₦airaland Forum

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS FIRST TRANSPORT UNIVERSITY IN AFRICA WILL LEAD INNOVATION, ENHANCE CAPACITY

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Daura, Katsina State, said University of Transportation, which will be the first in Africa, will provide technical skills, enhance managerial capacity and pave way for innovation in Nigeria’s transport system, while creating more job opportunities.

Speaking at ground-breaking ceremony of the pioneer University of Transportation in Daura, President Buhari noted that the transport sector was in dire need of new thinking, skills and investment, assuring that the university will open up opportunities for economic growth.

“The project is part of the ongoing effort of the Federal Government towards promotion and development of indigenous capacity through technology acquisition and knowledge transfer to effectively maintain and operate numerous railway infrastructure,’’ he said.

The President said the policy on development of indigenous capacity will be vigorously pursued by the government.

“When established the university would among other things pave way for domestication of railway engineering and general transportation sciences in Nigeria thereby bridging the technology and skill gap in the railway and ultimately transportation sector,’’ he added.

President Buhari said the university, which is an investment by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), will be fully supported by the Federal Government with guidelines to ensure domestication that will support local infrastructure.



While commending the Katsina State government for speedily providing land for the university, and the Ministry of Transportation for the initiative, the President said his administration will continue to prioritize railway transportation that will reduce cost of transportation and ease movement.

In his remarks, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State said the university will further boost the efforts of the state in providing sound education and technical skills to indigenes of the state.

The governor said the infrastructure of the state had been improved with the construction of many roads, adding that the university will provide requisite technical and managerial skills.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the siting the university in Daura will encourage cultural exchange as well as fill the gap in technical and managerial skills for the transport sector.

“The decision to bring this university to Daura was purely mine,’’ he added.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 2, 2019

Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved the immediate appointment of 15 Special Advisers in his government.

A statement sent to Igbere TV on Monday by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, listed the appointees as follows;

1. Mr Sunny Wokekoro
2. Alabo George Kerley
3. Barr. Okiri Aribitonye
4. Barr. Erastus Awortu
5. Hon. Sylvester Mgbor
6. Hon. Victor D. Ekaro
7. Hon. Innocent Paddy Wali
8. Barr. George Ariolu
9. Hon. Deima Iyalla
10. Barr. Emma I. Utchay
11. Engr Nkem Nwaribe
12. Hon. Harvey Azuka Ideozu
13. Mr Andy Nwanjoku
14. Mr. Austin Sor
15. Barr. Otonye Briggs

“The Special Advisers will be sworn in by the Rivers State Governor on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House Port Harcourt by 12noon”, the statement added.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has sacked all his political appointees in the state.

The sack is coming few days after the governorship election, in which Bello won a second term.

A statement sent to Igbere TV on Monday by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Ayoade Folashade Arike said all commissioners and media aides were also sacked.

At least four inmates have reportedly been killed in an electrocution incident at the Ikoyi custodial facility, Lagos state, Southwest Nigeria.

Details surrounding the incident are still unclear, but an eyewitness told Igbere TV that the deaths occurred early Monday morning, December 2.

Many others, with various degrees of injuries, were said to have been rushed to the hospital unconscious.

The unnamed victims were said to have been electrocuted at the B Ward (B4) cell. Ikoyi prisons has 6 wards namely, Wards A, B, C, D, E and F.

It was gathered that the inmates died while having the breakfast served on them by authorities of the prison.

When contacted, spokesman for the Ikoyi prisons, SP Rotimi Oladokun, declined comments. He subsequently hung up on our reporter and switched off his phone.

But an official of the prisons, who craved anonymity for fear of being victimized, blamed the incident on negligence on the part of the chief warden, Julius Abosede.

“The chief warden was informed of the electric issues before this morning incident. He failed to do the needful simply because he felt the inmates numbering over 130, were lying”, the official told Igbere TV.

“Julius Abosede (chief warden) is the most corrupt person in Ikoyi prisons.

“As a yard keeper, he is aware of the partial shocking incidents before it led to this major one that claimed lives.

“He (chief warden) once told the inmates to bring money for the repairs.

“The cell that the incident occurred was built to take only 30 inmates but currently has over 130 inmates.

“The prison facility was built to house just 800 inmates. But the Ikoyi Correctional facility presently has over 3,000 inmates as we speak.”

The official further disclosed that the Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos state command, Noel Ailewon, had visited the scene of the incident.

“He (Noel Ailewon) carried out an on-the-spot assessment this morning.

“He also talked about decongesting the highly congested situation of the prison,” the official added.

The Federal Government has insisted that any undocumented alien that fails to take part in the e-registration of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will be deported after the January 12, 2020 deadline.

NIS spokesman, Sunday James, who stated this in an interview with newsmen, also said any Nigerian who engaged undocumented migrants as security guards, nannies or housemaids could be sentenced to seven years in jail and fined N1m by the court as from January 2020.

Igbere TV reports that the NIS also said aliens who failed to participate in the ongoing e-registration would be deported and might be barred from returning to Nigeria.

James admonished Nigerian employers of "irregular migrants" to encourage them to register with the NIS in order to avoid the stiff sanctions awaiting defaulters.

He stated that the concerned foreigners, including ECOWAS nationals, had till January 12 to register on the NIS portal.

The NIS spokesman disclosed that over 30,000 migrants had registered in the Federal Capital Territory since the programme started in July.

He said, “By the Nigeria Immigration Act, 2015, any Nigerian keeping irregular migrants who have not been documented in their house or in their business places would also partake of the punishment that would be meted out to the undocumented migrant.

“There is a fine of N1m or seven years imprisonment or both for the Nigerian host or employer of the irregular migrant. This would be prescribed by the court. For the migrant, he or she will be deported and would not be allowed to come back to Nigeria. We have given all undocumented foreigners till January next year to register on the e-migration portal.”

Meanwhile, the Republic of Benin will on Monday (today), begin the census of her nationals in Nigeria in compliance with the ECOWAS treaty to guarantee their security in the host country.

Announcing this in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Sunday, the Deputy General Secretary of Benin Government, Cyrille Govgbedji, told journalists that the exercise would begin simultaneously in Abuja and Saki in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State.

Igbere TV gathered that the census would last three weeks.

On the objectives of the census, Govgbedji said, “the exercise is to make sure that any Beninoise national resident in Nigeria has ECOWAS Identity Card to guarantee his or her stay in accordance with the existing statute.”

By Ogochukwu Isioma

UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has approved the immediate dissolution of the 17 Local Government Transition Committee Chairmen and their Deputies.

This was contained in a statement made available to Igbere TV on Sunday in Umuahia, which was signed by Onyebuchi Ememanka, Esq., Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

“Consequently, the Governor has forwarded the names of the following persons to the Abia State House of Assembly for screening as Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Areas Transition Committees;

“1. ABA NORTH LGA
CHAIRMAN - Chief Victor Ubani
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Mrs. Joy Iwuchukwu

2. ABA SOUTH LGA
CHAIRMAN - Pharm. Cherechi Wogu
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Nochin Kanu

3. AROCHUKWU LGA
CHAIRMAN - Engr. Maurice Onyekachi Okoro
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Daniel Onyema Ogbuagu

4. BENDE LGA
CHAIRMAN - Dr. Hagler Okorie
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Mr. John Mark

5. ISIALA NGWA NORTH LGA
CHAIRMAN - Udo Nwogwugwu Y. O
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Chukwuemeka Wachuku

6. ISIALA NGWA SOUTH LGA
CHAIRMAN - Chief Nkem B Onwubiko
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Barrister Prince Enyioma Okpanku

7. IKWUANO LGA -
CHAIRMAN -Barrister Stanley Ojigbo
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Chima Ekije

8. ISUIKWUATO LGA
CHAIRMAN - Dr. Osita Igbe
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Charles Chinedu Uguru

9. OBINGWA LGA
CHAIRMAN - Kingsley Nnaji
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Mrs. Ezinwanyi Jonah

10. OHAFIA LGA
CHAIRMAN - Fred Idika
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Ezeikpe Kelvin Agbara

11. OSISIOMA NGWA LGA
CHAIRMAN - Dr. Ikechukwu Nwabeke
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Fyne Ahuama

12. UMUAHIA NORTH LGA
CHAIRMAN - Chief Lucky Akabuike
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Ugochukwu Ibe

13. UMUAHIA SOUTH LGA
CHAIRMAN - Dr. Ndukwe Adindu
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Chibuzo Ejim

14. UMUNNEOCHI LGA
CHAIRMAN - Engr. Matthew Ibe
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Chigozie Igbo

15. UKWA EAST LGA
CHAIRMAN - Mrs Stella Igbokwe
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Chief Rowland Omoni

16. UKWA WEST LGA
CHAIRMAN - Chief Sylvanus Nwaji
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Mrs Ifeyinwa Adiele

17. UGWUNAGBO LGA
CHAIRMAN - Chief Peter Aguomba
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - Mrs Appolonia Emeh.”

Enugu State Governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was on Thursday, November 28, 2019 conferred with the "Governor of the Year" Award by Igbere TV News Agency.

Ugwuanyi bagged the prestigious award at an event held at Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Abuja, tagged "Leadership Excellence Awards 2019".

The Governor was represented by Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, who received the award on his behalf.

In his acceptance speech, the Governor thanked Nigerians, particularly the good people of Enugu, for finding him worthy of being nominated and voted for the prestigious award.

He assured that he would not let the people down, and pledged to continue doing what he was doing that earned him the recognition.

Igbere TV reports that Gov Ugwuanyi beat four other prominent Governors to clinch on to the prestigious Award.
They include, Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti).

Other awardees include President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Speaker of House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara; Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

Others were the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi; former Governor of Imo state, Sen. Rochas Okorocha; Acting EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu; Oil Tycoon, Daniel Chukwudozie (Dozzy Oil); Rep Benjamin Okezie Kalu, among others.

Las Vegas-based Nigerian Medical Doctor and Anambra born philanthropist, Dr. Godwin Maduka, beat four other prominent Nigerians to emerge "Man of the Year".

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has assured that the 9th House is "working assiduously" to meet the demands of members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly chapter.

A statement obtained by Igbere TV signed by Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, said the leadership of the House had on different occasions discussed issues related to the welfare of the parliamentary staff and how to improve their working conditions.

Speaking when he hosted members of the association in his office in Abuja on Monday, the Speaker said the House under his leadership would do everything possible to ensure that parliamentary staff are happy.

He said: "We believe in the partnership and work between the House and PASAN. I believe this is our first engagement, and it will continue. Hopefully, after this meeting, we will all be able to chart a new course.

"It's important that we start this relationship. I know of your association and I know of your commitment to the National Assembly. All the things you enumerated are about welfare," the Speaker said.

‎Gbajabiamila, who noted that the National Assembly and the country could not make progress without having the parliamentary staff in good working condition, said: "Your role is very critical to us and the country.

"The leadership of the 9th National Assembly is sensitive to you and what you've been looking for. We've had over nine meetings of the leadership, and it was only once or twice that the issue of PASAN didn't come up. So, we're working assiduously to make sure that your demands are met."

On the issue of the staff Consolidated Salary Structure (CONLESS), the Speaker said the National Assembly would ensure that it is captured in the 2020 budget, which is currently before the Legislature.

Similarly, the Speaker said the issue of befitting offices for both the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) and the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) would be looked into in the budget.

"On staff training, again it's about funding. I believe everybody needs continuous training. It's a function of funding, and we'll try as much as possible to capture that in the 2020 budget. But we must understand that it's based on the availability of funds."

Earlier, the National President of PASAN, Mohammed Usman, raised the issue of staff salary arrears under CONLESS, a new condition of service as well as financial autonomy for the National Assembly.

He said it was imperative that the leadership of the House looked into the issues to resolve them amicably for a better working environment for the staff of the National Assembly.

Other leaders of PASAN at both regional and National Assembly levels also harped on the need for the leadership of the House to intervene urgently for the issues between the association and the management of the Legislature to be resolved.

Edo 2020: Why Governor Obaseki Should Never Be Trusted Again (1)

By Ogochukwu Isioma
(CAMPUS GIST)

On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, announced the termination of appointment of all his Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants, declaring readiness to appoint replacement in 30 days.

A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Osarodion Ogie, claimed the move was in line with government’s efforts to reorganize governance in the state, even though there has never been any at the first instance.

“This development is in line with efforts to reorganise the governance structure to enhance efficiency in service delivery to Edo people”, he said, adding, “fresh appointments will be announced within the next 30 days”.

48 days after, the state government is yet to announce “fresh appointments”, failing, yet again, on its promise, just as the governor is fond of reneging on his promises but rather take to media governance in showcasing audio achievements coupled with signing of MoUs, mulling and harping daily, on the pages of newspaper. If Obaseki could not keep to his promise of making fresh appointments within 30 days, what then should he be trusted with?, why should we trust him again with our mandate?. Better put, a governor who does trust Edo people whom he has sacked, is alien to the masses, and, therefore, cannot be trusted with our mandate again lest he makes another unfulfillable million and one promises.

The about 220 affected appointees with no specific job description since 2016, have since become full-time social media activists and are all worn out in defending the glaring incompetency of the MoU governor, with the hope of being considered for reappointment. That is evident from the incoherent and acerbic posts on social media platforms to launder the diminishing image of a man who personally supervised the nocturnal inauguration of the Edo Assembly, that gave birth to the puppet (mid)night speaker, Frank Okiye.

Under Obaseki’s sleeping eyes, unemployment in Edo state has soared and investments have waned. Democratic values and supremacy of the law are being tested by the despotic governor. What else is left to be said about a man who does not respect the rule of law but takes his own party and party men to court, and supervises anti-party activities and inflammatory government house releases?.

Obaseki is yet to deliver on good governance to the people since he came on board in 2016. We all campaigned for CONTINUITY but he came and abandoned all projects initiated by his predecessor and took to crude politics. In fact, the only “service” Obaseki has successfully delivered to the people include, debt services, substandard roads, MoUs and audio jobs.

The Edo populace have since rejected the governor over his incompetence and non-performance. He has shown to lack what it takes to lead a state as peaceful as ours. Under his nose, insecurity has increased, schools are under lock and key with no bursary for students, yet, he is spending millions on everyday media governance. Once confronted to showcase his achievements, the governor’s handlers are quick to pen lengthy epistles as if achievements ought not to speak for itself. No wonder someone once said Obaseki’s achievements are audio, they can only be heard but cannot be seen. The only known achievements of the governor are on papers which include failed MoUs and his annual ‘Alaghodaro’ summit were tax payers money are wasted, claiming he had provided over 170,000 jobs. Truth is the governor remains unpopular, incompetent and undefendable.

These are interesting times for Edo people and the governor, who in all ramifications appears embattled and paranoid about his vaunting ambition to govern the state for another four years. He has deployed all the arsenals in his armoury to deal with those opposed to his second term and employed intimidation to cow the fearful and gullible into submitting to his second term ambition whether they are convinced or not.

Truth is, support for a political ambition is not obtained by coercion, demolition of properties, sacking of appointees and democratically elected council chairmen, breaching parliamentary traditions etc...,but through dialogues, negotiations and collaboration. But Obaseki lacks the humility, interpersonal skills, compassion, pragmatic approach to governance, quality infrastructures, guided utterances, respect for party leaders and members needed for such a venture. Power is transient, it is negotiated through interaction and constructive engagement of all the forces in a democratic setting. One wonders, therefore, the desperation that is attending his second term bid.

It is time to count our losses and move on...but not before we send him packing. Enough is enough! Let's rescue Edo from Lagos emigrant, tyranny and incompetency.

Ogochukwu, a social media influencer and political commentator, writes from Benin City.

He can be best reached on ogochukwuisioma@gmail.com, +234(0)8133881166

On behalf of the Federal Executive Council and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on his 85th birthday, October 19, 2019, describing him as a living legend and symbol of national unity.

As Nigeria’s youngest leader since Independence, President Buhari affirms that Gen. Gowon’s visionary leadership style, wisdom and disciplined outlook kept the country as one, extolling the former Head of State for faith and steadfastness in God in times of adversity, and courageously pursuing the interest of majority Nigerians for a unified and stronger country.

The President believes the elder statesman laid a solid foundation for the country to thrive, with the creation of federating units, and implementation of futuristic policies like the National Youths Service Corps, that has consistency served the purpose of fostering unity, harmony and expanding the horizons of young Nigerians for life-time opportunities.

President Buhari commends Gen. Gowon’s simplicity and humility, leaving the highest position in the country to return to school for further studies, and returning to provide wise counsels to leaders, encouraging good governance and setting up an organization , Nigeria Prays, that consistently upholds the nation in prayers.

The President notes that the former Head of State has stayed relevant in Nigeria and beyond, and enjoys wide respect from far and near.

President Buhari congratulates all family members, friends and close associates of the exemplary leader on the auspicious occasion of his 85th birthday, praying that the Almighty God will always remember his sacrifices for the nation, and grant him longer life, good health and strength to keep working for the good of country and humanity.

Management of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, has suspended some students over alleged involvement in a peaceful demonstration.

Those affected are the Mayors and Mayoress of halls of residence, including that of Hall 5 and Keystone hostels. All the three persons are undergraduate students.

CAMPUS GIST reliably gathered that the said protest was led by postgraduate students in first semester. The school is currently in second semester.

The protesters were said to have demonstrated to the official residence of the vice-chancellor, otherwise known as VC lodge, in protest against non-availability of power.

It was gathered that the hostels lacked electricity and water for over three days during exam period, forcing the students to take to protests.

Their suspension was announced by the university Registrar, Mrs O. A. Oshodin, in a private letter exclusively obtained by CAMPUS GIST on Friday.

“You will recall your alleged involvement in a case of unlawful protest and at an unholy hour”, she said in the letter obtained by our UNIBEN correspondent.

“The Vice Chancellor, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 17 (b), (c), and (d) of Edict No. 3 of 1975, and as amended by Decree No. 20 of 1975, has directed that you be suspended from all academic activities forthwith until you before the Security Department for clearance.

“Accordingly, you are hereby suspended from your Faculty and the University until get clearance from the Security Department”, added Mrs Oshodin.

Efforts to reach the Registrar for comment proved abortive, even as calls placed to the known phone lines of the university spokesman, Michael Osasuyi, went unanswered.

But an official of the school who would not like to be mentioned, said the university took the decision because the VC was disturbed from sleep at such “ungodly hour.”

On why the affected persons were suspended even when they are not directly involved, the official said the suspended persons were expected to have managed the situation.

“They failed in their duties as halls’ mayors and mayoress, respectively”, he said, adding, “they are expected to handle any of such cases from escalating especially at such ungodly hour.”

One of the affected persons who craved anonymity, told CAMPUS GIST that he was shocked to hear about his suspension from his hostel porter.

“The protest was led by postgraduate students [last semester] because they had no light in their hostels for over three days”, he said.

“Nobody even heard about it except for members of the Committee on Hostel Matters. Even myself, I wasn't aware not until my attention was drawn after the protest had begun.

“It was a peaceful demonstration, though the protest was taken to the VC’s lodge which is a normal thing in the university. Sadly, management accused us of spearheading the protest”, said the hall mayor.

This is not the first time UNIBEN will be suspending her students over demonstrations. In February, 2018 four union members were expelled from the school over a protest against an increment in tuition fee.

The expelled students were accused of staging a students’ demonstration on November 24, 2017, an action the university authorities described as intended to disrupt the institution’s 47th Founders’ Day Lecture and the 43rd Convocation Ceremony.

Those suspended include the then Student Union president, Osemudiamen Elvis; PRO, Ehiabhi Goodnews; Secretary-General, Justus Aidenagbon; Director of Socials, Innocent Ehiozua, and a renowned activist, Benjamin Majekodunmi, alias Sankara.

They were later recalled to the school following the intervention of external forces, including the university chancellor and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated 43-year-old Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopian Prime Minister and winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.

Ahmed was on Friday conferred with the award for helping put an end to his country’s 20-year war with Eritrea, reports Igbere TV.

Announcing the prize in Oslo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said Ahmed's "efforts deserve recognition and need encouragement."

The conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea over disputed border territory came at a huge financial and humanitarian cost for both countries.

Reacting to the development in a post sighted late afternoon by Igbere TV on his verified Facebook page, President Buhari wrote;

“I congratulate Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who was today declared winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his remarkable work to end the 20-year conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. This recognition is a good sign for peace processes within countries and across borders in Africa.

“I believe that the development of Africa is strongly tied to peaceful co-existence, and to deliberate efforts by governments and citizens to sustain harmony within and between countries. We must do more in collaboration and partnership for peace across the continent.

“It is my hope and prayer that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s global recognition will spur more interest in issues of peace in Africa, and bring beneficial outcomes to the entire continent.”

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Thursday, October 11, 2019 inaugurated the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), aimed at restoring the Enugu Master-plan.

Igbere TV reports that the new ECTDA team has the Governor’s former Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, as the Executive Chairman.

The Authority, according to a statement obtained by Igbere TV, was established following the amendment of the Enugu State of Nigeria, 2009 Law No.5, for the enforcement of compliance with appropriate standards in the development of the Enugu capital territory and matters connected therewith to align it with the desired governance structure.

Inaugurating the 14-man enforcement authority, the governor stated it was constituted in line with a deliberate choice of the state government to enhance the glory of Enugu as the former capital of Eastern Nigeria, East Central State, old Anambra and Enugu State as well as the present Enugu State.

He noted that Enugu state deserves an enhanced serene ambience to be able to offer the full compliments of urban triangle; a place to live, work and play.

Governor Ugwuanyi, therefore, charged the newly-inaugurated body “to immediately commence the enforcement of full development control in Enugu Capital Territory in keeping with Enugu Urban master-plan, relevant extant laws and the need for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem balance”.

The Governor pointed out that the serenity of Enugu city is one of the state’s greatest assets that must be jealously guarded, directing that “you must therefore halt and begin to reverse the contraptions of building approvals pervading Enugu Capital Territory”.

According to him, “Enugu Capital Territory must sustain its ranking as a destination of choice in real estate investment. We expect nothing less from you.

“I must emphasize, as always, that your loyalty as public officers should be to God and the State. You must at all times be seen to pursue honesty, transparency, accountability, equity, justice, fairness and unalloyed commitment to your duty in the course of your service to this state.

“The roles may be different but we are united in the objective - to alleviate the sufferings of our people and put smiles on their faces, and these we must do in fulfillment of our contract with Ndi Enugu”.

Other members of the ECTDA include, the Director, Town Planning, State Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Paul Ugwueze; State Surveyor-General, Mr. Godwin Chinyelu Ishiwu; Director, Construction and Maintenance, State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Okechukwu David Okpe; Director of Lands, Mrs. Chinyere Justina Ngwu; and the Director of Traffic/Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, State Ministry of Transport, Engr. Charles Osita Ugwuagbo.

Others are, Director in the State Ministry of Environment; Managing Director, State Water Corporation, Engr. Chidozie Eze; Managing Director, State Waste Management Authority, Mrs. Amaka Martina Anajemba; Director, State Tourism Board; State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Daniel Okwudili Oha; and representatives of Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu South local government areas, Engr. Cyril Mbah, Engr. Anthony Chinweuba Agbo and Surv. Jonathan Onyia, respectively.

The Chairman of Egor Local Government Council in Edo State, Mrs Eghe Ogbemudia has been suspended from office, Igbere TV reports.

Eghe, daughter of former military governor of Old Mid-West (Bendel) State, late Samuel Ogbemudia, was suspended from office on Thursday, October 10.

Although details of the suspension was still sketchy as at press time, her Chief Press Secretary, Stanley Atafoh confirmed the development in a chat with our correspondent.

“Yes, the information is true. My boss, Hon. Eghe Ogbemudia, the elected Executive Chairman, Egor Local Government Council, was this evening informed of her suspension from office”, he told Igbere TV.

When asked the reason behind the suspension, the CPS said, “I am yet to be informed on what ground was she suspended on (sic). I hope to get the true information as soon as it is made available.”

Igbere TV, however, reliably gathered that the Council Boss was suspended on the orders of Governor Godwin Obaseki for opposing his re-election bid in the Edo State 2020 election.

The Council Chairman is said to have repeatedly refused to openly declare support and endorse the Governor, like her counterparts in other Local Government Councils did.

A top aide of the Governor who craved anonymity, also accused Ogbemudia of identifying with the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), a pressure group opposing Obaseki’s re-election bid.

“Yes, she was asked to step down following a petition that she is a member and secretly financing the activities of the dissenting group, EPM”, the source said.

The government functionary revealed that the group and its members have equally been marked for sanction by the leadership of All Progressives Congress in Edo State.

The suspension of Ms Eghe Ogbemudia from office as Egor Council Boss, ahead Edo 2020 election, brings the total number of Council Chairmen suspended by Governor Obaseki to 4.

Suspension of Council Chairmen Illegal

The suspension of four Council Chairmen from office for whatever reasons amount to acts of lawlessness, unconstitutional and violation of the protected duties of the Local Governments to independently administer its affairs.

Governor Obaseki violated a Supreme Court judgment delivered in 2016 where a five-man panel led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, ruled on an appeal of similar suspension of Local Government Executives in Ekiti State, deemed the act as unconstitutional and in violation of the protected duties of the Local Government to independently administer its affairs.

“...Section 7(1) of the Constitution guarantees the system of local government by democratically-elected local government councils and conferred sacrosanctity on the elections of such officials whose electoral mandates derived from the will of the people freely exercised through the democratic process.

“It, therefore, strips the Governor of any power to unilaterally remove elected Local Government officials or interfere in its dealings without violating the constitution he swore to protect”, Justice Rhodes-Vivour had ruled.

benratigan3:
obaseki is a user and an ingrate.when oshiomhole was running round and clearing road for him he was not a godfather then abi.is it oshiomhole constructing wash and wear roads that can stand the test of time?

see Benin is about to sink you are fighting oshiomhole.Lagos street is now an island in the heart of ring road, road constructed that is not up to seven months

The State Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr Chris Azebamwan has exonerated Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, APC National Chairman of all godfatherism allegations in the Edo political space.

In a statement personally signed by him entitled, “Adams Oshiomhole And His Place In History”, sent to Igbere TV, Azebamwan described the former Governor as a messiah who came to rescue following the eight years of waste by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government.

He lauded the former labour leader and APC national chairman for strengthening the Party in Edo State and making everyone feel entitled as a stakeholder [in the Party] during his eight-year reign as Governor.

Describing the current administration in Edo as an offshoot of the political legacies of the Comrade Governor, the APC spokesman said Oshiomhole’s place in the contemporary history of Edo State [politics] cannot be overemphasized.

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was elected to the Office of the Governor of Edo State in April 2007 but did not assume office until November 2008 after a long-drawn legal tussle that ousted Professor Oserheimen Osunbor.

It is a generally held view by the average man in Edo state that the eight odd years of PDP was a disaster and a dismal failure. The infrastructural framework collapsed. Roads were not motorable even when they could be accessed. Hospitals became consulting centers. School teachers in some instances taught under open skies. Salaries for public officers were unpaid and state-owned investments were looted and stripped of their assets.

This meant that any modicum of effort at delivering on the responsibilities and obligations of government thereafter, was a major departure from what people had become used to in Edo State. They had come to expect little or nothing from their government.

Commenting, Azebamwan said, “On assumption of office, Oshiomhole immediately embarked on urban rejuvenation with massive road repairs and expansion. Inner city roads that were hitherto in a deplorable state took on a new look. Hospitals were refurbished and restocked, the moribund intercity and intracity transport agencies were revived and a fleet of the now famous green “comrade buses” plied the length and breadth of Edo state. Salary arrears were appreciably paid up.

“He undertook youth employment and empowerment, and he raised the minimum wage of public sector workers. Dilapidated schools all over Edo State sprang back to life and “red roofs” dotted the landscape. He renovated the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and initiated the Okpekpe Road Race to put Edo State back on the global map.

“Oshiomhole galvanised and strengthened the party machinery to enable them reap support at the grassroots. Everyone began to see himself as a stakeholder in the political process. In the words of Oshiomhole, “let the people lead.” The people saw the government as theirs and Oshiomhole was the arrowhead and the rallying point.”

He said the landmark achievements of Oshiomhole were so outstanding that he himself became a brand. “Such was his phenomenal successes and charisma that in the elections of 2011, the key campaign slogan of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was that a vote for any of the candidates was a vote for Oshiomhole”, Azebamwan added.

“This was a measure of the level of trust that he had garnered from the electorate. The candidates did not need to canvass votes, they simply keyed into the Oshiomhole brand. It was such a sure bet that some aspirants in the opposition party jumped ship and decamped to ACN just to win their elections, only to hijack the mandate back to the opposition party once they were elected.

“This was the phenomenon that was Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Support for him was like a mass movement. It was the same thing in the elections of 2015. So massive and widespread was his acceptance by party leadership and at the grassroots.”

Unlike that of Governor Godwin Obaseki, Azebamwan said “the leadership (of Oshiomhole) was not coerced or imposed. It was a voluntary subscription by all and sundry. This wave of general acceptance of Oshiomhole was what Obaseki rode on to electoral victory in 2016.”

“This is not in consonance with the concept of Godfatherism”, the Edo APC publicity secretary reiterated.