The Governor of Niger state, Governor Abu Sani Bello directed his Chief of Staff, Alh. Ibrahim Balarabe Kagara to hold a meeting with ADC (Anti Drugs Consumption) private security organization to discuss how to complement the efforts of security agencies in checking the activities of hoodlums who take advantage of the peaceful nature of Minna to exercise their wickedness on the unsuspecting public.

The partnership is expected to improve the security situation of the state especially in respect to petty criminals who are in the business of snatching residents’ valuables, stealing of streetlights batteries and panels, breaking of vehicles and shops.

With ADC security, the Governor is sure that the best solution is to engage them so that people can go to their houses and sleep soundly without fear.

The Chief of Staff who delivered the Governor’s message, is particularly dismayed and troubled by the unruly behavior of young people who use crude weapons against each other in the name of yan daba. He disclosed that Governor Bello has made it clear that such criminal activities shall not be tolerated and anyone caught would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Further, the Governor stressed that the private security must operate within the confines of the law, and in conjunction with relevant security agencies. As such all apprehended criminals by ADC should be promptly handed over to security agencies.

The pilot scheme will begin from Minna and it will subsequently be extended to all the 25 Local Government Areas of the state. His Excellency has directed modalities be worked upon for immediate action. Every security organisation to be engaged will be thoroughly profiled.

Responding, the Commandant of ADC appreciated the Governor and pledged to do more in making sure that the security of the state capital is improved and the sanity Minna is known for is restored.

Abdullberqy U Ebbo
DG, SOU, ICT and Public Enlightenment

cc: mynd44

Adeyanju Binuyo, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described a newspaper report titled “Osun deputy chief of staff charged with $120,000 fraud” as mischievous and equally misleading.

In a statement signed by Wahab Ismail Esq, counsel to Mr Binuyo, added that the Deputy Chief of Staff was just a mere witness and not a party to the said failed business and “cannot be liable in the face of the law.”

The statement reads thus; “It was done deliberately to cast aspersions on the person of Prince Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola.

“While it is true that Binuyo was just a mere witness and not a party to the said failed business, he cannot be liable in the face of the law.

“At any rate, even the amount involved in the business, which is $100, 000 and not $120, 000, has been refunded in full to the party concerned almost a year ago. It was received by one Tunde Ajala, which was duly acknowledged by his Counsel as well and witnessed by the Police.

“Again, nothing in the Police Charge, suggests that Binuyo was liable. We have called the attention of the Police to the information.

“However, while we await the Police to clear the air on the damaging misinformation, we feel obliged to put the facts straight and urge members of the public to disregard the story in its entirety.

“If the said Tunde Ajala feels he has any claim against Binuyo the appropriate step to take is to approach the Court and not to use blackmail instruments and peddling of lies to malign and damage the good reputation of Binuyo

“We also appeal to media houses to always strive to seek to hear the other side to any story to prevent falling for the mischief of some Nigerians, whose only preoccupation is to pull down fellow Nigerians for political and pecuniary reasons.

“We will seek every legal option available to deal with this wrongful, false and misleading allegation levelled against Binuyo.

cc: mynd44

AKWA IBOM @ 33

CELEBRATING FULFILLMENT OF THE PROMISE: UNITY, PEACE AND SECURITY

By Samuel Brown

Akwa Ibom people have lived as a nation with complementary variety of ethnic groups even before recorded history. The bond of brotherliness was so strong that during the colonial period the Ibibio Union asked for recognition by the British as a sovereign nation.



Indeed, Akwa Ibom founding fathers initiated communal sponsorship of Nigerians abroad to acquire the whiteman's knowledge and formed the core political intelligentsia that started agitation for statehood.



Although, it took about forty years to actualize the dream of Akwa Abasi Ibom State, the people remained resilient, hopeful and never took up arms against the country to fast track their aspiration.



This inherent peace has been the backbone of our continuous coexistence.



Since State creation, thirty three years ago, every administration has made efforts to sustain the peace, unity and security of Akwa Ibom State through equitable distribution of resources and sharing of political power. The current administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel is however the best in this regard. He towers above others in ensuring inclusiveness irrespective of dialect or political leaning.



The governor believes God ordained him to lead the State at these challenging times and insists that Akwa Ibom can only grow in prosperity if there is peace and unity. He has stated at various fora that “we have everything to become great and prosperous. We are a wonderful and hospitable people, creative, daring, innovative and God-fearing, all that is needed is for us to rally round a leader who will galvanise these wonderful impulses and get us to see the possibilities that lay out there".



His efforts at uniting the State is succinctly captured by Chris Umoette in his write-up "Udom: Driving unity in A’Ibom with Completion Agenda", where he asserts that Governor Emmanuel is working on the theory that the State of his dream cannot become a reality without a strong foundation laid by peace and unity – a State whose indigenes would work with unanimity of purpose for the common good.



Governor Emmanuel is fulfilling the promise of statehood by seeking to return the people to the era of their forebears when the unity that prevailed did not recognize dialect or sub-ethnicity. "A state that was homogeneous in culture and contiguous in thoughts and language, the thread that linked this noble aspiration was the uplifting and inspiring belief that we are one people, united by the lone ingredient that has shaped all known societies: the need to live in a united, safe, secure and prosperous society where people are free to dream, dare and drive, where the circumstances of one’s birth or the axis of his or her geography will not limit the individual’s capacity to succeed”.



But, such unity today can only be borne out of tolerance and political inclusion. This is why Governor Emmanuel repeatedly and unequivocally speaks against imposition and supports zoning down to the minutest political unit. Already, he has shown an unprecedented strength and political will to pull down barriers, often raised by political parties, to unite the State and has not reneged on his promise of political inclusion at the inter-party level.



His position on the matter is that “elections are over, we are now in governance, and we encourage our brothers on the other side of the political divide to join us in developing the state”. To affirm this, he received the Chief Executive Officer of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, who paid him a courtesy visit in the Government House, Uyo. Incidentally, this was his major rival during the 2015 governorship election.



Subsequently, he appointed a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and a serving member of the State caucus of the party, Chief Enefiok Ekefre, as his honourary Special Adviser on Mobilisation and appointed members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Akwa Ibom state, into the 31 local government committees for the disbursement of COVID-19 palliative.



There have been substantial payouts to justify Governor Emmanuel's decision to maintain cordial relationship with Akwa Ibom sons and daughters in other political parties. For example the smooth processing of airworthiness certification for aircrafts on Ibom Air fleet, rapid approval of the proposed Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone in the State, to mention just a few.



Akwa Ibom State has enjoyed a long period of uniterrupted peace and security mainly due to the peaceful disposition of Governor Emmanuel. It was in view of this peaceful aura that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Jamil Sarham described Akwa Ibom as most peaceful State among the 36 states with the lowest crime rate. The Army General did not hesitate to commend the Governor and the people of the state for the peaceful co-existence.



In further pursuit of sustainable peace and security in the State, on 16 March, 2020, Governor Emmanuel took a decisive action to ban secret cult, societies and groups promoting violent behaviours in Akwa Ibom State when he signed into law the Cultism and Other Violent Behaviour (Prohibition) Order, 2020 for the state. By this new law, 65 cult groups were proscribed.



Reiterating his administration’s commitment to maintaining the State’s record in safety, security and investor -friendliness, as well as ensuring a future for the Akwa Ibom youth, the Governor said the new law was expanded to cover components not covered in the previous law.



Similarly, the Governor has invested in State security architecture by donating patrol vehicles to security agencies in the State to enable their personnel carry out effective monitoring of the state. Going further, the administration has improved surveillance of the gateways into the State by erecting Hi-Tech CCTVs at strategic locations along its entry points. This has given relevant security agencies a 24/7 surveillance on who enters or exits the State. Beyond enabling the adminstration to control movement during the Covid-19 Nationwide lockdown, it has been very useful in curbing criminal activities in the State.

cc: mynd44

Anniversary Speech: De-emphasize partisanship, let's build A'Ibom - Gov Emmanuel to stakeholders
...appeals for continuous peaceful co-existence among citizens

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has called on stakeholders to de-emphasize partisan politics and come together to build a solid State for posterity.

The governor made this appeal during his statewide broadcast to commemorate the thrirty third anniversary of the state creation, on Wednesday.

Harping on the importance of patriotism, he said, "I call on our stakeholders across the political divide not to de-market the State or to sponsor spurious and false allegations against those they disagree with politically. We should not poison the well of our brotherhood with vitriolic attacks on our leaders using blackmail and other unwholesome tendencies".

He expressed gratitude to God for the creation of Akwa Ibom State and for bringing the State thus far, and paid glowing tributes to all the leaders who in the last 33 years had the privilege and the onerous task of leading the State, saying their leadership helped transform the State from a once rural landscape, whose Capital City of Uyo, was a dusty provincial town into what today, has become a destination of choice by Nigerians.

He revealed that through divine guidance the State has remained on the path to greatness, despite several challenges, adding that "for more than five years, and counting, with your prayers and support, and in spite of the turbulent economic climate that has defined most of the years I have been in the saddle, we have experienced great and wonderful years of renaissance, of the reawakening of the Akwa Ibom identity. We have seen five and half years of great developmental strides that have confounded the cynics, and drawn admirations even from those on the opposite side of the political divide. It could only have been God!

"My dear Compatriots, 33 is a very significant number. It was the year our Lord Jesus died on the Cross in order to set us free of our sins. On this 33 years of our Anniversary, may it mark the beginning of our release to experience the fulfilment of our huge potentials as a State, and may whatever sins we may have committed be forgiven and a new chapter of development, of continuous peaceful co-existence, of enduring love for one another, of the respect to our Emblem, Flag and Creed of our collective identity which would be launched later this morning, remain the cords that bind us all. May God continue to remember us as a people and as a State with His enduring favour, grace and His salvation.

"Once again let us share the joy of this milestone. But let us remember that when the children of Isreal occupied the promised land, Caleb was not satisfied. He said that as his strength was in the days of Moses so was his strength in the days of Joshua and he demanded for a mountain to be given to him. As our strength was when this State was created so is it now and he who brought us into this land shall give us every mountain that we want in this country -mountains of entrepreneurship, mountains of peace, mountains of prosperity, mountains of professional excellence and mountains of spiritual glory. Let’s celebrate while praying for the mountains tomorrow."

The governor however used the ocassion to lay to rest issues surrounding his succession, warning "there is no need to heat up the system with unnecessary and unhelpful agitations for 2023 succession plans.

"When the time comes, our God, to whom all power belong will guide and direct our footsteps.

" Let me use this opportunity to caution all those who may entertain certain devious political ambitions to refrain from some of the antics which we already are aware of. Akwa Ibom people will be monitoring you to see if you are executing the task for which you were selected out of seven million people or you are busy using government’s time to indulge in a project which time has not yet come".

cc: lalasticlala

... Pledges to move State towards self-sufficiency

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, today, led the people and lovers of the state in a special thanksgiving service to kickstart state's 33rd anniversary celebration coming up on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Governor Emmanuel, speaking during the event at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, thanked God for unity and progress and for keeping the state safe. He expressed regrets over restrains from holding the usual large gathering imposed by the ongoing pandemic and assured all citizens joining the event online of equal blessing.

Describing 33 as a significant number that has marked major turning points in world event, the governor said the anniversary celebration will mark a new dawn for Akwa Ibom state.

Hear him:-

"I really thank God for the entire citizenry of this state. For the past 33 years, we cannot fail to appreciate God. ...33 is recognized as the master number which gives the potential to grow to higher consciousness. At 33 Jesus Christ fulfilled his mission of sacrificing his life to save mankind. As the leader of this state, I believe 33 will mark the beginning of our release into realizing and fulfilling our dreams as a state".

He thanked the Akwa Ibom founding fathers, past leaders, elders, security agencies and other stakeholders in the state for their contributions to keep the state united and safe, as he urged Akwa Ibom people to remain united in the interest of the state.
"I use this occasion also to acknowledge and appreciate all our leaders for the past 33 years, our fathers who have supported different governments that have been in this state over the years. For the 33 years, so many have come; as governors, military administrators and every other person, contributed their own and left. We have to understand no single person can do it all. You just come, do the best of your ability and service, then God will take up from there", he said.

He said the Akwa Ibom has remained stronger and united over the years and that with the formidable economic foundation so far laid for the state and that as successive governments continue to build on it over time, Akwa Ibom will not celebrate golden jubilee as a state in want.

"We have made progress tremendously as a people. We have laid a solid economic foundation for this state and will continue to build on it overtime. I know, the Lord who has begun a the good work is faithful to see us through. I will do the best I can with God's given ability to move the state forward. As we move ahead God will help us; we will not celebrate Golden Jubilee as a state in poverty, darkness or want", Emmanuel said.

He Governor cautioned against creating unnecessary political tension over 2023 elections, reaffirming his resolve to focus on good governance with hope that God will favour the state with a worthy successor as he did for Israel in choosing Joshua to succeed Moses.

In his words, "please, as we celebrate 33 years, I don't expect people to create unnecessary tension because of politics. The day I was sworn in for second term I said election was over and that it was time for governance and in governance we don't relate with people based on political party, we relate with you as an Akwa Ibomite and whatever we do is for the sake and the good of this land".

Preaching on the theme, "Remember Me O Lord" drawn from Leviticus 26: 42, the President and founder of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries Int'l, Bishop Francis Wole Oke advised indegenes of the State to believe in God as one who keeps to His covenants.

Highlights of the service included songs of praise to God for His blessings towards the state and prayers for the State, the Governor as well as the people.

cc: mynd44

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki who was massively and overwhelmingly re-elected by the Edo people for a well-deserved second term in office.

In a congratulatory message released by his Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant, Media, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Emmanuel first thanked God for ushering in such a peaceful and credible election in Edo State and drew similarities to what happened last year in his State.

“ Last year, the good people of Akwa Ibom State rose in unison and said no to godfatherism and the much touted Federal might, declaring their fidelity to the supremacy of our ONLY GOD in the Affairs of man. Today, our Brothers and Sisters in Edo State have replicated the same wholesome faith and belief in God over the boastful exuberance of ordinary mortals by voting to return a leader who best represents their values and ethos; a doer and not a talker.

"On behalf of the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I join our brethren in Edo to congratulate our Brother, His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki for securing the trust and faith of the good people of Edo State to superintend over the affairs of the State for another four years. As I have always said, a good job delivered well, means more job to be done. I have no doubt that you will step up to the plate and deliver big time for the Edo people. Let me also congratulate our great party, the PDP and of course, the INEC for a job well- done!

"Congratulations to Edo people. ONLY GOD!"

cc: lalasticlala

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai has defended President Muhammadu Buhari's policies and efforts at ensuring that the nation enjoys peace and security.

The military Chief made this known while speaking at the Osun State Givernment House in Osogbo during his visit to the state to commission a bailey bridge and hospital constructed by the Nigerian Army Engineers in collaboration with the Army HQ Department of Civil- Military Affairs for Owu Kuta and Asamu communities in the state.

The Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola had hosted Buratai in September 14 after the commissioning at Owu Kuta.

He said some Nigerians, whom he described as enemies of the country, have wrong perceptions about the Buhari led Federal Government and have been using the social media to spread this fake and unfounded projections.

He debunked the rumour that there might be famine in Nigeria owing to the security challenges in the North East and appealed to Nigerians to ensure they verify news before believing it.

Lt Gen Buratai was reacting to the goodwill message of Lt General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), a former Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, at the State Government Banquet Hall.

In his message, Akinrinade commended the COAS for building a bridge at the Osun River that links Kuta, Ikoyi and Ede Communities of Osun State. He also appreciated Buratai for graciously complimenting the efforts of the State Government who has given public health care priority in the development of the State.

He asked Buratai to look into some matters which he said are rampart on social media and that have throwing him into distress, of which he wnated Buratai to convey to the President Buhari.

The first matter according to him "is the pervasive public perception/believe (which does not necessarily represent the true position of Mr President) that the President was an ‘ethnic bigot, an irredeemable religious fundamentalist that firmly subscribes and promotes the possibility of his ethnic Fulani to take over the country, which was the reason why he does not interfere in curbing the brigandage of the Fulani herdsmen.

Furthermore, the elder statesman concluded that going by the perception or belief of the public, the President has performed woefully in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists and that he cannot rise to the occasion when it comes to reflecting the heterogeneous composition of the country in appointments to sensitive positions in his government.

He therefore called on the president to read the riot act against the perpetrators of this mischief.

The second matter according to the former CDS is that sometimes, he hears that there are Fulani mercenaries from outside Nigeria being sponsored by some Nigerians. From what he heard, the situation is so dire that in collaboration with unexpected bad weather this year, a famine is imminent as the country is “already burrowing grains from the ECOWAS countries” because farmers are being forced to abandon their farms”.

He therefore suggested that the President should “read the riot act to the Fulani herdsmen” adding that it is not acceptable for any foreigner by whatever name to enter Nigeria illegally and molest Nigerians because “they are not welcome”.

According to General Akinrinade, the country should not, by mistake of omission or commission allow Nigerians to degenerate to self-help which is a sure route to anarchy and perdition that will not go away".

The former military Chief thereafter accepted that these difficult matters cannot be addressed in abstract as the whole buck stops on the President's table. He therefore suggested that the President “needs to shape up, read the riot act to our people and enlist them in unwavering cooperation to participate fully in the redemption of their country ".

According to him, since he was sure the President is aware of the hues and cries from all corners and crannies of the country for secession as if the country has not been there before, there is a need for him to “stand on his table against the motley crowd of advisers and take a firm stand on the restructuring of the country, physically, politically, economically and socially”.

He also advocated for the reorganization of the Armed Forces “which is long overdue and over flogged as if it is such an impossibility because it is what is required to move the country out of the doldrums into modernity and cannot afford to pass it on”.

“We may end up without a country, as no country has been known to survive two civil wars. He (Buhari) can take better counsel in the appointment to the sensitive parts of his government. There are capable loyal men and women from every village in the country," Akinrinade advised.

Reacting, Buratai thanked Gen Akinrinade (Rtd) for identifying the negative impacts of the social media in spreading falsehood and fake news in the country.

The COAS also said the retired General has identified the wrong perceptions being projected by the enemies of the country noting that people should not rely on social media reports which are mostly fake and largely unfounded.

He further advised the Retired General on the need for statesmen of his caliber to take the pains of verifying information before making conclusions on them.

On the perception of likely famine in the country this year, the COAS Lt Gen TY Buratai assured the gathering that there is no cause for alarm as there won’t be any famine in Nigeria because farmers have gone back to their farms.

Gen Buratai said:-

"I just left the North West where Exercise SAHEL SANITY is ongoing and many farmers have so far returned to their farms. Our troops are providing security to farmers and the bandits are being dealt with decisively. From all indications we are expecting a bumper harvest this year".

Gen Buratai further informed that the Nigeria Army and other security agencies are doing everything possible to ensure that the terrorists and bandits are never allowed to cross over to the southern parts of the country.

He also observed that the issue of restructuring is a political matter and he only commented on security issues raised by the retired General. He further reiterated the apolitical stance of the Nigeria Army.

The Army boss then implored all to continue to cooperate with the Federal Government and support the ongoing efforts to rid the country of all forms of insecurity.

One does not need to be clairvoyant or partisan to project that the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s to lose. The available accretion of variables makes such projection almost indubitable. 

This does not in any way negate the fact that it will go down in the state’s history as one of the most keenly contested governorship elections, because of the antecedents of the two leading candidates, the peculiarities of their emergence and what they are promising the people. 


Unlike Ize-Iyamu, Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate is on this expedition with disillusioned and disgruntled co-passengers, no thanks to his 11th-hour entry and eventual corralling of the party’s governorship ticket.


He was a member of the APC, who defected just last June and was given the PDP’s governorship ticket thereby extinguishing the aspirations of longstanding members of the party. Those ones have not forgiven the party leadership and Obaseki for muscling them out of the race. 


This, perhaps, is why Obaseki is still considered a stranger in the party and not trusted enough not to jump ship against the groundswell of rumours that the governor just wants victory by all means to spite his estranged godfather and former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and that the moment he gets it, he would return to the APC, leaving the PDP high and dry. 


Impeccable sources within the EDO PDP contended that this knowledge explains the party’s ambivalence about putting out its entire arsenal to ensure his victory. 


But the scenario is markedly different for Ize-Iyamu. A founding member of the PDP in Edo State, he served in the administration of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion from 1999 to 2007 as Chief of

Staff in the first term; and Secretary to the State Government in the second term. 


Beyond his official positions, Ize-Iyamu is acclaimed as a great mobiliser of men and women and a redoubtable grassroots politician, who was pivotal to the two electoral victories of Igbinedion. 


Stronger forces within the PDP then engineered the defection of Ize-Iyamu, who left with his supporters to join the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In the new party, the Ize-Iyamu supporters operated under the Grace Group, which worked relentlessly for the victory of Oshiomhole in 2007 though he would later reclaim his mandate via the court in 2008.


Ize-Iyamu rose in the ACN, one of the legacy parties that formed the APC, to the position of the national vice-chairman, South-South Zone. Noteworthy is that after Oshiomhole had been rejected by his own Labour Party, the PDP and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), it was the Grace Group that made his acceptance by the ACN seamless and successful. 


Under the auspices of the ACN, Ize-Iyamu also served as the Director-General of Oshiomhole’s second term Campaign Organisation and he delivered. He would only return to the PDP, when the same Oshiomhole gratuitously refused to support his ambition to succeed him in 2016. But now, Ize-Iyamu is back in the APC, where he is at home with the leaders and loyalists. 


Accordingly, one of the best things that Ize-Iyamu has done is to make a sharp contrast between himself and Obaseki. The first argument is that, Ize-Iyamu is currently not riding on the back of any godfather, a claim Obaseki could not make in 2016, when Oshiomhole almost single-handedly handled his campaign. Even now, he is being propped by the PDP machinery and his power of incumbency. 


The second is that having spent so many years as an astute grassroots mobiliser, Ize-Iyamu has mastered the language and nuances of electioneering and has got the people energetic and enthusiastic again with his SIMPLE Agenda, whereas Obaseki’s Make Edo Great Again agenda has been mirthless and mechanical.


After enduring three years of grim governance, it is unlikely that any more rhetoric from Obaseki can invigorate the enervated people of Edo State. Obaseki is a deeply flawed man. If he remained at just an ingrate, who betrayed Oshiomhole, the man that brought him into politics and power, it would have been overlooked as one of those peculiar intrigues and mysteries of Nigerian politics especially. 


But his metamorphosis into an unresponsive and unbridled governor, who detached himself from the socio-economic needs of the people and deviated from a tested and trusted path to a better life for the people, have done him in. 


Further damage has been done to his candidature by his irreverent attempt to bring into disrepute the legacies of his predecessor notably the politicisation of the Benin Central hospital project, which was completed and equipped by Oshiomhole. Obaseki was a part of Oshiomhole’s administration as chairman of the Economic Strategy Team for almost eight years that Oshiomhole was in office. 


He was integral to the completion of the project but on the assumption of office, refused to open it to the public thereby denying the generality of the people of Edo State a world-class healthcare services, citing incongruous and infantile excuses. Three years into his administration, Obaseki launched a probe into the funds that went into building the hospital, forgetting his involvement too. 


He also cited Oshiomhole’s upgrading of the Ekiadolor College of Education to Tayo Akpata University (TAU) as the reason he shutdown the institution permanently since he came to power. 


For closing the Colleges of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi; Abudu, Afuze; the Institute of Continued Education (ICE) and the three Schools of Nursing in Edo State, Obaseki hid under the pretence of renovating the institutions. So many youths were prevented from continuing with their education for a long time and these are the youth he wants to come out to vote for him on September 19th; a tall order, no doubt. 


For the more discerning electorate, it is Obaseki’s ungrateful attitude towards benefactors, which has led to over 70 per cent of his appointees resigning. That rankles! Obaseki and his cheerleaders were in denial all along as they continued to run on their contrived popularity and propaganda but the reality is dawning on them by the day with his administration likened to a revolving door that allows for impulsive exits. 


The resignation, last May, of Taiwo Akerele, the former Chief of Staff, opened the floodgate of resignations of several cabinet members and senior aides in the administration. Another debilitating resignation was that of Patrick Iyoha, the Director, Obaseki/Shaibu Movement, which threw the campaign organisation into disarray, as he was the nerve-centre of Obaseki’s re-election bid. 


But it was not only Iyoha that resigned within the same week; the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omoua Oni-Okpaku; and two members of the State Post Primary Education Board - Mr Gabriel Oiboh, Chairman and Mr Osanyemwere Osawe, a member of the board – also did. Oiboh and Osawe said their resignations followed pressure by Obaseki to defect with him to the PDP. 


On July 27th, three commissioners of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Area Development Commission – Osamwonyi Atu, Emmanuel Odigie and Rilwanu Oshiomhole – who represented Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts respectively – resigned their appointments. The latest is Joseph Ikpea, who resigned his appointment as the Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas, and moved to his Ubiaja hometown in Esan Southeast Local Government, where he returned to the APC 10 days to the election.  If these are no strong indications of a sinking ship, then, nothing is.


Something more fundamental haunts Obaseki and he has turned a blind eye to it. It is his disregard for the Moslem population in the state and insistence on retaining his deputy, Phillip Shaibu, a Christian.

For the first time in the history of democratic governance in the state, Ize-Iyamu did the unthinkable by choosing Malam Gani Audu, a Muslim, as his deputy. 


This is a masterstroke decision, which already guarantees the APC massive votes that would be hard to assail by the opposition. Even more importantly, Ize-Iyamu has out-campaigned other candidates and is doing so on the strength of his manifesto of hope, which he said is the panacea and pivot to launch Edo State on the path to sustainable prosperity and holistic development.


What trumped the APC candidate, as a frontrunner in the race was his very high name recognition – résumé that matches the moment, public office experience and renown as a steady and seasoned administrator, and his well-articulated manifesto of hope entitled ‘The SIMPLE Agenda’.


The acronym, ‘SIMPLE’, stands for Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructure Development, Manpower Development, Public/Private Partnership, Leadership by Example and Employment Creation. Now in a book form, Pastor Ize-Iyamu said recently that the agenda is also a ‘SMART’ document. 

“By this, I mean it is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and, of course, Time-bound,” he said, adding that he decided to document his agenda for the people so that he could be held accountable should he derail from his promises after winning the election. According to him, a government must be accountable and transparent, so, those who want to govern must put what they want to do for the people in black and white. 

Williamns-Balogun wrote from Lagos

cc: mynd44

George Uboh, Chairman GUWN And George Uboh Tv Issues Press Statement On Alleged Financial Infractions By Edo State Governor Obaseki

REPORT ON EDO STATE GOVERNMENT BANK STATEMENTS FROM 2015 TO 2019 ISSUED BY GEORGE UBOH WHISTLEBLOWERS NETWORK (GUWN) THROUGH PRESS STATEMENT ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

George Uboh Whistleblowers Network (GUWN) is in receipt of bank statements from 2015 to 2019 belonging to Edo State Government. We are not unmindful of the fact that there is election around the corner-in a few days-in Edo State. As a Civil Society Organization, we are non-partisan. However, for sake of public interest, we analyze any information sent to us from whistleblowers, some anonymous as in the present case. After analyzing the information, we disseminate to the public whose interest we serve.

See attached letter below:

cc: mynd44

By Samuel Brown

On October 7, 1987, almost a month after General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida announced the creation of Akwa Ibom State, the pioneer governor, Lt. Col. Tunde Ogbehe, gave a profound charge while inaugurating the first State Executive Council at the Uyo Township Stadium.

He declared, “I urge you to be dreamers; dream of broad, tarred and lighted streets in our towns and cities. Dream of industrial estates dotting all over our country-side; dream of blooming economy where our children will receive qualitative education and full employment there after”.

Thirty three years after, Akwa Ibom people led by their fourth civilian governor, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, are enjoying the fulfillment of these dreams. They are witnesses to the realization of the Akwa Ibom Project under a visioner whose refreshing perspective to governance has turned the switch on innovative ideas that push the limits of job options available in the State, opened business opportunities in small and medium scale manufacturing, food production, agro-allied industries and other social services.

Right from 2015, when Gov. Emmanuel took office, he set out to fullfil the yearnings of the founding fathers, which were to make the State self sufficient, peaceful and prosperous. He has rightly encapsulated these desires in his five-point agenda where he promised to create wealth, alleviate poverty, create jobs, consolidate and expand infrastructure, and ensure economic and political inclusion.

One of the strategic initiatives which he chose as a pivot to achieve these five points development agenda was industrialisation. However, he is not pursuing industialiasation alone but also building support systems that will create an environment for industries to survive. In addition, he has set out to develop consolidate on development of the three gateways into the State, which are, air, land and water. Today, everyone whether an Akwa Ibomite or an alien can see, feel and testify that the economy is growing rapidly following the establishment of more than 16 industries so far.

These are some of the industries: Ibom Air,
Syringe Manufacturing Factory (Largest in Africa) , Electric Digital Metering Solutions Manufacturing Factory, Pencil Factory, Toothpick Factory , Resuscitation and Equipping of Moribund Ibom Paints Limited (Former Peacock Paints Industry) , Plastic Producing Factory, Fertilizer Blending Factory , Oil Palm Depot and Ufaini Palm Kernel Crushing Plant.

Others are Kings Flour Mill , Rice Mills, Starch Manufacturing Company, Cassava Processing Mills, Virgin Forest Energy Tank Farm (Petroleum Products Dispensing Reservoir), Plywood and Timber Factory , Tissue Paper Production Factory and Automobile Assembling Plant among many other great industries in the state.


All these have earned Akwa Ibom State a place on global industrial map. There is also is the St. Gabriel coconut oil refinery and plantations which together with others is transforming economy of Akwa Ibom State far beyond its contemporary and steadily weaning itself from a federal allocation dependent and civil service-driven economy into a multi-industrial hub, with great ambitions to become a reference in various economic sectors including aviation and maritime development in the Gulf of Guinea.

Despite the milestones he has recorded, Gov. Emmanuel is not resting on his oars, but continues to paddle rigorously as he captains the State on a voyage to liberation. He has developed an entirely new aviation sector from a rudimentary flight services he met on ground and is exerting effort to get the Ibom deep seaport and the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone started. The administration’s commitment to actualize the deep seaport and adjoining industrial cities linning the entire stretch of the State's coast is an ambitious feat that is worth celebrating too.

Indeed, Akwa Ibom state has come a long way since September 23, 1987. The State has evolved from the 'hinterland' it was called into a preferred destination. At 33 and with a governor such as Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the State is on an uninterrupted journey to Uhuru.

cc: lalasticlala

Education Policy: We’re committed to securing our children’s future - Oyetola

....Receives Panel’s report


The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said his administration is resolved to repositioning the State for the betterment of all the citizens, saying that it is committed to securing future of the children and those unborn.


He said government remains committed to improving every sector as its policies and programmes are driven by citizens' needs.


Governor Oyetola stated these on Monday while receiving the report of the panel of the Education Policy Review Roundtable Summit at the Governor’s Office, Abere, Osogbo.


The Governor  had earlier constituted the Panel led by a renowned educationist, Professor Olu Aina, to look at some extant education policies in the State, with a mandate to review and come up with workable recommendations that could further improve the State’s education system.


Quoting a renowned American author, John C. Maxwell who has written many books on leadership, Oyetola, who noted 'a man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them ,' further said every responsible and responsive government must make people's demands the basis of its policies and implementation.


He added that the need to review the education policy was informed by the people's demand, saying the government would ensure full implementation of whatever that will improve the lots of the people and protect the future of its children.


"It was our desire to hearken to the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry that necessitated this review in the first instance.


"As a government, our policies and programmes are driven by citizens' needs. These needs which were further validated by the United Kingdom Department for International Development's (DFID)- funded Citizens Needs Assessment exercise in Osun, were harvested during the Thank You Tour/Town Hall Meetings, where the people told us in plain language that they wanted some aspects of our educational policies removed, adjusted or improved upon.


"That was what led to the Policy Review Roundtable Summit, the report of which we are receiving today. We are prepared to do what will improve the lots of our people and protect the future of our children.


"As a leader therefore, I am conscious of the need to be just and fair to all manner of people regardless of their leanings in the discharge of my duties. This I will always uphold.


"Finally, let me once again thank the Chairman and members of the Policy Review Panel for investing their time in the future of our children and those unborn.


"Rest assured that your efforts will not be in vain. We will be swift and proactive in debating it at our level with a view to implementing the recommendations without any further delay", Oyetola added.


In his remarks, the Chairman of the panel, Professor Olu Aina, said the panel had painstakingly reviewed and addressed all education-related issues with a view to “strengthening the delivery of quality and affordable education in response to the wishes and yearnings of the people of the State.”


He noted that the panel proposed 11 recommendations within the context of the national education policy and global best practices, saying for instance that  the merging of Primary 5 and 6, though laudable for reason of school feeding initiative, violated the 6-3-3-4 structure.


Prof. Aina added that the creation of “the 4-5-3-4 and the Middle School are unknown to the National Policy on Education (NPE). “


While recommending the retaining of Opon Imo, with some medications, other issues X-rayed by the panel are: policy of mixing male and female pupils in schools established for single sex students and desirability of retaining the posts of Head Masters General and Tutors General in the rank of Permanent Secretary among others.


"The issues were subjected to comprehensive and critical review; they were individually discussed in consideration of situating the education policies of the State of Osun within the context of the overall national education policy and global best practices, and especially considering the interest of students and their parents.


“Even though education is on the concurrent legislative list of the Constitution of Nigeria, a state policy should be closely aligned to, and flow from the National Policy so that products of our education policy and practice are not disadvantaged,” Prof. Aina added.

cc: mynd44

The September 19th governorship election in Edo State comes with a lot of promises and perils for the political legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari. Lest he is unaware, his claims to a lasting, positive legacy for the All Progressives Congress, APC, are dependent largely on the outcome of the Edo, nay Ondo elections. Alas, it is almost common knowledge that, where he is not directly affected, President Buhari can be patently detached while maintaining a Grand Canyon of distance. 

But there is fire on the mountain in Edo State and with the election a few days away, the president needs to shed that passé toga of detachment and adorn the garb of pragmatic proactiveness. This is because the battle for the heart and soul of the state is not just between Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate and APC’s Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; several powerful forces are tugging at the soul of the state for different pecuniary or political reasons. 


As a candidate, Ize-Iyamu has run a good campaign so far. He has creditably sold his SIMPLE (Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructure Development, Manpower Development, Public/Private Partnership, Leadership by Example and Employment Creation) Agenda to the electorate, who now perceives him as a cut above the rest – the one who can liberate them from the shackles of under-development and misgovernance exemplified by the incumbent. 


As someone, who is also firmly rooted in the politics of the state, he has also clearly debunked insinuations in several quarters that if he emerged governor, he would be under the shadows and viselike grip of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole. 


What many don’t know or are deliberately glossing over is that Ize-Iyamu has been in politics at the local and national level longer than Oshiomhole. In 1999, upon the return of democratic government to Nigeria, Ize-Iyamu was appointed as the Chief of Staff to the then Governor of Edo State, Dr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion. 


During Igbinedion’s second term, he was elevated to the post of Secretary to the State Government (SSG). All this while, Oshiomhole was a mere activist and labour leader – serving as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC. Ize-Iyamu later served as national vice-chairman, South-south zone of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the legacy parties that formed the APC.


Because of his understanding of the Edo political terrain and familiarity with the people, Ize-Iyamu was appointed the Director-General of Oshiomhole’s second term Campaign Organisation and he delivered. So, Ize-Iyamu is no neophyte in politics or a yo-yo that can be tossed about by any person masquerading as a godfather. 


This is a fact that has yet to be clearly understood by some frontline members of the APC especially many of the sitting governors and senators, who see Obaseki’s denial of a second term ticket as the handiwork of Oshiomhole. This is the crux of the matter.


Until recently, Oshiomhole was the chairman of the APC. He piggybacked and bankrolled Obaseki’s emergence as governor in 2016. Before that time, Obaseki served in Oshiomhole’s administration as chairman of the Economic and Strategy Team. 


The former governor introduced Obaseki into politics, because all his life, he had been in the private sector as a financial expert and chairman/founder of Afrinvest West Africa Limited (formerly Securities Transactions & Trust Company Limited (SecTrust), which has grown to become a reputable investment banking and management firm in Nigeria. So, Obaseki can legitimately be called Oshiomhole’s political godson. There’s no debating that.


Their common song, however, became a byword, when they fell apart over allegations that Obaseki had become imperious and power-drunk. A case in point was his unconstitutional refusal to inaugurate the House of Assembly in 2019, because he perceived that his predecessor had more loyalists there than he does, which he felt would affect him or so. That issue stagnated legislative activities in the state since last year necessitating the intervention of President Buhari and the National Assembly. The Assembly is still a divided house thereby denying the people quality legislative representation.


Last June, Obaseki defected to the PDP, where he was offered the governorship ticket at the detriment of other aspirants. Many incumbent governors fingered Oshiomhole as being responsible for this defection and went all out to have him removed. 


As the reports go, a delegation of angry APC governors met with the president and presented to him three requests one of which was Oshiomhole’s removal, dissolution of the National Working Committee and the constitution of a caretaker committee headed by Mai Mala Buni, the governor of Yobe State. 


All of these were granted. The president never made any request of the governors. In fact, reports say that they were shocked that he acceded to all their requests. 


Like the President noted in June during the inauguration of the caretaker committee, “It is obvious that the fortunes of the party are currently, in jeopardy, administration of our party is becoming impossible and there is consequently an urgent need for intervention to immediately arrest further drifts and internal wrangling, which may lead to total disintegration.” Those issues are still omnipresent in the party. 


Beneath the patina of cohesion put up by the APC leadership, however, there is a simmering animosity and disconnect that can only be remedied by the president. Some APC governors are still sympathetic to Obaseki and are supporting his re-election bid on the PDP platform with an unwritten agreement that if he won, he would return to the APC. 


The APC governors’ support for him is deemed a reprisal at Oshiomhole, who they fear might want to stage a return to the leadership of the party. They don’t want him back; neither do they want Ize-Iyamu to win, because of the Oshiomhole factor. It is a dicey situation that does not bode well for the party in the long run. So, how does quid pro quo work for the President? 

It is now time for the president to ask a favour of the governors, which is for them to close ranks and ensure that they not only win Edo State; they do so convincingly and move on to Ondo State, which governorship election is in October.

He must call the aggrieved governors to order by discouraging and denouncing their apparent anti-party activities, speak to their collective conscience, probably make them swear to an oath of allegiance if that would help whip them into line, and commit them to work for the party and Ize-Iyamu. Failure to do this now could leave a blotch on whatever legacy the president might want to lay claim to after his stewardship in office.

Alfred, a communication analyst, lives and works in Abuja

cc: mynd44

We Hope To Turn The Political Tide Of The Country By Presenting The Best Candidates – Borono Bassey

Mr Borono Bassey is one of the fast upcoming political factors and a voice to reckon with in Akwa Ibom politics. His sudden acceleration to the position of the Peoples Democratic Party state publicity secretary has shocked some political bigwigs in different quarters.

The vibrant youngman at several interactions on issues bothering on his party, political practice in the state have defined him as a man well versed with political knowledge. This proves that age does not count when it comes to politics or issues related to his party at all levels of politicking as seen in the just-concluded wards and chapter congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Shortly after the congress in the state, the PDP publicity secretary, Bassey, who was optimistic in his party sweeping the 368 wards in the state and the 31 local government areas during election proper, said PDP had established history in a peaceful conduct of congress election, hence their all-round victory at the poll.

He explained that his party always make deliberate effort to translate its policies into reality by putting its house together before going to the field for any election, saying the peaceful atmosphere witnessed during the ward and chapter congresses did not take them by surprise because the Peoples Democratic Party state executive led by Obong Udo Ekpenyong had long ago worked towards achieving that.

The PDP spokesman maintained that the aspirants had to go through thorough screening before the congress, and after the screening, the party exco had to embark on wards tour, going around all the 368 wards in all the 31 local government areas to ensure that modalities were put in place for a peaceful conduct of the congress.

Bassey said to clear the doubt or uncertainties that could degenerate into problem, names of aspirants cleared to stand the congress election were published on both print and social media.

He said that after screening, as a listening party, those who were screened out were offered opportunity to air their grievances before an appeal panel, so that all the parties involved could be vindicated by the panel, noting that it was after giving those screened out a chance to present their complaints that the second list was published to clear loopholes.

On why the cost of purchasing form was on the high side, Bassey had this to say: "Going for election is a long term decision by an aspirant. We announced clearly and also published on papers that we are going to have election.

We published the cost of expression of interest form and nomination form. Apart from that, you will agree with me that the economic situation in the country has changed, things are getting higher. So I don't agree with you that the cost of forms was on the high side. We only made deliberate effort to reduce the cost of form for the women because we felt it was important we have a lot of female in elective political offices.

The women were also screened the same date set aside for screening of all aspirants because we constituted 13 panels: 10 for the screening of councillorship aspirants and three for the screening of chairmanship aspirants across all the federal constituencies, because we hope to turn the political tide of the country by presenting the best candidates.

"Why we had that number of panels was to ensure that aspirants were properly screened to pick the best candidates for our party through due process. And we deemed it necessary to address their problems after screening to ensure that both candidates' conscience, and the aspirants screened out were satisfied, which was a build-up to ensure a peaceful primary without bloodshed. And by the standard we have set so far, rancour, bickering and bloodshed have been suppressed.

After the wards congress, we had to go to the field the following day to visit the 368 wards to meet the people assuring them of their franchise to elect a leader of their choice during the chapter congress election. All the processes we went through made the exercise peaceful; and was adjudged the best and the most peaceful in the history of the state. We want to set a model, not only in Akwa Ibom but across the country so that other states in the country will follow."

In the area of complaint that materials arrived some areas late after a long term arrangement towards the congress, he said, "Well, I want to tell you that as at 7am, the state chairman of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, was in the party secretariat. Party's returning officers were also there. By 7:30am, everybody had taken their materials to different areas. But you have to understand that the congress was in different wards and in different local governments.

"People who came from Eastern Obolo for example, would have to drive that long distance before they got to their centre. And if it is an area you will have to cross, or go by waterway, you have to board a boat before you get to the centre; and that will take some hours.

"So, those are issues you have to take into consideration. But the most important thing is that the congress had been held and the people chose their leaders."
On whether there is any plan to pacify aspirants screened out; hear him, "You will agree with me that when you were young, it was the community that used to fish out those they felt could represent them well in public offices to contest. Then if you feel that your people want you, and you assume you are popular and they want you to represent them, once you indicate interest, your people should take over from there.

"So the party cannot bear indemnity to people who were screened out even when we agree that we are a party that listens. For example, if an aspirant purchased a form and the credentials are not correct, or not complete, and perhaps no tax clearance, or your financial sanding with the party is not in a good shape; will you expect us to allow you to contest?
"I want to reecho the fact that the panel that screened people out was not the working committee or executive committee of the party. So what we did was to only receive recommendation which they sent to us; and even the law says that if you ask someone to carry out a task on your behalf, you have empowered them to do so. What you have to do is to entrust the responsibilities on them. Let me sieze this opportunity to commend the panel for a job well done. They did a very thorough and good job".

Verifying why some chairmanship aspirants who were cleared in their first term to contest and eventually won were screened out, and the criteria used in screening chairmanship aspirants:


He said:-

"If you look at the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, Section 10 talks about the conduct of members of the party. Some of them who could not make up in the final list were screened out on grounds of not being in good financial standing with the party (non- remittances) and series of petitions against them. Putting all these into consideration, we resolved that we cannot send such people to serve us in our party.

As a party, we don't take unilateral decision, we don't act arbitrarily; before we say this is our final decision, we must give you a chance to say your grievances for all interest to be satisfied. And even after the final list, we still gave them chance a Friday before the chapter congress on Monday August 24, 2020."


Reemphasizing on why female aspirants are always given waiver in purchase of forms?


The state Peoples Democratic Party spokesman said, "from assessment, both in international and national levels, analysis shows that there is misrepresentation in terms of number of females occupying elective offices.

From this assessment by interactional organizations including World Health Organization (WHO) and International Donor Agencies (IDAs), it behooves us as a party to give women the leverage to enable them to participate fully in the process by making deliberate efforts to reduce cost of forms for them so that they could be more involved in the game. Why we do this is so that it may not be that they have interest to contest, but because of financial impediment they are scared.

"From the leverage which avails a lot of them opportunity to aspire and occupy public or elective offices, we now understand that our women have the capacity to represent us at any level".

Responding to why no opposition party purchased either councillorship or chairmanship form, he said:-

"I am not a member of any opposition party, I may not know why. And I cannot speak for them; I only speak for my party. But one thing everybody should know is that Akwa Ibom is a PDP state. When you were in primary or secondary school, you knew people that could beat you in a fight if you went to fight with them. So you carefully and tactically avoided fighting with them."

By Ntiense Umoren

cc: mynd44

Allegations of rigging are the standard shibboleth and apocalyptic rhetoric of an opposition party and a weak candidate especially, in this part of the world. Although it is fast becoming a norm too in some of the most civilised parts of the world, it is, however, a stale and unmelodic tune that many Nigerians no longer bob or weave to. 

The reality is that it is almost always the unpopular candidate or the self-styled underdog that typically raises such fatuous and unfounded allegations while attempting to whip up sympathy forgetting that Nigerians have become wiser to this spoof over the years. 

Expectedly, in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate in the September 19th governorship election, Governor Godwin Obaseki, are beating the torn drums of electoral manipulation again. It is a way of life for them. 

Immediately he jumped ship and got the ticket of the PDP to fly its flag in the election, Obaseki and his cheerleaders went to town raising fears of a potentially flawed election while taking no prisoners; everyone is in on the plot. From the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, everyone is culpable except them.

How convenient! 

We have not forgotten that weeks before the March 9, 2019 governorship and state assembly elections in Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike claimed that the APC-led federal government had planned to use the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to disrupt the election and had “mapped out local government areas, where they will initiate violence to ensure that elections are not conducted as they did during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.” 


Wike also accused INEC of plotting to print illegal gubernatorial ballot papers that would exclude the newly registered political parties to implement the rigging plans. Despite these allegations, Wike eventually won the election and no one heard anything about rigging again.


Now, as the chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for Edo Governorship Election, Wike is back with the oldest trick in the book. Early August, he whimsically claimed that the PDP had gathered enough intelligence report about the plan to rig the election and would scuttle it at the appropriate time. 


But nobody is swayed. Even a pre-schooler now knows that his political brand depends on such inflammatory chestnuts. Therefore, no one is taking him seriously, not least, the concerned people of Edo State. 


The immortal saying of late American President Abraham Lincoln that; “You can fool all the people some of the time; you can fool some of the people all the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time,” pretty much sums up how imbecilic the people of Edo consider Wike and PDP’s wild allegations about the integrity of the elections. 


No one is blind or deaf to the fact that Wike was merely echoing Governor Obaseki’s escapist rhetoric so that when he is eventually voted out, he can conveniently claim, like other sore losers before him, that the election was manipulated in his opponent’s favour.


Well, what the PDP has failed to accept is the unpopularity of its candidate. More than any period in the history of elections in the state, there is palpable confidence that votes will be accurately counted and they would count in the final analysis. Consequently, the electorate seems extra motivated for this election. And you can’t blame them. 


As far as they are concerned, Obaseki is a complete, bungling failure, who is now swinging and getting high on his puerile imaginations, because defeat stares him starkly in the face. Why would he even think that Edo people would re-elect him after presiding over the most chaotic and retrogressive four years in the history of the state?


Why would he be allowed anywhere near Government House beyond the expiration of his four year-term after mismanaging the commonwealth of the state; plunging the economy into quicksand and generally weakening the socio-ethnic and political fabric of the state? Unfortunately, neither the PDP nor its candidate is promising anything serious or substantive. 


Rather, Obaseki has been ululating about Making Edo Great Again, MEGA, hare-brained rehash of President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan. 


Instead of campaigning on the strength of his achievements, if there were, Obaseki and his party have been distracting and deflecting from proper electioneering, resorting instead to name-calling and pointless propaganda. Whether mega or minuscule, Obaseki has proven incapable of whatever is contained in his resonantly empty agenda that was dead on arrival.


Conversely, during his eight-year reign as governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole redefined the art of governance, rejuvenated the flagging faith of the people in the system, rebuilt the infrastructure and renewed the economy. He created an Edo State that was the pride of indigenes at home and in the Diaspora. He made being called an Edolite worth its weight in gold anywhere in the world. 


On the strength of the foundations he had laid, the progressive comrade lent all his weight behind Obaseki, believing that having served in his government as Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team; he would build on his legacies. Alas, Obaseki derailed and went on wanton misrule. 


Several well-intentioned attempts by well-meaning Edo indigenes to make him stay the course were sneered and scowled at. Many came to a sorry pass for even daring to offer concrete and critical interventions. 


Ask the billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Captain Idahosa Wells-Okunbo. He is still smarting from the many plots hatched by the governor and his agents to bring him into disrepute for selflessly wanting to help the state and later, to mediate in the faceoff between the governor and his predecessor. 


Obaseki’s warped form of gratitude to Oshiomhole and others, who gave him wings on which he flew unfettered was to betray and batter them in the media and wherever else he could and destroy and defame the same state he now seeks to make great again.


Obaseki and his cohorts should be reminded that the APC has no reason under the sun to rig the election. Apart from fielding Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a widely acclaimed popular candidate, a true son of the soil and accomplished administrator, who has diligently served the state since 1999, the APC’s achievements in the state have opened the people’s eyes to the fact that government can work for the people.


Also, for the first time in the history of democratic governance in the state, there is religious inclusivity; Ize-Iyamu’s deputy is Malam Gani Audu, a Muslim. That is a massive bloc of votes, which the PDP can never come close to.


And with his SIMPLE (Security, Infrastructural development, Manpower development, Public-Private Partnership, Leadership and Employment creation) Agenda, which has lucidly enunciated policies and programmes that are projected to create thousands of jobs in education, agriculture and rural development, housing, electrification, fire service, industrialisation, waste management system, social empowerment, and the water supply sector within four years, Ize-Iyamu has won the hearts of the people. 


What more? Rather than play dirty like the PDP, he is resolutely and remarkably going about his campaigns, selling his manifesto of hope to an otherwise harried people. Having done his homework well, Ize-Iyamu is banking solidly on the people, not any phantom rigging machinery to take over the mantle of leadership in the state. Can somebody please, wake Mr. Obaseki and the PDP up from their imminent defeat-induced slumber to smell the coffee?

Uzodinma is from Ebonyi State

cc: mynd44

From the creeks, cities and hinterlands of Edo State, there are muffled but menacing echoes of violence as the September 19th governorship election draws nearer. The on-going campaigns are pockmarked by tense and occasionally violent altercations between supporters and critics of the incumbent, Godwin Obaseki and his main challenger, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, which have renewed concerns about the spectre of violence in Nigeria’s politics. 


A foretaste of this was experienced in July, when supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, clashed at the hallowed grounds of the palace of the Oba of Benin. Ahead of the flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign in Benin City, the Edo State capital, its candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki led some governors and leaders of the party from the South-south to the palace. 
 
There were reports that solidarity and combative songs rend the air as tempers later went beyond control, resorting in the thugs employing an assortment of weapons, including firearms, cutlasses and others. In the process, several persons were reportedly injured while others scampered to safety as some of the cars parked at the palace gate were badly damaged. 
 
The police later intervened and restored normalcy but the message of what laid ahead had been succinctly passed that not only ballots would be counted; bodies too!
 
Of course, there were accusations and counter-accusations about, who the aggressor was as the APC, through John Maiyaki, chairman of its media campaign council, stated: “Booed by the people at the entrance of the Palace of our great Oba for handing the state to the PDP tax collectors, who are unconscionably feasting on our collective patrimony, Mr Godwin Obaseki, as an act of revenge, instructed the thugs and cultists he has spent the past few weeks recruiting in the state and beyond to attack the people with dangerous arms.‎
 
“This criminal and heartless action not only affirms our repeated warnings that Mr Godwin Obaseki fully intends to prosecute the election with violence and thuggery, but it also shows his lack of empathy, conscience, and respect for the lives and dignity of the people he was elected to serve.‎”
 
On his part, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, said the thugs were sponsored by the APC, its candidate, and the former National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, who, he alleged, had engaged thugs to cause mayhem in the state before then. 
 
Osagie said further, “We are appalled by the deployment of thugs to the sacred grounds of the Oba’s Palace by the APC, Ize-Iyamu and Oshiomhole to harass guests, who are in the state for the flag-off of Governor Obaseki’s campaign and had visited the palace to pay obeisance to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin. 
 
“While we respect the boundaries of politics as it relates to the palace, it is reprehensible that the APC, its candidate and their enablers would sponsor thugs to desecrate the palace, which is a clear case of desperation to score cheap points. 
 
“This conduct is not a trait of Edo people and is condemned in the strongest possible terms, as we are courteous and welcoming to guests. It is obvious that these persons were mobilised for this task by those, who have no regard for the palace nor want the progress and development of the state.”
 
Between then and now, the tones are yet not conciliatory; rather, they are getting more confrontational by the day. The foregoing underscores why the recent intervention of the Oba of Benin is commendable. 
 
On Tuesday, September 2, Oba Ewuare 11 held a peace meeting with Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole and a former National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun among other party leaders at the palace, where he warned them to desist from inflaming the polity with their utterances and conducts. 
 
Expressing his anger and sadness at the turn of events, the monarch said, “Please don’t turn the state into the city of blood. I appeal to the two gladiators and all politicians to ensure peace and stop the shooting and violence in the state. I want assurances from you people to me, and the people of the state of a peaceful atmosphere in Edo State. Your home and families are here, so give peace a chance. We are all afraid that the state will burn to ashes.” 
 
The Oba further appealed for a peaceful election and warned them not to pay lip service to the traditional throne, which he reiterated is not partisan, and committed them in advance to bipartisan displays of conciliation at the first sight of electoral violence. 
 
Violence is an alter ego of every election all over the world. An incumbent, who fears losing an election can use post-election violence as a means to cow election officials and judges in the adjudication of a disputed election, or even as a means of extorting a power-sharing deal when defeated. 
 
It could also be a spin-off of spontaneous demonstrations fuelled by outrage and fear of electoral manipulation, which can drive supporters into the streets, where violence is a consequence of inappropriate or militarised police response. All of these indices are omnipresent in Edo State with the incumbent’s guns-blazing stance to remain in office despite blissfully under-performing and, consequently, eroding the goodwill that ushered him into office in 2016. 
 
In the time past, and judging by every poling variable that points at a crushing defeat for Obaseki, the election would have been called for the opposition even before going to the polls. But things are different now. 
 
Thanks to several electoral reforms embarked upon by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which have erased the patchwork quilt of partisan state officers, amateur volunteers, and passé equipment to help administer elections, and by so doing, raised the integrity of Nigerian elections, there is no disputing that votes would count in Edo State. 
 
It is not state-sponsored violence and sabre-rattling or electoral manipulation that will win the election; it is speaking to the core of what the people desire; the time-tested solutions being proffered to the myriad of challenges besetting the state and acceptability of the candidate and the party. 
 
So, unlike the biblical quote that ‘From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force’, Edo State might have suffered violence in recent times, it would not be taken by a man that is facing an impending exile from power. 
 
However, only Ize-Iyamu, whose SIMPLE Agenda (which stands for Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructure Development, Manpower Development, Public/Private Partnership, Leadership by Example and Employment Creation) resonates well with the people, would get their votes.
 

*Ajani wrote from Abuja

cc: mynd44

Renown scion of the Royal Eletu Odibo Family of Lagos, Prince Waheed Eletu Odibo, has stated that he has not being declared wanted by EFCC.

In a statement issued at the weekend, Prince Eletu Odibo wrote: "My attention has been drawn to reports that I was declared wanted by a Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja. This allegation is untrue and the reports are fake news.

“The allegations as being reported on the Internet and Social Media are untrue,” he stressed.

Prince Eletu Odibo cautioned "the public to ignore such reports as they are fake news being spread by my enemies with a view to tarnishing my image and that of the Royal Eletu Odibo Family. Mr Patrick Ononenyi Okonwo does not own 250,000 hectares of land on Eletu Royal Family land" he said.

cc: mynd44

Governor Udom Emmanuel has advised the new Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police to carry out his duties with fairness without political and illegal interference, insisting that as Governor he will not encourage him on an illegal errand.

Governor Emmanuel said on Tuesday, when the new Police Commissioner, Mr. Amiengheme Andrew visited him at Government House, Uyo.

"Let me say this that as you are here, I will never ask you to do anything illegal for me. I have never asked for injustice against mankind. It's something against my life principles" he said.

The Governor however assured of a good working relationship with the Police authority and other security agencies in the State for effective security of the State.

Mr Emmanuel maintained that when a government and people work with the security agents without asking for any illegality such society will always experience peace and harmony.

"I want to first of all welcome you and let me register sincerely on behalf of the entire Exco and citizens of this State and our utmost thanks to members of your team".

He promised his administration's zeal to support the command noting that Akwa Ibom State is a very serene State to work in.

The new Police Commissioner, Mr. Amiengheme Andrew, in his address, stated that he hoped to give the citizens a sense of security and stamp out all forms of criminality in the State.

"My primary aim as I'm being posted to this Command is to make sure the citizens of Akwa Ibom State sleep well. There will be zero tolerance for any forms of criminality no matter how small or big. It will not be tolerated".

He expressed gratitude for the reception accorded him in the state and solicited for cooperation of citizens with officers of the Force maintaining that, security is everybody's business.

He called on members of the public to alert the force of any case of lawlessness by its men, restating his commitment to rid the Akwa Ibom Police Command of corrupt elements.

cc: mynd44

Access Bank Reacts To The Viral Video Of A Guy Who Claimed To Have Stolen Customers’ Data

Access Bank has assured customers of the safety of their personal information denying reports of a breach of its system.

The bank said in a statement: “A video of an individual claiming to be in possession of our customers’ banking details such as BVN and Account Number, has been brought to our notice.

“We urge all customers to remain calm as there is no security breach. We are working with the appropriate authority to bring the perpetrator to book.

“Kindly note that our customers’ financial security is a top priority and we will never disclose any information that will jeopardize your safety.”

The purported video which has gone viral on social media shows a hacker Ihebuzor Chris saying that he breached the system of Access Bank thereby gaining access to thousands of customer information including BVN and Account Number.

The hacker even claimed that he could debit Access Bank customers adding that customer information is not safe.

cc: mynd44

DIRECTORS DENY ALLEGED MISAPPROPRIATION OF $18M DOLLARS BY OMSL

Our attention has been drawn to a malicious and spurious publication by a one-man blog (nurajos..com) on alleged schism in the board of OMSL over alleged mismanagement of $18m (Eighteen million dollars).

In the said write-up, the faceless hack mischievously alleged that our chairman, Capt Idahosa Wells Okunbo, had taken possession of the said sum from NNPC, and squandered it in alleged bribery of National Assembly members and presidency officials over the squabble with Nigeria Ports Authority on the SAA issue.

Ordinarily, we would not have dignified the faceless writer with a reply, but in the interest of unsuspecting members of the public who may be swayed by deliberate falsehood and for record purposes, we are constrained to put out this press statement

1. The write-up is totally false in every material particular.

2. No payment of $18m dollars or any such payment was received by OMSL or our Chairman, Capt Hosa Okunbo

3. No bribe was paid to National lawmakers or presidency officials in respect of SAA issue with NPA by OMSL or our chairman.

4. The concocted story could only have been in the warped imagination of the writer and his sponsor(s)

5. We believe the write-up is politically motivated to smear the reputation of our company and our chairman.

6. There is no division whatsoever in the directorate and management of OMSL.

SIGNED

1) Admiral Ameen Ikioda (Rtd)

2) Mr Garth Dooley

3) Admiral Joe Aikhomu (Rtd)

4) Mr Kunle Oyekunle

cc: mynd44

Not up to a few years ago, Nigerians were told that a certain domestic company was set to roll out Direct To Home satellite television in the Pay TV industry that would rival the services of frontline Pay TV companies and deliver on certain demands that Nigerians were making at the time and even until this day but we will come back to those demands shortly.

A number of Nigerian companies had tried to break the hold in the Pay TV and a number of them had not only got their fingers burnt but their reputations eternally imbued with the stain of frauds or wasteful persons - because they dared to dream. TStv also looked to have gone the same route but there was a difference.

What all those companies had in common was that they underestimated the desperation of certain businesses in that industry to maintain their stranglehold on it and did not realise that such an enterprise required huge investments that were not certain to yield results, which is why offerings such as Pay As You Go was not exactly in the best interest of a pay TV operator.

To maximise profit and balance the books quickly, a monthly payment system that stratified Nigerians into different classes and imposed specific viewing bouquets on them solely based on what they could afford to pay.

The Pay As You Go model was a surefire way to go bankrupt quickly except it was something that had been factored into the business model to be used. Even without the dilemma of Pay As You Go viewing, some other companies soon found themselves facing manmade, or rather - organisation-made problems.

This was the story of TStv too - a combination of underestimating how rigidly the resistance of the competition would be, how much unfair regulatory backing they would have, as well as how fierce the media war waged against them would be, all instigated of course. If TStv underestimated its opponents, then its opponents underestimated the fortitude of the owner of TStv, Bright Echefu, and his capacity never to give up.

An Igbo man raised in the SouthWest with strong ties to the North would not so easily give up on his dream of birthing a satellite television organisation in Nigeria as a pride to the country. With his background in medicine, Bright Echefu had first started Africa Health Television as the first 24 hour health television channel on the continent.

After running it for a while on other Direct to Home satellite TV platforms, he decided to set up Telcom Satellite Television as a business that would deliver the value of audiovisual content that Nigerians were used to, but not at the cost of an arm and a leg as the existing options demanded.

Hardly had the vision been birthed than the challenges started but that is a story for another day. The story today is not only how TStv had managed not to go underground but also that it is now geared up to commence full operations in a matter of months. The company has sorted all previous controversies, both contrived and those brought about by unpreparedness, and with NBC now playing the impartial role of a regulator, TStv may dominate the Satellite/pay TV market in a matter of years.

If this sounds too far fetched, cast your mind back to Nigeria under a different President, Olusegun Obasanjo who presided over the sale of GSM licences in the privatisation of telecommunications services.

After the licensing process, the service providers were so desperate to make their money back that their billing system took money from subscribers per minute. So even if your call lasted only five seconds, it was rounded up to a minute and you were made to pay for a full minute.

This billing system was made worse with the fact that there were so many dropped calls, instances where you had not yet ended communication but the call terminated abruptly, a fault of the service provider. But you were billed for the entire minute regardless.

Appeals to the telecommunications service providers yielded no result as they claiemd it was impossible to introduce per second billing, even though that form of billing was the order in foreign telecoms.

Their aim was to maximise profit in the shortest period possible and they did; until they could no longer. The FG sold yet another GSM licence to the Nigerian firm, Globacom and today, what was once thought impossible is now the operational standard in the telecommunications industry.

With DStv refusing to introduce Pay As You Go billing system for Satellite television content and TStv promising to do the same from the first day of its operation, the stage in the TV industry in Nigeria is surely set for a major disruption. All that is left now is to see TStv not just back on its feet but also walking and running in fact, because its competitors will not stop running also.

cc: mynd44

It is trite to say job creation is crucial for a healthy economy to fire growth and improve the lives of the citizenry. And since the importance of creating jobs is to ensure a stable and progressive society, the electorate and the general public are always keen to know what an intending public office holder/seeker has in stock for them in terms of jobs/employment creation. Therefore, as September 19 approaches, Edo State is also not left out of that consideration.

The level of enlightenment among voters in Edo State ahead the coming governorship election has increased significantly. People are more interested in who governs them and what benefits are available through the various choices as revealed in their manifestoes.

This is where the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his handlers appear, to be ahead of their main rival, incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki. They must have learnt this all-important fact, because his contract with the people, simplified as the ‘SIMPLE Agenda’, which has long been presented to the public, clearly indicates his readiness to tackle the menace of unemployment head-on.

Manifestoes are the ideas or plans of what a candidate projects to do to address societal problems and the SIMPLE Agenda presented by the APC candidate in Edo State comes as one, which understands the problem of shortage of gainful employment, the right measures for its alleviation and possible eradication.

One way to generate employment is to create enterprises that are self-sustainable. Corporations and governments must be innovative as they seek to solve the hydra-headed problem of unemployment. Reasonable government will achieve so much in doing this with corporate engagements that can justify investment and ensure returns on investment.

Though governments like that of Edo State are different from other conventional profit-oriented entities, and this seems to have prompted the approach that Mr. Ize-Iyamu and the Edo APC have adopted in their blueprint on how to move the state forward in respect of employment generation.

The SIMPLE Agenda reveals that, Mr Ize-Iyamu, when elected governor would embark on the maximisation of every government engagements towards creation of gainful employment for the Edo people. In other words, governments will generate jobs from every programme, project and activity in each of the 18 local government areas of the state.

The "SIMPLE AGENDA", an acronym for SECURITY, INFRASTRUCTURAL development, MANPOWER development, PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP, LEADERSHIP and EMPLOYMENT creation, is an action plan with the potential to transform lives of the people if followed to the letters.

Ize-Iyamu promises over 75, 000 direct and indirect job opportunities in a well-calculated projection based on job creation through policies and programmes enumerated in his SIMPLE agenda within a period of fours years.

As revealed in the document, every government undertaking aimed at generating revenue would also provide opportunity of gainful employment to the teeming masses, and as well, solve socio-economic problems of the people.

Every policy will serve the dual purpose of wealth creation and economic empowerment and amelioration of the sufferings of the masses.

Not only that jobs will be created in sectors such as education, agriculture and rural development, housing, electrification, fire service, industrialisation, waste management system, employment creation and social empowerment as well as water supply; the promise of the sustenance of existing jobs contained in his manifesto have endeared Ize-Iyamu the more to the electorate.

Government retrenching or downsizing the workforce would no longer be acceptable to the people. They desire a government that would guarantee existing ones and as well create more jobs.

The highest point for the majority observer is the well thought-out Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme through, which the administration will seek counterparting with stakeholders, banks and financial institutions to resuscitate the moribund state-owned industries.

He listed a few of them to include the fertilizer plant, Auchi; Cassavita industry, Uromi; Ava cement factory, Akoko-Edo; fruit juice factory, Ehor; Bendel Brewery, Benin City and Ewu flour mill, among others.

In this, financial institutions, industrialists, Chambers of Commerce, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other stakeholders will partner the government on resuscitation of failed and failing industries – all in a bid to generate revenue, create employment opportunities and by extension, improve upon the lives of the citizens.

This is undoubtedly a great way to improve on people's lives. Industrial clusters in the three senatorial districts namely Edo South, Central and North. Each of the senatorial districts will directly mop up at least 10,000 able-bodied men from the streets in direct engagement.

This means at least 30,000 employment opportunities for the Edo people. Edo State is reputed to having 21 per cent unemployment rate as at 2019 and this means that out of about 600,000 job seekers in the state, not less than 30,000 will be gainfully engaged through the Public Private Participation to revamp government-owned ailing industries alone.

The SIMPLE agenda recognises the importance of education and provision of power supply to the continued sustenance of national livelihood and is set to give this proper attention to guarantee a living economy. The agenda will characteristically preserve existing jobs, as well as create additional opportunities.

Any policy with the capacity to create 2000 direct jobs in the electricity-dependent industries and additional 1000 small scale   businesses to be aided by the government among rural dwellers is a good bargain for the Edo electorate. 1000 newly found businesses will in turn create at least 2000 direct and indirect job spaces.

In the area of water supply, the document promises to make shortage a thing of the past as existing jobs will be safeguarded while an additional 10,000 construction-related employment opportunities will be created, while the government seeks heavy investments in the sector.

The SIMPLE agenda is clearly a product of many experiences of Pastor Ize-Iyamu after many years in the service of the Edo people in different capacities since 1999.

As a former Chief of Staff and later Secretary to the Edo State Government, he would certainly bring his wealth of experience and knowledge in the various sectors of the state's economy to bear.

From Education to waste management, the APC manifesto for Edo State will generate more wealth than any past government. The government will partner the private sector to provide a better living standard for the populace in a counterpart arrangement that would also create sustainable employment from emerging corporations while generating the needed revenue for the government.

*Chiamaka wrote from Warri, Delta State

cc: lalasticlala, mynd44

Governor Udom Emmanuel, has expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Akwa Ibom state to federal government for the planned location of NNPC oil and gas logistics centre in the state.

The governor, who made his feelings known during the gala organized by the Akwa Ibom Government recently in honour of a delegation of Stakeholders in the oil and gas industry led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, proposed that the groundbreaking be done in September to mark the state’s 33 years’ anniversary.

He further used the occasion to push for the relocation of multinational oil giants, ExxonMobil to Akwa Ibom state, while assuring that the state is safe and peaceful for them.


The Governor said, “I want the Honourable Minister to make just a statement and ExxonMobil will be here. They are not safer where they are than in Akwa Ibom. Akwa Ibom is peaceful.’’

“We are ready to support the relocation. ExxonMobil is a very difficult corporate citizen but the Minister can give them a directive to come here. They process over 15 billion barrel from our shores and that alone should propel them. They don’t have such excellent production anywhere else in the world.”

He also expressed his readiness to provide support ranging from land and electricity for an NNPC depot in the state.

It was gathered that the federal government has approved the establishment of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), oil and gas logistic centre in Akwa Ibom.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, announced the approval for a partnership deal for the establishment of a petroleum depot by the NNPC in the state.
He said the federal government will partner with the state government to build a base which will be the first in Akwa Ibom and urged the governor to set up a team to work with the NNPC in drawing up modalities for the collaboration.

Sylva said, ‘’I have the full support of NNPC to announce to you that we are very interested to partner you to build a base here. It will be the first here. It has also approved the immediate establishment of an oil and gas logistics facility in the state.’’

He also noted that the visit was a response to Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state.

Going further, the Minister said, ‘’Few concerns were raised on the choice of Akwa Ibom for our retreat, but politics was not part of the consideration. As we go back, work will start in earnest. Mr President has already helped by signing a free trade zone status for that area.

We went all the way to Ibaka, a very interesting and painstaking journey. Some people in my team were excited because it was a rare experience using the boats.”

cc: mynd44

see more photos:-

In the quest to ensure contracts awarded by Governor Abu Sani Bello are properly done according scope and specification, the Infrastructure Committee Chairman and Chief of Staff, Alh. Ibrahim Balarabe Kagara was at Tayi Village to inspect the ongoing construction of the road.

Chief of Staff expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the side-drains and urged the contractors to speed up the work and complete it in a timely manner so as to improve economic and social activities of the area.

#LoloIsWorking

cc: mynd44

PRESS STATEMENT

Putting The Record Straight

The attention of the Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party in Niger state has been drawn to some misleading information in circulation in some quarters about the outcome of a recent meeting held at the instance of the Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom to mediate and broker peace and understanding amongst members of our great party in Niger state following divergence in members' support lines over party's state chairmanship contest.

The meeting in Abuja, though one sided, was a mediatory. It was to discuss with the parties and make suggestions on the way forward.

Invitation to the meeting was at the instance of the complainants and because of the lope sided composition, the complainants had pressed for a change of the leadership of the party's Caretaker Committee in Niger state.

It is pertinent to explain here that neither the convener of the meeting nor the zonal Chairman of the PDP in the North Central region has any executive power to dissolve what was constituted by the NationalWorking Committee, (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The meeting in Abuja which was chaired by Governor Samuel Ortom can only advice the parties concerned and make suggestions which it did based on what one party had canvassed for.

It is therefore misleading and wrong for anyone to peddle any self seeking, one sided wish.

The leader of the meeting had suggested that from what the meeting was told, there was the need both the Chairman and Secretary of the Caretaker Committee in the state to be replaced with persons from outside Niger state. This was his advice.

Anyone or group who have gone on air with any other information beyond the mere suggestion given by the convener of the meeting, have only acted his or her own script as expression (s) of their inordinate mindset.

The party's Caretaker Committee in the state remains resolute to discharge its responsibilities as mandated to it. The Caretaker Committee was set up pursuant to Sections 29 (2) (b) and 31 (2) (e) of our party’s constitution as
amended in 2017.

I must say here too that the
Caretaker Committee appointed by the party's National Executive Committee is the only organ that can dissolve the Caretaker Committee.

For the avoidance of doubt and to assuage any fear and suspicion, the Caretaker Committee is to only supervise the election. The Caretaker Committee is being guided strictly by the party's 2010 Electoral Act as contained in PDP's Constitution, (2017 as amended) which is also in line with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The conduct of the forthcoming congress and election in the state is purely the responsibility of the National Electoral Committee appointed by NEC of our great party.

We in the Caretaker Committee hereby reaffirm our commitment to be fair to all in ensuing that the aspirations of all peace loving members of our party for a level playing field is not only put in place but guaranteed.

I therefore urge all members of our great party, across Niger state, to discountenance the spurious and unfounded misinformation about the purported sack of the state's Caretaker Committee as the story is the shades of the pigments of the wishes of it's purveyors.

Umar Garba Chiza,
Chairman, Caretaker Committee,
PDP, Niger State

cc: mynd44

Were debates a constitutional requirement of every election in Nigeria, it would have been interesting to watch Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) square up to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his main rival in the September 19th governorship election in Edo State.

As governor for the past three years, such a debate would have availed Obaseki, particularly, a veritable opportunity to let the world into his achievements and sell himself to the people for re-election. But, as yet, there is no such plan. 

This election is pivotal on so many fronts. It is not just about the direction that the state would take after the end of Obaseki’s current administration; it is more about its future and essence; how it would rally from the doldrums and compare on all fronts with other big states in Nigeria.


It is a contest between light and darkness, literally; between a rudderless incumbent and a major opposition figure that had long prepared for the seat; and most importantly, a contest that determines whether the people are genuinely committed to making a complete break from a dreary past and destructive party that had underdeveloped them in the past; or reinvesting their hope in the party that had come to their rescue since 2008. 


Will the people allow the prodigal Obaseki to take them back to that ugly past? 


This is why there should be a debate to know the mindset and mission of the standard-bearers of the two leading parties, not just lap up their ringing sophistry and colourful manifesto that cannot be critically questioned or dissected. Edo people cannot afford a gamble any more. But, even if there were a debate, would Obaseki have shown up? 


His absence would not be for want of eloquence. Far from it! Obaseki is luckily blessed with a luxuriant, accented drawl that would be a draw in the boardroom. The well-founded assumption that he would not attend is predicated on his sudden imperious predilection, which would see him wanting to control the ground rules, determining the moderator and being confident that he can avoid probing questions about his alleged maladministration in Edo State. 


If he were perceptive enough, however, he should have, by now, reconciled with himself that there is a distinctly palpable and pervasive lack of enthusiasm for and confidence in his ability to discharge his duties very well as governor. 


And, given his unconstitutional handling of the Edo House of Assembly’s inauguration, there is a belief that Obaseki might resort to yet, another round of filibustering to avoid a debate knowing that he would be in grave peril of getting called out for not answering questions appropriately; being fact-checked real-time and finding no place to hide, when asked about his serial failures that have become even more obvious as the local economy has gone into a tailspin. 


Interestingly, the buoyancy of the Edo economy was the strength on which he was piggybacked into the Governor’s Office in 2016. Upon his inauguration in 2008, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had embarked on and implemented an ambitious, highly successful statewide programme of road construction and repairs in Edo with a view to re-jigging the economy. 


True to his vision, within eight years of his stewardship, over 25 major companies had set up in Edo State with the concomitant provision of jobs and reinvigoration of the local economy. There is notably the $1billion Azura power plant, a Chinese steel and ceramic industries, and the Okpella Cement Company by the Dangote Group also valued at over $1billion among others.


Though blithely Nigerian, the nation’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, would probably not have considered Edo State to site such a monumental project, he however did, because, according to him, “It is a friendly state to invest.” Dangote said at the groundbreaking ceremony of the cement company in 2016, that this was attributed to the economic reforms of Oshiomhole especially, in the area of tax, innovations in rural finance and investment in infrastructure as factors that necessitated an enabling environment that has further provided a platform for future growth. 


While attributing the influx of investors to the favourable business environment and government policies among others, Oshiomole had noted then that more indigenous and international investors have indicated interest to invest in the state. This stance explained his plunging headlong into the Obaseki for Governor Project in 2016. 


Desirous to make Edo even more economically viable, Oshiomhole swore by Obaseki as his successor, vowing that he (Obaseki) would consolidate on his achievements and do even better and the people believed him, because he under-promised during his electioneering and over-delivered. 


Who’s better to take the state economy to Nirvana if not Obaseki? Rather, after being entrusted with power, he plunged the entire state into the Nadir. Now, his story is insipid and tedious and deserving of a better ending than this self-induced ugly turn. 


For the records, there was no encumbrance on his ascension to the governorship and the people, who made it so did not expect any during his administration. But Obaseki threw every sense of purpose, of governance and logic to the birds as he embarked on a purely anti-people government – fighting every phantom foe rather than working; commanding rather than consulting, and unearthing the worst impulses of the people and wrecking the fabrics of the local economy.  


Yet, Obaseki’s story was once beautiful. With a background in investment banking, he was appointed the Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team inaugurated by Oshiomole in March 2009. He served well and to the best of his ability and was an integral part of some of the economic reforms initiated and implemented by the Oshiomhole administration. He was unassuming, yet, very efficient and loyal. Indeed, a part of the Oshiomhole success story.


So, during a potential debate, the economy will prove decisive, specifically, how large-scale unemployment and underdevelopment were inflicted on the state as a result of his seeming incompetence and directionless administration? Where is the Edo economy now and from where did Obaseki take it? What has he done with the allocations coming into the state in the last three and a half years?

These are questions he might not be able to answer.


Unfortunately, his MEGA (Make Edo Greater Again) Agenda, which teed-off to a false start, because the name itself was stolen from President Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential slogan, Make

America Great Again, does not elucidate how he hopes to revive the economy he asphyxiated. 


Also, ironic is that the MEGA Agenda claims that, it is focused on a modern and progressive Edo State, where every citizen is empowered with the opportunity to live life in its fullness while his mission is to achieve economic prosperity for Edo State. This particular point rankles. Why does Obaseki need another four years to achieve this? What did he do with the first four years of his administration? 


He would also describe the MEGA Agenda as a mass movement of campaign for popular participation of the Edo people for development, yet, his few rallies have been boycotted outright or sparsely attended if not defined by violence; and if you did a headcount, attendees are only members of the party, who had come to feast on their common patrimony. 


Shall we have the debate now, please?


Ugwuanyi wrote from Eleme, Rivers State

cc: mynd44

Among political pundits and many residents of Niger state, Governor Abu Sani Bello has earned the nickname Road Master because His Excellency’s stride towards road construction in Niger state is now without doubt unprecedented.

With over 240km of rural roads currently undergoing construction across the state, and with several township roads being constructed or reconstructed, he is indeed the Road Master.

One of the many township roads being constructed by Gov Abu Sani Bello is the Bosso Estate road in Minna.

The Infrastructure Committee Chairman and Chief of Staff, Alh. Ibrahim Balarabe Kagara paid an unscheduled visit to ongoing work on the road where pointed out some observations but generally commended the work and urge the contractors to speed up the work.

#LoloIsWorking

cc: mynd44

Obaseki’s Defeatist Campaign Initiatives 
 
By Efosa Osagie
 
All over the world, political campaign advertorials are a potent tool for engaging and shaping public opinions and ultimately winning elections. Apart from the traditional stomping, canvassing and rallies, advertorials are another sure-fire means of reaching the electorate.
 
From the United States to the United Kingdom, Africa to Asia and everywhere in between, every political season is usually heralded by a blizzard of campaign advertorials. While some advertorials are easily embraced, because of the presentation, precision, poignancy and resonance of their message, some leave the prospective voter with a sour taste in the mouth.
 
Many Nigerians still recall with nostalgia, the late Chief MKO Abiola’s stirring advertorial during electioneering for the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Almost three decades after, that ‘MKO is our man o’ advertorial remains one of the best that Nigerians have seen, because of its flourish, feel-good and relatable message.
 
As the people of Edo State countdown to the September 19th governorship election, which is a straight fight between the incumbent, Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the season of political ads pervading the airwaves is upon them. But, sadly, Obaseki appears to have taken off on the wrong foot.
 
His debut campaign advertorial has become an issue of public discourse since its release both online and offline. The advert depicts a poverty-stricken family standing in the rain as an approaching SUV stops to hail them and happily shares brooms with each member of the family. The passenger hops into the SUV and left. In his trail is a confused family looking dejectedly at the uselessness of their brooms as the rains pour down on them. 
 
A moment later, the same scenario plays out but this time, the Sports Utility Vehicle owner dashes each person an umbrella with which they could shield themselves as he also ushers them into the sanctuary of his vehicle. The next scene shows the family, gaily dressed and standing in front of a well-appointed building, to depict their newfound prosperity. 
 
This could have been a succinct campaign material if not for the fact that it is a lame, defeatist and obtuse rehash of what had been done before. The hackneyed advertorial leaves the impression that one could take a 90-year-old donkey with four broken legs and it still would be less lame in comparison. In football, it is called an own goal!
 
It is worth examining a few elements that were obviously not thought through before this was pushed out with the imprimatur of the governor. If the ad was meant to disparage the APC, which symbol is the broom, and its candidate, Pastor Ize-Iyamu; it fell short and rather served as a stark reminder that Obaseki had failed the people; while reiterating what many have come to accept as the gospel truth, which is that he patently frittered away a golden opportunity to further liberate and empower the Edo people.
 
Again, if the people are as poor as depicted in this video, what has Obaseki done in three years as governor and leader of the APC in the state to ameliorate their situation? What economic reforms has he initiated or implemented to change their story? After all, the family didn’t drop from heaven immediately after he joined the PDP just last June; they are part of the people, who swore by his leadership from the outset. 
 
So, how was Obaseki brainwashed into believing that the impoverished state of the people is to be laid bare at the doorsteps of the APC and not him? The governor needs a crash course in logical and critical thinking. 
 
A smart campaign would typically use positive ads when they are ahead and reserve negative ads for when they are behind. That’s exactly what most campaigns do, according to a study by a Washington State University political science professor, Travis Ridout, PhD. 
 
“If you’re behind, you need to shake things up, and that means making people anxious about the other candidate so they will reconsider their voting decision,” he says, adding, “If you’re ahead and want to cement peoples’ support, appeal to the emotions of pride and enthusiasm.” 
 
Obaseki has seen that he is behind. Like a drowning man, he is clutching at straws to stay afloat. As a sitting governor, who has had the serendipity of ruling the state for the past three years, why resort to counter-intuitive mudslinging? 
 
Why can’t he, as conventional political wisdom dictates, campaign on the strength of his achievements, if any? The plain reality of the advertorial in question is the absence of any worthwhile achievement by Obaseki to spotlight. Yet, he wants the people to give him another four years? On what basis, please?
 
In a strident editorial by a popular online medium, it states, “Obaseki, who is up for re-election next month on the platform of the PDP will need to fire some members of his communications and strategy team as soon as possible; and save his campaign. His campaign materials and Ads have been atrocious.” 
 
In truth, how did he constitute his communications team? This question is pertinent, because the material could only have emanated from an amateurish communications team or a bizarre lack of materials to work with. 
 
Once a synonym for shining hope and redemption, Edo State, relatively oil-rich, is today a state associated by discerning minds with failure, incompetence, insecurity and underdevelopment. How is it that in the space of three years, a state that was already comparing favourably with richer states in terms of infrastructure renewal and economic rejuvenation, became a laughing spectacle and is being treated as a minstrel show?
 
Dynamic strategies are an essential part of politics. In the context of campaigns, for example, candidates continuously recalibrate their campaign strategy in response to polls and opponent actions. 
 
At no time during this electioneering has Ize-Iyamu attacked the person of the governor or his party. Instead, he has focused on propagating his SIMPLE Agenda, a blueprint that contains workable solutions to addressing the challenges confronting Edo State and its people, while challenging the incumbent to run on his record by reeling off his achievements. That’s not too much to ask or is it?
 
*Osagie wrote from Benin City, Edo State capital

cc: mynd44

The attitude of the average electorate to a candidate can be easily measured by how they respond to his or her political campaigns and that simply explains why some politicians go the extra mile to invest hugely in ‘crowd purchase’ for their rallies. 

So far so good, everything seems to be working in the favour of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the September 19 election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. This is because the feedback and the crowd that have been attending his campaigns only suggest that the people are in need of a change and that he is the change they have been waiting and praying for.
 
Ordinarily, quite a number of Edo State citizens hold the view that as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2016 governorship election, he defeated the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki but was rigged out. 
 
Ize-Iyamu got the PDP ticket defeating his closest rival, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen with a wide margin of 584 to 91 in the primary held on June 20, 2016 in what indicated how acceptable he was and still is among the people.
 
From the outset, after the kick-off of his campaign, Chairman, State Media Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election, Mr. John Mayaki, described the August 9 APC kick-off campaign for Ize-Iyamu, which was attended by several APC governors, ministers and party leaders, as a display of the party’s unity and consensus to ensure the victory of its candidate.
 
“For Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the sail has set, and the winds seem aright for sure victory. Through a modern and inclusive engagement so far, he has obtained the favour and love of the people, and by the significant flag-off event yesterday (Sunday, August 9), the APC will no doubt reclaim Edo State,” Mayaki said.
 
He posited further that by the peaceful nature of the rally, Ize-Iyamu has obtained the favour and love of the people and that his victory in the September 19 election was reassured. 
 
Governors Mai Mala Buni (Yobe State), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Babajide Sanwoolu (Lagos), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Deputy Governor, Chief Edwin Onoja (Kogi), Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, the 17-pro Oshiohmole Edo State House of Assembly lawmakers, Minister Rotimi Ameachi, Minister Timipre Sylva, and Minister Uchechukwu Oga were few of the dignitaries present at the event. 
 
It was not just about the APC leadership alone, there were a lot of respectable persons from the traditional institutions, religious circles, business world and most notably, the huge crowd was ecstatic – they were so jubilant and they participated effectively in the programme of event in what showed that the people had taken possession of the APC candidate’s ambition as theirs. It is now a movement. 
 
The APC was particularly elated that the kick-off recorded remarkable success at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, where, after he fulfilled the necessary traditional rites of obeisance, Ize-Iyamu got the royal blessings, which Governor Godwin Obaseki, did not receive during his turn, which turned violent. 
 
Identifying some of the “necessary ingredients” needed for such important event, Miyaki stated that Obaseki missed it due to the “usual sloppiness and disorganisation that rendered his administration impotent and a complete failure.”
 
Later, on Wednesday, at Etsako West and Etsako Central local government areas, the APC campaigned at Ekperi and Auchi and as seen at the kick-off, witnessed large crowds, who vehemently affirmed their support for Ize-Iyamu’s bid to become the next governor of Edo State.
 
The APC candidate also used the opportunity to promise to empower women in the state. He was particular about traders working in the informal sector. He said he would assist them with microcredit schemes to enable them grow and revive some businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 restrictions.
 
Ize-Iyamu told the ecstatic crowd that if voted into office, he would be different from the “non-performing” administration of Governor Obaseki and assured the people that his well-thought-out plan and documented manifesto tagged the SIMPLE agenda, contains realistic policy programmes and plans to move the state forward.
 
He also vowed that he would find a lasting solution to the security and flood challenges of the state, with emphasis on both councils, and equally create an enabling environment that would attract investments and provide job opportunities for the youths.
 
Former APC National Chairman and former governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who spoke in Ekperi and Auchi, criticised Governor Obaseki for not continuing the construction of a link road between Ekperi and Anegbette, which he started. He said the governor betrayed the trust of the people and abused the powers of his office in pursuit of selfish goals.
 
“The APC will restore good governance and not use propaganda to deceive the people,” Oshiomhole assured the people.
 
The story was the same at Esan land, Edo Central Senatorial District, where thousands of residents stormed the venues of the campaign in support of Ize-Iyamu.  
 
It was a very impressive outing for the APC candidate at Igueben, Ubiaja and Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Igueben, Esan South-east, and Esan North-east local governments. He told the crowd that his SIMPLE Agenda would attract investments and development into Edo Central senatorial district.
 
Ize-Iyamu again received royal blessing at Igueben from the traditional rulers of Edo Central, who gathered at the palace of the Onojie of the Igueben Kingdom, HRH Ehizojie Eiluojerio I. 
 
He harped on his plan to partner the traditional institutions in addressing insecurity and non-aligning policies between the government and the citizenry. He also promised that he would promote cultural values and tradition that are beneficial to the state and the people.
 
He told the multitude that were at his campaign in Ubiaja that he would continue Oshiomhole’s development programmes that were abandoned by Governor Obaseki in the areas of road construction, schools, health centres and others, while at Uromi, the APC governorship candidate inaugurated a borehole donated by a community leader in Ward 8, Efandion, Professor Steve Iyayi.
 
Ize-Iyamu gave the message of hope to the people. He said his government would protect and secure their farmlands, invest in tools that would aid productivity and market their produce to foreign buyers. He also assured the people that he would tackle erosion and lack of basic amenities. 
 
Curiously, as though a man, who has secured the Grace of God upon his life, Ize-Iyamu is getting the support of the people of Edo State. His campaign, which is now a movement, is attracting genuinely enthusiastic voters and a reflection of how the outcome of the election will look like.  The die is cast. 
 
*Fagbohun works and lives in Lagos

cc: mynd44

In his quest to get a second term, Governor Godwin Obaseki has made some new friends in his new party, the Peoples Democratic Party. Among them is Governor Nyesome Wike of Rivers State. For a name associated with avoidable controversies, pundits fear he could employ his cantankerous nature into the Edo State governorship election on September 19.

The governorship election in Edo State is just about four weeks away but as each day passes most of the stakeholders in the election are dead scared – they are worried that the process would be marred by violence – it is more like the state is heading for a war than going into an exercise to elect a leader. 
 
Judging from the drumbeats of war coming from the state and the persistent threat by Governor Godwin Obaseki to unleash violence, if necessary, it is easy to agree with those already on red alert, but there are other factors on the ground that point to possibility of violence. 
 
One main issue that the people of the state must be wary of is the involvement of Wike in the Edo election campaigns. Though a strong PDP chieftain, his new job as the chairman of the party’s National Campaign Council for Edo 2020 election has put the task of trying to win the election on his lap and with palpable desperation. 
 
Anyone familiar with the Rivers State election, particularly the 2015 election would recall that Governor Wike only knows one language and that is politics of extreme violence. In his state back then, he freely used inducement and politicization of anti-social groups to undermine the integrity of the election. 
 
Residents of Obio/Akpor, Khana; Gokana; Degema (Bakana); Akuku-Toru (Abomena); Asari-Toru; Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni; Emohua; Port Harcourt; Omuma; Ahoada East and several other parts of the state touched by violence will not forget their experiences in a hurry. 
 
Deploying the federal might, which was maximally at his disposal it birthed an era for unprecedented political thuggery, assassinations, abductions/kidnappings, destruction of property, clashes during rallies, intimidation of perceived opponents, ballot buying, ballot snatching and dubious claims. It might not have been his direct instruction, but his body language instigated. 


Those familiar with Governor Wike’s antics will surely be wary that he is already cooking up a winning strategy that might entail violence as seen in his state, where he recently paid N450 million as compensation to victims of electoral violence.
 
While it is obvious that the biggest challenge ahead of the election is providing security so that the electorate can make their choices without fear or Favour, he had alleged that the APC plans to use security agencies to rig the September 19 election in Edo, threading to scuttle it. 
 
“It is now apparent there is no fight against corruption in Nigeria. We would scuttle the plan of the APC to use security agencies to rig the September 19 election in Edo State. The APC is confident about winning, because they want to rig,” Wike tweeted. 
 
He further claimed that the PDP had gathered enough intelligence about “the unholy plan” and would scuttle it at the appropriate time.
 
Assuming without agreeing that he was right, if truly the APC has sinister motives to engage the use of the security agencies for election purposes, how does Governor Wike intend to scuttle that? He probably hopes to equip hoodlums under the guise of security agents to wreak havoc during the election and blame it on the APC as he did in his state. 
 
Just as his godson, Obaseki, who recently stated that, “If they want violence, we will show them violence”, Wike said, adding, “I Do not fear anybody; you only die once.”
 
In yet another statement, he stated that, “We consider the comment by INEC to cancel or suspend the election, because of violence as succumbing to the antics of the APC.
“All they want is violence, because they cannot win the election. If the election is suspended, the implication is that Obaseki will serve out his tenure without an election in November,” he threatened. 
The violence poise of Obaseki and Wike should get all well-meaning Nigerians worried, because they are both openly threatening violence and alleging that it was the opposition that plans violence. Then, when the electoral umpire said it would either suspend or cancel the election if there was violence, they started crying foul!

What would they have the INEC do? Already Wike has assured the people that he was prepared to battle with the security agencies, and so, if he does that, shouldn’t INEC cancel the election? 
There is no better interpretation to Obaseki’s statement that “We will show them that we are in government. And I am governor; Philip (Shaibu) is deputy. We are the only two people, who have immunity in this state today. And I am saying it in a very clear warning," that he has a sinister motive and is certain that the law could not catch up with him while he is still enjoying his protection from legal actions as a sitting governor.
 
Looking at INEC’s position as expounded by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, the threat to suspend the election or cancel it was borne out of concern about the escalating levels of violent actions and incendiary statements by political parties, candidates and their supporters.
 
The electoral body fears that the activities of the political actors are capable of leading to a breakdown of law and order and such situation could easily be evaluated by the media and the general public, so one will wonder why that is also unacceptable to the PDP arrowheads.
 
The commission is sensing possibility for violence considering that parties are destroying opponents’ campaign materials such as billboards, violent campaigns and use of offensive language.
 
The Chairman, Edo State Media Campaign Council of the APC governorship election, Mr. John Mayaki, said Wike’s allegations were baseless, saying Wike, like Obaseki, should rather address the allegation of violation of human rights against them.
 
“Let him (Wike) provide proof for anything he said. He cannot. How does the party that is not in power plan to oust the police in Edo State? He meant to accuse us but ended up insulting the Nigeria Police Force. I think they need to address the disrespectful and sickening way he spoke about them. This is not the first time that the governor has demonstrated a pedestrian restrain in his words. The inane speculation cannot hold water, as we stand to gain no further advantage should Mr. Obaseki leave office.”

As things stand today in Edo, the main challenge before INEC in organising Edo election is to improve security arrangements and that can best be done by identifying and sanctioning politicians and groups using inflammatory statements, inciting violence or plotting to perpetrate it, ensuring order at campaign rallies, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and protecting polling centres in a non-partisan and non-threatening manner.

Leading politicians at the state and local levels must, therefore honour commitments, already made to the campaigns and pursue any grievances peacefully and lawfully. It is only shameful that Obaseki claimed to have left APC, because of godfathers only to end up with god-demons. He deserves everyone’s pity. Honestly!
 
Williams-Fashoro lives in Wuse II, Abuja, nation’s capital

cc: mynd44

Still on rural intervention.

Completed drift culvert at Sullu Junction-Sabon Dikko road in Gurara LG by Niger state government in partnership with RAMP.

#LoloIsWorking

Watch below:-

cc: mynd44

By his actions, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State set up a war against his perceived enemies and yet, continues to cry foul the loudest.

Since the supremacy battle between him and his predecessor and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiohmole, there had been series of assumptions, presumptions and conclusions, most of which were not even verifiable.

One very common belief is that Oshiohmole wanted to play the godfather role and apparently understanding the negative implications of such portrayal, Governor Obaseki played to the gallery, alleging that the friction between him and his benefactor was because he denied him the opportunity becoming a godfather. He mentioned it again during his campaign in Etsako. 
 
In one of his press statements released by his special adviser on media and communication strategy, Crusoe Osagie, the governor categorically said: “In 2016 when Oshiomhole nominated and supported Obaseki, his hidden motive was to use Governor Obaseki, whom he thought would be a pawn in his game to defraud Edo people and enthrone himself as the ultimate godfather of Edo politics at the expense of the will and wishes of Edo people,” he said.

According to him, “However, Obaseki’s refusal to mortgage the interest of the majority of Edo people for the satisfaction of Oshiomhole and his handful of greedy followers is the cause of Oshiomhole’s bitterness, which has led him to bury himself in pursuit of an innocent governor, who is trying to do the right thing for his people.”


Not only has Oshiohmole repeatedly denied the insinuation, reliable sources close to the duo do not agree with Obaseki. For those who understood how it all started, the governor does not understand the game of politics, lacks the skills of give and take and does not listen to good advices, irrespective of where it is coming from. 
 
The horse-trading, give-and-take and promises that gave birth to his emergence as a governor were contracted by those who backed his first term in office but after attaining the reins of power, it was easy for the governor to dump all those, who shelved their ambitions for his and worked for his success at the election. 
 
As soon as he began governance, he quickly commenced a well-planned war against the political class, specifically against Oshiohmole and his loyalists while at the same time, claimed he was a technocrat and does not have room for politicking. 
 
Obaseki, in his bid to take total control of the system and the political structure, started out by engaging in a fierce underneath battle over who produced candidates into the state House of Assembly. Recall that the first primary election organised by the national body of the APC was cancelled and a new one ordered. 
 
He did not eventually get as many seats as he wanted among the 24 members-elect in the assembly. Some 19 members-elect were loyal to Oshiomhole, while he had only six and among them Oshiomole wanted Victor Edoro as Speaker, but Obaseki preferred Frank Okiye, and in an aggressive manner, perfected the plan to not inaugurate 14 lawmakers loyal to Oshiohmole. Presently, 17 lawmakers have been shut out of the 24-member house. 

Though Oshiohmole might be the reason politicians are protesting the ill treatment meted to them by Obaseki, the governor surely has a lot of other people to contend with for his abrasive nature in the political terrain. 


Not only did he ban the political class from the Osadebe Government House, when he came into power, in a calculated move, he got rid of Oshiohmole’s supporters from the political system. The former Youth Leaders and an ally of Oshiohmole, Osakpamwan Eriyo was remanded in prison for about 12 weeks, and Tony Kabaka, a youth leader in the state was relieved of his business as a revenue collector for the state and his hotel maliciously demolished. 

Osakpamwan was also a revenue collector and the state chairman, Road Transport Employee Association of Nigerian (RTEAN). He lost the two positions on the altar of Governor Obaseki’s quest for power and political supremacy.   


There is nearly an endless list of persons grumbling over the governor’s inconsiderate manner of misusing powers and more than Oshiohmole, a lot of them are quietly waiting to express their disapproval of his leadership during the September 19 polls. 


Buttressing the view that Obaseki has been the aggressor, revered Edo businessman and philanthropist, Captain Hosa Okunbo, in his letter titled: “An Open Letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Good People of Edo State: Please, Urge Governor Godwin Obaseki to Leave Me Alone,” did not only recall how he has been a victim of unprovoked attacks by the governor and his men, he also noted that efforts by him to get the governor to toe the path of peace was arrogantly rebuffed. 


Talking about how he intervened between Obaseki and Oshiomhole, Okunbo wrote: “In the course of time, I heard he started having issues with former Governor, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole and, I was quite worried and vehemently pleaded with him to settle whatever the issues were and embrace the path of peace in the interest of the good people of Edo State.


“As a stakeholder in the state, I advised on the need to allow wisdom drive his decision-making processes. I emphasised the critical position of leadership he occupies. I further espoused the virtues of patience and sacrifice in public service as I considered these as sine qua non to achieving one’s vision.


“Following a series of complaints of abandonment by his friends and associates from the political class, who knew my relationship with the Governor, I recommended to the Governor to bifurcate between politics and Governance.


“I recommended the need to appoint a trusted and experienced politician to bridge the gap and manage his relationship with the political wing of his administration so as to avoid distraction as he faces the onerous task of steering the business of moving the State towards economic and developmental prosperity.


“He, however, rejected my proposal and insisted politicians were rogues and would not patronize them or see them in Government House. Governor Obaseki told me without mincing words. He emphasised he would not be moved an inch about their responses or feelings on this particular issue, reiterating he did not need their support either. He told me clearly that he was not interested in pursuing any SECOND TERM agenda.”


Lamenting his personal torturous experiences when the governor attacked him, he said if he could suffer “all this injustice for no just cause, so you can imagine how many innocent citizens of Edo State that Godwin Obaseki and his agents would have been standing on their necks that can’t breathe.”


It was not only Captain Hosa, who attempted to lure the governor to embrace peace, quite a number of other well-meaning Edo citizens made efforts but it was soon clear that Governor Obaseki meant to fight to the finish. He told everybody close to him that it would be fight to finish between him and Oshiohmole.


Obaseki only showed that he is not a good student of history. Just about eight years ago, similar scenario played out in Lagos. Former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola is a technocrat. If left by himself, he would not have much to do with the politician, but after a little friction with the political class he came to realise their importance in the scheme of things and played party politics. That was what earned him a second term,


Governor Obaseki’s undoing in Edo State is that while he claimed to be a technocrat, he is playing deeply into the political terrain and trying to edge out all the political forces that facilitated his emergence nearly four years ago. If he succeeds at doing that, he would actually become ‘the godfather’ himself.                                           


Though no one knows for certain where the pendulum would eventually swing, however, away from the allegation that his agenda is to be a godfather, Oshiomhole has maintained that he is on mission to ensure Obaseki’s defeat in the September 19 governorship election, because he made a wrong choice in 2016. 


He has been apologetic to the people of the state for supporting him to emerge as the governor in 2016 saying, “I have made a mistake by supporting a man, who has no vision for my people. So, I want to correct my mistakes by making sure a servant of God, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is elected as governor and kick the snake out of the government house.


“From now till September 19, I am here in Edo State, because a political lion that I am, I am not scared of anything. Now the snake that enters our family home, God has driven the snake to where he belongs.


“I have come home to join you and start the process of reclaiming the house back to the family of APC. So, now I have only one mission and I know it is our common mission: to bring Edo back to the part of sustainable development,” he said.


But the governor insists that the former APC national chairman’s plan was to use him to defraud the people of the state. However, he has not been specific about any issue of such nature. 

Though the Oba of Benin, the Ewuare N’Ogidgan II, recently stated that the palace does not meddle in partisan politics and that he has no preference among the candidates, reliable sources within the governor’s fold have hinted that the governor does not really feel he enjoys any support whatsoever of the traditional institution, going into the election.

 According to inside sources, “Governor Obaseki’s adamant nature and refusal to give peace a chance won him many enemies and he himself knows it. He fears he might not be having the support of the kingdom, because many of those he attacked had reported him to the kingdom.”
 
Agbabiaka wrote from Osogbo, Osun State

cc: mynd44