Former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has finally broken silence following his party's defeat at the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election.
Igbere TV had reported how the APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu lost to incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the keenly contested election.
Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State, had thrown his weight behind Ize-Iyamu, a former Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Edo State Government, in the guber polls.
On Wednesday, Oshiomhole said he did not break down as being alleged in some quarters, following the loss suffered by his party.
Thanking the people of Edo State for their support, the APC former national chairman said, "in life you win some, and lose some but life goes on".
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on Wednesday, met with Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caretaker Committee and Governor of Yobe, Mai Mala Buni, in Abuja.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu is the APC gubernatorial candidate in the just concluded September 19 Governorship election in Edo State.
Also at the meeting were Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and other governors on the APC platform. The meeting, at the instance of Buni, was to x-ray the party's performance at the poll.
A reliable source privy to the meeting discussions, told Igbere TV that the meeting deliberated and agreed on "the next political move of Ize-Iyamu", following the outcome of the election.
Our source said Ize-Iyamu expressed his dissatisfaction over the handling of the election affairs, particularly the way the national body congratulated the winner "without consulting critical stakeholders".
The source was quick to however add that the APC caretaker leadership persuaded Ize-Iyamu to accept the outcome of the election, concede defeat and congratulate the winner.
Igbere TV gathered that the closed-door meeting, which started at about 4:30pm and lasted over an hour, took place at the private residence of the Party Caretaker chairman, Buni, in Abuja.
Our Abuja correspondent reports that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu arrived the nation's capital since Monday, and has been meeting with stakeholders of the party.
He departed Edo state shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Godwin Obaseki as the winner of the election, on Sunday.
Obaseki, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polled 307,955 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Ize-Iyamu, who got 223,619 votes in the keenly contested poll.
Although President Muhammadu Buhari and the Buni-led APC national caretaker committee had since congratulated Obaseki on his re-election, Ize-Iyamu is yet to concede defeat.
Rumours are rife that the APC faction in Edo loyal to its former National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, would challenge the victory of Obaseki in court.
Already, the Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has been set up, and a panel constituted by President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Menem.
Ize-Iyamu is billed to also visit President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, before departing for Edo state. He is expected to make his next political move public after the meeting.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has extended an olive branch to his former benefactor and ex-national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole.
Obaseki, who defeated Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC candidate to win reelection in the September 19 Edo Governorship election, also extended same olive branch to the cleric.
Igbere TV reports that Obaseki made these declaration on Tuesday, while being presented with his Certificate of Return, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the fight was over now, adding that it was now time for the former governor and Ize-Iyamu to join hands with him as "one family" and help move the state forward.
“On a special note, I want to use this occasion to call on the former chairman of the APC, Oshiomhole, that, the fight is over.
“And that he should come and join in building the house, where he was part of laying the foundation,” Obaseki added.
Obaseki emerged victorious after a keenly contested election last Saturday defeating his closest rival and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Igbere TV had on Sunday reported how Obaseki, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 307,955 votes to defeat Ize-Iyamu, the APC candidate, who got 223,619 votes.
Even though the APC at the national level and President Muhammadu Buhari have congratulated Obaseki on his victory, separately, the APC in Edo is keen on contesting the outcome of the election, having rejected the results.
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Senator Rochas Okorocha on his 58th birthday, describing him as a consummate entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose kindness cuts across the nation.
Okorocha, a former governor of Imo State and Senator representing Imo West senatorial district, turned 58, Tuesday September 22.
Buhari's congratulatory message to Okorocha, which was made available to Igbere TV, was signed by senior presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu.
Eulogizing Okorocha, Founder of Rochas Foundation, President Buhari told him that his large heart will always stand him out.
“President Buhari shares the moment of joy with political associates of Owelle Okorocha, Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district in the ninth assembly, whose antecedents as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, President, Nigeria Red Cross Society, President/Founder, Rochas Foundation Inc, President, Rochas Group of Companies Limited, Pro-Chancellor, African Business School and former Chairman, Board of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency continues to resonate, especially among young leaders.
“The President believes Sen. Okorocha’s large heart and detribalized outlook on the country will continue to stand him out for recognition and appreciation, using his foundation to reach out to the poor and downtrodden in the society, building schools and health facilities, and providing scholarship for many.
“As the Senator turns 58, the President affirms that his dedication to the development of the country, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the citizenry deserves commendation.
“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant Owelle Okorocha longer life and good health to keep serving the country and humanity.”
Okorocha, born in 1962, is a Nigerian philanthropist and politician of Igbo extraction from Imo State. He who won the 6 May 2011 gubernatorial election in Imo State and was re-elected for his second term on 11 April 2015.
His Rochas Foundation comprises a number of special schools spread all over Nigeria, awarding scholarship to the less privileged children in Nigeria. On his first attempt, he ran on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform and ran on the platform of APC for his second term.
The former governor currently represents the Imo West senatorial district at the red chamber, as a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has admonished Christians to give generously in support of the Church.
Igbere TV reports that Kalu made the call on Sunday, September 20, at the fundraising ceremony for the permanent site project of the Assemblies of God, FESTAC 3, in Lagos.
The former governor, who doubled as special guest of honour at the all-important event and chairman of the occasion, was represented by Barr. Obinna Kalu.
He particularly congratulated the Assemblies of God on its decision to give her permanent place of worship a facelift.
According to Kalu, he was delighted and impressed that the Church which started from a humble beginning, is bringing together such a large number of worshippers.
“Indeed, this move could not have come at a better time than now, when the church as the biggest influencer in Nigeria is expected to play a dominant and leading role in nation building and transforming the lives of kingdom citizens,” he said.
“There is no doubt that in the 21st Century Nigeria, the church has some strategic and important roles to play in fighting societal ills like, social and economic injustice, greed, corruption, nepotism, maladministration, poverty, impunity, insecurity, rights abuse, and underdevelopment.
“It is fundamental that, for any church to respond effectively and strategically to its societal roles in nation building, and winning of souls to Christ, all physical and structural challenges and barriers such as inadequate space for worship and other gatherings, unsafe/insecurity of church members during and after services, environmental degradation, must be frontally addressed. I want to believe that these factors and many more must have prompted the idea and desire to give the permanent site of this Church a face lift.
“As kingdom builders, we must all be ready to answer the clarion call to support the transformation of this place of worship to a serene, calm, relaxed and comfortable place for praying, praising, worshipping and teaching the word of God as well as a centre for broad knowledge acquisition.
“I see today’s event as a divine call for everyone of us here, to join hands and work together to build and advance God’s kingdom because He lays emphasis when it comes to building His house. We must all be ready and committed to generously give our best to the work of God. The present economic hardship in the country should not discourage us because there are enormous blessings and rewards that come with giving towards the execution of God’s work.”
Senator Orji Kalu called on Christians to borrow a leaf from King Solomon in the Bible, who sacrificially built the house of God, and saw the hand of God.
“I want to prophetically assure you that as you give today, the attention of God will come to you because you have provoked the visitation of God by force over your life. He will end all your life battles; reward you with financial increase; bless you with long life and restore your honour.”
The former governor equally urged the ministers of the Church, and indeed all men of God to make soul winning the priority of their ministries.
“In every community, there are men, women, boys and girls who would respond to the word of God if a spirit-filled soul winner presents God’s gracious offer of salvation to them.”
High point of the event was the building project donation session, where Sen. Orji Kalu announced the donation of N500,000 towards the execution of the project.
Igbo leaders have commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, for his accomplishments in the areas of peace, good governance and the recent state’s economic rating, Igbere TV reports.
Speaking when the leaders visited Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, applauded the governor for the recent rating of Enugu as one of the six economically viable states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations.
Chief Nwodo, who was accompanied by the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, added that Enugu was the only state in the South East geopolitical zone to accomplish such an outstanding feat.
He disclosed that they were at the Government House, Enugu on a routine consultation “we are having with our governors on matters of Igbo concern”.
The Ohanaeze President-General revealed that they appraised the developmental issues in Igbo land and took brief on Gov. Ugwuanyi’s budget priorities in the areas of digital education, health, infrastructure, security, among others “and we are pleased with what he told us”.
The Igbo leaders expressed delight that the governor has maintained a peaceful atmosphere in Enugu State, and has equally reduced political differences to the barest minimum that there is no more issue of bickering or quarrel.
According to Nwodo, “we have listened to the governor about things he has done to make Enugu remain peaceful and to ensure that the people of the state live in peace, and we commend him for what he has done to earn Enugu the enviable status as one of the most peaceful states in Igbo land and Nigeria.
“This is not the only governor we have visited. This is the third governor we have visited in the ten days. We have paid a visit to the Governor of Imo State; we met with Governor of Ebonyi State this morning and we are going to meet with the Governors of Abia as well as Anambra States in the coming days.”
Edo-born Oil magnate, Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo has opened up on his expectations for Saturday's Governorship election taking place in Edo State.
Speaking with Reuben Abati on Arise TV in a program monitored by Igbere TV, the billionaire said Governor Godwin Obaseki has created three opponents for himself in his quest for a second term.
The renowned philanthropist specifically mentioned himself, Adams Oshiomhole, former APC national chairman and Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the party's guber candidate.
The business tycoon, who recently endorsed Ize-Iyamu, described the Obaseki-led administration as “monstrous” and “draconian.”
“Obaseki on his own created three candidates for himself one candidate real and two imaginary candidates. Instead of him to concentrate and face the candidate he was supposed to face he made Adams Oshiomhole and Captain Hosa his opponents.”
Captain Hosa further berated Obaseki for allegedly demarketing Adams Oshiomhole, who was his benefactor, as APC national chairman.
He lamented how Governor Obaseki allegedly deployed ethnic sentiments on the Benin people against Oshiomhole.
“Same people who gave Adams the name 'Osho Baba' is the one he has decided to demarket”, the Edo-born billionaire alleged.
Captain Hosa, however, said the market women and the masses are solidly behind Oshiomhole.
He claims Oshomhole’s performance as governor, is clear for the masses and downtrodden to see.
“Of a fact Obaseki’s hatred to see success might be his albatross in the forthcoming election.
*The Governor has fought with every of his benefactor and made concerted efforts to rubbish and ridicule the years of labour these benefactors have put into the society.
“Obaseki might not escape judgement on September 19th as his atrocities are very visible to Edo Residents.”
The Oba of Benin Kingdom, Ewuare II, has called on all eligible voters in Edo to come out en masse for Saturday, Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election, Igbere TV reports.
The Edo governorship election has incumbent Governor and candidate of the PDP, Godwin Obaseki and Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC, as two major contenders.
In a statement made available to Igbere TV, Thursday, by Frank Irabor, Secretary to Benin Traditional Council, the monarch asked the citizens to cast their votes for candidate of their choice.
The Oba of Benin further urged the people to coordinate themselves in a peaceful manner, and ensure they maintain NCDC protocols on COVID-19.
“The Omo N’Oba pray to God Almighty and the Royal Ancestors for a free, fair and violent-free gubernatorial election,” the statement added.
The police authorities have released guidelines for all eligible voters participating in Saturday, September 19 Edo Governorship election.
Igbere TV reports that the poll has incumbent Governor and candidate of the PDP, Godwin Obaseki and Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC, as two major contenders.
The guidelines were contained in a release made available to Igbere TV Thursday by police authorities in the Edo State Police Command.
Under the ‘Election Guidelines’, “No one is allowed to wear any cloth or emblem or colour signifying any political party to the polling units.”
The guideline also banned VIPs, political appointees or anybody from moving around with security details around the polling units.
“Everyone is enjoined to vote and return their respective houses or remain peacefully within approved perimeters of the polling centres.
“No one allowed to move around from one polling unit to another as there shall be restriction of movements on the day of the elections.
“Only INEC accredited monitors / observers are allowed to move around for the purpose of election monitoring, and they must all wear their INEC accreditation tags.
“Only accredited journalists are allowed to cover the election. All such journalists must carry their accreditation tags.
“Praise singing, drumming and dancing around the vicinity of polling unit are not allowed,” the guideline stipulated.
The police also banned vehicles branded in any political party colour and emblems from being deployed on any election assignment.
“Selling of alcohol beverages around the polling booth and collation centres is totally bannned,” the police Election Guidelines added.
“For any Emergency or useful Information reach out to the Edo Election Security Joint Operation Control Room via these dedicated phone Numbers 08154352118, 08154350436 (calls only).”
The police have said it would enforce the withdrawal of orderlies from all Very Important Persons (VIPs) in Edo during the State Sept. 19 Governorship election, Igbere TV reports.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Research and Planning, Adeleye Oyebade stated this, on Wednesday, in response to an inquiry by our correspondent, in Benin City.
“All security aides are barred from accompanying VIPs and political appointees during the election,” he said, warning that anyone who flouted the order would be severely reprimanded.
Igbere TV reports that Oyebade, who is supervising the general security arrangement for the election, has an AIG and 8 commissioners under him for the poll, in addition to the over 31,000 officers deployed to Edo for the election.
Speaking further, the DIG also disclosed that as from Friday midnight, the restriction of movement would commence till the same time on Saturday, warning that no one is allowed to wear any cloth, emblem, or colour signifying any political party to the polling units on Saturday.
He said as a prelude to the election, the police recently mopped up arms to curtail the proliferation of illegal arms, adding that no carrying of arms by persons, groups, or outfits by whatever name would be allowed.
“No person is allowed to move around with security personnel around polling units. Everyone is enjoined to vote and return to their respective houses or remain peacefully within the approved parameters of the polling centres.”
For the Saturday election, the police DIG said three policemen will man each polling unit in the 2,627 polling booths in the 192 wards that make up the entire Edo state.
He said the police officers to be deployed to the polling units have been well cautioned to be “apolitical, neutral, and professional in the conduct of their duties.”
The DIG warned “would-be miscreants and other political thugs who might be holding clandestine, nocturnal meetings to foment trouble with the motive to disrupt the Edo governorship election to desist from it.”
“Let me at this juncture assure the good people of Edo State that the officers deployed for this special assignment will be apolitical, neutral, and professional in their constitutional responsibilities.
“The police officers and other counterparts from sister agencies who are involved in this election will be posted to the polling booths by name, and would wear identifiable tags for easy identification,” Oyebade added.
The Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission has dissociated itself from a retired Deputy Clerk of the House, Efezokhae Samuel O., warning that anyone who does business with him on behalf of the Commission does so at his or her own peril.
Igbere TV gathered that Samuel is the Assembly staff who recently administered oath of office on 17 lawmakers-elect loyal to the Edo APC gubernatorial candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, as Clerk of the APC faction.
In a disclaimer obtained by Igbere TV published widely and signed by chairman of the Commission, Hon. Raphael Okhani, the Commission described the retired deputy Clerk "as an impostor who is now falsely parading himself as the Clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly."
The disclaimer reads: “This is to inform the General Public that Efezokhae Samuel O. is no longer a staff of the Edo State House of Assembly.
“He was retired as a Deputy Clerk of the House in 2019. He is challenging his retirement and making various claims against the Edo State House of Assembly at the National Industrial Court Benin City in suit No NICN/BEN/28/2019 MR. SAMUEL O EFEZOKHAE V. EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY & ANOR.
“Information has reached my office that Efezokhae Samuel O. is now falsely parading himself as the Clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly and writing letters to corporate organisations with forged letter heads of the Edo State House of Assembly. Take Notice that whoever does business with him purportedly on behalf of the Commission does so at his or her own peril.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo has accused the State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, of running away from a "well-publicised scheduled debate" on Arise TV between him and Pastor Ize-Iyamu, the APC candidate.
A statement forwarded to Igbere TV Tuesday by the Chairman of Edo APC Media Campaign Council, Mr. John Mayaki, noted that "the governor’s cowardice is legendary, shameless, and unbecoming of someone who hopes to lead the fearless people of Edo state."
Specifically, Mayaki said, “This is the third time that Obaseki will flee from a debate. What is he running away from? From accountability and transparency? This tells you that the Channels TV Interview was arranged. It was a trap and a plot, which we still overcame anyway.
“It also tells you that it was an elaborate setup by the governor Obaseki-led government to hoodwink the nation and the people of Edo State, but those in the state know what is going on.
“They had already paid for adverts on Arise TV just the same way they paid for adverts on Channels Television, but it meant nothing to the governor to run away from the debate after wasting Edo people’s money on advertisements.”
Mayaki added, “With this dodgy attitude of Obaseki, Edo people cannot have confidence in him. He has consistently failed promises made to workers, traders and farmers in Edo state.
“Now, Governor Obaseki has taken his unreliability to the media three times and the one time he appeared in the media, he knows how much he spent to present a good image howbeit, through fraudulent opinion polls and contrived narratives - no one trusts him.”
But reacting to the allegations, the Edo state government in a statement forwarded to Igbere TV, said the governor and his team are focused on last mile preparation for victory at the polls come September 19.
“The Governor has declined to participate in the Conversation on Edo on Arise News, later repurposed as a debate, earlier scheduled to take place today, Wednesday, September 16, at 8am.
“The Management of the cable TV station had in their interaction with the Governor ahead of the supposed debate told the governor it would be a CONVERSATION with him, only to make a last minute adjustment, turning the conversation into a debate with the opposition APC.
“With barely three days to the election, the Governor and the PDP campaign team had concluded on all forms of debate, and it was only unfortunate that the Arise News Debate falls outside the Governor's schedule.”
Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will on Tuesday(today) depart Abuja for Accra, Ghana to attend an Extraordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the situation in Mali.
This was disclosed in a statement obtained by Igbere TV issued by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in the Office of the Vice President.
He said Osinbajo who is representing President Muhammadu Buhari at the summit, will join other leaders in the sub-region to discuss the political crisis in Mali and the security situation in the sub-region at large.
"The Accra meeting will form part of several efforts by leaders in the sub-region to resolve Mali's political crisis," the statement added.
While in Accra, Igbere TV gathered that the Vice President will also meet with representatives of the Nigerian community in Ghana to discuss issues bothering on their wellbeing in the West African country.
Accompanying the Vice President is the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Zubairu Dada.
Prof Osinbajo is expected back in Abuja today at the end of his engagements in Ghana.
The South East caucus of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly under the leadership of Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, on Monday, in Abuja, passed a vote of confidence on the interim leadership of the Party led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.
Igbere TV reports that the Kalu-led federal lawmakers from the South East on the APC platform, arrived the national headquarters of the Party at about 12:30pm and passed the confidence vote at the office of the Secretary of the Buni-led APC National Caretaker Committee, Hon. James Akpan Udoedehe.
Senator Kalu during the meeting, extolled the leadership qualities of the Mala Buni-led committee, saying "his leadership would bring about required unity among the various members and chapters of the party".
According to him, "so far, so good, the Governor Buni-led National leadership of the party, has restored peace in the party at the National level and in most of the State chapters."
He, however, on behalf of the caucus, admonished the Buni-led National leadership to instill transparency, fairness and justice across the all strata of the party before emergence of substantive executives at the national level.
His words: "We need more openness in the party, in order to promote transparency within the party because once the party has transparency in operating in all their activities, things would be easier
"It is easier to win election with popular candidates. It is difficult to win elections when people are imposed. We should avoid imposition of candidates.
"You are a very experienced party administrator and Governor of the state and you are also very experienced in handling party matters.
"The caucus of the Southeast APC want to congratulate you, to enjoin other party members and to reassure you that we are going to work with you and infact, pass vote of confidence in this working national executives".
Kalu assured the National leadership of the party of better electoral performances in subsequent elections from the South Eastern geo-political zone.
"I want to specially congratulate and to tell you that we are solidly behind you and we shall support you in your quest to do everything transparently. It is important to have transparency in our party congresses, this will make the party have a big footing in the area. We assure you that we from the Southeast shall do better in the next elections than we did in past.
"We believe that with your honest leadership, the party will go to further heights. How I wish you are not the Governor of a state, we shall not be looking for another National Chairman because we have trust in you and I know you very well and even your capabilities", he said.
Also speaking during the meeting was the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeohca who, on her own part, advocated for the encouragement and inclusion of women in the party's activities and elective positions.
She said, "We are going to embark on constitutional review and I want you to use your office to ensure that you carry everyone along because there is no way we can continue living the way we are living.
"Women are helpmates to the men and in politics if we don't have enough women coming up on board, that means we are not doing what God says.
"From my experience, women don't have the strength that the men have, so if we continue to leave the constitution the way it is there would be discrimination so we appeal that you give the women more number of slots in terms of political offices".
Responding, the Caretaker Chairman of the party, Mr. Mai Mala Buni, thanked Senator Kalu for the visit.
He restated the committee's willingness to work with the South East caucus.
Buni extolled Kalu's efforts and contributions to the party's growth and urged him to continue his good work for the party.
The Yobe governor also called on women to take up the responsibility of contesting in elections rather than waiting to be given such positions on platter of gold.
"I disagree because most times our sisters will come from the position of weakness. In APC there was a time we decided to give free nomination forms to women we did that but there was a very superior argument that came up; which said that the women should come from the position of strength, because you can pay for the forms just the way a man can also pay.
"When we are talking about democracy, democracy is about contests. You have to contest, there are more women that I know that perform more than men. Even in the National Assembly you can attest to that.
"There are capable hands, even in my state there have never been a time that we didn't have a woman in the House of Representatives and they are performing and most times even better than men.
"You can see as none of them ever came from the position of weakness, they contest, won elections and even have more followers than men, women are naturally compassionate.
"Sometimes what they go out to do for the vulnerables out there men don't even care to do that. So when we are talking about gender issue we have to be more pragmatic we have to come from the position of looking for ways to encourage women to participate in politics.
"But when it comes to appointment I agree with you. Appointment is something that either the President, Governor or a local government chairman can do, but its not about election but when it comes to election I know you won your election I have been following you up and I see you travelling all over canvassing for votes, you didn't sit in the comfort of your bedroom claiming you are a woman", he said.
Ever since he was removed as the Commissioner for Finance, Obinna Oriaku has been behaving like a bull let loose in a China’s shop. It is understandable because he thought he was going to stay in the office forever. Forgetting that every position, including life itself, is transient, Oriaku has allowed his sulking to snowball into anger and frustration such that he has used every opportunity to attack the very system that brought him out of obscurity and poverty. Just like the nwanza (bird) which challenged its chi to a duel after over feeding itself, Obinna Oriaku thinks he has made money and therefore can brazenly challenge Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu and the system.
His recent ranting on a programme called “UNCENSORED” has exposed him as a greedy, melo-dramatic and egoistic opportunist who is not ashamed of his past. If he had any sense of shame, he would have been more circumspect in the self-indicting allegations he threw against the State government. It is a pity that a man who served as a Commissioner for Finance could not brandish any iota of achievement apart from stopping some people from receiving their salaries in cash!
In his warped tantrums, he targeted the State House of Assembly where he alleged that each member receives N3Million for the passage of annual budgets while their take home pay is N10M as against N1M paid to their Ebonyi counterparts. He also alleged that the House receives an overhead of N140M (annually or monthly) as against Enugu’s N36M. Assuming, but not conceding, that he is right, why did he not raise the alarm while he was the Commissioner? What is his motive of inciting people against an Assembly that is hailed by the people of Abia State as the most vibrant and dynamic in recent times? Again, what does the law say about their constitutional entitlement? If indeed, he participated in bribing the Assembly, it presumes that he has proof and that he is also guilty of a crime.
When Obinna submitted that he alongside the Accountant General and the Auditor General were collecting between 1.4M and 1.6M monthly to attend FAAC meetings, what did he want us to do with the information? Did he for once refuse the amount? Has he paid back the more than N60Million he collected for the 48 months? What kind of hypocrisy is that? If he considers that payment to be unlawful, why did he not complain officially?
In any case, is it not shameful that as Commissioner for Finance, he wasted millions of naira paying consultants to pay civil servants salaries. Can he be honest and tell Abians how much he paid LOIDANT CONSULTANT for their services and how the money was shared between him and the company. Is it also not curious that as a Commissioner, his job was only to disburse funds while he made no effort to present Exco Memo on how to increase the IGR of the State? Yet he alleged that IGR was diverted to private pockets.
Be that as it may, can Obinna Oriaku tell us why parastatals and pensioners were owed for two years whereas the Commissioner before him ensured that they were paid? Who is to be blamed if gratuities had not been paid for several years? What efforts did he make to change the narrative? What policy initiative did he bring to the table to assist the government of the day to serve the people better?
Is it not funny that somebody who claimed to have served as Commissioner does not know that recurrent expenditure is often higher than capital expenditure in budgets even at the Federal level? That goes to confirm the fears that Obinna Oriaku was a misfit in that office. Again where is the Exco Memo he sent to the governor concerning the issues?
Well, apart from the frustration of losing his job and the attendant hunger, Obinna Oriaku might just be jealous that his successor in Office is doing better than him in less than one year after his appointment. Parastatals are now getting their subventions monthly. Pensioners are now being paid promptly. And the state is saving millions of naira because no consultant is being used to pay salaries. And more than that, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Aham Uko is not only disbursing funds, he is also formulating policies on ways of increasing the state’s IGR and enhancing the financial status of the state generally.
It is unfortunate that Obinna Oriaku did not tell us the one man whom he accused of running the whole affairs of the state and dictate what happens. That man can only be the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu. He was elected by the people of Abia State. Any official serves at his pleasure. He reserves the right to relive anybody of his appointment just as he did to Obinna Oriaku. That power is not shared. That Oriaku was powerful as a commissioner did not mean he could share power with the governor. He abused the privilege extended to him by a benevolent man. And when his excesses became unbearable, he was shown the gate. That is the reality Obinna Oriaku. Live with it.
Politics › Re: Edo Guber: "You Win Some, And Lose Some", Oshiomhole Finally Reacts To APC Loss by 9jaBlogger(op): 9:26pm On Sep 23, 2020
