₦airaland Forum

Ordinary citizens of Edo State see him as ‘Wake & See’ governor on account of his quiet governance style where he shuns needless fanfare in his development strides. But if this narrative has gained currency among the ordinary Edo folks, the same cannot be said of those who seem to hold the political ace in the state and who decides what is good or bad for the people. So while the ordinary people pull in one direction and would readily endorse their ‘man of the moment’, the *usual political sharks think otherwise.*

This is the sum total of the battle Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State is facing today and which may define the direction of politics and fate of Obaseki who has declared he deserves a second term in office. But the *‘unelected’ godfather or godfathers* are not having any of Obaseki’s reelection rhetoric. *In fact, if they had had their way in the House of Assembly face-off, Obaseki might well have kissed his office goodbye by now.* But he foresaw the political hurricane coming his way and acted promptly to avert, or at least, delay it till another day.

What surprises Obaseki and appears ironic among many political watchers is that he is the only All Progressives Congress (APC) party governor in the entire South-South. So, rather than being pampered, *Obaseki is being haunted out of office, according to the whims and caprices of the powers-that-be in the party at the centre, led by his predecessor and APC party chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Now it appears APC is in tatters in Edo State.*

Former Governor Akinwumni Ambode of Lagos State’s treatment seems reserved for Obaseki, where he was stopped after his first term in office. And it seems those who hatched that plan are bent on bringing to fruition. Like Ambode, Obaseki is being accused of the same crime, of neglecting to financially oil the political structures that brought him to power, for making a solo run in the governance of the state and neglecting the godfathers and other hirelings. While Oshiomhole and Obaseki’s enemies deny this allegation, Obaseki has repeatedly stated he would not share the people’s money meant for development. His position is at the root of governance failure in the country, where the people’s money becomes the money for just a handful of political jobbers. The results are plenty of bad roads, poorly funded education, healthcare, and many other governance failures.

A major private sector player who suddenly finds himself in politics, imbued perhaps with the patriotic zeal to serve his Edo people diligently, Obaseki probably didn’t reckon with the *sharks that infest Nigeria’s political waters.* Perhaps, having been sponsored by a comrade politician and labour leader, who should be pro-people, Obaseki felt secure that he had the best backing. But events would have shown him that the sort of ‘comradeship’ badge that Oshiomhole wore was just a ladder to climb unto political power, which he would thereafter burn to deny others his brand of patriotic fervour obviously ‘forged’ to fool the peope.

The antithesis to Obaseki’s travails is that while the majority of Nigerians cry for technocrats to go into politics and government so as to change the poor development narrative, those already in politics and government want more career politicians to swell the ranks of ‘politics as biggest business bazaar’ in Nigeria. Any wonder why, while politics is growing bigger and bigger, businesses are growing smaller and smaller every day?

A simple enumeration of failed businesses in Edo State suffices. Bendel Insurance, Ukpella Cement, Edo Flour Mills, Ethiope Publishing, Bendel Brewery, Nigerian Institute for Oil palm Research (NIFOR), Benin Sawmill, Edo Textile Mill, Edo Galvanise Steel, Edo Pharmaceutical Ltd, and Leventis AG were among some of Nigeria’s premier industries in the state, which have all gone under even while those same businesses still thrive elsewhere. So from Lucky Igbinedion in 1999 through to Oshiomhole and now Obaseki, it has been all politics all the way while the productive industries that ought to take a chunk of youths out of the streets and away from crossing hazardous sea routes to Europe are left to die out completely.

Perhaps, it was Obaseki’s sterling performance in the finance sector in founding thriving businesses that attracted him to Oshiomhole when he made him chairman, Edo State Economic and Strategy Team, Tax Assessment Review Committee for Edo State Internal Revenue Service (TARC), and Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) respectively. So perhaps, it is pertinent to ask: has Obaseki lived up to his rating by the former governor, who is now chairman of his party? Is Obaseki really spending all the state’s resources to improve the lives of ordinary Edo people? Has he left the political jobbers in the cold? What plans has he to revive some of the shut industries or open new ones? What investments has he brought to Edo State since assuming office that should endear him to the ordinary people who hold Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that can retain him in the office next year?

As a businessman, Obaseki would have learned the all-time wisdom that poverty has been politically weaponised in Nigeria to keep the poor perennially down so they settle for cups of rice, pieces of cloth, and what Ayodele Fayose aptly called ‘stomach infrastructure’ that renders useless the power of PVCs in voters’ hands. Again, Obaseki would have imbibed the wisdom that it is only an economically empowered populace with jobs and thriving businesses of their own that can liberate themselves from the plague of ‘stomach infrastructure’ so they can effectively wield their PVCs to vote in those who can do the job. But if these maxims escaped Governor Obaseki and he has merely busied himself with building roads, schools, which are good in themselves but failed to economically empower the people with sustainable job opportunities, then he possibly has no business fishing among the political sharks.

Very often Nigeria’s elected political office holders only equate the building of physical infrastructure to democratic achievements in office. That narrow measure of achievement is why a governor would commission a bridge or culvert or transformer with fanfare and even invite Mr. President to the charade. What about the soft infrastructure that empowers the minds, the human capital for economic development? What about attracting investors to change the industrial space of a state and really empower the people rather than buy them tricycles, wheelbarrows, sewing machines or shoe-shine kits.

Does Obaseki have time on his side to begin rewriting his governance story in an endearing manner that would woo even the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to his side?

Perhaps, Oshiomhole and his political enemies didn’t give him much credit at the start of the face-off, but he has since dug his heels in. He has won his first battle from the courts that say he cannot make another proclamation for a fresh inauguration of Edo State House of Assembly. Abuja is still peeved. House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said the judgment would be appealed. That shows admittance of failure and frustration on the part of Obaseki’s political detractors. However, a group within Edo State’s APC is raising a storm against the governor and its chairman, Mr. Anslem Ojezua. Are they hirelings of Obaseki’s enemies working for his ouster? Does the governor have the numbers to put them in their place? Isn’t their anti-party activity that should attract sanctions? Who imposes the sanctions and how effective?

More importantly, would the 9th National Assembly revisit the new Electoral Bill early enough so electronic voting would be entrenched in the voting system so it becomes less open to gross abuses that disenfranchise a majority of the electorate? Perhaps, Obaseki and other embattled officeholders would need to intensify their lobbying arsenal to get NASS to rework the bill so Mr. President gives it early ascent. That appears the only guarantee Obaseki’s ‘Wake & See’ governance style. That way his pro-people policies would be championed through reelection. Otherwise, the sharks are cycling around for him for a hint of blood so they could bare their teeth.

Or just perhaps, the governor still has his aces in alleged Plan B that may see him cross over to the opposition party to ensure his reelection if APC continues in its offensive to its only governor in the oil-bearing region. When and if the ‘no permanent enemies, no permanent friends’ political credo plays out, APC may be the ultimate loser in its needless heckling of one it’s own. But that is how directionless politics goes, as has become evident in the Nigerian environment. Here, the performer becomes an enemy, because he fails to submit the state’s resources to godfathers to deepen the woes of the ordinary people who merely standby and watch the fight among the titans.


Source:

https://guardian.ng/politics/when-a-technocrat-unravels-amidst-nigerian-politics/

nairafame2:

This is an edited version of the video. The Governor unfortunately walked into a protest by angry Sowore supporters and expectedly, got this reaction from them.


Governor Obaseki is one of those politicians loved both at home and abroad.

The records are clear on this.

See a video of the rousing welcome the Governor received in the US recently.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTuugWMJSTQ

Questions Oshiomhole must answer:

1. Is Oshiomhole playing the victim card here to fool people so that he will create the impression that all is well, then have the free hand to conduct the APC Primary in Edo State and take Obaseki unawares?

2. If indeed Oshiomhole does not have any plan to truncate Obaseki’s second term, why have the 12 dissident members-elect refused to come forward for inauguration?

3. Now that the Benin Central Hospital has been fixed and operating, why hasn’t the contention stopped?

4. Oshiomhole said he nominated only one commissioner to serve on Obaseki’s cabinet! Then who nominated Mika Amanokha (Oshiomhole’s nephew), former Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties; Emmanuel Usoh, former Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment; Osahon Amiolemen, former Commissioner for Infrastructure; and Dr Christopher Adesotu, former Commissioner for Science and Technology?

If not Oshiomhole, then who nominated Osaze Osemwengie-Ero, Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs; Mariam Abubakar (Oshiomhole’s mistress), former Commissioner for Budget; Joseph Ugheoke, former Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources; Dr David Osifo, former Commissioner for Health; Paul Ohonbamu, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation?

Who chose the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and the deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu?

Who chose Oshiomhole’s brother, Rilwanu Oshiomhole as member of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), representing Edo North, and on whose back did Seid Oshiomhole (popular known as na money dey pursue us) ride on to the Edo State House of Assembly?

Oshiomhole, please let us call a spade a spade; you hate Obaseki’s guts, you hate the fact that his performance has eclipsed yours and you want to remove him, simple! Stop playing the victim card.

...says N’Assembly lacks jurisdiction to take over assembly

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has upheld the proclamation of the seventh Edo State House of Assembly by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

In the final judgement delivered by Justice J.K Omotosho, the court ruled that a Governor does not have the powers to issue a second proclamation after a first proclamation has been made.

According to Justice Omotosho, the Governor of a state does not take directive from National Assembly, adding that the proclamation issued by Governor Obaseki is valid; to do otherwise is null and void.

He noted that the National Assembly lacks the jurisdiction to take over the Edo State House of Assembly, as doing so will amount to infringing on its right to function.

Edo State House of Assembly is not an appendage of the National Assembly, he added.

See Oshiomhole when he was still trying to become Edo State Governor!! Is he actually sitting on Chief Igbinedion's lap or on the arm rest??

After becoming Governor he fought Chief Igbinedion because, as he claimed, he wanted to dislodge him as 'a' political 'godfather' in Edo State.

Now he is trying to enthrone himself a the 'new' 'godfather' of Edo State politics.

E nor go work!!!

#SayNoToGodFatherism
#EdoSaysNoToGodFatherism

#SayNoToGodFatherism
#CanOshiomholeBeTrusted
#EdoSaysNoToGodFatherism

#SayNoToGodFatherism
#CanOshiomholeBeTrusted
#EdoSaysNoToGodFatherism

#SayNoToGodFatherism
#CanOshiomholeBeTrusted
#EdoSaysNoToGodFatherism

#WetinHeGain
#WetinObahiagbonGain

.. Eyes Edo's share of N2.25bn

.. Needs pliant governor in Edo for actualisation of his plans

#AAO2023
#NextNextLevel
#Change
#ChangeContinues

Oshiomhole 2023!! Adams Oshiomhole unveils plans to run for 2023 Presidency in strategy meeting. Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir-el-Rufai tipped as his running mate.

#AAO2023
#NextNextLevel
#Change
#ChangeContinues

helinues:
Wetin bicycle riders dey find for filling station?

Help me ask

Gazzy88:
You deserve to be cursed for this nonsense post.

Curse on

#AAO2023
#NextNextLevel

#Breaking

DSS LOCKS UP OSHIOMHOLE’S OFFICE OVER FRESH BRIBERY SCANDAL

An ocean of trouble is currently flowing at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with its National Chairman in the middle of it.

The trouble has already resulted to locking-up the main office of the vocal APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, by the officials of the secret police since Monday this week.

This meduum reliably gathered from a senior member of the party who is a staff at the party house that about five DSS officials stormed the APC national secretariat on Monday and move straight to the main office of Oshiomhole but met his absence, thereby leading to padlocking of the office.

It was learnt that the secret police locked both Oshiomhole’s main office and that of his personal secretary, leaving only his reception office opened.

The source, who could not ascertain the main reason for the action of the DSS, revealed that Oshiomhole’s led-National Working Committee (NWC) had been accused of several bribery allegations.

He said: “The bribery scandal started before the last general elections where some members accused the NWC of taking bribe to favour some candidates at the primary elections.

“But the recent one has to do with the forthcoming Kogi governorship primary where one of the aspirants were said to have bribed settled the NWC to favour a certain mode of primary.”

The dependable source, who revealed further that an emergency meeting of the NWC was held on Wednesday without the National Chairman, the source challenged Oshiomole to resume to his office on Thursday if the information was a lie.

“Already, some NWC members who were not indicted stayed away from the Wednesday’s meeting,” he revealed.

MuttleyLaff:
No matta, how long shotay, dog take look pesin with human being eye reach, las las, dog still na komfam dog. No two ways about that.

Bro, fear dog ooo...lol. I happen to have attended a higher institution where late at night, from about 11pm, you would see animals, mostly dogs and goats moving in groups of twos and threes towards the community town hall. A bit eerie, but factual.

MuttleyLaff:
There are only incidents of talking animals in the bible, the first, the serpent and the second the donkey. The serpent talking, was natural, as in talking is by it's nature but the donkey talking, was supernatural, as in talked not because in its nature. The serpent is extinct, doesnt really matter its extinct, because it actually had a complete make up, as in, got tranformed into a totally different animal, the snake. So no more talking serpent(s) and the talking donkey, was a one-off, first and last never repeated talking donkey again.

I'll keep on mentioning that, the only other reservations I had was with a few some parts in the comment: "When animals perform strange or human-like actions in the Bible, it is either they have been possessed by a spirit being or are being controlled by a spirit source. Whether the serpent in the Garden of Eden, to the talking donkey, the spirit of animals can be possessed or controlled by a more powerful spirit just as that of man" and that, there are behavioral aberrations noticed in animals, that we human beings quickly put down to, as being due to a demon possession.
1/ To what end or for what purpose, would the spirit of animals be possessed or controlled by a more powerful spirit just as that of man?
2/ What part of man, is he possessed with by either the Holy Spirit or demon(s)?. Is it the body, soul or spirit? Or its the entirety?

If I get your posit right, the serpent originally possessed the ability to communicate in words, but that creature is extinct today. I don't quite agree with that. The ability to process one's thoughts and articulate by phonation is one of the "god-like" qualities that was bestowed on man during creation. It is the highest form of animal intelligence, which is the power of the spirit that makes it possible for man to dominate other animals. We might not be the strongest, quickest, etc, or have the highest longevity, but man is without doubt the most intelligent. Not even our fellow primates possess this gift, so it is inconceivable that creatures as low as serpents would possess such intelligence. It is in a sense, divine. This intellectual ability not only helps us communicate better, it also helps us reason, store and transfer information more effectively.

So starting with your question 2/, the part that is possessed is the spirit. Using my previous analogy, you can always boost the functionality of softwares or applications on your computer with plug-ins. This does not change their body or structure, nor does it boost their power rating. Similarly, the intelligence of animals, man inclusive, can be possessed by a high-enough spirit intelligence. That is how the Holy Spirit empowers God's servants or people that God wants to use to perform a specific task. The Spirit does not make them grow wings or extra body parts. The Spirit also does not make them immortals. In that sense, neither their body (the physical being) nor their soul (the life force) is affected.

I do not believe for example that all the animals which found their way into Noah's ark acted totally on their volition. There must have been some level of control or instruction that directed them accordingly (if you accept that narrative as is, that is). In this case, the purpose of an influencing spirit would be obvious.

The account of Jesus Christ and the man with an "impure" spirit throws much elucidation on this matter (Mark 5:1-13) Christ, exercising his power, not only exorcised the man of the "legion" spirits, but also commanded the spirits into the about two thousand pigs that were nearby. This action caused the pigs to then run down a steep bank and got drowned in the lake.

About the serpent in the Garden of Eden, it was a familiar sight to Eve in the garden and was already recognized for it's craftiness. When God passed judgement on the serpent, He did not mention withdrawing an ability to speak as a punishment. Whether the serpent, or any other animal created in the garden could talk prior or beyond that incident is not indicated. Putting all available narratives into context, it would be safe to assume contrariwise.

Of course the motive of the serpent was to approach Eve in a familiar appearance and not such that would immediately put her on the defensive. I recently treated a discourse that was focused on "Deconstructing Idealogies of the Enemy" where I delineated the deceptive chain of operation of the Devil. The Devil's agenda is obvious so he's being direct would not achieve a desired effect. He usually operates through agents who then sell endearing idealogies to unsuspecting individuals. After pushing such lofty ideals, then comes a final instruction or message that is in direct conflict to God's word. Two ideologies that softened any resistance Eve could have put up against the serpent's nuances were that on eating the fruit, she would not really die and that she would actually become god-like. That is something that is desirable to the average human of all ages or periods.

The purpose of Balaam's donkey speaking is more obvious so I believe I do not have to elaborate on that.

MuttleyLaff:
I must own up, that I tried finding where I possibly could disagree with somethings in your post but I failed. My efforts were in vain, as in, without what I'll really call good success. Well done.

I wrestled with "... the devil and his demons have a soul/are a soul as well ..." and agonised over whether its because they havent a soul is why they're irredeemable, as in, why the gift of salvation is not extended to them etcetera but at the end of it, seeing that the Bible is silent on the devil and his demon angels having souls, I capitulated. Yes, I gave up the wrestle & struggle, for the stark reason, that there just isnt any information in the Bible to make or not make any conclusion on the devil and his demon angels having or not having souls. Wetin I dey find sef, it's not by force to raise peniis nau.

The only other reservations I had was with a few some parts of the comment : "When animals perform strange or human-like actions in the Bible, it is either they have been possessed by a spirit being or are being controlled by a spirit source. Whether the serpent in the Garden of Eden, to the talking donkey, the spirit of animals can be possessed or controlled by a more powerful spirit just as that of man" but then I remembered this fox, that lives among the shrubbery on a school ground not far from where I live, that always at night gives out this ungodly shrill noisy calls. The first time I heard it, I thought to myself, what a demon possessed animal. It is getting annoying now, because it regularly at night makes the irritable noise. What am I trying to say sef?. Well, I am admitting that, there are behavioral aberrations that we human beings quickly put down to as being due to a demon possession. Graduateacher raised a good point with controlling the gateway to our souls, so as not to be unduly and unfavourably influenced. Things dey, that when they happen, are baffling, puzzling, look strange, mysterious, beyond understanding that they are inexplicable

[img]https://s3/images/You.jpg[/img]
This is your first, ever and only comment in the Religion forum section.
Why? Na wa ooo. Dont sit back nau. Do it, more often. God bless.

Much thanks. To be getting such commendation from you is a lot. I have tried to share these ideas but sometimes people are so fixated on their beliefs without ever considering anything contrary.

Your issue with animal abilities is appreciated. Laslas, no be everything person fit explain! I was only trying to put such occurrences within the context of the topic in discourse. E get as dog go look person sometimes you go almost dey imagine say na human being eye e get...lol

As a Christian, even mere conversion is by the Holy Spirit. The Devil and his agents, even recognizing the power of God in some cases, have completely denied the power of the Holy Spirit access to the gateway to their souls. Their own case na special one.

Like you encouraged, I'll try and contribute more and learn as well in the process.

MuttleyLaff:
I have until further notice being relieved from that duty and/or assignment. I guess you're happy and can breathe a good sigh of relief that no more "fiam" until further notice, from me anymore, on that subject, erhn? Excuse the "breathe" pun, too tempting not to seize the opportunity not to take advantage of using it considering subject matter has to to do spirit and breath

I concur completely with all in this comment without demur

Er Sir, er Sir, there are questions ooo (i.e. raising hand and standing up)
.............

Very impressed by your insight into this very controversial issue. Yours is about the most informed of all the responses so far. It's obvious this is a topic you have researched extensively applying both the English usages and the originally translated Hebrew and Greek words in context. That is something I have tried to do as well and have come to a similar but yet different position to yours. Do hear me out:

As you rightly established, the soul and the spirit refer to two different parts of the tripartite man. That much is easily established in Heb 4:12 and 1 Thess 5:23

Broadly speaking, while the body represents the tangible component of man or any being, the soul and the spirit represent that which is incorporeal or immaterial. But we must be careful not to conflate the non-physical "spirit body" that angels or demons possess with the "good or evil spirit" that they possess. So "spirit" as translated from the words "ruach" or "pneuma" may be used to describe the spirit body/nature of an entity or the spirit "force" that an entity (physical or spiritual) possesses.

In the case of the spirit of God or the Holy Spirit, the word ruach does not sufficiently describe it as ruach is also used for the spirit in man (Job 32:. But as we can deduce from Gen 1:2, the "ruach" of God is usually followed by elohim or hakodesh which essentially means the spirit of God or of the Holy One.

Two salient points that would guide us further as we probe what exactly the spirit represents is:

Firstly, that innate quality and self-possessed nature that God has, which He shares with His creatures as He pleases is called the Spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit. It is never referred to as the "holy soul". Though both words are sometimes used interchangeably in the Bible, God's special gift to His servants and by which He does miraculous works directly or via His agents is His divine Spirit. Elihu said it is God's Spirit that gives the spirit of man understanding. St. Paul said this spirit is not one of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.

Secondly, on all occasions the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit featured in the Biblical narrative, never was it described to appear as a person or an angel. The angels were severally named, but not the Holy Spirit. This goes to debunk the belief that the Holy Spirit is a person like God Almighty and Jesus Christ. When Christ was prophesied to be sent from heaven to come and redeem mankind, he eventually came as a person, one human being; flesh and blood like us humans. But when christ himself promised to send the Holy Spirit after his ascension, the Spirit descended upon the apostles appearing as tongues of fire. This is similar to it descending on Jesus as a dove. Right from the Old Testament records, the Spirit never took human form. Also, the Holy Spirit can be transferred from one individual to another by mere laying of hands. Just as the bequether of the Spirit, the recipient immediately receives some inherent power that gives him super abilities that were not possessed hitherto.

So I consider the spirit to be some sort of (non-material) application, software, intelligence, power or force that originally comes from God (the Holy Spirit). The spirit can be shared or transferred from person to person, depending on the inherent levels of the spirit possessed by the giver. We are made to understand that it is only Jesus Christ whom God gave His Holy Spirit without measure. This was demonstrated by the super-human powers and knowledge Christ seemed to possess, even though his physical appearance was like that of every human. Likewise, though God creates every animal, man inclusive, with an innate spirit, He can share more powers with man or animal through His Holy Spirit.

When animals perform strange or human-like actions in the Bible, it is either they have been possessed by a spirit being or are being controlled by a spirit source. Whether the serpent in the Garden of Eden, to the talking donkey, the spirit of animals can be possessed or controlled by a more powerful spirit just as that of man.

The attribute of man that God used to give him dominion over earthly creatures, by which Adam was supposed to dominate and replenish the earth was a higher dose of the spirit i.e. a higher intelligence. Adam received this via the breath of life, so he was created with an innate spirit that was superior to that of the lesser animals. This is why even though man depends on the breath of life and dies like every other animal, a point emphasized in Eccl. 3:19, for the fact that God placed a like version of His Holy Spirit in man, giving us our own spirit, we are able to establish dominion over other animals.

Having dealt extensively to nature of the spirit, let us now look at what the soul represents.

If we consider these scriptural texts - Eze 18:4,20; Matt 10:28; Mark 8:36; the word soul, translated from the Hebrew word "nephesh" or Greek word "psuche" is closely associated with the power of life in man. As Ezekiel put it, all souls are God's, that is all life takes it source from God the creator. Going further, he teaches that the soul that sins shall die, so the soul is not immortal. Also, there are evil souls, or put differently, there are persons that have the power of life in them(not power to give life) that are wicked or evil. So unlike the point you made, the devil and his demons have a soul/are a soul as well.

Even animals have a soul (Consider the use of "nephesh" in Gen. 1:20,24; Lev 11:46,etc). It is the power of life that powers both the subconscious and the conscious mind.

The word soul is also used to describe a body that has the ability to possess life, whether in its living or dead state. This is why it is both correct to say we are souls or we have souls. In Lev. 21:11, the dead is simply referred to as "dead soul". This usage is similar to how you can describe a TV set (for example) as an electronic device or something that runs on electricity. So when the TV is not plugged to the AC circuit, it is still an electronic device, but in a "dead" state.

EDHA CRISIS: LEAKED AUDIO INCRIMINATES SEID OSHIOMHOLE, GBAJAGBIAMILA IN ATTEMPTS TO TAKE OVER STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

....reveals how members elect on AWOL are making huge financial gains from crisis.

A leaked audio conversation between a member elect representing Etsako West Constituency 11, Hon. Seid Oshiomhole and a lady has revealed plans by members elect and the House of Representatives under the leadership of Rt. Hon Femi Gbajagbiamila to take over the Edo State House of Assembly.

During the conversation, Hon. Seid Oshiomhole who is the brother of the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole revealed how he was directed to work with the Speaker of the House of Representatives to see how to take over the running of the state assembly. He also revealed that members elect have been receiving huge financial emoluments from people who believe their course and that was the reason they remained in Abuja, and that there was nothing the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki could do to stop the House of Representatives from taking over the state assembly as even opposition lawmakers are with them.

With the release of this audio, it is clear that the ad hoc committee set up by the House of Representatives committee to resolve the crisis at the state assembly is merely on an academic exercise and has its already prepared resolutions on the matter.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGuz-khpUXQ

http://leadership.ng/2019/07/15/groups-question-neutrality-of-reps-committee-on-edo-assembly/

Groups Question Neutrality Of Reps Committee On Edo Assembly

As members of the House of Representatives await the outcome of the ad-hoc committee to investigate the crisis in Edo State House of Assembly, two groups, the Estako Solidarity Front (ESF) and the Owan Renaissance, have raised the alarm over the neutrality of the House of Representatives Committee set up to look into the issues in the Assembly.

The groups said their doubts arose from facts available to them that the Committe’s trip to Benin City last weekend was allegedly sponsored by the National Chairman of the APC,Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Speaking at separate press briefings in Benin City, yesterday, National Coordinator of the ESF, Comrade Seidu Momoh, said its investigations showed that a private jet marked 5N FCT was allegedly hired for N8m to take them for the trip.

Comrade Seidu said the House leadership did not hire the private jet for the committee.

According to him, “Those of us who are stakeholders in Edo APC find it difficult to believe bthat the Committee would not be bias. The Committee should have rejected the offer of a paid jet to and fro trip to Benin for investigation.

“Oshiomhole is an interested party in the Assembly crisis and his payment for the trip amounts to nothing but bribery in disguise.”

President of Owan Renaissance, Dr. Sam Aiyokha, said it was morally wrong for the committee to agree to use the private if it were serious about ending the crisis.

Dr. Aiyokha said the committee should have used its own fund from the House of Representatives that set it up and not an interested party.

Aiyokha said recent revelations have shown that sponsorship from some individuals was responsible for the 14 lawmakers’ continuous stay in Abuja.

He stated that the younger brother to Oshiomhole, Seid Oshiomhole, who is among the 14 lawmakers was caught on tape stating why the need to sustain the disagreement in the House of Assembly to ensure it degenerates into a big crisis.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGuz-khpUXQ

BY OTEGHE ADAMS, BENIN-CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

It appears that subterranean and desperate steps are being deployed by some major political characters to effectively externalize and exacerbate the seeming pervading situation of political crisis in Edo State; the particular highpoint of the alleged tension being the apparent conflict between the APC national Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and the State’s incumbent Governor Obaseki. While Obaseki concentrated on the agenda of governance and infrastructure development, politicians unquestionably aligned with Oshiomhole have persistently and systematically, in nearly eight months, sought to sabotage the patriotic efforts of the Governor. While Obaseki, even to the point of arousing the anger of his close associates, continuously adopted a patient disposition for the sake of party cohesion and respect for his predecessor (Oshiomhole), the allies of the ex-governor were out privately and publicly savaging the reputation and maligning the character of Obaseki. At no point in the past and up till now, no single word of caution has ever been issued by Oshiomhole to call his run-amok surrogates to order. It is today incontrovertibly evident that Oshiomhole’s loyalists are focused on one objective: to ensure the failure of Governor Obaseki and possibly fractionalize and factionalize the APC in Edo State. There is, however, one formidable obstacle against the diabolical plots of the opponents of the Governor. The mass of the people of Edo State have come to appreciate the new definition of the practical civics of governance and service to the people and would, therefore, not accept an abnegation of’’ Obasekism’’ as an organizing and governing principle which yields the genuine and healthy fruits of Democracy.

It must be earnestly stated for contemporaneity and posterity that the central grouse of anti-Obaseki class is that the Governor refused to fritter and squander the resources of the state to pamper and indulge some self-acclaimed party leaders. Rather Obaseki sought to establish a new beneficial model for party leadership where the Governor urged the hierarchy of Edo APC to identify urgent and preferred projects that was needed in their constituencies for execution. Unfortunately, the warring leaders did not see much of private benefit in the Obaseki’s policy of public good. Hence, while Obaseki garnered massive public and support and approval, those who were opposed to the change from a decadent tradition swore to pull down the popularly acknowledged performing Governor. The Obaseki - APC brand is so highly attractive that it is now being embraced even by members of the various opposition parties and considerable population of non-partisan voters.

So intense was the undiluted nature of the bellicosity towards the Governor that some of the major leaders of the Oshiomhole-group in Edo South Senatorial Zone actually went out to canvass for votes against APC during the 2019 Presidential and General Election in order to humiliate Governor Obaseki. That persons openly allied to the national chairman of the APC would engage in such sinister conduct is the zenith of treacherous anti-party activity. Of course, such issues will be concealed, instead of being investigated by the party, because Oshiomhole is dictating the direction of APC national working committee. Witnesses are waiting to be summoned to specifically give names and describe the situations in their polling units where some of the pro-Oshiomhole leaders now generating heat in Edo State stood out openly while sabotaging the APC during the presidential election. Do such characters genuinely mean well for the APC?

The foregoing crucial facts are some of the germane issues that the members of the Ad-hoc committee, set up by the House of Representatives, to investigate and engender reconciliation to the crisis in Edo State must take into reasoned consideration. The thirteen honorable members of the Abdulrazak Namdas- led committee definitely have a historic assignment that must go beyond the flimsy, and the theatrical with outcome designed to please some egotistic Iyamho/Abuja interest. It is understood that committee Chairman, Hon Namdas from Adamawa State is a highly regarded, thoughtful and perspective politician who will listen carefully to the people as he seeks to engender peace with justice in the Edo troubled situation.

It is indeed commendable that the House of Representatives at its plenary session on Tuesday July 9th 2019 refused to be collectively blindfolded and railroaded into adopting such a tragically consequential motion regarding the affairs of the Edo State House of Assembly, without comprehensive examination of the issues at stake. Speaker Gbajabiamila, being a smart and seasoned legislator, must have done a quick and proper reading of the mood of the larger majority of the House of Representatives, and therefore, elevated honor and caution over short-term perfidious and emotional gains. The wishes of an apparent demented and diminutive ‘’ Emperor ‘’ did not gain the assent of the sober, independent and self-respecting legislators.

What the three representatives from Edo State (Julius Ihonvbere, Peter Akpatason and Johnson Oghuma) all from Edo North Senatorial district – Oshiomhole s district, tried to achieve with their motion at the July 9th plenary was odiously dishonorable; the motion that the lawless representatives tried to smuggle through the national assembly would have dangerously hinged Edo State on the cliff of regrettable political anarchy. It will be an indelible historical blight for, Ihonvbere, to have so selfishly and thoughtlessly attempted an invocation of the national assembly powers, Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; the immediate outcome, if the motion had succeeded, would have been a takeover of the functions of Edo State House of Assembly by the Abuja-based House of Representatives. Consequently, the Edo State House of Assembly would have lost its sovereign legitimacy to become a colonized enclave of Oshiomhole’s hapless surrogates. Did the supposed professor of political science, Ihonvbere, think through the overall intended (and unintended) consequences of his action before embarking on such a precarious journey? One would have thought that Ihonvbere’s alleged academic background and tenure at America’s globally reputable Ford Foundation would have equipped him with the vital discipline and orientation for imbibing cautionary perspectives in shaping public policy. When will, Ihonvbere, acquire some dignity and cure his syndrome to genuflect and somersault whenever Oshiomhole merely gestures with his hand. Ihonvbere should have known that the majority of the Edo people would have risked their lives to defend their political sovereignty in any attempt to effect Oshiomhole’s colonization of the Edo State House of Assembly. Was it, therefore, the intention of, Ihonvbere, to create civil anarchy and mayhem on the streets of Edo State while he (Ihonvbere) withdraws to the luxury of his Obasanjo-gifted illegitimately acquired mansion in Abuja? The day of accountability is coming!

The members of the fact-finding ad-hoc committee of the House of Representatives will be well received by the people of Edo State as a historically peaceful and hospitable geo-political entity. They will meet a state that is at peace and a progressive governor that is enjoying the overwhelming support of the citizenry. The only opportunity that the mass of Edo citizens seek is a humble opportunity for the Namdas-led committee to create time to hear from the people directly as the ultimate stake holders and sovereign of Nigeria’s democracy. Edo people trust that the committee of the House of Representatives will not come into this matter with any dishonorable agenda, but with nobility of intention and open minds. It is on this score that the jury of history will offer the Namdas –ad hoc committee and other members a worthy verdict.

It is time to put an end to the malicious narrative that the Edo House of Assembly has not been constitutionally inaugurated. Rather What is exigent now is for the deviant Edo lawmakers-elect to terminate their idle hibernation in Abuja, return to Benin and fill out the necessary papers to qualify them for inauguration. The Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye has made several public appeals for the runaway members-elect to duly complete the constitutional requirements so that they can commence the performance of their obligations to their constituencies. The clock is ticking and the lawmakers-elect should be conscious of the number of days of their absence from the business of the Edo State House of Assembly. The lawmakers-elect will have no one else to blame but themselves if the sanction for long absence from legislative proceedings is ultimately imposed as required by the constitution.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/godfathers-unlimited/


Oshiomhole: Godfathers unlimited

Academics, especially those in the discipline of political science, may need to do a study, or come out with findings on previous studies, on why politicians ultimately want to be godfathers. The findings may be interesting. They would know if the move is driven by pecuniary reasons or the politician’s constant quest for relevance. There are bound to be many reasons unearthed in the process. I hold that they may boil down to what the late quintessential British politician and statesman Winston Churchill asserted; that politicians lace their selfish pursuits with the guise of service.

The intrigue for me is why people who rant against godfatherism, and in fact, fight it with vehemence, now seek to install themselves in that position. In Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha sought to dictate who became what in a state that he came to govern without the input of any godfather. He rode on the back of the people into governance. He did his best in office. I will not join those who give the impression that Rochas did nothing in office. That is a blatant lie just meant to further the political cause of his opponents. Such political lies may be permissible in pursuit of office, but those who are not politically aligned should not stand truth on its head to make their point.

For me, Rochas went into murky waters when he sought to install is son-in-law to succeed him. He began to build a political structure, which would have served him well had he not wished to deploy it to ends that would benefit his family politically. His moves were too brazenly selfish. He would be a senator, as he now is, and his son-in-law would sit in the seat he vacated as governor, his daughter would take the seat her mother vacated as First Lady, or wife of the governor, as Aisha Buhari has directed that they be addressed for purposes of protocol. That was daringly selfish. That move blinded everyone to his achievements in office. If he had deployed his structure to support someone else, his party might not have lost the state. But godfathers are blinded by their ambition to see reason.

We move to Edo State, where Adams Oshiomhole became governor and unleashed a political war on those he perceived to be godfathers. The Tony Anenihs, Ogbemudias and others came on the wrong side of his political armament, as he unleashed war on them to mitigate their influence and ensure that they did not rise against him . He embarked on a campaign to whittle down political godfathers in the state, and mounted a campaign against them. On completion of his two terms, he pushed for Godwin Obaseki, and helped him get into office. Obaseki is on the verge of completing his first term, we now hear that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman wants to turn his back on Obaseki, and perhaps install another person. The man who fought against godfathers now wants to be one. That is the intriguing thing about this phenomenon. Here was a man who stood against Rochas the other day in his bid to install his son-in-law now wanting to wear the clothes he wanted Rochas to take off. The grapevine says the President has penciled Oshiomhole in the ministerial list, perhaps to gently ease him out of the embattled chairmanship seat. If that happens, we may now have another type of Rivers State in Edo. It would be a different shade of Rivers, given that both men are in the same party, but different camps as it now appears. The camps are divided in Edo on account of attempts by Oshiomhole to emerge as the godfather. Obaseki is building his own structure. He should look for former governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State to learn where he erred and how to make amends.

Ambode, who got the short end of the stick in his second term bid, regretted not getting into the thick of politics, but would rather be a technocrat in politics. Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna quickly shed that toga and steeped himself in politics when he came face-to-face with entrenched godfathers in the state. He now beats his chest in triumph over them. Obaseki may take lessons from those colleagues. He may dislodge Oshiomhole or go the way of Ambode. We watch as events unfold.

Bayelsa State presents a similar kettle of fish. The story from there is that Sereiake Dickson, the Countryman Governor of the state, may be squaring it up with former President Goodluck Jonathan. The story is yet misty, not clear, because the former President is said not to have clearly emerged in favour of anyone to succeed Dickson, who is due to leave office in February 2020. The battle for his successor has begun. The grapevine says he is not on the same page with the former President. The story is yet unclear, but I would hate to believe that Jonathan wants to be a godfather. It is not impossible though, given the trend in other places. He may well be desirous of becoming what other politicians now see as the ultimate. There have been rumours, too, that Dickson may move to another party, notably the current ruling party, with his group. These are unconfirmed but do they not say smoke does not rise in the absence of fire? All these point to the reality that power, like money, is insatiable. However, no one will have them forever. If Dantata had cornered all the money, there would have been no Dangote. Power and money, good as they are, do not stay steady in one place. Godfathers do not want to stay away from power, but that cannot be. Such a disposition runs counter to the natural flow of things. Those who have played their role on the stage of power should take a bow for new actors to make their entrance.

We teachers under the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), wish to disclaim the lies being peddled by one johnmayaki.com against Edo SUBEB in their recent publication.

The publication stated that teachers under SUBEB have been directed to assemble at 'Ring Road' to protest against the National Assembly or risk sanction.

We hereby state emphatically that the publication is an outright falsehood as no such directive was issued to us by Edo SUBEB.

It is however pertinent to state that we teachers under Edo SUBEB have been planning a solidarity march in support of the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration. In addition to that we also deem it necessary to join all people of goodwill in a solidarity support for our dear Governor Obaseki who has taken our welfare with utmost importance.

And why should we not? This is an administration that pays us our salary before the end of every month and has never defaulted. This is an administration that has resuscitated the Teacher Professional Development training and retraining exercises that today over eleven thousand (11,000) teachers have been trained in tech-based teaching techniques and other forms of modern pedagogy, and has also equipped us with computers and smartphones which have made our jobs easier and also aiding the teaching and learning process.

As teachers, we are now constantly exposed to countless workshops, symposia and conferences where our capacity in our profession are constantly built and adequately moulded.

The last time teachers were promoted was in 2013 until Governor Godwin Obaseki came on board and cleared all the backlog promotions while also paying off the backlog of allowances due to teachers.

Our colleagues who were retired about a month ago have already started receiving their gratuities. This is what Governor Godwin Obaseki has done for us. We will go to any extent to defend this administration that has placed the education of pupils of the State above the interest of few avaricious individuals.

Anyone who decides to go the mile to promote lies in our name that we are being coerced into a solidarity march for the Governor, is selling an outright falsehood. We are dedicated to our job, and the education of our pupils is at the core of our duty. This administration has shown us the dignity in our labour and places our welfare as teachers at the core of its objectives.

Therefore, we do not need to be coerced or mandated to form a solidarity movement or join in a solidarity march for one who protects our interest. This is our fight. Governor Godwin Obaseki is our project and we will resist anyone who wants to take this precious gift away from us Edo teachers.

Therefore, whatever the objective of the author of the publication is meant to serve cannot withstand our resolve. We will not fold our arms to watch anyone drag the immaculate name of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Edo SUBEB through the mud.

We were not mandated by Edo SUBEB to get involved in any protest. We are getting involved out of our own free will. The general public should therefore take note and disregard the lies from Johnmayaki.com

Signed, Uhunmwangho M.O., Teacher

By Andrew Iro Okungbowa

Don Pedro Osaro Agbonifo Obaseki is the CEO of ACC Broadcast Multimedia Limited (Operators of WAWOOTV, MTN-ACCMobileTV & PIDGIN-TV) and an APC governorship aspirant in last governorship election Edo State. The convener of Edo Peoples Assembly spoke with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA on the political situation in the state.

Excerpts…

What is your assessment of the 2019 general elections in Edo State?

If you notice, during the time of Adams Oshiomhole as governor, we had an APC governor but in terms of legislative colouration at the national level, it looked like a PDP state while at the local level it is an APC affair. The state can be said to be, in terms of political leanings, a state in floozy. In the last election in 2019 PDP won in the presidential election. But it is funny that just two weeks after PDP won the state, the APC cleared the entire 24 seats in the House of Assembly. So, basically, Edo State is almost an all APC state but at the federal level, the PDP again on February 23 won two of the three senatorial seats and the nine seats of the House of Representatives were slit; five to APC and four to PDP. Some people may say it is a political naivety but I see it as a robust political engagement because we are not in the vice grip of one political party.


In assessing the performance of the state government, are there commendable strides to celebrate?

I think the one that is glaring is the fact that many people believe, I think it has it flip sides, both advantages and disadvantage, that he is a little less drawn into the motor park democracy that seemed at the time, particularly during the time of the immediate past governor, who is now the APC national chairman, were the entire state was at the behest of motor park touts; of persons who held the state in almost a vice-like grip. That has been dispensed with and is glaring. The traffic situation is a lot better and the road situation, particularly in the state capital, appears to have taken a better feel and look. There is a sense of decorum that is seemingly pervasive in the state now, which was not how it used to be. Edo was almost like a gangster land in once a recent past.

I think the governor has a lot to do and I think the government needs a little more time to be assessed because assessing a four year governorship tenure just half way through may not do justice particularly when you look at the peculiar political dynamics in Edo State.


Would you say Obaseki’s government is a continuation of that of Oshiomhole?

I think so on paper, particularly when you look at the events that led to the coming into power of Godwin Obaseki. But in practice as it has unfolded in the last few months I think there is a truncation of that continuation because for someone like me, who had a very clear clairvoyance idea of how the state should run and how the transition of power should be, continuity does not necessarily connotes positives because I think every government has a duty to the people to continue the good policies of the past ones and I think every government, just as you have in every management change, there must be a vision and you must be able to carry the people on your mission.

So, since Godwin Obaseki and Oshiomhole, prior to their seeming romance are persons I will describe as polars. They are polar ends of a spectrum. They are not particularly the same kind of people. Godwin is a lot more reserved, seemingly more introspective and a lot more introverted while Mr. Adams Oshiomole, in my personal opinion, is extremely garrulous sometimes. He seems to be, without any apology, a man who speaks a lot much more than he thinks. I think that is a remarkable difference in their personalities and I think that has robbed off on the style of governance that each of them has brought to bear on the Edo people.

While on paper as of November 12, 2016, at the handover, the Oshiomhole government appeared to have entered its third term in office but in the last few months or within the ambience of what has been panning out in Edo State within the recent past, you can say, maybe Obaseki’s government, is a deliberate cessation of whatever legacies; whatever negative or positive of the Adams Oshiomhole’s administration. So, you can say Pedro thinks it is not actually a continuation but a discontinuation, particularly in terms of style if not in terms of substance.


What do you make of the overnight inauguration of the state House of Assembly?

I once ran for office to be the governor of Edo State and if I was faced with the same kind of seemingly existential situation or existential threat that the government of Obaseki seemed to have been faced with, just a few weeks ago, particularly leading to the May 29 handover, maybe I will appraise the situation and do what I think is a lot more Machiavellian because it is existential and in an existential threat, all is fair in love and war. As a student of the dynamics of power, I am not too uncomfortable with the legality of what transpired on that day but I have always said that on a moral note, it may look a little bit of the governor overstepping.

If we look at it critically, what really happened? Taking away all the nuances and all the underground bickering, what really on the legal angle happened? The governor made his proclamation to inaugurate the house of assembly, which is required by law but the law does not state where and when it should be made. He made it directly to the Clerk of the House as stated by the law. The law did not also state clearly that all the members must be present. But in this case, nine members were said to have shown up and it was said to have taken place at night. That as bad as it may look doesn’t constitute an illegality.

According to the house rules the quorum must be one third of all members and a quorum of one third out of 24 is eight but there were nine members present and so they could go ahead. Secondly, a speaker was elected and that speaker was legally elected. But we must understand something clearly that my biggest worry is the fact that all 24 members of Edo State House of Assembly are all members of APC and this is something that should not even happen but it has happened.

So, what I keep telling people is that we should look for a way to manage the fall out of that and I think that with that inauguration or with whatever took place on June 17, Mr. Godwin Obaseki as the governor cut his political teeth and he made it clear that there was a new sheriff in town. The way and manner that happened is debatable because there is no use making judgment when you are ignorant. But almost everything that happened is in the public domain. Nine members came for the inauguration and the other 15 members screamed that they were disenfranchised but it didn’t make the process illegal.


Is this the kind of governance or politics that the people of Edo State deserved at this point in time?

I would had loved to be politically correct by saying no, but I never lie to myself. To say that the Edo State people deserve better is stating the obvious. But the people get the kind of leadership that they desire. A people get the kind of government that they desire and I keep telling anybody that is listening that it is time for us to move Edo State forward. It is time for us to make our voices emerged from this dark abyss of dirty, blatant, low-level, low intelligence quotient politicking. The Edo State people are a better people than they seemed to be for now. I think that with concerted effort, with what is panning out now people are going to be looking out for not just only party affiliation but resilience, honesty, sincerity of purpose and better education for our people.

Because you can’t move a people forward if you don’t lift their brain power upwards. It is a fact that the Edo nation in the last decade have been at the behest of; I keep using the word; motor park democracy. That is why we are where we are. But men of good reason, men of intellect, men of conscience, should rise up, we can no longer sit behind the sanctuary of locked doors and watch a few brigandage frit away our commonwealth and then expend our patrimony for peanut.


Couldn’t the governor have handled this issue far better than this imbroglio that is threatening to consume the state?

I think he could have, but if he had done that maybe we would be facing another crisis right now. The grave vine had it that Obaseki has minority members in the assembly though they are all of the same party. Everywhere you go in Benin, all you hear is low-level grave vine information parading everywhere, that once the inauguration is done, in spite of the fact that they were all of the same party, they were going to take the governor out of office since they had the numbers. They had the numbers to remove him, all they needed was actually 16 members and they said they had 17, 18 or 19 to remove him.

That was why I used the word existential. The governor faced existential threat. Maybe his political advisers had to do something that would be able to swing the pendulum to the advantage of the governor as it were, at least to be sure that he wasn’t going to be removed unceremoniously immediately the house of assembly was inaugurated.

I am ignorant of the thinking of the government or their political machinery at the time this took place. I am only looking at the statements, am looking at the fall out, it is a fate accompli. It has been done and how do we now savage, how do we ensure that the Edo people don’t come out of this with their necks in the noose at the end of all these.

Do you see this as a justification of your earlier position on the governor and the APC?

I had no justification, no position on the present governor as of then. I only had a position on the APC and the former governor as of then. Let me make this clear, what I fought against was the seemingly skewed manner that the APC, which has become like a stock in trade of the party, handed the primaries, which were seemingly skewed in favor of some aspirants, so, I came out screaming. I think I have long been justified, not by Obaseki but by Oshiomhole. My fight was for a level playing field and that level playing field was not determined by Obaseki, who also was an aspirant, but by the APC machinery and the governor in office, who were bent on skewing the process in favour, maybe of Obaseki.

I don’t hold Godwin responsible. There is no love lost between me, himself, Oshiomhole and all those who were involved in that whole cacophony. But today, I have moved on and I am more concerned about the general wellbeing of Edo State as a people, I am more concerned about the Edo nation. I am not concerned about candidate Obaseki but I am more concerned now about Governor Obaseki because we must be able to separate it. I am not a soothsayer, I didn’t say then that he will do roads or inaugurate people, no.

I was very clear that the processes of choosing the next governor of the state must be left at the behest of the people and not a few persons or a seeming new born godfather, which Oshiomhole was carving himself out to be as at that time, deciding the governorship primaries, behind the sanctuary of locked doors to the exclusion of all the others. Now, I have no personal interest in what is panning out, I am looking at everybody from a sincerity of purpose. My conviction tells me that today, maybe what is panning out now, is that Godwin is now fighting the fight that I once fought. I fought so that Oshiomole would allow due processes pan out.

As we have seen the one year tenure of Oshiomhole across the polity, APC as at 2015 had 20 governors inaugurated and they lost about five of them in 2019 and almost everybody blames him some way, somehow and somewhere. We saw what panned out in Zamfara State under his watch, we saw what panned out in Rivers State under his watch and we were told in Edo State that even those the governor supported to run for various legislative seats were unitarily, and unapologetically altered by Adams Oshiomhole in favour of his cronies and that was what I fought against.

So if Godwin is fighting against that now, maybe Godwin is fighting my fight without really knowing it. So, I may say I am justified. My positions years ago are now being justified but not about the governor but about the APC in general and Mr. Adams Oshiomhole in particular.

Do you think the governor will lose this battle?

I will answer in one simple line, Pedro Obaseki is not Nostradamus, I am not an oracle. I just see this battle as part of a string of hilux of climaxes. More will come and each of them will be defining moment for Obaseki. But I think in the last few months he has shown some resilience, he has been a lot more gubernatorial than he had ever be prior to now. Forget the emotions, everybody is taking sides both based on emotional blackmail and whatever emotional collateral capital fall out to take from it.

Is it easy for the sitting governor if he is performing to lose in this fight? I don’t think so. Just two weeks ago we were told that the governor had only five members but that jumped exponentially to nine, almost by a hundred per cent just on the night of the inauguration. I hear that they are now 11 because I watched on television where two more members were sworn in, and I think the others will put Edo first and if they put Edo first, the assembly will come together.

Whether we like it or not, I keep saying that we are not seeing a fight between two sides of the coin but we are seeing an intra–party fight being fought on behalf of two party chieftains by too many foot soldiers who are like pawns on the chess board, and could be expendable going forward. So, once they realise that people will get into line and begin to put the welfare, the progress of the Edo people in the forefront and the collective defence of our collective patrimony may just be on the side of the governor.

Then also, many of us, particularly those of us who are not partisan, when we hear low- level bickering and persons who are not worthy to pick up microphones on television, on the social media and sing songs in Benin that they are going to slap the governor, there is a limit to such brigandage and particularly among the people who are as traditionally and culturally-orientated as we are, where respect is key. I don’t think that the governor will lose this battle. The indices maybe wavering but Obaseki still calls the shots. With what is happening, Obaseki has proven that there is a new sheriff in town.

Do you think that Oshiomhole is fair in his fight against the governor given the fact that the governor played a key role in his success?

During the campaigns, Oshiomhole gave credit to Obaseki for having engineered whatever little economic successes the state had, because Obaseki was appointed just few weeks into the tenure of Oshiomhole’s first term. As the chairman of the Edo State economic team, which the former governor acknowledged time and time again, Obaseki helped him change the parlous internally revenue generation of the state.

This was condemned and attacked by the PDP, particularly chief Dan Orbih, who called to question this claims by Oshiomhole but Oshiomhole kept saying that it is the truth and so, if Oshiomhole now turns around to say that same person who he said was a miracle worker is now something else, then maybe somebody is being economical with the truth and the Edo people are seeing what is going down.

I don’t think Oshiomhole is fair in his fight but I don’t even know whether Oshiomhole is actually fighting the governor because what we are seeing mostly is the voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau. But there is no act yet to tell a design on the face, so I can’t accuse Oshiomhole of being unfair or fair in this seeming war of attrition between him and his successor.


https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/06/obaseki-has-rescued-edo-from-motor-park-democracy-don-pedro-obaseki/

*...blames former governor for Edo APC crisis, others*

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State and former Political Adviser to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Mr Charles Idahosa, has called for the resignation of his former boss from the position of the National Chairman of APC.

Idahosa who was political adviser to Oshiomhole while the latter served as Edo State governor, noted that Oshiomhole was desecrating the temple of democracy by sponsoring anti-democratic practices.

According to the APC chieftain, “Oshiomhole is to be blamed for all the crisis in the Edo State APC. He has created division in Edo APC and has empowered some legislators-elect to ridicule our hard-earned democracy.

“During Oshiomhole’s 8-year term, he was the leader of the party and we all deferred to him as our leader. How come he is finding it so difficult to allow Governor Godwin Obaseki to superintend over his space as our leader in Edo State?” He queried.

Idahosa maintained: “Oshiomhole has lost control of himself and this accounted for the loss that the APC suffered in some states during the last general elections.

“At the rate we are going in Edo State, the self-inflicted problems of the APC, caused by Oshiomhole are already depleting our influence in the state. Oshiomhole should do the honourable thing and resign now, so that a more politically mature person who is tolerant of diverse ideas and opinions and who can bring members of the APC across the country together, can take over the affairs of the party.”

He advised leaders of the APC across the country “to remember that Oshiomhole’s brand of politics has created more bad blood and ill feelings among founders and very influential members of the party.”

The APC chieftain added: “The APC is losing states instead of winning more, our influence is waning in some APC-controlled states instead of consolidating on our achievements. We are going to have gubernatorial elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Edo State in the near future and I can assure you that Oshiomhole’s unreasonableness could bring more electoral woes upon the APC, if he remains the national chairman of the party.”

Idahosa further called on members and supporters of the APC to join in his call for Oshiomhole’s resignation, as he lacks the skills to manage the diverse interests in the party, to save the party more crises.

“The APC is not a labour union, with due respect to his achievements as President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). You need tact, experience, finesse, tolerance and respect for constituted authority to successfully lead a party as complex as the APC. Oshiomhole clearly lacks these qualities as we have seen in the past few months he has been the APC National Chairman,” Idahosa added.

https://thebellng.com/oshiomhole-under-threat-as-allies-flock-to-obaseki-in-edo/

https://gwg.ng/2019/06/20/oshiomhole-under-threat-as-allies-flock-to-obaseki-in-edo/

Oshiomhole Under Threat As Allies Flock To Obaseki In Edo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://leadership.ng/2019/06/20/when-edo-lawmakers-were-beaten-to-their-game/

When Edo Lawmakers Were Beaten To Their Game

By Monday Nosakhare

Following their elections in March, 2019, the burden of expectations from their constituents was high principally because of the impressive work of Governor Godwin Obaseki who has been dubbed ‘Wake and See Governor’ by the people over his performance.

However, when the expectation of their constituents were about becoming a reality, the lawmakers, 15 out of the 24 members who are first timers threw caution to the wind by making wild demand on the governor before yielding to his choice of principal leaders of the Assembly.

The governor who, however, remained non-committal to 19 of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) members-elect kept his joker up his sleeve.

The 19 of the member-elect who briefed the media on Monday June17, over the governor’s non proclamation of the House, however met their shocker when the governor released his joker.

The Edo House of Assemly members-elect who had positioned themselves to harvest their demand from Obaseki, were shocked following the inauguration of the Edo 7th Assembly and subsequent election of Hon. Frank Okiye and Hon. Yekini Idaiye as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly where they were conspicuously absent from the inaugural sitting the same day they held press conference.

The new members-elect, before making their demands, failed to realise that there were certain process of documentation they had to go through before being inaugurated.

For one, before submitting themselves to the Clerk of the House with the issuance of INEC certificate of returns, it is expected that they must have filled the Code of Conduct form. This many of them failed to realised and started making demands on the governor.

Mr Tom Uloko, a social critic and human rights activist, while commending the governor and the inaugurated lawmakers, noted that the 15 others that failed to show up for the inauguration, were never prepared for the business of representing their constituents.

According to him, “whether they show up or not, they failed to realise that only 1/3 members-elect was needed to form quorum for the inauguration. In any case, how many of them were even prepared for the inauguration? Many of them are yet to do the necessary documentation in order to present themselves to the Clerk of the House who is the only person who knows when the House is to be inaugurated.

“The constitution says the governor shall send the letter of proclamation to the Clerk of the House who shall read it to members who present themselves. So, he (Clerk) has dealt with only those that had presented themselves.”

Another social commentator, Mr Odon Omokhudu in his message titled “Operation Puff Adder” to the inaugurated members said, a member-elect is not the same as an honourable member of any legislative arm of government “the former has not been sworn in while the latter has been sworn in and legally equipped to carry out legislative duties.”

Omokhudu said the Nigerian constitution was silent on how many members are required for inauguration.

“Most people mistake a quorum for a functional House to be applicable to a legally non existing House. It is not compulsory that every member elect must be present for inauguration.

“The inauguration of the House cannot be put off for example, if majority of the members elect perpetually refuse to make themselves available for inauguration for whatever reasons. If the contrary happens, the business of legislation will be held hostage. God forbids.

“The sole business of the House on the day of inauguration is strictly for the election of principal officers that will pilot the affairs of the House and the swearing in of members-elect as legal members of the legislature.

“It is after the swearing in and the constitution of the House that you can now talk of a quorum. As it stands now, the quorum of the Edo State House of Assembly will be based on nine (9) that have been sworn in and not 24. What this means is that the quorum required for legislative duties as at today is three (3) and not eight (.

“Those who were not present for inauguration and swearing in are not yet members of the Edo State House of Assembly. They are still members elect. If they doubt me, I challenge them to go to court for interpretation.

My take in all of these is that the Pro Obaseki legislators made use of their brains and lunched an operation Puff Adder on what was clearly a disadvantaged situation for them.

“To me, I score those legislators high because law makers who make laws are supposed to make use of their brains and not their fists. They have boldly confronted and defeated an emerging godfather.

As it stands now, I can bet that the others will be shut out of the Assembly Complex for a very long time. The tide has turned and mark my words they will be sworn in one after the other after they may have begged to be sworn in. This fight is going to be long and we are just in round one of twelve rounds of what promises to be a very long fight.


– Nosakhare, a public affairs commentator, writes from Benin[b][/b]

…APC National Chairman may be Nigeria’s ambassador to Asian country

President Muhammadu Buhari has tipped the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for an ambassadorial appointment.

Sources close to the Presidency hinted that Oshiomhole’s choice was informed by the former governor’s labour background where he made his mark as an astute negotiator, a skill the Buhari administration seeks, to deepen bilateral relations with countries where Nigeria has strategic interest.

Some sources speculate that Oshiomhole is on his way to China to serve as Nigeria’s ambassador in that country, to strengthen growing trade and other relations between both countries.

Nigeria is currently in a series of robust bilateral engagements with China covering trade; culture; lines of credit for infrastructure financing; and several other areas.

Specifically, the China Exim-Bank has extended lines of credit to the Nigerian government to finance rail and other infrastructure, while the Chinese construction giant, CCECC renders construction and engineering services across the country.

If Buhari’s interest in Oshiomhole pulls through, the ambassadorial slot for Edo State currently held by Uyi Igbe, who is serving in Mozambique, will go to Edo North, in the person of Oshiomhole.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/obaseki-the-quintessential-governor/


By Kenny Odeworitse Okotie

Love him, hate him! Mr. Godwin Obaseki is an enigma. A colossus, whose kind of politics since assuming office in 2016 as the Executive Governor of Edo State has caught the traditional politicians in the state napping. It is now, “business unusual.” Edolites love him, the common man on the streets also love him, the market women adore him.

Since coming into power, he has embarked on massive infrastructural development in all nooks and crannies of the state, thus endearing him to the people. For example in Esanland, towns and villages like Ekpoma, Irrua, Uromi, Ubiaja, Ewu, Ibore and several others too numerous to mention have been uplifted, schools renovated, rural and sub-urban roads revamped, Erosion threats and challenges checked, water scarcity confronted.

Within this three years span, there has been massive improvement on the state’s economy and diversification of the economic base of the state. Thus, he has been managing very well the scarce resources from the federation accounts. Not done yet, roads and adjourning streets are being asphalted and reconstructed, work is ongoing night and day to complete the neglected secretariat/Palm House building at Sapele Road in Benin City, abandoned for over 40 years.

The Benin Technical College is undergoing massive transformation and ultimately, when completed, will be able to train youths on technical skills in engineering, amongst others. This is in accordance with the realities of the present age. That is, vocational and technical skills that will make them not only self-reliant but also employers of labour.

The Edo State innovation hub at I.C.E. Road, Benin City is to assist the teeming unemployed youths to develop their innate abilities and acquire useful information and technology skills. This will inevitably enable them to develop business plans, write business proposals and essentially how to source for funds to commence small and medium scale businesses.

Due to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s insatiable urge for innovation, the Edo job portal has been created. This is simply a transparent and credible way of appointing qualified candidates into the state civil service through this job portal. That is to say, graduates of Edo State indigenes can upload their credentials and application using the website (www.edojobs.edostate.gov.ng)

This is in keeping faith with one of his electoral promise in creating over 200,000 jobs for Edo state people through partnership with both private and public sector operators, thereby eliminating the use of god-fatherism to secure appointments into the state’s civil service.

Obaseki is calm, calculated and has a reticent personae. Despite his convoy, being pelted with stones by hostile youths of Edo Central (Esan) at a time, he was unperturbed to bring the dividends of democracy to their doorsteps.

Not finished yet, the great unforgotten legend of democracy, Ambrose Alli was re-enacted in a quiet and standard event to mark the 29th anniversary of the death of the Esan and Edo political icon and hero who inadvertently set the stage for what gave Bendel State (Edo and Delta), the edge to compete with the rest of the Western region of Nigeria as one of the most educationally advanced parts of the country.

On September 22, 2018, all of Edo and Delta and the rest of the country stood still and paid tributes to this hero-Ambrose Alli, who unfortunately has been treated poorly for decades. Also, recall that Chief Anthony Anenih, an Esan man, who bestrode the political space under the alias of “Mr Fix it”, was given a hero’s burial despite being in the main opposition party (PDP).

Whether he will run for a second tenure in 2020 largely depends on the people of the state. Why wouldn’t he, if he has worked credibly to the satisfaction of Edolites.

Apart from the array of traditional politicians, who feel sidelined by not getting their “cut” from the state’s treasury, he has performed well to the admiration of the people, whose sole interest is uppermost in his mind. Despite the resistance of the APC leaders, Obaseki has been getting accolades and endorsements from the party leadership in the state. Suffice it to say that his support base is swelling by the day as the people he has defended these past three years are lining up behind him.

In a statement by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Chris Azebamwan, “Members were unanimous in their conclusion that the House of assembly election results equates to a referendum of the administration and the performance of Mr. Godwin Obaseki as governor. It, therefore, amounts to an implicit and explicit vote of confidence on him by the citizens of Edo State who have, in very clear and unmistakable terms indicated their preference for a House of Assembly that would be supportive of the vision and mission of the governor without distraction whatever.” The state exco, he added, “resolved that in line with the mandate, the party would continue to sustain its avowed commitment to give the government and administration of Obaseki the needed support to keep it focused and on track.”

By and large, Governor Godwin Obaseki is a democrat, technocrat, an administrator par excellence and a detribalised Edolite.

LONG LIVE ABADINGO ABADANGO FOUNDATION! LONG LIVE NIGERIA!!

Okotie is the Founder/Chairman of Abadingo Abadango Foundation (AAF)

https://www.thecable.ng/obasekis-commitment-to-edo-peoples-mandate-is-irrevocable

Obaseki’s commitment to Edo people’s mandate is irrevocable

*Recently, media reports have indicated that the cordial relationship between Edo State governor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, and the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman and immediate past governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, also popularly known as ‘Osho Baba’, is heading for the rocks. It is not difficult to understand why this scenario is playing out even though there have been several denials of the reports by both sides.*

In our kind of politics, an estranged relationship is a normal and every day event; we enjoy celebrating mediocrity because that’s just the way we are. It partly explains why, as a nation, Nigeria has refused to move forward – we find it difficult to embrace the concept of ‘big ideas’. Every conversation is reduced to a commercial transaction; we seem to forget in a hurry that money is the root of all evils.

Speculations that Governor Obaseki will be denied a second term by an emerging force allegedly loyal to Comrade Oshiomholeare unhelpful because they are a source of distraction for hardworking Governor Obaseki who is focused and very keen to deliver on his mandate to Edo people. In typical Nigerian speak, what you hear is that His Excellency is not ‘playing ball’, the popular euphemism among politicians when public funds or contracts are not shared to party members. The story also making the rounds that Obaseki is not paying obeisance to Osho Baba – whatever that means — is not true; it is another allegation from the pit of hell scripted by those who do not mean well for Edo State, the ‘Heart Beat of the Nation’.

I watched closely three years ago how Osho Baba campaigned vigorously for Obaseki in the run up to the elections and he did a very good job marketing Obaseki’s credentials and the party’s manifesto at every campaign rally. My view is that Comrade Oshiomhole picked a worthy successor based on his own experience and deep insights and even if there are differences between them, I’m confident they will mend fences and make peace in the overall interest of Edo people. They have always related to each other as friends and brothers with shared values for the inclusive development of the state.

The truth of the matter is that we have some bad losers in Edo State who are using Osho Baba’s name in vain to gain recognition. Their primary objective is to cause bad blood between Governor Obaseki and the APC National Chairman. These greedy party men display an egregious sense of entitlement; they are heckling and blackmailing Obaseki because they lack the courage to confront him. The irony is that these same peoplehave always been in government since the days of Chief Lucky Igbinedion, the erstwhile governor of Edo State, and they are hell bent on causing disaffection within the party but they will not succeed. Some of them were commissioners when Oshiomhole was governor, and their grudge is that Obaseki is ‘not carrying party members along’ – same old story.

By November, Obaseki would be marking his third anniversary in office – it will be headlined by his signature event, ‘Alaghodaro’, as he had done in the past.‘Alaghodaro’ means His Excellency is committed to moving Edo State forward to achieve enduring wealth and prosperity for the people. His solid private sector background stands him in good stead all the time and it has helped to nurture his strategic management approach to governance. It is evident the bad loserswho are no longer feeding fat on party patronage are worried and unhappy that Obaseki, popularly called the ‘Wake and See Governor’because of his outstanding record of performance, could be given a second and well deserved mandate by the Edo people during the gubernatorial elections next year.

In a fitting response to the bad losers recently, the governor, while receiving Muslim faithful at the government house to mark the end of Ramadan, said the era of sharing public funds to “a few greedy politicians” was over. According to a story in The Cable newspaper, the governor said public funds at the disposal of the state will be used for the benefit of the people and development of the state.Obaseki also said the plot of detractors to frustrate his administration will never come to fruition. He called on his guests and people of the state to “continue to pray for the administration to succeed.”

“Only God gives power. What is going on in Edo State is the handiwork of detractors who want to frustrate the administration so we can fail in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. But that will never happen,” he said. “As a governor, I will continue to do my best and spend the state’s resources to ensure the people get the best.

“The election is still a year ahead. What is playing out is a plan by very few greedy people who are concerned about themselves. We will continue to do our best in paying our workers and pensioners, and will continue to develop the state as the time for sharing money is over. The resources of the state are meant for the people.”

Since Obaseki assumed office in 2016, he has provided effective leadership by creating a culture of transparency and robust engagement; he’s also encouraging innovation,creative enterprise and accelerating development through the PPP model (public-private partnership) such as the Gelegele Seaport. His thematic pillars of development include healthcare, education, arts, culture and tourism; housing, technology, industrialisation and security.

The rich cultural heritage and the immense tourism potentials of the state are attracting significant interests from investors around the world. With the over 50 tourist sites already identified, tourism is being positioned strongly as a major revenue stream for the state in the years ahead. The hills in Ososo serve as a touristic backdrop for the annual Ososo Carnivalin Akoko Edo local government area while Edofest is another annual showcase of the tradition, culture and lifestyle of the Edo people. In October, the state will be hosting the National Arts Festival (NAFEST) in Benin City, the state capital. The state will also be hosting the National Sports Festival next year – both events will not only attract a lot of visitors, they will enhance the value chain of the local economy.

Obaseki’s administration has transformed the education sector. For example, there has been significant improvement in the development of infrastructure in schools throughout the state. In addition, over 7,000 teachers upgraded their skills in digital applications. In the healthcare sector, the governor strengthened all aspects of primary healthcare — he remodeled over 50 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state but his target is 200 units as part of his plan to achieve improved wellbeing of Edo people under the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (EDOHIP). The state and all the 18 local governments save one percent of their federal allocation for investment in the healthcare sector.

Over 100,000 jobs have been created by the governor in the private and public sectors in the state although he promised to create about 200,000 jobs. The government initiated job matching skills, acquisition and entrepreneurship development, Edo Innovate, Train-to-Hire, Edojobs Internship Scheme for graduates and artisans, Edo Food and Agriculture Clusters, Edo Film and TV Village and Edo Production Centre. “These initiatives are to develop the entrepreneurship skills of our people, as well as create massive employment and jobs in the state,” says Obaseki.

His other achievements include investment in the housing sector – the first phase of Emotan Garden Estate will be delivered before the end of this year. The cost of acquiring a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) has been reduced significantly to N50,000 and His Excellency also spearheaded the installation of night landing facilities at the Benin airport, a project funded by the state government.

Braimah is a public relations and marketing strategist based in Lagos.

Following President Muhammadu Buhari intervention in the crisis of confidence rocking Edo State chapter of the APC, Governor Godwin Obaseki last night met with the embattled National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomohle in Abuja.

The tense meeting held on the express request of the president had in attendance mutual friends of the Governor and the increasingly isolated former governor, comrade Adams Oshiomohle, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

At the meeting, Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed his concerns at the deliberate plans of Oshiomohle to blackmail and destabilize his administration using thugs and some of his frustrated ex officials. Obaseki expressed his readiness to deal decisively with criminal agents Oshiomohle has hired to constitute nuisance in Edo State.

Responding, Adams Oshiomohle who did not deny the allegations, accused Obaseki of ignoring his orders to refer all policy decisions to him for vetting and approval, thus making him the Prescribed Authority Of Edo State. He also accused Obaseki who challenging his right to solely nominate all the nominees for Federal Board appointments . Oshiomohle promised to cease these attacks on Obaseki, only if Obaseki can help him intervene in the secret investigation of his alleged fraudulent demands and collection of money totally 60 Million Dollars from prospective aspirants during last party primary.

According to sources close the investigation, secret service officials are in possession it large incriminating evidence linking Adams Oshiomohle to all sleazy allegations. Recall that in November, 2018, Adams Oshiomohle was arrested by a special elites squad of the Department of State Security and detained in their underground cell for three days before he was granted administrative bail.

In another development, Adams Oshiomohle has withdrawn from public view and occasion after his disgraceful ouster from Eagle Square, Abuja, when he breached protocol and went and stood akimbo on a line and position reserved for military brass. He has been temporarily ease of State Functions in the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja making him terrified greatly since he left power over two years ago.

Also, following the confidential memo his National Legal Adviser, Babatunde Ogala wrote to the Presidency on the cause of serial legal challenges the party is facing in different courts in consequence of the mismanaged party primary, Comrade Adams Oshiomohle is seeking for forgiveness from Chief John Odigie Oyegun to enable him have a united front. But Oyegun is unyielding and is mobilizing his Northern friends to remove Oshiomohle. It seems that Comrade Adams Oshiomohle will not be National Chairman Of APC when the Balyesa and Kogi gubernatorial elections would be held.

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