"After I was pushed out of my former Party, this house was the first place I sought solace. You took me in as a brother, out of the storm, changed my cloths and gave me food to eat.
"It was in this house, the Campaign Council met to work out the key strategies that led us to victory.
"You mobilised people across the country. You moved to Benin, went through the humiliation and attacks. You supported us and we won.
"It will be a sin against God if we do not come to say thank you. Even if the victory we are celebrating is from God. He has used people like you to make it happen."
Wike to Obaseki:
"Our work would have been difficult if he did not make himself available. I cannot support a lily hearted person. Governor Obaseki was firm.
"It is not easy to fight godfatherism. But he has the interest of Edo people at heart. Together, we have conquered it."
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday visited his Rivers State counterpart, Barr. Nyesom Wike, at the Rivers Government House, in Port Harcourt.
The visit is coming three days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Obaseki as the winner of the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election.
Igbere TV correspondent in Port Harcourt reports that the Edo governor was in Port Harcourt to express gratitude to Wike and the people of the state for their support which made his re-election possible.
Speaking during the visit, Obaseki described the consolation he got from Wike as the second pivot for his electoral victory, while God who crowned the efforts of all his supporters, was the first.
He noted the commitment of Wike in ensuring electoral victory for him by relocating to Edo State despite the needless attacks from the opposition.
According to the Edo governor, the electoral victory strategies he used in the Edo Governorship election were hatched in Rivers State.
On his part, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike said his support was informed by the fact that Governor Obaseki was courageous and fearless.
According to him, standing against forces of godfatherism was not easy but Governor Obaseki made himself available to protect the interest of Edo State.
During the course of the meeting, wife of the Edo State Governor, Betsy Bene Obaseki presented Souvenirs to Governor Wike and his wife, Justice Suzzette Eberechi Wike.
The items, she said, will serve as symbols that will strengthen the existing friendship. According to her, "we have to remain as one to attain the desired plans of God."
Igbere TV reports that Obaseki was accompanied by his wife, his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, his wife, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, Senators and Rep members from the state, top government functionaries and party chieftains among others.
Governor Godwin Obaseki defeated Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and 12 other contestants to win the just concluded September 19 Governorship election in Edo state.
The Oba of Benin, HRM Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki on his victory at the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election.
Igbere TV had reported how Obaseki defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to win a second term on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement made available to Igbere TV, Tuesday, signed Frank Irabor, Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, the monarch reiterated that the Benin Throne was non-partisan.
Oba Ewuare, who said the voice of the people is the voice of God, called on the good people of Edo State to support Obaseki in his developmental strides in order to take Edo State to the next level.
The Benin Monarch equally thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring that the Edo State election was free, fair and violent-free.
He appreciated all candidates of the political parties for adhering to the advice for a violent-free election giving to them during the peace meeting at his Palace on 24th Sept. 2020, "which has been widely acclaimed to have doused the tension that was building up before the election."
"The National Peace Commission headed by His Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar Rtd, GCFR, is appreciated for the signing of the peace accord among the gubernatorial candidates thereafter."
The Oba of Benin commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headed by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for a successful and peaceful election in Edo State.
"The Palace of the Oba of Benin a grateful to all the security agencies for a job well done. The Omo N'Oba is grateful to the Almighty God for keeping them out of harm's way.
"Above all, the Oba of Benin is most grateful to the Almighty God and the royal ancestors for granting our prayers for a peaceful election in Edo State", the statement added.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, declared open a workshop for the development of the state’s roadmap for the attainment of the “Open Defecation Free (ODF)” goal by 2025.
Igbere TV reports that the two-day event, which is being organized by the Enugu State Government and Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF) in collaboration with UNICEF, is expected to set the agenda for actualization of improved sanitation and hygienic status for the state as well as behavioural change amongst communities, etc, for healthy living.
Declaring open the workshop, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that available statistics indicate that about 46 million Nigerians practice open defecation, stressing that such an awkward act impacts negatively on the health, educational outcomes and socio-economic life of the people.
The governor who further disclosed that “the Federal Government of Nigeria has committed to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2025, in line with revised global targets set by United Nations”, added that his administration is determined to domesticate this vision and align its actions to national goals.
Consequently, he pointed out that his administration has declared emergency on Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector in the state with the target of making the state open defecation free by 2025, and also inaugurated the inter-ministerial steering Committee for revitalizing the WASH sector to lead coordinated actions in the state.
Gov. Ugwuanyi also pointed out that the state government signed up to the national Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) strategy – a national collaboration for a multi-sector partnership designed to provide opportunity for the water and sanitation sector to leverage expertise, technology and financial resources from all levels of government, development partners, private sector, civil society and community, to improve the sector.
The governor maintained that “Enugu State Government needs a Roadmap that provides clear vision, mission, strategy, prioritized costed plan, milestones and targets to qualify to leverage the available national resources for sanitation”.
He therefore added that the state government will also lead in strengthening systems at local levels including planning, human and financial resourcing, implementation, private sector mainstreaming as well as monitoring of results, expressing optimism that “this two-day inception workshop is expected to set these agenda”.
While thanking UNICEF and U-TOLF for their invaluable support for the workshop, Gov. Ugwuanyi urged other private sector organizations including Rotary Club and religious organizations to help drive the behavioural change needed for attainment of these goals.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, the organization’s WASH Manager in Enugu, Ms. Mamita Bora Thakkar, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration for its commitment to the attainment of the national goal of open defecation-free status by 2025, stressing that the governor’s presence, support and inspiration were exceptional and commendable.
She added that UNICEF remains committed to providing technical support to the federal and state governments for the actualization of the set goals of the ODF Roadmap.
In his opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources, Mr. Anthony Dubem Onyia, stated that the Ugwuanyi administration has undertaken concrete steps towards the fulfillment of its obligation to participate in the PEWASH process and tap into the Federal Government’s National Wash Action Plan.
Onyia said that “Enugu State had before now declared over 44 communities in Igbo-Etiti, Nkanu East, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North and Udenu LGAs, Open Defecation Free (ODF) with support from WaterAid”.
Ahead of the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election, the Oba of Benin kingdom, Oba Ewuare II has blamed the Edo State Governor and PDP candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for the lingering Edo political crisis.
The monarch accused the governor of not allowing him intervene or resolve the issues between him(Obaseki) and his estranged benefactor and APC former national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Igbere TV reports that the revered monarch spoke on Wednesday at his palace in Benin City, during a peace meeting between Governor Obaseki and the APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, called at the instance of the Oba.
The Oba of Benin who expressed his displeasure over the political tensions and conflicts in Edo state, said the PDP candidate, Governor Obaseki should have allowed him resolve the crisis at the early stage.
“I am not happy about this. When you did not let me resolve the issue between you and your friend, Comrade, before it got to this point. If we had done it that time, we will not be sitting here now. Everything would have been smoother than this.”
At the peace meeting monitored by Igbere TV, the Benin monarch also advised Governor Obaseki to employ foresight in his actions as his tenure was only ephemeral.
“It will be good to look beyond your office because you are not going to be there all the time. You see the elder statesman there, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun? He was once a governor too. He is not there now. So, everybody knows that it is transient. Look at how one day when you are no longer the governor everyone can sit and still give you respect. More respect even.”
The Oba of Benin also took a swipe at a former APC national chairman, Chief Odigie-Oyegun for taking a stand in the fight between Obaseki and Oshiomhole, saying he did not behave as an elder statesman.
Igbere TV recalls that during the course of the issues between Obaseki and his estranged godfather, Oyegun took a stand with the governor, while condemning Oshiomhole in several press statements.
“I don't like calling him(Oyegun) ‘chief’ because he's not one of us, I said it before. I said it before in the presence of President Buhari that if he wants to be speaking with one of them(Obaseki or Oshiomhole), he(Oyegun) should come and make proper request.
“...Because he(Oyegun) is an elder statesman. I didn't expect him to take side with any of these people(Obaseki, Oshiomhole); whether castigating this side, or the other side.
“I expected him(Oyegun) to call both both sides to his house [when the fight started] and admonish them, talk to them to cease fire.....”, the Benin monarch expressed his disappointment.
On the purpose of the meeting, the Benin monarch said it was to appeal to politicians in the state to eschew violence and control their “so-called thugs”. He said he was less concerned about which of the parties was more involved in thuggery.
Meanwhile, the governor’s deputy, Phillip Shaibu, who the Oba had told to call his “boys(thugs)” to order and desist from violence, could be observed rubbing his palms together in apology and deference to the Oba.
At the peace talks, on Wednesday, were representatives of other contesting parties in the state and top leaders of the two leading parties - the PDP and APC - and the candidates’ running mates.
Imo North Senatorial By-Election: Ibezim Emerges APC Candidate
A former Imo state commissioner for Agriculture, Frank Ibezim, on Thursday, emerged the Imo North All Progressives Congress candidate for the October 31 senatorial by-elections.
This was disclosed by Senate Spokesman, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who is chairman of the APC Primaries Committee. He said the election took place in 68 wards across the six local councils of the district.
The election result as announced, is reproduced below by Igbere TV, as published by Senator Ajibola on his social media handle;
IFEANYI ARARAUME 2,708 MATTHEW OMEGARA 2,826 ACHONU ATTAN 1,185
Ibezim, who hails from Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, is an ally and aide to the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba.
Igbere TV reports that the primary election conducted was to enable the party pick its candidate after the death of the Senator who represented the district, Ben Uwajumogu on December 18, 2019.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will conduct concurrent legislative by-elections on October 31 to fill various legislative seats left vacant.
Igbere TV has obtained exclusive photos of the now-damaged SUV car conveying Adams Oshiomhole, former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, which was involved in an accident last Tuesday.
We had reported how Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo state, narrowly escaped death by the whiskers on Tuesday when a trailer ram into his convoy in Benin City, the Edo state capital.
Two policemen were, however, unlucky as they lost their lives in the crash which occurred after the Benin by-pass by Oluku junction, while on their way to a campaign rally at Usen, with other leaders of the APC.
We had also reported that two others are in critical condition receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, while Oshiomhole and other persons in the convoy, did not sustain any injuries.
The auto crash occurred when a “trailer driving in the same direction (with Oshiomhole) veered off its course, hit the back up Toyota Hilux vehicle carrying 7 policemen, forcing it off the road, into the bush and rammed into the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) carrying Oshiomhole.”
Oshiomhole had in a statement forwarded to Igbere TV endorsed by Victor Oshioke, his senior media aide, described the Tuesday's accident as a clear case of assassination attempt on his life.
“Without prejudice to police investigations, eyewitnesses account of the incident suggest, and we believe rightly too, that this was an assassination attempt, targeting Comrade Adams Oshiomhole,” Oshioke alleged.
Similarly, candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who frowned at circumstances of the crash, alleged a deliberate attempt on the life of Oshiomhole.
“The circumstances of the crash were indeed curious and have left us deeply concerned, as the truck responsible for the crash, according to witness accounts of those in the convoy and other road users, appeared to have deliberately rammed into the convoy in what could reasonably be interpreted to mean an attempt on the life of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole,” he said.
The APC governorship candidate, however, urged party faithfuls across the state to remain calm and alert, while awaiting the conclusion of the investigation of the police in response to their petition.
Meanwhile, Comrade Oshiomhole, Igbere TV gathered, has since visited the injured victims at the hospital and deployed some of his aides to be on standby to ensure that the wounded policemen are given the best medical attention possible.
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has called on the Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to look beyond his office and employ foresight in his actions as his tenure was only ephemeral.
“It will be good to look beyond your office because you are not going to be there all the time,” Oba told Obaseki.
“You see the elder statesman there, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun? He was once a governor too. He’s not there now. So, everybody knows that it is transient.
“Look at how one day when you are no longer the governor everyone can sit and still give you respect. More respect even.”
Igbere TV reports that the Benin monarch spoke when he played host to the governor, his deputy, Philip Shaibu; APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his running mate, Mallam Gani Audu.
Oba Ewuare had summoned the two major candidates, Obaseki of PDP and Ize-Iyamu of the APC, to sign a peace pact ahead the Sept. 19 Governorship election.
He expressed his concern on the incessant outbreak of violence in the state, saying he has been having sleepless nights and has held continuous prayers for peace.
He, therefore, urged the politicians, especially the candidates to sue for peace and relay the message to their followers across the state.
The Oba reportedly said Obaseki should have allowed him resolve the crisis from the onset, while expressing his displeasure over the political tensions and conflicts in Edo state.
“I’m not happy about this. When you did not let me resolve the issue between you and your friend, Comrade (Oshiomhole), before it got to this point. If we had done it that time, we will not be sitting here now. Everything would have been smoother than this”, he was quoted as saying.
Those present at the meeting aside Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu and their running mates, include Chief Dan Orbih, PDP South-South National Vice Chairman; and APC leaders including former National chairmen, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
“Ize-Iyamu to tackle sexual assault, care for survivors with special victims unit” - Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu
This morning, I appeared as a guest on Television Continental (TVC) where I revealed plans by my husband, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, to establish a special victims unit to combat sexual assault and care for survivors of rape and other gender-based violence if elected as Governor on the 19th of September.
As a professor of Orthodontist, I recently flagged off a free medical outreach across the three senatorial districts of Edo State to provide access to quality healthcare to residents of communities lacking health centres and personnel.
I told my listeners, and by extension, the Edo people that my husband’s administration will prioritize the care and empowerment of vulnerable groups in the state.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu is a compassionate man who is a strong believer in the capacity of women to inspire change in the society and contribute to growth and development when provided with an enabling environment and offered the right support, and I thank him for making me an empowered woman.
I recall his continuous support and encouragement in my journey to being a Professor following our marriage in 1992 when I had just completed my university education.
My husband, Pastor Ize-Iyamu supported me all the way, he told me not to rest on my oars. He actively supported me in my academic journey to becoming a Professor.
At a time in my career, I had to go for posting for two years, and my husband not only allowed it, but also made sure I had all that I needed. There were times when the cost of research became a challenge, as you know funding for research in this part of the world is almost non-existent, and my husband would ask how much I needed to complete my research and provide the funds.
Even when I grew tired, he encouraged me and gave me the moral support to continue publishing. He always reminded me of the mantra ‘publish or perish’ and encouraged me to keep going.
I am confident that Pastor Ize-Iyamu has plans to offer similar support and empowerment to all Edo women in their chosen endeavors if he emerges as the Governor.
On my husband’s involvement in politics as a clergy, I stressed on the importance of having righteous and honest leaders in political office. Even the Bible tells us that, ‘when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.’
And again, my husband’s spirituality and proven integrity are not his only strong suits, but also his wealth of experience in public service as a former Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government, as well as his credentials as a homegrown politician who knows the true problems of the people and the right solutions to them. When I was moving up academically, my husband supported me 100 per cent, now that he is pursing politics, I will support him a 100 per cent. Thank you for your support and prayers.
...advises Obaseki on transience of political office
By Pedro Obaseki (Jr.) Senior Correspondent, AbujaGuardian
Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, and his notoriety for the orchestration of violence in the Edo governorship race were major talking points at the peace meeting held in the Palace of the Oba of Benin on Wednesday, as the revered monarch issued a direct warning to him to rein in on his thugs and halt the escalation of violence in the state.
Oba Ewuare II had summoned the two major candidates, Governor Godwin Obaseki of the PDP and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC, alongside their running mates to express his concern on the incessant outbreak of violence in the State ahead of the Sept. 19 Governorship election.
He says he has been having sleepless nights on the violent conduct and has held continuous prayers for peace. He urged the politicians to sue for peace and relay the message to their followers across the State.
Mr. Philip Shaibu, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s running mate, earned specific mentions, a development which analysts in the State say stems from his notoriety and direct involvement in several violent clashes, notably in the Edo North Senatorial District where he hails from.
“I have noted that Edo State's politics has been in the news for quite some time for all the wrong reasons. I have been having sleepless nights for some days. We are all from Edo State. We are no strangers,” the Oba of Benin said.
“I became so worried when the conflict between Oshiomhole and Obaseki started. I have a personal relationship with almost everybody here (at the palace). I am not sure I will call [Philip] Shaibu my son again, because of the way he [Shaibu] is going. [Philip] Shaibu refused to honor his assurances to me. You do not say something to me and you go against it.”
“Why do you want lives to be lost by arming thugs, who will later hide the guns? Enough is enough. Let the September 19 governorship election in Edo State be peaceful. Be mature and be proud of Edo State. Do not make Edo State a laughing stock.”
"Shaibu, behave yourself. Calm down. I learned you control thugs. Tell your boys to cease fire and drop their arms. Let your boys calm down. Must it be a do-or-die affair? Do not turn Benin into a city of thugs. Do not kill yourselves, because of public office. Stop the shootings. I am very sad about what is happening in Edo State. This is the worst scenario. Let us eschew violence and give peace a chance in Edo State."
Recounting the ‘memorable times’ he had with former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who was also present at the meeting in the company of other APC leaders, the Oba of Benin told the story of the persistent moves Oshiomhole made in 2016 to secure the support of the Palace for Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He recounted how Oshiomhole sold Obaseki as a candidate that would build his successes and persuaded numerous notable figures, including billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, to hold discussions with him on supporting Obaseki, even though he said no word.
The monarch advised Governor Obaseki “to look beyond his office” because he will not be there all the time. He says political office is transient and urged Mr. Godwin Obaseki to look at the bigger picture so that he can continue to earn the respect of all when he is no longer the governor.
As a symbolic gesture, in his address at the Palace, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu embraced Governor Godwin Obaseki and assured the monarch of his commitment to peace.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State has collapsed its entire state structure into All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Igbere TV reports.
This is coming weeks after the APGA candidate in the Abia 2015 and 2019 governorship elections and former Managing Director of the defunct Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti, dumped the party for the APC.
At an official declaration ceremony/press conference on Tuesday monitored by Igbere TV in Umuahia, state chairman of APGA in Abia, Hon. Nkem Okoro, said the party at all levels had collapsed into the APC.
He described the ‘uncommon’ move as “completion of a tsunami of political realignment with the biggest and most progressive political party in Nigeria, APC.”
“This decision was taken after wide consultation with our supporters at all levels who are in agreement that the APC represents a progressives platform with the ideals and vision required to end misgovernance in Abia”, he said.
“Our decision to join the APC became more cogent and expedient, after the leader of the party in Abia state and a respected Abia son, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR joined the party with thousands of APGA supporters recently.
“Today, we have trooped out here with the progressive zeal, passion and commitment to wholeheartedly join the APC with the desire to selflessly support the vision of the APC aimed at ensuring that the Abia of our collective dream is achieved.
“As leaders of APGA at all levels, we showed hard work and commitment devoid of compromise in leading our party men and women, therefore today, we want to assure you that, we shall deploy same virtues of commitment and sincerity as APC members to passionately work for the growth and expansion of the Abia APC at all levels.
“What we are doing here today marks the end of our journey in APGA, thus we are joining the Abia APC with our spirits and souls, and with the determination to make people oriented sacrifices aimed at taking the APC to an enviable height.”
Present at the ceremony were members of the State Working Committee of APGA, the 17 LGA Chairmen and the ward Chairmen of the 184 wards, as well as former state and LGA officers of the party.
“Due to the COVID-19 challenges, coupled with the large number of APGA members willing to be part of today's event, we directed our LGA Executives, Ward Executives and other members to carry out their declarations at their various wards, so that this place wouldn't experience any form of COVID-19 breaches and possible stampede.”
“From what we have seen so far, our friend and brother, Hon. Donatus Nwamkpa (Omara Eme) and members of his SWC have not hidden their love, joy and excitement in having us in the APC fold, of course this show of love and willingness is a manifestation of his desire to build and make the APC a more formidable political platform with the capacity to reclaim Abia state and restore it back to Abians.
“We are determined to align with the state Chairman, his officers and other men and women of goodwill to ensure that the vision of the APC in Abia will be achieved for the good of our people.
“We know that the Constitution and ideologies of the APC attach so much priority to discipline, loyalty and supremacy of the party over every individual, therefore we are excited because our track record of commitment, discipline and loyalty would make it easier for us to quickly integrate and be part of the big APC family,” the APGA chair said.
“Mr. [APC] Chairman, I want to on behalf of all APGA entrants assure you and members of your executive that you will enjoy unprecedented cooperation, support and solidarity from us, because we are convinced that the APC requires a new kind of support and inspiration from all to effectively play its role as the ruling party at the national, and as an opposition party in Abia state.”
Those who received the APGA party faithfuls and leaders into the APC include the state chairman of the party, Hon. Donatus Nwamkpa and other officers of the State Working Committee.
Igbere TV reports that members of the State Executive Committee, National and South East Zonal Officers of the APC, and LGA officers of the party were also present.
TRAILER RAMS INTO COMRADE ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE'S CONVOY
Some minutes after 12pm today Tuesday September 1, 2020, there was a motor accident involving the convoy of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, along Benin Lagos by-pass before Oluku junction. The convoy was headed to Usen Community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, where Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was expected to appear at a campaign rally alongside Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC governorship candidate in the September 19, 2020 election in the state, when a trailer driving in the same direction veered off its course, hit the back up Toyota Hilux vehicle carrying 7 policemen, forcing it off the road, into the bush and rammed into the Sports Utility vehicle carrying Comrade Oshiomhole, causing substantial damage.
We are sad to report that two police personnel in the Toyota Hilux truck lost their lives while two others are in critical condition receiving treatment at a hospital in the state.
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other persons in the convoy, apart from those indicated above did not sustain any injuries.
It is pertinent to state, without fear of contradiction, that the convoy of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was maintaining legal speed limits when this incident occurred. This explains why the trailer, travelling in the same direction over-ran the Hilux truck off the road and still hit the SUV carrying Comrade Oshiomhole, causing substantial damage.
Without prejudice to police investigations, eyewitnesses account of the incident suggest, and we believe rightly too, that this was an assassination attempt, targeting Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
It is painful that innocent policemen performing their legal duties lost their lives in this very unfortunate incident.
While we pray for the quick recovery of the injured policemen, we extend our condolences to the families of the departed.
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has visited the injured policemen in the hospital and deployed some of his aides to be on standby at the hospital to ensure that the wounded policemen are given the best medical attention possible.
The case was immediately reported at the Ekiadolor Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.
Finally we call on the security agencies to do everything possible to unravel the circumstances surrounding this incident, especially because of the threat to the life of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the violence which has been directed towards him and those around him in recent times.
Signed: Victor Oshioke Senior Media Aide, Office of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Benin group condemns Obaseki over sponsorship of Ogiamien family, declares him enemy of the throne
A Benin socio-cultural group, the Bini Renaissance, has condemned Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State as ‘an enemy of the Oba’ over his alleged sponsorship of the Ogiamiens, a family infamous for its claim to the Benin throne.
For years, the Ogiamien royal family has mounted a challenge to the authority of the Oba of Benin with a public accusation that the late Oba Erediauwa connived with the military Governor of Bendel state in 1979 to ‘secretly’ repeal an edict that gave them a claim to the ancient throne.
In 2018, the family declared itself “the original owners of Benin Kingdom” and further accused the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, of conducting his coronation secretly, without their input.
Both claims, and other similar ones, have been dismissed by historians and other Benin sons and daughters who attested to the unbroken lineage of the Benin monarch and his supreme, exclusive legitimacy to occupy the throne.
Although Benin sons and daughters have distanced themselves from the Ogiamien over the frivolous claims and attempt to undermine the Oba, the Bini Renaissance group says Governor Godwin Obaseki has been secretly funding the family.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Chief Ekhator Osawaru, the group said its suspicion of the ties between the Governor and the Ogiamien was confirmed when the family announced its endorsement of the Governor and declared him “our own.”
The statement read: “For years, in the face of condemnation, rebuke, and relentless education on the spiritual and cultural ramifications of attempting to undermine the authority of the Great Oba of Benin who stands and rules as the source of all Benin sons and daughters, the Ogiamien family persisted in their folly, even going further to imply in multiple media engagements that they are “the original owners” of the Kingdom.”
“This disrespect and abomination did not end there. In 2018, the same family, in an interview with the Guardian Newspaper, accused the late Oba Erediauwa of conniving with a military Governor to repeal an edict that would have otherwise given them a claim to the throne. It also accused Oba Ewuare II of conducting a secret coronation exercise, implying further that their unnoticed absence took something away from the legitimacy of the ceremony.”
“Of course, every true Benin son and daughter are aware of the unbroken line of Obas that have presided over the Benin Kingdom, and all in it, for decades. And they are also aware of the consequences of challenging an Oba’s authority, questioning his words, and worse, to imply in the public that the Oba told a lie or acted with malice.”
“All of these grievous offenses and abomination, the Ogiamiens have committed with impunity. They have scoffed at our source and refused to acknowledge the authority of the one who was ordained by God himself to rule over us. This is why all true Benin sons and daughters, home and way, have not only called out the Ogiamiens on their lunacy, but also distance themselves away from the family and its public dance of shame.”
“It was however shocking to see signs and trails of tacit support, both financial and otherwise, that this family started to enjoy from the Edo State Government since the emergence of Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2016.”
“Suddenly, their voice of confusion and evil royal claim grew louder and more vociferous, with prominent media features and interviews. Their masquerade dance came onto the street, but no one knew exactly what motivated the spirited steps and who the drummer was. However, time and the Edo 2020 election has unveiled the mask and revealed the identity of this secret drummer.”
“On Sunday, the 23rd of August, the Ogiamien family, led by Professor Tony Ogiamien, took a full-page advert on Vanguard newspaper, declaring their unflinching support for Governor Godwin Obaseki, and told everyone that “On Obaseki We Stand.”
“It leaves no doubt that having received the support and backing of Governor Godwin Obaseki, this family has now come out to repay him with an endorsement, with hopes that if he wins, he would continue to bankroll their deeply insulting and abominable claim to the throne of our King.”
“Anyone who is of the Ogiamien is not our own. We wish to make it clear to all that Governor Godwin Obaseki has sided with the enemy of the Oba – and is now also considered as such. His other infractions, including presenting himself before our revered monarch with a cap on and seeking his blessings without the required Kola and gin, all but reveal that this Governor, like the Ogiamien, has no respect or regard for the throne.”
“Perhaps Godwin Obaseki is plotting to repeat the evil deeds of his grandfather, Agho Obaseki, to the Palace by conniving with strangers to steal the throne. We wish to declare to him and his co-travelers that never will this happen.”
“Godwin Obaseki has been rejected and we have already begun the sensitization and mobilization of all Benin sons and daughters to ensure that this reprobate is sacked from office and his abomination permanently purged from the Kingdom.”
The Palace of the Oje of Ora in Owan West LGA of Edo state, has conferred a honorary chieftaincy title of 'Oyakhire' meaning, 'he who wipes our tears', on the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Igbere TV reports that Professor Emeritus Joshua U. Aisuku, the Oje-designate of the community conferred the honorary title on Ize-Iyamu when the APC candidate and his supporters paid a visit to the palace.
Those present at the palace for the visit were the APC Deputy Governorship candidate, Mallam Gani Audu; former National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; the member representating Owan Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and several party leaders.
Conferring the honorary title, Professor Aisuku said the conferment and honor was given to Ize-Iyamu because of his previous record of performance in the appointive offices he held and his regard and deep respect for traditional institution in the State.
He said the Ora people are happy with his aspirations and are proud to support him because he can be trusted to implement all he has promised.
Igbere TV gathered that Ora communities consist of six major clans which include Ohia, Ovbiokhuarin, Evbiobe (Sabongidda-Ora), Uhomora, Oke (Both old and new) and Eme-Ora.
Of all these, Ohia is the highest ranking but the one with the least population. Ohia is followed by Ovbiokhuarin which is at present the traditional home and palace of the Oje of Ora, though the last occupant of the throne transited to glory recently.
In his response, Ize-Iyamu expressed gratitude to the Oje-designate for the honour and lauded his commitment and immense contribution to the safety, security and empowerment of his people and development of the Kingdom.
The APC candidate who presented him with copies of his manifesto, the SIMPLE Agenda, explained some aspects as he lamented Obaseki's government neglect of the community, with a promise to abide by the tenets of the honorary title as governor.
He said the SIMPLE Agenda has plans which will see government partner with and complement the efforts of traditional institutions in the state toward fighting insecurity.
Later at the venue of the campaign rally in the locality, Ize-Iyamu promised to build a standard Police station and encourage vigilante groups to provide enough security so kidnappers can be kept at bay and banks which relocated can come back to render financial services in public interest.
He said, “My promise to you is that by the grace of God and all your votes for the APC, I will be elected as governor so that I can fight insecurity, with Fedeatl government support fight flooding and reverse the dwindling fortunes of the youths and women by setting them in the right direction.”
Politics › Re: Edo Election: Obaseki Visits Wike, Praises The Rivers Governor Over Win (Photos) by Edo2020(op): 8:37pm On Sep 23, 2020*. Modified: 9:10pm On Sep 23, 2020
