₦airaland Forum

By Ogochukwu Isioma

The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Saturday, formally rejoined the All Progressives Congress, APC, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

This was durung the inauguration of the Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu-led APC Edo 2024 Governorship National Campaign Counci held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

It was an emotional moment as Shaibu walked straight to where former Governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, was seated at the venue and knelt before him, drawing applause from party supporters.

Taking to his official social media handles, Shaibu tagged pictures of him with Oshiomhole, whom he had consistently described as his father, “Father and Son!.”

Shaibu fell out with Oshiomhole, his then benefactor, during the former governor’s face-off with the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, in the Edo 2020 gubernatorial election.

During the rift between Obaseki and Oshiomhole, Shaibu stood behind Obaseki against Oshiomhole, noting that the former governor was playing godfather when they both never allowed such to happen in Edo State.

Meanwhile, the deputy governor was accompanied by prominent members of the Dan Orbih-led Legacy Group of the PDP as he made his return to APC.

By Ogochukwu Isioma

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Comrade Phillip Shaibu, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Shaibu dumped the ruling PDP in the state for the APC at a campaign rally held on Saturday in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He was received into the party by the APC’s governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa.

He led hundreds of prominent leaders and members of the Legacy PDP Coalition led by the party's National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, across the state into the APC.

The reinstated Deputy Governor also used the defection rally to reunite with his political godfather, a former Edo State Governor and APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja had nullified Shaibu’s impeachment on charges of gross misconduct by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The reinstated Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has approved the appointments of eight persons to assist in the dischage of his duties as the state’s number two citizen.

In a statement on Friday, signed by Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Comrade Musa Ebomhiana, nine officials have been appointed as Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants respectively.

They include Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusor as Chief of Staff, Comrade Musa Ebomhiana as Chief Press Secretary, Hon. Emmanuel Akhaba as Senior Special Assistant, Mustapha Lawal as Senior Special Assistant and Mr. Charles Olubayo as Senior Special Assistant.

Others are Mathias Akhanemhe as Special Assistant, Comrade Robinson Akhenoba as Special Assistant, Robert Ojele as Special Assistant, and Isioma Ogochukwu as Special Assistant.

This appointments, according to the release, takes immediate effect.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, reinstated Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, months after he was unlawfully impeached by the state assembly in April 2024.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday morning, reinstated Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, following his earlier impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The Court presided over by Hon. Justice James Omotosho held that the removal of the Plaintiff, Shaibu from office as Deputy Governor of Edo State and the subsequent appointment of Omobayo Godwins as his replacement by the Governor of Edo State was illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

The Court held that there was a breach of the provisions of the procedure laid out in Section 188(1) to (9) in the way and manner the impeachment process was conducted. The court noted that the ouster clause in Section 188(10) limiting the jurisdiction is not a stand alone provision.

The Court referred to the decision of the Nigerian Supreme Court in Inakoju v. Adeleke(2007).

Justice Omotosho held that the impeachment was politically motivated, because of Shaibu's aspiration to contest the office of Governor of Edo State.

The Court, therefore, ordered the 1st Defendant, the Inspector General of Police to immediately restore the security of the Plaintiff, Shaibu as Deputy Governor of Edo State.

As at the time of filing this report, supporters of Shaibu were seen within the court premises, Abuja celebrating the court verdict.

The Legislative arm of Egor Local Government Area in Edo State has impeached the council’s chairman, Hon. Eghe Ogbemudia, over alleged padding of the council’s supplementary budget and other allegations of corruption.

The impeachment was consequent upon a vote of no confidence against the chairman during a session of the legislative arm of the council.

The impeachment sitting was presided over by the Leader of the House and Councillor representing Ward 3, Godwin Uwadiae Edigin.

Shortly after a roll call of the legislative house, the Councillor representing Ward 2, Rt. Hon. Stella Osagioduwa Ogida, moved a motion for a no confidence vote against the chairman over allegations of gross misconduct.

According to her, “This is the 10th month since our inauguration and we, the Councillors of Egor Legislative Arm do not have our offices. We have also uncovered the padding of the council’s supplementary budget to the tune of N1.7 billion. The Chairman did not involve the councilors in the preparation and approval of the council’s supplementary budget. After reviewing these actions and many other acts of gross misconduct, I want to pass a vote of no confidence on the chairman.”

Seconding the motion, Hon. Ambassador Elliot Inneh, Councillor representing Ward 9, said: “We have tried to reach out to the Honourable Chairman to no avail. Before us today, we have a budget proposal amounting to N6.054bn that was passed through this hallowed chambers. To our greatest surprise, we found out that the Chairman in connivance with the erstwhile Leader of the House, went behind our back and padded the budget to the tune of N7.896bn.”

The Leader of the House, Edigin, called for a voice vote, with the majority of Councillors conceding to the motion. A motion for impeachment was thereafter moved and passed.

Philip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, on Monday, donated his campaign secretariat office to the All Progressives Congress' Senator Monday Okpebholo/Hon Dennis Idahosa Campaign Organization.

The campaign office, located along the Airport road, Benin City, hitherto served as the headquarters of the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization while Shaibu was running for governor, until his disputed impeachment.

Also donated in addition to the Campaign Office were several sienna vehicles, utility (music) trucks, and the collapsing of the Philip Shaibu campaign structure into the APC.

It was gathered that the former deputy governor took the steps when he received members of the APC Campaign Council led by its Director General, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, on a visit to the Philip Shaibu Campaign office.

When this reporter visited the campaign office Monday evening, it was observed that the secretariat had been rebranded. All branding bearing Shaibu's pictures and the PDP logo had been removed and replaced with that of the APC and Okpebholo/Idahosa.

With this latest development, Shaibu, who is currently challenging his impeachment as deputy governor and emergence of Asue Ighodalo as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, is believed to be on his way back to the APC.

Recall that Shaibu and other aggrieved former PDP Governorship aspirants and members of the Chief Dan Orbih-led Legacy PDP Group had vowed not to support Ighodalo in the upcoming September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is facing a looming power crisis as the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) threatens to disconnect the university’s power supply over a disputed electricity bill. The university is contesting the bill, which skyrocketed to N280 million for the month of April 2024, compared to N80 million in March 2024.

According to a statement issued over the weekend signed by the university management, and made available to CAMPUS GIST in Benin City, BEDC’s “sudden and exorbitant” increase in the electricity bill is “unsustainable and unacceptable.”

The statement noted that management of the university has written to BEDC to protest the development and has also sought the intervention of the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) to resolve the matter.

“To register her objection to the outrageous bill submitted by BEDC in April, the University has officially written and held meetings with BEDC to protest the development”, the statement sighted by CAMPUS GIST reads in part.

“To further resolve the matter, the University has taken steps to request for intervention of the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission regarding the April 2024 bill and other matters sustainable supply of electricity to the University of Benin community.”

The university management emphasized that paying even a fraction of the disputed bill would imply acceptance of the contested amount, which would not be in the university’s interest. Therefore, they are seeking understanding and cooperation from staff and students as they work towards a sustainable solution to the crisis.

“Besides the fact that the University does not have the means to pay the exorbitant bill presented by BEDC in April, payments of any fraction of the disputed April bill may suggest that the University has accepted to pay the contested bill. This will not be in the interest of the University,” the statement noted.

“In the circumstances, it is believed to be more reasonable to allow the issue raised by the University to be resolved before any payment relating to the disputed bill is made. Management, therefore, solicits the understanding and cooperation of staff and students as efforts are being made to ensure that a sustainable solution is achieved for the University as soon as possible.”

As the threat of disconnection looms, the university community is bracing itself for possible darkness and disruption of activities. Students and staff are worried about the impact on their studies and work, and are calling on BEDC and the relevant authorities to resolve the issue urgently.

Though the university management has assured that efforts are being made to ensure a sustainable solution is achieved as soon as possible, but for now, the uncertainty and tension remain.

Back Story

About two months ago, the federal government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), approved a hike in the electricity rates for consumers categorized under Band A, where most federal institutions fall under, including the University of Benin.

This was contained in a press statement made available to CAMPUS GIST by the Vice-Chairman of NERC, Musliu Oseni, who stated that the tariff hike would result in customers paying N225 per kilowatt hour, up from the existing N66.

However, NERC reduced the exchange rate for calculating the current electricity tariff for Band A customers by 16.03%, from N1,463.3/$ to N1,277.8 from May to December 2024.

Management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has served authorities of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) a disconnection notice over failure to clear its outstanding light bill, CAMPUS GIST reports.

A notice pasted on the walls of the University sighted by this online medium, dated 22nd May, 2024 and signed by one Engr Tobi, gave the University three days to clear the N264,490,313 million estimated bill for the month of April.

The development comes barely one week after the University resorted to load shedding following the 340 per cent astronomical rise in its electricity bill as a result of the recent hike in tariff by the Nigerian government, particularly for Band A consumers, where UNIBEN is currently connected to.

CAMPUS GIST reports that the University’s management had in a memo to its community, titled: ‘Update on Power Supply to University Community’, said it could no longer cope with the new tariff which resulted to a consumption of N280 million from N80 million for the month of April, 2024.

UNIBEN had, however, revealed that it had entered into negotiation with BEDC over the development and expressed optimism that normalcy of power supply would be restored as soon as negotiations were concluded.

"Management appreciates your usual support, understanding and regrets any inconveniences the increment may have caused you,” the statement read.

But sadly, amid the ongoing negotiations and load shedding, the Management of BEDC has issued the University Management a three-day ultimatum to pay up their bills or have their services (electricity) withdrawn from the University premises.

As at the time of filling this report, the University Management was yet to formally comment on the latest development. Efforts to get the reaction of Spokesperson for the Institution, Dr Benedicta Ehanire were unsuccessful.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has warned the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop the fake news on its candidate in the September 21, 2024 Governorship election, Senator Monday Okpebholo, following his recent outing in Maryland, United States of America.

Recall that Okpebholo, yesterday, flew into Maryland for a town hall event at the Best Western Hotel, Lanham where he met and interacted with the Edo diaspora community on his plans to address key issues in Edo State, such as insecurity, healthcare, infrastructure development, and the creation of a diaspora ministry.

An online medium (not METROWATCH) had reported that, at the meeting, the APC candidate expressed his frustration that the ongoing crisis within the Benin Traditional Council, involving the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II and Governor Godwin Obaseki was a distraction from governance and had brought the palace into disrepute.

Okpebholo was also reported to have blamed both parties for the lingering crisis, calling for unity and reconciliation. He was said to have urged the Benin Monarch and Governor Obaseki to “sheath their swords and put Edo State above their personal interests and egos.”

Reacting in a statement titled, “Edo APC to PDP: Stop that Fake News” issued by Prince Kassim Afegbua, Director of Media, APC/Okpebholo Campaign Council, the APC dismissed the report as fake. The council accused pro-Obaseki propagandists of deliberately twisting Okpebholo’s words to discredit him.

According to the council, Okpebholo never referred to the Oba of Benin in condescending language nor mentioned the word “distraction” during the Town Hall meeting. Instead, he was said to have emphasized the importance of respecting traditional institutions and consulting with traditional rulers, including the Oba of Benin.

The council condemned the attempt to misrepresent Okpebholo’s remarks, calling it a failed attempt to score cheap political points. Afegbua described Okpebholo as a humble and respectful Edo son who understands the revered position of traditional rulers in the state.

The statement reads in part, “What he (Okpebholo) told the August gathering was that the Governor, Godwin Obaseki has no business meddling into the affairs of our traditional rulers and that Obaseki’s present effort was targeted at ridiculing the revered Oba of Benin and the Benin Palace as a formidable institution.”

Okpebholo was quoted as saying, “Before the advent of modern administration, the traditional institutions were the anchor of governance and administration in most communities in Nigeria. In fact, the Benin Empire is larger in size and influence than the present Edo state. Any serious-minded Governor who understands our traditional institutions should naturally accord respect to our traditional rulers, and in Edo state, the Oba of Benin, undoubtedly takes a pre-eminent position.

“If I become an elected Governor by the good people of Edo State, I will constantly consult with the great Oba of Benin and other traditional rulers across the state before taking major policy decisions. Our traditional rulers are the custodian of our value system and culture.”

The APC Campaign Council continued: “We found it very distasteful that pro-Obaseki media would twist the entire story upside down to discredit the candidate and drag him into the murky waters that the infamous Governor Obaseki has continued to drag the state in. They wanted to score a cheap political point, but they misfired abysmally.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo, is not only a man of subliminal humility and respect, he remains a proper and well brought up Edo son who understands the revered position of traditional rulers in the state, especially our quintessential Monarch, the Great Oba of Benin. Governor Obaseki has been dragging the Benin Palace artefacts with the Great Oba of Benin. He has refused to open the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre which has grown weeds and become descrepit. All the monies that were donated by foreign governments who returned our artefacts, have been with-held by Governor Obaseki without releasing same to our Monarch. ”

The APC candidate, however, pledged to give all traditional rulers in Edo a pride of place in the affairs of the state, if elected Governor come September 21, vowing to restore the “glory and candour” which the Benin Royal Palace represents.

Following the offer of Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki to resolve the issue between His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, and some suspended Enigie (dukes), the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has listed conditions for peace with the state government.

In a statement on Wednesday issued through their solicitors, Professors Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN and Edoba Omoregie, SAN, made available to METROWATCH, the BTC expressed openness to resolving the conflict amicably but laid out clear conditions for this to happen.

The council demanded, “Abolition of the new traditional councils in Edo South, restoration of the BTC’s statutory financial entitlements to the status quo before the creation of the new councils, including the refund of withheld funds.

“A commitment from the state government to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Institution, respecting the Benin Customary Law and the Oba’s disciplinary authority.

“Withdrawal of the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre and its restoration to a suitable condition for its original purpose.”


Backstory:
The ongoing dispute between the state government and Benin Royal Palace has deep roots, beginning with the contentious issue of ownership over ancient artefacts looted from the palace of the Oba of Benin during the 1897 Benin Massacre by British colonial forces.

In April 2023, the then President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government issued a gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

But the issue over ownership lingers.


‘How isuses escalated’ — BTC
The Benin Traditional Council noted that tensions escalated when some local leaders, known as Enigie, proposed creating new traditional councils in Edo South in a letter to the state government dated November 20, 2022, a move that the BTC strongly opposed.

BTC, through the Iyase of Benin and other representatives of the Oba Palace, made numerous efforts to dissuade the state government from this plan, arguing that it would fragment the Benin Kingdom and undermine the authority of the Oba of Benin.

According to the Council, despite these efforts, the state government proceeded to establish new traditional councils across the seven local government areas in Edo South, prompting the BTC to challenge the decision in the State High Court.

The state government also withheld the statutory financial entitlements due to the Benin Traditional Counci.

The BTC counsels stated that the conflict took another turn when the state governor welcomed some Enigie, including those suspended for violating traditional norms, and intervened in legal proceedings against them.

They said that the state government further announced to the National Assembly that the creation of the new traditional councils was final. At the same time, two Enigies filed a joint lawsuit to contest their suspensions.

“Amid these tensions, the Edo State Government issued a notice to revoke the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, which had been repurposed as a motor park since 2016, causing further frustration for the BTC,” the statement added.

The BTC emphasised that the Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of their customs and traditions.

It rejected the state government’s characterisation of the dispute as a mere family affair within the Benin Royal Family.

“The conflicts between the BTC and the Edo State Government began with the bitter dispute over ownership of ancient artefacts looted from the Palace of the Oba of Benin during the Benin Massacre of 1897,” BTC insisted.

The Council also stressed the importance of non-interference in traditional matters, saying,: “Any matter that affects the customs and traditions of the Benin people, of which His Royal Majesty is the exclusive custodian, cannot be reduced to a family affair of the Benin Royal Family.”

The University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State, has resorted to load shedding following the astronomical rise in its electricity bill as a result of the recent hike in tariff by the Nigerian government, CAMPUS GIST reports.

The University’s management in a memo to its community, titled: ‘Update on Power Supply to University Community’, sighted by CAMPUS GIST, said it could no longer cope with the new tariff which resulted to a consumption of N280m for the month of April, 2024.

UNIBEN revealed that it had entered into negotiation with Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over the development.

The statement reads, "It has become necessary to bring to the notice of the Provost, Deans, Directors and members of the University community the adverse consequences resulting from the 340% increment on electricity tariff by NERC particularly to Band A consumers where the University is currently connected.

"Our April bill is about 280 million from the former bill of about 80 million Naira therefore, Management is left with no other option than load shedding to reduce cost whilst negotiation continues with BEDC. Normalcy of power supply will be restored as soon as negotiations are concluded.

"Management appreciates your usual support, understanding and regrets any inconveniences the increment may have caused you."

The management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), in Edo State, has suspended Students’ Union of the institution indefinitely and with immediate effect.

CAMPUS GIST reports that the suspension of the Students’ Union is following the incident that happened at the University’s Senior Staff Club on Friday 12th April, 2024.

Members of the Union were said to have invaded an interactive session by staff of the university with the Edo 2024 governorship candidate of Labour Party, Olumide Akpata and in the process reportedly demanded a halt of the event, over alleged claims that they (Students’ Union) were not informed of the event.

In the process, a senior lecturer and member of the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), was reportedly attacked, injured and eventually landed in the hospital.

But, the Students' Union leadership had denied any wrongful doing, claiming to have responded to a tip-off that students were gathered at the staff club restricted to only registered staff members at an ungodly hour.

Following the incident, management of the university announced the set up of a panel to investigate the incident with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

The UNIBEN ASUU had last week threatened to boycott resumption and to embark on indefinite strike, if members of the Students' Union were not sanctioned for reportedly attacking their member, claiming their lives were in danger.

They claimed that the incident was a security threat on campus, while citing a 2021 incident where the current Vice Chancellor, Prof Lilian Salami was forcefully removed from her residence and forced to walk on foot by students protesting against N20,000 late school fee payment charge.

Consequently, in a statement signed by A. A. Bobola, Registrar of the university, Monday night and made available to CAMPUS GIST, he said the Vice Chancellor has approved the suspension of the University’s Students Union after due consideration of the Panel’s report.

The statement partly reads: “The suspension which is indefinite, takes immediate effect, that is, from today, Monday 29th April, 2024.

“Accordingly, all Officers of the Students’ Union are to handover all properties of the Union in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs not later 4.00pm on Tuesday 30 April, 2024.

“In the interim, a Caretaker Committee composed of representatives of Faculties, Schools and Institutes has been approved to coordinate students’ activities during the period of suspension.”

“The above directive of the Vice Chancellor is hereby communicated for the attention of the University Community and compliance of the erstwhile Union Officers as appropriate.”

Reacting to the development in a terse statement made available to CAMPUS GIST midnight Monday, the President of the suspended UNIBEN Students' Union, Comrade Alpha-King Lemuel Osahon, called on the students to remain calm, saying, 'we are on the matter.'

The management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), in Edo State, has suspended Students’ Union of the institution indefinitely and with immediate effect.

CAMPUS GIST reports that the suspension of the Students’ Union is following the incident that happened at the University’s Senior Staff Club on Friday 12th April, 2024.

Members of the Union were said to have invaded an interactive session by staff of the university with the Edo 2024 governorship candidate of Labour Party, Olumide Akpata and in the process reportedly demanded a halt of the event, over alleged claims that they (Students’ Union) were not informed of the event.

In the process, a senior lecturer and member of the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), was reportedly attacked, injured and eventually landed in the hospital.

But, the Students' Union leadership had denied any wrongful doing, claiming to have responded to a tip-off that students were gathered at the staff club restricted to only registered staff members at an ungodly hour.

Following the incident, management of the university announced the set up of a panel to investigate the incident with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

The UNIBEN ASUU had last week threatened to boycott resumption and to embark on indefinite strike, if members of the Students' Union were not sanctioned for reportedly attacking their member, claiming their lives were in danger.

They claimed that the incident was a security threat on campus, while citing a 2021 incident where the current Vice Chancellor, Prof Lilian Salami was forcefully removed from her residence and forced to walk on foot by students protesting against N20,000 late school fee payment charge.

Consequently, in a statement signed by A. A. Bobola, Registrar of the university, Monday night and made available to CAMPUS GIST, he said the Vice Chancellor has approved the suspension of the University’s Students Union after due consideration of the Panel’s report.

The statement partly reads: “The suspension which is indefinite, takes immediate effect, that is, from today, Monday 29th April, 2024.

“Accordingly, all Officers of the Students’ Union are to handover all properties of the Union in their possession to the Dean, Students’ Affairs not later 4.00pm on Tuesday 30 April, 2024.

“In the interim, a Caretaker Committee composed of representatives of Faculties, Schools and Institutes has been approved to coordinate students’ activities during the period of suspension.”

“The above directive of the Vice Chancellor is hereby communicated for the attention of the University Community and compliance of the erstwhile Union Officers as appropriate.”

Reacting to the development in a terse statement made available to CAMPUS GIST midnight Monday, the President of the suspended UNIBEN Students' Union, Comrade Alpha-King Lemuel Osahon, called on the students to remain calm, saying, 'we are on the matter.'

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT), representing South-South, Charles Idahosa, has resigned his membership of the party in Edo State and his position as BOT member.

Idahosa, a former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, tendered his resignation, Monday in a personally signed letter addressed to the Ward Chairman, PDP Ward 1, Ehor, Uhunmwode Local Government Area.

He said the decision to resign was after considerable contemplation and reflection on his personal and political journey, noting that it was now time to pursue new paths and opportunities beyond the party’s confines.

The letter reads in part, “Throughout my tenure within the Peoples Democratic Party, I have been privileged to contribute to its vision and mission. However, after careful consideration, I believe it is time for me to pursue new paths and opportunities beyond the party’s confines.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the PDP community for their unwavering support and camaraderie during my time of service. I remain committed to upholding the values and principles that have guided my political engagement thus far. I look forward to new avenues of growth and contribution, and I extend my best wishes to the Peoples Democratic Party as it continues its important work.”

Idahosa served as Special Adviser on Political Matters to Adams Oshiomhole as Edo State Governor. They later parted ways in the build-up to Obaseki’s second term election in 2020, over alleged plan by Oshiomhole to deny the governor the APC ticket using his position as National Chairman of the party.

Idahosa later moved with Governor Obaseki from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Years later, Idahosa became very critical of the Governor Obaseki led administration, the same government he helped to enthrone in 2020.Ahead of the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election, Idahosa declared that the next governor must be a “homeboy” who is at home with the people, and not an “imported financial magician”, apparently taking a jibe at Obaseki’s preferred successor, Asue Ighodalo.

Idahosa is among the several PDP chieftains who have since either resigned or dumped the party for the opposition APC ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Confirmedzombie:
This is sad. The Labour House ought to be named after Peter Obi.

Obi is the face of Labour Party in Nigeria today.reversal or obedients will mobilizer for a state wide protest.

We say enough is enough

I condemn it, I condemn it, I condemn it and we call for the

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has increased the minimum wage for workers in the State from N40,000 to B70,000.

The governor made the announcement, Monday at the commissioning of the newly built ultra-modern Labour House (secretariat complex) for labour unions in the State, in Benin City.

According to him, the new minimum wage regime will come into effect as from May 1, 2024, during this year’s Workers’ Day.

Until now, Edo state has been paying N40,000 as minimum wage, N10,000 more than the National Minimum Wage of N30,000.

This is the second time that Governor Obaseki has increased minimum wage in the state.

The first time was about 2021 when he raised the wage from N30,000 to N40,000.

NOTE: Labour House = NLC, TUC Office Secretariat

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has named the Labour House after his predecessor and former benefactor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

This was on Monday at the formal unveiling and commissioning of the House, in Benin City by the Governor with Oshiomhole as special guest.

The Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are also among the guests.

Oshiomhole, a former NLC President, fell off with Obaseki, his godson and anointed successor in the Edo 2016 gubernatorial election, during the 2020 re-election polls.

However, both men have been seen lately at public events with the governor repeatedly inviting Oshiomhole to state functions and honoring him.

Some believe that the move is to spite Obaseki’s estranged former deputy, Philip Shaibu, who equally fell out with Oshiomhole, his former godfather, during the Obaseki’s 2020 re-election campaign.

Shaibu was impeached in April this year over irreconcilable differences with Governor Obaseki amid his ambition to succeed his principal (Obaseki) as governor, for alleged perjury and disclosure of government’s secrets.