PRESS STATEMENT
By PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA

OF SUSPENSION BY "TAX COLLECTORS" AND OTHER MATTERS.


I would not have glorified the PDP leadership with a response concerning the one month so-called suspension placed on me but for the deluge of calls I got from concerned Nigerians who insisted that they deserve to have my response. I saw a letter purportedly written by my Ward 5 executives on social media, unsigned with no name attached, saying I have been suspended for one month. At first, I wondered why it took this long for the leadership to armtwist those young unemployed youths whom I have fought for to add value to their lives, before a supposed letter finally emanated from them.

They have severally told me of the pressure and threat to their lives by the party's leadership especially the inchoate party chairman, who appears drunk with his new fond candidate that is feasting fat on our collective patrimony. I am told how he tried to breathe down the throat of those young boys in my ward, insisting on invoking a suspension order on me. For your information, it does not matter how many months you suspend me, you can even decide to expel me from PDP, so that I can free myself from the grip of "tax collectors" who have found a new trading routes to their pockets. My point remains very sacrosant that you cannot grab a man's trousers by the pockets and thereby gifting him the party's ticket, without appearing drunk with unreason.

I hold no grudge with those boys in my Ward, who have been compelled to issue a suspension letter to me supervised by a quack doctor who has been "slaughtering" people in my community. This situation will afford me the opportunity to interrogate persons who have been part of those conspirators to reap us off as Okpellans in our quest for our rightful place in the scheme of things. My position remains unshaken irrespective of the manipulative conduct that has exposed the rotten underbelly of a party that is steeped in tax collection from would-be aspirants. My cause is simple: to place Okpella above self in our quest for our deserved place in the affairs of the state. I have made the point so eloquently loud and clear, and any Governor would not neglect us based on the pedestal we presently occupy.

I do not really need any political party to exhibit my political choices and persuasions. I am neither a government contractor nor one who hustles for the perks of office. My interest is predominantly anchored on the future of Okpella and its place in the scheme of things as the politics of the state structures its own compass. I am aware, thus far, that no elected Governor would dare take us for granted again. The elections are by the corner and we as Okpellans, are resolute to deliver the four Wards for Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu. That position is not negotiable, and we would religiously guide our loins to ensure we deliver our votes without equivocation.

I do not intend to appear before any tax collectors in the name of disciplinary committee. To me, that is even an affront to say the least. How can new comers into a party be deciding who is to be suspended or retained as members. That is the power of illicit money being deployed arbitrarily to compel everyone to submission. I am not going to be Governor Obaseki's fan or supporter. I am driven by my conviction and conscience, and no amount of inducement can alter that reality. Those "tax collectors" who have found a new mine field to butter their bread, can have a field day, but the victory of evil over good can only be temporary.

I remain unequivocal about my support for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and will ensure that I mobilise enough votes for him in the four Wards of Okpella. Having earlier described me as "inconsequential", I am wondering why they now suddenly remember I am relevant to warrant suspension. I am actually waiting for their expulsion in good time. My votes cannot be suspended or expelled. My thumb is my power.

Signed.......

PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA

PDP WARD 5, OKPELLA.

ETSAKO EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

PRESS RELEASE

DISCLAIMER OF EDO STATE ALL GRASSROOT ALLIANCE (AGA) SUPPORT FOR OBASEKI RE-ELECTION

It has come to the notice of the Edo State working committee and also to the national working committee of our great party ALL GRASSROOT ALLIANCE national head quarters Abuja that one Pastor Solomon Osarumwense Oshodi has collapsed AGA party structure in Edo State and joined with other political parties in the state in other to ensure the Re-election of the incumbent governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy for this coming Edo Sep 19th Edo Election.

The current state working committee headed by Comrade Andrew Igwemoh, a chartered management accountant and with the directives of the national working committee ably led by Honorable Dr. Olukayode Oshiariyo hereby debunk and disclaim in entirety all claims in that recent statement of one Mr. Osohodi using the name of our highly respected ALL GRASSROOT ALLIANCE (AGA) in soliciting votes for Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

The said Mr. Osarumwense Oshodi has since been removed by the national working committee as Edo State Chairman In September 2019 and should therefore desist from parading himself or putting himself forward in that capacity in Edo State and the general public should disregard whatever purported comment in the name of ALL GRASSROOT ALLIANCE (AGA) in Edo State.

As the current acting state chairman of the party in Edo State our party, ALL GRASSROOT ALLIANCE (AGA), is not involved in any unholy alliance with PDP and Obaseki Re-Election which to us is already a failed bid and dead on arrival.

A bad son who forgets and disrespect the parents/helpers and who forgets also to be humble when the benevolent spirits crack his nut for him certainly cannot be taken to be a serious contender for the exalted office of governor and for re-election in the forth coming September 19th election.

We are saying that the ALL GRASSROOT ALLIANCE (AGA) as a political family in Edo State and at the national level has not adopted any governorship candidate and we are not in any political alliance with any for the time being.

ALL GRASSROOT ALLIANCE (AGA) wants to place on records that whatever modest achievement of the current Governor Obaseki for the past three and half years does not meet the irreducible minimum of objective performance if an AGA Governor was elected and would have bequeathed to Edo People. If this is the standard of governance, then count ALL GRASS ROOT ALLIANCE (AGA) out. Edo state deserves better than what we presently witness for the past three and half years.

ALL GRASSROOT ALLINACE (AGA) scores this government 38% performance rating

Signed,
COMRADE ANDREW IGWEMOH FCIS, FCMA (CHARTERED MANGEMENT ACCOUTANT)
ACTING STATE CHAIRMAN
EDO STATE

Signed,
ISAAC ALLEMHE
STATE SECRETARY
EDO STATE

DATED 31ST JULY, 2020

*NAPTIP Names Capt. Hosa Okunbo As Anti-Human Trafficking Hero, Commends His Partnership*

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has singled out Benin-born billionaire businessman, Captain Hosa Okunbo, for recognition as its anti-human trafficking hero on the occasion of the 2020 World Day Against Human Trafficking.

In a citation uploaded in the Agency’s website and social media handles, NAPTIP said that Capt. Okunbo had remained a formidable individual in partnering the Agency by committing personal resources into the fight against the illicit business of human trafficking and illegal migration.

The Agency said that the philanthropist empowered victims of human trafficking and particularly supported it (Agency) to mark the 2019 World Day Against Human Trafficking.

According to the Agency, “Captain Hosa availed himself of the opportunity in marking his 60th birthday on the 16th of February 2018 to organise a public lecture on ‘Youth migration, consequences and current realities’.

“The public lecture, which attracted men and women from the ivory tower, made resounding presentations on the burning twin issues of migration and human trafficking, with the presence of the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah Donli.

“The lecture did not only go a long way in bringing the ravaging issue of human trafficking and migration to the front burner of public sensitization but also proved his love for a better society, particularly Edo State.”
NAPTIP, in the citation, commended Capt.
Hosa’s uncommon display of burning love “when viewed against the background of many wealthy Nigerians who prefer to live in their comfort zone and cannot voluntarily spare their resources to support the fight to stem the tide of human trafficking, which is a threat to human dignity.”

The Agency continued: “There is no doubt, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo has become a reference point as it concerns an individual contribution and impact in NAPTIP’s drive to nip in the bud the danger of illegal migration and human trafficking which is fast becoming the contemporary slave trade.

“This is where the decision by NAPTIP to honour Captain Hosa as NAPTIP’s man of the year 2020 is a well-placed and laudable decision, especially coming on the heels of the occasion of the 2020 World Day against human trafficking scheduled for Thursday, 30th of July, 2020.

“The occasion, which provides an opportunity for stock taking and review of strategies in stepping up the fight against human trafficking, deserves the support of all, particularly the wealthy individuals and organized private sector.
“They can borrow a leaf from the kind gesture of Captain Hosa in the fight against the menace.”

The Agency declared that its award on Captain Hosa was another shining testimony of his contributions to humanity and for the overall wellbeing of a better society, adding that “Captain Hosa’s distinguished award did not come as a surprise to many who know his enviable record of selfless philanthropic activities in Edo and across the country.”

Breaking news :

Another resignation hit Obaseki government as the chairman post primary education board Hon Gabriel Oiboh tender his resignation letter.

Ize-Iyamu Flays Obaseki over Failed 200,000 Jobs Promise as Mass Defection hits Edo PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State Chapter, lost hundreds of its members to the All Progressives Congress in Egor Local Government on Thursday during a rally held by the candidate of the APC for the Sept. 19 Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The rally, held in compliance with INEC’s regulations at Uselu, the headquarters of the Egor Local Government, featured prominent APC leaders and other PDP bigwigs who openly renounced their membership of the PDP, criticizing the alleged imposition of the ‘non-performing’ incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki after hush payments to ‘Abuja tax collectors’ who they claim have continued to strangulate the already weakened party.

The former PDP bigwigs led hundreds of their followers into the fold of the APC and pledged unalloyed loyalty to the election of the APC on the 19th of September.

Speaking at the rally, Pastor Ize-Iyamu praised the courage and patriotism of the defecting members for heeding their conscience and placing the needs of the State over partisan leanings.

While criticizing Governor Godwin Obaseki for failing to fulfill his 200,000 jobs promise to the people of the State and for presenting himself for another term without an agenda or documented manifesto plans, Ize-Iyamu urged other PDP members to dump the party for the APC and join his mission to rebuild the State.

He said: “I came with my SIMPLE Agenda but Obaseki wants to be Governor and doesn’t have any agenda, even after 4 years, he can’t tell Edo people what he wants to do. I have an agenda which has been in the public domain for scrutiny, the incumbent has presented nothing.”

“They promised Edo people that 200,000 jobs will be created every year but later they said the 200,000 is for the entire 4 years, interestingly, out of the audio 200,000 jobs how many Egor people have benefited?”.

“Talk of education, they have failed to employ teachers. Sadly, if you visit our schools, mostly in rural areas, you will discover that it is just 1 teacher to a school. They promised to establish health centers across the state, four years later there is nothing on the ground, is that a government we intend to support? God Forbid!”

Ize-Iyamu asked the people of Egor to take his SIMPLE agenda message to their friends and families and enlist them in what he described as a “joint task” to end the rot in Edo State and replace a badly derailed and incompetent administration with an intentional government that will rebuild the economy of the State and provide adequate welfare for all.

Mr. Daniel Ighile, the Egor LGA APC Chairman, expressed marvel at the turnout of the people and the number of defectors, adding that it is an indication that the APC remains formidable in Egor and will win the Sept. 19 election.

The immediate-past Commissioner for Information who resigned his position in the Obaseki-led government, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, also reminded the people of Ize-Iyamu’s previous achievements and appealed to them to sustain the same level of energy and enthusiasm on election day to ensure his victory.

Other APC leaders present at the event included Hon. Crosby Eribo, the member-elect of Egor Constituency at the Edo Assembly.

He bemoaned Obaseki’s alleged undemocratic tendencies and called on the Governor to secure the release of his remanded Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Osazee Ero-Osemwingie, who was arrested in France in possession of an unexplained 2 million dollars allegedly sourced illegally from the Edo State treasury for dispatch into foreign accounts.

Ize-Iyamu Flays Obaseki over Failed 200,000 Jobs Promise as Mass Defection hits Edo PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State Chapter, lost hundreds of its members to the All Progressives Congress in Egor Local Government on Thursday during a rally held by the candidate of the APC for the Sept. 19 Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The rally, held in compliance with INEC’s regulations at Uselu, the headquarters of the Egor Local Government, featured prominent APC leaders and other PDP bigwigs who openly renounced their membership of the PDP, criticizing the alleged imposition of the ‘non-performing’ incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki after hush payments to ‘Abuja tax collectors’ who they claim have continued to strangulate the already weakened party.

The former PDP bigwigs led hundreds of their followers into the fold of the APC and pledged unalloyed loyalty to the election of the APC on the 19th of September.

Speaking at the rally, Pastor Ize-Iyamu praised the courage and patriotism of the defecting members for heeding their conscience and placing the needs of the State over partisan leanings.

While criticizing Governor Godwin Obaseki for failing to fulfill his 200,000 jobs promise to the people of the State and for presenting himself for another term without an agenda or documented manifesto plans, Ize-Iyamu urged other PDP members to dump the party for the APC and join his mission to rebuild the State.

He said: “I came with my SIMPLE Agenda but Obaseki wants to be Governor and doesn’t have any agenda, even after 4 years, he can’t tell Edo people what he wants to do. I have an agenda which has been in the public domain for scrutiny, the incumbent has presented nothing.”

“They promised Edo people that 200,000 jobs will be created every year but later they said the 200,000 is for the entire 4 years, interestingly, out of the audio 200,000 jobs how many Egor people have benefited?”.

“Talk of education, they have failed to employ teachers. Sadly, if you visit our schools, mostly in rural areas, you will discover that it is just 1 teacher to a school. They promised to establish health centers across the state, four years later there is nothing on the ground, is that a government we intend to support? God Forbid!”

Ize-Iyamu asked the people of Egor to take his SIMPLE agenda message to their friends and families and enlist them in what he described as a “joint task” to end the rot in Edo State and replace a badly derailed and incompetent administration with an intentional government that will rebuild the economy of the State and provide adequate welfare for all.

Mr. Daniel Ighile, the Egor LGA APC Chairman, expressed marvel at the turnout of the people and the number of defectors, adding that it is an indication that the APC remains formidable in Egor and will win the Sept. 19 election.

The immediate-past Commissioner for Information who resigned his position in the Obaseki-led government, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, also reminded the people of Ize-Iyamu’s previous achievements and appealed to them to sustain the same level of energy and enthusiasm on election day to ensure his victory.

Other APC leaders present at the event included Hon. Crosby Eribo, the member-elect of Egor Constituency at the Edo Assembly.

He bemoaned Obaseki’s alleged undemocratic tendencies and called on the Governor to secure the release of his remanded Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Osazee Ero-Osemwingie, who was arrested in France in possession of an unexplained 2 million dollars allegedly sourced illegally from the Edo State treasury for dispatch into foreign accounts.

Edo ex-militants applaud Ize-Iyamu’s empowerment plans, assure him of support
23rd July 2020

Thousands of former militants from Edo State have commended the empowerment plans outlined in the manifesto of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and promised to support him in the Sept. 19 Governorship election in the State.

They made this promise on Thursday in a meeting with the candidate in Benin City where they were led by a former militant Chief, General Don Ben.

Speaking on behalf of the group, General Don Ben said the empowerment plans outlined in the SIMPLE agenda manifesto of Ize-Iyamu are reflective of their desires and if implemented, will engender peace and proper social integration across communities in the state.

He berated the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki for failing to fulfill his promises to the people, especially the Ijaws living in the creeks.

General Don Ben accused the Obaseki-led government of neglecting his people, a ‘wicked’ development which he claims motivated them to commence community awareness advocacy to canvass votes for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu following a careful study of his manifesto and affirmation of his noble intentions and previous records of achievement.

Responding, Pastor Ize-Iyamu thanked the group for their support and especially commended Don Ben for providing effective representation for his people.

He assured them of his readiness to roll back the poor policies of the ‘insensitive’ Obaseki-administration and replace them with people-focused policies and schemes targeted at empowering the youths and creating gainful opportunities for positive and economically rewarding engagements.

Edo Poll: Oshiomole Assures Supporters Of Ize-Iyamu’s “Landslide Victory

 
Former Governor of Edo State and immediate-past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, arrived Benin City, Edo State Capital, to a heroic welcome on Thursday as thousands of party supporters and other residents lined streets and thronged other spaces to cheer his arrival.

Adams Oshiomhole, who returned from Abuja days ago, is in Benin to join in the preparations of the All Progressives Congress for the Sept. 19 Governorship election in the State.

His entry was greeted by loud cheers from market women, transporters, and other visibly excited supporters who left their business posts, causing a halt in economic activities in the City for several hours.

Addressing the unexpected mammoth crowd that gathered, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said he was overwhelmed by the natural display of love and assured the people that his party, the All Progressives Congress, will secure victory at the polls with a wide margin.

He said his outstanding performance as Governor and National Chairman, and the personal attributes of the party’s candidates, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has made the APC the natural choice of all, a fact which he claims would manifest in the party’s landslide win on Sept. 19.

Oshiomhole criticized the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki for “fraudulently seeking” another term in office without a clear cut agenda or articulated plan, unlike the APC’s candidate, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, who he says has painstakingly organized his mission and vision on how to rescue Edo State in his manifesto dubbed the SIMPLE agenda.

He promised to remain permanently in the Capital city until the conclusion of the election to drive the party’s campaign and enlighten the electorate on the grand deception by the Obaseki-led administration which, according to him, thrived only on Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) but offered nothing in terms of real human and capital development.

As Comrade Adams Oshiomole left office.
External Debt:
As at December 31st 2016
$183.64 million
Domestic Debt:
N45.09 billion

And after just 3 years of Gov Godwin Obaseki Government.
External Debt:
$275.93 million - as at December 31st 2019
Domestic Debt:
N84.76 billion (March 31st 2020)

Three Quick Facts that show Obaseki’s 15 billion naira ticket will be disqualified over forgery and perjury: 3. Unable to explain the discrepancies in the University of Ibadan certificate that he parades, and having been disqualified by the APC on the account of that, Mr. Godwin Obaseki submitted another version of the certificate, different from the one he presented in 2016, to INEC. This new tendered certificate, against standard practice, bears only the signature of the Vice-Chancellor without the issuing date and the signature of the school Registrar. Professor Takena Tamuno who purportedly signed this fresh certificate Obaseki tendered to INEC died in April 2015, and couldn’t have possibly signed any degree certificate from his grave.

Six reasons why the Court will disqualify the embattled Godwin Obaseki from the September 11th gubernatorial election following the suit lodged by APC and Edobor Williams

1. Godwin Obaseki never had an original certificate that certifies him as a graduate of Classical Studies from the University of Ibadan. So, the column C of the INEC Form EC9 which he sworn to on 29th June, 2020 at the Federal Capital Teriitory, Abuja is totally falsified. And going by the constitution of Nigeria, this is totally contrary and effectively sets him up for disqualification.

2. Also on July 11th, the INEC form CE01 under Column C where he swore that he had obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies from the University of Ibadan is also a false claim as he never did, but rather provided a false document to prove his claims.

3. There is only a sole signature and there is no date of the awarding of the certificate of Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies from the University of Ibadan. And this is against the standard procedure of the Examination, Records, Administrative, Data Processing Division of the University of Ibadan. This goes further to prove that the certificate presented to INEC by Godwin Obaseki is fake.

4. Godwin Obaseki’s claims in the swearing of the INEC form EC9 under the Column D that stated he worked at Afriinvest Ltd from 1994 to 2014 when he retired is false. And there are no authentic documents to substantiate his claims.

5. Godwin Obaseki first presented an advanced level WAEC Certificate dated June 1976 which shows different subjects from that which his testimonials from the Institute of Continuing Education of 25th September, 1975 states. This only proves that Obaseki presented a false/forged WAEC Certificate to INEC contrary to section 182 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

6. Obaseki misled INEC by his false statement on oath and presentation of false certificates to the effect that he had a University Degree from the University of Ibadan and Advanced Level WAEC Certificate/Testimonial from Institute of Continuing Education. All documents are false and that is contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Edo 2020: Over 87 APC Councilors vow to resist Obaseki’s harassment to forcefully join PDP

Over 87 elected Councilors in the Edo State have vowed to resist the harassment and official intimidation meted out to them by Governor Godwin Obaseki to forcefully join the PDP.

The Councilors, most of whom were elected on the platform of the APC, dismissed claims of their defection allegedly sponsored in the media by Godwin Obaseki to portray false solidarity, while insisting that the Governor’s performance since 2016 has neither inspired confidence nor provided motivation for them to join his defection.

The spokesperson for the group, Hon. Emwinghare Osabuohien of Ward 2, Egor Local Government Council, condemned their suspension which he deemed illegal and the refusal of the state government to pay their salaries over the expression of their constitutionally protected freedom to associate and maintain membership of a preferred political party.

Other Councilors, including Hon. Okpamen Angela representing Ovia West, Hon. Kingsley Ogiri, and Hon. Godwin Ekhator, vowed to remain resolute in fighting for the victory of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the All Progressives Congress at the polls on the 19th of September.

According to them, the few Councilors who defected caved in to the pressure and intimidation of the State Government.

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Now that Madagascar has admitted that her herbal doesn’t cure covid-19, I hope the short sighted critics that quickly jump on wailers' train to bashed Buhari for not hurriedly procuring the Dogoyaro will apologize to Mr President.