After 20 years in and out of the prison system, Ike Ibeabuchi who was one of the hottest prospects in heavyweight boxing before several run-ins with the law in the United States of America has once again regained freedom.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, will on Thursday be sworn into office for a second term at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the event would be held at the Tennis Court at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, adding that all necessary arrangements for the inauguration ceremony have been concluded.

He said, “The inauguration/swearing-in ceremony of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu will hold on Thursday, November 12 between 11 am and 1pm prompt at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Due to the prevailing realities of the coronavirus pandemic, we would be having only 750 invited guests at the venue.

“The inauguration is strictly by invitation as crowd control measures have been adopted in line with government’s guidelines to check the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). However, parties are to be held across the 18 local government areas of the state to celebrate the event. Party members are also expected to meet at the ward level to commemorate the event.”

He advised guests expected at the event to adhere to the guidelines regarding crowd control, noting, “Invited guests are expected to congregate at the pick-up spot at Edo Hotel on Okada Avenue, GRA, Benin City. Cars will not be allowed to access the venue of the swearing-in ceremony.”

Osagie also said provision has been made for virtual participation by Edo citizens and other supporters of the governor, adding, “The inauguration will be broadcast live on major television stations and social media platforms. COVID-19 protocols will be strictly adhered to.”

The Ijaw Youths Council Worldwide has warned the Federal Government against its planned relocation of the headquarters of the Department of Petroleum Resources from Lagos to Abuja.

President of the IYC, Peter Igbifa, who handed down the warning in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, said such move was capable of causing ‘unimaginable restiveness’ in the Niger Delta region.

Igbifa said instead, the apex government should transfer the headquarters of the department to any of the cities in the South-South.

He said, “This idea is nepotistic, insensitive and designed to give northerners unfair advantage to all the benefits that DPR will bring to the table when it eventually acquires independence from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Bill.

 “It is crystal clear that the Federal Government has always paid lip service to the development of the Niger Delta region. In one breath, the government asked oil companies to relocate their headquarters to the region, in another breath, this same government is planning to move the DPR head office from Lagos to Abuja instead of relocating it to the Niger Delta region.

“We condemn this move and warn that this development will threaten the peace in the Niger Delta region, which gives DPR and other oil multinationals reasons for existence. The Niger Delta will not fold its hands and watch this happen.

“This is an opportunity for the federal government to lead by example by first relocating the headquarters of the DPR to any of the cities in the Niger Delta region. This will show the government’s seriousness and commitment and enable other oil companies to do same.

“Anything contrary to this is unacceptable and will be resisted by all the Niger Delta stakeholders. It is high the Federal Government walked its talk. What is due to the Niger Delta must be given to us to create equity and fairness. The government should stop running this country with a body language that one section is greater than others,” the IYC President stated.