Okpebholo Signs Law Prescribing Jail Term For Forceful Entry Into Edo Govt Properties

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has signed into law a bill prescribing a 10-year jail term for anyone who violently or forcefully gains entry into state-owned property.

The governor also assented to another provision stipulating a five-year imprisonment for individuals involved in the unauthorized sale or transfer of government property without the governor’s consent.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, and made available to journalists on Tuesday in Benin.

Itua said the new legislation underscores the administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, impunity, and the misuse of public assets.

“The Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025, establishes the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, a statutory body mandated to oversee, safeguard, and recover all public properties belonging to the state”, the statement read.

READ ALSO: Indigenous Contractors Protest Non-Payment Of Debts At National Assembly

“The law empowers the committee to prevent unauthorized occupation, vandalism, encroachment, alienation, or destruction of public assets”.

The committee, he added, is empowered to identify, inspect, seal, and recover encroached public properties, investigate disputes, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance.

It may also initiate legal actions through the Ministry of Justice against any individual or organization found in violation of the law.

Okpebholo reaffirmed that public assets belong to the people of Edo State, not private individuals.

“This law ensures that no one, no matter how highly placed, can appropriate public property for personal gain”, he said.

Under the new law, unauthorized sale or transfer of government property without the governor’s consent attracts a five-year prison term, while violent or forceful entry into state-owned property could result in up to 10 years ‘ imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the offence

It stipulated that professionals who aid or abet illegal land transactions involving state property will also face sanctions, including prosecution and possible referral to their professional regulatory bodies for disciplinary action.

Kelvin Fletcher’s wife Liz drops to the floor at reality star’s five-word remark

Kelvin Fletcher suggested a new idea for the pair’s ITV docu-series Fletcher’s Family Farm to his wife Liz, who was so bemused by the idea she fell to her knees laughing

Kelvin Fletcher left his wife Liz in fits of laughter during the latest episode of Fletcher’s Family Farm, thanks to a hilariously unexpected idea for their next big project.

In the new ITV episode, the former Emmerdale actor suggested turning their rural adventures into a sing-along feature. “You know what we could actually do?” Kelvin asked Liz with a grin. “We could create a farm musical.”

Liz immediately burst out laughing, before falling to her knees in hysterics as her husband tried to defend the idea. “I’m serious!” he insisted, to which Liz, still wiping tears from her eyes, asked: “Can you sing?”

Without missing a beat, Kelvin replied, “No,” before chuckling and adding, “That bit I won’t be in.” Trying to keep a straight face, he continued, “It could almost be our story. Two actors — ”

But he didn’t get far before Liz collapsed onto the floor laughing, spilling her tea in the process. “What? Why’d you just spill your tea?” Kelvin laughed. “It could be our story — two actors decide to get a farm.”

Still gasping for air between giggles, Liz managed to reply: “Kelvin, we’ve got enough to do, we’re not creating a farm panto!” Refusing to let it go, Kelvin shot back: “No, it’s not a pantomime, it’s a musical! We could get someone in to act it. Babe, do you not think that could be a good idea?”

Liz, still smiling, gave in while gently reminding him: “It is, but just one step at a time, okay? Let’s get through the wedding.” “The farm musical!” Kelvin declared proudly, refusing to back down.

The light-hearted moment provided a welcome bit of laughter for the couple, who have faced a challenging year. In the first episode of the new series of Fletcher’s Family Farm, Kelvin and Liz revealed that a devastating fire had destroyed their 200-year-old Cheshire farmhouse while they were away on holiday.

The blaze, which broke out late last year, left the property uninhabitable. “Our farmhouse has been standing for over 200 years,” Kelvin explained in a voiceover. “But sadly, at the end of last year, we had a setback that cost us our home.”

He revealed that their neighbour had to break the sad news to them, saying: “We were away on holiday, and got a call from our neighbour, Jilly. It was just kind of the stuff of nightmares.

“She was just in panic, and the fire was kind of roaring then. So obviously, the fire brigade was called, and it was just surreal, because obviously, we were away in another country, and there’s nothing we could do.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that before, really. So the fire brigade arrived within eight minutes of receiving the call, but by then, the fire had already been burning for several hours. The smoke damage has affected the whole farmhouse, which means we can’t live in any part of it.”

“It is gutting, isn’t it?” Liz said tearfully as they surveyed the wreckage. Despite their devastation, the couple and their four young children have continued to run their family farm while temporarily living in a nearby rental.

Now in its third series, Fletcher’s Family Farm follows the couple’s journey as they juggle family life and a growing number of animals. In recent episodes, the pair welcomed a handsome new cockerel to their flock and discovered that one of their cows is pregnant — while another sadly miscarried.

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Kelvin Fletcher’s wife Liz drops to the floor at reality star’s five-word remark

His wife Liz, who was so perplexed by the idea, sat down laughing and thought of Kevin Fletcher’s suggestion for the pair’s ITV comedy Fletcher’s Family Farm.

Kelvin Fletcher left his wife Liz in fits of laughter during the latest episode of Fletcher’s Family Farm, thanks to a hilariously unexpected idea for their next big project.

In the new ITV episode, the former Emmerdale actor suggested turning their rural adventures into a sing-along feature. “You know what we could actually do?” Kelvin asked Liz with a grin. “We could create a farm musical.”

As her husband attempted to defend the idea, Liz immediately burst out laughing before stomping on her toes in hysterics. “I’m serious”! Liz pleaded, “Can you sing,” while still wiping tears from her eyes.

Kelvin responded, “No,” without skipping a beat, before chuckling and adding, “That’s the part I won’t be in.” He continued, “It almost might be our story,” keeping a straight face. Two actors — “

But he didn’t get far enough for Liz to laugh while spilling her tea onto the floor. “What? Why did you “pour your tea out”? Kevin chuckled. Two actors decide to buy a farm, according to the scriptwriter.

Liz reacted by saying, “Kelvin, we’ve got enough to do, we’re not creating a farm panto,” while still gasping for air between giggles. Kelvin resisted letting it go, saying, “No, it’s a musical! Someone could enter the theater to act it. Do you not believe that could be a wise decision, Babe?”

Liz gave in while gently reminding him, “It’s, but just one step at a time, okay,” while she was still smiling. Let’s get to the wedding, “” “The farm musical” Kevin resolutely refused to step down, declaring proud.

The light-hearted moment provided a welcome bit of laughter for the couple, who have faced a challenging year. In the first episode of the new series of Fletcher’s Family Farm, Kelvin and Liz revealed that a devastating fire had destroyed their 200-year-old Cheshire farmhouse while they were away on holiday.

The property was uninhabitable as a result of the fire that started late last year. Our farmhouse has stood still for more than 200 years, Kelvin remarked in a voiceover. However, sadly, a setback caused us to lose our home at the end of last year.

He explained that their neighbor, who was away on vacation, called their neighbor, Jilly, to let them know the sad news. It just kind of resembled nightmares.

She was simply in panic, and the fire erupted somewhat at that time. Because we were away in another country and there was nothing we could do, it was obvious that the fire brigade was called. It was also surreal.

“I’ve never, really, gone through something like that. Within eight minutes of receiving the call, the fire had already been burning for several hours. We are unable to live in any of the farmhouse because of the smoke damage.

“It’s gutting, isn’t it?” As they examined the wreckage, Liz cried out. The couple and their four young children have continued to run their family farm while temporarily residing in a rental property close by.

Fletcher’s Family Farm, which is currently in its third season, follows the couple’s struggle to balance their growing family and their animals. In recent episodes, the pair welcomed a handsome new cockerel into their flock and learned that one of their cows is pregnant, sadly miscarrying.

Continue reading the article.

We Will Approve ₦1.1trn For Debt Settlement, Akpabio Assures Protesting Contractors

The Senate has appealed to protesting government contractors to remain calm, assuring them that the Senate will soon approve the President’s request for ₦1.150 trillion domestic borrowing to settle outstanding debts owed to them.

Some contractors had earlier besieged and barricaded the entrance of the National Assembly over unpaid debts for executed projects, vowing to sustain their protest for seven days until their demands were met.

The blockade disrupted accessALSO to the premises, delaying the day’s plenary and creating tension among lawmakers.

Speaking during plenary, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed that the upper chamber had already approved domestic borrowing to enable the Federal Government clear the backlog of payments. He urged the contractors to be patient as government takes steps to address their grievances.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Seeks Fresh ₦1.15trn Domestic Loan To Fund 2025 Budget Deficit

“We have just approved domestic borrowing to settle the indebtedness of contractors. I appeal for calm and urge them to give the Federal government time to resolve the issue”, he said.

Also during plenary, the Senate announced plans to debate recent comments attributed to former U. S. President Donald Trump alleging a Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Akpabio said he would await the Federal Government’s official response before making any comment on the issue.

Akpabio clarified that he was not in a position to respond to President Trump, underlining that the matter involves sensitive diplomatic considerations.

According to him, “Who am I to respond to President Trump”?

Akpabio’s rhetorical question was geared towards clarifying that he never made such comments. He revealed that he has already petitioned the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) and taken legal action against the blogger behind the false report.

The Senate President also called for caution in public discourse, urging Nigerians and the media to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory narratives that could jeopardize national unity.

He, however, assured lawmakers that the Senate would formally discuss the development at a later legislative date.

The Senate President also called on the Cybercrime Unit to identify and prosecute those responsible for spreading fake news about the Senate and its leadership.

Akpabio further noted that Nigeria’s internal challenges must be viewed from all perspectives, underscoring the need for peace and unity in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s problems must be weighed from all sides. What we need is peace”, he said.

Josie Gibson pays emotional tribute to Big Brother co-star who died in 100ft fall

Ben Duncan, who had previously appeared on Big Brother alongside Josie Gibson, passed away at the age of 45 after falling from a rooftop bar 100 feet above the ground.

Big Brother star Josie Gibson has paid tribute to co-star Ben Duncan following his death. The 45-year-old friend of Prince William fell from rooftop bar of a seven-storey building.

On day 52 of the eleventh season of Big Brother, both reality TV stars made their way back to the show. Josie continued to win the show while Ben was expelled. She expressed her grief over his passing on Instagram.

She wrote, “My heart goes out to Ben and his family,” over a picture of Ben and a headline reading, “Big Brother star Ben Duncan dies aged 45’after 100 feet fall,” underneath.

She continued, “I love you Ben, one of the most unique, hilariously funny, dry whitted guys I know,” adding that she loved Ben and his “unique” sense of humor.

READ MORE: Big Brother star and friend of Prince William’s Ben Duncan dies after ‘100ft fall from roof’READ MORE: Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson halt This Morning as they make baby announcement

Ben died on 30 October, aged 45, after falling from a rooftop of a seven-story building in the West End. The Metropolitan Police were dispatched to the Trafalgar St James hotel, where they found Ben.

After being notified of reports of a “man on the roof,” they went there. However, Duncan is believed to have fallen before they arrived from the rooftop bar, which has thick plastic screens around its edges.

As well as being on Big Brother, Ben was on Come Dine With Me and Celebrity Coach Trip. He was also a friend of Prince William at university, part of the inner circle when the prince started dating his future wife, Kate.

He disclosed how he was aware of William’s intentions for Kate when she was a teenager in 2010. “We had royal protection officers swarming the area because we had Will and Kate entrusted to us.” They were left alone to concentrate on what was happening because we knew they had a verbal and emotional hit.

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Alongside his royal connection, Duncan was friends with Lord Peter Mandelson, Michael Portillo and designer Nicky Haslam. One friend, broadcaster Mike Hollingsworth, paid tribute to the Big Brother star. Writing on Facebook, he said: “My dear, dear friend Benjamin (Ben) Duncan has left us.

“He lived life as Peter Pan – the boy who never grew up. He will be sorely missed by his many, many friends, who grew to love his charm, his wit, his infectious laugh and his innate sense of style. The world is a poorer place for his passing. RIP Benji.”