In the life cycle of every community or State or nation as the case may be, a time comes when the forces of progress gather momentum, enough momentum to withstand the onslaught of the forces of retrogression. One thing you can rest assured is this—- it is never a walk in the park.

Such is the moment today as the APC candidate flanked by APC governors and who’s who in APC storm Benin to provide wind to Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Mission—- to signal the beginning of the end of the reign of terror in Osadebey House.

A man who had it all, propelled by the ancient myth of the invincibility of power, rode roughshod over his friends, his associates and his enablers once he ascended the throne. His belief in democracy only went as far as it would benefit only him and no one else.

When I look around Obaseki today, I see a General who could have been. I see a leader who could have been. Having been helped to power, he proceeded to decapitate everyone who helped him on the journey. On the day after his inauguration, a childhood friend of his who had been by his side throughout his campaign in 2016, feeling confident that now that the guns of war had gone silent and victory had been won, he was entitled to some form of harvest, took up a chair in an office in the government house. He was the Director General of his campaign. His name is Osakue Aiyevbekpen. It is said that Obaseki screamed at him—- “What are you doing here!!! I don’t need you. Get out of here.” His aides watched in consternation. Did he have to humiliate another man like that? Was it necessary? Where are the others who helped him from the start? Where is Barrister Idahagbon? Where is Rasaq Belo Osagie? Where is Saturday Uwulekhue? Where is Osemwengie Garrick? Where is the Chief of Staff?

Where is everyone? Na only you waka come?

It was the same medicine he gave his friends that he gave all the APC leaders—-“Go to the Secretariat,” he shouted at them. “Government House is not an ATM. I don’t need you.” Can anyone govern alone?

For Obaseki, that answer is “Yes.” He has proved all of us wrong that one man cannot govern alone. For a full year, he did not have Commisioners. When he eventually got a handful, he lectured them thoroughly like children—- “If you think you have come here to steal, this is not the job for you.” That is all well and good if your hand as governor is equally not in the cookie jar. It was. Big time.

Every Ministry and every area of government had a Consultant installed, usually a person from Delta or Lagos, an outsider. The hiring of consultants is the most clever way to steal. It is surgical. You cannot pin anything on the Governor. The entire government was Obaseki’s own ATM.

There was only going to be an Alibaba. Who needs the 40 thieves? They were going to slow him down.

Today, as the forces arrayed against him gather at the University of Benin grounds, the Ogbe Stadium having been denied their use, he will be watching all by himself on Television, what could have been his crowning for a second term. For four years, he has ruled Edo State like a dictator, without a Legislative Arm of government, thus violating the basic tenets of democratic rule, a principle enunciated by Baron de Montesquieu——(1748), the theory of Separation of Powers, clearly spelled out in his treatise—- The Spirit of The Laws.

For democracy to be said to be practiced, there must be three co-equal arms of government— the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. No arm can be wished away. Imagine if Buhari refused to allow the National Assembly to function? The same people of Edo State would mobilize and go into the streets to scream dictatorship! Why do we think it’s okay for Obaseki to be a dictatorship at a local level and Buhari cannot be at the Federal level? For his first four years as President, Buhari had to endure and negotiate and deal with a hostile National Assembly run by Saraki. Have we forgotten so soon? Why was it so difficult to deal with 24 men? I have written over and over again— Obaseki has a disagreeable personality. He should have joined the Military where they bark orders. He does not belong in a democracy. In a democracy, you negotiate.

The PDP knows who he is. They sold him a bogus ticket. He was desperate for a platform. There as yet remains a sticking point. All the PDP Ward Chairmen in all 192 wards are waiting for Obaseki to give them N10m each. That was what he promised them in his moment of desperation. Having paid N10b to procure the tickets for himself and his deputy, he turned around and told the Ward Chairmen that they should accept N2m each. They simply told him —No. He has increased it to N5m. Again, they said —No. N10m is N10m. This is the glaring difference between a leader and a ruler. These same Ward Chairman would work for Osagie for free. He makes a human connection with people.
Everyone who works for Obaseki says the same thing. He is a transactional leader. This is a sharp contrast with Osagie Ize-Iyamu. He connects with you. He builds bridges. He retains friendships.

Obaseki could have gone to PDP with humility but who is going to advise a man who knows everything? He told his best friends who tried to advise him to slow down on picking a fight with his benefactors, “This is politics. Go and face your business and let me face politics.” They left him alone. They all call him a four letter word behind his back. After September 19th, he will go back to Lagos and there will be no friends waiting and falling over one another to throw him a welcome back party. For anyone who wants to, or aspires to be in government, please take a lesson from Generalissimo Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki on how not to govern.

When the history of his foray into politics is written, one word will feature very boldly—Pride. It goeth before a fall. It is tragic and it is sad.

.....
Michael Ovienmhada.
Author, Poet, Playwright and Public Affairs Commentator.
I write because I am involved.
Email: omeekey@hotmail.com

...hails Buhari for administrative successes, warm reception

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, offered royal blessings to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on Saturday during a courtesy visit to the palace of the monarch before the party kicked off its campaign flag-off.

The Governorship candidate was accompanied by a delegate of the All Progressives Congress led by the Chairman of its National Working Committee and the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, as well as other Governors and leaders of the party including, its former National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, and Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State amongst others.

While receiving them, the Oba emphasized the importance of prayers and called for a peaceful, rancor-free election.

He said the Palace remains a father to all and will support the choice of the people at the polls.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who endorsed Ize-Iyamu on Friday and presented him the party’s flag as its candidate in the election, also received praises from the Oba over the successes of his administration.

Unlike his opponent, Governor Obaseki, who failed to receive blessings at the Palace when he visited because he forgot the traditional kola nut and gin, an incident which led to the sack of his protocol officer, Ize-Iyamu received the blessings of the Palace and the ancient throne of Benin in a ceremony conducted by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of the APC delegation, Governor Mai Mala Buni, said the visit was to present the Edo 2020 APC governorship candidate to the royal majesty for his blessings, which he successfully received. He expressed optimism that the APC will reclaim Edo State on the 19th of September.

The State Media Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo Governorship election has raised alarm on alleged plans by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his party, the PDP, to mar its campaign flag-off rally set to hold tomorrow in Benin City.

Mr. John Mayaki, the Chairman of the Campaign Council, said in a statement that Governor Obaseki has perfected plans to position thugs donning APC branded shirts to obscure their identity and intention at different positions around the rally venue to heckle, attack, and harass members of the APC and invited guests.

He said: “As the APC is set to flag off, officially, its campaign tomorrow, valid and trustworthy information has reached us, confirming the plan of Governor Godwin Obaseki-led PDP to infiltrate the campaign ground and plant a dramatic play staged by paid youth and women to harass the APC dignitaries and politicians.”

“The plan, in detail, unravels in a pattern conceived by Obaseki whereby bribed thugs and cultists will be positioned at different points around our rally venue in APC clothing to heckle and embarrass our party members and other invited guests.” 

“To achieve his shameful drama, Obaseki stages women as well, so that it is not immediately obvious that the agitating youths are paid aggressors. These women, we have obtained, have already been offered 2,000 naira each to stage the fake protests at the venue.”

“Besides the outright crookedness of this devious plan, what is equally heartbreaking is the awareness that Godwin Obaseki has demeaned our women and youth to the point of estimating them to the worth of 2000 naira for a disturbing and dangerous job.”

“As a governor who promised a lot, including delivering 200,000 jobs, but ended up achieving and delivering none, it becomes more painful seeing the low levels he has brought a state previously famed for the industriousness of its human capital.”

“We are alerting the world to this and urging all Edo people not to be used by an irresponsible Governor who failed to create jobs for the youths, who failed to protect markets from fire, and who failed to fulfill his promise to rebuild markets that were razed to the ground, to use them for his selfish ambitions. All Edo people of good conscience should not let themselves be used to the ends of this destructive, non-beneficial act.”

…charges party to work in unison for Ize-Iyamu’s victory

President Muhammadu Buhari has formally presented the flag of the All Progressives Congress to its candidate in the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on Friday following a meeting at the Aso Villa.

Accompanied by other party leaders including the Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Governor of Kano State, Umar Ganduje, and the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, Ize-Iyamu’s visit to the Villa is ahead of the rally for his campaign flag-off slated for Saturday, 8th of August, at the Sports Complex of the University of Benin.

He was formally endorsed by the President as the leader of the APC and presented the party’s flag.

President Buhari charged the leaders of the party across all levels to work in unison to ensure the victory of Ize-Iyamu at the polls.

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting with the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the Edo State September 19 election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

The Edo State APC governorship candidate was led to the Presidential Villa by the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the ruling party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Malla Buni, accompanied by Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Although it was rumoured that the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be part of the delegation, as at the time of filing this report, the former Lagos State Governor was yet to be sighted at the seat of power.

…thugs confess they were mobilized by Adjoto, Osaigbovo Iyoha

…group demands immediate prosecution

The Edo State Police Command has arrested seven pro-Obaseki thugs involved in the siege laid at the Edo Assembly complex on Thursday to prevent the majority of elected members, who have since impeached the former Speaker and replaced him with Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, from sitting in the complex.

The arrest was made yesterday when the Police responded to an emergency call from 17 elected members of the Edo Assembly who came under attack by thugs reportedly directed by the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to prevent plenary from holding at the Complex.

The thugs identified as Festus Agbonrenren (25 years), Odion Osayande (23 years), Ogbeiwe Wilfred (52 years), Morgan Uwaigboe (47 years), Osayomore Salami (25 years), Ifeoluwa Oladele (36 years), and Iginobaro Collins (26 years) were arrested with five double-barrel long guns, two single barrel long guns, and ten live cartridges within the premises of the Assembly complex.

Sources have confirmed that the arrested thugs have all confessed that they were mobilized by the Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Political Matters, Edo South, Mr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and his Special Adviser on Parliamentary Issues, Mr. Kabiru Adjoto.

Governor Obaseki made an appearance at the Assembly Complex on Thursday to offer a robust defense of the actions of the thugs and the destruction of parts of the Assembly complex under the guise of ‘renovation’, although he failed to answer questions from journalists who sought an explanation on how an Assembly of 24 elected members could be formed and presided over by 7 lawmakers purportedly loyal to the Governor.

Meanwhile, an activist group in Edo State, Democracy For All, has condemned the actions of the Governor and demanded an immediate prosecution of the arrested thugs and their sponsors.

In a statement released on Friday morning, the group denounced the invasion of the Assembly Complex as an ‘egregious crime and affront on the constitution and the rule of law’, insisting that the arrested thugs, who have confessed their ties to the Edo State Governor, must be made to face the wrath of the law alongside their accomplice no matter how highly-placed.

Its statement read in part: “It is a shame that in Edo State today that we have a Governor who is insisting that a House of 24 members should be led and constituted only by 7 members. And to sustain this illegality, he has turned to violence, vandalism, and dark politics.”

“While we thought our democracy has evolved and left certain ugly trends behind, Governor Godwin Obaseki, by his actions on Thursday, set us back many years with his flagrant abuse of office, violation of the integrity and expected character of his esteemed position, and the promotion of violence and illegality.”

“Our first demand goes to the Police and it is to immediately commence processes for the prosecution of the arrested thugs and their direct sponsors, Mr. Osaigbovo Iyoha and Mr. Kabiru Adjoto.”

“Their prosecution will signal to the world that Nigeria is neither home to criminality nor a jungle where appointees of government can break the law at will and threaten law and order through the sponsorship of thuggery, violence, and unfortunate contribution to arms proliferation.”

– APC tells Obaseki

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election has rubbished claims by the Edo State Government that its leadership "ferried Police from Abuja" to block the Edo Assembly complex, stating that the APC, as a political party, does not control the Police.

In a statement released Thursday morning by Mr. John Mayaki, the Chairman of the State Media Campaign Council, the APC accused the Edo State Government of carrying out several onslaughts against the constitutional independence of the legislative arm of government by attacking its members-elect and denying them representation.

He insisted that the Governor, who is responsible for numerous other sieges on the Assembly complex, is in the best position to tell the world who is behind the Police blockade on the Assembly.

He said: "It is a known fact that the outgoing Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has treated the House of Assembly, an independent and co-equal branch of government, as a mere extension of his office through the brutalization of members-elect and the denial of representation to the majority of members."

"In Gestapo style, the outgoing Governor hijacked a tiny minority and purportedly inaugurated them in the dead of the night. The sham inauguration was condemned and set aside by both arms of the National Assembly after their separate investigations revealed that the members, and indeed the Clerk, were forced to participate in the illegality under threat to life."

"With these criminal antecedents, we believe if there is any unwholesome activity ongoing at the Assembly Complex, it is Mr. Godwin Obaseki who is in the best position to explain to the world what is going on and why."

"Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, or the APC, does not control the Police. When Obaseki went to obtain a questionable court order challenging the position of Comrade as the APC National Chairman months back, he was locked out of the National HQ of the party in Abuja. If indeed he has any control over the Police, wouldn't he have instructed them to leave and grant him entry?"

"The Edo State Government should explain to the world and Edo people what is going on. And they can start by explaining why a branch of government meant to carry out oversight functions and check the excesses of the Executive arm has been holding plenary inside the Government House for months over a supposed 'fumigation and renovation exercise' at the Assembly Complex'."

The Youth wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo chapter, has vowed to send Gov. Godwin Obaseki packing from the Dennis Osadebey House come September 19.

The youth made this declaration during the inauguration of the youth wing of the APC Governorship candiate campaign council in Esan West and Owan West Local Government Council Areas of Edo on Tuesday.

Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the Director General, Youth and Students Mobilization for the State Campaign Council, who inaugurated the youth wing, said the party aimed to record 99 percent victory in the governorship election.

Idahosa who is the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House Of Representatives, challenged the coordinators of the youth wing to ensure they take the manifesto of Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC candidate christened "Simple Agenda" to all nook and cranny of their council areas.

While urging them to eschew violence as they go about the campaign, Idahosa however said they must all be resolute in the quest to ensure victory for the party.

According to him, "We seek victory but we must go about it in a peaceful manner; we must try to avoid anu act of violence, but be resolute in a bid to regain the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

"We have all it takes to come out victorious, especially when you consider the record of achievements of the party while Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was the governor.

"In addition to this, we have a sellable candidate in the person of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Lets us all go out and propagate his "Simple Agenda" message to the people." he said.

Also, Ambassador Johnson Iyamu, Secretary of the Youths and Students Mobilization Committee, charged the coordinators to in turn go and inaugurate 100 members executive at the local government level.

He also said the ward level are to inaugurate 50 members executives and take the message of the "Simple Agenda" to every nook and cranny of their areas.

Present at the inauguration was the APC Senatorial Youth Leader, Edo North, Mr Dirisu Otinomo, Chairman, Media Sub Committee for Youths and Students Mobilization, Mr Collins Osagae, Victoria Okha, Hon. Ikponwonba Osahenigie, Izogie Omoregbe, amongst others

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Edo Guber election, has assured voters that his administration will end the menace of thuggery in Edo State through the creation of jobs and rehabilitation of young persons without skill and education for proper reintegration into the society.

Ize-Iyamu who gave this assurance while receiving PDP decampess from Ovia North East LGA, said the problem of thuggery can be conclusively solved with adequate rehabilitation and provision of legitimate jobs and engagement.

He dismissed rumors that he was supportive of thuggery, stressing that only assigned government officials wearing uniforms will be permitted to collect taxes.

In his words, “I don’t support thuggery and the oppression of our people, only government officials wearing uniforms will be permitted to collect taxes when voted into office.”

“We must look for jobs for the thugs in the motor parks and markets. You cannot solve one problem and create another problem in the long run”, he said.

Ize-Iyamu also promised the decampees that his administration will revamp the Colleges in the LGA and ensure the inauguration of all members-elect denied representation by the incumbent because, without effective representation of the State in the legislative arm, development cannot take place.

Akwa Ibom indigenes resident in Ovia South West Local Government area, under the agies Of Akwa Ibom General Forum, have thrown their weight behind Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for the Sept.19 governorship election in Edo.

The group said that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remained their preferred candidate due to their belief in the capacity of Member representing Ovia federal constituency, Hon. Dennis Idahosa and that Ize-Iyamu possessed the capacity to reposition Edo.

President of the Group, Mr James Ndifreke, said that over 3,000 Akwa Ibom indigenes resident in Ovia South West LGA would be mobilised to ensure that Ize-Iyamu emerged the governor in the forthcoming election.

"We believe in the capacity of Hon Dennis Idahosa, he has been of immense support to our people. Whoever he supports, We will support"

"Secondly we believe in the manifesto presented by Pastor Osagie-Iyamu which he captured `SIMPLE Agenda’, because it represents the true aspiration of everyone living in Edo"

On his part, the Director General, Youths and Students and Mobilization Of Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu Campaign Organisation and Member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa, asked them to take the SIMPLE agenda campaign to every nooks and crannies without fear or intimidation from anybody.

He further said that a lot needed to be done in terms of governance in Edo, hence the need for the APC candidate to emerge victorious.

He said that electing Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu would further attract Federal Government’s projects to the state.

By Abdulmumuni Nureni-bello

Isn’t it an irony that Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, a self-effacing, patriotic, hardworking, sincere and compassionate individual, has been continuously drawn out of his beautiful and enviable private life, just because a pretentious cartel that feigns to ‘hate money’ but lives a life that only money – perhaps illicit money – can sustain wants what he has?

It therefore belies logic that a private individual, who has continued to invest his hard-earned money into staggering, commendable philanthropy, to ultimately improve the cause of humanity, is the target of the sudden attacks of some people, both on the political and business fronts.

But that’s easy to decipher, anyway. They desire what he has, not just in terms of money or influence, but good deeds, character and sound upbringing. Even the Holy Book talks about the spirit of envy and victimisation. It condemns it, because it’s evil; not of the Lord.

The latest spin against this illustrious son of Bini Kingdom was from the stable of the Editor, Saturday title of the THISDAY Newspapers, Yemi Adebowale. It’s been a long time I read a title editor of a major national daily plunge cheaply into the arena with mutilated facts, discarding every iota of circumspection.

First, this was disturbing somewhat, because journalism, like a few other great callings, is guided by basic and simple rules, however, considered by its practitioners as golden.

Thus, for a title editor of a major and prominent national daily, balancing accounts is sacrosanct, whether it is a column, analysis, feature or basic news story. But, in the event, that your facts had not been confirmed, the rule says, leave out. You cannot claim to be under any form of pressure to the detriment of the credibility of your company and the hard earned reputation of other people, whom you can only aspire to be. Pray you get any close.

However, after researching into Adebowale’s kind of person, it was not disappointing to learn from some of his colleagues, both within and outside the newspaper company, how he is wired. He accords details and research no respect.

One would be committing same offence to, therefore, reel off some of the commentaries about him. But to the THISDAY management, there’s a lot to do to help him. The likes of Adebowale requires periodic re-training to measure up to standard in every definition of the word, if he must start to live up to billings.

That said, it is also disturbing to note that anyone would be back in this station and on this very matter over the Secured Anchorage Area (SAA) of the Lagos Waterways, managed by the Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, a going concern owned by Captain Hosa and which has lived up to its reputation over the last 14 years.

There’s no debating the fact that the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman has more than an official interest in the SAA and does not hide it except for the likes of Adebowale, who would rather gloss over the obvious but focus on sheer pizzas and flashes – without any substance whatsoever.

Even if the renowned love of Hadiza’s life was a stakeholder in the sector and wanted everything to go his way, did it mean others with equally critical stakes in the sector and the Nigerian project should be destroyed on account of the billionaire in question?

Let’s revisit the facts again, perhaps, for the record. There’s no gainsaying the fact that the cooperation and support provided by the Ocean Marine Solution Limited (OMSL) to the Nigerian Navy in securing the Lagos delineation of the nation’s waterways has been the biggest relief savoured in recent time against unceasing pirates’ attacks, which in turn has boosted revenue significantly.

Anyone would appreciate this more, when the situation is juxtaposed with the experience of investors and stakeholders in the Port Harcourt axis of the waterways, the home state of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, where the pirates have continued to have a field day, without as much a resistance from any security architecture put in place and designed for such purposes.

But in Lagos, with the cooperation and support that the OMSL has continued to give to the Nigerian Navy, the state now has its Secured Anchorage Area (SAA) sufficiently protected, a situation that is not only encouraging to investors but has further motivated stakeholders to function more effectively.

It’s bad enough that some stakeholders had earlier approached the NPA leadership on the need for better security funding for the Lagos waterways, to which it replied it could not muster the amount of money in question, before they turned to OMSL for this effective and mutual cooperation, which has continued to yield desired results.

This also informed why stakeholders in the industry frowned at a recent order, which allegedly came from the Hadiza-led NPA, threatening to arrest and sanction operators at SAA. That was to say the least, disturbing and counterproductive. The stakeholders even wrote a letter to that effect to the president, Muhammadu Buhari, and had it published in some of the major national dailies.


On the contrary, as a function of procedure and protocol, assuming there were allegations of infractions, which must be entered properly for record purposes, the right thing to do would have been to report the development to the Nigerian Navy, which in turn, would investigate such claims and take appropriate action to stem the tide.

But to sit in the comfort of her office and out of sheer vendetta, victimisation and favouritism, dish out orders to the Navy to arrest vessels they were meant to protect, not only questioned her understanding of the operations of that sector but also spoke to getting unduly involved in a purely business and security concerns.

To think that the agency under Hadiza has no alternative security architecture in place in the event that the frustration of OMSL continues, the resort to rethinking the allegations of sabotage in the many attacks by the pirates might be inevitable.

To support this position, which her spin-doctors were blinded to, not only did the Senate clear OMSL and give it a clean bill to continue with its good work of assisting the Nigerian Navy to protect the Lagos waterways by providing the much-needed logistics after listening to the submission of stakeholders; the OMSL has also enjoyed commendation from foreign partners for doing an irresistibly good job at the Lagos waterways.


In addition, the submission by Captain Hosa on the operations of OMSL at SAA during the Senate hearing was so stellar that he left the chambers with his shoulders high and other stakeholders as well as the legislative committee members proud of him. He knew the issues and sold them conveniently without resorting to lies or cheap blackmail.

Therefore, to fault Adebowale’s submission that Hadiza "came to the job with a reform agenda, largely, to block leakages of revenue and stifle contractors from taking advantage of the NPA to line their pockets with money due to the federal government", the opposite has been the case. He would do well by doing some soul-searching.

Sadly, Hadiza came to the job with crass immaturity and gross inexperience in a highly technical turf and rather than take the pains to learn the intricate nuances, she’s been preoccupied with just one agenda: to protect the business concerns of an individual, known in the industry as the love of her life. How is that doing the job of the federation entrusted to her or executing a reform agenda?

There’s no way to spin this, picking on Captain Hosa alone is a clear indication that there’s more to it. Adebowale mentioned some other interests but not the names of those behind them. He, however, went all out depicting Captain Hosa in his compromised mindset, because Adebowale thought the retired commercial pilot was his pay master’s problem at NPA.

As an editor of the category that THISDAY generously but erroneously placed Adebowale, he would have saved himself some embarrassment, if he had spoken to other stakeholders, say in LADOL and the BUA Group and asked how much of victimisation they had so far suffered in the hands of Hadiza, just because she was and is still determined to protect the interest of just one man. I’m sure they would speak to him off-the-record to, at least, cure his poisonous ignorance.

It was, therefore, not surprising in any form or shape that people, who were supposed to supervise as well as guide a delinquent and irreverent MD would also go on a national television to corroborate lies and fictions, only to justify their premeditated plans against an innocent man, who is legitimately doing his business and following the laws of the land.

The interesting thing is that the heads of both the ministry and the agency are products of the approval of the Senate, the same way the senate had given SAA a clean bill of health to continue with its operations. We either live by the laws of our land or quit when we are too big to be guided by them.

Captain Hosa has chosen to be a patriotic Nigerian, who would do right and seek justice, wherever and whenever his rights are impugned. The current play at SAA is not an exception. He is by far more of a blessing than those, who are abusing their privileged positions today. But tomorrow, when they are no more, posterity would speak to their records too, in clear unmistaken language.

Nureni-Bello wrote from Abuja

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has received royal blessings from his High Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, the Otaru of Auchi and the Vice-Chairman of the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Ize-Iyamu was at his Palace on Saturday alongside his running mate, Mallam Gani Audu, and other leaders of the APC to pay the traditional ruler homage as part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and officially deliver copies of his SIMPLE agenda manifesto.

He said as one of the foremost Islamic traditional rulers in the country, the Otaru of Auchi holds an important position in Edo State, hence his visit to felicitate with him during Sallah and formally inform him of his governorship bid.

Ize-Iyamu praised the Otaru as a forward-thinking ruler with great love for his people.

He lamented the state government’s failure to take maximal advantage of the solid minerals deposits in Auchi and rising insecurity that has scared away investments, assuring the Otaru that as Governor, he will tackle the challenge of security and the erosion problems of the Auchi kingdom.

Receiving the candidate and his running mate, the traditional ruler commended him for the documentation of his promises in the SIMPLE agenda manifesto.

He advised him to keep his promises to the people if elected, stating that truth and justice are important values that leaders must display to bring peace and development.

The royal father recounted some of the contributions of Ize-Iyamu’s running mate, Mallam Gani Audu, as Local Council Chairman and offered prayers and blessings for the candidate.

The Otaru was joined by other traditional rulers including HRH Alhaji Ali Suleiman, The Ogeagah of Three Ibies and prominent Islamic leaders such as the Sadiq of Auchi, Alhaji Saliu Ahmed, and Dr. Sani Jimoh, Chairman of the Muslim support group for the APC Campaign.

APC leaders on Ize-Iyamu’s entourage included Engr. Lawrence Okah, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Hon. Lucky James, Olusola Oke (SAN), and former trade union leader, Comrade Peter Esele.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has congratulated newly-elected Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata.

The Edo-born Olumide Akpata polled over 9000 votes to defeat his two rivals Babatunde Ajibade (SAN) and Dele Adesina (SAN), breaking a 30-year jinx as the first non-senior advocate to emerge as the NBA President since Charles Idehen last did in 1989.

In a congratulatory message released on Sunday by Mr. John Mayaki, the Chairman of the Edo APC Media Campaign Council, Ize-Iyamu praised Olumide Akpata as an amazing lawyer and outstanding person with the qualities to preserve the integrity of the bar and restore the reputation of the legal profession in Nigeria.

He said: “I am happy for Olumide Akpata who, over the years, has been a brilliant lawyer and outstanding human being. Now, summing a brilliant career so far, Olumide emerges the President of the Nigerian Bar Association.”

“His remarkable campaign and ability to rally the majority behind him speak volumes of his proficiency, one that, under his leadership, is bound to take the NBA to unprecedented heights.”

“The National Bar Association has indeed found a magical gem in you, and as a lawyer myself, one who followed you for a certain period of time as you practiced with utmost ethical conduct and imitable professionalism, I am confident that you will preserve the integrity and restore the almost divine reputation of the legal profession in Nigeria.”

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Friday said Deputy Governor of Edo state, Rt. Hon Phillip Shaibu will crawl back to him for forgiveness after the September 19 governorship election in Edo state.

Shaibu had said as a child of Oshiomhole, he is ashamed of his recent actions which he attributed to old age. He also promised to take the former Edo governor for medical checkup.


But in a statement, Oshiomhole through his media aide, Victor Oshioke said no responsible child will insult his father in public like Shaibu has been doing.

Phillip Shaibu is suffering from arrested mental development. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole took him off the streets as a frustrated boy without appreciable abilities, upgraded him to a status of an adopted son, gave him opportunities beyond his educational and mental capacities”.

“Perhaps, the only thing Oshiomhole failed to do was add some megabytes of sense in Philip’s retarded brain, and the consequences is what we all witness today. Because of his low mentality, this is how best the hobbledehoy knows to pay back his benefactor”.

Old age is a privilege granted to those who God have found worthy of His grace. Interestingly, a healthy old age with sound mind and body like the one being enjoyed by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole cannot be gifted by God to insolent ingrates like Philip Shaibu. He should in his quiet moment pray that he attains Adams Oshiomhole’s age, let alone with a sound mind anybody”.

“An intelligent young man with a sound mind and good sense of judgement will never insult someone who once called him son and gave him opportunities that his biological father could not give him”.

“I know that after September 19, 2020, when Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu would have defeated Godwin Obaseki in the governorship election, Philip Shaibu will come crawling and begging Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for forgiveness. Until then, let’s watch him run his mouth beyond the capabilities of his brain”.

...Insist On N10m Alert Before Mobilization

The last has not been heard of the infighting between the 192 PDP ward chairmen and the leadership of the PDP in the State, latest reports reaching our news desk has it on good authority that the PDP ward chairmen have refused to start campaigning for Obaseki if they don’t get their alerts.

A few days ago the ward chairmen in a discreet meeting held at a location in Edo Central passed on an ultimatum to Obaseki to make the sum of 10 Million Naira available for each of the ward chairmen across the State for proper electioneering campaign to commence.

According to the ward chairmen, it makes no sense for Obaseki to spend above 20 Billion to clinch the PDP’s ticket without the ward chairmen partaking in the largesse bearing in mind that the bulk of the work stops at their doorstep.

They started an agitation that the sum of 10 Million should be made available to them, Wike, Secondus and other top echelons of the party waded in and pleaded with the foot generals to CALM DOWN till the campaign was flagged off.

As at last night, Obaseki had agreed to make available a further sum of 1.92 Billion for the ward chairmen to avert a mass defection to the APC.

The money was expected to hit the personal accounts of the ward chairmen this morning, but as at the time of filing this report no such thing like an alert.

The aggrieved ward chairmen have vowed to keep to their threat if their demands are not met.

“PDP and Hushpuppi difference dey? they went to town spreading false information that Obaseki has released 1.92 Billion Naira so we can remain calm and play along, but how long are we going to be deceived by these our party leaders and Obaseki?

When the knife dey their hand dem wan use am twist Obaseki neck cut, but now wey e b say dem don cash out enter house dem no wan reason our matter again.

Obaseki has till 12 pm tomorrow for the alert to hit our individual accounts, failure to HEAR GBAGAM by 12 pm then it is bye-bye to PDP.

Those were the exact words of one of the aggrieved ward chairmen from Edo North.

...Governor, Deputy on war path over Obaseki's delay to fund campaigns

Ahead the September 19 Governorship election in Edo State deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu engaged in a war of words with his boss, Godwin Obaseki at a leadership meeting Thursday following what they described as failure by the governor to release funds for the election.

Apart from the governor and his deputy who were at the meeting, others includes the secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie, Charles Idahosa and Domingo Obende.

It was gathered that trouble started when the governor commenced the meeting by saying all hands must be on deck for them to be able to defeat the APC.

But Shaibu raised his hands to speak, the governor later regretted why he allowed him to speak. The deputy governor was said to have told the governor that he (Obaseki) is not serious in winning the coming election.

He reminded the governor that different committees were set up in the past two weeks but the governor had refused to fund them. Lamenting that the APC has been busy in serious campaigns while nothing has happened regarding the PDP campaign.

Tension heightened when he accused the governor of luring him to fight his god father Oshiomhole and now showing no commitment or seriousness in funding the forthcoming election.

"We have been sitting here doing nothing while Oshiomhole is all over the town, we are losing members every day and all we do is setting up committees every day without funding. I will not take this nonsense and you pushed me into fighting a man that made me what I am today yet all we seeing everyday is committees with no funding.

"Mr governor I see you dont understand what this election is all about. You are not serious about it. Do you think is the little boys carrying laptops here that will do it. If you don't want to fund the election then I have no business being here. I will back out" Shaibu declared.

Attempts by Ogie to stop Shaibu further infuriated the deputy governor who told Ogie to shut his mouth and sit down. However, Charles Idahosa stood up and backed Shaibu, expressing his fear that Oshiomhole will send all of them to jail if they lose the election.

He further urged the governor to release money for the guber campaign. Obaseki who a source said looked visibly confused at that moment, requested for the budget of each of the committees, six of them in number.

His request furthered infuriated Shaibu who thundered that he was still asking for the budget when APC had been campaigning day and night. He warned the governor that if nothing serious is happening he will walk back to his APC which he said he left in pains.

The deputy governor walked out of the meeting after describing his boss as unserious.

...Commends His Partnership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over 5000 youths across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State under the aegis of the Edo Patriotic Youth Movement endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on Wednesday, causing jitters in the opposition PDP.

Their endorsement, announced during a meeting between selected representatives of the group and the APC candidate, as well as other APC leaders, came on the back of similar endorsements from other youth groups in a week that witnessed several high-profile resignations from Obaseki-led government over electoral weakness, intimidation, and lack of leadership.

Receiving the endorsement, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu thanked the youths and reassured them that his government will prioritize job creation and youth empowerment. He criticized the incumbent administration for implementing harsh policies and prolonged detentions of the poor over their inability to pay unfair fines and taxes.

In his words, “I find it outrageous that instead of empowering the youths of Edo State, creating opportunities for them, and engaging them directly in government projects, the present administration is instead disparaging and castigating them as lazy criminals.”

“Government should solve problems, not lament, fold its hand, and insult people. I have an agenda of what I will do, the incumbent has nothing to show after four years in office.”

“Ingratitude is a sin in every religion. And when people say that the Governor betrayed Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by discontinuing the projects he started and veering off the path of growth and developments that the Comrade Governor placed Edo on, I always correct them that Obaseki didn’t just betray Comrade, he betrayed the entire people of the State who elected him because they thought he would continue the mandate he was given, not initiate endless conflicts that completely drained the treasury.”

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the former Governor of the State, who also addressed the group’s representatives said Pastor Ize-Iyamu will remember the people, especially the youths, because he is a family-oriented man who cares deeply about the welfare of all.

He also rehashed the academic certificate woes of Governor Godwin Obaseki, highlighting the inconsistencies in his presented credentials, while also stating that the APC has filed a case in court seeking the disqualification of the Governor from the race over forgery and perjury.

...conspire to unleash violence, disrupt election

The All Progressives Congress in Edo State has called on Nigerians and the international community to subject to scrutiny an alleged plot by the Chairman of Edo PDP Campaign Council, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, and its candidate for the Sept. 19 election, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to unleash violence in the State and disrupt the election.

A statement released in Benin City by the Chairman, Edo State APC Campaign Council, Mr. John Mayaki said that the combination of the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom and Godwin Obaseki of Edo state is both ominous and revealing of the violent, underhand tactics which the PDP allegedly intends to mar the election.

He claimed that while Governor Wike is known to have mastered the art of vote-buying, rigging, ballot-box snatching, and blocking of roads to prevent voters from gaining access to polling stations, it is also true that Mr. Godwin Obaseki just as Wike has perfected intimidation tactics such as vandalization, the destruction of opponent’s properties, and harassment of innocent persons just to obtain power.

He said: "According to reliable data sourced from Peace Map, political violence in Rivers state steadily increased beginning in January 2015, peaking in the lead-up and aftermath of the April gubernatorial elections and this was due largely to the violent attitude of Nyesom Wike who once infamously attended a campaign event wielding a machete.”

"In Edo State, we have seen the same trait. There is a persistent problem in the violent, dishonest, and generally deplorable conduct of the rejected PDP which evidently pose a great threat to the peaceful conduct of the September 19 election.”

"A clear example of their violent conduct and brutality was witnessed by all in the incident that took place on Saturday, the 25th of July, when Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the outgoing Governor of the State, and his cohorts of tax-collectors were confronted, through a peaceful protest, by the people of Edo State who are both repulsed and angered at the continuous unraveling of his collapsing government marked by daily resignations and revelations of fraud.”

"As video evidence and several objective eye-witness accounts show, this incident took place outside of the Palace, in the Oredo Local Council.”

“Before stepping out of his convoy, the youth and older people of Edo State who had gathered within the vicinity of the Oredo Council as it is familiar during political seasons and festive ceremonies, sighted Obaseki's entourage and immediately expressed their displeasure with the governor's politics, his administration, and his governance. This visceral reaction is not surprising for people who feel oppressed and enraged that their commonwealth has been so far poorly managed and used to ends not beneficial to them and other taxpayers.”

“The PDP's turn around to claim that the APC sponsored a protest that organically rose and vociferously spoke against their candidate's misrule is downright bemusing, and it reveals a party's hubris, a haughtiness that prevents them from a much-needed soul searching that may have led to changed ways and changed strategies. Unfortunately, they remain adamant in their wrong ways. But even in their illogical stubbornness, the facts remain consistent and eloquent and they are that the APC or any of its organs were not in the palace and the Oredo vicinity on the said day.”

“Furthermore, it is clear that the youths there were never commissioned by the APC and their booing of Obaseki was done on their own accord. It is not the first time the Governor has suffered such treatment, attracted by his failure. Only days ago, the frontal of the Government House was converted into a make-shift football field as protesting owed staff of the Ekiadolor College of Education set camp there to demand their owed salaries.”

“It was in reaction to this frantic and energetic protest of rejection against him and his party in Oredo that Obaseki instructed his arsenal of cultists to open fire on innocent youthful Edo citizens expressing their feelings within the ambit of the law.”

“It should be recalled that previous press conferences and older publications, we have revealed how Governor Obaseki employed into his workforce as SA's and SSA's, the heads of various and multiple cult group leaders. The nature and purpose of such employment is respectively temporary and violent, and the unfortunate attack on innocent people on Saturday was carried out by these criminals who were trying to justify the money paid to them by Mr. Godwin Obaseki.”

“The victims of that violent attack have gone public to mention and explain who and how they were assaulted. The victims clearly stated they were attacked by agents of the Governor. To solidify this fact, we will petition the IGP and equally display all video evidence of our cars and other campaign materials destroyed in the riot staged by Obaseki's thugs.”

“It is important to note that the APC has held several events with no violence, how come it is on the day of the PDP campaign flag-off that so much violence ensued? The intimidated and visionless PDP has resorted to throwing away their competitors out of the window so they only can have the stage. Unfortunately, that is not the way democracy works.”

“Ultimately, it is imperative to also note the violent antecedents of Governor Godwin Obaseki. From the violently charged verb language of his politics to the erratic actions of his ways, proofs abound that this man is not a wise, good, and conscionable leader of peace. On National TV, Godwin Obaseki has repeatedly used terms and phrases like "I will crush", "I will deal with", and an endless list of loaded language aimed at inciting violence.”

“The foregoing is not helped by the fact that the Governor selected by the PDP to lead their nefarious ambition to foist a rejected man on the people of Edo State is a renowned man of violence, an insane politician with a bloody gusto, an inclination to graphic and dramatic politics of violent intimidation, scant regard for institutional independence and traditional establishments like the monarch systems. This is a man who appears on campaign grounds with a machete, who like Obaseki arbitrarily bulldozes people's properties, and who insulted the kings of his state with impunity and rapacious disrespect—again, on national television.”

“Mr. Godwin Obaseki's politics of violence, intimidation, and despotism has manifested in sinister ways, in means once deemed impossible for the politics of a democratic polity. His bombing of the houses of top APC members even while he was still a member of the party; his open and brazen association with notorious and infamous cultists; attacks and assaults on dissenters and oppositions; etc.”

“To be specific, we can recall that on June 17, 2019, 14 Edo House of Assembly members-elect were physically attacked at the Golden Tulip Hotel by thugs loyal to Obaseki under the supervision of his security aide. We can equally recall that on October 5, 2019, thugs loyal to Obaseki attacked the Benin GRA residence of Adams Oshiomhole at night.”

“On November 2, 2019, Obaseki's thugs, led by his deputy, Philip Shaibu infamously led the way on a motorbike, attacked Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at Edo University Iyamoh just to embarrass him before his guests.”

“On December 12, 2019, Oshiomhole's convoy and NWC members were attacked in Benin by thugs loyal to Obaseki. They caused mayhem, burnt vehicles, set bonfire on airport road, and harassed innocent citizens. Also, on December 23, 2019, thugs loyal to Obaseki attacked Prof. Julius Ihonvbere's constituency office & empowerment program in Owan West LG.”

“The list is inexhaustible. Instead of trying to spin what is glaring, we demand that Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the PDP commence an immediate disengagement of the thugs and cultists that they have furtively conscripted to rig and mar the election they evidently cannot win and hand them over to the Police for prosecution. We also demand an apology and full payment of the medical bills, alongside befitting compensations, of the direct and indirect victims of the senseless attack by Mr. Obaseki's thugs on Saturday.”

An Edo State High Court sitting in Iguobazuwa, on Tuesday, granted leave for substituted service on Mr. Destiny Enabulele, Chairman, Ovia South West Local Government Area.

Justice I.O. Omotoso gave the order after listening to the submission of Mr. Muhammed Iguodala, counsel to Hon. Fredrick Aimienwanwu and six others.

Upon hearing the application filed by the applicants, asking for an order of substituted service on the defendant, Omotoso granted their prayers.

In his arguement, Iguodala had noted that the 1st (Mr. Desmond Owenvbiugie) and 6th (Ovia South West Local Government Council) defendants have been duly served by the Court bailiff while the Council Chairman, Enabulele and others evaded service of court processes for days.

The court subsequently ordered that the defendants be served through a substituted means by pasting on the the council's notice board.

In the originating summons action in the suit, the claimants are asking the Court To restrain the defendants, their servants, agents, privies, workers from giving effect to the porpoted resolution, dated 17th day of June 2020 porpotedly suspending or removing the Claimants/applicants.

The other sought by the claimants is to stop the withholding of their salaries and allowances and all benefits accrued to their offices as elected councillors and Vice Chairman Of the Council.

As at press time, the court bailiff had effected the service of the process as ordered by Court on 28th, July 2020

The court adjourned to 30th of September, 2020 for hearing on the matter.

At least 7 out of the 12 elected local Councilors in Oredo Local Government, including that of Governor Godwin Obaseki's Ward, have all declared support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and promised to deliver a landslide victory for him in the local government.

Hon. Collins Eweka of Ward 12, Mr. Smart Ehioze of Ward 03, Mr. Geofrrey Enabulele of Ward 08, Mr. Bright Aisien of Ward 04, Mr. Omoregbe Samuel of Ward 07, Mr. Efosa Ogiame of Ward 11, and Mr. Reliance Okugbowa of Ward 09 met with the candidate and other leaders of the APC on Tuesday in his private residence to reassure him of their complete support ahead of the September 19 Governorship election.

Speaking at the meeting, the Councilor of Ward 04 where Governor Godwin Obaseki is registered as a member maintained that as an elected local lawmaker on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, his loyalty, and that of others in Oredo LG, remains with the party and they will ensure the victory of Pastor Ize-Iyamu at the polls.

Other lawmakers attested to Ize-Iyamu's accessibility, leadership, ability to bring the government closer to the people through other elected local officers in a peaceful government governed by respect engagement and focus on development, as opposed to the victimization and vendetta that presently obtains.

In his address to the lawmakers, Pastor Ize-Iyamu said their visit and open endorsement represent a clear indication to all that the All Progressives Congress maintains full political control of the Oredo Local Government.

In his words, "Out of the 12 Councilors elected to represent the people of Oredo LG, we have 7 here with us, including that of the Governor's ward. It is a clear indication to all that Oredo is APC and we will record a comprehensive victory there at the polls."

"I salute the Councilors for their courage. I know the victimization that they have been enduring because free choice is now a crime in Edo State due to the desperation of the incumbent, but I assure them that it will come to an end very soon."

Other APC leaders at the meeting including the Director-General of the Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election, General Cecil Esekhaigbe, and Hon. Chris Okaeben, the member-elect of Oredo West in the Edo Assembly, all commended the Councilors and them of the party's support in their ongoing mobilization efforts.

On November 12, 2020, Godwin Obaseki would have spent four years as Governor of Edo state. By the special grace of God, that will be the terminal date of his exit from the power rostrum of Edo state. Of course, he has jumped ship to seek re-election in the opposition Peoples' Democratic Party, (PDP), but from all available statistics on ground, it is a project that is dead on arrival. And too many things are happening in quick succession that exposes the level of desperation of a Governor that has turned Edo political turf to another Iraq, where gun-shots have become familiar sounds to the ears of the people. If only Godwin Obaseki was godly enough to strategically apply the doctrines of collective bargaining and constructive engagement, he would have been enjoying a peaceful sleep at every nightfall. When this needless political squabbles was gathering dust and well-intentioned people tried to mediate, Godwin Obaseki was showing the gusto of a macho, ready to wrestle everybody aground. With money and power, common sense does not visit you easily. Those who are profitting from him would rather wish the fight continues, since that is a guarantee for their continued exploitation.

They add pep to the drumbeats of sustained combat, remind him that he is the Governor who controls the oscillation of the political pendulum. They danced ostentatiously, with whimsical strokes, to suit the percussive sounds of the drummers. They hailed and wailed, with salutary catch phrases that would swell the sensibilities of the initiate. He was the new sheriff in town, that must be dreaded; else, he visits his anger on anyone. To make an easy sail, he told his hangers-on that he was fighting godfathers and succeeded in almost blackmailing his benefactors; those who cooked and pounded the yam, garnished with special culinary to create an aroma that suits the addictive properties of power. When a godson fights a godfather, the godson becomes the godfather. That exactly is the rubrics of power game. You cannot be in politics without godfathers. I haven't seen one of such political setting where godfatherism is not an item on the menu. It isn't a Nigerian word. It all depends on how power is appropriated to serve the common good. As we speak, Godwin Obaseki has become the PDP's godfather-in-Chief, while Phillip Shuaibu, has become deputy godfather-in-Chief. They both control the power apparatchik of the PDP presently.

Typical of any political power formation, especially in third world countries where those who wield power are almost like demi-gods, when the holder is seeing his exit door nearby, his cognitive, affective and psychomotive skills create a psychological unease, such that causes him restlessness. He suspects everyone around him, because he wouldn't know what information has gone out there to his political foes through supposedly trusted aides. In the case of Godwin Obaseki, it is becoming obvious that he is not enjoying the best of psychological collection that would make him stand above the menacing force of unreason to take the best of decisions. I can see him ageing fast, with grey hair spots on his guber crown. His looks are conveying the symptoms of boredom, as he paces up and down, to find the appropriate response to the legion of "troubles" rearing their heads everyday. At the dawn of everyday, it is one resignation too many, and the thought that more may come in the days and weeks ahead, also carries its own tempestuous burden. Who to truly trust becomes a riddle woven into several possibilities and permutations.

I am still wondering if this was the same Godwin Obaseki that we both sat next to each other in almost four years of being part of Edo State Executive Council. I served four years and he served eight years. I am also wondering if this is the same Godwin Obaseki that signed the dotted lines as witness to love; when Oshiomhole took his adorable wife on 15th May, 2015. As much as I tried to unravel the puzzle that has remained unsolved till date, the more I see the complexities in human physiology. But those who apply the inelegant traits in human relations as a desirable outcome, are often those who brook no nonsense when dealing with situations. The realities of financial proclivity that would be unravelled by the time Obaseki exited would further justify the reason for this desperation.

From the alleged sales of Edo state shares in BUA Cement, Okpella, to the unwholesome dealings of Ossiomo Independent Power Plant, from the failed Gelegele Port project where millions have allegedly been drained, to the Industrial Park that has been overtaken by weeds, Edo people would be served a hollywood exposé of monumental corruption and malfeasance like never before. From monies that were taken under dubious headings to prosecute the removal of Oshiomhole, to the sales of Edo state shares in Azura Power Plant, from illicit transactions in the Ogbe stadium project and how monies released were allegedly frittered away by relatives of principal officers of government in the name of consultancy, Edo people would watch the archetypal documentation of a ninth day wonder. It is all these that are bothering Godwin Obaseki, not Ize-Iyamu or Oshiomhole.

Edo state has been abandoned like one uninhabited village square littered with refuse and garbage as though there is no leadership in place. Benin City is presently a dumpsite, no thanks to the many refuses that have overtaken major streets in the City. Too much politics and no governance. When the clouds are gathering, preparing for rains of blessings, the people lament because of flooding and erosion that would immediately make life difficult for them. Drains are blocked. Flooding and erosion projects have been suspended, while the people agonise over safety of lives and properties.

Refuse dumps everywhere also create its own health hazard in a state that has only two surgeons, where new Doctors have not been recruited in four years, where nurses have not been recruited and the only nursing school also closed down. The Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor, that should be producing teachers to service our Primary and Secondary schools, have been shut down for three years with 11 months salaries being owed. The state Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode have been closed for three years, yet, the government talks about its agricultural policy as second to none. The primary healthcare project has been a snail run, while the roads infrastructure have amounted to mere window dressing. When a Governor realises that people would know the rotten underbelly of his government, he would deploy the worst form of anger to drive his campaign. That has been the Obaseki style.

The latest lethargic content of a drowning government yielded itself so easily on Saturday, July 25th, when Governor Obaseki accompanied his guests to see the revered Oba of Benin. Like a man destined for his last days, he forgot tradition befitting of a Royal Visit. He reportedly forgot to carry the colanut that would have been used to pass royal blessing to him. The visit ended up as a celebration of Nyesom Wike, who accorded the great Oba of Benin, a befitting reception when the latter visited him in Port Harcourt.

The highly respected Oba of Benin, a consummate diplomat, who created a niche for himself when he represented Nigeria in different countries as our ambassador with a touch of royalty, laced with uncommon panache, understood the gaps so well. When a child knows how to wash his hands well and clean, he will dine with Kings and Royals. Aside from the condemnable booing of his PDP guests and chieftains, the whole atmosphere outside the Palace Ground was that of rejection. Who knows whether the ancestors were angry with Godwin Obaseki that day? The repriesal attacks were undesirable in every material particular. That is what you get when your days are numbered in the corridor of power.

The quarelsomeness, combativeness, showmanship, and arrogance of power within Obaseki's fold has created a bifocal image between promise and actual performance.

It has now become a matter of whether to save Obaseki or to save the state. Abdulazeez Bouteflika of Algeria faced similar scenario when the morning of his grip on power came slowing down to evening, before nightfall. The Algerian Army had a choice between saving the aged Bouteflika and his inner circle of family members and friends or saving the entire Algerian nation from implosion as a result of waning influence.

Every day that an appointee resigns from Obaseki's government, it sends a message of rejection. Every time appointment letters are torn in broad day light, it conveys an impression about the waning grip of Obaseki on the levers of power. Once mutual suspicion becomes the undercurrent theme, trust is broken, and everyone is seen as a foe. But because power has its own allure, its inducement, and therapeutic properties, it is often difficult for reason to prevail in the minds of those who want to sustain power at all cost. When their political urchins come with their praise singing, invoking incantations of praise on nothingness, they swell the head of their benefactor. When defeat comes staring them in the face, their eye balls get sunken, the drumbeats become hollow, noises are not heard and wailings, like winsome coquette, are silenced in the sacks of failure.

That seems the only route for Obaseki as his days in power, in an era of volumptuous security votes, are surely numbered on the pages of electoral votes.

...as APC candidate vows to challenge denial of their entitlements in court

Scores of aides and elected local council officials who were sacked by the Edo State Government met with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Monday and declared their support for his governorship bid.

The elected local council officials and former aides all decried ill-treatment meted on them as punishment for refusing to defect to PDP.

While addressing them, Pastor Ize-Iyamu criticized the Governor’s intolerance and disregard of the people’s protected right and freedom to make a political choice, including that of a party.

He assured them that his team has already put plans in motion to hire legal professionals and challenge in court the Governor’s illegal denial of due entitlements and other emoluments to elected local council officials who insist on maintaining their membership of the All Progressives Congress.

In his words, “I will advise the Governor to remember that there is life after politics. Harassing people and denying them what is due to them by law because they exercised their right of association is an act of tyranny that is outside the laws of the State.”

“In a democracy, support is earned through successful persuasion, not force or intimidation. I commend all of you here today for your courage and insistence on your conscience. We will provide legal representation to challenge all the illegalities you have suffered in court and will do everything within our powers to ensure that that the harassment from the Governor and his agents is brought to an end.”

The Leader of the Uhunmwode LGA Legislative Arm and also the spokesperson of the grassroots politicians, Osarobo Ogbegiere Esq., alongside the Vice-Chairman of Orhiomwon Local Government Council, Godwin Eleduwa, praised Ize-Iyamu for his leadership and expressed confidence that he will emerge victorious on the 19th of September.

Other APC leaders at the event include former Deputy Governor of Edo State and the Deputy Director-General of the APC Campaign Council, Lucky Imasuen, a former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Pally Iriase, and member-elect of the Edo Assembly, Hon. Washington Osifo.

The failed rally at Ogbe Stadium, Benin City, where PDP tax collectors served to expose the fallacious regime of Mr Godwin Obaseki, in a last ditch effort to give publicity to his wasted four years as governor of the state, is an event all Edo people would rather forget in a hurry. But some two hirelings of the failed outgoing governor of the PDP, Mr Godwin Obaseki on a local radio station stirred the hornet’s nest on Monday.

For almost an hour, the duo of Messrs Pharez Okpere and Efe Igbinovia, tried very hard to sell the bad product the rejected PDP suddenly want us as Edolites to believe is a good product after he paid the party billions to buy it’s membership and fake ticket, by openly hawking deliberate falsehood about the outgoing governor.

I have taken the liberty of responding to them as follows:

Land Use in Edo:
They tried in vain to give Mr Obaseki credit for the Omo Noba Nedo Uku Akpolokpolo’s initiative which saw to the elimination of community development associations and their menace, regarding land across the state. The falsehood only lends credence to the saying that, it is only a bad son who would attempt to engrave his name on the age long efforts of his great grandfathers for the temporary fame it brings.

Edobest:
As for their presentation that with Obaseki’s Education reforms, erroneously labelled EDOBEST, the state has become the envy of many states in Nigeria, Edo people know for a fact that this is a white lie. The reason is Edo people know that Mr Obaseki promised to but has not employed one single teacher or renovated one school in Edo since 2016.

The result is that there are no teachers in our schools. In most of our community schools, there are 2 or at best a teacher, teaching 2 or more subjects. Science teachers are nowhere to be found. Even those Obaseki claims that he trained and equipped with ICT devices are like a drop in the ocean and stationed in few schools in Benin City. There is no way the Edobest so-called can radically impact the lives of millions of Edo children across the over 1,500 public schools, not to mention the over 1,000 private schools.

Infrastructure:
As for the many roads reportedly rehabilitated by Mr. Obaseki, according to Okpere and Igbinovia, it is a fact and they know themselves that all the roads in question are SEEFOR executed and and World Bank funded projects. These projects were wrongly managed by the Edo state government. This is why the roads collapse the week after.

Residents of Benin City can attest to the fact that the emergency contractors with little or no experience about Road construction, but imported from Lagos by the grace of Mr Obaseki, accounts for the many shoddy road reconstruction projects in the state.

Power supply:
I laugh when the the PDP staff said that in 2019 alone, Edo state government spent N3-billion to fuel the diesel generators to light up street lights only on the Airport Road, Benin City. Mr Okpere failed to tell Edo people how much the government spent for diesel on such roads like Sapele, Sokponba, Mission, Forestry, and even Ring Road, all in Benin City, with street lights but are now darker at night.

Okpere postulated that the amount spent on diesel would have been well spent renovating over 20 schools across the state. Yet Mr Obaseki was all over himself in 2018 saying the Edo-Azura power project, in which the state invested over $2million represents a blueprint for power plants model in Nigeria. He said with the 450MW Azura- Edo power project now on stream, the state is looking at attracting more investors for his dubious Benin Industrial Park and stillborn innovation hub in the state.

Why and how Obaseki unilaterally divested Edo’s $2.1billion in the Azura power project in 2019 is still a puzzle. This is a project which would added over more megawatts to the National grid, to power private homes, businesses, schools and offices across the state. But Edo people were shocked to learn that Obaseki alone divested Edo’s money from the project without any legislative authority.

For Okpere this is why the government signed an MOU worth billions of dollars with the Chinese to locate diesel generators at far away Ossiomo to power a few government offices with less than 2000 civil servants while the larger population live in darkness.

Human trafficking:
The PDP urchins lied that Mr. Obaseki has stopped human trafficking in Nigeria. They claimed that several Libyan returnees were resettled by the government as a result. But Edo people know that because of the failure of the Obaseki government, most returnees have taken up jobs in crimes even as many made their ways back to Libya en- route to Europe.

The state government got Federal support and donor agencies to finance placement of the returnees on stipends of N20, 000 monthly, train them in various skill acquisition programmes and sponsor those interested in pursuing higher education but failed to keep faith to the extent that Mr Solomon Okoduwa, senior special assistant to Edo state governor on human trafficking and illegal migration, a returnee himself, threw in the towel. He was distraught that the Edo state received a total of 8,155 returnees since 2017, exposed less than 530 of them to vocational training and paid about 550 of them.

Oh Okpere and Igbinovia forgot the arrest of Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Mr. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero, for alleged money laundering while on a European trip with Mr Obaseki. This Edo son has been neglected by his pal, Mr Obaseki who has not uttered a word to explain his role in Osemwingie-Ero’s fate as he was said to be in possession of US$2 million, allegedly belonging to the governor when he was arrested.

Pensions and Salaries:
Okpere and Igbinovia failed to tell Edo people why the staff of the State College of Education, Ekiadolor, have continued their protest for the second week at Obaseki’s office, in a bid to force the government to clear the 11 months arrears of salary, pensions and gratuities owed them.

The workers and retired staff, have repeatedly sealed the entrance to the Government House in Benin City, in defiance of an the rains for two weeks now. They engaged in praise and worship songs after gathering while workers and top government officials were forced to access their offices at the government house through the second exit gate by armed policemen. They said the protest would continue until Governor Obaseki answers them with the payment of their salaries, pension and gratuities.

Ahead of the Edo 2020 Governorship election, the Vice Chairmen Of Local Government Areas of Edo have advised Gov. Godwin Obaseki to tender his resignation or he would be disgraced in the September 19 governorship poll in the State.

In a press briefing in Benin on Saturday, the Vice Chairmen said that the call for his resignation was necessitated by the failure of the Governor to improve on governance in the state.

The chairmen also took account of the action that have been melted on those that have refused to decamped with the governor to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking through their spokesperson, Mr Philip Eguarogie, Vice Chairman, Akoko Edo Local Government Council, they insisted that the constant intimidation and harassment from the governor will not stop his defeat at the poll nor will it stop them from working for the candidate of the APC.

"You will recall that there were moves by Governor Obaseki to forcefully coerce us to join him in the PDP, as a result, we are constantly intimidated and harassed by the Governor's lieutenants and we have refused to be intimidated"

"Principally, we refused to follow hik because there is nothing on ground to show that the administration has performed, in addition to the past record of the PDP will not even encourage us to defect.

"We hereby condemn the governor's dictatorial tendencies and advise him to resign now or face disgrace awaiting him at the polls," he said.

The Vice Chairmen furthermore also endorsed the candidature of the APC candidate and hia running mate, Osagie Ize Iyamu and Mallam Gani Audu.

They noted that the duo have proven themselves over time as men of the People.

"We hereby endorse Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Mallam Gani Audu as our Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidate respectively base on their administrative track records.

"We are also adopting the manifesto of the Candiate christened, "SIMPLE Agenda" which we know will better the lot of the Edo People," they declared.

They noted that for constant intimidation, more of their colleagues would have been part of them.

"But we can assure you that they will be joining us before the poll on September 19th. They are however presently with us in spirit.

Others present at the press briefing includes, Fred Aimienwanwu, Ovia South LGA; Mrs Maureen Ekhoragbon, Ovia North East LGA; Innocent Onowanlen, Esan South East LGA; and Godwin Eleduwa, Orhinonmwon LGA.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was left deflated and completely disgraced today at the Palace of the Oba of Benin after his convoy was blocked by angry residents, numbering in hundreds, who booed and disparaged the Governor as a thief.

Governor Obaseki was reportedly at the Palace for royal blessings as he flagged off his campaign as the candidate of the PDP in the Governorship election.

Upon sighting his convoy from a small distance, the people, hitherto rejoicing and making merry as is usual at the ancient Palace, immediately formed an angry mob of protesters and confronted the embattled Governor with chants of “thief” and other disgraceful epithets, demanding that he leaves the Palace and not “pollute the environment with his dishonorable self.”

Obaseki and his accompanying aides were left perplexed and all attempts to salvage the situation only further angered the crowd who insisted that he leaves, stating that he has been rejected and is no longer their Governor.

Such rejection at the Palace holds great significance in the Benin Kingdom and Edo State as a whole.

It is perhaps the greatest indication that the Governor, presently struggling to get his new party, the PDP, in shape, will lose the Sept. 19 election.

A palace source who pleaded anonymity said “what took place today is a bad omen for Governor Obaseki and his PDP. He selfishly came for blessings at a place he has not really sowed any good seeds and he received boos and disgrace. It is a clear sign of rejection and what is to come.”

“Some of his followers have already gotten the cue and they are abandoning him despite threats and offering of monetary rewards. That campaign, starting like this, can never be successful. The people don’t want this man anymore.”

...as Mass Defection hits Edo PDP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...calls on opposition to shun provocative actions

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo Governorship election, has assured residents of Edo State of a violence-free election while calling on his main opposition, the PDP, to shun provocative acts and campaign based on issues, not insults and name-calling.

He said this while addressing media executives in Lagos following a meeting where he harped on the importance of the media in ensuring a free and fair election preceded by campaigns governed by useful debates on relevant policies and programs.

Ize-Iyamu said his party, the APC, has focused on his manifesto, the SIMPLE agenda, and urged the opposition to follow suit instead of name-calling and a campaign of calumny based on things non-beneficial to the people of the State.

He said: “We have said that we want this election to be issue-based. We don’t want to resort to name-calling and insults. We want to focus on our SIMPLE agenda. I can assure you that we as a party will do everything to avoid violence.”

“The PDP has posters and billboards all around the place. In fact, they started before us by putting billboards around the place. We got agents to help us ask the state government how much we need to pay for the available spaces, they told us and we paid.”

“However, a top government official said how can they allow APC to have billboards in strategic locations? He then ordered them to go and remove the billboards. So, they began to remove our billboards.”

“Rather than resolve to violence, we wrote a petition to the Commissioner of Police, we also did the same thing to Director of DSS and Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon addressed the press where he advised the PDP to be accommodating, tolerant, and avoid things that could trigger violence.”

“We could have taken the law into our hands by destroying their billboards also but we didn’t do it. From then till now, they have not mentioned that one of their billboards was destroyed. They destroyed our billboards at night, we too could have done any of their own at night but we just left it.”

“So, let me assure you that by the grace of God, there will be no violence. We will do our best by cooperating with the security agencies and other relevant authorities and then, we believe it will be peaceful.”

...to activate Edo COVID-19 taskforce for selfish interest

The embattled and outgoing governor of Edo state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has concluded plans to forcefully quarantine select key players in Edo politics ahead of the September 19, 2020 Edo Governorship election, ChrisOsaMedia can authoritatively report.

The latest but desperate move, a reliable source said, is targeted at prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aimed at breaking the formidable team the Party parades in the recently constituted State Campaign Council.

A source privy to the whole arrangement, who craved anonymity, said that the decision was reached at a meeting of the governor with some members of his cabinet and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo state.

To execute this evil plan, Obaseki will, in the coming days, commission the Edo State COVID-19 Taskforce to intimidate and harass innocent members of the APC who are main target of this devilish agenda.

Source said the Governor plans to forcefully quarantine his perceived archenemies under the guise of health concerns and "flouting of COVID-19 protocols". This is coming after Obaseki failed to stop the APC primaries by influencing the inflation of COVID-19 figures and signing an anti-people gazette into law in Edo.

It reliably gathered that the governor plans to keep the targets under forced quarantine throughout the electioneering period and till after the main election to break the rank-and-file of the APC Campaign Council.

We wish to put the general public on notice of this evil and devilish plan by the Edo state 'emperor' alias "MoU governor", under whose close watch Edo state has plunged into avoidable crisis ranging from insecurity, indebtedness and political violence.

We call on Mr. President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; the Inspector General of Police and the Director of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) to prevail on Mr. Obaseki to leave innocent citizens to freely associate and subscribe to their political beliefs.

FORMER National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC Comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday said the screening committee of the APC that disqualified Governor Godwin Obaseki from contesting the election on the party relied on the documents supplied by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP when they took him to court in 2016.

Addressing a crowd of supporters who welcomed him to Benin City following him all the way from Aduwawa to his house in GRA, Oshiomhole said the suit instituted by the PDP was struck out because the party filed out of time.

Oshiomhole said the party has learnt from the mistake in Bayelsa state and decided to stick to the rules.

He said “PDP took Obaseki to court that he forged certificate. Now, you remember one governor that said there are tax collectors, when something moved, they collected the taxes and the certificates became okay. But let me tell you they know that the man who has forged documents even if you vote for him, you know what happened to us in Bayelsa; so I need to assure you that the decision of the screening committee to disqualify the sitting governor was based on the evidence provided by PDP which they found to be correct and you do not repeat the same mistake twice.

“The only task we have is to go to every ward, every unit, every local government, and every community and remind them of where we stopped and ask them since we left what new thing has been brought?

“If I fail GO (Godwin Obaseki) exam, by the grace of God on POI (Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu) I will score A1. It is not unusual to misread people but it will be unusual after misreading them, you continue on that dangerous part, we have a duty to correct it; I assure you there are no personal issues whatsoever.”

On his removal as chairman of the party he said “I hear some people say Oshiomhole has lost his seat as the National Chairman and I asked, is it my father’s job?