Late Otunba Subomi Balogun was too magnificent. Effizy extraordinaire. Exhumed Panaché. Allure and splendour are just a few words to describe an absolute classic man who upgraded the bar on how tradition and customs should be and it’s carriage thereof.

An Ijebu giant of the banking industry, Olori Omoba who had his very own butler like a king.

An epitome of Ijebu aristocracy, Ijebu has truly lost a bright sparkling WHITE colour at the Ojude Oba FESTIVAL and as a people in general, a huge shoe for anyone else to step into.

I am still getting to terms with the transition of the late Dagburewe and now Olori Omoba, another major blow to the court of the Awujale.

The only one who had clearance to drive his white Rolce Royce into the palace yard and park next to kabiyesis car, further adorning the palace car park of the wealth Ijebu has to offer.

Kekere ijebu, Agba ijebu … owo ni !!!

The dove 🕊 has taken flight.
RIP BABA, an icon of his time.


Tribute by
Prince Wale Osiyemi Jr
Arole Fibigbade1 Ago Iwoye.

Ogun workers shun Dapo Abiodun's invitation to his Iperu home

All seems not to be going well with Governor Dapo Abiodun's attempt to appease civil servants in Ogun State, ahead of the governorship election on Saturday.

Our reporter reliably gathered that despite repeated invitations, many labour and trade union members have refused to meet with the governor in his Iperu country home.

Despite buying over a few labour leaders to organise the meetings, it was gathered that the majority of Ogun workers are against the re-election bid of Abiodun and have vowed to deal with any labour leader who sells them out.

The workers' grouse, this newspaper understands, stems from the inhuman conditions the Abiodun government has put the workers in. Workers lament that the government has failed to pay several months of pension deductions, leave bonuses, among many other outstanding payments to workers.

On Monday, a scheduled meeting with judicial workers was aborted abruptly when union members realised they were being lured to meet the governor without authorisation. This follows a similarly botched meeting with the medical and health workers union.

Abiodun has been calling for a series of meetings to pacify the leaders of the political class, traditional institutions, religious bodies and the organised labour at his Iperu home. The governor is seeking their support to convince their constituents to support his re-election despite years of neglect.

Onaiwu seeks CBN, governors parley to solve cash crisis

The founding Director General of the Governors Forum, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has called for an urgent meeting between the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria and state chief executives.

This meeting, Onaiwu, reckons, will help to solve the escalating crisis arising from the new CBN policy phasing out old higher denominations of the naira.

In a statement on Thursday, Onaiwu said it was regrettable that a policy that the CBN said was meant to salvage the country's economy was now threatening to collapse businesses, especially cash-based ones.

"It is worrisome to see masses languishing at ATMs and banking halls, struggling to withdraw cash for their livelihood to no avail.

"There's palpable tension everywhere and I think there is an urgent need for the CBN to sit with state governors, who are in direct linkage with the masses, to fashion a way out of the quagmire," Onaiwu said.

2023 Elections: Governors urged to hold urgent dialogue to salvage democracy


The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has been enjoined to convene a meeting to thrash out emerging concerns ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the founding Director General of the Governors Forum and chairman, Governors' Mandate Group, gave the advice in an interview with our correspondent on Friday.

Onaiwu said as electioneering activities hit the home run, state governors, as guardians of political processes at the sub-national level, needed to come together to analyse the myriads of threats facing the polity, compare notes and proffer possible political and security solutions to neutralise the challenges.

The astute politician noted that the threats by non-state actors such as insurgents, bandits, militants and secessionists could not be wished away. He mentioned that Nigeria's current reality is that gunmen are controlling large swathes of the Nigerian territory, a situation which may terribly compromise the integrity of the elections.

"We keep hearing cases of arsonist attacks on INEC facilities in the Southeast. Police and other security agencies are not even spared.

"As of today, there are whole local governments and federal highways that people cannot dare go to because of banditry.

"These are places where elections should hold but with the prevailing circumstances, a lot is left to be desired," Onaiwu said.

The Public Relations strategist, however, believes governors could proffer a quick panacea out of the conundrum with "critical thinking and frank talks."

"I know the governors, many of them are familiar with their terrain and under the right atmosphere and support, these challenges can be effectively tackled before the elections," he said.

Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the founding Director-General of the PDP Governors Forum, has bagged the Niger Delta Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Edo-born astute politician and businessman is to be honoured alongside other prominent sons of Niger Delta on Wednesday, December 21 in Benin, Edo State at the 19th edition of the Prestigious Niger Delta Peace Awards.

The award is organised by the Edo Legacy Foundation in conjunction with Bravins Magazine and others.

Speaking with our reporter, a spokesperson for the awards said Onaiwu was chosen for recognition among many worthy personalities for his long standing struggle for the development of his region.

In his reaction, Onaiwu pledged to continue to work for the advancement of Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

"I am excited for the honour. It just shows that people have been keeping watch of our contributions to society over the years and this will spur me to do more," he said.

Finally, Lekan Mustapha, Oduntan steps down for Daniel

... Mustapha to take ambassadorial position, Oduntan board chairman

Two aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ogun East Senatorial District- Sen. Lekan Mustapha and Otunba Seyi Oduntan- have finally agreed to step down their ambitions for former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

The duo agreed to step down at an emergency meeting called by the governor in the wee hours of Saturday.

The closed door meeting which was brokered by Governor Dapo Abiodun, APC Chairman in the State Chief Yemi Sanusi had the representatives of the Awujale and Akarigbo in attendance.

A source at the meeting disclosed to this medium that the political and traditional leadership in the state decided to settle for Chief Daniel due to his popularity in the region as he is seen as a more sellable candidate of both Remo and Ijebu simultaneously.

They say they cannot afford a divided house going into the elections, hence working out a similar deal that settled the agitation in Ogun West.

Our source stated that Governor Abiodun told Chief Oduntan who he was earlier pushing for the position that it was no longer feasible to support him. In compensation, he has been penciled down for the chairmanship of the board of a top government parastatal.

Senator Lekan Mustapha on his part has been offered ambassadorial posting which he has reluctantly taken knowing his chances at the polls are almost negligible.

With the latest arrangement, the coast is now clear for delegates to elect Otunba Gbenga Daniel at the primary set for Itooro Hall in Ijebu Ode.

The reset Nigeria Group has thrown her weight behind the calls for APC, PDP and other parties to perish the notion of zoning Power to North West and/or South West, insisting that such action will be counterproductive to the already precarious state of Nigeria.

The South East Director of the group, Chief Dr. Emeka Kalu who spoke from the US, insisted that it was high time that Nigeria leaders began to think national and act to prove that the nation's progress is a collective responsibility of all the stakeholders, and not a personal inheritance of only a part.

Chief Dr. Kalu, who is also the National Coordinator of PDP Coalition cautioned that for the sake of peace and national cohesion, every stakeholder must be carried along.

"We have seen the North West and the South West handle the helms of Nigeria affairs. South South has had a shot at it, leaving out North East, North Central, and South East. I think any party that craves for a successful outing in 2023 should begin to put all these factors into consideration.

"It is high time we began to tell ourselves the truth as a people and exploit more reconciliatory steps that will unite rather than separate us" he cautions.

Sakamaje:
It is obvious that Amosun stole when he was governor. Infact he stole very big. But this newspaper should stop being a hypocrite by promoting one thief while vilifying another. On the page of this Amosun news, the newspaper or is it blog, is also promoting Okezie Ikpeazu of all people. This shows that they can be easily compromised. Smh.

https://peoplesgazette.com/right-of-reply-ikpeazu-is-above-reproach-in-the-management-of-abia-finances/

Click this link and read to the end to see what happened.

The pioneer Director General of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors' Forum, Osaro Onaiwu has condemned the appointment of a sole administrator for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Onaiwu described the development as an aberration, adding that such development will give room for few persons to manipulate the commission.

Calling on the governors of the Niger Delta Region to take a position on this development, the PDP pioneer DG said that this is the time to appoint a governing council for the commission.

He further urged the governor to take action, as keeping quiet is not the solution to this bareface aberration.

He insisted that the appointment of a sole administrator is not for the interest of the region, adding that the council must be constituted to give the commission a sense of direction.

Onaiwu noted that the reason why the commission was established in the first place is defeated if notable leadership is not put in place, insisting that the people from the region, who are supposed to benefit from the establishment are not enjoying that because of lack of accountability.

He said: "This development should be properly looked into because appointing a sole administrator is dictatorship in action.

"This is the time the governors from this region should take a position because this bareface aberration should not be allowed to continue.

Appointing a sole administrator is depriving the people a good representation as the appointee will not work for the interest of the people."

The management of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun has appointed Earl Osaro Onaiwu, a renowned fund-raiser and founder of Red Carpet Protocol, a reputation management company as its Goodwill Ambassador.

The institution in a letter sighted by this newspaper said Onaiwu would represent the university and conduct activities that would attract positive developments to the school.

The letter signed by the acting registrar of the school also granted authority to him to mobilise funds and infrastructure for the school, while also facilitating extra-budgetary support for the school's projects.

Onaiwu is also expected to promote the image of the institution and undertake advocacies on its behalf.

The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun established by the federal government is first of its type in West Africa and sixth in the world. It was set up to provide specific technical manpower for the country's oil sector.

The school has however been unable to adequately deliver on its mandate due to perennial shortages in budgetary allocations, prompting the university management to devise ingenious means of developing the novel institution.

Anti-Corruption Group drags Ned Nwoko, Turaki, Gadzama to EFCC for defrauding pty coy

An anti-corruption group, Leadership & Integrity Advocates has petitioned the EFCC over allegations of criminal breach of trust by socialite Ned Nwoko and his company, Linas Int'l Ltd.

Also joined in the petition are former minister, Kabir Tanimu Turaki, SAN and a lawyer JK Gadzama SAN.

The trio were said to have defrauded an Abuja property company (name withheld), in a $263 million Paris Club deal it helped facilitate. They were said to have connived to deny the company of its $10 million facilitation fee, five years after the funds have been assessed.

The petition sighted by this newspaper was filed by Emma Sadoh, Esq. wherein he prayed for expedited action by the anti-corruption agency.

Mr. Nwoko has been trending online for some time now, lavishing proceeds of deals, one of which he is being dragged to EFCC now, on lascivious living.

The lawyer has of late indulged in celebrity lifestyle, junketing around in leased aircraft and splashing big cash on exotic cars and his harem of women.

The founding DG of PDP Governors Forum, Osaro Onaiwu has said former Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole and other stalwart of the EPM are to be held responsible for the recent break-out of violence in Benin which led breach of two custodial centres and the loot of a strategic food reserve warehouse.

Onaiwu said the irate thugs who ran riot in Benin are apparently the "lions and tigers" who were cultivated and armed by arrow heads of the Ize-Iyamu campaign.

He said Oshiomhole and his co-travellers are still bent on causing chaos in the state despite being soundly rejected by Edo people during the elections, hence the plot to rile thugs under the guise of #EndSARS protests to cause mayhem.

Onaiwu said he was aware that the EPM hierarchy was planning to truncate tee smooth swearing in of Governor Obaseki for his second tenure by instigating pockets of violence around the state but said such plans would fail.

He called on the Inspector General of Police to arrest the roving criminals in Edo together with their sponsors.

Onaiwu advised Edo people to stand by the governor they elected and not allow imported thugs to instigate them into looting and destroying public and private assets.

The Reset Nigeria Movement has again called on top politicians across the divide to save Nigerian democracy.

Convener of the group Osaro Onaiwu said on Wednesday that the scale of killings and destruction currently being witnessed in many parts of the country could derail the fourth republic if not quickly addressed.

Onaiwu said this is the time for political office holders, opposition leaders and critical stakeholders to come together to find a lasting solution to the uprising.

He called on the governors across the states to convoke a broad-based dialogue with their citizens and respond to their demands holistically and not just rely on quelling dissent with brute force.

Onaiwu argued there is no situation that a genuine dialogue cannot solve.

The Reset Nigeria Movement has condemned in strong terms, the attack of a police station and a prison by criminals hiding under the ongoing #EndSARS protests in Benin City.

A prison of Sapele road was attacked Monday morning by thugs, freeing inmates. A police station and a commercial bank along the road were also destroyed in the melee.

Convener of the Reset Nigeria Movement, Osaro Onaiwu said the development was totally unacceptable. "It appears criminals have hijacked the protest to perpetrate their heinous agenda."

Onaiwu called on security chiefs in Edo state to move swiftly to restore law and order. He stated that the police, DSS and other security agencies must fish out trouble makers who are causing chaos in the state.

...asks Buhari, governors to immediately address the people

Reset Nigeria Movement (RNM) has called on Nigerian people to resist the urge to turn the nationwide protest against police brutality into a sectional agenda.

The convener of the group, Osaro Onaiwu who spoke to our reporter on Sunday said the #EndSARS protests have gone beyond issues of recklessness of the police alone.

He said the uprising has now brought to fore, the failures of governance that dates back to at least three decades ago.

Onaiwu said: "what we need now is value reorientation, integrity and capacity."

He emphasised that RNM believes the protest is not targeted at the president or any particular section of the country.

"This is not a time to bring in divisive issues into the protests. Our youths have activated an opportunity for us to reset this nation and we all should key in without sentiment.

Onaiwu further asked the president to urgently address the nation to reassure all that he is in charge of the situation and ready to undertake deep reforms to realign the nation on the path of greatness. He urged state governors to make similar broadcasts to assure the citizens.

The Nigerian political class has been advised to immediately convoke a national dialogue to address the current logjam occasioned by the #EndSARS nationwide protests.

The Reset Nigeria Movement said there was need for the Presidency, Governors and lawmakers to open transparent channels of communication with the demonstrators nationwide.

Speaking through its convener Osaro Onaiwu, the group said the political class being the representative of the people cannot look on or shy away from its responsibility of engaging the people when the fabric of our nationhood is being threatened.

The group advised state governors to set up live broadcasts in their respective states to address citizens and fashion out ways to resolve the peculiar agitation of protesters in each state.

The group warned that the #EndSARS protests have gone beyond issues of police recklessness alone and demonstrators have seized the moment to vent their frustrations about bad governance. It said the leaders must save our democracy now.

Reset Nigeria Movement has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately convoke a National Council of State meeting to address emerging developments arising from the #EndSARS nationwide protests.

A statement from the group's convener Osaro Onaiwu said the protest deserves a national emergency as it has gone beyond just issues of police brutality. He said the protests are highlighting the failures of governance over the years.

“Our children are now out in the streets demanding wholesale reform of country. I do not believe their demand is limited to just SARS issues, otherwise they would be out of the roads by now. I think #EndSARS was just a vehicle for them to pour their frustrations on the system. If we do not address it now, things may go out of hand” Mr. Onaiwu said.

Onaiwu warned that leaders risks being toppled if they fail to give the demonstrations all the attention it deserves.

He urged both federal and state governments to quickly set up far-reaching committees to engage the protesters and fashion a way to accede to the demands.

"The committee must be all-encompassing and must enjoy the confidence of the youth to succeed," Onaiwu said.

The founding DG of PDP Governors Forum, Earl Osaro Onaiwu has sent glowing tributes to women of Edo state for their impressive showing during the recently held Edo governorship election.

In a message on Sunday, Onaiwu thanked the women for standing by Governor Godwin Obaseki throughout the testy run of the election.

"Our mothers and sisters deserve special commendation. They conducted themselves very well during the election. They resisted vote buying and helped us defeat all the lions and tigers in Edo," he said.

Onaiwu then advocated for inclusion of more women in governance saying women are stabilising influence for any organisation.

He urged the governor to consider giving women 50% of his appointment in the new dispensation. "Women can provide a solid and compassionate governance," Onaiwu said.

Founding DG of PDP Governors Forum Osaro Onaiwu has called on INEC, Police and otherNigerian security agencies to replicate the professional conduct they exhibited in Edo election in the forthcoming Ondo election.

Onaiwu speaking on Tuesday said the conduct of INEC, Police, military and other paramilitary outfits involved in the Edo governorship election has earned them local and international commendation.

He urged these agencies of government to consolidate on their good showing by remaining above board in the Ondo governorship election which comes up this Saturday.

"With what we saw during Edo election, the various agencies on election duties can behave professionally if they choose to. I urge them to allow the will of people to prevail in Ondo, just like they did in Edo," Onaiwu said.

He further enjoined INEC and the police not to succumb to pressures from any quarters to compromise the election. "The whole world is watching them to see if their outing in Edo was just a fluke," he opined.

Three leading candidates are set to slug it out in the October 9 Ondo gubernatorial election. Incumbent governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the APC will face stiff challenge from PDP's Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi who is the current deputy governor and flying the flag of ZLP.

An Abuja based property company has sued socialite Ned Nwoko to court over his failure to honour a contractual agreement.

Our source said Mr. Nwoko and the unnamed company entered into an agreement to which the sum of $10million was supposed to be paid to the company for its services. Mr. Nwoko and his company, Linas International Limited failed to honour the over two year old agreement despite all entreaties.

The source said it is shocking that Mr. Nwoko could be reneging on commitments despite living a flamboyant life in opulence while putting the survival of a humble property company and its workers in jeopardy.

Nwoko is notorious for keeping harem of women and splashing big cash on them to show off his liquidity. His marriage to young actress, Regina Daniels has been in the news since the union was consummated.

Another source in the know of the contract deal gone wrong said Ned Nwoko is in the habit of shortchanging business partners. The suit is billed to commence at an Abuja High Court next week.

- Says adopt Edo template in terminating godfatherism

As the clock gradually ticks towards the D-Day for the October 10, 2020 Ondo State Gubernatorial Elections, one of Nigeria's foremost political pressure groups, Reset Nigeria Movement, has urged indigenes and residents of the State to come out and collectively put an end to political godfatherism in the State.

A statement signed on behalf of the group by its the National Secretary, Mr. Hassan Jubrin, and released on Friday, urged the people of Ondo State, particularly the Electorate to imbibe the message of the just-concluded Edo election where the people resolved to permanently terminate the tenure and reign of godfathers in the State.

RNM said failure to do this will plunge the State into more doom and a more bleak political future as a "Victory for Akeredolu automatically translates into a victory for Bola Tinubu, the self-acclaimed political godfather and his 2023 presidential ambition".

The statement added that Godfatherism has become an attribute in modern-day Nigerian politics and this has so far not fostered democratic stability but only retards democratic progress.

We advice the people of Ondo State to be weary and have a clearer understanding, the nature and prevailing characteristics of godfather/godson relationship, the dimension it has assumed in recent times and how it has negatively shaped and influenced the adult citizenry in the country.

There is high degree of political apathy among the Nigerian people who feel that their votes does not count; but drawing from the recent Edo experience, it is glaring that the evil of godfatherism can be greatly tackled by all and sundry, particularly, the government, the people's voting power and civil society in order to ensure adequate political participation by Nigerians.

We can all recall that the incumbent spent two years of his first tenure abroad allegedly on medical grounds; thus our emphasis that the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State should be employed to put an end to godfatherism in the state as we urge voters to come out en-masse to vote for mentally fit leaders with the capacity to effectively perform in office; no amount of violence and intimidation should scare you and make you stay away from the various polling units on election day.

The much awaited Governors Magazine has finally hit the stands.

The 54-page magazine covers reports from 10 states of the federation with vivid pictures to tell the stories of the achievement of state governors in focus.

A quarterly offering, this edition of Governors Mandate magazine themed: "Governance in a 'New Normal' era" focuses on the strides of state governors in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

There were sectoral reports of health, security, agriculture and economic empowerment.

According to John Adenekan, Governors Mandate editor-in-chief, the magazine "seeks to showcase the strides of state governors, particularly at a time when governance across the globe is being challenged by plunges in resources occasioned by coronavirus.

He said Governors Mandate is positioned to bring to light, all the activities of states governors so that the people they govern can best be informed.

"We are used to seeing the inadequacies of leadership but we at Governors Mandate want to change that narrative, we want people to see their leaders for who they really are- good or bad, that is why we've gone out of our way to publish this magazine, he said.

The magazine will be distributed free of charge to government offices, embassies, hotels and airport lounges and other public spaces.

The next edition is billed to come out in December and will cover other states not captured in the current edition.

By John 'Nekan

With the success of the Edo election, and the impending Ondo election moving on according to plan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been re-energised to approach some of its off-season elections with greater confidence.

Next will be the gubernatorial election slated for 2021. Some of the aspirants in the PDP are revving up their campaign structures to varying impact. While some are still "testing waters", a few others are moving around covertly or overtly, currying loyalists and allies along the way.

A few names are on the field: Sen. Uche Ekwunife, strong woman of Anambra Central politics, Rt. Hon. Chris Emeka Azubogu, a three-time member of House of Reps, Valentine Ozigbo, boardroom guru and former chief executive of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria PLC. Candidate of the PDP in the last election, Oseloka Henry Obazee is also in the race.

No doubt, the PDP parades a sterling array of accomplished figures that can take over the reins of governance from incumbent Willie Obiano and move the state to a higher pedestal. But this is where the party must be careful.

Despite being a traditional stronghold for Nigeria's main opposition party, the PDP has been shut out of Akwa government house for at least eight year. If we discountenance Peter Obi's cross over to the PDP during the Jonathan era, then the party has even failed to win the gubernatorial seat in Anambra for much longer.

PDP "misfortune" with the top seat is mainly self-inflicted. Sustained internal wranglings, mutual suspicion, disruptive claims over party structures and similar bickerings have distracted the party from its main goal.

Now that the party structure is mainly stable with its attendant successes in the 2019 general election, one would hope that top stakeholders would take adequate care to nominate a brilliant, agile and sellable candidate to fly the party's flag.

As stated earlier, many of the individuals aspiring for PDP's ticket are worthy of the tag and possess requisite CVs and experience to govern the state. But that is not where it stops.

The PDP needs a candidate that can WIN. Proven electoral value should rank high amongst other considerations. Aspirants like Sen. Uche Ekwunife and Hon. Chris Azubogu comes with loads of that. Chris has been a serial winner and is loved by his people. Mrs. Ekwunife is also popular but the snag is that the current zoning arrangement does not favour her. Anambra South is expected to produce the next governor. Hon. Azubogu is from Nnewi, the "Japan of Africa".

For anyone wishing to govern a high complex and competitive state like Anambra, previous experience in governance becomes a premium. This is where Oseloka Obazee thrives. As a former Secretary to the State Government, he is exposed to the inner workings of government and may be able to hit the ground running his undoing however might be low acceptability. Last time out, he was allegedly enforced on the party by former governor Peter Obi. The rumpus that ensued contributed to his failure to win in 2017.

There's no denying that election is capital intensive and anyone aspiring must have a large enough warchest to neutralise Willie Obiano's APGA which has the benefit of the state purse to its advantage. This is where mindful consideration will be given to business magnate like Mr. Ozigbo. Sure he can rally the required resources from his contacts in the corporate world. That notwithstanding, his untested political strength is a source of worry for a politically charged Anambra, full of landmines for the uninitiated.

Whatever the decision of PDP apparatchiks both at the National and State level might be, it must not fall into the temptation of handing its ticket to persons just for face value. It must consider an aspirant with an aggregation of highlighted factors in good measure.

If you ask me now, I'd say: "go with Chris". Why? He's agile, experienced, connected, humble, unassuming and comes from a place that can be rallied for an assured victory for PDP.


_John writes from Abuja and can be reached on fiyiin5@yahoo.com_

Reset Nigeria Movement has warned political stakeholders in the APC not to engage in any activities that may truncate the state's peace and the development of democracy in Nigeria.

The group's convener, Osaro Onaiwu made the charge on Friday while reacting to news that the Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi was purportedly suspended by a faction of the party.

News filtered in on Friday that a faction of the APC spearheaded by presidential aide, Babafemi Ojudu suspended Governor Fayemi over what it termed "anti party activities." Investigations reveal that the action is part of the fallout from the Edo election where APC lost soundly last Saturday.

Onaiwu said the development was a political "red line" that all decent politicians must not cross. He reminded the players that whatever happens in Ekiti polity has a way of reverberating across the country because the governor is currently the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum.

The convener further enjoined the faction to stop dancing to remote drums being beaten for them by overlords in distant places and remember that no man can play God in the affairs of other men.

"If these people know the essence of what happened in Edo election, they will realise that no godfather can play god to other people, less so a sitting governor," Onaiwu quipped.

The Convener of Reset Nigeria Movement, Earl Osaro Onaiwu has congratulated corporate guru, Tony Elumelu for being listed in Time's 100 most influential persons in the world in 2020.

In his congratulatory message, Onaiwu praised Mr. Elumelu for his abiding faith in the progress of Nigeria and Nigerians. He said Elumelu has over the years impacted the world via his developmental endeavours.

"Tony is one of the leading lights in our country. He has been winning laurels for this nation and his recognition by Time will further put Nigeria in better light globally," he said.

Time is a world acclaimed news organisation which recognises successful individuals around the world via TIME 100 which it unveils yearly.

Tony Elumelu, a foremost investor and philanthropist is one of only four Africans on the 2020 list. He is recognised for his track record of business turnaround and value creation, and economic empowerment of young Africans.

Mr. Elumelu is the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, his family owned investment company, committed to improving lives and transforming Africa, through long-term investments in strategic sectors of the African economy, including financial services, hospitality, power, energy and healthcare.

He is the Chairman of top pan-African financial services group, the United Bank for Africa(UBA), which operates in 20 countries in Africa, the United Kingdom, France, and is the only African bank with a commercial deposit taking licence in the United States. The bank provides corporate, commercial, SME and consumer banking services to more than 21 million customers globally.

Elumelu also chairs Nigeria’s largest quoted conglomerate, Transcorp, whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power, one of the leading generators of electricity in Nigeria and Transcorp Hotels Plc, Nigeria’s foremost hospitality brand.

Osaro Onaiwu, a founding DG of PDP Governors Forum has rebuked Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma over the latter's comment on Edo Election.

Uzodinma, who is the Deputy Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for the just concluded election made scathing remarks on the outcome of the election which did not favour his party.

A statement from Uzodinma, via his media aide, Oguwike Nwachukwu alleged irregularities in the election while disclosing that his party would reclaim the contest via the courts.

But in a strong rebuttal, Onaiwu wondered what is wrong with Uzodinma, noting that even the APC-led federal government has attested to the transparency of the election and congratulated the winner and the good people of Edo state.

He stated that though Uzodinma was his friend of many years, he crossed the line of decency with his uncharitable comments on the Edo election.

When asked for his reaction on Uzodinma's outburst, Onaiwu quipped: "I am disappointed in the comments attributed to Gov. Hope Uzodinma. We should rise above partisan bias and speak the truth always.

"My party, the PDP won this election fair and square and I expect him and others to be humble in defeat."

Onaiwu said contrary to boastings by the APC that the popular mandate freely given to Governor Obaseki would be reversed through court shenanigans, it is Ize-Iyamu that would have case to answer in court for pretending to be APC's candidate when he has to legitimacy to do so.

Onaiwu warned the governor to better be ready for Edo-like revolution in Imo. He further cautioned him to desist from comments that can make wolves descend on him.

Former Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole and one Capt Hosa Okunbo together with their thugs have been warned not to test the will of Edo people as they have spoken loudly with their vote for Godwin Obaseki.

Founding DG of PDP Governors Forum, Osaro Onaiwu gave this warning Saturday afternoon while relaying developments from across polling units in Edo State.

Oshiomhole and Okunbo are strong backers of Osagie Oze-Iyamu, APC's candidate in the governorship election. Mr. Okunbo had in a recent television declared himself, Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu as the three candidates against Obaseki in the election.

The trio have been accused of instigating violence in the run up to the election to harass and intimidate the electorate. There are concerns that they may start looking for means to truncate or compromise the vote collation now that the results trickling in appear not to favour them.

Onaiwu however reiterated that anyone who attempts to steal the peoples' votes would incur their wrath. He said the people are on red alert against Oshiomhole, Capt. Hosa and their thugs.

He called on security agents and INEC to stay neutral and complete their assignment creditably saying the will of the people is stronger than the will of bullets.

Onaiwu invited global community to keep focus on happenings in Edo state so as to mark out enemies of democracy.

As reports begin to trickle in from across polling units in Edo state, a founding DG of PDP Governors Forum, Osaro Onaiwu has expressed confidence that PDP candidate, Godwin Obaseki is heading for a landslide win.

Speaking to our correspondent in Benin a while ago, Onaiwu disclosed that reports from the party's operatives across the state so far indicates that Governor Obaseki's loyalists have been able to nullify the many rigging attempts by APC thugs, giving the masses the opportunity to exercise their franchise freely for the governor.

He said: "We're confident that Godwin Obaseki will carry the day. Our people have blocked all the attempts by APC people to compromise the process.

"Edo people have resolved to have obaseki continue his good works and also end godfatherism.

"Let me commend the police and the DSS too. Majority of their men have been well behaved contrary to initial fears."

Onaiwu called on the people of Edo state to remain vigilant as the election moves to the votes collation phase. He enjoined INEC not to bow to pressures from APC as the peoples' searchlight is brightly on them.

Mr. Onaiwu further called on local and international election observers to continue to stand with Edo people so that their votes would really count.

Founding DG of PDP Governors Forum, Osaro Onaiwu has cautioned Edo businessman, Capt. Hosa Okunbo to stop giving false impressions about any understanding with President Buhari on the forthcoming Edo governorship election to the electorate.

Making a statement on Thursday, Onaiwu stated that no matter how Capt. Hosa tries to sugarcoat the situation, it is evident that the Presidency has distanced itself from the Ize-Iyamu campaign, having realised that the APC has no legally recognised candidate for the election.

Mr. Onaiwu further disclosed that aside the President and his vice, 80% of APC have refused to associate with the vexed candidacy of Osagie Ize-Iyamu. He pointed to the inability of the Edo APC to convince the party hierarchy to convene the grand finale campaign as a strong indication of disarray in that camp.

Onaiwu declared that desperation to capture power in Edo state is just the creation of Capt. Hosa, Oshiomhole and a few external wannabe expansionists.

He then wondered why Capt. Hosa is still resolute to hoodwink Edo voters by name-dropping the President, the IG of Police and DG of SSS as his collaborators in his failed bid.

Onaiwu called on Edo people to discountenance all lies being told by Capt. Hosa, saying he was on his own and only desperate to recoup the money he has invested in the Ize-Iyamu project.

Mr. Onaiwu added that now that Capt. Hosa has declared himself as a candidate alongside Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu, Governor Obaseki with the strength of Edo people will defeat them squarely on Saturday. He advised Capt. Hosa and his band in the EPM to throw in the trowel and accept defeat. According to him "it is not too late for a man to withdraw from a path of ignominy."

Founding DG of PDP Governors Forum, Osaro Onaiwu has made a clarion call to all Edo sons and daughters in the various security set up in Nigeria to come back home to defend the dignity of their motherly.

Onaiwu who is speaking with respect to the Edo governorship election which is billed for this Saturday said it was now clear that external imperialists are desperate to annex Edo in collaboration with local saboteurs.

He enjoined Edo citizens serving with the military, paramilitary, police, secret service, and all other security organisations to return to their cradle this weekend in order to save their land from the "aggressive trespassers."

Onaiwu further called on all Edo people to be extra vigilant before, during and after the election to nullify any threat to their freedom of choice in the election.

Faced with imminent defeat in the impending gubernatorial election in Edo State, the APC has hatched a plan to start harassing identified PDP Chieftains ahead of the election.

The run off to the elections which is just a few days away has witnessed heightened tension as the opposition in Edo state has been visiting members of the PDP and other well meaning citizens opposed to their despicable power capture scheme with violence and threat to peace.

Intelligence reports received by this newspaper indicated that top on the list of those to be silenced at all cost by the Edo APC is a founding DG of the PDP Governors Forum, Mr. Osaro Onaiwu.

A source in the know said Onaiwu's name featured prominently on the list of person's to be "taken care of" by a security and strategy committee of the Ize-Iyamu campaign.

"Osaro has been a pain in the neck for them. He is one of the people giving Obaseki confidence. They will make sure he is out of circulation on saturday," the source said.

In a development that seems to corroborate the gag plan of Edo APC, our investigation shows that the said Osaro Onaiwu and a few other leaders of the PDP in Edo state have been invited by the DSS.

Observers say the move is to intimidate these persons and probably incarcerate them during the period of election. The PDP is however resisting this move vowing that no illegal move by agents of the APC in security circles will be allowed to stand.

The All Progressives Congress in Edo State has been accused of disrespecting the Benin heritage by dragging the palace into partisan matters.

Osaro Onaiwu, who is a founding DG of PDP Governors Forum made the allegation on Wednesday while addressing the public on the latest developments towards the September 19, governorship in the state.

Mr. Onaiwu said contrary to the attempted spin by media operatives of the APC, it was indeed the party that has been belittling the ancient throne by instigating politically motivated violence at the palace.

He said never in the history of the Benin tradition council has the palace been dragged so much into partisan politics, saying the APC and its chieftain in their desperation crossed the line of decency by name-calling the Oba in their shameful acts.

Onaiwu said up till now, the perpetrators of the violence at the Oba's palace are walking free as if they enjoy immunity from the law.

He asked the security agencies to place individuals such as Osaro Obazee, Tony Kabaka and Shaba who are APC members and have confessed to the crime on watchlist, insisting that they remain a security risk to the state.

He further disclosed that these individuals were seen at the palace during the visit of PDP chieftains where they claimed they were there at the instance of their sponsor, Capt. Hosa Okunbo.

Onaiwu insisted that the Oba and the council of chiefs must place a curse on those who instigated violence at the Oba's palace during the visit of PDP governors