Obaseki Scales 75-year Hurdle as Preferred Bidder, Mota Engil Africa, Emerges for Benin Port Project

...Financing underway as construction set to kick-off

By Peter Uzoho

After 75 years of stalling amid various obstacles, the Benin Port Project is finally kicking off with the emergence of a preferred bidder for the most ambitious legacy project of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.Chairman of the Benin Port Project, Dr. Greg Ogbeifun, confirmed at the weekend that the preferred bidder, Mota Engil Africa, emerged after a one-week evaluation exercise conducted on the bids received in response to the Request for Proposals, from the three pre-qualified bidders, namely China Harbour Engineering Company (China), Mota-Engil Africa (Portugal), and Yilport Holding Inc (Turkey).

Mota Engil Africa, which is also handling the Kano-Maradi rail project of the federal government, recently took delivery of $200 million worth of equipment, showcasing its capacity to deliver on big-ticket projects.Efforts to construct the port had persisted unsuccessfully for over 75 years after it was first proposed, as regulatory, funding and institutional setbacks halted various moves to embark on the project.

Governor Obaseki had promised to build the port during his campaigns in 2016 and has ever since pursued the actualisation of the project, navigating an extremely complex maze of regulatory and institutional challenges.The governor had in his New Year address in 2017, announced the set-up of a seven-man committee chaired by Engr. Greg Ero, to lead the development of the port project. This Committee was eventually succeeded by the Dr. Ogbeifun-led Benin Port project team, which is currently handling the project.

Responding to the development, Obaseki said it was delightful that the project has finally kicked off in earnest to serve as a launchpad for the expansion of Edo’s $11.8 billion economy, noting that it would catalyse the growth of the agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, food processing, automotive, power, retail and extractive sectors.“We are now set for the commencement of this landmark project, which will open a new vista of opportunities for Edo people and Nigerians in general,” he noted.

Detailing the process leading to the emergence of the preferred bidder, the Project Director, Benin Port, Dr. Joe Aigboduwa, said: “Request for Proposal (RFP) documents had been issued to the prequalified bidders on 18th April 2023. A Pre-Bid conference was held with the bidders on 26th April 2023, followed by visits to the project site from 13th June to 14th June 2023. Bids were eventually submitted in Abuja on the due date of Friday 30th June 2023.“The very rigorous and transparent evaluation exercise was conducted by the Project Delivery Team (PDT) and coordinated by the Transaction Adviser (CPCS Transcom) in compliance with international best practices.

“The Technical Proposals were first opened and evaluated from Monday 3rd July to Thursday 6th July 2023. The exercise culminated in the public opening of the compliant Financial Proposals on Friday 7th July, 2023 in the presence of the bidders.”The 300,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) Benin Port would reactivate pre-colonial trade routes through the Benin and Osse Rivers, which was where the Portuguese first had contact with the Benin Kingdom in 1472 AD.The Godwin Obaseki-led government has rolled out an expansive plan for the Benin Port, which is designed to be a unique agro-based Port in Nigeria that encompasses a complete smart Port Community Complex for industrial processing and export of agricultural produce and other goods, with independent, clean and renewable energy installations.

The container and multipurpose terminals of the port would also have RoRo facilities to enable direct importation of vehicles for the thriving automobile industry in Edo State, among other commercial activities that would spring from the port operations.Chairman of Benin Port Project, Ogbeifun expressed appreciation to members of the evaluation team for their dedication, professionalism and transparency exhibited throughout the exercise, and looked forward to further cooperation in continuation of the Concession award process.

The immediate past Minister of Transportation had earlier set up the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and Project Delivery Team (PDT) to ensure realisation of the Benin Port Project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, as already approved by the federal government of Nigeria through the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

The PSC and PDT comprise representatives from the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ), Federal Ministry of Finance (FMOF), Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Edo State Government (EDSG), and the Transaction Adviser (CPCS Transcom, Canada).The Edo State government is also completing the dualisation of Ekehuan Road, which is the major access road to the port location from Benin City, the state capital.

Governor Obaseki assured all stakeholders and partners of the government’s full support to ensure that the project is completed in good time and deliver value to Nigerians and port users from different parts of the world.

How World Bank, Edo govt, 6 varsities kicked-off procurement training in Nigeria

The Managing Director of the Edo State Public Procurement Agency, Henry Idogun, has noted that the World Bank working with the Edo State Government and other institutions pioneered the mounting of procurement programmes across six Nigerian universities.

Idogun, who spoke with journalists in Benin City, noted that the programme was instituted after it came to light that there was no formal academic programme in Nigerian universities to build local capacity on procurement.

According to him, “Before, there was no University in Nigeria that offered Procurement as a course. Recently, about two or three years ago, the World Bank realized that there is inadequate procurement capacity in the country and started a programme in partnership with the Nigeria Universities Commission where they now want to run procurement courses in six selected universities.

“In fact, these universities were competitively selected. The one in the South-South is the University of Benin. When they wanted to start, they didn’t have resource persons. And the World Bank directed them to go and collaborate with our agency. Up till this moment, we act as resource persons to them. The progress they have made is well applauded by the World Bank which has also commended our commitment and support to the centre.”

He noted that the development is part of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s drive to entrench transparency and accountability in public procurement in the state, which has received international and national accolades.

Edo not Owing Salaries, Slams BudgIT over False Report

The Edo State Government has described as absolutely false a report by a civic-tech organization, BudgIT, that it owes its workers, insisting that it is up to date and consistent with payment of salaries.

The government said that even local government council workers are not owed any salaries.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the report was unfortunate as not only are state workers paid as and when due, but also enjoy minimum wage of N40,000, the highest in Nigeria.

According to him, “We hereby debunk the misleading media report by a civic-tech organization, BudgIT, that the Edo State Government is owing workers six months salaries. The report is not only false and mischievous, it is disingenuous in its intentions.

“BudgIT obviously got its data wrong. It is regrettable that an organization which should uphold the principles of data integrity and accuracy is involved in spreading incorrect information.

“The Edo State Government does not owe state workers salaries. On the contrary, Edo is the first state to increase the minimum wage to N40,000 above the nationally approved N30,000. It has also been consistent in paying the new wage to workers.

“In fact, government has over time made it a duty to announce payment of salaries as soon as workers get their credits on or before the 26th day of every month.

“The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration prioritises the welfare of its workers and has maintained a cordial relationship with workers across board, leading to a harmonious work environment in the state.”

He advised organisations developing reports on the state to seek accurate information from relevant authorities to avoid going to press with incorrect information.

Joyce West Pens Down Emotional Birthday Message to her Father, Pa Elder David Ehikhuemenlo

Happy birthday to my hero.
Daddy, i can't thank God enough for having father like you. You taught me how beautiful this world is and how to overcome challenges and difficulties in life. Thank you for your support and love❤ .

Dear Dad, I want you to know that you're an inspiration, A friend and a Teacher to us all.
Thanks for your countless sacrifices towards giving us a better life.

Happy 72nd birthday my super Dad, Priceless and incomparable.May God Almighty continue to bless you with good health, happiness and peace that surpasses human understanding.

Youre the best Dad. ❤Love you to infinity and beyond.

Enjoy your birthday Dad and have the happiest birthday!!!!!

With Love from Joyce West Okoebu

Election or not I'll keep celebrating women in my own special way - Maryann Shaibu

The wife of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mrs Maryann Shaibu has assured women from Estako west local government area of the state of her continuous support and to always celebrate with them in her own special ways.

Mrs Maryann Shaibu gave this assurance during a Christmas get-together for women from Estako west local government Area.

Addressing the women, she saluted their courage and commended them for being an immerse source of joy, a gift from God to her and the wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and the entire state government.

According to her, "The occasion means a lot to me, whether there's election or not, I'll will keep celebrating women in my own special ways."

She further stated that "Christmas is a unique period for us, The Christmas party brings us together to share the beauty and joy of the festivity together and as such, we must at all times demonstrate love for one another in the spirit of Christmas."

She also emphasized on the need for women to radiate hope as the gift of Jesus brings hope and one must remain hopeful that it will always get better.

Mrs Maryann Shaibu called on the women wing to get registered for the ongoing PDP E - registration validation exercise.

The Christmas celebration took various dimensions such as dancing competitions, presentation of Christmas gift items and cash prizes. The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon. Comr Philip Shaibu also used the opportunity to gift some PDP E- registration Agents Android phones to assist in the ongoing E- registration exercise in Estako west local government and promised to extend same gesture to other local government.

Edo govt loans LGAs N850m to pay Dec salaries in lieu of FAAC receipt

The Edo State Government has said it has advanced local government areas in the state a loan to the tune of N850 million to clear salaries of council workers in the month of December in lieu of the release of Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to the councils.

In a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said: “due to its prudent management of public resources, the state had settled salaries and pension of state workers since December 14 from its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). However, local governments in the state have been unable to pay December salaries and pension to workers and pensioners due to delay in the release of their FAAC allocation.”

He noted that the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at an Executive Council (EXCO) on Wednesday, approved the release of N850m to the councils to enable them clear their salary obligations for the month of December.

According to him: “Recall that FAAC allocation is distributed between the Federal, State and Local Governments in the state after the monthly statutory FAAC meeting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

“However, since the virtual FAAC meeting of December 18, where N675.9bn was shared among the three tiers of government, local governments in the state have been unable to access their funds thereby putting them in dire straits.

“Realizing, however, that local government workers would be hard hit by the delay during the festive season, the Edo State Government decided to advance the 18 local councils in the state a bailout to enable them clear the salaries of their workers.”





*Edo govt loans LGAs N850m to pay Dec salaries in lieu of FAAC receipt*

The Edo State Government has said it has advanced local government areas in the state a loan to the tune of N850 million to clear salaries of council workers in the month of December in lieu of the release of Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to the councils.

Due to its prudent management of public resources, the state had settled salaries and pension of state workers since December 14 from its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). However, local governments in the state have been unable to pay December salaries and pension to workers and pensioners due to delay in the release of their FAAC allocation.

The government said the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at an Executive Council (EXCO) on Wednesday approved the release of N850m to the councils to enable them clear their salary obligations for the month of December.

Recall that FAAC allocation is distributed between the Federal, State and Local Governments in the state after the monthly statutory FAAC meeting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

However, since the virtual FAAC meeting of December 18, where N675.9bn was shared among the three tiers of government, local governments in the state have been unable to access their funds thereby putting them in dire straits.

Realizing, however, that local government workers would be hard hit by the delay during the festive season, the Edo State Government decided to advance the 18 local councils in the state a bailout to enable them clear the salaries of their workers.

Osarodion Ogie Esq.

_Secretary to the State Government_

God's Own FC Wins 11th Edition of Obaseki Football Tournament

God's Own FC has won the just concluded 11th Edition of Obaseki Football Tournament,the team defeated Egbeta FC by 5 goals to two at the finals of the football competition. Cocoa FC team won the third-place position.

The Obaseki Football Tournament for Ovia is an annual tournament in honour of Iye Okpokhuo, Omosede Obaseki who after losing her husband in Ebute Meta, Lagos relocated to Igbogor around 1925.

The tournament kicked off on the 21st November through to the 12th of December, it was held at Abesi Primary School Ground Igbogor, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edo State with participant drawn from 15 clubs within Ovia and it's environs.The winners of the 11th edition, God's Own FC is based in Benin City, Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State

See beautiful pictures from the finals of the memorable event

Obaseki unveils plans for Benin City Cultural District, EMOWAA pavilion

_... chronicles journey for return of Benin artifacts_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled plans for the Benin City Cultural District, which will house the Edo Museum of West African Arts (EMOWAA).

Obaseki disclosed this at the 2021 National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Retreat for management staff and curators held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The governor said an international town planning group is in the state undertaking Urban and Regional planning of Edo, which will redesign Benin City.

"In this plan, we have included the carving out of a large area as a Cultural District and the Museum will be located in the Cultural District. If we host 5,000 visitors every year as a result of the attraction to the Museum, the state will benefit from it.

We are already working on this and have put up an Urban renewal plan for this purpose,” he said.

He continued: "EMOWAA will be part of the national museum complex and the home for the comprehensive display of the Benin Art collection across the world. The artworks are global works and represent Africa, Nigeria and Edo globally; we should not lose them. We insist on the return of these artifacts to their original home, Benin City.

"We should build something that is iconic and represents the extent of the prowess of the Benin empire. EMOWAA must be a research institution as there is a lot more to research and find out about the Benin Empire. There will be several important buildings in the museum complex and the museum will be a complex that will deal with the different aspects of the cultural life of Edo people.”
Obaseki said culture is one of the viable platforms to leapfrog the state’s development moving into the future, noting, “Culture is a plank for the regeneration of our people.

"The state government in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Royal Palace are in conversation on the return of the Benin artifacts sited in museums and collections across the world."

Obaseki thanked the British Government and the British Museum for alerting that there might be more works to be retrieved and also for the grant provided to undertake archaeological surveys and research to find the works that currently exist in Edo State.

According to him, “I assure you that by working with other European Governments, we have reached an advanced stage in getting the resources to start the first phase of preparing for the return and acceptance of these works. We are going to commence the construction of the pavilion where the returned works will be stored in the city center.

"The Edo Museum of West African Arts (EMOWAA), which is a complex and will be made up of several pieces will include the pavilion, the National Museum, Royal collections, Urhokpota Hall, restoration of a part of the Benin Moat, all of which will make visitors have the full experience of the Benin culture that span for more than six to seven centuries.

"This is a training point for us as a state as we build a museum where the world will come and see original pieces which used to adorn European museums. This is a great project, which we look forward to.”

The governor commended the creation of the Digital Benin project, which is a project documenting all works taken out of this city in every private or public museum globally.

The Director General of NCMM, Prof. Abba Isa Tijani, commended the governor for his love, determination, courage and commitment in ensuring the return of the artifacts.

He said: "We have 52 museums across the country and 65 monuments and sites. The issue of training and retraining is really a big problem for us in the commission.

"When I took over, I said the best way is to partner with the private sector and our partners outside the country. They have been able to now come to our aid in terms of capacity building.

"The Edo Museum of West African Arts (EMOWAA) is a big opportunity for us to be at the forefront of promoting and establishing this museum. We have curators who are experienced; they just need slight training at the international level so that the standard that we want to set up at the EMOWAA will be maintained.”

Mayaki, who is responsible for monetary policy mgt in Nigeria?

By Crusoe Osagie

The vacuity in John Mayaki’s reasoning is laid bare in a recent piece where he goofed while trying to misinform the public on the responsibilities of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

As it is in the forte of those of us who should know to call out these gaffes so he doesn’t miseducate the reading public, I have taken it up as a task to stress some fine points on his faulty understanding of macro-economics.

In the first line of the third paragraph of his penultimate retort against me, Mayaki, who is the attack dog of the Edo People's Movement (EPM), advertised his ignorance with the claim that the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning is ‘directly in charge of monetary policies…’.

However, contrary to Mayaki’s claims, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and not the Ministry of Finance is statutorily charged with the task to ‘ensure monetary and price stability; issue legal tender currency in Nigeria; ... promote a sound financial system; act as Banker and provide economic and financial advice to the Federal Government.’ In essence, the apex bank is empowered to direct the country’s monetary policy, among other functions.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the fiscal policy, that is managing government’s revenue and expenditure, which includes collecting and disbursing government revenue, formulating policies on taxation, tariffs; preparing and managing the annual budget and preparing annual accounts for ministries, departments and agencies, among others.

Brickbats such as these are sometimes quite necessary to embark upon with the hope that it will help novices like Mayaki to learn a thing or two.

This is just one point I will be bringing out to help herald Mayaki’s ineptitude and to drive some humility into him. It is, after all, not so smart to be arrogant about one’s ignorance.

Hence, as he continues with his vituperations, I will take a critical stance to point out the errors of reasoning and the idiocy of lacing tomfoolery under pretentious prose.

The age-old aphorism ‘an empty vessel makes the loudest noise’ would have gone out of fashion, but nonentities like Mayaki would continue to provide justification for it to hold true again and again that indeed the hollowness of a vessel inevitably makes its ricocheting echoes a nuisance.

_Osagie, an Editor with THISDAY Newspapers (on leave of absence), and public commentator, writes from Benin City._

Mayaki and his Expired Media Practice

By Crusoe Osagie

I ignored the irresponsible journalism that John Mayaki, the attack dog of the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), has displayed in the Edo State public space in the last three years primarily because of my respect for the office I held in government as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy and spokesperson of the governor. Now that I am not encumbered by the weight of that office, I want to give him the benefit of my experience as an editor.

So, I would like to educate him on the responsibilities of a journalist, which are to educate, inform, enlighten and entertain the public as well as the ethos of the profession which is the sacredness of facts, fairness, integrity and balance.

In a Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 message published by Premium Times, The Will, The EagleOnline and in other print and online newspapers, Mayaki fell on his sword by apologizing to Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini. In that apology, he admitted to willfully being a purveyor of falsehood in diminishing the estimation of the character of these persons in the eye of the public.

Unfortunately, he does not seem to understand the significance of this low point in his career as a journalist, apparently taking refuge in the assumption that Nigerians forgive easily and often do not hold people to account in the long term for their actions and inactions.

To put it mildly, however, Mayaki’s career as journalist and media practitioner is dead.

His current predicament is likened to that of a chicken whose head has been cut off, but the frantic, rhythmic movements of its legs and wings gives the false sense that it is still alive.

“I unfortunately allowed my political interest, and not my judgement as a professional journalist, to guide me on the information…” This is a line from Mayaki’s apology to Obaseki and Igini, which was widely published in the media.

Had this happened in climes where integrity forms the basis of operations for professionals, such as in Japan, where an individual’s integrity is considered more important than their life, a man like Mayaki would be strung in the sun to dry and would never again find relevance in any organization whatsoever, whether large or small.

I am providing this advisory for him with the assumption that he is even a trained journalist as I have it on good authority that he never completed secondary school education. He was rumoured to be a helping hand for journalists at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) complex in GRA, Benin City.

He was later said to have attended some remedial programmes to shore up his deficiencies and meandered his way to obtain some passable certifications. His last position was as a freelance reporter for The Nation Newspaper before he was co-opted into the political scene by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as a Special Assistant, the lowest aide in the political ladder.

Mayaki has tried to drum very loudly the recent issue of Governor Obaseki’s comments on Nigeria’s economic challenges. I hope he has heard from the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, who has admitted that the apex bank actually intervenes using the instruments the governor spoke about in supporting the government in instances of fiscal deficit. It is also clear that the advice by the governor urging responsibility in deploying this instrument is in order. But this means nothing to Mayaki who is still hallucinating from the terrible defeat in the September 19, 2020 governorship election in Edo State, which he seems to be completely unable to get over.

As for using one’s privileged position in government for the benefit of their family members, I hope Mayaki remembers that his direct family relatives, Kazeem Aliu, is a Still Photographer while Ernest Jeremiah is a Sound Man in the Press Unit in Government House. He had brought them in during his three-month stint in the Obaseki-led administration.

Our sense of natural justice would not allow us to take any action against them, as they cannot be held accountable for the infractions Mayaki committed while in office, the details of which I would not like to go into in this piece.

It is rather unfortunate that Mayaki still has the temerity to engage on this merry-go-round when he should bury his head in shame and spend the rest of his days trying to make it up to all the people he has put off with his nasty character.

Osagie, an Editor with THISDAY Newspaper (on leave of absence) and public commentator, writes from Benin City.

*Obaseki redefines entertainment, tourism industry with new hub, park in Edo*

*_…creative hub fitted with 24-hour power, high-speed internet_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said his administration is developing a world-class entertainment hub in the premises of the state-owned newspaper, Nigerian Observer that will attract filmmakers and music producers from across the world.

Obaseki said the facility under construction will house expensive and world-class equipment that will enhance the production of movies, music and other activities in the entertainment industry.

The governor, who was on an inspection tour of the facility, said his administration has sourced funds from the German Government to finance and complete the project.

“We are expecting a real hub at this facility. Stakeholders in the entertainment industry who do not have the capital to buy expensive equipment to mix and finish their production at the hub.

"With the assistance of the German Government, we have sourced for money and are redesigning the facilities as you can see. We have gotten electricity from CCETC-OSSIOMO to have 24/7 power supply.”

“We already have fibre optic connection in this place. This will help attract a lot more men and women in the entertainment industry who are doing great things,” he added.

The governor said at the completion of the entertainment hub it will attract movie and music makers from surrounding States to produce their music, movies, documentaries and more.

“We have just closed a five-year bond and the money is available to finish the work as fast as possible".

The governor also visited the permanent site of Benin Central Park where he expressed confidence in the quality of work done, noting, “When it’s completed, it will take 300 buses and 300 taxes or smaller vehicles.

"We have to plan and build the best for our people; the central park is for our people. It will be for buses and taxes, which is what is missing in the transportation infrastructure of the State.

"This is the main park and six other mini parks will be located around the city to help structure the transportation system in the State. There was no transportation plan, but now, we have a plan and this is the outcome of that planning.”

Noting that it was necessary to provide a structure for the state’s transport system, he said: "Benin City is a natural transport hub in the country and transportation is one of the key economic activities here. When you get to Benin, you can get to anywhere in the country. This park will help to regulate the movement of the people and their vehicles. Our transportation plan four years ago has given us this facility and other facilities, which will be further expanded.”

Noiseless Achiever!!!!!!

Edo Modular Refinery at 70% completion, as Obaseki expands state’s industrial base

This is a key legacy project by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to recalibrate the state’s industrial base, birthed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Making Edo Great Again

*No clash between Obaseki and deputy, Shaibu – Gov’s spokesman*

The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie has flayed rumours that there was a clash between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu.

In a statement, Osagie said the falsehood could only have emanated from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who have no substance in their campaign and are only adept at spinning the rumour mill and concocting alternative facts to massage the egos of their paymasters who cannot run an issue-based campaign but rely primarily on tale-telling and propaganda.

According to him, “The lie that there was a clash between the governor and his deputy should be dismissed in its entirety. Whatever incident they allude to only exists in the imagination of the purveyors.

“There was indeed a meeting with key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which ended with everyone in high spirit. There was a spirit of cordiality and everyone shared their ideas and inputs on how to deliver the party in the September 19 governorship election.”

Osagie advised the general public to disregard the falsehood and any other such tales the band of dishonest people would spin in the days ahead as the election draws near.

He urged Edo people to ensure they are kept away from government by voting en-masse for Governor Obaseki and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, in the September 19 governorship election.

#Bursted
Their plan is to go round and destroy some of their posters , Arrange some supporters to the Venue to cry foul,So they can blame the Governor for it to get sympathizers

Let's look at the Highlights of Governor Godwin Obaseki on Security

*Ensuring the security of Lives and Properties of Edo People, Governor Godwin Obaseki redesigned the state security architect with codenamed "Operation Wabaizigan" to track and control crime in the state.

*He established a fully equipped command and control center with integrated surveillance unit.

*238 Security vehicles were procured and deployed across the state

*Purchase and donation of three armed Personnel carriers

*Completed the overhaul of the States security architect

*Over 4,685 personnel recruited to supplement police efforts for surveillance and community policing functions in the state.

Igunbor Sarah Says Let's Go Further Together

#ObasekiChangingTheNarrative

4 Years Ago land grabbers and CDA lords reigned supreme in Edo State, you will buy one land 5 times and still end up with no land, today the case is different, communities are calm and to get a C of O is now a seamless effort.

Governor Obaseki has brought sanity to the system. More than 15,000 property owners in Edo state have received their certificate of occupancy in the last 3 years, that is more than the entire certificate of occupancy issued to property owners since 1992.

Property developers are now more confident in investing in the untapped property market in Edo state.

Obaseki is working for Edo people

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/400667-edo-2020-ganduje-caught-on-video-collecting-bribe-heads-apc-campaign.html


*Edo 2020: Ganduje, caught on video collecting ‘bribe,’ heads APC campaign*

*Samson Adenekan*

Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, has appointed the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, to head its campaign council for the Edo State governorship election.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Ganduje was caught on video, in 2018, collecting cash in dollars from a contractor in the state.

The Kano governor frustrated a probe by the state assembly of the scandal as he secured a court injunction to stop the probe.

Journalist Jafaar Jafaar, who sourced the video, appeared before the lawmakers and defended the authenticity of the video.

Mr Ganduje, who enjoys immunity from prosecution as a sitting governor, has not been probed for the scandal by any anti-graft agency.

The Kano governor won his re-election last year despite the bribery scandal.

On Thursday, the APC named him as the head of a 49-member committee for the campaign in Edo State.

The APC’s candidate in the September 19 governorship election in Edo is Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a pastor who decamped from the main opposition party, PDP.

Mr Ize-Iyamu’s main challenger is incumbent governor Godwin Obaseki who decamped from the APC to the PDP.

A total of 14 parties will be taking part in the election.

Read the APC statement announcing the 49-member campaign committee below.

The Governor of Kano State, H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been appointed by the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to chair the Party’s high-level National Campaign Council for the Edo State Governorship Election.

The Governor of Imo State, H.E. (Sen) Hope Uzodinma will serve as Deputy Chairman and Hon. Abbas Braimoh as Secretary of the 49-member APC National Campaign Council.

This followed the approval for the constitution of a National Campaign Council for the 19th September, 2020 Governorship Election, by the National Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee, H.E. Mai Mala Buni.

The campaign council will be inaugurated on Monday, 6th July 2020 at the Party’s National Secretariat.

The Native Doctor declares to join the governorship race,Confirms rumour of being broke borrows SUG Public Address System

The South South Zonal APC Caucus Meeting was Called without due Consultation to Leaders in the Zone~Anslem Ojezua

https://thenationonlineng.net/how-obaseki-declared-for-second-term/

*How Obaseki declared for second term*

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki appears is warming for next year’s poll. He is working to secure the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has declared his intention to seek re-election. Last week, Obaseki was said to have formally informed his commissioners and aides about his decision to contest.

It is not yet clear if the APC would grant Obaseki right to first refusal as was done to his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, owing to the number of individuals interested in the race. Obaseki has, however, prepared himself to defeat any opponent propped by the Edo Peoples Movement, an APC opposition group, whose task is to unseat him.

As part of preparation for the battle ahead, Obaseki sacked over 250 aides. Those sacked were Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants. It was gathered that the goal was to weed out those caught leaking information to the EPM.

A close aide said the governor has earlier programmed his second term campaign to start in October before the celebration of his third year anniversary. The aide said many of the sacked aides were discovered to be disloyal to the administration and capable of causing damage from inside.

According to the source, “Keeping them because of the election will amount to going into war with disloyal soldiers. It is better they plot against the governor from outside than do so from within.

“The governor has been conscious of the rebellious activities of many of them long before now, but because they were appointed with the influence of a party leader in the state he so much respected, there was little he could do about them.

“But, the situation is different now. The governor is now his own man, hence he can afford to flex some muscle. Between me and you, the governor is extremely popular in Edo; the only place he has a problem is the party.”

Besides the sacking of rebellious aides, the governor responded to cries of political leaders by constituting boards of the Edo Development and Property Authority, the Local Government Service Commission, Law Service Commission, Edo City Transport Service, Technical and Vocational Education Board, Health Management Board, State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, and the Waste Management Board. The appointment was meant to reward loyal party members and prepare for the party primary.

Speaking when members of the Bénin Unity League paid him a courtesy visit, Obaseki said he wanted second term because he deserved it. He assured them that he would prevail in the fight.

Obaseki said: “All that is happening is not only energising but confirmed my belief that what we are doing is the right thing to do. You may have wondered what exactly is going on. It is not difficult to fathom. Most of us grow up in this state. This is our home, but this is not how we grew up.

In 2016, I had no doubt in my mind to jump into the fray and continue what we have started. What I didn’t realise was that the rot was so deep and fundamental. It was not just a rot that expressed physical expression. It became cultural.

You come in here to Bénin you cannot drive through the city. You have warlords that have taken possession. When we came in here, they erected stores on Lagos Street. When I took over in 2016, it became clear there was a lot more work to do. I could not understand why Oredo could not earn more than N5m as taxes. Meanwhile, there were non-state actors who were celebrating billions of naira they made from the state and the banks they were lodging were coming to offer them vehicles.

He added: “When I came in, these non-state actors were almost physically threatening the state. I had no choice but to dislodge them. In good faith, I though this was something we have all agreed to do.

“Today, there is sanity. It is about building institutions. We will come and go, but institutions remain. How can we have a civil service where people work, you don’t pay or they retire, you don’t pay them.” How can people work in an environment that is unconducive and they were treated like animals?

I went to Palm House, the fire exits were littered with files and they were padlocked. If there is a fire there how will they get out. I went to the Bénin Technl College, the place was not what the Canadian built.

https://punchng.com/reps-admit-mistake-in-resolutions-on-edo-assembly-crisis/

*Reps admit ‘mistake’ in resolutions on Edo Assembly crisis*

*Published July 27, 2019*

*_Leke Baiyewu, Abuja_*

The House of Representatives has confirmed an omission in its resolutions on the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly.

The House said it would now wait for the outcome of the investigation of the crisis by the Senate.

A member of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Yusuf Gadgi, who briefed journalists in Abuja on Friday, noted that the House did not include a resolution to transmit the decisions to the Senate for concurrence as it did in the case of the Bauchi State House of Assembly.

PUNCH had reported last Sunday that the House and the Senate were in a rivalry over the crisis rocking the Edo Assembly.

The House penultimate Wednesday adopted the report by its ad hoc committee set up to probe into the crisis.

The committee had visited Benin, the state capital, on a fact-finding mission, the same day that panel set up by the Senate visited the state for the same purpose.

When Gadgi was asked if the House would take over the running of the Edo Assembly one week after it made resolutions on the matter, he said, “The House of Representatives is not God. We made mistakes.”

He added, “I am saying that our decision for approving the recommendations by the committee of which I was a member – the committee that investigated the Edo State Assembly crisis; we gave one week upon which the governor should act, failure of which we would invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution that donates power to the House of Representatives to do the needful whenever there is crisis.

“But be that as it may, if you look at the report on Bauchi (Assembly) investigation, there was one item that was added to that of Bauchi (panel’s report); that the House should transmit its recommendations to the Senate.”

In a situation where there are two committees put in place by the House and the Senate, I think the positions need to be put together by the two organs of the National Assembly before any other thing.

“That was why Bauchi (panel) gave one month and Mr Speaker equally ruled that they should be treated the same way. The report of Edo (panel) too should be harmonised with that of the Senate, after which we will wait and see if the position of the Senate concurs with that of the House.

“And within the period, from the day the Senate takes position on these two states, and the governors refuse to act in that direction, definitely we are going to employ the service of Section 11(4) of the Constitution.”

The recommendations by the panel on Edo, which were approved by the House, were, “That the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, in the interest of peaceful coexistence of the state, should issue a fresh proclamation within one week in line with Section 105(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), stating the date, time and venue (of the inauguration), and publish in any national daily and television station.

“That all actions taken by the 7th Assembly members should be declared null and void pending proper inauguration.

“That all members of the Edo State House of Assembly, both those who have been inaugurated and those who have not been inaugurated, should dissolve their factions in the interest of peace and stability of the House, with the view to moving the state forward.

“That the Inspector-General of Police  and the Director-General , Department of State Services, should shut down the Edo State House of Assembly and provide adequate security to allay further fears of intimidation and threat as alleged by members-elect.

“Where recommendations 1, 2 and 3 above fail, the National Assembly should invoke the provisions of Section 11 (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to take over the state House of Assembly until the situation normalises.”

*House of Reps lacks Constitutional Powers to shut down Edo Assembly – Edo Govt*

*_…we’ll not comment on a matter before competent court_*

The Edo State Government has said that the House of Representatives lacks the Constitutional powers to shut down the Edo State House of Assembly.

The state government’s statement is a response to the purported orders made on July 17, by the House of Representatives to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to seal off Edo House of Assembly until a proper inauguration is done, amongst others.

In a statement issued in Benin City, Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., maintained that  “there is nowhere in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where the House of Representatives or even the National Assembly for that matter, is granted the right or power to shut down a State House of Assembly,” adding that “in point of fact such power is expressly excluded by the Constitution.”

Ogie said: “It has come to the attention of the Government of Edo State that the House of Representatives at its sitting on 17th July, 2019 purported to issue certain orders regarding the status and activities of the Edo State House of Assembly.

“Amongst others, it: Directed His Excellency, The Governor of Edo State to ‘issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the House of Assembly’ and ordered the Inspector General of Police to shut down the premises of the Edo State House of Assembly and purported to make further orders in this regard.”

According to the SSG, “The Government and people of Edo State are appalled and disappointed at the gross illegality and abuse of process by the House of Representatives.”

He explained: “It must first of all be pointed out that the emergency supervisory powers over the activities of State Houses of Assembly which are contained in Section 11 of the Constitution of our Republic are expressly donated to “The National Assembly” and not one individual arm of it.

He added that “These powers certainly do not extend to issuing directives to a duly elected State Governor to unlawfully repeat an act which has already been fully carried out in line with the Constitution.

“It has further not been alleged or concluded by anyone that the Edo State House of Assembly is unable to sit. In fact, whenever the ‘self-exiled’ members-elect so choose, they can join their colleagues in plenary in Benin City.

“It is also instructive to note that while the members of the House of Representatives were busy in Abuja issuing their unlawful and unconstitutional orders, the fact-finding delegation of the Distinguished Senate (the upper arm of the National Assembly) was in Benin meeting with Stakeholders with a view to fashioning a road map to peace in our land.”

Ogie noted that “Students of history will recall that the crises in the Western Region Parliament in the 1960s which triggered a conflagration that eventually engulfed the entire nation, was precipitated by a similar attempt to use ‘Federal might’ to muscle, intimidate and overwhelm the functionaries of a Federating unit outside the due process of law.

“Since the situation in the Edo State House of Assembly is a matter currently pending before two (2) Courts of competent jurisdiction, the Government of Edo State would not follow the contemptuous example of those who are currently commenting, adjudicating upon and giving directives on matters currently being litigated upon.”

He emphasised “Suffice it to say however that there is nowhere in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where the House of Representatives or even the National Assembly for that matter, is granted the right or power to shut down a State House of Assembly, in point of fact such power is expressly excluded by the Constitution.”

The state government advised “those interested parties who sit in positions of authority in Abuja and are using their offices to influence the House of Representatives to take note that we all ultimately owe a debt of accountability to the good people of Edo State for our actions.

“We are certain that the Inspector General of Police, being a law-abiding Government Functionary will not act in disobedience to the Order of a Federal High Court in Benin, validly issue and served upon him restraining him from doing exactly what the House of Representatives now purport to direct him to do, which is to shut down the Edo State House of Assembly.

“Both sides of this dispute are currently before the Court and we are shocked that the House of Representatives could allow itself to be made to act in breach of its own Rules which forbid it from entertaining or making pronouncements on matters before Courts.”

Edo government acknowledged its respect for the National Assembly, but noted that “we live in a nation governed by laws, where no single individual or group is permitted to utilise its privileged position to oppress and intimidate the people of an entire State.

“The Government does not intend to comment on the details of this House of Assembly dispute as same are clearly sub judice, but will ask all concerned to tread with caution so as not to precipitate crises simply in pursuit of selfish agenda.”

Ogie added: “We must state that the final verdict in this matter will ultimately be rendered by the good people of Edo State, for whose benefit Government exists. We are certain therefore that this illegality will not stand.”

*Obaseki’s agric reforms: Edo set to clear 1,000 hectares for women cassava growers*

The Edo State Government has set aside 1000 hectares for cassava cultivation in the state, as part of its agriprenuer programme targeted at galvanising women farmers towards realising its food security target.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources,  Godwin Okonofua, the state government said the 1000 hectares of land are dedicated for cassava production under the women empowerment initiative.

He noted that the state sourced funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria under the auspices of the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme towards implementing the project.

“The government has undertaken to clear 1,000 hectares at Oria, Esan South East Local Government Area for its women empowerment initiative,” he said. 

The state government is pursuing a holistic agricultural programme that prioritises key crops, notably rice, maize, cassava and oil palm, with heavy public and private sectors’ involvement.

While the state government is working with the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) for the projects on rice and maize, using mechanised farming, private companies are expanding their investments in oil palm plantations, with new entrants bolstering the agricultural scene in the state.

In a recent chat with journalists, Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Agriculture, Food Security and Forestry, Prince Joe Okojie, said the state government accessed N5bn from the CBN for its agricultural programme. Of the money, he said N2.2bn would be used for crop production, N2.3bn for land development and N100m for irrigation.

He explained that N1.2bn would be used to cultivate rice in Iguoriakhi, Iguomon, Illushi, Warrake and Agenebode while Maize would be cultivated at Usugbenu, Sobe and Ekpoma.

*Uhunmwode APC suspends member-elect, Washington Osifo over violation of party constitution*

*_ …Osifo disobeyed party’s directives_*

Edo State House of Assembly member-elect, Washington Osa Osifo, has been suspended by executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

In the suspension notice dated June 21, 2019 and signed by 35 party executives and leaders of the APC in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, the party said that Barr. Osifo was suspended over actions that “clearly violated Article 21 (a), (iii) and (iv) of the Constitution of All Progressives Congress, 2014 as amended.”

Article 21 of the APC Constitution provides for the powers to discipline party members. The section says that “The Power shall be exercised on behalf of the Party by the respective Executive Committee of the Party at all levels.”

Specifically, Article 21 (a) prescribes that “Offences against the Party shall include the following: i. A breach of any provision of this Constitution. ii. Anti-Party activities or any conduct, which is likely to embarrass or have adverse effect on the party or bring the party into hatred, contempt, ridicule or disrepute. iii. Disobedience or negligence in carrying out lawful directives of the Party.”

The party said the suspension decision was taken “at an enlarged meeting of all executives of the ten (10) wards, local government and State Executive representatives, council chairman, vice chairman, councillors, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants to the governor, commissioners and leaders.”

Uhunmwode APC explained that Barr. Washington Osifo, who was elected to represent the LGA in the Edo State House of Assembly, was advised at a June 8th, 2019 meeting, not to go against the provisions of the constitution of the APC.

“We the concerned executives of the party hereby referred to the meeting held on June 8th, 2019, advised Barr. Washington Osa Osifo not to go against the rules of our party constitution.

“We have looked into the activities of Barr. Washington Osa Osifo, which were a clear violation of Article 21(A), (III) and (IV) of the constitution of All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 as amended, the Local Government and ward executives considered the chairman’s brief based on the committee's report.

“Consequently, it was unanimously agreed that Barr. Washington Osa Osifo’s actions constituted a breach of the provisions of the APC constitution above referred, and therefore approved his suspension from the party,” Uhunmode APC said in the suspension notice.

The party declared that “Barr. Washington Osa Osifo, Honourable member-elect is by this general consent of Uhunmwode LGA party executives and others stated, suspended forthwith.”

It added: “All members of APC in Uhunmwode LGA and members of APC in Edo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria are hereby informed of this suspension after the expiration of the one week warning, which he failed to respond to as directed by the APC party leaders of Uhunmwode Local Government, hence the suspension.”

The suspension was signed by Engr. Justin  A. Omoruyi, Uhunmwode LGA APC Chairman; Hon. Agbaman Napoleon, Council Chairman; Dr. David Osifo, Hon. Commissioner for Health; Rev. Johnbull Asemota, leader Umagba; Chief Richard Omoragbon, Vice Chairman; Barr. Ikponmwosa Ekhorutomen, Asst. Legal Adviser; Oziegbe Ighodaro, Asst. Publicity Secretary; Barr. Idahosa Emmanuel, Legal Adviser; Dr. Nosa Ekunwe; Pius Eguamwense and 25 other leaders and executives of the party.

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
Washington Osa Osifo

*Oredo APC leaders give Okaeben 48hrs ultimatum to apologise to Obaseki, or risk recall*
 
*_…congratulate Okiye-led State Assembly_*
 
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Local Government Area has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the member-elect, Oredo East Constituency, at the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Mr. Chris Okaeben, to apologise to Governor Godwin Obaseki, for smearing the reputation of the governor in the public space.

The ultimatum was given at an expanded meeting of the leaders drawn from the 12 wards in Oredo LGA, at the APC council Secretariat in Uwa, off 3rdEast Circular Road, in Benin City, Edo State.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman, Oredo LGA APC, Mr. Goodwill Alabi, with notable leaders in attendance, including Chairman, Oredo LGA, Hon. Jenkins Osunde; former member, EDHA, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha; former National Vice Chairman, South-South, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Rev. Michael Egharevba; immediate past Edo APC Women leader, Aisosa Amadasun, Edo State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Valentine Asuen, among others.    
 
At the meeting, the leaders unanimously agreed to call on Chris Okaeben to tow the path of honour and apologise to the governor or risk being recalled as their representative at the State House of Assembly.

Rev. Egharevba, who spoke on behalf of the leaders, said Okaeben has 48 hours to apologise to the governor otherwise the APC in Oredo will have no other option than to explore the necessary political and legal instruments to commence his recall.

He noted, “We want to make a categorical statement. Chris Okagben, a ranking member-elect for the second term in Oredo LGA on the platform of the APC, has gone rogue, showing no respect to the party and the constituency he represents.”

“With all what he said, including the accusations made against the governor and the party members, we want to disassociate ourselves from him and condemn his actions. We didn’t send him on such an errand and do not support his actions. We therefore give him 48 hours to apologise to the governor in two national dailies.”

Egharevba added “It is not our intention as a party to send any individual to represent us in the parliament, who lacks character, candor and respect for leaders and constituted authorities, and having observed with utter disappointment the way and manner in which Okaeben has conducted himself, we have decided that he lacks the necessary qualities to hold forth for us in the Edo State House of Assembly.

“If ever Okaeben possessed any good quality to be our representative in the past, his behavior in the last few months has shown that he has lost every sense of discipline and decorum and we have decided to place stiff sanction  to avoid sending someone to the assembly who will soil the hard earned reputation and integrity of this constituency.

“We therefore, by this medium, unequivocally decide to give member-elect, Chris Okaeben 48 hours to render an unreserved apology to our son, the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki and the leadership of Oredo APC; and cause same to be published in two National dailies.”

He said that it was regrettable that Okaeben has taken a dishonourable path, noting “He has gone virile with his comments, insulting everybody and making unfounded allegations against his party. Oredo people strongly condemn his attitude, behaviour, disloyalty to the party. He cannot represent us if he continues like this.

The leader congratulated the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye and other principal officers of the 7th Assembly.

Rev. Egharevba noted, “We speak with one voice in congratulating the Speaker of the 7th Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Okiye, on his emergence as Speaker and this also goes to other principal members of the Assembly. We also use this medium to urge other members-elect of the Assembly who are yet to be sworn-in to follow the lawful process and approach the new speaker for their swearing-in.”

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S2_001:*
From right: Former member, Edo House of Assembly (EDHA), Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Chairman, Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Jenkins Osunde; Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Oredo LGA, Mr. Godwin Alabi; and former National Vice Chairman, South-South, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Rev. Michael Egharevba, during an expanded meeting of the Oredo APC leaders at the party’s secretariat in Benin City, on Saturday, June 22, 2019.
 
*S2-002:*
Cross-section of leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo, during an expanded meeting of the leaders at APC Council Secretariat in Benin City, on Saturday, June 22, 2019.

*Oshiomhole showing bias, needs to hear from all parties before taking sides*
 
Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, has said that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is showing bias with his view on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s alleged role in the emergence of the leadership of Edo State House of Assembly.
 
Osagie noted that Oshiomhole is showing bias and needs to hear from all parties in a matter before taking sides.
 
The governor’s aide said: “We read with utter astonishment a statement credited to the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, with respect to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s alleged role in the inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly.
 
“Apart from the fact that he based his conclusion on a totally false and baseless premise, we believe that he could have shown that he does not have a vested interest by simply inquiring from his friend, the governor directly, or any official of the State Working Committee of our party as to what actually transpired.” 
 
Osagie explained that Oshiomhole’s “failure to satisfy the basic tenets of natural justice which makes fair hearing from all sides of a matter mandatory, has clearly exposed his bias in this issue.” 
 
He added: “For the avoidance of doubt, all the decisions relating to the leadership of the Edo State House of Assembly recently elected by the House, were taken by the State Working Committee and leaders of the party from across the State.”
 
He emphasised that: “In deference to the rule of party supremacy, which the National chairman so eloquently professes, the governor and all party members are obliged to respect the party's decision, as we expect the national chairman to also do.”
 
Recall that Oshiomhole had at a press conference on the political developments in Edo and Bauchi states’ houses of assembly, in Abuja on Friday, said: “unfortunately, the situation in Bauchi is also similar to the one that is happening in Edo State.
 
“I am ashamed to talk about it, but there is nothing to hide. We have a similar situation in Edo, where in our case we have 24/24, all of them APC but somebody wants a particular person as a speaker, 19 out of 24 are opposed to this person.”

*Oshiomhole Under Threat As Allies Flock To Obaseki In Edo*

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s political invincibility in Edo State is unraveling as Governor Godwin Obaseki and former steadfast allies take position against the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the unfolding crisis in the state chapter of the party.

The crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly has become the centre stage for the testing of might between the two camps.

Obaseki’s choice of Speaker of the House of Assembly, Frank Okiye emerged against the desire of the majority of the members-elect for Victor Edoror. The majority of the members also have the backing of Oshiomhole. However, the governor enforced his will when nine of the 24 members-elect were surreptitiously called in a secret session to enthrone Okiye as Speaker on Monday night.

Among those who are now publicly backing the governor are his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, the secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie and lately the chairman of the state chapter of the party, Anslem Ojezua.

The alignment of the pair of Ogie and Shuaibu with Obaseki is said to be particularly significant. The two men are generally described as political twins who after Pastor Osaze Ize-Iyamu left Oshiomhole became the enforcers who helped to enthrone Oshiomhole’s political ascendancy over Edo State.

Obaseki, GWG learnt had over a period of time courted Shuaibu by treating him above how preceding deputy governors were treated.

A source revealed that the discord between the pair of Shuaibu and Ogie with Oshiomhole reached an irreparable stage after both men were reportedly walked out of a birthday party held for the wife of the national chairman, Iara Oshiomhole a few weeks ago.

Ojezua’s departure from the Oshiomhole camp has in the last two days been publicly circulated in press statements. In the latest statement on Wednesday Ojezua asked Oshiomhole to rein in the Group of 15 Members-Elect saying that the national chairman was not ignorant of their activities against the governor.

The group of members-elect aligned to Oshiomhole which was 19 fell to 15 after four of them were conscripted to join the midnight inauguration of the House of Assembly last Monday.

But Oshiomhole, however, remains formidable. Not just as national chairman of the party, but with formidable supporters on ground. Besides the Group of 15 legislators he also has the powerful secretary of the party, Lawrence Okah on his side. Okah has repeatedly affirmed his loyalty to Oshiomhole and rebuffed alleged entreaties from Obaseki to resign his position.

Other grounded politicians including former minority whip of the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie and former commissioner, Henry Idahagbon all from Edo South remain firmly with the national chairman.

Oshiomhole also remains strong in Edo North Senatorial district despite increasing pinches at his power base especially in the non-Etsako area.

After the exit of Ojezua from the Oshiomhole camp, Francis Inegbeniki remains the most prominent Oshiomhole supporter in Edo Central.

Significantly, some political actors who had in the past quarreled with Obaseki are coming round to support him in his faceoff with Oshiomhole. One of them, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a first cousin of the governor who openly quarreled with him over the APC ticket in 2016 has rallied to him saying that even if there may be a question of morality in the inauguration of the nine but that it was completely legal.

*Govt committed to clean Edo project – Crusoe Osagie*
[size=8pt][/size]
*_…says Nehikhare is mischievous_*
 
Our attention has been drawn to a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Edo State chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chris Nehikhare, in which he, as usual, churned out falsehood in a feeble attempt to discredit  the state government’s efforts in the management of waste.

The picture Nehikhare painted clearly exists only in his mind as the Edo State that we all live in, and which we all know, is serene, largely clean, with committed efforts being made to deliver enduring infrastructure across all the senatorial districts to achieve our urban renewal goal.

On waste management, the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is working assiduously to ensure Benin City and other towns in the state are clean through multi-level engagements by the Project Clean Up Edo, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, the Edo State Waste Management Board that interface with international organisations, civil society, federal government agencies and other stakeholders in the environment sector.

The Committee on Project Clean Up Edo, which is headed by the Secretary to the State Government SSG, Osarodion Ogie Esq. meets every week to ensure that beyond the statutory duties of the ministry of environment and sustainability as well as the waste management board to clean up the state, a clean and serene state is achieved.

Nehikhare’s assessment of a spot in Benin City that is awaiting evacuation by officials of the Waste Management Board, is not enough basis to conclude that the whole Edo State is oozing of garbage.

The statistics he reeled out are laughable and unacademic and cannot be substantiated.

We advise Nehikhare to be more broad-minded next time he is doing a scientific evaluation of refuse collection in the state, by taking a tour of the entire state or city.

We make bold to say that as a system being managed by human beings, there is every likelihood that there could be a drag in the value chain sometimes. But these few lapses are not equivalent to the false picture painted by Nehikhare.

*_Osagie is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy._*

*Benin Industrial Park: FG commences Impact Assessment for N200b project*

As the Edo State Government puts finishing touches for the kick-off of the Benin Industrial Park project, the Federal Government has commenced the public engagement for the park’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EIA).

In a statement, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, said the public display on the EIA which runs for twenty-one working days starting from Monday, June 3, 2019, will allow for information and comments on the ESIA draft report submitted by the Edo State Government.

The ministry noted, “In accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act E12 LFN, 2014, which makes it mandatory for proponents of all new major development activities to carry out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of their proposed projects, the Federal Ministry of Environment hereby announces a Twenty-One (21) working days Public Notice for information and comments on the ESIA draft report submitted by Edo State Government.” 

The Federal Government said the proposed project will involve development of industrial processing and non-processing zones which includes automobile zone, construction and building materials zone, mineral zone, agro and food processing zone, amongst others.

“The project will be provided with state-of-the-art infrastructure such as site grading roads, power, water, communications, drainages, sewage treatment plant, effluent treatment plant, storm water drains on a total land take of 996.72Ha. The proposed project is planned to be implemented in phases to facilitate the flow of investment and to recalibrate the development of infrastructures especially the vertical infrastructure to the market needs,” the statement added.

The Permanent Secretary explained that the public display will hold from 3rd June - 1st July, 2019 between 8:00am - 4:00pm daily, and the display centres include Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability; State Secretariat, Benin, Edo State; Headquarters, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Ologbo, Edo State; Federal Ministry of Environment, Benin, Edo State, and  Federal Ministry of Environment, Environment House (Brown Building), Independence Way South, Central Area, Abuja-FCT.”

“All comments received should be forwarded to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Environment on or before 25th June, 2019,” the statement directed.

*Chris Nehikhare lacks understanding of Obaseki's education reforms –Osagie*

Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, has reiterated that the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, is set to run a tri-campus system with ongoing revamp, allaying fears that the school has been closed down.

In a statement, Osagie explained that the spokesman for the Edo State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Chris Nehikhare, who disparaged government's efforts, does not understand the core pillars of the education reforms embarked upon by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

According to him, "We are committed to ensuring that our institutions of higher learning have the requisite structures, both human and physical to train students who can compete with their peers anywhere in the world.

"The College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, was no where near the mark as the institution was in a state of disrepair with potential danger posed to the lives of the students as a result of failing infrastructure and had to be shutdown to make room for a holistic overhaul."

Noting that there are models for the kind of revamp Obaseki intends for the school across the state, the governor's aide said, "A visit to the Edo State Polytechnic Usen, today and the College of Education in Abudu will provide the needed insight into how the governor's mind works with regard to how institutions of higher learning should be administered in the state.

"The Benin Science and Technical College, formerly Benin Technical College is yet another classical example of education reform.

"College of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi is set to enjoy similar top class administration and for the sake of emphasis, the state government has since completed the paperwork and design for a tri-campus college system for the college of agriculture, which will now be renamed as College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with campuses in the state’s three senatorial districts."

On the tri-campus system planned for the college, he said, "While Iguoriakhi will host the School of Agricultural Technology and Engineering; the School of Aquaculture and Marine Technology will replace the former College of Agriculture Technology in Agenebode and a new School of Forestry and Environmental Technology, will be at Uromi.”

"After two years of fulfilling promises made to Edo people and residents alike, the people have confidence in the Governor to deliver on the College of Agriculture revamp as we have seen in the massive infrastructural facilities across the state, the prioritisation of workers' wellbeing, the timely payment of pension to our senior citizens and the innovative approach to youth empowerment, amongst other achievements," he added.

*Edo residents laud Obaseki on road projects*

Residents in Edo State have applauded the State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for his unrelenting strides in infrastructural development, especially the construction of roads across the state, which is opening up investment opportunities.  

A cross-section of the residents, who spoke to journalists, said the governor has sustained road construction in urban and rural areas to their delight and is opening up communities that were hitherto unreachable.  

Mrs Isibor Omo, a resident in St. Saviour Road, in Sakponba Road axis of Benin City, said Governor Obaseki has given a good account of himself in terms of road construction, maintaining that the project would ameliorate the suffering of the people.

According to her, “The construction of this road is a relief to many of us in this side of Benin City. We also see what is happening in other parts of the state and we are proud to have Obaseki as our governor. He is doing really well in road construction.”

Residents of Ohovbe Quarters in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area (LGA) also hailed Governor Obaseki for constructing the Christ Chosen Church Road off Benin-Agbor Road, which they described as the first in the history of the area.

A community leader in the Quarters, Egheomhan Sunday, said this during a visit to the area by officials of Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR).

The project was delivered by the state government through the Edo SEEFOR programme.

Egheomhan said, “We came to say thank you to the state government for remembering our area. For years, the road was impassable. But now, we can heave a sigh of relief. It will go down in history here that Obaseki helped to lift this burden.”

Project Coordinator, SEEFOR, Mr Toju Onaiwu, noted that the state government will not relent in executing road projects in urban and rural communities to spread development.

In Edo Central, road projects being carried out by the state government include asphalt pavement/drainage construction with kerbs on Irulele Road linking Uromi-Ubiaja Road to Ubiaja-Ilushi Road; Ogbe Street, Ekpon in Igueben LGA and Ukpogo Ekekhen, Igueben.

In Edo North, the projects include Enwan Market Road, Enwan; Ugboshi Afe Road, off Igarra-Ibillo Expressway; Ogugu Township Road, off Benin-Igara-Ibillo Expressway and Secondary School Road Uneme Osu in Akoko-Edo LGA.