*Obaseki boosts Edo Security Trust Fund with N2bn*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is committing N2 billion to the Edo Security Trust Fund as part of his administration’s resolve to strengthen security of lives and property in the state.

Obaseki, in a statement, said the fund will help strengthen security frameworks in the state ahead of the anticipated upsurge of socio-political activities in the state in 2020.

He said, “2020 will be another election year in Edo State. We will ensure that there is peace and security during the contestation. As part of our programme to ensure sustainable security, we have earmarked N2bn for the State’s Security Trust Fund.”

The governor added that the Security Trust Fund “will also raise funds from businesses and citizens to bolster the state government’s ability to protect and secure you more effectively.”

Obaseki noted, “Despite the provocation and hostility from quarters who should be interested and support the progress of our dear state, I solemnly pledge to uphold the people’s trust and continue to stand for our collective interest. As mortals, we will come, play our part and leave, but Edo will remain. My goal at the expiration of my tenure is that Edo State would have been propelled to the league of the best and most efficient sub-national entities not just in Nigeria, but in Africa.

“I want to assure you, fellow citizens, that we will not relent on our efforts at infrastructural renewal, industrialisation, and social development programmes which we are currently undertaking across the entire state. We are committed to fixing our roads, rebuilding schools, facilitating expansion of existing businesses and ensuring a vibrant, boisterous state that we will all be proud to be associated with.”

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

https://www.independent.ng/alleged-n700m-fraud-efcc-to-re-arraign-ize-iyamu-four-others/

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/01/05/n700m-fraud-efcc-to-re-arraign-ize-iyamu-four-others-13th-feb/

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/01/n700m-election-fraud-ize-iyamu-four-others-to-be-re-arraigned-feb-13/



*By Our Correspondents*

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and four others will appear for re-arraignment before Justice G. M. Umar on Thursday, February 13, over a N700 million election-related fraud case preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The case file is at Court 1, Federal High Court, Benin City.

Ize-Iyamu and the four other accused persons were earlier arraigned in 2018 before Justice P. I. Ajoku. Due to the transfer of the judge the trial could not go on.

The EFCC had filed charges against the accused persons over alleged illegal receipt of public funds for the purpose of the 2015 general election, contrary to the provisions of the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

A reliable source at the court said Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the four others are to be re-arraigned on February 13, 2020.

“The court case could not go on because the judge who handled the matter earlier was transferred. Now, a new judge, Hon. Justice M. G. Umar, has taken over the case, which would come on the stated date,” the source said.

Other accused persons in the case are the chairman, Edo State chapter of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih; a former deputy governor, Lucky Imasuen; a former member of the House of Representatives, Tony Azegbemi, and one Efe Anthony.

The EFCC accused the defendants of conspiring among themselves to commit the offence in March, 2015, alleging that they took possession and control of the funds without any contract award.

The EFCC also said the defendants allegedly made huge cash payments of various amounts to several people without going through a financial institution.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured that his priority in 2020 will be on policies and programmes that will enhance the wellbeing of majority of citizens by creating the enabling environment and building the necessary social and physical infrastructure for Edo people to achieve their aspirations.

Obaseki, in a statement, noted that his administration remains committed to fixing roads, rebuilding schools, facilitating expansion of existing businesses and ensuring a vibrant, boisterous state that all Edo people will be proud to be associated with.

Governor Obaseki said, “My dear citizens and residents of Edo State, as you are aware, our focus and emphasis in the last three years have been to improve your living conditions and make you more productive. We are improving the educational system and emphasizing technical education, improving access to quality healthcare, creating opportunities for businesses to thrive, providing more jobs and investing in infrastructure.

“I want to assure you, fellow citizens that we will not relent on our efforts at infrastructural renewal, industrialisation, and social development programmes which we are currently undertaking across the entire state.

“This year, we are doubling our efforts to surpass the set target of 200,000 jobs which I promised in 2016 as we intend to deepen our relationship with local and international partners to create more opportunities for our youths in the different sectors of the state’s economy. On the back of the success from the Innovation Hub and production centers, we will build similar hubs and centers in Edo North and Edo Central. Construction work in the Benin Industrial Park will commence early this year.”

Obaseki continued, “Agriculture has always been the backbone of the economy of Edo State. Working closely with Federal authorities, this year we will expand massively in putting a lot more hectares of land under cultivation. From the experience which we have gained, we will assist farmers in preparing land and provide them access to inputs and financing. Under the Edo Agripreneur Programme, priority will be placed on rice, cassava, and maize, livestock, poultry and piggery.”

According to him, “The Edo State Oil Palm Programme, which we launched with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last year, marks a watershed in the Agricultural transformation in the state. With a commitment of about N70bn, to cultivate the first phase, we expect that the program within 5 years would create not less than 600,000 jobs in the state.”

“Even though we have achieved successes in many of our policy areas, we still have a long way to go. From our experience so far, we are convinced that although the challenges are daunting, as a people and government, we can significantly change our circumstances and place Edo State and indeed our country where they should be in Africa”, he added.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

https://thenationonlineng.net/edo-2020-apc-raises-membership-drive-committee/

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/01/04/edo-2020-guber-ojezua-inaugurates-membership-mobilization-committee/

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/edo-2020-apc-begins-membership-mobilisation-drive/

*By Osagie Otabor, Benin*

A former member of the Edo State House of Assembly and for Edo Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Hon Matthew Iduoiyekemwen has been inaugurated as head of the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Mobilisation Committee.

The committee is expected to woo members of opposition political parties into the APC.

State Chairman of the APC loyal to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Mr. Anselm Ojezua who inaugurated the 39-member committee urged them screen those willing to join the Edo APC.

Ojezua stated that many persons have indicated interest to join the party for different reasons.

He stated that inauguration of the committee is to show the world how new members are wooed into the party and not bringing in mercenary group with the sinister intention of taking over the party.

Ojezua said the APC was not a secret society but a party that does things transparently.

He urged the committee to work with the party leadership at the ward and local government levels in line with the party’s tenets of playing politics through bottom-up approach.

*_…decries neglect of public institutions by successive administrations_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has reaffirmed that his government belongs to all Edo people, noting that his administration will continue to put the interest of the ordinary Edo people first in the development agenda of the state.

He stated this when he received executive members of the National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers (NUPPPPROW) Edo State Chapter, led by Comrade Queen Obaghagie, who were on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Benin City.

Governor Obaseki, who condemned neglect of government institutions by successive leaders, reassured that Edo people will remain topmost priority of his administration.

He said his administration is focused on training public servant at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Academy, ensuring they get the best training to make them useful to the service and the society after retirement.

Obaseki said, “As a government, we are not here to impress anybody or group of people but very concerned about the future of the state and its people.

"We will partner with some of the best institutions in the world to offer the best trainings around. It’s not another certificate-awarding institution but a place to enhance your life. Training and retraining is our focus.”

The governor said there is something fundamentally wrong in any society where governments establish institutions and make investment, but they are neglected by successive leaders, noting that such a society wouldn’t experience rapid growth and development.

"We must do things differently and ensure that what we are investing on survives, hence avoiding a repeat of past mistakes. The equipment we brought to the press has been paid for and partially financed and needs to be run for sustainability.

"In 1968, that press was one of the best with state-of-the-art equipment but something went wrong; this must be fixed and all those involved should be held responsible. In 1968, we had less than 100 million people in this country but now it has doubled.

"The whole media space has changed, what I intend to do is to have a stand-alone press with quality and value so that we can print inside. I am looking at an opportunity where the press would be fully optimised and self-dependent, but we need to ensure sustainability. This will enable the press service the equipment and buy materials to ensure that what happened to The Nigerian Observer will not happen to the printing press.”

The Chairman of NUPPPPROW, Obaghagie, commended the governor for his developmental strides in Edo State, urging him to continue despite the distractions from enemies of the state.

"Edo people are counting the gains of your positive development in all aspects of life. The removal of thugs from streets of Benin, disbandment of CDAs and other positive steps taken to make life better for Edo people are there for all to see. We will continue to support you because we know that you have the interest of all Edo people at heart."

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S3_01:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers (NUPPPPROW) Edo State Chapter, Comrade Queen Obaghagie, during a courtesy visit by executive members of NUPPPPROW to the Government House, in Benin City.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has linked the seeming unending political tussle in the state to his administration’s fight against warlords and non-state actors, who hitherto controlled resources to the detriment of Edo people.

Obaseki at a meeting with Benin Elders Forum in Benin City, the Edo State capital, reassured that his administration would remain committed and focused in delivering the dividends of democracy to Edo people through his reforms and developmental projects.

He said, “You are all witnesses to what is happening and I am sure that you will ask what exactly is going on. When the change occurred in 2016, I had no doubt in my mind to jump into the train to continue the reforms which we had started, but what I didn't realise is that the rot was so deep and fundamental; it was not just a rot in physical expression but it was becoming cultural.

“You come into Edo and you cannot drive through the city, because we had warlords that had taken possession of everywhere. In fact, when we had to clear Lagos Street, we found out that people had erected stores and shops on the street. It then became clear that there was a lot more work to do.”

The governor continued, “I just could not understand why Oredo Local Government Area, for instance, could not earn more than five million naira as taxes monthly, meanwhile, there were non-state actors who were celebrating having billions in their private bank accounts at the expense of government. Once I came in, these non-state actors began to almost physically threaten the state and I had no choice than to dislodge them in good faith.

“I thought this was something we had all agreed to do; I thought we were happy that now we can drive through Oba Market; I thought we were all comfortable with the sanity in the city. But today what do we have? A fightback from these characters and they are getting support from sources you can't believe. How can you have a city and it is only those who refused to go to school and have turned themselves into thugs and touts that want to dominate our polity? How can we have progress?”

Governor Obaseki, who said his administration will not relent in transforming the economic fortunes of Edo people, said, “In all the things I am hearing, nobody has been able to tell me what exactly the policy issues are. Is it that ensuring you build infrastructure at the right price is not the right thing to do? Or building roads is not the right thing to do? Or is trying to get more resources of the state to work for the people not the right thing to do? Is paying teachers and strengthening the education sector, not the right thing to do? Nobody has told me in all what we have done today that there are some policies that we have, that are wrong.

“If we must develop, we must begin to grow the yam seed rather than eat it. We are four million people today, in another ten to twenty years, there will about ten million people. So, what's the plan for the future? We will continue in our developmental strides as long as they impact on the lives of the ordinary Edo people.”

https://guardian.ng/politics/i-hold-edo-peoples-interest-supreme-loathe-godfatherism-says-obaseki/


https://punchng.com/i-promise-to-defend-edo-people-dethrone-godfatherism-obaseki/



https://www.blueprint.ng/oshiomhole-has-abandoned-edo-people-obaseki/



https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/01/01/my-pact-with-edo-people-is-to-defend-their-interests-dethrone-godfatherism-obaseki/



https://nigerianobservernews.com/2020/01/my-pact-with-edo-people-is-to-defend-their-interests-dethrone-godfatherism-obaseki/




*By Michael Egbejule, Benin City*

Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday stated that he places a premium on the interest of Edo people and loathes godfatherism, noting that the phenomenon deprives the citizenry of their democratic rights. Maintaining that this remains his pact with the people, he regretted that his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who initiated the fight that he was furthering, had “reneged on the mandate.”

The governor, who spoke while hosting ward leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Local Council of the state, implored his visitors to keep supporting him as he sustains the war against the menace. He said: “Comrade Oshiomhole came to me, asking that we join forces to fight and bring an end to the practice of godfatherism in the state. The partnership helped us in changing the narrative of development in the state. This led me into politics. I am into politics to better the lives of Edo people. We believed Oshiomhole and followed him to fight godfatherism.”

Obaseki added: He (Oshiomhole) said godfatherism is not good, but today he is saying godfatherism is good. He (Oshiomhole) said let the people lead, but today he wants to lead the people against their interest.”

Restating that he would always stand with the people, the governor noted: “Any politics that doesn’t benefit the majority of the people is bad politics. The resources we have in the state are to be used for the benefits of the people of Edo State, not a few politicians.”He urged the party faithful and supporters to be calm, as “no man is God”, adding: “When they say I am a mosquito, I was never worried; I told them that mosquitoes can bite. The bite can cause malaria, and if not well treated, it can kill someone. Those bitten are already on life support but we pray they don’t die.”Obaseki wondered “what antics and strategy would be deployed to make the minority decision supersedes that of the majority in a democratic system.”

“The last time an incumbent ran for the governorship (seat) on our party in the state, it was via consensus. It will happen again; we will all agree on consensus. Whether direct or indirect primary, you, the people, will vote. Our plan is on the election, not the primaries,” he asserted.

The governor pointed out that with the resources available in the state, the people have no business being poor, stating that the “bad leadership style adopted in the past was responsible for the poverty (in the land).”“Our people have no business being poor but our leadership has brought us here. I am in politics to improve the life of Edo people. We have done more in three years with less resources. Imagine what will happen in eight years.

Obaseki went on: “I am not trained to abuse elders or my seniors. But we will not allow anything that will negatively affect Edo people. I will fight with everything to make life better for my people. God has continued to fight for us. All the strategies and antics against this government have failed. We will build this party, and you will be the envy of others who are not in our party. But, we are sure they will join us soon.”

State APC chairman, Anslem Ojezua, urged the ward leaders to support their son, insisting that no governor in Edo has supported the party as Obaseki had done in the last three years.“I urge you to support your son and never allow anyone to treat him anyhow. Possess your possession!” he pleaded.

The Edo State Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that his pact with Edo people is to defend their interests and dethrone godfatherism, which threatens to deprive them of their democratic rights.

He added that he came into office with a mission to further the fight against godfatherism started by the former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, but that it was unfortunate that the latter is reneging on the mandate.

The governor disclosed this while hosting ward leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, calling on them to join him as he continues to fight godfatherism in the state.

According to him, “Comrade Oshiomhole came to me, asking that we join forces to fight and bring an end to the practice of godfatherism in the state. The partnership helped us in changing the narrative of development in the state. This led me into politics. I am into politics to better the lives of Edo people. We believed Oshiomhole and followed him to fight godfatherism.

He said godfatherism is not good but today he is saying godfatherism is good. He said let the people lead but today he wants to lead the people, against their interest."

Noting that he would always stand with the people irrespective of the circumstance, the governor said, "Any politics that doesn't benefit the majority of the people is bad politics. The resources we have in the state is to be used for the benefits of the people of Edo State, not a few politicians.”

Obaseki urged APC members and supporters in Oredo Local Government Area not to be worried as he is not bothered because no man is God, stating, “When they say I am a mosquito, I was never worried; I told them that mosquitoes can bite. The bite can cause malaria and if not well-treated, it can kill someone. Those bitten are already on life support but we pray they don’t die.”

The governor wondered what antics and strategy would be deployed to make the minority's decision supersede that of the majority in a democratic system.

"The last time an incumbent ran for governorship in our party in the state, it was a consensus. It will happen again; we will all agree on consensus. Whether direct or indirect primary, you, the people, will vote. Our plan is on the election, not the primaries.”

He said with the resources available in the state, the people have no business being poor, as the bad leadership style adopted in the past was responsible for the poverty.

"Our people have no business being poor but our leadership has brought us here. I am in politics to improve the life of Edo people. We have done more in three years with less resources. Imagine what will happen in eight years.

"I am not trained to abuse elders or my seniors. But we will not allow anything that will negatively affect Edo people. I will fight with everything to make life better for my people. God has continued to fight for us. All the strategies and antics against this government has failed. We will build this party and you will be the envy of all others who are not in our party but we are sure they will join us soon,” he said.

Chairman Edo State Chapter of the APC, Anslem Ojezua, called on the ward leaders in Oredo to support the Governor who is their son.

He said no other Edo State Governor has supported the party as Obaseki has done in the last three years, noting, “I urge you to support your son and never allow anyone to treat him anyhow. Possess your possession!"

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S1_01:*
L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Community Matters, Hon. Osaro Idah; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anselm Ojezua, during a meeting of ward leaders from Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, in Benin City.

More revelation from prophets and anointed men of God have continued to emerge, indicating victory for the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
Amidst other recent prophetic declarations, popular prophet, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele (JP) of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, and his Gospel Pillar Church counterpart, Dr. Isaiah Wealth, proclaimed that no matter what anyone says or does, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comr. Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Obaseki will be reelected for a second term in office.
The men of God said though the 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo State will be marred with violence and political tension, Governor Obaseki will succeed for his second tenure.
Primate Ayodele prophesied, “The Edo State Governor will face some internal challenges. The personal appointees will be fighting the incumbent governor and will face various challenges and he will overcome. The state needs prayers before, during and after the election. The governor will encounter various counter-attacks. The governor needs prayers, but he will survive and have a second term.
“The state should be careful of having two governors in the state. The party may have problems. He should pray so well before the commencement of the primary and end of the primary election in the state. He will be betrayed by traitors. The Edo State Governor will still succeed for his second tenure.”
The primate also revealed that amidst crisis and divisions in the party, 2020 will see the end of reign of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman of the party.
He said, “There will be a new APC leader that will emerge. APC will have an internal crisis. APC chairman will have issues amongst their governors and they will have division among themselves because of personality clashes. APC must be watchful because of clamour of change of chairman. The APC governor’s forum must be watchful and careful”
Meanwhile, Pastor Isaiah prophesied, “I saw a clash and I heard the Edo State Government and 11 other people. I heard the voice of the angel speaking; the party will be divided.
“This man is going to be fought from everywhere. They will fight him from the North, South, East and West; they are going to push him; it’s going to be tough for him because he has chosen to do the right thing; they will not want him. The man is the focus. I have never met him. They will fight him but they will not be able to win against him because God will keep him”
*Indeed No Man Is God! Man Proposes, God disposes!! In the end, God#wins!!!*

*…announces commencement of new minimum wage; assures peace, security during guber elections*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured that his government will continue to deliver on the mandate of building a total society that caters to the collective needs for the greatest number of people, noting that the yearnings of majority of Edo people will always supersede the avarice of a few greedy politicians in the state.

Obaseki, in his New Year Message, said in the face of the political challenges promoted by a few individuals who are intent on derailing the developmental strides of his administration, he will in 2020, consolidate on his reforms, policies and programmes for the collective good of Edo people.

He said “Despite the provocation and hostility from quarters who should be interested and support the progress of our dear state, I solemnly pledge to uphold the people’s trust and continue to stand for our collective interest. As mortals, we will come, play our part and leave, but Edo will remain. My goal at the expiration of my tenure is that Edo State would have been propelled to the league of the best and most efficient sub-national entities not just in Nigeria, but in Africa.

“I want to specially thank Edo people for the confidence and encouragement, which you continue to show us as a government, in the face of the political challenges promoted by a few individuals who are intent on derailing the developmental strides we have fought to build in the last three years because they no longer benefit from the new order, which now requires more accountability and transparency in the utilization of public resources.”

The governor specifically announced the commencement of the new minimum wage with effect from the first day of the New Year.

“As a government, our workers welfare is priority. That is why payment of salaries and pensions is non-negotiable. Our goal is to have the best motivated and trained public servants in Nigeria. Consequently, as I promised last year, Edo State will implement the new minimum wage with effect from January, 1, 2020.”

Governor Obaseki, describing 2020 as another election year in the state, said he will ensure that there is peace and security during the contestation, adding, “As part of our program to ensure sustainable security, we have also earmarked N2bn for the State’s Security Trust Fund, which will also raise funds from businesses and citizens to bolster our ability to protect and secure you more effectively.”

He noted that his administration remains committed to fixing roads, rebuilding schools, facilitating expansion of existing businesses and ensuring a vibrant, boisterous state that all Edo people will be proud to be associated with.

The governor said that his priority as governor in 2020 will be on policies and programmmes, which will enhance the wellbeing of majority of citizens by creating the enabling environment and building the necessary social and physical infrastructure for the people to achieve their aspirations.

The governor said, “I want to assure you, fellow citizens, that we will not relent on our efforts at infrastructural renewal, industrialisation, and social development programmes which we are currently undertaking across the entire state. We are committed to fixing our roads, rebuilding schools, facilitating expansion of existing businesses and ensuring a vibrant, boisterous state that we will all be proud to be associated with.

Obaseki continued, “This year, we are doubling our efforts to surpass the set target of 200,000 jobs which I promised in 2016 as we intend to deepen our relationship with local and international partners to create more opportunities for our youths in the different sectors of the state’s economy. On the back of the success from the Innovation Hub and production centers, we will build similar hubs and centers in Edo North and Edo Central. Construction work in the Benin Industrial Park will commence early this year.”

“Agriculture has always been the backbone of the economy of Edo State. Working closely with Federal authorities, this year we will expand massively in putting a lot more hectares of land under cultivation. From the experience which we have gained, we will assist farmers in preparing land and provide them access to inputs and financing. Under the Edo Agripreneur Programme, priority will be placed on rice, cassava, and maize, poultry and piggery.”

According to him, “The Edo State Oil Palm Programme, which we launched with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last year, marks a watershed in the Agricultural transformation in the state. With a commitment of about N70bn, to cultivate the first phase, we expect that the program within 5 years would create not less than 600,000 jobs in the state.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com

Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial

Twitter: @governorobaseki

Instagram: @governorobaseki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

*
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has received the Fiscal Policy and Transparency Star of the Year award, following his administration’s reforms in management of scarce state resources and implementation of policy actions to promote transparency and accountability in governance.

The award was received by the representative of the governor and Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Joseph Eboigbe, at a book launch on “Integrity Vs Power Play: Understanding the Buhari Phenomenon”, in Abuja, organised by The Nigerian News, a multimedia news organisation with offices in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

While presenting the award to the governor, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Sam Ode, said, “It has become very imperative that governance in Nigeria should shift away from the usual polity that has been the dominant factor. The governor of Edo State by all intent and purpose is known as a technocrat and a bureaucrat that has brought the best in transparency in the fiscal policy management of the state under his watch.”

In his response, Obaseki said, “I am indeed very happy to receive the award, which is an evidence of the efforts we have put over the years to strengthen the micro and macro economy of Edo State. Much of these efforts have led to Edo State receiving direct development finance from the World Bank.

“So far, in the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa, only two sub-national entities have received direct funding from the World Bank, which are Lagos and Edo states. These efforts have indeed pushed Edo State forward. We are also looking at further institutionalising these best practices.”

The governor added, “We have recently signed the Public Financial Management and Fiscal Responsibility Law and the state government has subscribed fully to the Open Governance Partnership Principles. When I eventually serve my two-terms and leave office, it will become a way of life for successive administrations, that fiscal policy and management will be a norm in Edo State.”

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/12/29/police-confirm-invasion-edo-deputy-governor’s-house

had reported how hoodlums allegedly attacked the house on Saturday._*

It was learnt that one of the hoodlums, who had already scaled the fence, was caught inside the house while others ran away.

It was gathered that a patrol team from Jattu Divisional Office responded to a distress call from family members and mobilised to the area.

It was further gathered that five persons were arrested by the police in connection with the incident after the suspect caught inside the house mentioned his other accomplices.

It was also learnt that the suspects had been transferred to the Area Command at Auchi for onward movement to the State Criminal Investigation Department at the command headquarters, Benin.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations officer,  Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident.

He said, “From what I gathered from the Divisional Police Officer in Jattu, he got a distress call from the family members and moved to the area to receive the arrested suspects.”

He said upon interrogation, the suspect mentioned four other persons also arrested.

https://www.independent.ng/my-man-of-the-year-obaseki/


*By Yinka Odumakin*

Godfatherism is a form of political corruption in which an influential member of a party assists another person/party in the climb to leadership due to many reasons including unpopularity of the latter.

This pernicious practice is rapidly converting our politics from a civil engagement to a trade where only the money bags and influential are beneficiaries of the political process. The godfathers rely on their wealth and influence to sponsor candidates of their choice whom they put under their control when they get into office through all shenanigans including fetish oaths in some cases.

The predatory behaviour of godfathers in Nigeria has caused serious upheavals in many states in the county in the last 20 years. We cannot forget the virtual burning down of Anambra state during the prebendal crisis between not-so-literate Uba and Dr Chirs Ngige as governor of the State. A friend of mine from Anambra who was close to Chris Uba told me how Ngige “duped” the moneybags with humility to get what he wanted .He told me of how he was with Uba one day and he called Ngige as a governorship candidate and allegedly and handed him a document to go and make photocopies for him. The doctor ran out of the room to carry out the instruction of the master. It was when he became governor that he now tried to assert himself and this culminated in the festival of arson in the state.

Senator Rasheed Ladoja, a well-educated Ibadan businessman and politician had to surrender to the authority of the strongman of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidii Adedibu, to unseat Alhaji Lam Adesina in 2003. I Still remember the story President Obasanjo told us in the build-up to the 2003 elections when a delegation of Afenifere led by Senator Abraham Adesanya visited his Otta Farm.

He said he was in Ibadan for campaigns when he was informed of the brewing crisis between Lam Adesina and Adedibu over the removal of the billboards of the former by the latter. He decided to call a meeting between the governor and the political baron. He said he asked Adedibu why he decided to uproot Adesina billboards and he replied that it was Ladoja who came to report that the governor removed his own billboards. He turned to Lam to ask why he showed such intolerance and he explained that it was the signage authority that removed unapproved boards and that some of his own were removed too.

He then looked at Adedibu and said to him that at his age, he should have found out from the governor why Ladoja’s boards were removed before engaging in self –help, wondering what type of legacy he would want to leave behind. He said Adedibu gave him a hard look and said “You are the President of Nigeria and all you are here for is to resolve the crisis that I caused .What is your definition of legacy other than that?”

Ladoja became governor and forgot that you cannot marry the devil’s daughter and insist on having angel as a father-in-law. He wanted to be in charge and rebuffed and rebuffed excessive demands of his godfather. Oyo was consumed in a crisis of unimaginable proportion. At the peak of the crisis, Adedibu boasted on TV “I asked him to let us share his security vote and he refused. Now he knows that I am the major insecurity in the state.” Ladoja was eventually removed from office via an illegal impeachment conducted by Adedibu and his thugs.

The godfathers have not relented even when none of them have had it easy all through as political office holders continue to pander to them to get what they want.

The latest theatre of godfatherism crisis is Edo state where the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, may soon have to do away with his bourgeois khaki as his erstwhile protégé, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy, who used to be his political boys, are now looking him eyeball -to-eyeball and are poised to wrestle him to the ground with sweats all over him.

Adams Oshiohole is a very strong character who will not surrender to anybody lording it over him. But by some inferior scholarship, he thought he could serve others the meal he would not touch by picking then apolitical Obaseki as his successor. I was told Obaseki was crucial in raising funds for him when he sought to be Edo governor but his attraction for him was that he didn’t have politics. He failed to learn from his benefactor in Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who fell apart with Mr Babatunde Fasola and Mr Akinwumi Ambode who were chosen because they were not very political.

He then picked Mr Philip Shuaibu, whom he thought would be his enforcer as his deputy. It was easy for him at the beginning as Obaseki has revealed openly that Oshiomhole compiled the list of his commissioners in his living room all by himself. But since characters who play godfathers are usually too domineering and don’t want to take 99% and leave 1,Obaseki started to get irritated until the game was over for the godfather .

When I watched Shaibu spoke at the Tribune Platinum Awards in Lagos recently I knew Oshiomhole was in trouble. He was sure -footed as he declared matter-if-factly that there was no crisis in Edo state beyond their stubborn defense of what Oshiomhole stood for: no responsible leader should surrender governance to a godfather.

Hear Oshiomhole: “Over the last eight years, we have tried to orientate our people not just the voters but politicians that the season of election rigging, where one or two godfathers write the results is over and we were committed to dismantling the rigging machine.

“We have (sic) a rerun in 2012 with all the godfathers on one side and new forces of change on my side; I won in all the 18 local government areas. Our people have spoken loud and clear that they believe in democracy, they just don’t want to be beneficiaries, they want to be the drivers of the process. This was showed by the way they conducted themselves on Election Day.

“It is outstanding and remarkable that tensed as the election was with all the predictions, the APC won 15 out of the 18 local government areas decisively.

Those who were loudest in making noise have been revealed where they stand in relation with Edo people.

“We have humbled Chief Tom Ikimi even in the local government he claimed to have created. We defeated Chief Raymond Dokpesi in his polling unit, his ward and his local government.

In Okada, the political family that has boasted that they will continue to govern this state and even compelled the state to adopt them as the queen of England whose birthday must be celebrated was rejected.

“In Esan land, the senatorial zone of the PDP godfather, we won two out of the five local governments. We gave him a fight that he managed to escape. He used the factor of his age to play on the emotion of the people. It is a victory for the people of the state. Edo people are now proud they can now determine who rules them and no one godfathers can choose a leader for them.”

My reading of the Edo game is that Obaseki and Shaibu have made up their minds not to fight to the last man. They have been making the right moves and speaking the right language.

Realising the uphill task of a village boy from Iyamoh uprooting a thorough-bred Benin man from office, Oshiomhole went after Pastor Iyamu, a Benin man to come join the APC but he was under “house arrest” the day they fixed for his declaration.

Majority of the Assembly members whom he had thought he would use to whip Obaseki to line have lost their seats without sitting for a day! Obaseki has also drawn a fine distinction between educated minds in politics and shop floor masters with buccaneer mentality when he said winning election should be about working for the people to earn their votes and not deploying thugs and snatching ballot boxes. If this is from the heart, it sets him apart from the gaffe of the APC chairman after the governorship election in Osun State that “those who cannot stand rigging should not contest election.”

Obaseki is now talking tough with his declaration on Oshiomhole as a rally on Thursday is a signal of things to come:

“The APC is one party. Those that say they are in the EPM are not APC, including their national chairman, whom we have suspended in Edo State. Those mistakenly elected into Edo State House of Assembly, who are members of the EPM, have been thrown out and the Independent National Electoral Commission is aware and will soon announce a date for a fresh election, where we will have opportunity to elect credible representatives, who will represent us in the House.

“Any person doing anti-party activities, President Muhammadu Buhari has asked us to deal with them. We have been told to go back to organise our party. That’s why we are here. As a ruling party in the state, we have done a lot for the Edo people, moving the state forward progressively, but the EPM are afraid of progress and will do anything to ensure we don’t get another term.”

His talk was followed with Shaibu his deputy being made the political Leader of Edo North where Oshiomhole is from in a deft no-retreat-no surrender move. Oshiomhole position as the chairman of APC is actually becoming untenable. How can a man who cannot guarantee harmony in his home state successfully run a national party?

For reducing the number of active godfathers in Nigeria by one, Obaseki is my man of the year, including his deputy Shuaib.

Happy New Year

As we crossed into 2020 tomorrow, here is wishing all my readers happy new year with payer to God that He who saw us through the tough year 2019 will not forsake us. Grace to you all

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said his administration will commit N3bn to the Benin Enterprise and Industrial Park, the Benin River Port, Edo Production Centers and other initiatives to enhance production and other industrial activities in the state by 2020.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the fund is part of efforts of the Godwin Obaseki-led government to spur industrialisation, which has the potential to unlock economic growth.

According to Obaseki, “With Edo State replete with evidence of efforts at enhancing social welfare of our people, improving governance, and boosting economic development, we are committed to actualising the aspirations of our people to live in a just, fair, productive and progressive state.

“To deepen industrialisation, we will by 2020 commit N3bn to the Benin Enterprise and Industrial Park, the Benin River Port, Edo Production Centers and other initiatives to enhance production and other economic activities in the state.

He continued, “While we are on course on our legacy projects, such as the Benin River Port and the Benin Enterprise and Industrial Park, we have successfully piloted the Benin Production Centre in the Sapele Road Axis of Benin City, as part of multi-pronged strategy to drive industrialisation in the state.

“For the Benin Enterprise and Industrial Park, we are already carrying out the Environment and Social Impact Assessment for the project, as we have sealed a deal with a world leading textile company to open shop at the facility as one of the anchor tenants.

“We are confident that the money would further spur industrialisation, which has the potential to unlock economic growth.”

The Benin Production Centre hosts hundreds of artisans and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operators, who are provided with a serene work environment and access to shared infrastructure, 24-hour electricity, security, water supply, internet, access to low-cost loans.

The artisans and SMEs are involved in polythene production, furniture making, shoe making and leather works, toothpick and cotton wool production, welding (iron and brass) and fabrication, ice block production, cosmetic production, hair extensions production, garments production, waste recycling etc.

Two more of the facility, the government has assured, will be established in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts of the state.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S1_01:*
Artisans and entrepreneurs at work at the Edo Production Centre, in Benin City, Edo State.

THE BULLETS OF THE HARMLESS RABBIT: LUKMAN FIRES A COMPARATIVE SHOT AT UZAIRUE COMMUNITY, WITH STRAY BULLETS HITTING ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE AND PHILIP SHAIBU

EDO 2020: A TALE OF TWO CENTRIFUGAL GATHERINGS

As the 2020 race heats up, with the key gladiators in Edo North showing off their strengths by testing their microphones with gatherings of party faithfuls, the snooping rabbit, who had earlier drew the curtain on firing for the year 2019, had cause to struggle with an accidental discharge. It's a discharge that objectively compares the content and context of the two gatherings.

INTRODUCTION:
While Oshiomhole's gathering held in Iyamho village in Uzairue community, Shaibu's gathering held at Jattu village in the same Uzairue community. Both held simultaneously, the same day, and almost the same time. The implication is that you're either for APC's 4+4=8 project and attend Shaibu's meeting, or you're for EPM's Obaseki-must-go slogan and attend Oshiomhole's meeting.

OBSERVATION:
While the attendees of Oshiomhole's meeting were mostly "leaders" with no voting rights apart from the few statutory delegates comprising of former governor, deputy governor, house of representatives and the national chairman, those that graced Shaibu's gathering are all party executives who hold voting right in the upcoming gubernatorial party primaries (384 wards' principal executives from the 64 wards in Edo north, 64 elected councillors, 6 council chairmen, 6 council vice chairmen and some serving and former house of assembly members).

ANALYSIS:
It was obvious that the delegates voters in Oshiomhole's meeting hardly exceeds 20, though the hall was filled with expired PDP returnees and worshippers of godfatherism deity, which has been relocated from Uromi to Iyamho. It was also clear that those in Shaibu's meeting were clearly in excess of 520, and the original APC footsoldiers who worked with Oshiomhole to fight and defeat the deity of godfatherism in our beloved state.

CONCLUSION:
Judging from the attendance, both in quantity and in quality, it can be safely concluded with the limits of observatory errors, that:
1.Oshiomhole's meeting is a gathering of EPM which is a careless combination of sufficiently bitter and disgruntled APC renegades, runaway HoA members-elects and PDP returnees who are betrothed to the art of godfatherism deity worship.
2. That Shaibu's meeting is a careful selection of the original APC grassroot executives (wards and LGAs), all of whom are statutorily qualified to vote during the 2020 primary.
3. That considering the numbers of qualified delegates who attended each meeting, Obaseki-Shaibu ticket would win a transparent, free and fair primary were it conducted in Edo north that day of 26th, December 2019.
4. That if numbers are the yardstick to determine who to win the 2020 primary, even Oshiomhole is aware that Obaseki-Shaibu ticket would naturally pick the ticket effortlessly.
5. That if Oshiomhole is still being goaded into continuing this lost battle, the rabbit strongly suspects he is only backing on his ability to unlawfully deploy the powers vested in the office of the national chairman of our party to unilaterally anoint the APC candidate against the wish of Edo APC.
6. To accomplish item (5) above, he may be backing on his ability to deploy "federal might" and its resultant security agencies to lay a commando-like military siege on Edo state to enable him foist a preconceived electoral heist on members of Edo APC.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is hereby strongly recommended
1. Oshiomhole should quickly retrace his steps and explore peace with his boys in government house and then the original footsoldiers of APC. These newly acquired friends of his will do him no good, rather they would goad him into the worst political disgrace of his lifetime.
2. The security agencies should begin to process the daily occurrences and unfolding political developments in the state into concrete, actionable intelligence. This will enable them take preemptive actions to forestall any potential breakdown of law and order that could be precipitated by someone trying to use his position of national chairman to cause avoidable problem in the state.
3. As things stand now, the security agencies should advise and instruct all parties to maintain peace by maintaining the status quo of elected party executives' compositions. The gladiators can go about peacefully wooing party executives/delegates in preparation for a transparent, free, fair and publicly televised party primaries to be held in one secured location in the state capital. Any other unlawful prescription outside this orderly conduct of the gladiators and their followers is a recipe and direct invitation for breakdown of law and order.
7. Though the harmless bullets penetrate very deeply into the political apparatus of the country, including the high security apparatchiks, it is highly recommended that who ever comes across this bullet should refire it to appropriate quarters until the recommendations are given due attention.

Engr. Lukman, firing live from my research room.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/12/28/obaseki-to-oshiomhole-apologise-or-remain-suspended/

*By Adibe Emenyonu*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the suspension of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from the party still stands until he apologises to the APC.

The governor said this yesterday during an expanded meeting with leaders of the APC from all the wards and local government areas in Edo North held at Jattu-Uzaire, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

The meeting had in attendance, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Edo State APC chairman, Mr. Anselm Ojezua; members of the state executive council, as well as party delegates and leaders at wards, local government councils, state and national levels.

party when he apologises to members of the APC, noting that Oshiomhole could not take any action on behalf of the APC because he was validly suspended from his ward.

The governor said, “Can you imagine a national chairman that is creating problems in his own house? Because of that, we had to suspend him and he remains suspended. We pray that God should have mercy on him because he has done something bad against God and the people of Edo State; he should find his way back into the party and apologise to all of us.

“If he comes back remorseful and apologetic, we will consider taking him back.”

opponents that he was leaving the APC, noting that it is the persons involved in anti-party activities that will leave.

“If you cannot be a disciplined member of the party, you will leave the party, whether you are a national chairman or not,” he warned.

Governor Obaseki said the APC national chairman lied about nominating only one Commissioner in his cabinet, adding, “He cancelled the primaries that were initially done by the party at the state level for the 2019 general elections and did his own. Because he could not control us at the executive, he manipulated the legislature so he can use the House to impeach us.”

The governor said he sympathises with the deputy governor who was deceived by Oshiomhole, a man who he had always looked up to in politics, describing his deputy as a trusted friend and strong politician.

“Oshiomhole thought he was setting a trap when he chose Philip Shaibu as my deputy and Osarodion Ogie as Secretary to the State Government. He was thinking that we will always quarrel, fight and then run to him for settlement.”

Obaseki maintained that the party and its members do not support godfatherism in the state, adding, “If you behave like godfather, we will fight you”.

He added that he attended the meeting to thank the party members for their support for his administration and standing behind their son, the deputy governor of the state.

Some of the party leaders who spoke during the meeting said their loyalty was for the governor and his deputy and supported their reelection for a second term.

On his part, Shaibu said that the leadership of the party in the senatorial district is united and supportive of the vision to develop the state.

He described Governor Obaseki as a man that has redefined politics in Edo State, noting that no man can truncate the developments being made by the Obaseki led administration.

Earlier in his remark, Edo State APC Chairman, Barr Anselm Ojezua said APC in Edo is intact and would within the next 24 hours announce a committee for mobilisation of new members into the party from across the 18 LGAs.

He said it was unfortunate that the national chairman allowed some persons to deceive him despite knowing that the governor is the leader in the state.



4'
Obaseki to Oshiomhole: Apologise or Remain Suspended
editorDecember 28, 2019 4:43 Am
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the suspension of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from the party still stands until he apologises to the APC.


The governor said this yesterday during an expanded meeting with leaders of the APC from all the wards and local government areas in Edo North held at Jattu-Uzaire, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

The meeting had in attendance, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Edo State APC chairman, Mr. Anselm Ojezua; members of the state executive council, as well as party delegates and leaders at wards, local government councils, state and national levels.


Governor Obaseki said due process was followed in the suspension of Comrade Oshiomhole, and that any action taken by the suspended national chairman remains ultra vires.

Obaseki stated that the national chairman could only be considered back into the party when he apologises to members of the APC, noting that Oshiomhole could not take any action on behalf of the APC because he was validly suspended from his ward.

The governor said, “Can you imagine a national chairman that is creating problems in his own house? Because of that, we had to suspend him and he remains suspended. We pray that God should have mercy on him because he has done something bad against God and the people of Edo State; he should find his way back into the party and apologise to all of us.


“If he comes back remorseful and apologetic, we will consider taking him back.”

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The governor dismissed the speculation allegedly peddled by his political opponents that he was leaving the APC, noting that it is the persons involved in anti-party activities that will leave.

“If you cannot be a disciplined member of the party, you will leave the party, whether you are a national chairman or not,” he warned.

Governor Obaseki said the APC national chairman lied about nominating only one Commissioner in his cabinet, adding, “He cancelled the primaries that were initially done by the party at the state level for the 2019 general elections and did his own. Because he could not control us at the executive, he manipulated the legislature so he can use the House to impeach us.”


The governor said he sympathises with the deputy governor who was deceived by Oshiomhole, a man who he had always looked up to in politics, describing his deputy as a trusted friend and strong politician.

“Oshiomhole thought he was setting a trap when he chose Philip Shaibu as my deputy and Osarodion Ogie as Secretary to the State Government. He was thinking that we will always quarrel, fight and then run to him for settlement.”

Obaseki maintained that the party and its members do not support godfatherism in the state, adding, “If you behave like godfather, we will fight you”.


He added that he attended the meeting to thank the party members for their support for his administration and standing behind their son, the deputy governor of the state.

Some of the party leaders who spoke during the meeting said their loyalty was for the governor and his deputy and supported their reelection for a second term.

On his part, Shaibu said that the leadership of the party in the senatorial district is united and supportive of the vision to develop the state.


He described Governor Obaseki as a man that has redefined politics in Edo State, noting that no man can truncate the developments being made by the Obaseki led administration.

Earlier in his remark, Edo State APC Chairman, Barr Anselm Ojezua said APC in Edo is intact and would within the next 24 hours announce a committee for mobilisation of new members into the party from across the 18 LGAs.

He said it was unfortunate that the national chairman allowed some persons to deceive him despite knowing that the governor is the leader in the state.


According to Alhaji Usman Shagadi, APC leader from Etsako West, “The only leader we know in Edo North is Hon. Philip Shaibu and we support the Obaseki-led administration because it is people oriented.”

Reacting to Obaseki’s comments, Washington Osifo, one of members-elect representing Uhunmwode state constituency, said the suspension of Oshiomhole remained illegal, null and void.

Osifo who accused Obaseki of saying things without knowing the implications, stated that it was the governor and his APC faction that was validly suspended by the State Executive Council of the party.

Osifo noted that Obaseki should talk about governance and not leadership of a political party.

According to him, “Obaseki is only leading himself. He is fighting over things that don’t matter. He now hold comic meetings. He is not leading anybody.

“What Obaseki is saying does not make sense. How can he be a leader of the man that employed him for eight years and did everything to make him governor.

“Obaseki is leading those that do not mean well for Edo people. He is a leader of retrogressives.”

https://www.independent.ng/as-christmas-gift-raises-dust-in-edo/

*_By Temidayo Akinsuyi - December 27, 2019_*

LAGOS – The Christmas season is a special period that many people all over the world look forward to. Universally believed to be the date when Jesus Christ was born, it is a period that is associated with gifts. Many people who may not have received any gift throughout the year are optimistic that the likelihood of getting a gift during the Christmas season is very high, irrespective of their religious leanings.

Even President Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim received a special Christmas gift from his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during this Christmas. Osinbajo via his official Facebook page shared photos of himself and President Buhari as he presented the gift him and he said “I think Mr. President was delighted with his Christmas gift”.

It’s rare to hear about people rejecting Christmas gifts. In African settings, even if your enemies present you a gift during the Yuletide, you collect as a mark of courtesy and respect and later decide whatsoever you will do with it later.

However, in Edo state, the issue of Christmas gift between the state governor, Godwin Obaseki and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole has set tongues wagging both within and outside the state.

The state government in a statement had claimed that Christmas gifts of four cows and 10 bags of rice from Governor Obaseki to Oshiomhole, who is the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole were rejected by the former governor’s mother.

Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, stated that messengers from the state government who were dispatched to deliver the conventional Christmas presents reserved for former governors of Edo State to Oshiomhole were turned back.

“The messengers said they met the mother of the former governor, who rejected the items, stating that her son would not accept the gifts.The gift items meant for Comrade Oshiomhole include four cows and ten bags of rice” .

“The distribution of Christmas gifts is an annual ritual by the state government, which serves as an expression of love, further strengthening the ties between the government and the people.

“The gifts are distributed to government functionaries, political appointees, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of institutions of higher learning, among other prominent people in society.

“The State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Oshiomhole have been locked in a political tussle over the governor’s policy choices focused on prioritising the peoples’ welfare as against pressures by a handful of politicians to share the state’s resources.

“The governor had set the political rift aside to perform the ritual of sending the gifts to Comrade Oshiomhole,” the statement said.

Responding to the Government statement, the State Secretary of the APC, Mr Lawrence Okah, commended Oshiomhole’s mother for rejecting the gifts.

“We hail Madam Oshiomhole for rejecting the rice, if the story being cooked from the Edo State Government House is true. Why, because no responsible mother will want the enemies to kill her son. Obaseki has on several occasions threatened to kill Oshiomhole or remove him as National Chairman. The people he told are there alive and can testify to it. So why will he take a poisonous cow and rice to Oshiomhole’s house? Is that not deceit.

“Edo State APC commends our mother who also doubles as the mother of APC in Afemai land in rejecting that poisonous gift.

“Obaseki is like the proverbial rat that will bite you and at the same time fan the wound. Enough of his deceit and rubbish. He should eat his rice and cow with his new found friends in the PDP until judgment day comes,” Okah said.

Civil servants in Edo State, resident in urban, suburbs and rural communities have expressed excitement in anticipation of the roll out of the state’s health insurance scheme scheduled for January 1, 2020.

The Edo State Health Insurance Scheme, pioneered by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is targeted at attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), a holistic framework to overhaul and improve healthcare services in public health institutions, as well as guarantee access to affordable and quality healthcare services across the state.

A cross section of civil servants who spoke to journalists commended Governor Obaseki for the initiative, noting that it would not only improve their health status, but general wellbeing of the ordinary Edo people.

Mr. Edison Edosa said, “I am very happy our governor is really concerned about welfare of the people. His achievements in various sectors, including education, agriculture and health are laudable. Apart from his administration’s focus in revamping all medical facilities in the state, he has specifically created this scheme that ensures quality and affordable healthcare for everyone. I can’t wait for this programme to commence so that my family members can freely go for proper medical treatment knowing that we will be able to afford the bill.”

He added, “I have registered all my family members for the scheme because it is a project we expected years ago from past governments but they failed to execute. We are proud of Godwin Obaseki.

Mrs. Asemota Osarugue noted that the health insurance scheme will ensure that the state government meets the health needs of residents in the state.
She urged other residents in the state to register and enrol in anticipation of the programme so they can benefit from the government’s move to make access to quality healthcare seamless.

Already, 5000 persons have enrolled in the scheme and would enjoy a bouquet of benefits, funded from the Basic Primary Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), and Edo State Equity Fund and Contribution.

Some of the benefits under the scheme include antenatal care, ultrasound in pregnancy, induction of labour, management of eclampsia, immunization, family planning, malaria treatment in adults, chronic disease screening, treatment of severe acute malnutrition and management of maternal sepsis.

Others are Child OPD for children under 5 years, management of new born sepsis, referred child treatment to secondary health facility, emergency stabilization, emergency ground transportation, normal delivery and postnatal care, caesarean section in secondary health care facility and referred antenatal care to secondary health facility.

The services will be accessed in 20 pilot Primary Health Care centres across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

The centres are Sasaro (Akoko Edo), Ugbekpe-Ekperi (Etsako Central), Okugbe Okpella (Etsako East), Jattu-Uzaire (Etsako West), Iyakhara-Warrake (Owan East), Sobe (Owan West), Ugbegun (Esan Central), Ewoyi (Esan North East), Orhodua (Esan South East), and Ukpenu (Esan West).

Other health centres include Eguare (Igueben), Uwelu (Egor), Ologbo (Ikpoba-Okha), Evbuodia (Oredo), Ugo (Orhionmwon), Oduna (Ovia North East), Ovbiogie (Ovia North East), Ofunmwengbe (Ovia South West), Ugoneki (Uhunmwonde) and Igieduma (Uhunmwonde).

*
*_…Says actions taken since suspension remain ultra vires_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the suspension of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from the party still stands until he apologises to the APC.

The governor said this during an expanded meeting with leaders of the APC from all the wards and local government areas in Edo North held at Jattu-Uzaire, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

The meeting had in attendance, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Edo State APC chairman, Mr. Anselm Ojezua; members of the state executive council, as well as party delegates and leaders at wards, local government councils, state and national levels.

Governor Obaseki said due process was followed in the suspension of Comrade Oshiomhole, and that any action taken by the suspended national chairman remains ultra vires.

Obaseki stated that the national chairman could only be considered back into the party when he apologises to members of the APC, noting that Oshiomhole could not take any action on behalf of the APC because he was validly suspended from his ward.

The Governor said, "Can you imagine a national chairman that is creating problems in his own house? Because of that, we had to suspend him and he remains suspended. We pray that God should have mercy on him because he has done something bad against God and the people of Edo State; he should find his way back into the party and apologize to all of us.

“If he comes back remorseful and apologetic, we will consider taking him back.”

The governor dismissed the speculation allegedly peddled by his political opponents that he was leaving the APC, noting that it is the persons involved in anti-party activities that will leave.

"If you cannot be a disciplined member of the party, you will leave the party, whether you are a national chairman or not”, he warned.

Governor Obaseki said the APC national chairman lied about nominating only one Commissioner in his cabinet, adding, “He cancelled the primaries that were initially done by the party at the state level for the 2019 general elections and did his own. Because he could not control us at the executive, he manipulated the legislature so he can use the house to impeach us.”

The governor said he sympathises with the deputy governor who was deceived by, Oshiomhole, a man who he had always looked up to in politics, describing his deputy as a trusted friend and strong politician.

"Oshiomhole thought he was setting a trap when he chose Philip Shaibu as my deputy and Osarodion Ogie as Secretary to the State Government. He was thinking that we will always quarrel, fight and then run to him for settlement.”

Obaseki maintained that the party and its members do not support godfatherism in the state, adding, “If you behave like godfather, we will fight you”.

He added that he attended the meeting to thank the party members for their support for his administration and standing behind their son, the deputy governor of the state.

Some of the party leaders who spoke during the meeting said their loyalty was for the governor and his deputy and supported their reelection for a second term.

On his part, Shaibu said that the leadership of the party in the senatorial district is united and supportive of the vision to develop the state.

He described Governor Obaseki as a man that has redefined politics in Edo State, noting that no man can truncate the developments being made by the Obaseki led administration.

Earlier in his remark, Edo State APC Chairman, Barr Anselm Ojezua said APC in Edo is intact and would within the next 24 hours announce a committee for mobilisation of new members into the party from across the 18 LGAs.

He said it was unfortunate that the national chairman allowed some persons to deceive him despite knowing that the governor is the leader in the state.

According to Alhaji Usman Shagadi, APC leader from Etsako West, “The only leader we know in Edo North is Hon. Philip Shaibu and we support the Obaseki-led administration because it is people oriented.”

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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S1_01:*
L-R: Tunde Akpeji; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Yusuf Haruna, during an expanded meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from all the wards and Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo North, at Jattu-Uzaire, Etsako West LGA of the state.

*S1_02:*
L-R: Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Frank Okiye; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, during an expanded meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from all the wards and Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo North, at Jattu-Uzaire, Etsako West LGA of the state.

*S1_03:*
L-R: Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Frank Okiye; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; Tunde Akpeji; Chief of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sir Tony Ezekiel, and APC leader from Etsako West Local Government Area, Alhaji Usman Shagadi, during an expanded meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from all the wards and Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo North, at Jattu-Uzaire, Etsako West LGA of the state.

A Benin High Court has held Col. David Imuse; Publicity Secretary of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Chris Azebamwan and the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, for contempt of court and ordered for substituted service of the charges.

The order was given in the case involving Anselm Ojezua Esq; Deputy Chairman, APC, Edo State, Kenneth Asekhomhe; State Organising Secretary, APC, Edo State, Dr. Aisosa Amadasun as claimants/applicants and Col. David Imuse (Rtd); Lawrence Okah, for himself on behalf of the members of the purported State Working Committee of the APC, Edo State, who purportedly suspended/removed the 1st plaintiff as the chairman of the Edo State chapter of the party and Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu for himself and on behalf of the National Working Committee of the APC as defendants.

The claimants had sought for “an order directing that service of the form 48 and all other subsequent processes in relation to the contempt proceeding (s) be effect on the 1st , 2nd and 3rd parties sought to be committed for committing contempt of court by substituted means i.e by publishing same as they become due in one edition of the Vanguard Newspapers or The Nation Newspapers. And for such other or further orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this case.”

In the ruling, Hon. Justice V. O. A. Oviawe said, “I have carefully considered this application. I take cognizance of the representation by counsel to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd parties that they are willing to accept service of the said form 48 on behalf of the stated parties, here in Court and duly ordered.

“I am however of the view that by virtue of the nature of the processes sought to be served, which the law provides must be served personally but which by virtue of the facts deposed to that the parties are evading service, I am left with

*_…says INEC to announce fresh date for election into EDHA_*

*_...assures reconstruction of Sobe-Sabogida-Ora Road_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has reaffirmed that there is no division in the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), noting that all those working to destabilise the party would be shown the way out.

Obaseki spoke at a gathering of APC members from Owan East and West Local Government Areas in Sabogida-Ora, Owan West LGA.

The governor said the APC in the state is united, strong and formidable, stressing that members of the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM) are not members of the APC.

The governor said, “Members of the EPM are trying to frustrate the good plans we have for Edo people as their plan is to burn markets and government buildings. Their intention is to discredit our administration but the people of Edo know better.

“APC is one party; those that say they are in EPM are not APC, including their National Chairman who we have suspended in Edo State. Those mistakenly elected into Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) who are members of EPM have been thrown out and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is aware and will soon announce date for a fresh election, where we would have opportunity to elect credible representatives who will represent us in the House.

Obaseki continued, “Any person doing anti-party activities, President Muhammadu Buhari has asked us to deal with them. We have been told to go back to organise our party; that's why we are here. As a ruling party in the state, we have done a lot for Edo people, moving the state forward progressively but EPM are afraid of progress and will do anything to ensure we don't get another term.”

Governor Obaseki said his administration is achieving a lot in agriculture in the state, as his government would soon commence work on Sobe-Sabogida-Ora road.

"Go to Sobe, we have just started harvesting corn. I have told the contractor to start work on the Sobe-Sabogida-Ora road. In that road alone, I want to do 5,000 hectares of cassava farm; I am a governor for development".

He continued, "The support here today is massive and it speaks volume, further showing that the suspended National Chairman’s antics will not work. He no longer has the support of Edo people. The act of trying to create faction of APC in Edo State can't work; we are still intact, strong and united. Our politics in Edo state is transparent and can't tolerate any act of dubiousness. If you are a progressive, you must be a real Progressive.”

Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Hon. Frank Ilaboya commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state, assuring that the people of Owan-West LGA will not negotiate his second term ambition.

Also, the LGA Chairman for Owan-East LGA, Hon. Andy Osegwue, said the people are behind Governor Obaseki because of his uncommon achievements in Edo State.

APC leader in Owan West LGA, Hon. Peter Eguaboi appealed to the governor to help reconstruct Sobe-Sabogida-Ora, Afuze- Era, Ozala-Afuze and Era-Warake roads, while his counterpart in Owan East Alhaji Ganiyu Lawani said the people of Owan East and West are united and will give the governor all their votes.

The host, Sir Tony Ezekiel, an APC leader in the area, said though he was intimidated out of the state four years ago, he has now returned to join hands with the governor to develop the state.

“Obaseki is doing well in developing the state; I have gone around and seen the work of the governor. He has developed the agricultural and educational sectors; trained teachers and civil servants; constructed roads and a lot of other things to make life better for Edo people. We will support him all the way.”

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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S1_01:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki acknowledging cheers from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the gathering of APC members from Owan East and West Local Government Areas in Sabogida-Ora, Owan West LGA.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/edo-revives-tech-education-schools-hubs.html

*By Usman A. Bello,*

Edo revives tech education schools, hubs Technical and Vocation Education which provides new skills for employment is said to be a means for sustainable development.

In Edo State, technical education is said to have been at stake after schools and skills acquisition hubs were left to rot until three years ago when Governor Godwin Obaseki decided to revive technical colleges.

Obaseki also established skills hub in Benin to provide entrepreneurial and vocational training to unemployed youth.

Four schools, namely Benin Technical College (BTC), Igarra Technical College, Afuze Technical College and Uromi Technical College, among others were reportedly falling into despair before the new initiative.

Findings in BTC, now Government Science and Technical College (GSTC) revealed that apart from contending with obsolete workshops and equipment, decaying facilities posed a threat to both teachers and students.

Other technical colleges in the state were not different from the BTC in terms of obsolete machines, bad structures and inadequate teaching staff among others. The few teachers left in the schools were apparently teaching practical work through abstract thinking as instructional materials were in short supply in addition to lack of subvention for consumables.

It was gathered that the number of personnel, including technical and non-teaching staff, were just 39 in GSTC before Governor Obaseki increased the number to 100. The BTC was built in 1979, during the administration of late Governor Samuel Ogbemudia in collaboration with the Canadian Government to boost skilled and technical manpower supply.

The school, it was learnt, was planned to transform into a higher institution, College of Technology, but that has not materialised due to neglect by successive governments.

The state government has built two blocks of 24 classrooms and workshops equipped with internet facilities, air conditioners as well as adequate toilets.

Governor Obaseki during the commissioning said: “We have now finished building two new blocks with workshops that will accommodate about 800 students. We now need to move to the old blocks and begin to make them more modern. We are also rebuilding the electrical, mechanical and carpentry workshops. We are introducing plumbing and other trades.”

He added that the state government was in talks with foreign partners for exchange programmes which would make provision for experts to train teachers on technical subjects.

The principal, Onaiwu Frederick Osazuwa, in an interview with journalists said before the refurbishment, there were no tools to train the students.

He said the government has completed two blocks of 22 classrooms and workshops and installed internet facilities among other items that made learning conducive.

He said previous governments have apparently abandoned the school leading to the decay of buildings.
Speaking with our reporter on the school, the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said the state government has made huge investment in the college in its bid to revive technical education in the state.

“This investment includes the procurement of new machines and other equipment. As we speak these equipment are on ground and the first phase of the reorganisation of the college is complete with students being trained.

“Also, in this 21st century, technical education transcends just nails, hammers and lathe machines. We have ICT hub fully equipped with computers and other ICT tools where soft technical skills are being acquired,” he said.

According to him, aside the college, the state government will replicate same in Edo North and Edo South senatorial districts so as to decentralize the training of skilled manpower across the state.

Crusoe explained that teachers were being trained on technical education to be able to deliver up-to-the-minute knowledge to students.

“The state government has servicing agreement with the suppliers of the equipment which includes training the teachers how to use the equipment,” he said.

He said students felt comfortable and respected as well as have a sense of rapport with peers and teachers in a positive environment equipped with top-of-the-range laboratories, libraries and workshops, adding that a new library with modern books and full complement of ICT gadgets was also provided.

Ughelli South and Sapele Local Government Areas in Delta State have the highest rate of domestic violence and Violence Affecting Women and Girls (VAWG) for the Month of September, according to the Peace map data report from Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger-Delta, PIND.

This is part of efforts to support the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the Human Rights Day, Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development and Gender Justice Joint Venture with support from PIND Foundation undertook 16 Days of Activism to campaign against Gender-Based Violence under the United Nations Women 2019 theme: “Orange the World: Generation, Equality Stands against Rape!”.

This was contained in a recent research carried out by Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development-Gender Justice joint venture on behalf of PIND.

It was carried out between 26th November 2019 and 15th December 2019 during the Activities to Mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender.

It further revealed that a man reportedly killed his brother for having sexual relationship with his wife while a girl was reportedly found dead in a hotel in Amukpe Sapele LGA over infidelity.

During the same month of September, the corpse of a girl was found in a pool of blood in a farm in Ogorode, Sapele LGA.

The report jointly carried out by sisters organizations pointed out that “The girl was reportedly stabbed to death by unknown assailants. In a separate incident, an Inspector of Police was reportedly killed in a gun battle with herdsmen in Uvwiamughe community, Ughelli North LGA. Furthermore the report also indicated a high rate physical, psychological and sexual violence among other harmful cultural practices that limit women participation in community governance and decision-making in Sapele LGA of Delta State.

Report from the Gender Justice Platform revealed that only in the Month of September there were 12 cases of Rape/ Defilement/Molestation, 21 cases of Domestic Violence and 9 incidences of Brutal Physical Violence in Afiesere, Evwreni and Ivwrorode communities were allegedly reported.

Some perpetuators have been arrested while others charge to court for trial. In Ivwrorode community in Ughelli North, women were restricted from being part of a committee constituted for employment, this sparked protest from the women, as there were said to have marched to the president general for inclusion.

According to Amb. Mariam Kadiri Ezolome, Executive Director of Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development-Gender Justice joint venture, “the objective is to gain the collaboration of state actors to take prompt actions against rape perpetuators in accordance with the provisions of the law and non-state actors to raise awareness to support the campaign against Gender Based Violence and act as active standbys to report rape incidence in Delta State.”

The actions, she added, “were stimulated to end violence against women and girls with emphasis on inclusive participation of women and girls in community governance, child molestation, rape and gang raping.”

Participants included Human Rights and Public Affairs Defense unit in the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria Bar Association, Faith Based Organizations, women and youth groups, PTA, traditional leaders, LGA leaders, councilors, Market Women Association, Road Transport Workers Association, Media and People Living with Disabilities.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at Christmas eve rejected gifts from the Edo State Government.

It was gathered that messengers from the state government were dispatched to deliver the conventional Christmas presents reserved for former governors of Edo State to Comrade Oshiomhole but were turned back.

The messengers said they met the mother of the former governor, who rejected the items, stating that her son would not accept the gifts.

The gift items meant for Comrade Oshiomhole include four cows and ten bags of rice.

The distribution of Christmas gifts is an annual ritual by the state government, which serves as an expression of love, further strengthening the ties between the government and the people.

The gifts are distributed to government functionaries, political appointees, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of institutions of higher learning, among other prominent people in society.

The State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Oshiomhole have been locked in a political tussle over the governor’s policy choices focused on prioritising the peoples’ welfare as against pressures by a handful of politicians to share the state’s resources.

The governor had set the political rift aside to perform the ritual of sending the gifts to Comrade Oshiomhole.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has reaffirmed that his government will continue to pray and sue for peace in the state but not at the expense of the people of Edo State.

Governor Obaseki spoke at the weekend when he led some members of the State Executive Council to the thanksgiving service of Hon. Ephraim Aluebhosele and Hon. Emma Okoduwa, lawmakers representing Igueben and Esan North-East Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) respectively, who were thanking God for electoral successes.

The governor, who was responding to the call for peace in the state by Rev. Fr. Francis Omolumhen, said, "I have asked what I have done wrong; they want me to share the money of the state but my conscience will not let me; I have not discriminated against anybody in the state.

"Nobody can play God and nobody is God. We will continue to pursue peace but we will not give Edo resources to a few but rather use it to develop the state. I am not interested in the next election but the next generation. I am not distracted but focused to continue in my developmental strides in Edo State".

Obaseki said his administration is working closely with the World Bank to revamp and restructure the College of Education in Edo State with its headquarters in Igueben.

"We have restructured the College of Education in Edo State with the headquarter in Igueben to train secondary schools and technical education teachers as other campuses will be in Abudu and Afuze. The College will bring development to the people.

"We have not forgotten the vulnerable in our society as we cannot take them for granted. We have made donations of a million naira into the church purse for the Parish Priest to channel into an empowerment project for widows."

The governor further praised the legislative prowess of Hon. Aluebhosele, who he said, thinks like him, as they both attended the University of Ibadan and studied Classics.

Rev. Fr. Francis Omolumhen, who represented the Bishop of Uromi Diocese, urged the governor to be a father to all by bringing everyone together to move the state forward.

Speaking at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, venue for the thanksgiving service for Hon. Okoduwa, he said religious leaders are praying for the success of the Obaseki-led government, which has good intentions for the people of Edo State.

"I call on you to bring all the legislators together to have a unifying house to develop the State," he said.
At St. Joseph Catholic Church, Igueben, the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Akue called on parishioners not to only celebrate the birth of Christ but focus on his coming rather than committing sin during the season.

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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S1_01:*
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Edo State House of Assembly member (EDHA) representing Esan North Constituency II, Hon. Emma Okoduwa; his wife, Mrs. Josephine Okoduwa; Speaker, EDHA, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele, and Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Theophilus Okoh; during a thanksgiving mass to mark the electoral victory of Hon. Okoduwa, in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

*S1_02:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), and Edo State House of Assembly member representing Igueben Constituency, Hon. Ephraim Aluebhosele, at a thanksgiving mass to celebrate the electoral victory of Hon. Aluebhosele, in Igueben, Edo State.

*S1_03:*
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye; All Progressives Congress Chieftain, Theophilus Okoh; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. John Inegbedion, and Executive Chairman, Igueben Local Government Area, Hon. Josie Ogedegbe, during thanksgiving Mass by Hon. Aluebhosele of EDHA, to celebrate his electoral victory, in Igueben, Edo State.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/12/oshiomhole-compiled-list-of-obasekis-commissioners-in-2016-govs-aide/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/oshiomhole-compiled-list-of-commissioners-in-his-living-room-in-2016-obaseki/amp/

https://www.thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2019/12/oshiomhole-lied-on-2016-commissioners-list-says-obaseki/amp/


*Sola Shittu*

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday stated that in 2016, the suspended National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, did not only pick the next state governor, he also picked the deputy governor, the Secretary to the State Government and also compiled the list of commissioners in his living room.

The Special Adviser to Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, who stated this in a release from the Government House in Benin, was reacting to a widely published interview granted by Oshiomhole on Friday.

Oshiomhole in the interview said he begged Obaseki to let him nominate only one commissioner in his successor’s government. Going by his statement, Oshiomhole was debunking allegations against him that he was playing the role of a godfather in the state.

But Saturday’s statement by the state government read, “We are once again forced to call the attention of members of the public to Oshiomhole’s ability to compulsively falsify the facts.

“The ease with which he lies, especially on issues that are public knowledge, underscores the content of his character and portends an existential threat to the survival of the APC and the impeccable integrity of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is forced to continuously engage with Oshiomhole, being the national chairman of his party.

“If indeed Oshiomhole appointed only Mika Amanokha to Governor Obaseki’s cabinet, why then did the former governor scream to the high heavens and embark on vitriolic media attacks against Obaseki when the governor reshuffled his cabinet, taking out some persons who were sabotaging the administration at the behest of Adams Oshiomhole. In fact, Oshiomhole compiled the list of those to be appointed commissioners in Edo in his sitting room in 2016. Asides from picking the governor, he also picked his deputy and the SSG.”

The statement further read that “Oshiomhole, indeed, has not kept his dishonesty and inability to abide by due process and the provisions of the constitution to his destructive activities in Edo’s political space, he has exported it to the federal level of government, placing the Presidency under undue pressure and leading them to make decisions that run afoul of due process and the constitution.

“A case in point is the recent incident when the President was away from the country and Oshiomhole got top officials at the Presidency to approve the composition of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, made up of his cronies, apparently in violation of the existing rules.

“Uppermost on Oshiomhole’s mind was his desire to annex the NDDC and make it a slush fund from where he is expected to finance the political tension in Edo State towards possibly seizing control of the Edo State Government from Governor Obaseki.

“He did not care whether the rules were followed nor the integrity of the people being appointed. All he wanted was to achieve his aim and keep Edo State under his stranglehold as the new godfather.”

According to the statement, Buhari has since seen through Oshiomhole’s “mischief” and ordered the forensic audit of the NDDC and the “re-composition of the illegal board which Oshiomhole was trying to emplace.”

It added, “It has become clear that it is second nature to Oshiomhole to be dishonest, not to play by the rules and respect the authorities, making him dangerous to the survival of the APC.”

The statement quoted Obaseki as calling on the National Executive Committee of the APC to “do the needful and rescue the party from imminent implosion by setting Oshiomhole aside as the national chairman.”

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the state government is on course on the Benin River Port and the Edo Refinery projects, as part of initiatives to industrialise the state.

The governor said this during a visit by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical plant in Lekki axis of Lagos, at the weekend.

The governor was in the company of about 10 other governors, who took a comprehensive tour of the facility and described it as being pivotal to Nigeria’s quest for self-sustenance in refined petroleum products.

According to the governor, “We are quite excited about this project. For us in Edo State, we are even more delighted because just beside this project is the Lekki Deep See Port, which will be a sister port to the Benin River Port.

“We are making progress with the port project. It is to be handled by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), which is also the company handling the Lekki Deep Seaport project. We are also making appreciable progress with the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Limited which we are supporting.”

He noted that the state government is pursuing a comprehensive industrialization programme that would span across various produce and product value chains, with the key agricultural outputs in the state as major targets.

Some of these include the oil palm, cassava, maize, and ri

*_…Commission’s defaulting contractors must be jailed, gov insists_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has maintained that his administration is strongly in support of the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari for a forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noting that the state ranks highest in the commission’s abandoned project list.

Obaseki said this when he received the acting Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Gbene Joi Nunieh, with other members of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

The governor also frowned at the top-to-bottom governance arrangement of the NDDC, adding that it can't develop the region, stressing that the commission’s defaulting contractors must be jailed.

“To resolve the issue of corruption in NDDC, people must go to jail. Those who supervised and managed these contracts and every other person found culpable must be made to face the law,” he said.

Governor Obaseki, who congratulated the commission’s boss on her appointment, assured that his administration will work with the new NDDC management to ensure it meets its goals.

“The NDDC has not been fair to Edo State as we have more abandoned projects in the state than other states. We are disappointed with the old management and board of NDDC. We insist on the forensic audit to ensure such doesn't happen again. I hope that with the new acting MD, we would begin to do the right thing and move the region forward.”

Obaseki continued, "The truth is that the governance arrangement of NDDC from top to bottom can't develop the region. Its DNA is corruption. We see how NDDC contracts are traded and how much premium are paid on the contracts.

Obaseki thanked the new MD for pushing for the Advisory Council Meeting of Governors in the nine states, scheduled to hold in January 2020.

In her response, Dr. Nunieh said the commission was in the state to inspect some of the roads and projects the NDDC listed as completed, abandoned, failed and on-going.

She noted, "President Muhammad Buhari has ordered for a forensic audit to commence and we have gotten documents ready and the process will start in January 2020".

The NDDC boss said most of NDDC contractors have failed because they got multiple contracts from various sources, adding, "Since commencement of its intervention in Edo State, the NDDC has embarked on 738 infrastructural conventional projects valued at over N118 billion. Of these, 48 valued at N36.6 billion, are reported as on-going or abandoned.”

The high point of the visit was the unveiling of the equipment donated by NDDC to Edo State Government. The items donated include two Toyota ambulances; Lassa fever protective kits; cold chain facility to store vaccines; 2,000 units of personnel protective kits and drugs for Irrua Specialist Hospital, and Science Laboratory tools for secondary schools as well as four sewage trucks.

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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S2_01:*
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Gbene Joi Nunieh, and Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, at the unveiling of equipment donated by NDDC to Edo State Government, in Government House, Benin City.

The Edo State Government has rejected the composition of the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan-led All Progressives Congress (APC)’s National Reconciliation Committee, noting that the committee was populated by persons with vested interests in the crisis rocking the ruling party.

In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said some of the members of the committee such as Senator Ahmed Lawan and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Wase, meddled in the altercation between Edo State Government and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and could not now be adjudicators on the matter.

According to him, “We believe the committee does not only fall-short of the most basic of integrity tests, but is also a disservice to genuine efforts to bring a lasting solution to the crisis rocking different chapters of the APC across the country.

“To the specifics, Senator Lawan and Ahmed Wase in the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, presided over the plenary sessions where the motions to take over the Edo State House of Assembly were deliberated. They are also parties in the court case, in which the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt ruled that the National Assembly cannot take over the functions of the Edo State Assembly.”

He continued, “The NWC, which constituted the reconciliation committee, is presided over by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who is a key actor in the crisis in Edo State. With this move, it amounts to him also being the judge in his own case.

The state government noted that governors of APC-controlled states were not consulted in the composition of the committee, which was an indication that the national chairman still acts like an ‘emperor,’ a trait that is exacerbating the crisis in the party.

“State governors in APC-controlled states who are critical stakeholders in the organs of the party were not carried along in the composition of the reconciliation committee, contrary to insinuations that there was wide consultation before the setting up of the committee. Any genuine attempt to reconcile aggrieved parties cannot excise such important stakeholders in the party,” he added.

They reiterated the fact that Comrade Oshiomhole has been suspended by the party organs in Edo State and doesn’t have powers to act as the national chairman of the APC, noting, “We would like to remind the discerning members of the public that Comrade Oshiomhole, who is involved in composition of the committee, has been suspended by the APC in his ward and Local Government Area levels. The suspension has been ratified by the Edo State APC Chapter and as such Oshiomhole should excuse himself from the functions of the APC.

“The Edo State Government calls on the National Executive Committee of the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in this festering crisis.”

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration will continue to provide the needed support for local investors to thrive in the state, as their success will attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the state.

The governor said this while commissioning A & O Hotels located along Uselu - Ugbowo Road-axis of Benin City, the Edo state capital.

He said, “We are creating the enabling environment to encourage investment. My preference is local investors. I want to support the people at home that are ready to work. When they invest and do well, other people from outside will come and join them.”

He commended the Managing Director of A & O Hotel, John Iyere, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who the governor described as a beacon to the people looking forward to investing in the hospitality business.

Obaseki said, “There is the impression that politicians do not have anything doing except politics. But we are here to open an edifice built by a political leader, who invested in the hospitality business. This is what this government is encouraging.”

He explained that the ongoing electrification project in the state would be extended to the Uselu-Ugbowo Road-axis within the next three months to encourage more businesses to thrive.

Earlier, Iyere said the revamp of the tourism sector by the state government necessitated his investment in the hospitality business.

He