...Says The Governor Threatened To ‘deal With’ Him Over Oshiomhole
Renowned entrepreneur and billionaire philanthropist, Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo, on Monday, said Governor Godwin Obaseki once told him he won't be seeking re-election at the expiration of his first tenure.
In a personally signed statement made available to Igbere TV on Monday, Okunbo accused Mr. Obaseki of serially attacking him through orchestrated campaign of calumny to damage his reputation.
He said those attacks were engineered by the Edo state government under the watch of Obaseki over his(Okunbo’s) alleged support for APC/Ize-Iyamu in the Edo 2020 Governorship election.
Okunbo said: “My dear people of edo state, the fundamental question, yearning for answer, is: what wrong did I commit for identifying with Governor Obaseki and galvanizing support for his administration?
“In the course of time, I heard he started having issues with former Governor, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole and, I was quite worried and vehemently pleaded with him to settle whatever the issues were and embrace the path of peace in the interest of the good people of Edo State. As a stakeholder in the state, I advised on the need to allow wisdom drive his decision-making processes. I emphasized the critical position of leadership he occupies. I further espoused the virtues of patience and sacrifice in public service as I considered these as sine qua non to achieving one’s vision.
“Following a series of complaints of abandonment by his friends and associates from the political class who knew my relationship with the Governor, I recommended to the Governor to bifurcate between politics and Governance. I recommended the need to appoint a trusted and experienced politician to bridge the gap and manage his relationship with the political wing of his administration so as to avoid distraction as he faces the onerous task of steering the business of moving the State towards economic and developmental prosperity.
“He, however, rejected my proposal and insisted politicians were rogues and would not patronize them or see them in Government House. Governor Obaseki told me without mincing words. He emphasized he would not be moved an inch about their responses or feelings on this particular issue, reiterating he did not need their support either. He told me clearly that he was not interested in pursuing any SECOND TERM agenda.
“At a time, I spent almost three hours of my precious time in the Governor’s house, explaining to him the need to build synergy between him and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the then APC National Chairman, in the best interest of the development of our State. He was blunt that he was not interested in any peace talk and that he was embarking on a fight to the finish with Comrade Oshiomhole. Again, to prove that he meant every word of his threat, he sent a mutual friend to me that night when I got home with a warning that I should steer clear from the ensuing fight between him and Comrade Oshiomhole, else, he would inflict severe collateral damage on me. In fact, I was stunned by his message, yet I put a call to him the next morning to confirm the veracity or otherwise of this message delivered to me by our mutual friend. He confirmed it.
“Following a series of very disturbing, ugly and unacceptable developments, I decided to hands off the matter. Indeed, I felt I had done all I could possibly to engender a peaceful atmosphere for governance and development of our state.”
The business mogul who however admitted that he was approached to run for governorship but turned it down, called on President Buhari and the people of Edo state to prevail on Obaseki to ‘leave him alone.’
“Now, to hazard a guess as to why I became a target of unconscionable attacks by agents some of whom have claimed to be working for Edo State Government: it is true that overtures were made to me by well-meaning Nigerians from within and outside Edo State to run for the office of governor in 2020. I made them realise that there are several ways one can be of service to his people, not necessarily by holding public office and that I am satisfied with the business trajectories that I had charted for myself right from the outset and wasn’t interested in the office of the governor.
“I believe, on getting this hint, the Governor decided to bare his full fangs, seeking to tear me apart. He did not want me to run for the position; yet he never sat with me at any point in time to solicit for my support and vote for his second term bid. The only time he made a remark about the governorship to me was at a reception in Lagos where he mockingly addressed me as “IN-COMING GOVERNOR”, which I immediately dispelled and told him, like I was telling others, that I wasn’t interested in the office of the governor.
“Coincidentally, on that same day that the reception held in Lagos, the story of Nigerian Ports Authority’s move against my company, SAA, was published in THISDAY newspapers. The story insinuated I was interested in the Edo governorship race and numerous reports have come back to me that Obaseki was the one behind all of that.
“As God would have it, while in the company of some friends in the governor’s house in Benin, on one occasion, I confronted him that he was the one behind the attack on my company. In a bid to defend himself, he put a call through to someone in Lagos and, perhaps, mistakenly, left the phone speaker on. He asked the person at the other end: “Why is the MD of NPA worrying Captain?” and the man replied: “Godwin, I thought you said this man was fighting you. The MD of NPA is fighting your battle for you.” I quickly told him that I had caught him. On this occasion, I had witnesses and, if further probed, names could be mentioned.
“Secondly, Governor Obaseki was the Chair of the National Economic Council’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalism and I got a feeler that a damaging report was going to be written about my company by the Committee. I was then given an opportunity to address the Committee on the matter to defend my company and its job. My defence was excellently delivered, but at the end of the day, when the report came out, it was still damaging even when I had complied with my threshold and responsibilities.
“In the face of all these developments, I had maintained a high sense of equanimity, without taking it out on the governor. I stayed out of their politics, and made it publicly known I was not interested in the office of the governor because I knew from the outset that these attacks were, largely, politically-motivated. I guessed there were also shades of envy involved.”
Dr. Okunbo, who had come under heavy attacks from people believed to be agents of Governor Obaseki over his alleged support towards Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s ambition, however, denied facilitating his return to the APC.
“When Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Obaseki and his men attacked me for facilitating his return to the Party, which came as a surprise to me. Pastor Ize-Iyamu is not unknown to many people as a politician and as a Nigerian; everyone knows he has his constitutional right like everyone else to join any party and legitimately play politics. So why attribute his return to me?
“My dear people of Edo State, what have I done wrong to deserve the barrage of invectives being ceaselessly hurled at me by agents of the State Government? Even for the purpose of argument, don’t I have a right to associate with and support a candidate of my choice?”.
The families of Faith Ojemire and Faith Esekgabona, female undergraduate students have cried out to security agencies in the country to help secure the release of their daughters from kidnappers.
Ms Ojemire, a student of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, was reportedly abducted in Edo State by some unknown gunmen on December 8, 2019.
CAMPUS GIST gathered that Ms Ojemire's family paid the sum of N500,000 (five hundred thousand naira) to the abductors as ransom to secure the release of their daughter.
However, despite paying the huge sum, Ojemire's family are yet to see their daughter 7 months after — as the kidnappers refused to release her.
The family have expressed worries over the wellbeing of Ms. Ojemire as there are still no trace of her whereabouts.
In a similar development, kidnappers are yet to release Ms. Faith Esekgabona, who was also abducted in Edo State to an unknown destination.
A student of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, CAMPUS GIST gathered that Ms Esekgabona was kidnapped in November 23, 2019.
She is also yet to regain freedom despite her family paying the sum of N360,000 ransom as demanded by the abductors — to secure her release.
As at the time of filing this report, her location remain unknown and has been a cause of worry for her distraught family members.
CAMPUS GIST gathered that some suspects were arrested early this year by the police in Edo state where the victims’ phones were recovered from them.
According to the Ojemires, the police tracked the phones to the boys while attempting to kidnap another victim at the University of Benin. The suspects have, however, refused to give any useful information.
The victims’ families, in a clip obtained by CAMPUS GIST, appealed to the police and managements of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi to intensify strong efforts towards rescuing the two female undergraduates unhurt.
Sources told CAMPUS GIST on Friday that officials of the National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS) are now planning a peaceful protest to demand for the release of their colleagues.
...House Committee on Basic Education to engage govs forum - Prof. Ihonvbere
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services, the Ministry of Education and West African Examination Council (WAEC), Nigeria on Thursday met in Abuja and resolved to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and governors on the WAEC examination, CAMPUS GIST reports.
CAMPUS GIST reports that the stakeholders in a meeting convened by the House of Representatives, however, agreed that if they were to make the September date for the examination a reality, there was the need to get Buhari and the Governors’ Forum involved in order to arrive at a timely and effective decision.
They agreed that in the interest of the 1.6 million candidates registered for the 2020 WAEC examination, there was a need to agree on a date for the regional examination as time was running out for the country.
One of the options was to find a date acceptable as the head of WAEC national office in Nigeria, Patrick Areghan, revealed that it would take quite a while to print question papers and that other convoluted logistic considerations might come into play.
Areghan said that Ghana had wanted to have the examination in June, but had to shelve it because of its election this year.
He also revealed that it took a presidential directive for the Gambia to shelve its desire to have the examination before now.
According to him, Nigeria should decide if it wants to give its candidates what he called a COVID-19 exam certificate or a WAEC certificate in concert with the other countries.
“Getting parents to pay another set of fees might be difficult if the September date is missed. If the November option is considered, someone has to pick the bills,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono said that WAEC was one of the institutions that espouses regional cooperation and having a standalone examination will defeat the element of unity it portrays.
He further noted that if there was adequate funding, it should not take more than a week to get the examination ready logistically for the 19,000 examination centres across the country.
In his contribution, Rep Nnolim Nnaji wondered why that should be a problem pointing out that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affair spent over N13 billion as palliative for the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba reminded the members and all present that the decision they were to make was for examination date and not the resumption of schools in the country.
The members deliberated on if Nigeria could use its power as a provider of about 60 per cent of the finances in WAEC to dictate a date of its liking.
But stakeholders present eventually agreed that it was better to be democratic in arriving at a decision.
The chairman of the Committee, Rep Julius Ihonvbere ruled that the committee would approach the state governors via the Nigeria Governors’ Forum so as to be on the same page and get President Muhammadu Buhari to assist in the diplomatic effort to get the other regional countries on Nigeria’s side concerning the yet-to-be-agreed examination date.
The Abia State Government has directed all Transition Committee Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Councils in the state “to ensure full, strict and total compliance to all existing COVID-19 protocols and regulations including compulsory wearing of face masks.”
The directive was contained in a statement made available to Igbere TV on Tuesday, issued by Barr. Chris Ezem, Secretary to Abia State Government and Chairman, Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19.
“Any Local Government found in contravention of same will be sanctioned,” the Abia state government warned in the statement sent to Igbere TV via mail.
According to the statement, the directive became necessary “following current observation on religious worship, burials, weddings and public gatherings.”
Similarly, the state government directed all motor park associations in the state to constantly provide running water and hand sanitizers at their parks as well as ensure that passengers wear face masks at all times.
“Finally, Abians are reminded that wearing of face masks in the state is not only compulsory but an order enforceable by State and Local Government Enforcement teams, and violators will be prosecuted before the Mobile courts already in operation in the State.”
...Says Orji Kalu is next Nigerian president after Buhari
A Nigerian cleric, Prophet Joshua Arogun has revealed that a major conspiracy by three influential Nigerians led to the jailing of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, Igbere TV reports.
According to a report by the Nigeria Daily, the cleric added that one of them is dead, the second is facing national and international embarrassment and the third will suffer worse fate.
Joshua, who is the General Overseer of Light of the World International Church, made the revelations on Sunday during the church’s ministration service in Lagos.
His words, “During one of our monthly intensive prayers for Nigeria in 2019, I received a shocking message on the political situations of the country. I saw three very powerful Nigerians who were conspiring heavily to make sure that a former governor from the South East was jailed. I told my wife about it and we both prayed and sought for a clearer interpretation of the revelation. I got the three names and tried my best to reach out to the three of them after I received another very clear and fearful message of the harm that would befall them if they don’t retrace their steps. But I was ignored.
“One of them told Pastor Emmanuel (referring to a fellow pastor in the church) that he doesn’t believe in prophecy, our religion and the message; the second person totally ignored the message. I told them that the person they want to disgrace is a man of grace from birth and the consequences of their trial will be so heavy on them.”
Speaking further, he said “After many months in the 2019, I heard that former governor Orji Kalu was sentenced to jail. Today, one of the conspirators is dead, the second person is facing national and international embarrassment and the third person who is even here in Lagos with us is going to suffer worse fate.
“There is this thing about grace and it is given from above. Sometimes when you touch a wrong person with overflowing grace, it would backfire. They want to destroy him because of his destiny to be President. But anyone planning evil on him will suffer the same fate as others”, Prophet Joshua was quoted as saying.
The Popular cleric also told the congregation that his greatest duty is to reveal the message as received adding that it is up to the people involved to do the right thing.
“I have never met any of them but the message would definitely get to them. Nigerian politicians are yet to understand that it is God that gives power not humans or godfathers. If God says it is you, then it is you. Nobody can stop it. When they try to stop it they end up pushing you closer to your destiny”, he added.
Igbere TV recalls that Prophet Joshua was in the news in 2014 when he controversially predicted President Buhari’s victory in the 2015 general election.
Prophet Joshua who predicted Senator Orji Kalu’s release from prison, insists that he is the next president after Buhari.
His words then, “For the upcoming 2015 election, God told me that Buhari would win. And God told me a lot of things about Buhari. It is He that anointed him to be the president and there is no questions about that. No one can change it. The people can hate him: the people can reject him but God has ordained him, and there is something about God. When He says that you would be this, no man can change it. He does what pleases Him.”
Similarly in March 1, 2020, Prophet Joshua had stated that a former governor who was imprisoned and was serving his jail terms would be released and become the President of Nigeria after Buhari.
Many believed he was referring to ex-Governor Orji Uzor Kalu who was at the time serving his 12 years jail term.
However, in a twist of fate and in credence to the prophesy just like that of Buhari, the Supreme Court on May 8 nullified the judgment that sentenced Kalu to 12 years imprisonment and the former governor was set free.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caretaker Committee has approved Direct mode of primary election for the Ondo State 2020 Governorship Election.
This is coming weeks after the now-dissolved Adams Oshiomhole-led APC National Working Committee (NWC) gave the nod for Indirect method to be used.
Igbere TV reports that the Direct method involves all card-carrying members of the Party voting for their preferred aspirants, while Indirect involves few delegates.
The APC Primary Election for the Ondo polls holds July 20, 2020, while the gubernatorial election takes place October 10 as announced by INEC.
Incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the APC is seeking reelection, and may face his embattled deputy, Agboola Ajayi, who left the party to contest the PDP ticket.
Ahead of the 2023 general election in the country, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has declared its full support for Igbo Presidency.
The group also declared its total support and preference for Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate and former Governor of Abia State.
These positions of the AYCF were made known by its National President, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, according to a report by the NIGERIAN DAILY.
Yerima called on northern power brokers to consider supporting Igbo Presidency in 2023 for fairness, inclusion, and equity.
Declaring support for Senator Orji Kalu, the youth leader described the federal lawmaker as North’s most preferred presidential candidate.
He further revealed that the International Community as well as many Consultative forums in the North are already rooting for Orji Kalu.
Alhaji Yerima is a member of the coalition that gave Igbos in the North a quit notice in 2017. He is also a member of the coalition that established Operation “Shege Ka Fasa”, a regional security outfit in the North.
In an interview monitored by Igbere TV on Thursday, the group defended the North saying that political pundits and opinion builders are not always right in their description and perception of the region.
According to the Arewa leader, “those thinking that we don’t like the Igbo and the North will not support them for 2023 presidency are totally wrong. The whole country cannot function without its part and the South East is part of the whole.
“Notwithstanding the fact that the North still needs another term after President Buhari; the right, honourable and just thing to do is to support South East achieve their presidential goal in 2023. It will help to stabilize the country. The country needs healing and greater unity and the best thing to do is to give total support to the people of the South East.
“The South-West has had their complete tenure through President Olusegun Obasanjo, South-South had had a tenure through President Goodluck Jonathan and South-East has not gotten it in the new dispensation.”
Alhaji Yerima noted that “South East being among the three regional power blocks and geopolitical structures to which the British relinquished power at independence in 1960 need a seat at the Centre.”
“So to have another president in 2023 that is not Igbo would be unjust, inequitable and unfair. With the presidency having by national consensus rotated between the north and the southwest, 2023 should be the turn of the Igbos. There is no just, fair, and equitable reason to delay the rotation of the presidency to the southeast by another presidential election in 2023.”
The Arewa leader who noted that every Nigerian is entitled to his or her ambition, however, said that doing the right thing was his utmost concern.
“We are talking of doing the right thing here. We shouldn’t just be buried in our ambition, we should also consider posterity, stability and unity of this country.
“When you talk of ally, you talk about those who have been with us since inception. You talk about those that the North considers as loyal brothers. Don’t think that the North will look the other way when the chips are down.
“As long as I know, many Consultative forums in the North are rooting for Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
“He is detribalized enough to have the trust of entire Nigerians.
“He has the wherewithal and capacity to turn the economy of this country around.
“I can assure you that he is the most preferred candidate of the North from the entire South.
“Even as a devout. Christian, we know how he accommodated Muslims in his state when he was governor. We knew how he built several mosques for them. Even the international community are rooting for him, so the North is not the only people in this.”
UMUAHIA- The Professor Gregory Ibe Foundation (PGIF) has concluded plans to distribute over 2,000 bags of rice, 4,000 cartons of noodles, 300 bags of beans, several tubers of yam and many bags of garri, including salt to the people of Abia State.
In a statement made available to Igbere TV jointly signed by Hon. Prince Emeka Okafor and Sleek Ogbonnaya Ogwo, chairman and media head of the foundation respectively, the PGIF said the move was part of its COVID-19 palliatives initiative.
The initiative is aimed at cushioning the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the common man. The latest and second phase of the grassroots philanthropic initiative is sequel to the successful implementation of the first phase, and with the objective of consolidating the gains of the previous exercise.
Igbere TV recalls that the Prof. Gregory Ibe Foundation had in the first phase of the exercise, donated Test Kits, Thermometers, Ambulances, Decontamination Services and many Natural Curative Drugs to the Abia state government.
The exercise also witnessed the distribution of over 1,000 bags of 50kg rice, 4,000 cartons of noodles and other food items to the 17 Local Government Areas, Groups and Associations in Abia State.
“Sequel to the above therefore, the leadership of the following groups are hereby requested to come to the Sports Complex of Gregory University Uturu for official flag-off ceremony of the second phase of the Prof Gregory Ibe Foundation COVID-19 Palliatives Distribution Exercise for the less privileged citizens of Abia State as follows; Date: Monday 13 July 2020 Time: 10am Venue: Gregory University Uturu.
“The invited groups for the flag-off ceremony are; 1. Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia Chapel 2. Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Abia State 3. Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Abia State. 4. Leadership of Abia Crusaders from Isuikwuato LGA. 5. Leadership of Abia Crusaders from Umunneochi LGA.
“Subsequently, mobile teams from Prof Gregory Ibe Foundation will commence direct physical distribution of palliatives in the remaining 15 LGAs simultaneously as follows; TUESDAY 14 JULY 2020 1. 10am - Ukwa East and Ukwa West LGAs 2. 3pm - Ugwunagbo & Aba North LGAs WEDNESDAY 15 JULY 2020 1. 10am - Aba South & Osisioma LGAs 3. 2pm - Obingwa & Isiala Ngwa North LGAs THURSDAY 16 JULY 2020 1. 10am - Isiala Ngwa South & Umuahia South LGAs 3. 2pm - Umuahia North & Ikwuano LGAs FRIDAY 17 JULY 2020 1.10am - Arochukwu & Bende LGAs 2. 1pm - Ohafia LGA.”
The statement noted that, “there will be strict adherence to all existing COVID-19 protocols including but not limited to wearing of face masks, use of hand sanitizers and adoption of the social distance regime throughout the duration of the exercise.”
“Please be well guided as non compliance will lead to immediate disqualification from the exercise.”
Igbere TV reports that leadership of the invited groups (as stated above) are required to present valid identification tokens duly certified by authorising persons.
“Please note that this present second phase of the Prof Gregory Ibe Foundation COVID-19 Palliative distribution exercise is targeted at less privileged Abians who are most affected by the pandemic, even as plans have commenced for the third phase in order to accommodate more stakeholders.”
“Subsequently only invited groups will be entertained as strict compliance to the schedule outlined above will be meticulously adhered to.”
The Nigerian police has described the DNA and Forensics Centre of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) as one of the best in the country, Campus Gist reports.
The police, on Monday, also expressed its readiness to partner with the prestigious federal higher institution to train officers of the Force in Forensics.
Edo state police commissioner, Mr. Johnson Babatunde Kokumo made the declaration while receiving UNIBEN vice chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami at the Force headquarters, in Benin city.
A statement made available to Campus Gist signed by Public Relations Officer of the institution, Benedicta Ehanire, Ph.D, said the VC was at the police office to solicit support in crime prevention and management in the university.
Prof. Salami, however, used the occasion to express concern that the gruesome rape and murder of the 100 level Microbiology student of the institution, Miss Uwaila Omozuwa, in a church in Benin city, is yet to be unravelled.
She said hearts were still heavy, especially, because the circumstances of Miss Omozuwa’s death are yet to be unravelled and the perpetrators brought to book.
Professor Salami, therefore, urged the police to do all in their power to ensure that no stone is left unturned in their investigation of the crime.
On his part, the police commissioner intimated the vice chancellor with efforts made so far to bring the culprits to justice with the arrest of two key suspects.
Campus Gist gathered that the vice chancellor was accompanied on the visit by principal officers of the University.
Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde has resigned from the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration.
Igbere TV reliably gathered that the SSG tendered his resignation Monday morning, and has transmitted his resignation letter to the governor.
In a letter exclusively obtained by Igbere TV, Mr. Abegunde thanked Governor Akeredolu for the opportunity to serve, while wishing him quick recovery from COVID-19 sickness.
When Igbere TV contacted Mr. Abegunde on reasons for his resignation, barely a week after denying a similar rumour, he simply said it was personal to him.
“It is personal...”, the former federal lawmaker said, refusing to comment further. He, however, said he remains a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
But a close source to the now-resigned SSG’s office said the resignation may not be unconnected with the Ondo state 2020 politics.
“All is not well in Ondo, politically, forget the denials. All is not well with the APC in Ondo,” the source lamented.
Asked if the SSG has decamped to an opposition party yet, the source claimed Abegunde is likely to decamp to the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“He claimed he is still in the APC, just like the deputy, only for us to see him in the other party (PDP) hours later.”
”We know his (Abegunde) soul is already in the other party (apparently referring to the PDP) and won't be surprised if he finally makes move,” added the source.
Mr. Abegunde’s resignation as Ondo SSG is coming days after the embattled deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, dumped the APC for PDP.
The deputy governor, who has been at loggerheads with governor Akeredolu, is scheming to succeed his boss on the PDP platform in the Ondo 2020 governorship election.
Igbere TV reports that Governor Akeredolu remains in the APC and currently seeking reelection. The party primaries comes up in July this month.
No fewer than two persons were arrested by men of the vigilante group in Umuosu Autonomous Community, Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia state.
Igbere TV gathered that a pistol, live bullets, as well as other light weapons, were recovered from the suspects, on Friday.
In a statement made available to Igbere TV, one of the community leaders, Kessy Onuoha said the mission of the suspects were unknown.
According to him, one of the suspects was overhead making suspicious phone calls while men of the vigilante were on duty, a situation that arose their apprehension and to their arrest.
“The Umuosu Vigilante group were on duty when they overheard one of the suspects making suspicious calls and immediately, they swang into action and got them arrested and a pistol as well as live bullets recovered from them,” he said.
Igbere TV gathered, on Sunday, that the suspects had already been handed over to the Police for further investigations and prosecution. Pictures after the cut...
The Edo State Government, on Sunday, said 122 more COVID-19 patients have been discharged from its isolation centres, while recording 87 new cases.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, in a statement made available to Igbere TV, on Sunday, in Benin City.
According to Okundia, the state has recorded a total of 1,353 cases of the virus since its outbreak in Nigeria, with a total of 718 recoveries.
He said, “We have recorded 87 new confirmed cases, with 31 cases reported at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) and 56 cases at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
“We have made tremendous progress in the management of coronavirus, as 122 patients have been discharged from our isolation centres, bringing the total number of discharges to 718.”
In the statement sent to Igbere TV via mail, the state government noted that a total 6,300 suspected cases have been reported, with 47 deaths.
The commissioner said the state government has intensified contact tracing, linelisting and contact monitoring of contacts of the confirmed cases.
Noting that the state government is committed to controlling the spread of the virus, he said necessary actions are being taken regarding Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices in ISTH, UBTH and Stella Obasanjo Hospital Isolation Centre (SOHIC).
He added that that the state government has intensified public enlightenment and sensitisation on the need to get screened/tested and for prompt presentation at the designated health facilities when symptomatic.
A retired Judge of the Edo State High Court, Justice Roland Amaize, has faulted the new discharge certificate issued to Mr. Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo State, by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Igbere TV recalls that Mr. Obaseki partook in the scheme in 1980 but there was an error on the certificate issued to him. An alphabet was missing in his surname which read “Obasek” instead of Obaseki.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee which screened aspirants for the Edo 2020 primary election had cited this error as one of the reasons for disqualifying the governor from the race.
He subsequently defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he contested and won the primary election while accusing the APC panel of injustice insisting nothing was wrong with his certificate.
Documents available to Igbere TV, however, shows that Obaseki had written to the NYSC to demand rectification of the error and re-issuance of the same certificate, before the June 25 PDP primary which was promptly corrected.
But in a statement obtained by Igbere TV on Saturday, the retired High Court judge faulted the date on the new certificate bearing 2020 instead of the former 1980 issuance year.
Justice Amaize also faulted Governor Obaseki for claiming the APC Screening Committee “unjustly” disqualified him from the race, and yet corrected the error on the same certificate in private.
The statement reads, “I recall that upon being screened by APC screening committee recently, one of the discrepancies noted in Governor Obaseki’s credentials was the way his surname had appeared on his NYSC discharged certificate. There was no problem with his first and given names both of which were correctly spelt but not the surname. Instead of “Obaseki” what was written was “Obasek” - the ground, inter alia, on which he was disqualified by the committee. *In fairness to the committee members they had appreciated the point and so stated that the situation could have arisen from inadvertence but however wondered, rightly in my view, why a certificate issued in 1980 containing such an error was not taken to the issuing authority for correction to the extent that in 2020 it was still carrying the error. Instead of sound reasoning and informed judgment to rule the atmosphere towards public acceptance of such plausible observation by the committee, those who are given to reducing everything to politics got their otherwise open eyes screened off the stark reality and went on a tale best told at a moonlight gathering. Not left out of that side of the bifurcation was the owner of the document, who had contended that there was no error on the certificate. He had added that it merely looked as if the closing “i” was absent because the name was written in cursive handwriting. I personally find no logic in that puerile argument.
“However, it is now a matter of public knowledge that subsequent to that encounter, Gov. Obaseki has now made public what he calls a corrected version of the document said to have been effected by the issuing authority. In that version his surname has now been correctly spelt. What that therefore suggests is that while the committee members were right, Gov Obaseki and others who took a contrary position were wrong. That unarguably being the case, the least that can now be said of the entire scenario is that the committee members and all others who were grouped along with them for vilification were unduly vilified.
“Now to the meat of this message. The document which I saw on the social media and said to be the corrected version may (just may) meet the demands of the now, especially as the PDP, out of desperation, has chosen to field him. However, my view is that after the current exercise he may need to take it back to the issuing authority for proper correction. This view is informed by the fact that the issuing authority, in trying to make good the initial error, did what it ought not to do. It only needed to correctly spell the surname that was wrongly spelt in the first one which gave rise to the correction. In doing, it ought to have left intact all other features on the document. Rather than simply do that, it went on to additionally replace the earlier issuing date of 6th or so August, 1980 with the date of correction, i.e 19th June, 2020 as though the latter is the issuing date. The result, with its obvious and loud incongruity, is that Gov Obaseki today holds and carries with him an NYSC discharged certificate which, ex facie, is dated 19th June, 2020 for a one year mandatory national youth service from which he was actually discharged about 6th of August, 1980 - some 40 years ago. This is a huge incongruity that may again lead to needless long and protracted story in future.
“My advice to him therefore is that after the present exercise for which the document (that is the corrected version) was apparently hurriedly secured, he may yet need to go for a proper correction. Such proper correction is simply to close the spelling of his surname with an “i”, while all other features, including the original date of issue, are left intact. It should not bear the date of correction and allow it to masquerade as date of issue. That will not serve the best interest of the holder of the certificate.”
By Ogochukwu Isioma, CNS Igbere TV Abuja Correspondent
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has decried the poor level of compliance to the laid-down directives and measures against the coronavirus pandemic, by federal workers and civil servants across the country.
In a circular dated July 2, 2020, exclusively obtained by Igbere TV and personally signed by Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), she accused government workers and political appointees of flouting the existing orders against COVID-19.
The circular was addressed to Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Honourable Ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries, Service Chiefs/Inspector General of Police, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission.
Others were Chairman, Police Service Commission; Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau; Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal; Chairman, Federal Character Commission; Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation & Fiscal Commission; Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission; Chairman Economic and Financial Crime Commission and Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission.
Also included were Chairman, Federal inland Revenue Service; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; Clerk of the National Assembly, Secretary, National Judicial Council; Accountant-General of the Federation, Auditor General for the Federation, Surveyor-General of the Federation, Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria and Directors General and Chief Executive Officers Parastatals/Agencies.
In the circular obtained by Igbere TV entitled, “Need for strict compliance with the directives and advice on the Covid-19 pandemic preventive measures”, the HoSF reminded the offices of similar existing circulars dated March 23 and April 30, 2020 where she had called on the officers to ensure full compliance with the directives and advice on the prevention of COVID-19.
Dr. Yemi-Esan also advised heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to limit the number of visitors they receive to the barest minimum and ensure that the visitors complied with safety and health advice/directives against COVID-19.
She reiterated the previous directive by the federal government that only officers from Grade Level 14 and above, including those on essential services, are to report to duty on daily basis while the rest officers continue to work from home.
The statement partly reads, “The attention of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation has been drawn to the fact that these guidelines are not being complied with specifically, it has been noticed that the flow of both the staff and visitors to offices is very high which, sadly, indicates that the directives in the circuits in reference are being observed in breach.
“It has, therefore, become very important to reiterate that: a) only officers on GL 14 and above and officers performing essential services, are to report for duty;
b) as much as possible, other categories of officers should be encouraged to work from home;
c) Security operatives at the gates should be directed to demand for the identity card of staff coming to the office to ensure that they are on GL 14 and above, while the list of those performing essential services but are below level GL14 should be sent to the gates for clearance;
d) Officers are strongly advised to limit to the barest minimum the number of visitors they receive.”
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, therefore, called on Permanent Secretaries/Chief Executive Officers to reduce the number of physical meetings in the MDAs to the barest minimum and hold virtual meetings.
“Furthermore, to streamline the conduct of virtual meetings, the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation is working with the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to come up with policy guideline which will be issued soon,” she added.
Yemi-Esan enjoined Permanent Secretaries/Chief Executive Officers to personally ensure that their staff comply strictly with the directives in the circular, the earlier ones and any other directive/guideline/advice that may be given by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
Popular Nigerian artiste, Peter Okoye of the defunct 'P Square' group, has vowed not to “fight” for Nigerians anymore, saying they do not deserve any sympathy.
Peter, better known as "Mr P", made the declaration during a live video chat with controversial On-Air-Personality (OAP), Ifedayo Olarinde, AKA Daddy Freeze on Instagram.
In the live feed closely monitored by Igbere TV, Mr. P expressed his disappointment in Nigerians and vowed never to have pity for Nigeria anymore.
He was seen lamenting in the video where he said government would continue to “use” Nigerians because they know the people will continue to be vulnerable.
According to Mr. Peter, Nigerian youths are only good at condemning politicians on social media, saying the youths would do worse if given power.
The visibly angry artiste said he was already made as no insult would bother him, vowing however not to fight for Nigerians as they are not worth it.
His exact words, “...It was before I pity this country (Nigeria), if I pity this country again, call me bastard.
“Right now, I have crossed the border (rich), because as I am now, my children’s children will not suffer.
“I have gotten to a stage in my life where what people say doesn’t really bother me anymore...
“What bothers me is this, I am not a politician but I will say this, those people who condemn the government stealing money, put them there tomorrow, they will also steal money.
“I am one of the musicians in this country who used to fight for the people but I have lost it...
“Nigerians are not worth fighting for, these people will sit down in their homes with that cheap data, looking for what to eat and still condemn me sitting under my air conditioner.
“If you like you hate on me, it is better you go and buy sniper or un-follow me. I earn nothing less than 10 to 15 thousand followers on Instagram every day, which means I will keep rising.
“They said I should act mature, who maturity help? Are you waiting for me to be broke?
“These same people, give them money to slap their mothers, they will do it, useless people.”
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has announced the appointment of Professor Adesegun Fatusi as the new Chairman of the State Inter-ministerial Committee Against COVID-19.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to Igbere TV on Saturday in Akure, signed by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ojo Oyewamide.
The development is coming days after Akeredolu tested positive for COVID-19. He had also vowed not to handover to his embattled deputy, Agboola Ajayi, in acting capacity. Ajayi has since decamped to the PDP to contest the state Governorship election against his boss, Akeredolu.
The deputy governor had reportedly sought his boss's approval to take charge while he(Akeredolu) is isolating, including leading the fight against COVID-19 in Ondo. But the Governor refused to hand over the reins of power to his deputy.
In the statement on Saturday, Akeredolu, however, argued that the appointment of the new COVID-19 response team boss followed the demise of the former health commissioner, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, whom he said was leading the fight until now.
The statement reads, “Following the unfortunate demise of the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has appointed Professor Adesegun Fatusi as the new Chairman of the State Inter-ministerial Committee Against COVID-19.
“Until his death, Dr Adegbenro was the Chairman of the State Inter-ministerial Committee where he served diligently to the admiration of all.”
Igbere TV reports that the new chairman of the Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee Against COVID-19, Professor Fatusi is the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo state.
“He(Fatusi) is expected to continue from where our late Medical Hero, Adegbenro stopped. His appointment is aimed at preventing a vacuum as the State experiences a disturbing spike of repeated cases of COVID-19,” Akeredolu said.
Prof. Fatusi is a professor of Community and Public Health and past Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
He has previously served as the Director of the OAU’s Institute of Public Health and worked with the UNFPA as reproductive health advisor.
He is currently the chairman of Nigeria’s National Technical Working Group on Adolescent Reproductive Health and Development.
He has also served as the Lead Consultant for the development of Nigeria’s national policy on the health and development of adolescents and young persons, national reproductive health policy, and national policy on HIV/AIDS.
He had served previously, on the Ministerial Committee on Health Sector reform as well as on the Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria.
Following the death of its health commissioner, Wahab Adegbenro, the Ondo state government, on Saturday named Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, a special adviser on health, as replacement.
In a statement signed and made available to Igbere TV on Saturday in Akure by the Governor’s Media Assistant, Ojo Oyewamide, he said Governor Rotimi Akeredolu gave the approval.
“Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has approved that the Special Adviser on Health, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye takes overseeing responsibilities of the Ministry of Health,” he said.
“This development follows the death of the substantive Commissioner, Dr Wahab Adegbenro,” the statement sent to Igbere TV said, adding, “Dr. Jibayo's new roles are with immediate effect.”
Igbere TV reports that the new health commissioner, Dr Jibayo, is a two-term lawmaker at the Lagos State House of Assembly, and a consummate medical practitioner.
He is a graduate of the prestigious College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The former health commissioner, Dr. Adegbenro had succumbed to the Coronavirus disease on Thursday, and was buried the next day being Friday, in line with Islamic rites.
In Ondo, about six lawmakers are battling with the COVID-19 complications. The Governor, his wife and few of their personal aides have equally gone on isolation after testing positive for the virus.
Politics › ‘Obaseki Told Me He Was Not Interested In Second Term’ - Capt. Hosa by BleedingPen(op): 5:34pm On Jul 20, 2020
