₦airaland Forum

*Attempted coup d’état: I didn’t endorse anybody - Edo CP, Kokumo*

*…Obaseki, Police assure of security ahead of guber poll*

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, has refuted claims that he endorsed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who visited him in his office on Thursday, warning that anyone caught using his office to heat up the polity will face dire consequences.

The Commissioner gave the clarification after the State Security Council meeting, Governor Godwin Obaseki held with heads of security agencies, at the Government House, Benin City, on Friday.

The commissioner who explained that he and his office remain apolitical and open to all, noted: “It is my statutory responsibility to provide security for lives and property irrespective of political affiliation.”

On his part, Governor Obaseki expressed concern over the rising security challenges ahead of the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in the state.

According to him, "We condemned the high level of thuggery, violence and increasing influx of arms into the state.

"The Commissioner of Police briefed the council on yesterday’s situation at the Edo State House of Assembly that led to some illegal and treasonable acts conducted by some individuals.”

"The security personnel have assured us of their readiness to secure and tackle any security challenges faced by the state,” the governor added.

Obaseki continued: "They are up to the tasks; they have the men and materials to take charge. They assured us and the good people of Edo of adequate security to ensure the protection of lives and property.”

The governor said that the state security chiefs promised to protect everyone in the state irrespective of their political affiliation.

Responding to the alleged withdrawal of security details of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Frank Okiye, the CP assured that “those who are entitled to security details will be given, while those who are not entitled to security details will be withdrawn.”

Kokumo said that at the meeting, the security heads were able to review the activities of security in the last few weeks, adding: “We talked about political violence and thuggery and means of putting checks in place.

"The security agencies will leave no stone unturned; we have created a conducive atmosphere for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.”

"We want to assure Edo people that the pre-election period would be safe and conducive for campaigns, during and after the election, to ensure there is no breach of law and order,” he added.

[quote author=Benbellamor post=92555400]Instead of them to go to appeal court they are cashing on Tinubu bullion billions, When its few days to the election PDP Wull bring their money too,They switched alliace to PDP Again
Politicians are millionaires in Edo now[/quote They will fail

[b][/b]Failed Edo Assembly invasion an attempted coup d’état - Obaseki



...says govt will take all steps necessary to defend rule of law



...salutes Edo people for thwarting evil plans

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has described the failed invasion of the state House of Assembly Complex as an attempted coup d’état that is tantamount to treason and contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

Obaseki, who said this in a statewide broadcast on Friday, assured that his administration will take all steps necessary to defend the rule of law and democratic ideals.

“Any person or group of persons who set out to test our will in this regard will meet with the full wrath of the law," the governor warned.

He noted: "These events portend grave danger to the safety and security of our polity. It had all the hallmarks of an attempted coup d’état.

“The people of Edo State rose as one to prevent the desecration of our democracy. It is however worrisome that certain persons are willing to plunge the society into avoidable anarchy and conflict just to satisfy their illegitimate objectives."

According to the Governor, "the crisis in the Edo State legislature dates back to June 17th, 2019, when upon my proclamation of the 7th Edo State House of Assembly, some members-elect refused to present themselves for inauguration.

“The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in a judgement delivered on the 12th of September, 2019, decided that my proclamation of the House of Assembly was lawful and that the National Assembly could not take over the function of the Edo State House of Assembly as the conditions for doing so did not exist.

“The court judgement affirmed that the Assembly was duly inaugurated and held that the Governor or any other person could not issue another proclamation."

He explained that "Even after this judgement, the 14 members-elect stayed away from the House and refused to be inaugurated to perform their elected role of representing their constituencies. Having failed to sit for over 180 sitting days, the leadership of the House of Assembly had no option but to declare their seats vacant and requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections to fill the vacancies that had then been created.

"Following this action by the leadership of the House, the 14 members-elect approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, to challenge the constitutionality or otherwise of the declaration of their seats vacant. This suit is still pending in the court."

Obaseki noted that "This unfortunate situation has festered because a former governor of the state is bent on throwing the state into crisis ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections."

"I want to salute the resolve of all well-meaning Edo people in standing up to thwart the evil plans of these undemocratic elements who are bent on perpetrating an illegal assault on our democracy by the purported inauguration in a private residence.


"These events portend grave danger to the safety and security of our polity. It had all the hallmarks of an attempted coup d’état. The people of Edo State rose as one to prevent the desecration of our democracy. It is however worrisome that certain persons are willing to plunge the society into avoidable anarchy and conflict just to satisfy their illegitimate objectives.

"These acts are tantamount to treason, contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

"Be assured, dear people of Edo State, that this government will take all steps necessary to defend the rule of law and democratic ideals. Any person or group of persons who set out to test our will in this regard will meet with the full wrath of the law," he said.

Power belongs to Edo people not any man, Obaseki tells supporters in Akoko Edo

…receives more defectors

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming gubernatorial election and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on voters in the state to come out en masse on September 19, 2020, to cast their votes for the PDP in order to sustain the developmental strides of his administration, noting that power belongs to the electorate.

Obaseki who spoke with party faithful at Ward 9 in Egbedo, during the flag-off of his reelection campaign in Edo North Senatorial District of the state, said the forthcoming election will be about good and bad and the future of youths in the state.

The governor also received defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 9, Egbedo, in Akoko Edo Local Government Area, who declared support for the governor’s re-election.

Obaseki said: “I promise to ensure that every child in Edo will have a skill by the time they finish junior secondary school and be able to work. We have introduced the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme from primary one to six and by next year we will focus on junior secondary schools we will also focus on technical education to ensure our youths become effective and contribute to the development of the state.

“When I entered Government House, I observed that the way roads were built in the past was not the best, so we changed the system and put in place a maintenance mechanism to ensure the roads built by my administration stand the test of time,” he added.

Barr. Jimoh Dayo Musa, who led the decamped APC members, said Obaseki will get their votes and support as he has done well for the people of the state.

PHOTO CAPTION

IMG_124

L-R: His Royal Highness, Olososo of Ososo, Anselm Adeloro Obaitan; candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming gubernatorial election and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his running m

Edo 2020: Pensioners in Edo North throw weight behind Obaseki’s second term bid


Pensioners in Dagbala, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State have commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his prompt payment of salaries and pension, which has improved the wellbeing of residents in the state.

A cross section of pensioners who spoke to journalists on the sidelines of Governor Obaseki’s campaign trail in Ward 5, said the governor would be rewarded for prioritising workers' welfare.

Mr Rufus Adogame, who spoke on behalf of other pensioners in Akoko Edo, said, "We are here today to campaign for Governor Godwin Obaseki’s second term election and we are sure of victory for him.

"Today, we want to assure the governor that we are ready to vote for him. His developmental strides have qualified him to contest under our great party, the PDP.

"Before now, pensioners got their pay every two to three months. But Obaseki has changed this narrative. We now get our pay as early as 24th to 26th of each month," he said.

Adogame further said that the people are happy with all the great things Obaseki has done and continues to do for them, noting that they would mobilise for his reelection come September 19.

A former House of Representatives member, Mr Tunde Akogun, said that the people need a man that is honest, truthful and committed to the development of the state as governor, which is why the support for the governor is unprecedented.

"We all know the history of how pensioners took over the streets of Benin. Today that narrative has been changed by Governor Obaseki,” he said.

Akogun, however, urged the masses to come out in their large numbers to vote for Obaseki in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Osagie to Oshiomhole: Telling lies on national TV will not save your drowning political image


…says Obaseki’s Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) manifesto is people-centric

The Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, has challenged the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to be courageous enough to tell Nigerians the truth about the circumstances that led to his removal, as bandying lies on national television will not save his drowning political image.

Osagie who was responding to claims made by Oshiomhole on ARISE Television programme on Monday morning, noted that “no amount of lies can controvert the fact that Oshiomhole’s political misfortune is self-inflicted.”

According to the governor’s aide, “Contrary to the narrative being advanced by the sacked national chairman that he was a victim of power play, Nigerians who have followed the events that led to Oshiomhole’s ouster closely, can attest to the fact that he was a victim of his own indiscretion and unholy machinations.

“In fact, in Edo State, Oshiomhole was the powerful force that millions of Edo people fought against, so that the governor could breathe and deliver good governance to them.”

“Nigerians know that Oshiomhole was sacked for his gross abuse of power and not the narrative he has been bandying on television. His obsession with power and absolute control of same, drove the APC to a near catastrophic situation.

“He was elected to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, but he frittered away the enormous goodwill he inherited and embarked on personal battles that cost the APC such states as Zamfara, Sokoto, Oyo and created factions within the National Working Committee of the APC. So it was only natural that the consequences of the strife, crisis and divisions that he caused would come calling someday.

“In Edo State, Oshiomhole turned against Governor Obaseki when the governor failed to yield to his subservience and his grand plot to rule by proxy. He literally invaded the Edo APC and set up parallel structures to hijack it. His predecessor, Chief Odigie-Oyegun allowed the state’s structure of the APC to carry out its activities without any interference. To Oshiomhole’s immoderation, Edo State is today a PDP state and we are free from his inanities.

“The former national chairman of the APC mortgaged the internal cohesion of the party, which ought to have been his primary task, for personal interest and set the APC on a roller coaster to disaster, until the president intervened.”

He added: “Today, Oshiomhole has found it convenient to rewrite history, by playing the victim in an event he was the sole protagonist. But Nigerians will not fall for such a trick.”

On Oshiomhole’s claim that Obaseki does not have a manifesto, Osagie explained: “Obaseki has since unveiled his Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) manifesto to Edo people and the manifesto is clear about the direction the Obaseki-led government will take the state in the next four years.”

Osagie queried, “How can a man that Oshiomhole publicly acknowledged as the brain box of his eight-year administration not have a manifesto?

“Oshiomhole keeps running from one issue to another when confronted with facts and superior argument. He once called Governor Obaseki an MoU Governor. But the moment we confronted him with photographs of the CCETC-Ossiomo Independent power plant project that is awaiting commissioning; the Benin Refinery project which is at 70% completion; the EDPA-Mixta Nigeria Housing Estate and several other projects birthed by Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), the former governor, stopped calling Obaseki an MoU governor.

“Edo people are very intelligent people who cannot be deceived with lies and propaganda. We have facts on ground in virtually all sectors of the state that speak to the performance of the Obaseki-led government.

“The Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation programme (EDOBEST) has attracted the attention of several state and national governments who have come to understudy the policy.”

[b][/b]Obaseki kicks off campaign in Edo North, receives royal blessings from Otaru of Igarra, others

... as Governor parades achievements, post-COVID-19 devt blueprint for Edo people

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Monday kicked off his re-election campaign in Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo North Senatorial District, promising to build on the good foundation his administration has laid in the last three years and eight months, with an economic blueprint that will address the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Receiving the governor in his palace, the Otaru of Igarra, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, prayed that God will guide the governor and bless his plans for the state.

“We pray that God will guide you in all your ways. You should not be discouraged in advising the youths against violence and political thuggery, because the era of violence and thuggery is gone,” the Otaru said.

Responding, Obaseki said that with the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the people need a leader with focus, and one that is genuinely concerned about the well-being of the people of the state.

On agriculture, the governor said that food production must be improved upon and taken more seriously as farming should be a priority, with the dwindling resources from Abuja.

“What you have seen in the last three years and eight months is small compared to what we have planned for our second term. We have the experience that our opponent does not have.

“Our radical reforms have given us a solid foundation to build on. We will tackle security challenges in the state,” he said.
The governor assured that he will not disappoint the people who have stood by him since his assumption of office.
“I am seeking re-election because we have started a revolution of development in the last three years and eight months to make governance relevant to Edo people.

“We pay civil servants and pensioners on time because we have prioritised their well-being and have trained our teachers to be digital teachers, and now our children are learning well. We have improved on infrastructure in Igarra land and we would do more.

“We have been working for Edo people with focus on the future of the youths in the state. We want to put more money in education. I want to complete the technical college here in Igarra, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) will soon be history as we have started working on electricity as I have made the son of this land to take charge of the electricity board. At the end of this year, electricity issue will be a thing of the past.
“The role of government is to train the youths and build their capacity to enable them become employers of labour," Obaseki added.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu thanked the people for their support in the last three years and eight months and sought their continued support and votes, come September 19.

He noted that Obaseki is a man that doesn't discriminate in the area of appointment as he appointed their sons to occupy the position of Interim Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Chief of Staff, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), amongst others.

PHOTO CAPTION

IMG_01
L-R: Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, at the flag-off of campaigns in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo North Senatorial District, on Monday, August 3, 2020.

IMG_02
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), addressing the Otaru of Igarra, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, in his palace, during the governor’s kick-off of his re-election campaign in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo North Senatorial District, on Monday, August 3, 2020.

IMG_03
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki addressing supporters in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, flanked by his running mate and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu (left) and Chairman of Edo PDP Governorship Election Campaign Council, Chief Dan Orbih, during the governor’s kick-off of his re-election campaign in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo North Senatorial District, on Monday, August 3, 2020.

Otaru of igarra welcome Gov. Obaseki and give his blessing

Edo 2020: Obaseki visits Otaru of Igarra, assures sustained devt

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has kicked off his re-election campaign for the 2020 governorship polls in Edo North Senatorial District of the state, with a visit to the palace of the Otaru of Igarra, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II.
The governor who led a number of members of the Edo PDP Campaign Council to the palace, noted that he is seeking re-election to continue to deliver good governance to the people and consolidate on the gains made in his first term.

Governor Obaseki is popular in the Igarra and neighbouring towns for constructing the most roads in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area and providing jobs for the teeming youths in the locality.

He is riding on a wave of support from different groups within and outside the state for his re-election.

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Amaechi’s claim validates Obaseki’s letter that he had no hand in Okunbo’s maritime security contract cancellation - Osagie

…as Transport Minister cites corruption as reason for FG’s action

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, has said that the recent television interview granted the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, in which he took responsibility for the cancellation of Captain Hosa Okunbo’s maritime security contract, validates Governor Godwin Obaseki’s letter that he had no hand in Okunbo’s misfortunes.

Osagie said: “We are glad that the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, came on air to lay this issue to rest in the minds of some Nigerians.

“For us, Amaechi’s clarification reinforces what we have always believed. Of course we know the governor was right, when he said that he had no hand in the cancellation of Okunbo’s maritime security contract, even though Captain Hosa would have people believe otherwise. Amaechi’s claim brings to rest, the argument over who was responsible for the cancellation of Okunbo’s contract.”

According to Amaechi, his ministry cancelled the maritime security contract, which Captain Hosa Okunbo’s Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMSL) was undertaking, because the deal was laced with fraud, adding that OMSL was grossly inefficient, didn’t have the federal government’s approval to execute the contract and was charging very high rates.

Amaechi, who spoke on an African Independent Television (AIT) programme, monitored in Benin City, challenged Okunbo to come forward with the approval letter he got from the federal government to provide maritime security on the nation’s waterways.

Asked by the programme presenter, Ijeoma Osamor, to comment on the battle between the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) and Hosa Okunbo’s Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, Amaechi retorted, “What security was he (Hosa Okunbo) providing?”

The transport minister said: “He charges each vessel on the waters 2500 dollars, then after that 1500 everyday, he doesn’t pay back that money to the federal govt. He makes 17 million dollars from that activity, who approved it, nobody!

“So as minister for transport, I said no, we can provide that security, 195 million dollars was approved by the federal government to a company that is training Nigerians that will take over the waterways, and take care of the security, then Okunbo is now saying no no, I must do it, he can’t! I wonder why our personal interest will override national interest. I wonder what kind of country we belong to.”

He emphasized: “The federal government has awarded a contract of 195 million dollars to a company to take care of the waterways security and now Captain Hosa is saying he must be the one to do it.”

The transport minister explained: “If you said Captain Hosa was doing it, how come we are currently ranked number one in the world in terms of insecurity in the maritime sector. When we came, we were number three, but now we are number one in the world.

“Now the second aspect beyond ranking number one in the world in insecurity, is the fact that we are notorious as a country in the whole of Gulf of Guinea; 80 per cent of the crimes in the Gulf of Guinea is committed in Nigerian waters.”

"You are faithful to Heineken, not Islam".

Edo Muslim Youths blasts APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Gani Audu

Muslim Youth in Edo State has condemned the APC Deputy Governorship aspirant, Mallam Gani Audu says he is faithful to Heineken and not Islam.

Obaseki re-election is already sealed...Ize-Iyamu and his cohort can't do anything

Eid-El-Kabir: Obaseki urges Muslims to reflect on key messages of festival

…tasks faithful on COVID-19 guidelines

…assures of improved security, consequences for violent behaviour

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir, urging them to reflect on the key messages of the event which are sacrifice and penitence.

In his message, which was broadcast statewide on Friday, Obaseki said: “My dear good people of Edo State, on this occasion of Eid-El-Kabir, I join our Muslim brothers and sisters to thank God Almighty for preserving and protecting us thus far.

“This year, we are celebrating the Eid-El-Kabir differently because of the disruptions caused by corona virus (COVID-19). This makes it more pertinent for us to reflect on the key messages of Eid which are sacrifice and penitence, which bring us blessings and hope.”

The governor who reinforced the need to observe the coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines, advised: “As we go about with celebrations, I urge you to protect yourselves and stay safe by observing physical distancing, wearing facemasks and regularly washing your hands.”

He emphasised that “COVID-19 is still very much with us and spreading rapidly in our communities. Although we have made some gains particularly as we now have a lot of data and information on the disease.”

Obaseki noted: “The epicentre of COVID-19 in Edo State remains the larger Benin metropolitan area, Esan West and Etsako West. We have recorded some measure of success in managing the pandemic and protecting our people from its vicious grip, but there is still room for more improvement as we continue to refine measures to protect the vast majority of our people from the virus.”


He explained that “Our strategy to screen, test and treat has been acknowledged by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health as one of the most coordinated and effective responses by any state in Nigeria.

“We have exceeded our target and have now screened over 540,000 persons and tested over 10,000 persons from our 3 testing facilities. COVID-19 testing in Edo State is almost twice the national average. This explains why the number of confirmed cases of 2,200 is one of the highest in the country.

“Sadly, we also have one of the highest death rates from COVID-19 in Nigeria. 75 per cent of those who have died from COVID-19 are our older citizens.

Obaseki further said that “This mortality rate is of serious concern to the state government, because many of these deaths could have been prevented if citizens adhered to COVID-19 prevention regulations. I am therefore urging everyone to observe the guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus such as regular hand washing under running water and use of alcohol-based sanitiser; and avoiding gatherings with large number of persons.”

On the revised 2020 Budget of the state, occasioned by the economic and financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, he said: “We have had to reduce our 2020 budget by 30 per cent from N179bn earlier proposed to N128.8bn” and assured that “Despite the reduction in the budget, we would continue to meet our statutory obligation to workers and pensioners and sustain critical sectors of the economy.

“Though spending on capital projects may reduce, we hope to continue to invest in critical infrastructure as part of our plan to develop a diversified and competitive post-COVID-19 economy that would serve the people and improve their livelihoods.

“Political activities leading to the governorship election on September 19 have commenced. I appeal to everyone to exercise caution and observe the regulatory guidelines for prevention of COVID-19 during electioneering campaigns.

“The Federal Government through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have issued guidelines for large gatherings and political activities this period, which must be respected.

Obaseki acknowledged the roles of health workers and other stakeholders in the fight against COVID-19, and saluted them for their resourcefulness and courage in the face of the deadly disease.

He highlighted his administration’s readiness to ensure that the state is secure for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

“With heightened political activities, we are witnessing very disturbing increase in the incidence of violence, vandalism and thuggery in the state.
“I condemn in very strong terms the display by thugs at the gate of the Palace of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin on the 25th of July, 2020. It was reprehensible and an embarrassment to the state.

“Our revered monarchy represents our essence as a people for which we are very proud. We must all respect this institution and insulate it from partisan politics because it precedes us and will succeed us.

He warned: “Government will not stand idle and watch thugs overrun the state, cause chaos, and go scot free, without consequences. In the same vein, the destruction of billboards and vehicles with insignia of certain political parties will not be taken lightly, as the democratic process would not be undermined with intimidation and violence to cow voters.”

“I want to assure the citizens of Edo State, that the state government has the capacity to enforce its laws, to maintain order and secure lives and property,” he said.

Obaseki mourns death of Pa Ayo Fasanmi at 94


The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the death of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, who died at age 94.


The governor, in a statement, said Senator Fasanmi was a grounded leader and thoroughbred politician, who was deeply committed to the welfare of his people and the development of the country.


According to him, “I received the sad news of the passing of Senator Ayo Fasanmi with a heavy heart. He was one of the finest politicians around who prioritised the needs of the people above all else.


“He made indelible marks in the political development of the country that would not be forgotten in a hurry. His wise counsel would be greatly missed.”


The governor sent heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, Afenifere and the immediate family of late Pa Fasanmi over his passing.

Pa Fasanmi served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Western Nigeria Housing Corporation in the old Western Region.

He also served as National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. He was elected into the Senate in 1979, among other political positions he held.

Ambrose Alli varsity backs Obaseki's re-election bid, assures of victory at poll

The Staff and Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, have thrown their weight behind the reelection bid of the Edo State Governor and gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, noting that his reelection will ensure that the governor completes the good work he started in the institution.

In a statement, Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ignatius A. Onimawo, said the developmental impact of the Governor Obaseki-led administration in the university is undeniable.

He said the management of Ambrose Alli University, at its meeting held on Friday, July 17, 2020, considered the numerous insinuations and unfavourable misrepresentations by detractors with regard to the re-election bid of the governor and resolved to openly express solidarity with the governor.

“The university is an apolitical organisation. However, the developmental impact of our Visitor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki in our university is undeniable. He has walked the talk in his avowed commitment to reposition the university as one of the ten best, in Nigeria. The vision has been realised,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that “As Visitor and Proprietor of our great university, he has generated inspiration and positive energy that has set the pace for the tremendous infrastructural development the university has experienced in the last four years.

“Among other things, he has completed the impressive Administrative Building that has more or less experienced neglect by previous administrations.

“He attracted well meaning individuals to the launching of the N10 billion Endowment Fund during the 22nd Convocation ceremony. By his invitation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote made a donation of two student hostels, one for males and one for the females and work is steadily in progress.”

Onimawo noted: “We strongly believe that after his re-election, he will complete what he has started in the areas of strengthening the internet facility in the university for 24 hours browsing, right from the gate. He will continue with the energy project for 24 hours power generation in the university; the construction of roads within the university; the commencement of the agricultural partnership projects for food production in the university; funding for the construction of the Vice-chancellor's Lodge and the completion of the perimeter fencing of the university.”

"He expressed appreciation to the governor for the monthly subvention for the payment of salaries, noting: “We are persuaded that after his re-election, the monthly subvention would be increased. Your Excellency, we throw our weight of solidarity behind your re-election as Executive Governor of Edo State and wish you victory at the polls.”

Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu stirring violence in Edo to cause voter apathy, rig election - CSOs allege

Civil society groups in Edo State have raised the alarm over the rising incidence of violence ahead of the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election, alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC), its sacked National Chairman, Comr. Adams Oshiomhole and the party’s candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, were stirring violence across the state with the intention of causing fear and voter apathy in order to action their plans of rigging the forthcoming poll.

The groups while speaking to journalists in Benin City noted that the heightened political tension in the state is a ploy by the APC to ensure low turnout of voters as it will give them the ample opportunity to rig the election.

The Director General, No Sidon Look, Mr. Portrait Peterson said: “The widespread violence in Edo State is alarming and it is consequently causing fear and tension among residents. This is a threat to a peaceful, credible, free and fair election in the state and the government and its agencies must quickly swing into action to remedy the ugly situation, restore peace and sanity in our land and protect Edo electorate.

“With more than a month to the election, these selfish politicians have been mobilising youths to destroy billboards of other candidates and attack supporters and loyalists of perceived political enemies. They attacked the family residence of the Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Damian Lawani, leaving several of his family members injured. What of the attack on guests, notably governors and other Very Important Persons (VIPs) at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, prequel to the flag-off of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s campaign for re-election? If these are happening now, what then will happen on election day?

Peterson continued: “We say no to the shenanigans and resort to violence by the APC, its sacked National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and the party’s candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu. They have obviously realised that they cannot win the election in a free and fair contest and have resorted to violence to scare voters on the election day and sustain voter apathy in order to rig the election.

“We urge all youths to say no to violence and get ready with their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) to secure their future. We are not a political group but we believe in the continuous development of Edo State, which Governor Godwin Obaseki has relentlessly pursued in the last three years and eight months. A vote for Obaseki is a vote for the well being of the majority of Edo people. A vote for Obaseki is a vote for the future of Edo State. Edo is not Lagos. This state doesn’t belong to one man.”

Also, Secretary of the Forum for Progressive Governance and Accountability, Ohunyon Festus Egbenososa, called on the relevant agencies of government to stop further deployment of thugs in the state and protect Edo people from harm.

He noted: “What we have seen in the last few days is enough to say that they are stirring violence to scare the people on election day in order to rig the election. But I assure them that Edo voters will resist them and their antics.”

“We’re calling on the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police and the state government to swing into action and save Edo people. We cannot continue to allow our youths to be used as tools by these selfish politicians to perpetuate violence.”

Ambrose Alli varsity backs Obaseki's re-election bid, assures of victory at poll

The Staff and Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, have thrown their weight behind the reelection bid of the Edo State Governor and gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, noting that his reelection will ensure that the governor completes the good work he started in the institution.

In a statement, Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ignatius A. Onimawo, said the developmental impact of the Governor Obaseki-led administration in the university is undeniable.

He said the management of Ambrose Alli University, at its meeting held on Friday, July 17, 2020, considered the numerous insinuations and unfavourable misrepresentations by detractors with regard to the re-election bid of the governor and resolved to openly express solidarity with the governor.

“The university is an apolitical organisation. However, the developmental impact of our Visitor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki in our university is undeniable. He has walked the talk in his avowed commitment to reposition the university as one of the ten best, in Nigeria. The vision has been realised,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that “As Visitor and Proprietor of our great university, he has generated inspiration and positive energy that has set the pace for the tremendous infrastructural development the university has experienced in the last four years.

“Among other things, he has completed the impressive Administrative Building that has more or less experienced neglect by previous administrations.

“He attracted well meaning individuals to the launching of the N10 billion Endowment Fund during the 22nd Convocation ceremony. By his invitation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote made a donation of two student hostels, one for males and one for the females and work is steadily in progress.”
Onimawo noted: “We strongly believe that after his re-election, he will complete what he has started in the areas of strengthening the internet facility in the university for 24 hours browsing, right from the gate. He will continue with the energy project for 24 hours power generation in the university; the construction of roads within the university; the commencement of the agricultural partnership projects for food production in the university; funding for the construction of the Vice-chancellor's Lodge and the completion of the perimeter fencing of the university.”

"He expressed appreciation to the governor for the monthly subvention for the payment of salaries, noting: “We are persuaded that after his re-election, the monthly subvention would be increased. Your Excellency, we throw our weight of solidarity behind your re-election as Executive Governor of Edo State and wish you victory at the polls.”