“We have lost a great officer in Arase, who we thought could have been of greater service not only to Edo State but the South South region and indeed to Nigeria after he retired as IGP. We all grieve but at the appointed time, no matter the position we occupy, we will all lie in state like our brother, father and friend here today.”
“Everything was perfect. I’m excited and happy. I know God has given me a wife. The Bible says he that finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord. I believe favour will follow this ceremony. I’m very happy.”
“In Bayelsa, we believe in the spirit of complementation and give-and-take. So be very objective in your assessment. We want you to be our guide. Whatever you look at and, in your opinion, is not legal, justiciable or ours, we will happily relinquish.”
“As you know, to maintain these equipment and the gas to fire them, even though it is on our soil, we will spend money to procure it from the company. So it is not free. For there to be constant electricity everybody must pay for it. It is pay as you consume.”
“The recent arrival of the 60‑megawatt gas turbines mark a major milestone and brings us much closer to reliable, round‑the‑clock power in our state. That development will reduce household expenses, attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.”
“We shall no longer remain passive observers while an individual who has dedicated the greater part of his life to championing justice for his people continues to suffer grave injustice. We, therefore, call for Okah’s immediate release.”
From the East to Central and West Senatorial Districts, they acknowledged the visible imprints of the Prosperity Administration—impacting lives, expanding opportunities, and building systems rooted in equity, peace, and inclusion. With courage, foresight, and passion, the Governor has, they said, continued to steer the state towards security, stability, and sustainable growth.
A key highlight of PANDEF’s message was the renewed call for urgent action on the longstanding infrastructural decay in the Niger Delta—the region that sustains the national economy. The forum emphasized that critical projects such as the East-West Road, the Benin–Auchi Road, the Benin–Warri Road, and the rehabilitation of major southern ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, and Warri can no longer be ignored if Nigeria intends to unlock its full economic potential.
This milestone anniversary offers us yet another opportunity to reflect on the journey of our nationhood. In that respect, we urge governments at all levels to show greater determination and respect for rule of law in consolidating democracy, pursuing meaningful economic reforms, and confronting the challenges of insecurity, poverty, hunger and youth unemployment that continue to weigh heavily on our people.
Dr. Igali prayed for Sommie’s soul to rest in peace and urged all who mourn her to take solace in the legacy she leaves behind.
