Housing, Lands and Survey:
Promise made
1. To developindustrial and logistic parks, housing estates, leisure centres across the three (3) Senatorial districts of Edo state.

Promise Kept
To attract new businesses and enterprises to Edo state, The Benin Enterprise park sits on a 997-hectare area of land that has already been demarcated by Edo State Government.

2 To develop affordable modern housing, increase access to financing and promoting a residential mortgage market in Edo state.

Promise Kept
The first phase of the Emotan Gardens, a 1,451-unit housing project has been completed and delivered to homeowners.http://emotan.com.ng/

3. To sustain and improve the on-going digitization in the use of land (EDO’GIS).

To institute proper mapping and survey of community lands to forestall conflicts between communities

Promise Kept
Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki has set up the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) as the successor government agency to the former Ministry of Lands and Surveys

PENSION AND SOCIAL SECURITY
Promise Made
1. Continuous alleviation of the plight of pensioners through prompt payment of pension, retirement benefits and gratuities

Promise Kept
Workers have been migrated to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

13,081 pensioners received monthly pension payments from 2016 till date.

3 billion was spent to clear pension backlog owed from previous administration from 1996.

04 billion was spent in total on pension payments from November 2016 till date.

7 million was paid as premium for beneficiaries of the CPS

9,803 Edo State employees are beneficiaries of the CPS

3 times the gross annual salary is paid to the next of kin of CPS beneficiaries in the eventuality of death.

0 pensioners are being owed pensions today!

Sustenance of the existing prompt data capturing of retirees into the pension group
Strengthening the existing contributory pension scheme and guaranteeing quick/immediate payment after disengagement from the Edo state civil service

Promoting and sustaining the social welfare of our retirees through social intervention as senior citizens of the state

Sustaining the on-going special interventions to support the vulnerable groups; people with physical disabilities and special needs in the society

Education
Promise made
1. To ensure that the EdoBEST policy continues to concentrate on training and retraining of teachers in equipping them for effective learning management systems, which addresses the needs of our children from early childhood up to the Junior Secondary School level.

Promise Kept
Through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) programme, over 12,000 primary school teachers received trainings on digital teaching skills, which have impacted over 200,000 pupils.

Over 11,000 School-Based Management Committee (SMBC) members received trainings.


In EdoBEST, all government teachers have been taught the big four teaching skills so that they can deliver the most effective lessons in the classroom.

2. To continuously provide and maintain existing facilities for enhanced teaching and learning in our educational institutions.

Promise Kept
More than 200 primary schools across the state have been refurbished.

3. To continuously encourage science and technology education, including information and communication technology and entrepreneurship, to continue to provide the enabling environment for cutting-edge innovations and technology.

Promise Kept
Over 12,000 tablets have been distributed to aid learning

EdoBEST@HOME, a digital homeschooling platform with zero-data access was launched and over 40,000 students have accessed the lessons

The EdoBEST programme is being rolled out to Junior Secondary Schools in the state to sustain the gains made, and tertiary institutions such as the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo University Iyamho, Edo State Polytechnic Usen, Edo State College of Education Abudu and Edo State College of Agriculture Iguoriakhi, etc. continue to receive support.

#MEGAMovement Progress Updates
One main criticism of politicians in Nigeria is that they make campaign promises and forget them as soon as they are elected. We are happy to present to you a different type of politician, the type that keeps their word.

Governor Godwin Obaseki has spent the last four years working towards fulfilling every single item on his manifesto. He has dedicated his administration to instituting policies and infrastructure that would outlive this administration and benefit Edo citizens for years to come.

So what exactly has he accomplished?

Healthcare
Promise made
1. To continuously improve and expand access to basic primary healthcare.

Promise Kept
•Over 18 primary healthcare centres have been refurbished, with additional groundwork in place to expand to 57 centres in the entire state.

•Health workers at the primary healthcare centres receive trainings on professionalism and humanity in service delivery.

2. To consolidate on quality and affordable healthcare for all Edo citizens through Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EHIS).

Promise Kept
Edo State now has a Health Insurance Scheme that will strengthen the state’s healthcare system and ensure affordable, effective healthcare for our people.

Recent healthcare achievements to combat COVID-19: The administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki:

a. instituted an evidence-driven response to COVID-19 grounded on a combination of epidemiological modelling with regular updates and feedback from technical experts in diverse sectors.

b. Provided toll-free helplines to facilitate rapid response to Edo citizens who need information about COVID-19.

c. Prepared adequate testing centres for combating COVID-19 disease in Edo State. Equipped with ICT hardware, there are a total of 136 fixed screening/testing posts, 81 mobile posts, and 10 border post locations in the 3 senatorial zones in Edo State.

d. They also increased laboratory sites to carry out tests for COVID-19.

e. Isolation and holding centres were built and equipped: Stella Obasanjo Hospital -300 beds, University of Benin Teaching Hospital - 42 beds, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital - 30 beds and the Ogbe Nursing Home (Annex of Central Hospital) - 11 beds

f. The State also acquired 30 ventilators, 2 digital mobile X-Ray machines, 10 oxygen concentrators and10 infusion pumps.

g. 4,218 public healthcare workers in Edo State received COVID-19 response training.
h. Over 300,000 homes received palliatives in 3 phases.


#PDP

Following the turbaning of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu by the Otaru of Auchi at the Otaru’s Palace yesterday, pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God have moved against him by disowning him.

“He is not one of us. We are not like that in the Redeemed Christian Church of God” one of the senior pastors said.

Inform NG can also authoritatively confirmed that efforts by Pastor Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to reach Osagie Ize-Iyamu over his turbaning in order to seek clarification has so far proved abortive. 

Pastor Adeboye who was visibly worried on the negative image the turbaning might have on his ministry has told other pastors of the church to stay away from Ize-Iyamu until there is clarification over the desperate move to turn the Bible on its head.




Other members of Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s church have so far been quiet and unable to speak in public for fear of being suspended from the church for speaking against constituted authority.


https://www.inform.ng/post/turbaning-redeemed-church-pastors-move-against-ize-iyamu

The Department of State Services has slammed a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Mailafiya, over his comments on the ongoing Southern Kaduna skirmishes, saying he betrayed both his exalted office and personality.

The DSS, which made the claim in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya on Friday morning, said it was disappointed that the eminent economist with unhindered access to many government platforms to share his concerns and security information opted to cross the line of decorum expected of such person.

The DSS noted: “Mailafiya, as a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and currently, a Directing Staff at Nigeria’s foremost Policy Research Institute, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, has unhindered access to government platforms. It is expected that he should be conversant with official information management protocols.

“But regrettably, he chose to cross the lines of decorum and conduct expected of a personality of his status. It is disappointing that he never took advantage of these to reach any of the security or related agencies to share the so called information at his disposal. This, he has agreed to be a grievous error on his part. It, however, suggests his mischief and determination to use the fake news he spewed to incite the people under his control.

“It is even more condemnable that Mailafiya, who had profusely apologized during his visit to the Service’s Plateau State Command for his ignoble statement, would, afterwards, announce to the world that he stood by his misguided eruption.

“Similarly, the Service also wishes to warn others, who in the guise of political mobilization and supposed pursuit of group interests, engage in hostile and subversive activities, to desist forthwith from advancing their inimical and parochial causes.

“The Service will not stand idly and watch disgruntled and aggrieved elements take laws into their hands and cause mayhem in the polity.

“In line with its mandate of detecting and preventing threats and crimes against the internal security of Nigeria, the Service hereby reiterates its previous warning that it will henceforth not condone unruly conducts of persons and groups that ought to know better.

“In this regard, it will not hesitate to, within the confines of the law, decisively deal with such persons and/or groups, no matter how highly placed, that may wish to test its resolve. It will, nonetheless, continue to support participatory democracy in the country and therefore urges all players to abide by the rules of the game.

“On the other hand, the Service implores law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses without fear. It assures them of protection and pledges to strengthen existing measures designed to achieve this objective,” the secret service said.

https://www.inform.ng/post/boko-haram-ex-cbn-deputy-governor-has-betrayed-his-office-dss

[s]

Simplyleo:
So Obaseki reduced unemployment in the SS?

Is he the governor general of the SS?

These ipob sef.

[/s]trash

Lovely, beautiful and fantastic

Lovely... No to godfatherism Edo no be Lagos... Better with PDP

TonyeBarcanista:

Lols I be PDP man na. I must always campaign for Obaseki... Non worry, we go give you read carpet in 2023 after PDP collect power...

Tnk yu

RingRoadMafia:


Oshiomohle paid Lagos-Ibadan writers association, na you go come tell us how we go run Edo state na? Abi?? You must be silly if you think Edo is south west where you people act like rats feeding from the crumbs of your lord from Bourdilon. We are deeply rooted cultural people. Even Oshiomohle knows that your plans will be resisted but he still wants to try. We dey here dey wait una. Let me not say much. But Edo is in the hands of the people and no amount of federal might will bend our resolve.

C'est Fini.

Tinubu is a terrorist

I’m Ready To Lay Down My Life Like Mandela, Says Mailafia After Release From DSS Custody.

Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says he is ready to lay down his life for his country like Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa.

Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary leader, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1962; he served 27 years in prison.

Mailafia was invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a claim he made that a governor from the north is the leader of Boko Haram — he made the claim while being interviewed on an Abuja-based radio station on Monday.

He reported to the Jos office of the DSS at about at about 12:48 pm, accompanied by his lawyers, Pius Akubo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Yakubu Bawa.

Hundreds of his supporters also stormed the office of the DSS at Kuba road, carrying placards and they didn’t leave till he was released at about 6:30 pm.

Addressing his supporters, Mailafia said he stood by what he said during the radio programme.

He maintained that he was treated professionally by the DSS, adding that a section of the interview was lifted, leaving out the context in which he made the statement.

“We had a lively and intense interview over a radio interview I granted. That interview which was meant for an FM radio station, some just picked the clip — a small section of the 55 minutes broadcast — and put it on social media and it went very very far all over the country, raising a lot of concerns,” he said.

“What I want to say is that, yes, all of those words were made by me. You know if the whole of the 55 minutes was played out, the context of what I said in a small clip that went viral would have become clearer.

“This is not the time to disown what I said. Yes, I was privy to some very sensitive information which all statesmen are entitled to have by virtue of our public roles.

“I know that I should have taken more care to corroborate some of the information I received, but perhaps some of it was uncorroborated. I was in no position to follow them to the camp to corroborate what was going on.

“But I am not a sensationalist, I am an economist and a central banker; by nature we are not given to sensation. Let me make it clear: I am a humanist; I am a man of peace. Even my name, Mailafia, means a man of peace.

“From the bottom of my heart, I love our country dearly and I abhor all the killings and violence which the innocent people of this country have been subjected to. I pray that Nigeria will never experience another civil war.

“The most elementary duty of government is to protect its citizens. When a government fails to protect its citizens, to protect little children, that is a serious matter. Any innocent boy or girl that is killed is my own child.

“I love Nigeria. Like Mandela, let me say if need be, I am prepared to give my life for Nigeria.”

Mailafia thanked officials of the security agency for their conduct, and prayed for peace in the country.

“One of the greatest compatriots of this country, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, observes that no country can survive two civil wars. One civil war is bad enough. I also pray that the killings will stop in Zamfara, in Daura, in Katsina, in Birnin Gwari, in my beloved southern Kaduna, in the whole of the middle belt, in Borno, Adamawa and other places,” he said.

“Let us join hands together to build a new country. Let us work together to save our country and I pray that all of us will do our part to maintain the peace and make sure that our country makes progress.

“I want to thank the officials of the state department. They have done a tremendous job. They treated me professionally. I have not been rough handled and they have been very very fair and gracious to me.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/i-am-ready-to-die-for-nigeria-says-ex-cbn-deputy-governor

The International Youth Day is marked globally on the 12th of August. Mazi Dickson Iroegbu who was a strong supporter of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s 2019 presidential campaign is reacting to the former vice president’s message to the youths to celebrate the Day as regards political leadership. In this interview with Uzor Ngoladi, the fiery crusader for powershift to the south east and younger generation bares his mind on the theme of youth engagement for global action.


The world is celebrating International Youth Day 2020 with a very important theme. What does it entail for Nigerian youths in terms of socio-economic and political activities?

I believe we should go straight to the political perspective because it is very obvious that leaving leadership in the hands of elderly politicians is not the right thing to do. Global action should be against all forms of ills in the society including this terrible state leadership in Nigeria and Africa. Africa’s problem is about leadership. What are the young people doing about it particularly in Nigeria? We see young people not getting involved in politics. Why wouldn’t you be involved in what determines how you even exist? It is the politicians that determine how much a cup of garri will be sold in the market. It is the politicians that create the enabling environment for a young person to succeed with his dreams and vision or not. It is indeed very apt that the United Nations chose the theme for International Youth Day 2020 to be: Youth Engagement for Global Action. It calls to attention the need for young people to deliberately get involved in politics. It is an opportunity to assess our non-participation in politics and see how well it has been for us. It is time for young people to re-align and change priority to what can benefit us in the future. This focus on mundane things is not helping us. If you check, the people that have followership online are people that acquired ill gotten wealth and not those who can inspire the youths. That fraudulent means of survival is what young people easily follow. Remember that Hushpuppi had millions of followers, so if you don’t have money in Nigeria you are seen as a nobody. Young people need to change their mentality. They should get involved in politics and not this political jobbing where young people are used for thuggery to destabilize the political ecosystem. We need to have young people as governors, senators, ministers and a young person to lead Nigeria to the Promised Land.

Do you really think that leadership has anything to do with age?

No, leadership has nothing to do with age! Leadership is like a calling and you must deliberately make a choice to answer the call. This call requires sacrificial angles to achieve your aim. Do young people volunteer to serve? If leadership was about age, Donald Trump will not be doing well. Trump is not a young man. Macron of France has not done anything exceptional. However, there is a need for vibrancy and energy which young people bring to the table. Both the old and the young is needed in leadership positions. But in Nigeria we have seen the non-challant attitude of young people towards leadership. They hardly volunteer to serve. You must serve before you can lead. There must be a process, you don’t just jump from the skies and begin to ask for power like Sowore did in 2019. It is not a bad thing to aspire but start small. Do not forsake your days of little beginning. We start must from councilor, chairman, house of assembly etc. Don’t just jump to becoming the president of Nigeria when people in the compound you live cannot recognize you. Sowore disrupted the opportunity we had to rescue Nigeria from the maladministration of Buhari and APC. Young people must avoid becoming tools in the hands of these old men that has enjoyed the best of Nigeria. Atiku ran for the president of Nigeria at the age of 43 in 1992 with MKO Abiola in SDP. It has nothing to do with age but we must get involved. Power is not given. You must deliberately decide to change the status quo.


You read Atiku’s message to young people to mark the International Youth Day. What is your reaction?

First of all, I was very disappointed that Atiku is still talking about 40% inclusion that he wants to guarantee the youths in his government. In 2019 when he ran for presidency, what was the role of young people during his campaign? I was involved in his campaign like most young people in 2019. When he got the ticket, he abandoned the young people and structure that gave him the ticket of the party. Most of us were young people who contributed stipends to buy his form. He wept the day we presented the form to him. We gave him our structure in PDP but he abandoned it when he got the ticket. I don’t buy that his promise of 40% inclusion when he becomes president. That is cock and bull stories. If Atiku indeed cares for young people, he should let them lead. His son is of age. What is wrong with Atiku collapsing his own ambition and bringing up his son as vice president? Must he run in 2023? I thought he would have used this opportunity to tell young people that he is taking the back seat and using his platform to mentor young people to take over leadership from him. Unfortunately, he is still interested in contesting for presidency in 2023. This is pure selfishness. Young people should boldly tell him: “Thank you sir for offering us 40% of what belongs us.” Nigeria belongs to the young people. His generation has enjoyed the best of Nigeria. They had the opportunity but did not build on the privileges they enjoyed. Thank you very much Atiku but no thanks. I expect Atiku to collapse his ambition and build up young people starting from his home. Adamu Atiku Abubakar his son who is the Commissioner for Housing in Adamawa State, is eminently qualified to be vice president in Nigeria. Excuse me, a good father leaves an inheritance for his children and children’s children. So what inheritance is Atiku leaving for his children and children’s children when he is still aspiring to be president in 2023 when he will probably by 77 or 78 years old? Today should be a moment of sober reflection for our leaders to identify where they made mistakes and make amends. Buhari was 41 when he became the Head of State in 1983. Today, he is still in power. At 30, Buhari was already a minister of petroleum. What has the young people done to this crop of old politicians in Nigeria that they can’t deliberately leave the stage for young people to take over? Today is a day to call their attention to the need to leave behind something for their children and children’s children. Atiku’s message to young people on a day like this, is a disappointment as far as I am concerned. I expected him to say, “I will not run for presidency in 2023. I will support a young person to lead Nigeria.” Unfortunately, he did not do that. He missed an opportunity to get the attention of young people.

With the obsession for Big Brother Naija, football betting and other social activities, do you think young people are ready to take over the mantle of leadership?

I am a young person and you are a young person. That a few young people are pursuing those inglorious activities like Big Brother doesn’t mean we are not ready. It is because of the disillusionment in a society where young people are unemployed after graduation and there is no access to funds to start off as an entrepreneur. It is not enough to say that young people are not ready. Young people are very much ready for leadership. There are lots of credible young people that can get involved in politics. I have just mentioned Atiku’s son. Adamu Abubakar is very much ready if he gets the support from his father’s base. Let’s not trivialize this issue. We should not be distracted. Buhari refused to bring in his son even while he was sick. He could not leave the stage and take care of his health. He knows that he is not capable to run Nigeria. Young people do not have the resources so you can’t even blame them. And most of them don’t want godfathers that will take you to a shrine and ask you to bring your mother’s and father’s head. We need mentors in Nigeria. How many youths will Atiku say he has mentored as a political leader? How many young people has Buhari or Tinubu mentored?


So, there is a difference between godfatherism and mentorship?

Yes, there is a big difference. We need more mentors in politics not godfathers. A godfather wants to control you and destroy your vision. He wants you to be his stooge and his interest is clearly spelt out. He wants you to run the government on his behalf. A mentor’s duty is to inspire, motivate and support. He makes you believe in yourself when you don’t believe in yourself. A mentor is a father not a godfather. He guides you through politics because he wishes you well and wants you to succeed. The political environment in Nigeria is violent most of the time because of the interest of the godfather. Godfather grabs power through hook or crook. A mentor guides you through a process. There is a marked difference between the two. Young people should sit back and reflect on how well this people that have been in power since 1960 been able to groom young people in politics. There is no succession plan in Nigeria. There is no plan for dropping the baton. Every good father desires his son to do better than him. If you remember, Saraki’s dad who was a senate leader screened Audu Ogbe as minister in the late 70’s. That same man gave birth to a man who became senate president and also screened Audu Ogbe as minister again. Is that not a shame? Young people should take their destiny in their hands and realize that none of this people are ready to leave the stage for them till death. And we will not kill them but we must get involved and drag the political positions with them. That is why I am very particular about 2023. Not just that power must shift to the south east but power must also shift to the younger generation. If an Atiku Abubakar can bring his son as vice president to a Peter Obi, we will support such a ticket with everything we have. And not for him to come out again and want to contest. No old man should not run for office in 2023. Nobody above 60 years should run for presidency in 2023. This should be the vision of young people in politics. We must make sure we determine the candidates of the major political parties in 2023. Young people should participate directly in politics because the old men do not have plans for us. We are the ones that will build a Nigeria of our dreams!


https://www.inform.ng/post/iyd-i-am-highly-disappointed-in-atiku-dickson-iroegbu

tribalmall:
I just weak with this news each time all this foolish PDP intend selling Obaseki as a saint n yes you are wrong Obaseki never denied he gave the commissioner $2M he looted n laundered using the commissioner that is why Edo people are still paying a jailed criminal as commissioner till date. I will soon create a thread on that for people to know Obaseki is a big criminal.

Edo election is about godfatherism

Mo3891:



Osazee (Commissioner of tourism )and Obaseki flew $2m USD in a private jet to Paris, Osazee was arrested by Interpol and Obaseki denied him.. what sort of criminal is Obaseki?


mention any meaningful project Obaseki completed in four years ? After looting Edo dry


.

Fake news

The agenda of Oshiomole and Ize-Iyamu s to dethrone Oba of Benin, just like Ganduje did to Kano Emirate Emir

Oshiomole wants to arrogate the power to appoint and fire governors as he pleases just like Tinubu of Lagos. #EdoIsNotLagos #BetterWithPDP

If all Gov. Godwin Obaseki wanted was a second term in office, he would’ve easily agreed to share Edo state treasury with “Godfathers”, and they will support him; but he refused to share the treasury with Oshiomole and Tinubu, and chose to take side with the people of Edo state, to protect their treasury, continue his good works, and give back power to the people of Edo state.


#EdoIsNotLagos #BetterWithPDP

The concept of godfatherism in Nigerian politics is a huge concern to everyone interested in making Nigeria a better place. Godfatherism has eaten deep into the Nigerian political system and is a threat to the democratic system we have in the country. As a citizen, this should concern you. #EdoNoBeLagos

We’ve seen this play out in Kano and Lagos. We’ve seen vivid instances that prove how godfatherism doesn’t help our country. 

The power to vote in and vote out any candidate is expected to lie in the hands of the masses and not some godfathers. 

Now in Edo State, the ugly head of godfatherism has risen to obstruct democracy and democratic elections. In an abysmal display of betrayal, it is sad that the ex-Governor of Edo state who once had the support of Edo citizens to defeat godfatherism is now aspiring to be the new godfather in Edo State.

In a recent display of misjudgement, the ex-governor went on his knees to beg traditional rulers on behalf of his preferred candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu. A candidate who he has vilified in the past for not being qualified for this same position.

This is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Edo state. Moreover, do the people of Edo state not matter? Do their voices not count? Should efforts not be geared towards convincing people that their preferred candidate is credible and fit for the position? This is a betrayal of trust that Edo citizens will not stand for.   

In a sane political climate, all candidates are supposed to present a slate free of criminal accusations. We will leave it to the court of Law to determine innocence, but the people of Edo state will not entrust their funds to an accused person.  

We cannot allow the concept of godfatherism to stand in Edo State at all. What we ought to pursue is, democracy and rule of law. Let the governor preside over state matters without any undue influence or pressure

Governor Godwin Obaseki posits that the will of the people should be the supreme determinant in elections. Edo state is not about to become Lagos State where citizens cannot breathe, and policies cannot be implemented unless it is approved by the ‘Strongman’.

#BetterWithPDP

Anambra State government has suspended the Igweship certificates of twelve traditional rulers for a period of one year.

A circular from Mr Greg Obi, Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy matters said the twelve traditional rulers traveled outside the state without consultation or authorization from the state government.

The circular titled “Suspension of Twelve (12) Traditional Rulers in Anambra State,” and dated Tuesday August 11, 2020, listed the affected traditional rulers as follows -
1. Igwe Alex Edozieuno of Mkpunando
2. Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor
3. Igwe Chukuwma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite
4. Igwe Engr G.B.C Mbakwe of Abacha
5. Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia
6. Igwe Nkeli Nelly of Igbariam
7. Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle
8. Igwe A. N Onwuneme of Ikenga
9. Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo
10. Igwe S. O Uche of Ezira
11. Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu
12. Igwe Peter Ikegbunem Udoji of Eziagulu Otu.

The suspension took effect from Tuesday, August 11, 2020.

The circular warned the suspended traditional rulers not to parade themselves as traditional rulers and to desist from discharging functions as traditional rulers in their communities or anywhere within the state and beyond with immediate effect.

The circular also revoked their membership of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and cancelled any appointment they may be holding in government committees until the suspension is lifted.

The suspension may be lifted at the end of one year, renewed or upgraded in the intervening period depending on government’s review of their conduct.

The suspension is on the recommendation of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, following their meeting at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka on Tuesday, August 21st, 2020.

The Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe had in a news interview condemned the actions of the suspended traditional rulers who had traveled to Abuja in cohort with an Anambra businessman in an attempt to have audience with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The manner the trip was arranged, the embarrassment of being turned back at Aso Rock Villa, and viral videos showing the suspended traditional rulers being induced with monetary gifts by representatives of the businessman to facilitate their trip to Abuja had raised a lot of dust with many blaming the traditional rulers for ridiculing revered Anambra traditional institutions.

In another video, the businessman was seen promising the traditional rulers the sum of sixteen million naira for their cooperation.

It would be recalled that the Traditional Ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa is currently serving a one year suspension for misconduct.
https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-anambra-state-govt-slams-12-months-suspension-on-12-traditional

First City Monument Bank, FCMB, has debunked reports that the sum of N573 million was mistakenly transferred into the account of Pastor Emmanuel Omale in error.
Pastor Omale is an associate of the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.

The Managing Director of FCMB, Adam Nuru, was reported to have said the bank just discovered that N573 million was mistakenly posted into the church account of Pastor Omale while testifying before the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets last Thursday.



The Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA) had accused Magu of allegedly using Omale, founder of the Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry, to launder funds abroad.


The committee headed by retired Justice Ayo Salami said the former acting chairman purchased a property worth N573 million in Dubai using Omale’s name — an allegation the pastor denied.

However, FCMB, in a statement issued by its Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Diran Olojo, on Wednesday said the attention of the bank had been drawn to widely circulating stories incorrectly stating that its Managing Director, during a recent presidential hearing in Abuja, testified that the bank mistakenly transferred N573m to the account of a church and that the said error was not discovered for four years.

“We feel it is in the public interest to state emphatically that there was no transfer of N573m into this account, mistakenly or otherwise.

“To provide further clarity, during a maintenance upgrade of our systems in 2016, a defective file led to the aggregation of multiple unrelated entries into a single balance under the affected customer’s name in one of our reports,” it said.


According to the bank, this aggregation occurred only in the weekly automated report to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, saying that it had no effect on any customer’s account balance or statements and therefore was not immediately identified.

“Our Managing Director clarified to the Presidential panel that the system generated report was incorrect and that there was no mistaken transfer of N573 million. He also submitted comprehensive documentary evidence to this effect.

“We appreciate that comments may have been misconstrued and therefore believe it is important to emphatically clarify the position that there was no mistaken transfer whatsoever, as stated above.

“FCMB continues to fully cooperate with the panel, and has been entirely transparent in its reporting. We remain committed to ethical and professional conduct at all times,” the statement said.

https://www.inform.ng/post/we-didnt-transfer-n573m-to-the-account-of-pastor-omale-fcmb

She obviously doesn't see the guy in her league

The Nigerian woman who rejected her boyfriend’s proposal because he refused to kneel down to propose has reacted after the video went viral.


 

The woman identified herself as Lucia and she defended her decision.

 

She called out her boyfriend for allowing the video to be public, thereby causing people to insult her under his post.




She stated that every one has their preferences and kneeling to be proposed to is her preference.

She added that kneeling to propose is a sign of respect and may be the only time the man may get to show respect for his woman, since after marriage, she's expected to serve the man.

She further stated that as a woman she deserves and demands that respect.

 

She asked people to do what works for them and stated that she will do what works for her.

She said it would have been a different case if the proposal was private, but since he chose to make it public, he should have knelt down. She added that it was supposed to be a private moment between them and she didn't expect people to film it and post online,

She also pointed out that if her boyfriend comes to propose to her again, he must still kneel before she accepts him.

She began the video, saying: "Its concerning the video that went viral, Yes ooo, My Boyfriend must kneel down to propose to me. He can’t stand up and say, ‘will you marry me?’"

Watch the video

.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDwQunFj5bf/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_mid=5C837E0A-5D3A-4DF7-9D2A-AE0EDBC583B9


https://www.inform.ng/post/why-my-bf-must-kneel-down-to-propose-lady-speaks-after-rejecting-bf-proposal

OYO State commissioner Prof. Raphael Afonja was sacked following the reconciliation of Governor Seyi Makinde and a politician from Ogbomoso, whose interest Afonja represented in the government, it was learnt.

The politician fell out with Makinde after a coalition across parties worked for the governor’s 2019 victory.



While rewarding those in the coalition, Makinde gave appointments to deserving individuals.


But Afonja was not the preferred candidate of the Ogbomoso-born politician. He allowed his appointment since they belong to the same power bloc.

After Afonja’s appointment, it was learnt the tenuous relationship between him and his perceived sponsor went sour.

He became loyal to Makinde, and his relationship with leaders in the bloc degenerated.

But the politician, having reconciled with Makinde, demanded that Afonja be replaced.


The governor, it was learnt, wanted to sack Afonja while he was in isolation for COVID-19 treatment, but people begged him that this might be misconstrued.

Afonja was sacked on Monday, hours after resuming work, having recovered from Coronavirus infection.

The Nation learnt ex-Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Funmilayo Orisadeyi was swapped with his Special Duties counterpart, Bayo Lawal, because the governor expected better performance from Orisadeyi.

Lawal is one of the most trusted in Makinde’s government. He is a lawyer of about three decades’ practice and a man with rich political experience.

With the minor cabinet reshuffle, analysts believe the governor is beginning to take hold of his administration and gradually laying the foundation for his second term bid.

The House of Assembly has confirmed Dr. Abdullateef Oyeleke as commissioner for Environment and National Resources.

He replaces the late Kehinde Ayoola.


https://www.inform.ng/post/real-reason-makinde-sacked-prof-afonja

The Rechtbank Gelderland High Court in Arnhem, Holland has found former Nigeria coach, Johannes Bonfrere guilty of defamation in a case brought before it by, yet another former Nigeria coach, Clemens Westerhof.

Westerhof who guided Nigeria to her first World Cup appearance in 1994 after the latter told Sports Radio, Brila FM in an interview, that Nigeria lost the round of 16 match against Italy because Westerhof sold the match for $100,000.

Westerhof prayed the court to compel Bonfrere to prove his allegation against him or go to jail and pay a heavy fine as damages for defaming his good name. The case was first heard a fortnight ago.

Today, Justice Bonnekamp who presided over the case found Bonfrere guilty as charged and asked him to apologise to Westerhof in a paid advert to be published in a Nigerian national daily, stating that his statements on Westerhof were incorrect.


In a reaction to the judgment, Westerhof’s lawyer, Timon Boer said, “Westerhof won the case and the court has asked Bonfrere to place an advert in a national daily in Nigeria stating that his statements against Westerhof were incorrect. More damages to be paid by Bonfrere will be determined next week when the judge meets us and Bonfrere’s lawyers. That is the much I can react on behalf of Westerhof who is my client. Kind regards.”

On his part, an elated Westerhof said: “This is justice for truth. It’s justice to me because I needed to clear my name and the court has done so. I am the happiest man on earth today.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/court-finds-ex-eagles-coach-guilty-of-defamation

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), has cleared Ondo state deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, to contest the October 10 governorship election on its platform.

Recall that ZLP had earlier elected Rotimi Benjamin, through the indirect mode of the party’s governorship primary election held in Akure on 11 July where he polled 65 votes ahead of his fellow aspirant, Olusegun Osho, who polled 20 votes.




Besides, ZLP was the first political party to elect its candidate for the October 10, 2020 governorship election in Ondo state.

But on Sunday evening, the party changed its gear and picked the deputy governor, Ajayi as its governorship candidate, asking Benjamin to step down.

Ajayi had defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in June and joined the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) where he contested the party’s governorship primary election but lost to Eyitayo Jegede.

The deputy governor had met with former Governor Olusegun Mimiko for talks on possible running on the platform of the ZLP.

Ajayi’s application was sent to the NEC of the party, which met at the weekend and approved it.

Joseph Akinlaja, Ondo ZLP chairman, confirmed the clearance of Ajayi while speaking with journalists in Akure, the state capital.

According to Akinlaja, Ajayi would formally join his new party, ZLP today (Monday).

https://www.inform.ng/post/zlp-nominates-ajayi-as-partys-candidate-drops-bamidele

You can’t impose your brand of politics on Edo people, Labour Party tells Tinubu
Bola Tinubu
The candidate of Labour Party in the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Isaiah Osifo, has advised former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to get the full account of the events leading to the failed attempt to take over the Edo State House of Assembly from all the parties to the issue before jumping to make comments on national television.

Speaking in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Sunday in reaction to comments attributed to the APC leader on the failed invasion of the Assembly by members of APC, Osifo advised Tinubu to refrain from trying to “impose his retrogressive politics on Edo people” because he cannot succeed.

“In Lagos State, Asiwaju Tinubu has succeeded in putting the destinies of over twenty million Lagosians in his pocket, who must go and prostrate in his Bourdillon residence before they can seek elective positions, buy property and even start a business,” Osifo said.

“It is this retrogressive brand of politics that Tinubu wants to import to Edo State. But he fails to realise that Edo people have never been candidates for such mental dominance and subservience. He can check Nigeria’s historical records for this fact.

“Tinubu cannot do to our people in the 21st century, what our forebears vehemently rejected till this day. He cannot subordinate a free people like us, who would give anything for the triumph of social justice, to his whims. He should learn about Edo people from the rise and fall of Adams Oshiomhole, the sacked national chairman of the APC,” he said.

The Labour Party candidate said “Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has done in three years what Tinubu couldn’t do in eight years, and several years after, by his stooges occupying the seat of power in Lagos”.

“Whereas in Edo State, the illegal activities of area boys and land grabbers have been stamped out of our socio-economic space by Obaseki, but in Lagos, the reverse is the case.

“In Edo State the Geographic Information Service agency, set up by Governor Obaseki issues Certificate of Occupancy in a matter of weeks, and at affordable cost. But in Lagos, the issuance of C-of-Os is still largely influenced by Tinubu, several years after leaving office,” he said.

He alleged tgat it is this kind of culture that “Tinubu wants to foist on Edo people through his agents such as Adams Oshiomhole and the APC gubernatorial candidate”.

“But Edo people will not allow them,” Osifo said.


https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-2020-lp-governorship-candidate-warns-tinubu-hails-obaseki

Two brothers were crushed by a truck while travelling to pay their mother a visit in Ekiti State.

The brothers, Ojo Hezekiah Abidemi (aka Fresh Strawberry), 25, and Ojo Ayomide, 21, died at the scene of the accident in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

It was gathered that the deceased, who are both students of University of Nigeria affiliate to College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, were on their way to visit their mother on Friday, August 7th, 2020 when the tragic incident happened.

"The brothers were on their way to visit their mum who’s based in Akure and stopped by a fuel station and according to eye witnesses as they were coming out of the fuel station, an oncoming truck rammed into them.

"The driver of the truck ran away while the victims were both rushed to a nearby hospital where they were declared dead," a source said.

Friends have taken to Facebook to mourn the brothers.





https://www.inform.ng/post/brothers-crushed-to-death-in-ekiti-while-on-visit-to-their-mother

The Rt. Revd Manasses Okere, Bishop of Anglican Diocese, Isiukwuato in Abia State, has described the COVID-19 outbreak as a blessing in disguise.

Okere said the outbreak created an opportunity for domestic churches to grow across the country.




He spoke at the 12th Synod of Anglican Diocese of Awka, NAN reports.

The cleric stated that the virus united families by making them spend long and quality time together.

Stressing that God was aware of COVID-19, Okere stated that the virus brought people closer to God.

According to the clergyman: “The pandemic is a blessing in disguise for the church in particular because it provided the environment for the domestic church, where families prayed together and thrive.

“God is aware COVID-19 will come the time it came, nothing happens to God by surprise.

“Though COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in our global society, it has brought good fortunes and re-united families by making them to sit together and pray.

“It also made people turn to God after knowing that science has failed.”



https://www.inform.ng/post/coronavirus-pandemic-is-a-blessing-to-the-church-bishop

The Action Democratic Party (ADP), has filed a fresh suit seeking to disqualify the All Progressives Congress (APC) from contesting the Edo State gubernatorial election slated for September 19, 2020, the suit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suit filed at the Court has the Action Democratic Party ( ADP) as Plaintiff, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ize-Iyamu Osagie Andrew, Audu Abudu Ganiyu and the All Progressives Congress are the Defendants.

The ADP alleges that the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC presented forged documents to the INEC.

Confirming this suit to journalists on Sunday morning, is the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Adelaja Adeoye. He said, our party has filed a suit, seeking the disqualification of APC candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, from participating in the forthcoming election, over certificate forgery. The fact of the matter is that, this is a serious matter, and ADP will ensure justice is served appropriately.

For us to have good governance and good leaders in any part of this country, those contesting elections, must present authentic qualifications, as required by the electoral umpire INEC, anything contrary must be challenged at the court, he added.

Recall that the PDP candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki was disqualified by his former party, All Progressive Congress (APC), over disparity in his names on his NYSC certificate, an error which was later being corrected by NYSC.

According to the court documents sighted by journalists, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC who goes by the name AUDU ABUDU GANIYU presented to the INEC a Voters Card which bears the name AUDU ABDUL GANIYU.

Similarly, he also presented a WASSCE/GCE certificate bearing the name AUDU AHUDU GANEYU to the INEC.

Again, the Deputy Governorship candidate presented to the INEC an APC Membership card bearing the name AUDU GANI.

The ADP based on the suit has asked the Court to interpret the certificates and declare that the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC has presented forged certificates to INEC, which violates Section 182(1)(j) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 ( As Amended).

The Plaintiff also seeks an Order disqualifying Ize-Iyamu Osagie Andrew, Audu Abudu Ganiyu and the APC from contesting the September 19 gubernatorial poll as well as an order compelling the INEC to remove Ize-Iyamu Osagie Andrew, Audu Abudu Ganiyu and APC from its list of candidates eligible to contest the forthcoming Edo State Governorship Election.

It would be important to remember that this case is similar to that which led to the disqualification of the Bayelsa Governor-elect (David Lyon) and Deputy-Governor elect (Degi-Eremienyo) by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court ruled that the APC had no candidates because the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC had presented forged certificates to the INEC.



https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-adp-drags-running-mate-to-ize-iyamu-to-court-for-certificate-forgery

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Thursday, raised an alarm over the heavy presence of policemen and security operatives around the Edo State House of Assembly.

PDP alleged that the federal government mobilized security operatives to take over the state House of Assembly.

In a tweet on it’s verified Twitter handle, the party claimed that the federal government’s decision was due to the popularity of the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

PDP, however, described the action as unacceptable.

“Breaking News! Irked by the growing popularity of @GovernorObaseki of Edo state and overwhelming acceptance by his people, the @OfficialAPCNg led Federal Government has mobilized @PoliceNG and other security agents to take over the state house of assembly. This is totally unacceptable,” PDP tweeted.

the premises of Edo State House of Assembly was on Thursday morning besieged by security officers from the Nigeria Police force.

Rumour had it that some elected House members who are on the side of the All Progressive Congress, APC, loyal to the former party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole had perfected plans for sitting at the Assembly complex, which is currently under renovation.


https://www.inform.ng/post/edo-pdp-reveals-reason-for-police-invasion-of-assembly-complex

Police operatives have taken over Edo House of Assembly complex in Benin City. Dozens of the security officials stormed the complex while patrol vehicles were stationed around the area



This comes a day after members of the House impeached the Deputy Speaker of the House, Yekini Idiaye. His impeachment came days after he declared his support for the APC governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

According to reports, the move was to forestall an alleged planned attack on the facility.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Ayoola Ajala, led the operation, which is ongoing.

https://www.inform.ng/post/police-seals-edo-house-of-assembly-complex