be disregarded. The statement also said Mr. Mayaki, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to express his views on any matter.
Sacked Commissioner Defects, Vows To Stop Governor’s Re-Election
Former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State, Abbas Sani Abbas, has defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), joining the growing list of politicians leaving the NNPP. He made the announcement during a visit to the Kano residence of Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, on Friday night.
Who Will Save Edo PDP From Closing Shop?
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is like a once-proud mansion now overrun by termites. I mean, it’s barely standing and creaking at the beams, begging for rescue. Under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s leadership, the party stumbled from one political gaffe to another – courting trouble even when there was none. The embattled leader is now resting just as his party – a misadventure that deserves its own movie: How to lose a state while in power.
Lagos To Translate State's Laws Into Yoruba Language
Lagos To Translate State's Laws Into Yoruba Language by LifestyleTonite: 9:46am In a bid to enhance the accessibility and comprehension of Lagos State laws, the Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to translate existing state laws from English into Yoruba.
Why President Tinubu always takes the hard road, By Temitope Ajayi
Those who think they are taking a dig at the President have been gloating. Their usual refrain is that the man they said built Lagos should build Nigeria for them to see. As Governor of Lagos, the President reformed governance and set the state on the path of irreversible progress. President Tinubu has never claimed he did it alone or discounted the contributions of others who led the state before him.
Childless Comment: Oshiomhole Must Apologise To His Mother, Daughters - Senator Uzamere
Senator (Arc) Ehigie Uzamere reviews Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s antecedents in the public space and situates his recent taunt of Governor and Mrs Godwin Obaseki as being childless as fitting the pattern of loquaciousness that is unbefitting of a man of his stature and age. OSAYOMORE, ONLY ALMIGHTY GOD GIVES CHILDREN. It is shocking and disheartening that Oshiomhole could be so uncouth as to taunt Gov Obaseki and the wife of being childless.
Again, Continuity For Consolidation
Is anything wrong with continuity? I mean building on an already established foundation. What about consolidation? Or you don’t think it is important we advocate and vote for continuity for consolidation of all the projects, policies and achievements under Governor Godwin Obaseki and bringing onboard someone who shares in the noble vision of the outgoing administration?
“THE” OGBENYI, By Temitope Lakisokun
Grief and gratitude are holding hands in my heart as I write this. Gratitude for who he was, and grief for what we have lost. When I think of Ogbenyi Egbe, I am reminded of the words of Benjamin Franklin: “The noblest question in the world is: ‘What good may I do in it?’ ” I’m convinced Ogbenyi woke up every single day asking himself this question and proceeded to do all the good he could. Here was a man who gave freely of himself—his time, his energy, his resources, his boundless creativity.
The Okpebholo’s absurdity
Monday Okpebholo, the man hiding behind godfathers, seems to have little interest in facing the press. He’s been dodging public scrutiny like it’s a game of hide N’ seek, so journalists have graciously offered to make things easier for him. Dr. Reuben Abati of Arise TV has even suggested lowering the bar – he has offered to skip English entirely and switch to pidgin or Okpebholo’s native Esan language?
Asue Ighodalo’s plan to grow the pie
The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has once again demonstrated his superior position in the Edo governorship race as the most prepared candidate. In recent media engagements, he delivered a clear, concise, and compelling outline of his vision and plan for Edo State.
EKEDC Disconnects UNILAG Over N472m Electricity Bill
By Ayo Kehinde The Eko Distribution Company (EKEDC) has disconnected the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, from the power supply over indebtedness to the company. Public tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, notably Federal varsities, have recently cried out over their inability to meet up with financial obligation on electricity use on campus since they were moved to Band-A Consumers.
Ize Iyamu’s War Against Education to Promote an Illiterate Candidate
Osagie Ize Iyamu has joined the APC’s war against education in Edo State to promote their unlettered candidate. He delivered his assault in an infamous video, in which he disparaged educational achievements and the capacity for clear, lucid expression in a language that serves as a passport to the world.
Why is Okpebholo Running Away from Debate?
By John Mayaki Journalists and media stations in Edo state and across Nigeria have resorted to publicly declaring Senator Monday Okpebholo as a ‘wanted’ candidate. The APC governorship flag-bearer, who cannot speak to his manifesto without whisperers, has left them with no other choice. He refuses to honor interview invitations, has barred the press from filming him, and appears determined to skip debate events organized by the media and civil society groups.
Okpebholo and the Whispering Godfathers
Monday Okpebholo is no stranger to gaffes. He ranks among the worst PR briefs in the history of politics. Every time he opens his mouth, disaster follows. Yet, candidates are generally required to speak extensively about their plans, vision, and ideas on the campaign trail. Okpebholo possesses none, unless you count his plan to hand over mineral resources to the people for them to keep in their homes.
Edo 2024: The Politics of Death, By John Mayaki
Meeting an untimely and violent death in the line of duty is a tragic event that warrants a thorough investigation. It also tests the leadership of those who engaged the victim, who are expected to show empathy and do their best to prevent such tragedies. Last week, Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, failed this basic test when violence ensued as he reportedly accompanied someone on a strange self-help mission to enforce a disputed judgment.
The Mute Candidate
In Anikulapo, the popular Netflix film directed by celebrated filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, viewers were treated to the spectacle of a mute king. He wouldn’t speak in public, instead whispering inaudibly to a chosen mouthpiece, who would then voice his thoughts to the gathering, whether of chiefs or villagers. Several explanations were hinted at for the mystery, one of them being that he was traumatized into silence after witnessing the brutal slaughter of his father in battle.
Our ‘Barkin Zuwo’ is here
Today, I received a call from a highly respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who expressed grave concerns about the future of Edo State. He lamented that electing Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, as governor in the upcoming election would plunge the state into an era reminiscent of Bakin Zuwo’s notorious leadership in Kano State.
Ignore fictitious statement about Police recruitment - PSC
Advertisement The Police Service Commission, PSC, has disowned a statement saying the change in leadership position would not affect the police recruitment exercise Newspot recalls a statement saying “that the change in leadership at the Police Service Commission (PSC) is not expected to affect the 2022 recruitment process. The recruitment process was already ongoing and had reached an advanced stage before the change in leadership.
Utilise $43m for human capital development — Sen Natasha to NLNG - Newspot Nigeria
Advertisement The chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has urged the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas Limited, NLNG, to prudently allocate $43 million from the $4.3 billion Train-7 project for human capital development projects.
James Brown Devastated After Losing TikTok Account With 1.7 Million Followers
The controversial lifestyle influencer, James Brown, has faced an emotional setback after his TikTok social media account with 1.7 million followers was unexpectedly taken down. In a heartfelt video shared on his page, James Brown expressed his shock and dismay upon discovering the loss of his account. He described the experience as devastating, unable to comprehend the sudden disappearance of his platform.
Akpabio and Niger Delta Development 2024 budget
October 20, 2023 The election of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the president of the Senate has raised questions about the fate of the budget for the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.
Akpabio and Niger Delta Development 2024 budget
The election of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the president of the Senate has raised questions about the fate of the budget for the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.
Momoh: A minister’s eye-opening experience in Niger Delta
September 13, 2023 By John Mayaki In the past week, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, embarked on a significant journey into the heart of Rivers and Bayelsa states. His mission: To witness first-hand the progress of projects spearheaded by his ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an agency under his purview. The minister himself bore witness to the prevailing situation and was profoundly moved.
Minister Momoh And Ogbuku: Guardians Of NDDC’s Integrity
By John Mayaki The urgent need for national attention to address the absence of development and the decay of infrastructure in the oil-rich Niger Delta region cannot be overstated. This is precisely why the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was established with the crucial mission of driving progress and development in the area. However, over time, this agency has seemingly lost credibility.Now, two prominent figures have stepped forward as staunch defenders of the agency’s integrity. Hon.
Minister Momoh and Ogbuku: Guardians of NDDC’s Integrity
A Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent, arrived in Lagos on Sunday to aid the fight against illegal activities including piracy and illicit trafficking in the sub-region. This is Trent’s second visit to Nigeria, the British High Commission said in a statement. “The visit will help deliver capacity training and support maritime security in the region,” the statement partly read. HMS Trent departed Gibraltar carrying an expert boarding team of UK Royal Marines and a Puma surveillance drone.
Minister Of Niger Delta Receives Warm Welcome, Commits To Regional Development In Rivers Visit
In the embrace of a splendid Port Harcourt dawn, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) headquarters stood adorned in welcome, a mosaic of warmth and effusive hospitality. Yesterday marked a day when Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the acting Managing Director and CEO of the Commission, revealed the depth of his endearment to the diligent workers he presides over—his dedicated workforce. It was a day etched in memory when the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Hon. Engr.
Obidients' Unethical Tactics, Threat To Judges, Families
A case of ethical transgressions such as campaigns for the obstruction of judicial process is brewing over the pursuit of victory in the 2023 presidential elections. Such is the current plight involving the ‘unruly’ loyalists of Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Obstructing Judicial Process: ‘Obidients’ Unethical Tactics, Campaign Risk Safety of Judges, Families
By John Mayaki A case of ethical transgressions such as campaigns for the obstruction of judicial process is brewing over the pursuit of victory in the 2023 presidential elections. Such is the current plight involving the ‘unruly’ loyalists of Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Timipre Sylva: A Visionary Trailblazer For Bayelsa’s Future
By John Mayaki In the realm of Bayelsa State’s political landscape, one name resonates as a beacon of hope, an individual whose unwavering dedication and visionary leadership stand poised to carve a brighter future for its people. Timipre Sylva, a man of unparalleled resilience and unmatched commitment, embodies the promise of progress and prosperity for the state. Sylva’s journey is one marked by a deep-rooted connection to the aspirations of Bayelsans.
Distinguished Women, Led by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Bring Joy and Hope to Nasarawa Orphanage
By John Mayaki Amidst the rolling hills of Nasarawa, an orphanage stood as a beacon of hope. Its walls, weathered by time, held stories of resilience and dreams that transcended adversity. One weekend, a group of distinguished women, led by Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, graced its gates. With hearts aglow, they entered the haven of laughter and innocence. The children's eyes sparkled as they welcomed their visitors.
A Noble Quest Beyond Fisticuffs
By John Mayaki Lend thine ears, oh citizens of this fair realm, and let us extol the virtuous endeavors of our esteemed Senate. In defense of their noble task, let it be known that the ministerial screening, though it may seem a theatre of inquiry, is not a mere arena for fisticuffs. Nay, it is a solemn undertaking, heavy with deliberation and crowned with the laurels of patriotism. Behold the august assembly of wise souls, the Senate, whose hearts beat not idly nor minds wander aimlessly.
Tinubu's Nomination, Screening Inspires National Unity and Youth Responsibility
By John Mayaki In the realm of politics, where personal interests and ideological differences often take center stage, instances of genuine magnanimity and a commitment to national progress can be rare and remarkable. Such is the case with the recent nomination by Nigerian political figure Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who demonstrated a remarkable display of statesmanship by nominating Olatunbosun Tijani, a former critic, for a ministerial position.
NLC: Let’s all go hungry together, no money to stock food!
What a delightful and brilliant idea the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has come up with! Going on strike to protest the escalating cost of living and fuel subsidies removal, while simultaneously asking us to stock our houses with food and essential items. Truly, a stroke of genius! You see, it’s not like we’re all living in a utopia with overflowing bank accounts and unlimited resources.
From Foes to Friends: Senators Akpabio and Yari forge an unlikely alliance in the 10th Senate
In the heart of the Nigerian National Assembly, a fierce contest for leadership erupted between two prominent senators – Godswill Akpabio and Abdulaziz Yari. The coveted position of the President of the 10th Senate beckoned, and with it, the promise of influencing the nation’s future. As the election day approached, anticipation gripped the senators and the nation at large.
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