₦airaland Forum

Edo govt does not owe monthly pension – Commissioner

The Edo State Government has said it pays pension to pensioners on or before 26 of every month and does not owe any pension to date.

In a statement, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Andrew Emwanta JP, said the state government will continue to show commitment towards the welfare and wellbeing of pensioners in the state.

He said, “Edo State Government does not owe any pensioner their monthly pension. Pensioners in Edo State get their monthly entitlement on or before 26 of every month.

“The agitation of pensioners today in Benin City was just a consequence of disagreement among members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) over statutory deduction of 1% from their pensions in favour of the Union, as check-off dues.”

“It was unfortunate that the Edo State Government was caught in the crossfire over the disagreement between members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners and their leadership. While some members of the Union are in support of the statutory deduction, others are against it.”

He said the state government does not owe pensioners any debt whatsoever, as far as the issue of pension is concerned.

Wahalaperson:
Na better thunder go fire you, Osagie.
Obaseki has turned education in edo state to dustbin, no teachers, no chairs, no structures, parents now gather money to employ and pay teachers in edo govt schools, students now go to school with their personal chairs, it shall never be well with Obaseki and the useless Osagie that sat down to write this rubbish and misleading piece.

You must be very stupid and insane, I don't believe you have been to Edo State to see the massive work, Gov. Obaseki is doing, including technical and vocational education

It is commendable... Benin city is the cradle of human civilisation

Appeal Court Upholds Obaseki’s Victory

By Temidayo Akinsuyi

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Benin, on Wednesday, upheld the ruling of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal against the Action Democratic Party (ADP), reaffirming the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki at the 2020 governorship election.

The Judgement comes barely two months after the Elections Petitions Tribunal struck out the petition by the ADP and its governorship candidate, Iboi Lucky, challenging the outcome of the September 19, 2020 governorship election, which returned Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor of Edo State.

The Appeal Court, delivering the judgement in the case marked CA/B/EPT/GOV/01 & 1A/2021 Action Democratic Party & Anor v. INEC & 2Ors, held that Obaseki did not forge his certificates with which he contested the 2020 governorship election, dismissing the appeal filed by the ADP and its candidate.

In another case marked /B/EPT/GOV/02/2021 Action Peoples Party (APP) Vs Godwin N. Obaseki & 2Ors., the Court unanimously upheld the Judgment of the Tribunal and dismissed the Appeal with costs assessed at N600,000 each, on two different counts, as the governor won all eight issues for determination in the appeal.

Delivering the judgement in favour of the governor, the Presiding Justice, Hon. Justice M.A. Owoade, dismissed the main appeal, the preliminary objection and the cross appeal.

The Judge noted that the inclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as respondents in the petition, was a ploy by Ize-Iyamu to fight his case through another petitioner, describing it as a case of ‘squeezing the rock for water’.

https://independent.ng/appeal-court-upholds-obasekis-victory/

N30bn stormwater project: ‘You supervised projects conceived to defraud Edo people’ – Obaseki blasts Budget Minister, Clem Agba



The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has lambasted the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, for his role in supervising the N30bn Benin City stormwater project, which the governor said was conceived to defraud Edo people.



The governor, who said this while inspecting the Textile Mill Road catchment of the project, noted that the project was touted to have drafted experts for its design, who were supervised by Agba, but the project was eventually not designed to drain water from the erosion-infested areas of the capital city, Benin.



Agba was the Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities and supervised the project during the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, when the phase 1 of the stormwater project was conceived and executed.



According to the governor, “The person who supervised this project, today, calls himself a Minister and is supervising bigger projects for the Federal Government. This is just unacceptable.



“What we are doing now is different from what was done in the last administration. There is almost a two-meter difference. So, there is no way that you can drain water from a low ground to a high plane.”



He added that the state government spent N30 billion in the last administration claiming to want to take away the people’s sufferings, but the project was not designed to meet that purpose.


“The stormwater project was a fraud. It was a contract to defraud Edo people. From what I see in this catchment area, the project was never designed to take water away from the area. The area was never drained,” he said.



The governor stressed that the stormwater project was designed not to work for the benefit of Edo people, insisting that his administration will probe the project and recover all the money stolen through it.

The Monumental N30bn Benin Stormwater Project Heist

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State recently unveiled the fraud that was the N30 billion Benin City Stormwater Project, threatening to empanel a committee to probe the project and recover monies stolen through it.

But not many people are conversant with the issues in contention. Below is a brief summary of the matters at stake:

1) N30bn in 2010 was $200mil.

2) The contractor revised contract to N35bn

3) The contract is still not completed

4) Technically, aspects of the design and implementation could never have drained some critical catchments particularly the Royal grounds

5) The contract for the construction for Textile Mill Road with drainage of the Royal Grounds awarded last year was N2.8bn ($8mil)

In the real sense, the most heartbreaking of this heist is the fact that the monies were sourced just to line the pockets of politicians. Not only was the design defective in addressing the issue for which the fund was sourced, the politicians during the last administration made away with public funds, without recourse to the suffering of the people, in whose name the money was collected. This is beyond callous.

Edo people must all stand up to ask those responsible to account for the money they were entrusted to spend on the project to better the lives of ordinary people.

No matter how highly placed, everyone who was responsible for executing the project must be brought to justice.

#EdoMustBeGreatAgain

Oral Interview slated for second week of March... Different states with different cut off mark

If you are from Bayelsa and score up to 40% go and be praying that your name should not be replace

Herdsmen attacks: Obaseki embarks on fact-finding tour, vows not to politicise security issues in Edo

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said his administration will not politicise security issues in the state, noting that efforts are being taken to isolate and deal with the issues as they emerge so as to provide lasting security to communities across the state.

The governor made the remark when he led heads of security agencies in the state on a fact-finding visit to Udo, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.

At the Palace of the Iyase of Udo, His Royal Highness (HRH) Patrick Igbinidu, Obaseki said, "We are on a fact-finding tour around some parts of the state today to access the security situation particularly as it relates to farmers and herders’ conflicts in the state.

"As a government, we do not believe that we should politicise security. It is important that we get the facts right and understand what exactly is going on. We had reports about the crisis or impending crisis around this axis.

"We have also had all sorts of anxieties. Well, I will call them speculations on social media about herdsmen being pushed off from neighboring states into this area and the escalating crisis or impending crisis.”

He added, "We have had situations that have resulted in conflicts between herders and farmers. Our position is that we have to manage this crisis carefully. Like I said, we should not politicise the issues of herdsmen in our society.

"We do not accept the situation whereby anybody will be herding cattle with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons. We also understand that there are bandits and criminals who pretend to be herders but undertake criminal activities such as kidnapping in the name and guise of being herdsmen.

“I have always argued that we should separate these people and deal with each one accordingly. Today, we are here to undertake assessments ourselves and to assure the people of Ovia South West of adequate security being provided by the government to protect the people.”

He continued: “The state government is providing adequate security to protect the lives and property of the people. The security structure of the state has been rigid and revamped.

“We will not also accept the situation where people want to use the current security challenges to destabilise our country. We have no other country. Every country has its own challenges but they look for ways to resolve these challenges.

"We have major security challenges in the country as well as the whole of the Sahara region. I think leadership in this country should be responsible and ensure that we focus on the specific crisis, some of which is not anybody’s doing.”

According to the governor, "Some of the crisis we have in the sub-continent today has to do with environmental changes. We should all come together and look for ways to confront these emerging security problems and not to begin to take it out of context because of cheap political gains to create crisis in the country.”

Earlier, the Iyase of Udo, HRH Patrick Igbinidu, said that the security challenges in his community have been on for a very long time, adding, “Farmers always complain about the activities of the herdsmen. When I received such reports, I had to call both parties to resolve the issues immediately. We have been on it for a very long time.”
At a town hall meeting, Obaseki assured the people that his administration would protect residents in the state as he is governor for all.

He urged “the Fulani Community should collaborate with the government and security agencies to fish out criminals. We will create an area where the cattle will go regularly to eat, as they must not go to peoples’ farms. This will stop cattle from moving round the community including in farmlands."

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Philip Agbadu, assured of the readiness of his men in ensuring peace in the troubled areas in the state, noting, "I urge Fulani leaders to ensure that children are not allowed to follow the cattle for grazing as they may not be able to control them.”

In his remarks, the leader of Fulani Community in the area, Alhaji Muhammad Buhari expressed appreciation to the governor for the fact-finding mission to the area, adding that Fulani community in the area are peace-loving people and has lived in the community for years and his people will always support peaceful atmosphere.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/

PHOTO CAPTION

DSC_01

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Enogie of Odighi Community, His Royal Highness, Prince Osaretin Akenzua; Chairman, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Hon. Scott Ogbemudia, during a town hall meeting over farmers and herdsmen clashes at Odighi community in Uhiere Ward of Ovia-North East LGA, on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

DSC_02
L-R (front row): Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Philip Agbadu; Commander, 4 Brigade, Brigadier General M. A Sadiq; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; during a town hall meeting over farmer and herdsmen clashes at Odighi community in Uhiere Ward of Ovia-North East LGA, on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

DSC_03
L-R: Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Philip Agbadu; Commander, 4 Brigade, Brigadier General M. A Sadiq; Executive Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, Hon. Destiny Enabulele; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; the Iyase of Udo, His Royal Highness (HRH) Patrick Igbinidu, during the governor’s fact-finding visit to Udo community on farmer and herdsmen clashes, in Ovia South West LGA, ON Tuesday, February 9, 202

For those insulting the Oracle, just know that you are wasting your time, I gave out my information based from credible and reliable source

The cut mark is 40% because a lot of persons score less than 35% percent in the second test, the Executive Secretary, Engr. Simbi Wabote (Fnse) was very disappointed at the result and query TestMi, Management concluded no need for a Third test
Next stage is Interview

SOURCE: Oxbow Lake Road, Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

drKally:
Test don finish na

If you know anybody that didn't score up to 40% in the second test ...tell him to forget about NCMB

Oshiomhole, Ganduje, Yahaya Bello, Nasir el-Rufai, others slammed with a visa ban by the United States Government

A former governor of Edo State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, is among top Nigerians slammed with a visa ban by the United States Government on Monday, SaharaRepoters has learnt.

Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, are also among those affected by the latest US sanction, it was gathered.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna on the other hand had his own visa ban extended.

He has been banned from entering the US since 2010 over a graft case.

According to US officials, more Nigerian politicians may be included on the visa ban list after the Edo governorship election if they are involved in
Those affected by the latest visa ban have received notification by email and or text messages, it was learnt.

A statement by spokesperson for the Department of State, Morgan Ortagus, on Monday said those issued visa bans received the sanction for undermining democracy in Nigeria.

It reads, “In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections. Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa states elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo states elections.

“These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.
“The Department of State emphasises that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people. This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Government to realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights."

http://saharareporters.com/2020/09/15/breaking-oshiomhole-kano-kogi-governors-us-visa-ban-list-el-rufais-sanction-extended

The look Apostle Suleman gave to the deceptive Alhaji Pastor Ize-Iyamu, who was trying hard to convince him that he is no longer a cultist, but he have dangerous "Lions and Tigers"

#ApostleJoshuaSuleman is for GGO
#LionsTigersPastor
#Auchi is for GGO
#Edo is for GGO
#PastorSulemanreject#POIGANI

They offered me 100 million naira to Endorse Ize iyamu but I refused.
EDO STATE APC CHAIRMAN

The Authentic State Chairman of APC in Edo State, Barr. Anslem Ojezua was offered N100 million naira by the Ize-Iyamu faction.

He refused saying that his party the All Progressive Congress (APC) has no candidate, as he has since written to the National leadership of his party and INEC that there is no APC governorship candidate in the September 19 gubernatorial election.

More troubles for Pastor Ize-Iyamu

“I didn’t contract tigers and lions to move from polling unit to polling unit, I was actually advising them not to act in such manner. My opposition doctored the video and changed the words in my mouth”

-Pastor chief Ize Iyamu allegedly says on Channels TV as he denies his alliance with tigers and lions.

ajailer:
Disinformation

Minister of information... where is your information

helinues:
News from Upper Iweka bridge

will you keep quiet.. this news is reliable

FRUSTRATION: OSHIOMOLE RUNS TO PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR SUPPORT AND BACKING

Information reaching us states that today Oshiomole met with President Buhari seeking his support and backing in the forth coming Edo Governorship election.

The background of this August visit to the Presidency is as a result of the rejection that he and his team are getting from the people of Edo state, who clearly are not in support of the projected candidate of the APC . This is so because the Edos are not interested in him or the candidate he is projecting to the Edo people.

More so, it is evident that about 15 APC Governors and most of the National leaders of the APC are not interested in the Edo election.

Flowing from the aforementioned, Oshiomole in his bid and desperation to return to power for his subliminal third term ran to the president, so that the president will release the federal forces for him to use to cause mayhem , unrest and chaos in the Edo state.

Our sources revealed that the president was clear that his duty is to ensure a free and fair, as well as a credible election in the state. The president reiterated to Oshiomole that, since Oshiomole once claimed that Ize Iyamu is more popular and well known in the state, then there is no need for federal backing or security agency to come and rig or disrupt the election. He went further to state that his promise to Nigerians is to ensure free fair and credible election and that is what he is standing for.

As we speak now, Oshiomole left the Aso rock disappointed and unhappy because all they wanted was for the president to give them a go ahead for INEC, The Police and DSS to come and cause mayhem and ring the election.

Again, it is clear that the president is not ready to allow people to die in the name of election. President Buhari wants a free and fair election. He wants the choice of the people to win. He wants the best candidate to win.

From our sources it is clear that Oshiomole and Ize Iyamu will be preparing for this election without the federal backing to rig the election.

The Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Petition Tribunal has nullified the election of Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State.

The election was nullified based on a petition by the Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party, which argued that it was unlawfully excluded from participating in the election.

The tribunal ruling can, however, still be challenged at the appeal court.

More details on the tribunal’s Monday ruling will be provided in subsequent updates.

Monday’s ruling comes two days after the tribunal dismissed three other petitions against the election of Mr Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Edo State PDP campaign council hails members, supporters, electorate for successful rally in Edo North

The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council has expressed appreciation to party leaders, members, supporters and the electorate in Edo North Senatorial District of the state for their warm reception of the PDP candidate and Governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the party's campaign rally in the district.

Chairman, Edo PDP Campaign Council, Chief Dan Orbih, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said the show of solidarity and support was wonderful and inspiring.

According to him, “On behalf of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, and the members of the Edo State PDP Campaign Council, I express our gratitude to the good people of Edo North Senatorial District for the wonderful support they showed when we visited the various wards in Edo North.

“We went round the 64 wards in Edo North and it was wonderful. The support was wonderful. I now see why people are committed to the re-election of the governor."

Chief Orbih added: “At the places we visited, they came out to let the governor know that they appreciate all the good things he has done for them and also told him some of the things he should do in his second term. To that extent, I think the tour was a huge success. We look forward to visiting the remaining wards in the remaining senatorial districts in the state.”



Recall that the Governor and the campaign council commenced the ward-to-ward campaign that would span the 192 wards in the state, a strategy that is anchored on the governor’s philosophy that politics must be local and connected to the most basic unit of political formation, such as wards, to ensure that the people truly feel the benefits of democracy.

The APC governorship candidate Alhaji.Pastor. Ize-Iyamu has returned to the pulpit, after releasing his lions and tigers to cause mayhem in the incoming election he also converted to the moslem faith in a desperate bid to win the gubernatorial election.

APC GOVERNORSHIPS CANDIDATE PASTOR BY MORNING, IMAM BY NIGHT

Fmlao:
He has not contravened any section of the law.

We are human first before any religion.

It is the cloud of religion that makes it weird for me to wear native on Wednesday.

he was contravened his faith , because he is not a moslem, the attire is for strictly worn by moslem

Pastor Ize Iyamu an acclaimed pastor has converted to Islam all because of Power..

Obaseki hails Odigie-Oyegun at 81, says he spoke ‘truth to power when it mattered the most’

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed ex-governor of the state and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on his 81st birthday, extolling his virtues as an elder statesman and applauding his candour in speaking ‘truth to power when it matters the most.’

In a statement, the governor said it was heartwarming and soothing to celebrate with Chief Odigie-Oyegun as he adds another year, noting that he meritoriously served Edo State and Nigeria in his eventful career as a civil servant, a public servant and a politician.

According to him, “I am elated to celebrate with Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a quintessential gentleman, who continues to lead an enviable life that is worthy of emulation by all and sundry.

“As a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, he was a solid administrator, pursuing germane reforms to retool Nigeria's civil service for greatness.

“When he served as governor, he brought panache and finesse to governance, ensuring that a solid foundation was laid for the development of the state.”
Obaseki said what has stood Chief Odigie-Oyegun out all these years is his meekness and forthrightness as well as a rare knack to “speak truth to power when it matters the most.”

“As we celebrate Chief Odigie-Oyegun today, it must be reiterated that he remains a key figure in efforts to transform Edo State and position her for greatness. He has done his bit and continues to work towards engendering sustainable development and prosperity for Edo people in particular and Nigeria in general,” he added.


*PHOTO CAPTION*

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Edo 2020: Esan Agenda hails humiliation of Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole during campaign rally

Convener of the group, Esan Agenda, Mr Akhere Obozele, has hailed the humiliation of the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and the sacked national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, by traditional rulers of Esan extraction and their subjects on Monday.

According to Obozele, “The public humiliation of the APC gubernatorial candidate and the former national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole is worth commending. Our traditional rulers reinforced the enormous respect we have always had for them, with that singular action.”

He queried: “What were they expecting from Esan people after marginalising the region for eight years? Were they expecting our leaders to give them a royal reception after what they did to Esan people?  The Oshiomhole-led APC government publicly humiliated our political and traditional leaders and acted like someone that was on a mission to annihilate the Esan race.  

“The party adopted a divisive political strategy, with which they succeeded in fragmenting Esan people into weak political entities and used them against each other. Judgment day is here for Oshiomhole and his political son, Ize-Iyamu!”

Obozele further said: “Recall that we had told the APC that Esan people are resolute about giving Governor Godwin Obaseki, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) all their votes, but they thought we were joking.

“Obaseki deserves our total support because he has demonstrated that he is here to serve all Edo people. He is not an ethnic jingoist, or someone that plays cheap politics of manipulation or ‘use and dump politics’. He sees all Edo people as one, and that is the kind of leadership we need at this time.”

According to the group, “We have sufficient reasons to reelect Governor Obaseki. He reinstated the Onojie of Uromi, HRH Anselm Okojie, Aidenojie II; constructed several roads and bridges in Esan land. He has revamped many schools in the area and has empowered many of our youths, who are now entrepreneurs.”

*Missing multi-million naira artwork found in Hosa Okunbo’s farm, artists’ raises alarm*

A multi-million naira artwork which has been missing from the University of Benin, Ekenhuan Campus, has been traced to the farm of Benin billionaire, Captain Hosa Okunbo.

Raising the alarm in Lagos, a member of the Community of Visual Artists in Nigeria, Akin Sage, said: “The title of the artwork is 21st Century and has been reported missing for some time now.

“We have just received information that the gigantic metal work is at Captain Hosa Okunbo’s farm, somewhere around the by-pass, off Sapele Road in Benin City.

“We do not know how the work got there, but we can authoritatively tell you that the owner of the work was not paid any money, nor was his consent sought before the work was taken away from the University of Benin.”

Sage assured that his “association has the global reach to follow the issue to its logical conclusion.”

Asked if the association will go to court, he noted that “legal and other options are being reviewed.”

*Missing multi-million naira artwork found in Hosa Okunbo’s farm, artists’ raises alarm*

A multi-million naira artwork which has been missing from the University of Benin, Ekenhuan Campus, has been traced to the farm of Benin billionaire, Captain Hosa Okunbo.

Raising the alarm in Lagos, a member of the Community of Visual Artists in Nigeria, Akin Sage, said: “The title of the artwork is 21st Century and has been reported missing for some time now.

“We have just received information that the gigantic metal work is at Captain Hosa Okunbo’s farm, somewhere around the by-pass, off Sapele Road in Benin City.

“We do not know how the work got there, but we can authoritatively tell you that the owner of the work was not paid any money, nor was his consent sought before the work was taken away from the University of Benin.”

Sage assured that his “association has the global reach to follow the issue to its logical conclusion.”

Asked if the association will go to court, he noted that “legal and other options are being reviewed.”

Presidency, governors shun Ize-Iyamu’s campaign flag-off

…as Edo Govt thanks Buhari for not coming to showcase corruption

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday shunned the official flag-off of campaign by Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19 election in Edo State.

Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, expressed thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari for not attending the event that took place in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

According to Osagie: “Once again, President Muhammadu Buhari reaffirmed his commitment to his administration’s fight against corruption by staying away from the public unveiling of the corruption-scarred gubernatorial candidate of the APC.

“Knowing the collateral damage such a gesture would have caused the anti-corruption war and its promoters, home and abroad, the President decided to stay away. The vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and several APC governors that were expected at the event, were also absent.

“APC leaders such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, were also not at the Sports Complex of the University of Benin, venue of the campaign flag-off.
“They departed Benin City immediately after a short visit to the palace of the Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II,” Osagie said.

COVID-19: Hold APC, Ize-Iyamu responsible for spike in new cases as campaign rally defies preventive protocols – Edo govt

The Edo State Government has called on Edo people to hold the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the forthcoming governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, responsible for any dramatic spike in new coronavirus cases in the state.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said the warning became imperative as the APC and its candidate did not follow the necessary coronavirus (COVID-19) health and safety protocols in organising its campaign flag-off at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Sports Complex in Benin City, on Saturday.

According to him, “We are aware that the campaign flag-off was held without adherence to the protocols emplaced by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Edo State Government to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

“There may have been pretenses to have organised a semblance of a COVID-19 health and safety protocol, but we know that to be a charade because tests were not conducted in the case of people turning up with high temperature and samples were not collected for suspected cases.”

Osagie added that it was most regrettable that the APC would endanger the lives and safety of the people, urging the public to be on the alert should there be an escalation of cases of the virus in the state.

“The Edo State Government had over the last few months ensured that the people are protected from the vagaries of the pandemic, which had informed the data-driven approach to the pandemic. But it is only regrettable and condemnable that the APC is making a mockery of the hard work invested in protecting the people from the pandemic by exposing them to the virus without caring about how these would lead to rise in cases of the virus in the state.”

Osagie to Ganduje: We deliver projects in Edo, do not stuff dollars in Babariga

The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, has said Governor Godwin Obaseki delivers sustainable projects to better the lives of Edo people and does not go about stuffing dollars in babariga, like the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

In a statement, Osagie said Ganduje, who serves as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for Edo gubernatorial election, is in no position to assess the performance of Governor Godwin Obaseki or any other governor in the country because of the baggage of the viral video of him stuffing dollars collected from contractors circulated on the internet recently.

According to Osagie, “The comment by Governor Ganduje on the performance of Governor Obaseki in office is at best laughable. It is also disgraceful because the APC has apparently misconstrued the meaning of performance because it is verifiable that Governor Obaseki’s unprecedented performance across different sectors of the state is what has endeared him to Edo people. No amount of lame talk from the APC and their campaign handlers can erase these projects which litter the nooks and crannies of Edo State.

“Ganduje is in no position to assess Governor Obaseki or any other governor for that matter because he has a baggage hanging on his neck, which he needs to clear. It is important to put some of the government’s projects in perspective so that the public can judge.

“The Obaseki-led government through different Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) have completed or is at the verge of completing the following projects: the 6000bpd Edo Modular Refinery in Ologbo, Benin City; 55MW Ossiomo Independent Power Plant, in Ologbo, Benin City; the 1451-unit Emotan Garden Estate; strengthened broadband infrastructure with 400km fibre optic cables laid by Main One, among others”

Osagie noted that workers and pensioners in the state are happy with Governor Obaseki because he has kept faith with paying their salaries and pensions, while investors keep trooping in because of the transparent and efficient land management, among others.