Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni has faulted the lawsuit against a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo by the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s legal team.

Obi had dragged the actor-turned politician to court for allegedly defaming him on national TV following the conduct of the NDC primary elections in the South East.

DAILY POST recalls that Okonkwo, in a recent interview, alleged that the NDC presidential candidate and other leaders of the party in the region collected bribes from aspirants seeking House of Representatives and senatorial seats.

The claim was vehemently pushed back by Obi’s camp, leading to a defamation suit and a seven-day ultimatum for Okonkwo to retract the claim.

Speaking during the Arise TV morning show, Rufai described Okonkwo as a “political surrogate”, stating that Obi should not waste his time in pursuing the case.

Giving his reason, Rufai said the lawsuit amplified the allegations, claiming that Okonkwo’s claim only became news after Obi slammed him.

He said, “If I’m to advise Mr Peter Obi, I would ask him to remove that case from the court.

“He doesn’t need. I can bet you that a lot of people did not even hear when Kenneth Okonkwo said it. It became news when Peter Obi sued him.

“You just gave a media traction to this guy, allow him to talk as he wants, the best you can do is to refute it. It is not everything you react to”.

The Edo State Government has ordered the temporary closure of three public Secondary Schools in Akoko- Edo Local Government Area of the State.

The public schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The State Ministry of Education disclosed this in a circular dated June 9, 2026 and made available to newsmen in Benin City.

The statement said the closure of the schools followed the security alarm raised by the State Command of the Department of State Services, DSS, over the alleged mass abduction of school children in Edo North senatorial district.

The statement signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry was addressed to the principals of the affected schools.

The ministry, however, directed that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) should be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements.

It said the candidates should be supervised as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of Akoko Edo Local Government Area.

“Consequently, and in line with the Government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, approval has been granted for the temporary closure of the affected schools with immediate effect

“All academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools are hereby suspended with immediate effect and shall remain so until further notice from the Ministry.

“However, candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders”, it added.

The ministry also directed the affected principals of the schools to ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians.

It further ordered the principals to secure all school facilities and property during the period of closure as well as maintain close communication with the Ministry, the Chief Inspector of Education, and security agencies.

It urged the principals to comply strictly with any further directives that may be issued by the State Government.

The State Government, however, advised parents, guardians, and members of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies.

It added that efforts are being intensified to guarantee the safety of all citizens and restore normal academic activities as soon as practicable.